Structures and Materials Commons^™

Numerical Studies Of Transition For Flows Around Multi-Element Airfoils, Fengjun Liu

Dissertations

The transition of flows around a multi-element airfoil has been numerically studied using RANS with a k - e two-equation transition model, LST and DNS. The transition model uses an effective eddy-viscosity by coupling an intermittence-like correction to a turbulence eddy-viscosity that can be obtained via solving a parent k - e turbulence model. The transition model is truly predictive in that it is able to predict transition onset locations without having to specify prior knowledge of the targeted transition process. The predicted transition onset locations for all the cases studied were compared with the measured data. The results suggest …

Description Of New Inflatable/Rigidizable Hexapod Structure Testbed For Shape And Vibration Control, Olawale Adetona, Lee Keel, Lucas Horta, Dave Cadogan, George Sapna, Steve Scarborough

Information Systems and Engineering Management Research Publications

Larger and more powerful space based instruments are needed to meet increasingly sophisticated scientific demand. To support this need, concepts for telescopes with apertures of 100 meters are being investigated, but the required technologies are not in hand today. Due to the capacity limits of launch vehicles, the idea of deploying, erecting, or inflating large structures in space is being considered. Recently, rigidization concepts of large inflatable structures have demonstrated the capability of weight reductions of up to 50% from current concepts with packaging efficiencies near 80%. One of the important aspects of inflatable structures is vibration mitigation and line-of-sight …

Modeling Aspects Of Magnetic Actuators And Magnetic Suspension Systems, V. Dale Bloodgood Jr.

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of new modeling techniques developed for magnetic suspension systems. The techniques discussed are modifications of magnetic circuit theory and fundamental eddy current models. The techniques are compared against experimental test results and finite element data. The information gained from the experimental testing is used to provide insight into magnetic bearing design.

A small-gap modeling technique called extended circuit theory is developed that incorporates information about the system gained from finite element data, or experimental data, to be included in the analytic model. The variations between the classical magnetic circuit model and the finite element model …

Experimental Vibration Analysis Of Inflatable Beams For An Afit Space Shuttle Experiment, Thomas G. Single

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of MEMS based devices to control the boundary layer separation from a circular cylinder in cross flow. Velocity profiles were measured experimentally in a low speed wind tunnel. Momentum thickness was measured as the primary way to determine a change in the flow field. The goal was to determine the angular location and frequency of operation that would provide an effect on the boundary layer of the cylinder. A 25% reduction of momentum loss in the cylinder wake was detected with an optimal angle of 69 degrees and an optimal frequency of operation equal to …

Finite Element Modal Formulation For Panel Flutter At Hypersonic Speeds And Elevated Temperatures, Guangfeng Cheng

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A finite element time domain modal formulation for analyzing flutter behavior of aircraft surface panels in hypersonic airflow has been developed and presented for the first time. Von Karman large deflection plate theory is used for description of the structural nonlinearity and third order piston theory is employed to account for the aerodynamic nonlinearity. The thermal loadings of uniformly distributed temperature and temperature gradients across the panel thickness are incorporated into the finite element formulation. By applying the modal reduction technique, the number of governing equations of motion is reduced dramatically so that the computational time of direct numerical integration …

Supersonic Combustion And Mixing Characteristics Of Hydrocarbon Fuels In Screamjet Engines, Ahmed A. Taha

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The combustion characteristics of gaseous propane in supersonic airflow using the rearward-facing step that is swept inward from both end sides is studied. The effect of sweeping the step on the flow field features of propane combustion is investigated.

The study of the supersonic combustion of ethylene is carried out using different combustor configurations, different main fuel equivalence ratios, and different pilot fuel equivalence ratios.

