Nonlinear Analysis and Optimal Design of Dynamic Mechanical Systems for Spacecraft Application.
Abstract
A nonlinear finite element analysis procedure already developed for planar mechanisms is being modified to handle complex mechanisms with sliding masses and mechanisms operating at relatively high speeds. Progress is also being made in developing a suitable nonlinear finite element analysis procedure for three-dimensional mechanisms. In both cases the analysis takes into account the effects of geometric and material nonlinearities, vibrational effects and coupling of deformations. In the optimal design area, a new algorithm has been developed for finding the minimum of a sum-of-squares objective function subject to general nonlinear constraints. The solution of preliminary examples indicate good results in terms of the total number of objective function evaluations to obtain an optimal design. Complete details of these investigations are included in the Appendix. To meet the extraordinary computational needs of this project, a separate research VAX 11/785 Computer and peripheral equipment were made available through a DoD research grant. The National Science Foundation also provided funds for some additional equipment as well as computational time on a supercomputer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA175002
Entities
People
- K. D. Wilmert
- M. Sathyamoorthy
Organizations
- Clarkson University