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

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

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

Central Charge and the Andrews-Bailey Construction

From the equivalence of the bosonic and fermionic representations of finitized characters in conformal field theory, one can extract mathematical objects known as Bailey pairs. Recently Berkovich, McCoy and Schilling have constructed a `generalized' character formula depending on two parameters \ra and $\r2$, using the Bailey pairs of the unitary model $M(p-1,p)$. By taking appropriate limits of these parameters, they were able to obtain the characters of model $M(p,p+1)$, $N=1$ model $SM(p,p+2)$, and the unitary $N=2$ model with central charge $c=3(1-{\frac{2}{p}})$. In this letter we computed the effective central charge associated with this `generalized' character formula using a saddle point method. The result is a simple expression in dilogarithms which interpolates between the central charges of these unitary models.Comment: Latex2e, requires cite.sty package, 13 pages. Additional footnote, citation and reference

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

Implementation of structural response sensitivity calculations in a large-scale finite-element analysis system

The implementation includes a generalized method for specifying element cross-sectional dimensions as design variables that can be used in analytically calculating derivatives of output quantities from static stress, vibration, and buckling analyses for both membrane and bending elements. Limited sample results for static displacements and stresses are presented to indicate the advantages of analytically calclating response derivatives compared to finite difference methods. Continuing developments to implement these procedures into an enhanced version of the system are also discussed

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

Exploiting parallel computing with limited program changes using a network of microcomputers

Network computing and multiprocessor computers are two discernible trends in parallel processing. The computational behavior of an iterative distributed process in which some subtasks are completed later than others because of an imbalance in computational requirements is of significant interest. The effects of asynchronus processing was studied. A small existing program was converted to perform finite element analysis by distributing substructure analysis over a network of four Apple IIe microcomputers connected to a shared disk, simulating a parallel computer. The substructure analysis uses an iterative, fully stressed, structural resizing procedure. A framework of beams divided into three substructures is used as the finite element model. The effects of asynchronous processing on the convergence of the design variables are determined by not resizing particular substructures on various iterations

Analysis of secondary cells with lithium anodes and immobilized fused-salt electrolytes

Secondary cells with liquid lithium anodes, liquid bismuth or tellurium cathodes, and fused lithium halide electrolytes immobilized as rigid pastes operate between 380 and 485 degrees. Applications include power sources in space, military vehicle propulsion and special commercial vehicle propulsion