The swept step shows the ability to hold the propane flame in the supersonic air stream without extinction. It was found that the side sweeping of the combustor exhibits the high temperature and combustion products …

Active And Adaptive Flow Control Of Twin-Tail Buffet And Applications, Zhi Yang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Modern fighter aircraft with dual vertical tails are operated at high angles of attack. The vortex generated by leading edge extension (LEX) breaks down before reaching the two vertical tails. The wake of highly unsteady, turbulent flow causes unbalanced broadband aerodynamic loading on the tails and may produce severe buffet on the tails and lead to tail fatigue failure.

Flow suction along the vortex cores (FSVC) is investigated as an active control method for tail-buffet alleviation. Suction tubes have been tilted at different angles to study the control effectiveness of suction tubes orientation. Flow field response, aerodynamic loading and aeroelastic …

Modeling Axisymmetric Optical Precision Piezoelectric Membranes, James W. Rogers Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The US Department of Defense (DOD), as well as the National Aeronautics and Astronautics Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are interested in developing and deploying precise, compliant, light-weight, space-based structures. More specifically, the Air Force’s core competencies ‘Aerospace Superiority’ and ‘Information Superiority’ demand ever-increasing depth and breadth of capability. Whether used for energy transmission or optical reconnaissance, current launch restraints limit rigid space-based optical reflector size. To support this requirement, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is developing a large space-based optical membrane telescope. Inflatable reflectors can conceptually break this barrier, but controlling such a compliant structure …

Optimal Aeroelastic Vehicle Sensor Placement For Root Migration Flight Control Applications, Abdul Ghafoor Al-Shenhabi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An important step in control design for elastic systems is the determination of the number and location of control system components, namely sensors. The number and placement of sensors can be critical to the robust functioning of active control systems, especially when the system of interest is a large high-speed aeroelastic vehicle. The position of the sensors affects not only system stability, but also the performance of the closed-loop system. In this dissertation, a new approach for sensor placement in the integrated rigid and vibrational control of flexible aircraft structures is developed. Traditional rigid-body augmentation objectives are addressed indirectly through …

On Multifunctional Collaborative Methods In Engineering Science, Jonathan B. Ransom Sr.

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Engineers are challenged to produce better designs in less time and for less cost. Hence, to investigate novel and revolutionary design concepts, accurate, high-fidelity data must be assimilated rapidly into the design, analysis and simulation process. This data assimilation should consider diverse mathematical modeling and multi-discipline interactions necessitated by concepts exploiting advanced materials and structures. Integrated high-fidelity methods with diverse engineering applications provide the enabling technologies to assimilate these high-fidelity, multi-disciplinary data rapidly at an early stage in the design. These integrated methods must be multifunctional, collaborative and applicable to the general field of engineering science and mechanics.

Multifunctional methodologies …

The Development Of A Finite Element Program To Model High Cycle Fatigue In Isotropic Plates, William C. Shipman

Theses and Dissertations

As part of a joint AFRL/DAGSI turbine blade research effort, a computer program has been developed that uses a von Karman large-deflection two-dimensional finite element approximation to determine stress levels and patterns in isotropic thin plates. The dynamic loading of various plates has been carried out in order to model a high cycle fatigue situation. The research considered the various effects of mode shapes, resident frequency, non-linear cyclic effect, endurance limits, and stress variations within a high cycle fatigue environment. Two main initiatives were taken. First, a transient analysis tool was developed that calculates stress and displacement patterns over a …

An Integrated Risk Analysis Methodology In A Multidisciplinary Design Environment, Katrina R. Hampton

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Design of complex, one-of-a-kind systems, such as space transportation systems, is characterized by high uncertainty and, consequently, high risk. It is necessary to account for these uncertainties in the design process to produce systems that are more reliable. Systems designed by including uncertainties and managing them, as well, are more robust and less prone to poor operations as a result of parameter variability.

