The impact of fourth generation computers on NASTRAN

The impact of 'fourth generation' computers (STAR 100 or ILLIAC 4) on NASTRAN is considered. The desired characteristics of large programs designed for execution on 4G machines are described

The NASTRAN Error Correction Information System (ECIS)

A data management procedure, called Error Correction Information System (ECIS), is described. The purpose of this system is to implement the rapid transmittal of error information between the NASTRAN Systems Management Office (NSMO) and the NASTRAN user community. The features of ECIS and its operational status are summarized. The mode of operation for ECIS is compared to the previous error correction procedures. It is shown how the user community can have access to error information much more rapidly when using ECIS. Flow charts and time tables characterize the convenience and time saving features of ECIS

Application of a data base management system to a finite element model

In today's software market, much effort is being expended on the development of data base management systems (DBMS). Most commercially available DBMS were designed for business use. However, the need for such systems within the engineering and scientific communities is becoming apparent. A potential DBMS application that appears attractive is the handling of data for finite element engineering models. The applications of a commercially available, business-oriented DBMS to a structural engineering, finite element model is explored. The model, DBMS, an approach to using the DBMS, advantages and disadvantages are described. Plans for research on a scientific and engineering DBMS are discussed

A new implementation of the programming system for structural synthesis (PROSSS-2)

This new implementation of the PROgramming System for Structural Synthesis (PROSSS-2) combines a general-purpose finite element computer program for structural analysis, a state-of-the-art optimization program, and several user-supplied, problem-dependent computer programs. The results are flexibility of the optimization procedure, organization, and versatility of the formulation of constraints and design variables. The analysis-optimization process results in a minimized objective function, typically the mass. The analysis and optimization programs are executed repeatedly by looping through the system until the process is stopped by a user-defined termination criterion. However, some of the analysis, such as model definition, need only be one time and the results are saved for future use. The user must write some small, simple FORTRAN programs to interface between the analysis and optimization programs. One of these programs, the front processor, converts the design variables output from the optimizer into the suitable format for input into the analyzer. Another, the end processor, retrieves the behavior variables and, optionally, their gradients from the analysis program and evaluates the objective function and constraints and optionally their gradients. These quantities are output in a format suitable for input into the optimizer. These user-supplied programs are problem-dependent because they depend primarily upon which finite elements are being used in the model. PROSSS-2 differs from the original PROSSS in that the optimizer and front and end processors have been integrated into the finite element computer program. This was done to reduce the complexity and increase portability of the system, and to take advantage of the data handling features found in the finite element program

Combining analysis with optimization at Langley Research Center. An evolutionary process

The evolutionary process of combining analysis and optimization codes was traced with a view toward providing insight into the long term goal of developing the methodology for an integrated, multidisciplinary software system for the concurrent analysis and optimization of aerospace structures. It was traced along the lines of strength sizing, concurrent strength and flutter sizing, and general optimization to define a near-term goal for combining analysis and optimization codes. Development of a modular software system combining general-purpose, state-of-the-art, production-level analysis computer programs for structures, aerodynamics, and aeroelasticity with a state-of-the-art optimization program is required. Incorporation of a modular and flexible structural optimization software system into a state-of-the-art finite element analysis computer program will facilitate this effort. This effort results in the software system used that is controlled with a special-purpose language, communicates with a data management system, and is easily modified for adding new programs and capabilities. A 337 degree-of-freedom finite element model is used in verifying the accuracy of this system

NASTRAN nonlinear vibration analysis of beam and frame structures

A capability for the nonlinear vibration analysis of beam and frame structures suitable for use with NASTRAN level 15.5 is described. The nonlinearity considered is due to the presence of axial loads induced by longitudinal end restraints and lateral displacements that are large compared to the beam height. A brief discussion is included of the mathematical analysis and the geometrical stiffness matrix for a prismatic beam (BAR) element. Also included are a brief discussion of the equivalent linearization iterative process used to determine the nonlinear frequency, the required modifications to subroutines DBAR and XMPLBD of the NASTRAN code, and the appropriate vibration capability, four example problems are presented. Comparisons with existing experimental and analytical results show that excellent accuracy is achieved with NASTRAN in all cases

A programing system for research and applications in structural optimization

The flexibility necessary for such diverse utilizations is achieved by combining, in a modular manner, a state-of-the-art optimization program, a production level structural analysis program, and user supplied and problem dependent interface programs. Standard utility capabilities in modern computer operating systems are used to integrate these programs. This approach results in flexibility of the optimization procedure organization and versatility in the formulation of constraints and design variables. Features shown in numerical examples include: variability of structural layout and overall shape geometry, static strength and stiffness constraints, local buckling failure, and vibration constraints

Chemical kinetic analysis of hydrogen-air ignition and reaction times

An anaytical study of hydrogen air kinetics was performed. Calculations were made over a range of pressure from 0.2 to 4.0 atm, temperatures from 850 to 2000 K, and mixture equivalence ratios from 0.2 to 2.0. The finite rate chemistry model included 60 reactions in 20 species of the H2-O2-N2 system. The calculations also included an assessment of how small amounts of the chemicals H2O, NOx, H2O2, and O3 in the initial mixture affect ignition and reaction times, and how the variation of the third body efficiency of H2O relative of N2 in certain key reactions may affect reaction time. The results indicate that for mixture equivalence ratios between 0.5 and 1.7, ignition times are nearly constant; however, the presence of H2O and NO can have significant effects on ignition times, depending on the mixture temperature. Reaction time is dominantly influenced by pressure but is nearly independent of initial temperature, equivalence ratio, and the addition of chemicals. Effects of kinetics on reaction at supersonic combustor conditions are discussed