Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “static program analysis”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

Structural Analysis and Test Comparison of a 20-Meter Inflation-Deployed Solar Sail

Under the direction of the NASA In-Space Propulsion Technology Office, the team of L Garde, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ball Aerospace, and NASA Langley Research Center has been developing a scalable solar sail configuration to address NASA s future space propulsion needs. Prior to a flight experiment of a full-scale solar sail, a comprehensive test program was implemented to advance the technology readiness level of the solar sail design. These tests consisted of solar sail component, subsystem, and sub-scale system ground tests that simulated the aspects of the space environment such as vacuum and thermal conditions. In July 2005, a 20-m four-quadrant solar sail system test article was tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center s Space Power Facility to measure its static and dynamic structural responses. Key to the maturation of solar sail technology is the development of validated finite element analysis (FEA) models that can be used for design and analysis of solar sails. A major objective of the program was to utilize the test data to validate the FEA models simulating the solar sail ground tests. The FEA software, ABAQUS, was used to perform the structural analyses to simulate the ground tests performed on the 20-m solar sail test article. This paper presents the details of the FEA modeling, the structural analyses simulating the ground tests, and a comparison of the pretest and post-test analysis predictions with the ground test results for the 20-m solar sail system test article. The structural responses that are compared in the paper include load-deflection curves and natural frequencies for the beam structural assembly and static shape, natural frequencies, and mode shapes for the solar sail membrane. The analysis predictions were in reasonable agreement with the test data. Factors that precluded better correlation of the analyses and the tests were unmeasured initial conditions in the test set-up.

Sleight, David W.↗

FASOR - A second generation shell of revolution code

An integrated computer program entitled Field Analysis of Shells of Revolution (FASOR) currently under development for NASA is described. When completed, this code will treat prebuckling, buckling, initial postbuckling and vibrations under axisymmetric static loads as well as linear response and bifurcation under asymmetric static loads. Although these modes of response are treated by existing programs, FASOR extends the class of problems treated to include general anisotropy and transverse shear deformations of stiffened laminated shells. At the same time, a primary goal is to develop a program which is free of the usual problems of modeling, numerical convergence and ill-conditioning, laborious problem setup, limitations on problem size and interpretation of output. The field method is briefly described, the shell differential equations are cast in a suitable form for solution by this method and essential aspects of the input format are presented. Numerical results are given for both unstiffened and stiffened anisotropic cylindrical shells and compared with previously published analytical solutions.

Cohen, G. A.↗

Reducing V&V Cost of Flight Critical Systems: Myth or Reality?

This paper presents an overview of NASA research program on the V&V of flight critical systems. Five years ago, NASA started an effort to reduce the cost and possibly increase the effectiveness of V&V for flight critical systems. It is the right time to take a look back and realize what progress has been made. This paper describes our overall approach and the tools introduced to address different phases of the software lifecycle. For example, we have improved testing by developing a statistical learning approach tor defining test cases. The tool automatically identifies possible unsafe conditions by analyzing outliers in output data; using an iterative learning process, it can then generate more test cases that represent potentially unsafe regions of operation. At the code level, we have developed and made available as open source a static analyzer for C and C++ programs called IKOS. We have shown that IKOS is very precise in the analysis of embedded C programs (very few false positives) and a bit less for regular C and C++ code. At the design level, in collaboration with our NRA partners, we have developed a suite of analysis tools for Simulink models. The analysis is done in a compositional framework for scalability.

Brat, Guillaume P.↗

Trade Studies of Space Launch Architectures using Modular Probabilistic Risk Analysis

A top-down risk assessment in the early phases of space exploration architecture development can provide understanding and intuition of the potential risks associated with new designs and technologies. In this approach, risk analysts draw from their past experience and the heritage of similar existing systems as a source for reliability data. This top-down approach captures the complex interactions of the risk driving parts of the integrated system without requiring detailed knowledge of the parts themselves, which is often unavailable in the early design stages. Traditional probabilistic risk analysis (PRA) technologies, however, suffer several drawbacks that limit their timely application to complex technology development programs. The most restrictive of these is a dependence on static planning scenarios, expressed through fault and event trees. Fault trees incorporating comprehensive mission scenarios are routinely constructed for complex space systems, and several commercial software products are available for evaluating fault statistics. These static representations cannot capture the dynamic behavior of system failures without substantial modification of the initial tree. Consequently, the development of dynamic models using fault tree analysis has been an active area of research in recent years. This paper discusses the implementation and demonstration of dynamic, modular scenario modeling for integration of subsystem fault evaluation modules using the Space Architecture Failure Evaluation (SAFE) tool. SAFE is a C++ code that was originally developed to support NASA s Space Launch Initiative. It provides a flexible framework for system architecture definition and trade studies. SAFE supports extensible modeling of dynamic, time-dependent risk drivers of the system and functions at the level of fidelity for which design and failure data exists. The approach is scalable, allowing inclusion of additional information as detailed data becomes available. The tool performs a Monte Carlo analysis to provide statistical estimates. Example results of an architecture system reliability study are summarized for an exploration system concept using heritage data from liquid-fueled expendable Saturn V/Apollo launch vehicles.

