NASA Manual Strength Estimation – A good document for simulation validation
The NASA Manual Strength Estimation is a tool used to estimate the strength capabilities of astronauts during space missions.
I really did not understand this before this post.
Around 1970, NASA performed its calculations manually. Without any computer !!
Without any simulation software like ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, etc !!!
Was it possible?
It was possible at all, but on what basis did the astronauts trust these calculations?
It was really funny and scary.
Until I became more familiar with manually estimating strength at NASA.
NASA Technical Memorandum: Manual strength estimation
To be honest: As an engineering design and simulation engineer, I could not imagine what happened to him when the spacecraft started. for some reasons:
- My current information in the simulation prevents trust.
- I always said without a computer. my God. Without FEA!
- I do not dare to become an astronaut.
Until, NASA published a very, very, very amazing document in 3 volumes that was a set of methods for calculating the validity of the aerospace industry by hand.
I eagerly went for it.
Features of NASA Technical Memorandum in Manual Strength Estimation
It was very interesting that:
- A set of valid methods has been used in the aerospace industry.
- These methods are such that acceptable results can be achieved manually.
- Contrary to my expectations, these methods had a high and acceptable accuracy. I was almost convinced that in the 70’s I could trust their papers.
- The more interesting point was the breadth of evaluation for different structures which surprised me.
(Sized, overview – sized, accurate) - This is a desktop reference of calculation methods and their development history that you can use in any industry and position.
Verification and validation (V&V) for Abaqus projects/FEA simulation
This document has many uses:
- Initial estimation
- Verification and Validation (V&V) of FEA simulation and computation results without computer
It is one of the most important.
Verification and validation (V&V) are two important processes in finite element analysis (FEA). Verification refers to the process of checking whether the FEA model and the associated calculations are accurate and reliable. It involves comparing the results obtained from the FEA model with analytical solutions or experimental data.
On the other hand, validation is the process of assessing whether the FEA model accurately represents the real-world behavior of the structure or system being analyzed. It involves comparing the FEA results with experimental data or field measurements.
The importance of validation in FEA lies in its ability to provide confidence in the accuracy of the simulation results. By validating the model, engineers can ensure that the simulation results are trustworthy and can be used to make critical design decisions. Furthermore, validation can help identify any errors or inaccuracies in the model, allowing engineers to make necessary adjustments to improve the accuracy of the FEA simulation.
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The NASA Astronautic Structures Manual
This compilation of aerospace strength analysis methods, presented in Volumes I, II, and III, provides a comprehensive set of techniques that are general enough to be applicable to most structures, and sophisticated enough to provide accurate estimates of expected strength. The manual covers analysis techniques for both elastic and inelastic stress ranges and serves not only as a catalog of methods but also as a reference source for the background of the methods themselves.
The manual is divided into eight sections with Section A providing a general introduction to the methods used, including sections on loads, combined stresses, and interaction curves. Section B covers methods of strength analysis, Section C focuses on structural stability, Section D on thermal stresses, Section E on fatigue and fracture mechanics, Section F on composites, Section G on rotating machinery, and Section H on statistics.
The content of the document is as follows:
Section A: General introduction to the use of methods
Section B: Methods for calculating strength;
Section C: Stability of the structure;
Section D: Thermal stresses;
Section E: Mechanics of Fatigue and Fracture;
Section F: FRP Composites;
Section G: Rotary Machines;
Section H: Statistics.
Free Download
 These references are the best available references for the fast calculation of structural strength and stability.
Do not hesitate to download and use it.
Free download: Volume 1Â Â Volume 2Â Â Volume 3