The quantification, analysis and mitigation of uncertainties are challenging tasks as many systems lack historical data. In such an environment, risk or uncertainty quantification becomes subjective because input data is based on professional judgment. Additionally, there are …

Nonlinear Analysis Of Unsymmetric Laminates Under Cylindrical Bending, Eun Seon Park

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Nonlinear analysis of unsymmetric composite long, narrow laminates under cylindrical bending is studied. The nonlinear governing equations are obtained to analyze the cylindrical bending of arbitrary laminates. The von-Karman type geometrical nonlinearity is incorporated in the governing equation. The shear effect between lamina is further considered in the governing equation. The solution is obtained for different boundary conditions. The results of arbitrary angle-plies are discussed. Unidirectional prepreg graphite-epoxy is considered for numerical results.

Monotonic And Fatigue Loading Behavior Of An Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite, Steven G. Steel

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis evaluates an oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite, N720/A, for high temperature aerospace applications. The composite consists of a porous alumina matrix reinforced by ten plies of Nextel 720 fibers in a balanced 8 harness satin weave. Monotonic tensile and fatigue tests were performed at room temperature and 1200 °C. The effect of moisture on 1200 °C fatigue life was also examined. Modulus, maximum and minimum strain, and stress-strain hysteresis were monitored to characterized fatigue damage. Retained strength of all specimens that survived 100000 fatigue cycles was tested. Microscopy and fractography were used to examine damage and fracture surfaces. N720/A …

Ls-Dyna3d Modeling And Simulation For Uncontained Engine Debris Impact On Fuselage Skins, Robin Eileen Lawson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Impact and penetration events for uncontained engine debris on fuselage skins are simulated using the LS-DYNA3D finite element analysis code. The LS-DYNA3D code is a nonlinear transient dynamic simulation tool with contact algorithms for impact. A finite element analysis is used to simulate the penetration of aluminum plates impacted by titanium impactors on aircraft-like skin panels. By gaining a more comprehensive understanding of this dynamic impact event, this work is meant to contribute to improving designs for damage tolerance and residual strength by providing modeling and analysis guidelines for the analyst.

Parametric studies are performed to determine the influence of …

Large Amplitude Pitching Of Supermaneuver Delta Wings Including Flow Control, Yahia A. Abdelhamid

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The unsteady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved to simulate and study the aerodynamic response of a delta wing undergoing large amplitude pitching motion up to 90° angle of attack. The primary model under consideration consists of a 76° swept, sharp-edged delta wing of zero thickness, initially at zero angle of attack. The freestream Mach number and Reynolds number are 0.3 and 0.45 × 106, respectively. The governing equations are solved time-accurately using the implicit, upwind, Roe flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. Both laminar and turbulent flow solutions are investigated. In the laminar flow solutions, validation of the computational results is carried …

Jet Stability And Noise Computations Using Direct Numerical Simulation, Farouk Owis

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The computations of axisymmetric jet noise with symmetric disturbances are investigated using the direct numerical simulation of the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations. High order accurate numerical schemes are employed for the solution of the governing equations. The investigation shows that MacCormack schemes with operator splitting and minimum dispersion error can be used to predict noise radiated from subsonic and supersonic jets with low and high Reynolds numbers. In addition, different kinds of nonreflecting boundary conditions are used at the inflow and outflow boundaries. These boundary conditions include characteristic boundary conditions, buffer domain technique and perfectly matching layer method. The results …

Computational Modeling Of Airborne Noise Demonstrated Via Benchmarks, Supersonic Jet, And Railway Barrier, Moumen Idres

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In the last several years, there has been a growing demand for mobility to cope with the increasing population. All kinds of transportation have responded to this demand by expanding their networks and introducing new ideas. Rail transportation introduced the idea of high-speed trains and air transportation introduced the idea of high-speed civil transport (HSCT). In this expanding world, the noise legislation is felt to inhibit these plans. Accurate computational methods for noise prediction are in great demand.

