Structural Analysis Made ‘NESSUSary’

About this technology

Overview

In 1984, NASA initiated the Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) project at Glenn Research Center to develop analysis methods and computer programs for the probabilistic structural analysis of select engine components for current Space Shuttle and future space propulsion systems. NASA envisioned that these methods and computational tools would play a critical role in establishing increased system performance and durability and assist in structural system qualification and certification. As the prime contractor on the PSAM project, Southwest Research Institute developed a sophisticated computer program called NESSUS (numerical evaluation of stochastic structures under stress). Designed specifically for predicting structural response caused by uncertain basic variables such as loads, material properties, geometry, and boundary conditions, NESSUS is used by NASA to assist in the evaluation of existing critical Space Shuttle components, including the Space Shuttle Main Engines. Not only was the PSAM project beneficial to aerospace, it paved the way for a commercial risk-probability tool that is evaluating risks in diverse, down-to-Earth applications, in industries such as health and medicine, automotives, biomechanics, nuclear waste packaging, munitions (weapon systems), and offshore pipeline construction. Recently, NESSUS provided the U.S. Naval Biodynamics Laboratory/U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division with a probabilistic methodology and computational tool for evaluating the risk of cervical spine injury during pilot ejections.