Mathias, Donovan L.↗

Analysis and testing of two-dimensional slot nozzle ejectors with variable area mixing sections

Finite difference computer techniques have been used to calculate the detailed performance of air to air two-dimensional ejectors with symmetric variable area mixing sections and coaxial coverging primary nozzles. The analysis of the primary nozzle assumed correct expansion of the flow and is suitable for subsonic and slightly supersonic velocity levels. The variation of the mixing section channel walls is assumed to be gradual so that the static pressure can be assumed uniform on planes perpendicular to the axis. A test program was run to provide two-dimensional ejector test data for verification of the computer analysis. A primary converging nozzle with a discharge geometry of 0.125 inch x 8.0 inch was supplied with 600 SCFM of air at about 35 psia and 180 F. This nozzle was combined with two mixing section geometries with throat sizes of 1.25 inch x 8.0 inch and 1.875 inch x 8.0 inch and was tested at a total of 11 operating points.

Gilbert, G. B.↗

Analysis and testing of two-dimensional slot nozzle ejectors with variable area mixing sections

Finite difference computer techniques have been used to calculate the detailed performance of air-to-air two-dimensional ejectors with symmetric variable area mixing sections and coaxial converging primary nozzles. The analysis of the primary nozzle assumed correct expansion of the flow and is suitable for subsonic and slightly supersonic velocity levels. The variation of the mixing section channel walls is assumed to be gradual so that the static pressure can be assumed uniform on planes perpendicular to the axis. A test program was run to provide two-dimensional ejector test data for verification of the computer analysis. A primary converging nozzle with a discharge geometry of 3.18 mm x 203 mm was supplied with 0.340 kg/sec of air at about 2.43 bar and 356 K. This nozzle was combined with two mixing section geometries with throat sizes of 31.8 mm x 203 mm and 47.6 mm x 203 mm and was tested at a total of 11 operating points.

Gilbert, G. B.↗

Analysis and documentation of QCSEE (Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine) over-the-wing exhaust system development

A static scale model test program was conducted in the static test area of the NASA-Langley 9.14- by 18.29 m(30- by 60-ft) Full-Scale Wind Tunnel Facility to develop an over-the-wing (OTW) nozzle and reverser configuration for the Quiet Clean Short-Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE). Three nozzles and one basic reverser configuration were tested over the QCSEE takeoff and approach power nozzle pressure ratio range between 1.1 and 1.3. The models were scaled to 8.53% of QCSEE engine size and tested behind two 13.97-cm (5.5-in.) diameter tip-turbine-driven fan simulators coupled in tandem. An OTW nozzle and reverser configuration was identified which satisfies the QCSEE experimental engine requirements in terms of nozzle cycle area variation capability and reverse thrust level, and provides good jet flow spreading over a wing upper surface for achievement of high propulsive lift performance.

Ammer, R. C.↗

Aerodynamic preliminary analysis system. Part 2: User's manual and program description

A comprehensive aerodynamic analysis program based on linearized potential theory is described. The solution treats thickness and attitude problems at subsonic and supersonic speeds. Three dimensional configurations with or without jet flaps having multiple nonplanar surfaces of arbitrary planform and open or closed slender bodies or noncircular contour are analyzed. Longitudinal and lateral-directional static and rotary derivative solutions are generated. The analysis is implemented on a time sharing system in conjunction with an input tablet digitizer and an interactive graphics input/output display and editing terminal to maximize its responsiveness to the preliminary analysis problem. Nominal case computation time of 45 CPU seconds on the CDC 175 for a 200 panel simulation indicates the program provides an efficient analysis for systematically performing various aerodynamic configuration tradeoff and evaluation studies.

Divan, P.↗

A symmetric modal formulation of fluid-structure interaction, including a static approximation to higher order fluid modes

A method of fluid-structure coupling which provides symmetrical matrix equations of standard form solved by existing finite element computer programs is presented. The method postulates that the uncoupled vibration modes of the fluid or the structure be calculated before the coupled analysis. A numerical solution of vibration modes in an axisymmetric container demonstrated that a static approximation to higher order fluid modes can improve the accuracy of dynamic response computations using modal methods.