In the current research, two computational methods are developed to predict noise propagation in air. The first method is based on the …

Studies Related To The Design Of A Magnetic Suspension And Balance System For An Ultra-High Reynolds Number Flow Facility, Oscar Magno Michael Gomeiz

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The basic design principles for a magnetic suspension and balance system applied to the test section of an ultra-high Reynolds number facility are defined. The design of the cross-sectional area to be used in the test section is analyzed. The parameters of the permanent magnet to be used in the model inside the test section are investigated. The testing of magnetic fields at the center of a test pipe and validation of data by computer finite element analysis is described with the purpose of finding common results. The performance of the magnet configuration is evaluated with relation to the magnetic …

Efficient Dynamic Unstructured Methods And Applications For Transonic Flows And Hypersonic Stage Separation, Xiaobing Luo

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Relative-moving boundary problems have a wide variety of applications. They appear in staging during a launch process, store separation from a military aircraft, rotor-stator interaction in turbomachinery, and dynamic aeroelasticity.

The dynamic unstructured technology (DUT) is potentially a strong approach to simulate unsteady flows around relative-moving bodies, by solving time-dependent governing equations. The dual-time stepping scheme is implemented to improve its efficiency while not compromising the accuracy of solutions. The validation of the implicit scheme is performed on a pitching NACA0012 airfoil and a rectangular wing with low reduced frequencies in transonic flows. All the matured accelerating techniques, including the …

Continuous Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis For Aerodynamic And Acoustic Optimization, Kaveh Ghayour

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A gradient-based shape optimization methodology based on continuous adjoint sensitivities has been developed for two-dimensional steady Euler equations on unstructured meshes and the unsteady transonic small disturbance equation. The continuous adjoint sensitivities of the Helmholtz equation for acoustic applications have also been derived and discussed.

The highlights of the developments for the steady two-dimensional Euler equations are the generalization of the airfoil surface boundary condition of the adjoint system to allow a proper closure of the Lagrangian functional associated with a general cost functional and the results for an inverse problem with density as the prescribed target. Furthermore, it has …

Classification Of In-Flight Fatigue Cracks In Aircraft Structures Using Acoustic Emission And Neural Networks, Christopher Lee Rovik

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The research encompassed within this paper deals with the analysis and classification of fatigue cracks in aircraft structures. The particular structure that was examined was the vertical tail section of a Cessna T-303 Crusader aircraft. The analysis was performed using the nondestructive evaluation technique known as acoustic emission (AE), as well as the artificial intelligence of neural networks. Data were taken in a controlled laboratory environment as well as in a flying testbed aboard the aircraft.

The first part of the research involved the analysis of a typical aircraft structure in a controlled laboratory environment. This support structure was fabricated …

Skin-Stiffener Separation In Buckled Composite Plates And Shallow Shells, Mark Edward Robeson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The development of an approximate analysis for predicting stresses in the skin-stiffener interface region of composite plates and shallow shells is presented. The analysis determines interlaminar normal stress and transverse shear stresses in the direction of the stiffener axial coordinate and the direction of the inplane coordinate perpendicular to the stiffener axis. The analysis accounts for skin-stiffener interfaces with nonzero thickness and for curvature in the skin and stiffener. The interlaminar normal stress and transverse shear stresses at the interface are applied to the lower face of the skin and the upper face of the stiffener flange as unknown functions, …

Electro-Mechanical Fatigue Behavior Of A Quasi-Isotropic Laminate With An Embedded Piezoelectric Actuator, Tse Lin Hsu

Theses and Dissertations

This study primarily investigated the electro-mechanical fatigue behavior of the embedded piezoelectric actuators in graphite/epoxy laminate with a lay-up of 0 | ± 45 | 90s. A secondary focus was the investigation of the mechanical fatigue effects of the 0 | 0 | ± 45 | 0 | 0 | 90s laminate with embedded PZT under tensile loading. All the fatigue tests were conducted with a triangular loading waveform which had a frequency of 10 Hz and with R=0. 1. In the electro-mechanical testing, the embedded actuator was excited by a -10 V to -100 V or a 10 V …

Chemical Kinetics And Heat Transfer In Polyurethane Foam And Resin Composites, Yumi Morisaki

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

A development of the composite materials parts require knowledge of the theoretical model that describes the physics, the chemical kinetics, and the heat-transfer properties of the materials.

