Attenuation of stress waves in single and multi-layered structures

Analytical and experimental studies were made of the attenuation of the stress waves during passage through single and multilayer structures. The investigation included studies on elastic and plastic stress wave propagation in the composites and those on shock mitigating material characteristics such as dynamic stress-strain relations and energy absorbing properties. The results of the studies are applied to methods for reducing the stresses imposed on a spacecraft during planetary or ocean landings

Optimum design of structures of composite materials in response to aerodynamic noise and noise transmission

Elastic wave propagation and attenuation in a model fiber matrix was investigated. Damping characteristics in graphite epoxy composite materials were measured. A sound transmission test facility suitable to incorporate into NASA Ames wind tunnel for measurement of transmission loss due to sound generation in boundary layers was constructed. Measurement of transmission loss of graphite epoxy composite panels was also included

Feasibility and concept study to convert the NASA/AMES vertical motion simulator to a helicopter simulator

The conceptual design for converting the vertical motion simulator (VMS) to a multi-purpose aircraft and helicopter simulator is presented. A unique, high performance four degrees of freedom (DOF) motion system was developed to permanently replace the present six DOF synergistic system. The new four DOF system has the following outstanding features: (1) will integrate with the two large VMS translational modes and their associated subsystems; (2) can be converted from helicopter to fixed-wing aircraft simulation through software changes only; (3) interfaces with an advanced cab/visual display system of large dimensions; (4) makes maximum use of proven techniques, convenient materials and off-the-shelf components; (5) will operate within the existing building envelope without modifications; (6) can be built within the specified weight limit and avoid compromising VMS performance; (7) provides maximum performance with a minimum of power consumption; (8) simple design minimizes coupling between motions and maximizes reliability; and (9) can be built within existing budgetary figures

A Multivariate GARCH Model with Time-Varying correlations

In this paper we propose a new multivariate GARCH model with time- varying correlations. We adopt the vech representation based on the conditional variances and the conditional correlations. While each conditional-variance term is assumed to follow a univariate GARCH formulation, the conditional-correlation matrix is postulated to follow an autoregressive moving average type of analogue. By imposing some suitable restrictions on the conditional-correlation-matrix equation, we construct a MGARCH model in which the conditional-correlation matrix is guaranteed to be positive definite during the optimisation. Thus, our new model retains the intuition and interpretation of the univariate GARCH model and yet satisfies the positive-definite condition as found in the constant-correlation and BEKK models. We report some Monte Carlo results on the finite-sample distributions of the MLE of the varying- correlation MGARCH model. The new model is applied to some real data sets. It is found that extending the constant-correlation model to allow for time-varying correlations provides some interesting time histories that are not available in a constant-correlation model.BEKK model, constant correlation, Monte Carlo method, multivariate GARCH model, maximum likelihood estimate, varying correlation