Macneal, R. H.↗

Computer Programs for Calculating and Plotting the Stability Characteristics of a Balloon Tethered in a Wind

Computer programs for calculating the stability characteristics of a balloon tethered in a steady wind are presented. Equilibrium conditions, characteristic roots, and modal ratios are calculated for a range of discrete values of velocity for a fixed tether-line length. Separate programs are used: (1) to calculate longitudinal stability characteristics, (2) to calculate lateral stability characteristics, (3) to plot the characteristic roots versus velocity, (4) to plot the characteristic roots in root-locus form, (5) to plot the longitudinal modes of motion, and (6) to plot the lateral modes for motion. The basic equations, program listings, and the input and output data for sample cases are presented, with a brief discussion of the overall operation and limitations. The programs are based on a linearized, stability-derivative type of analysis, including balloon aerodynamics, apparent mass, buoyancy effects, and static forces which result from the tether line.

Bennett, R. M.↗

NASTRAN: Users' experiences

The proceedings of a conference on NASA Structural Analysis (NASTRAN) to analyze the experiences of users of the program are presented. The subjects discussed include the following: (1) statics and buckling, (2) vibrations and dynamics, (3) substructing, (4) new capability, (5) user's experience, and (6) system experience. Specific applications of NASTRAN to spacecraft, aircraft, nuclear power plants, and materials tests are reported.

Source record↗

Iterative methods for large scale static analysis of structures on a scalable multiprocessor supercomputer

A parallel Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) iterative solver has been developed and implemented on the iPSC-860 scalable hypercube. This new implementation makes use of the Parallel Automated Runtime Toolkit at ICASE (PARTI) primitives to efficiently program irregular communications patterns that exist in general sparse matrices and in particular in the finite element sparse stiffness matrices. The iterative PCG has been used to solve the finite element equations that result from discretizing large scale aerospace structures. In particular, the static response of the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) finite element model is solved on the iPSC-860.

Sobh, Nahil Atef↗

Integrated verification and testing system (IVTS) for HAL/S programs

The IVTS is a large software system designed to support user-controlled verification analysis and testing activities for programs written in the HAL/S language. The system is composed of a user interface and user command language, analysis tools and an organized data base of host system files. The analysis tools are of four major types: (1) static analysis, (2) symbolic execution, (3) dynamic analysis (testing), and (4) documentation enhancement. The IVTS requires a split HAL/S compiler, divided at the natural separation point between the parser/lexical analyzer phase and the target machine code generator phase. The IVTS uses the internal program form (HALMAT) between these two phases as primary input for the analysis tools. The dynamic analysis component requires some way to 'execute' the object HAL/S program. The execution medium may be an interpretive simulation or an actual host or target machine.

Senn, E. H.↗

Flight effects on noise by the JT8D engine with inverted primary/fan flow as measured in the NASA-Ames 40 by 80 foot wind tunnel

A JT8D-17R engine with inverted primary and fan flows was tested under static conditions as well as in the NASA Ames 40 by 80 Foot Wind Tunnel to determine static and flight noise characteristics, and flow profile of a large scale engine. Test and analysis techniques developed by a previous model and JT8D engine test program were used to determine the in-flight noise. The engine with inverted flow was tested with a conical nozzle and with a plug nozzle, 20 lobe nozzle, and an acoustic shield. Wind tunnel results show that forward velocity causes significant reduction in peak PNL suppression relative to uninverted flow. The loss of EPNL suppression is relatively modest. The in-flight peak PNL suppression of the inverter with conical nozzle was 2.5 PNdb relative to a static value of 5.5 PNdb. The corresponding EPNL suppression was 4.0 EPNdb for flight and 5.0 EPNdb for static operation. The highest in-flight EPNL suppression was 7.5 EPNdb obtained by the inverter with 20 lobe nozzle and acoustic shield. When compared with the JT8D engine with internal mixer, the inverted flow configuration provides more EPNL suppression under both static and flight conditions.

