The NASTRAN theoretical manual (level 16.0)

The manual is a commentary on the NASTRAN computer program, introducing the program to all interested persons. The manual's most important function is to present the developments of the analytical and numerical procedures that underlie the program. This manual is one of the four manuals which document the NASTRAN computer program

The NASTRAN theoretical manual

Designed to accommodate additions and modifications, this commentary on NASTRAN describes the problem solving capabilities of the program in a narrative fashion and presents developments of the analytical and numerical procedures that underlie the program. Seventeen major sections and numerous subsections cover; the organizational aspects of the program, utility matrix routines, static structural analysis, heat transfer, dynamic structural analysis, computer graphics, special structural modeling techniques, error analysis, interaction between structures and fluids, and aeroelastic analysis

Spherical Earth analysis and modeling of lithospheric gravity and magnetic anomalies

A comprehensive approach to the lithospheric analysis of potential field anomalies in the spherical domain is provided. It has widespread application in the analysis and design of satellite gravity and magnetic surveys for geological investigation

Researches on Non-standard Optics for Advanced Gravitational Waves Interferometers

This thesis presents a collection of different researches on non-standard optics in view of enhancing the performances of the Advanced Gravitational waves interferometric detectors, where the thermal noise of the test masses is expected to be a limiting factor for their sensitivity. We provide a quantitative analysis of the impact of non-Gaussian beams on different kinds of thermal noises. We developed the theory of mesa beam, in view of a future implementation in advanced GW interferometers of the mesa beam idea, focusing on the analytical derivation of the quantities (i.e. beam width, divergence, propagation factor), which are chosen as ISO standard reference parameters for the characterization of an optical beam. We also analytically proved a new duality relation between optical cavities with non-spherical mirrors. The interest of the GW community in this new beam technology led us to the construction and testing of a prototype mesa beam Fabry-Perot cavity with Mexican-hat mirror. Part of the work of this thesis was devoted to the development of new simulation programs of optical systems. These programs provided the theoretical expected behaviour of our experiment, in particular cavity modes structure and misalignments sensitivity to be confronted with the experimental results. We also explored another complementary way of reducing the mirror thermal noise, beside the beam shaping, that is the multi-layered coating thickness optimization. We show it to be effective in reducing the coating noise and explore the possible implications for GW interferometers in terms of sensitivity. During this analysis we developed an independent model for the coating effective elastic parameters, which is based on the well understood subject of homogenization theory.Comment: Ph.D. thesis, University of Pisa & LIGO-Caltech, 185 page

Refresher course in maths and a project on numerical modeling done in twos

These lecture notes accompany a refresher course in applied mathematics with a focus on numerical concepts (Part I), numerical linear algebra (Part II), numerical analysis, Fourier series and Fourier transforms (Part III), and differential equations (Part IV). Several numerical projects for group work are provided in Part V. In these projects, the tasks are threefold: mathematical modeling, algorithmic design, and implementation. Therein, it is important to draw interpretations of the obtained results and provide measures (Parts I-IV) how to build confidence into numerical findings such intuition, error analysis, convergence analysis, and comparison to manufactured solutions. Both authors have been jointly teaching over several years this class and bring in a unique mixture of their respective teaching and research fields

Coupled structural, thermal, phase-change and electromagnetic analysis for superconductors, volume 1

This research program has dealt with the theoretical development and computer implementation of reliable and efficient methods for the analysis of coupled mechanical problems that involve the interaction of mechanical, thermal, phase-change and electromagnetic subproblems. The focus application has been the modeling of superconductivity and associated quantum-state phase-change phenomena. In support of this objective the work has addressed the following issues: (1) development of variational principles for finite elements; (2) finite element modeling of the electromagnetic problem; (3) coupling of thermal and mechanical effects; and (4) computer implementation and solution of the superconductivity transition problem. The research was carried out over the period September 1988 through March 1993. The main accomplishments have been: (1) the development of the theory of parametrized and gauged variational principles; (2) the application of those principled to the construction of electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical finite elements; and (3) the coupling of electromagnetic finite elements with thermal and superconducting effects; and (4) the first detailed finite element simulations of bulk superconductors, in particular the Meissner effect and the nature of the normal conducting boundary layer. The grant has fully supported the thesis work of one doctoral student (James Schuler, who started on January 1989 and completed on January 1993), and partly supported another thesis (Carmelo Militello, who started graduate work on January 1988 completing on August 1991). Twenty-three publications have acknowledged full or part support from this grant, with 16 having appeared in archival journals and 3 in edited books or proceedings

Research in structural and solid mechanics, 1982

Advances in structural and solid mechanics, including solution procedures and the physical investigation of structural responses are discussed