From the Editor

This semester’s edition of the Psi Sigma Siren reflects the hard work and dedication that several UNLV undergraduates put toward historical scholarship over the past year. Jonathan Barrett, Shanella Gardner, and Kaitlin Peck have produced work that most certainly lives up to the mission statement of Phi Alpha Theta. All three papers illustrate how each student exceeded the necessary rigor of collegiate life, and they have contributed to our educational community through these efforts

Adaptive methods, rolling contact, and nonclassical friction laws

Results and methods on three different areas of contemporary research are outlined. These include adaptive methods, the rolling contact problem for finite deformation of a hyperelastic or viscoelastic cylinder, and non-classical friction laws for modeling dynamic friction phenomena

Some convergence properties of finite element approximations of problems in nonlinear elasticity with multi-valued solutions

Some results of studies of convergence and accuracy of finite element approximations of certain nonlinear problems encountered in finite elasticity are presented. A general technique for obtaining error bounds is also described together with an existence theorem. Numerical results obtained by solving a representative problem are also included

Vectorizable algorithms for adaptive schemes for rapid analysis of SSME flows

An initial study into vectorizable algorithms for use in adaptive schemes for various types of boundary value problems is described. The focus is on two key aspects of adaptive computational methods which are crucial in the use of such methods (for complex flow simulations such as those in the Space Shuttle Main Engine): the adaptive scheme itself and the applicability of element-by-element matrix computations in a vectorizable format for rapid calculations in adaptive mesh procedures

Network-topological formulation of analyses of geometrically and materially nonlinear space frames

Network and topological formulation of analyses of nonlinear space frame

Adaptive computational methods for aerothermal heating analysis

The development of adaptive gridding techniques for finite-element analysis of fluid dynamics equations is described. The developmental work was done with the Euler equations with concentration on shock and inviscid flow field capturing. Ultimately this methodology is to be applied to a viscous analysis for the purpose of predicting accurate aerothermal loads on complex shapes subjected to high speed flow environments. The development of local error estimate strategies as a basis for refinement strategies is discussed, as well as the refinement strategies themselves. The application of the strategies to triangular elements and a finite-element flux-corrected-transport numerical scheme are presented. The implementation of these strategies in the GIM/PAGE code for 2-D and 3-D applications is documented and demonstrated

SPAR improved structure/fluid dynamic analysis capability

The capability of analyzing a coupled dynamic system of flowing fluid and elastic structure was added to the SPAR computer code. A method, developed and adopted for use in SPAR utilizes the existing assumed stress hybrid plan element in SPAR. An operational mode was incorporated in SPAR which provides the capability for analyzing the flaw of a two dimensional, incompressible, viscous fluid within rigid boundaries. Equations were developed to provide for the eventual analysis of the interaction of such fluids with an elastic solid

Studies of carbonate rock deformation Moine Thrust Zone, N.W. Scotland

Imperial Users onl

Numerical analysis of nonlinear pneumatic structures

Numerical analysis of nonlinear behavior of inflatable structure