Strout, F. G.↗

Ground testing at MSFC

The large-scale field collection of acoustic data and their analysis are described in this review. The entire sound-field program has the purpose of solving complex problems of excessive noise propagation associated with the static test firing of large space-booster powerplants. The site of data collection has been Mississippi Test Facility (MTF), where far-field sound-propagation and correlated meteorological measurements were initiated in 1962. The statistical evaluation of sound-measurement data shows that the polar distribution of sound in the springtime (at MTF) is determined mainly by the temperature field of the atmosphere. Greater deformation of sound-intensity polar distribution occurs in the autumn as a result of the influence of the wind field. The data on sound attenuation as a function of distance from its source revealed attenuation in excess of the expected magnitude. The excess was mainly between 1 and 10 kilometers from the source, with maximum attenuation (17 to 18 decibels) near 6 kilometers. Excess sound attenuation was compared with calculated sound dispersion. For all sound frequencies in all seasons the deviation between reference and empirical attenuation values formed a bell-shaped distribution on a semilogarithmic plot. The physical causes for the sound- attenuation behavior are considered to be atmospheric diffraction and scattering effects. Statistical analysis of sod-intensity extremes indicated amplification of the sound signals by focusing which could be expected along selected azimuths. Empirical amplification values showed the maximum occurring in winter (50 decibels at 22 kilometers). For the analysis of correlation between empirical sound data and local atmospheric sound- propagation conditions, #e concept of analytical classification of sound-velocity profiles has been developed. Examination of over a quarter-million individual sound-velocity profiles indicates that 33 profile types for heights up to 3 kilometers constitute the empirical possibilities of sound-propagation conditions in southeastern United States. Since the focusing qualities of each sound- velocity profile can be determined as a class characteristic, the overall probabilities of focusing occurrence can he obtained. The severity of focusing, as based upon lateral spread of focusing areas, has been determined. The data for MTF indicate focusing is most severe in winter, with the direction toward east being most affected. Sound propagation is a fluctuating phenomenon because atmospheric conditions vary continuously. A measuring system for analyzing the nonstationary sound-propagation phenomena has been established. The analysis of the acoustic fluctuation data is sup- posed to provide "dynamic” perturbation functions of sound, which are to be superimposed on the related characteristic sound-velocity-profile type. The ultimate result of the program will be the establishment of reliable contingency tables showing the relationship between atmospheric parameters and far-field sound intensities. These data will be the basis for more accurate sound-propagation forecasting for static firing tests.

STATIC TESTING↗

Aerodynamic preliminary analysis system. Part 1: Theory

A comprehensive aerodynamic analysis program based on linearized potential theory is described. The solution treats thickness and attitude problems at subsonic and supersonic speeds. Three dimensional configurations with or without jet flaps having multiple non-planar surfaces of arbitrary planform and open or closed slender bodies of non-circular contour may be analyzed. Longitudinal and lateral-directional static and rotary derivative solutions may be generated. The analysis was implemented on a time sharing system in conjunction with an input tablet digitizer and an interactive graphics input/output display and editing terminal to maximize its responsiveness to the preliminary analysis problem. Nominal case computation time of 45 CPU seconds on the CDC 175 for a 200 panel simulation indicates the program provides an efficient analysis for systematically performing various aerodynamic configuration tradeoff and evaluation studies.

Bonner, E.↗

Guide to a condensed form of NASTRAN

A limited capability form of NASTRAN level 16 is presented to meet the needs of universities and small consulting firms. The input cards, the programming language of the direct matrix abstraction program, the plotting, the problem definition, and the modules' diagnostic messages are described. Sample problems relating to the analysis of linear static, vibration, and buckling are included. This guide can serve as a handbook for instructional courses in the use of NASTRAN or for users who need only the capability provided by the condensed form.

Rogers, J. L., Jr.↗

Structural evaluation of curved stiffened composite panels fabricated using a THERM-Xsm process

The use of composites in aircraft structures is often limited by material and manufacturing costs which, for some designs and applications, are prohibitively high. To increase the frequency of application of composites in primary airframe components alternative manufacturing processes are sought that reduce cost and/or enhance structural efficiency. One alternative process involves the use of THERM-Xsm as the pressure transfer medium during autoclave curing. THERM-Xsm, a silicon-based flow able polymer which behaves like a liquid under autoclave presssure, transmits quasi-hydrostatic pressure to all contacting surfaces of the part to be cured. Once the autoclave pressure is relieved, THERM-Xsm reverts back to the powdery solid state and can be reused many times. The THERM-Xsm process to be evaluated is depicted and consists of (1) enclosing the tool and part to be cured by a set of frames that create a box, (2) pouring THERM-Xsm powder onto the part and filling the box, and (3) placing a vacuum bag over the box assembly. In this program, a separating non-porous film (Teflon) was placed between the part to be cured and THERM-Xsm powder to avoid any contamination. The use of THERM-Xsm has two significant advantages over conventional manufacturing procedures. First, it eliminates complicated hard tooling since it guarantees uniform pressure transfer and thus, good compaction at complex structural details (such as frame-stiffener intersections and corners). Second, it greatly simplifies vacuum bagging, since once the part to be cured is covered by THERM-Xsm powder, the vacuum bag need only conform to a relatively flat shape reducing significantly the number of pleats required. A program is on-going at Sikorsky Aircraft to evaluate the structural performance of complex composite fuselage structures made with this THERM-Xsm process and to quantify the impact of THERM-Xsm on manufacturing labor hours and cost. The program involves fuselage panel optimization analysis, a building block test program where structural details representative of the full-scale article are analyzed and tested, and static and fatigue test/analysis of the full-scale test articles. The main results of this program are reported.

Kassapoglou, Christos↗