For this work, the chemical kinetics of the polyurethane foam and the fiberglass-reinforced resin is investigated individually. An adiabatic method, which is commonly used by many investigators, is used for the polyurethane foam, while an isothermal degree and the rate of cure relationship is applied for the resin. A heat transfer effect during the curing process of both polyurethane foam and the resin is also investigated. A common approximate method for the heat-conduction …

Vortex Wake And Exhaust Plume Interaction, Including Ground Effect, Ihab Gaber Adam

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Computational modeling and studies of the near-field wake-vortex turbulent flows, far-field turbulent wake-vortex/exhaust-plume interaction for subsonic and High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) airplane, and wake-vortex/exhaust-plume interaction with the ground are carried out. The three-dimensional, compressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations are solved using the implicit, upwind, Roe-flux-differencing, finite-volume scheme. The turbulence models of Baldwin and Lomax, one-equation model of Spalart and Allmaras and two-equation shear stress transport model of Menter are implemented with the RANS solver for turbulent-flow modeling.

For the near-field study, computations are carried out on a fine grid for a rectangular wing with a NACA-0012 airfoil section and …

Experimental Geometry Optimization Techniques For Multi-Element Airfoils, Drew Landman

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A study is reported on geometry optimization techniques for high-lift airfoils. A modern three-element airfoil model with a remotely actuated flap was designed, tested, and used in wind tunnel experiments to investigate optimum flap positioning based on lift. All the results presented were obtained in the Old Dominion University low-speed wind tunnel. Detailed results for lift coefficient versus flap vertical and horizontal position are presented for two airfoil angles-of-attack: 8 and 14 degrees. Three automated optimization simulations, the method of steepest ascent and two variants of the sequential simplex method, were demonstrated using experimental data. An on-line optimizer was demonstrated …

Placement Of Piezoelectric Actuators For Active Control Of Vibration Using Modal Parameters, Xuegeng Zhu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An equation is derived to model the piezoelectric actuators incorporation with flexible structures. This equation permits the comparison of the performance indices over the entire structure for a piezoelectric actuator with constant area, which is unachievable if the Finite Element Method is used for complicated structures.

An index has been developed for placement of piezoelectric actuator for control of vibration of a flexible structure. This index is derived from the definition of H2norm. Computation of the proposed index requires only the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the structures of interest. The method is well suited to large …

Fiber Volume Fraction Effects On Fatigue Response Of A Scs-6/Ti-15-3 Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Sean C. Coghlan

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fiber volume fraction on the fatigue behavior of Silicon Carbide fiber-reinforced Titanium alloy, SCS-6/Ti-15-3. Three fiber volume fractions were investigated; 15%, 25%, and 42%. The tests were performed under fully-reversed, strain-controlled conditions at 427 °C. The primary objectives of this study were to develop a fatigue life diagram and to document the damage and failure mechanisms. Compressive loads on the slender specimens were kept from buckling the specimens through the use of a buckling guide. This device allows unrestricted axial movement of the composite, while preventing any out-of-plane motion. …

Residual Strength After Fatigue Of A Cross-Ply Metal Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Alvin N. Ruiz

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the residual strength of a cross-ply, SCS-6/Ti-15-3, metal matrix composite (MMC) at elevated temperature (427 °C) when exposed to fatigue loading. Several specimens were subjected to a strain-controlled, fully reversed loading (R=-1), at various strain levels. The specimens were fatigued up to a portion of their life expectancy and then loaded to failure. Stress and strain data obtained during the test provided useful information for the macro-mechanical behavior of the material. It was determined that the residual strength was directly related to the amount of damage present in the matrix, meanwhile, the …