The structure of compressible starting vortices

The structures of highly two-dimensional shock-induced compressible starting vortices were investigated. Density distributions across the vortex were measured by dual-pulsed holographic interferometry. Pressure profiles of the vortex were measured by fast-response miniature Kulite transducers. From these two independent measurements the velocity profile was calculated using the radial momentum equation. The detailed vortex structure is similar to that from the tip of a wing and consists of four well-defined regions: a core region, a logarithmic region, a transition region, and an inviscid region. The distribution of circulation of the vortices can be expressed by a set of empirical formulae. The proportionality constants of the logarithmic region were found to be 0.43±0.01 for three different two-dimensional vortices.Presently at U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate, ATCOM, NASA-Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035Professor     

Chaos and direct numerical simulation in turbulence

We show that direct numerical simulation will yield turbulent flowfields which are strongly dependent upon computer hardware and software. A computed flow trajectory is apparently uncorrelated to the true solution of a flowfield if it is allowed to evolve over a long time, and hence is called a pseudo-orbit. This is due to the trajectory instability of chaotic turbulent flows. All is not lost, however; a long-time average of flow quantities can now be computed using a pseudo-orbit by invoking the shadowing lemma. For the inviscid flow, this time average tends to approach asymptotically the phase average as predicted by the classical ergodic theorem. Although the inviscid two-dimensional flow has no real physical importance, the existence of canonical (equilibrium) distribution permits us to examine the accuracy of time averaging based on the pseudo-orbit and its inherent limitations.This work was supported by AFOSR task 2304N1.     

Nonlinear analysis of the forced response of a beam with three mode interaction

An analysis is presented for the primary resonance of a clamped-hinged beam, which occurs when the frequency of excitation is near one of the natural frequencies,_n . Three mode interaction (₂ 3₁ and _{3 1} + 2₂) is considered and its influence on the response is studied. The case of two mode interaction (₂ 3₁) is also considered to compare it with the case of three mode interaction. The straight beam experiencing mid-plane stretching is governed by a nonlinear partial differential equation. By using Galerkin's method the governing equation is reduced to a system of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations. The method of multiple scales is applied to solve the system. Steady-state responses and their stability are examined. Results of numerical investigations show that there exists no significant difference between both modal interactions' influences on the responses.     

A Technique for Dynamic Tensile Testing of Human Cervical Spine Ligaments

An experimental study is undertaken to examine the dynamic stress–strain characteristics of ligaments from the human cervical spine (neck). Tests were conducted using a tensile split Hopkinson bar device and the engineering strain rates imposed were of the order of 10²∼10³/s. As ligaments are extremely soft and pliable, specialized test protocols applicable to Hopkinson bar testing were developed to facilitate acquisition of reliable and accurate data. Seven primary ligaments types from the cervical spines of three male cadavers were subjected to mechanical tests. These yielded dynamic stress–strain curves which could be approximated by empirical equations. The dynamic failure stress/load, failure stain/deformation, modulus/stiffness, as well as energy absorption capacity, were obtained for the various ligaments and classified according to their location, the strain rate imposed and the cadaveric source. Compared with static responses, the overall average dynamic stress–strain behavior foreach type of ligament exhibited an elevation in strength but reduced elongation.     

Fatigue crack growth behavior of Al7050-T7451 attachment lugs under flight spectrum variation

This paper discusses an analytical and experimental investigations of the fatigue crack growth behavior in attachment lugs subjected to a randomized flight-by-flight spectrum. In the analysis, the stress intensity factors for through-the-thickness cracks initiating from lug holes were compared by weight function method, boundary element method (BEM), the interpolation of Brussat’s solution. The stress intensity factors of a corner crack at a transition region were obtained using two parameter weight function method and correction factors. Fatigue life under a load spectrum was predicted using stress intensity factors and Willenborg retardation model considering the effects of a tensile overload. Experiments were performed under a load spectrum and compared with the fatigue life prediction using the stress intensity factors by different methods. Changes of fatigue life and aspect ratio according to the clipping level of the spectrum were discussed through experiment and prediction. Effect of the spectrum clipping level on the fatigue life was experimentally evaluated by using beach marks of fractured surface.     

Migration in an oscillatory flow of a laminar suspension measured by laser anemometry

Oscillatory flow occurs in a wide range of areas of engineering importance. Two-way lateral migration of particles was observed in the flow of a steady, laminar, dilute, neutrally-buoyant suspension of rigid particles in a tube. The equilibrium particle-position was dependent on the dimensionless Womersley parameter. Experiments were performed in which the Womersley parameter was varied between 1.12 and 8.0. For low values of the parameter, two-way radial migration was observed as in steady, laminar flow. For higher values of the parameter, two equilibrium positions were observed, together with three particle free layers across the radius of the tube.     

Hemostatic efficacy and tissue reaction of oxidized regenerated cellulose hemostats

Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) has been used as an absorbable hemostat since World War II. In the present study, hemostasis time was determined in a spleen incision model in swine. The effect of mass on absorbable hemostat efficacy and hemostasis time was evaluated by standardizing the ORC materials on a mass basis. The median hemostasis time for a single layer of the new nonwoven ORC was as much as 51 % shorter than woven ORC (P < 0.001). The mean hemostasis time for nonwoven ORC was not affected by the mass of hemostat applied to the wound. The hemostatic efficacy of woven ORC increased with the mass (layers) of hemostat applied to the wound. Nonwoven ORC is significantly faster in achieving hemostasis than woven ORC, and its hemostatic efficacy is not influenced by the mass of material applied. Tissue reaction was minimal and the material was fully absorbed by 14 days.     

Novel Features for Binary Time Series Based on Branch Length Similarity Entropy

Branch length similarity (BLS) entropy is defined in a network consisting of a single node and branches. In this study, we mapped the binary time-series signal to the circumference of the time circle so that the BLS entropy can be calculated for the binary time-series. We obtained the BLS entropy values for “1” signals on the time circle. The set of values are the BLS entropy profile. We selected the local maximum (minimum) point, slope, and inflection point of the entropy profile as the characteristic features of the binary time-series and investigated and explored their significance. The local maximum (minimum) point indicates the time at which the rate of change in the signal density becomes zero. The slope and inflection points correspond to the degree of change in the signal density and the time at which the signal density changes occur, respectively. Moreover, we show that the characteristic features can be widely used in binary time-series analysis by characterizing the movement trajectory of Caenorhabditis elegans. We also mention the problems that need to be explored mathematically in relation to the features and propose candidates for additional features based on the BLS entropy profile.