NASA/GRC seeks to purchase a computer simulation tool (software) module or modules that can be executed on a personal computing (PC) platform. The intent of the software tool (the capability that will be enabled) is to simulate the effect of single surface pits on the dynamics of gears and bearings using a two-dimensional finite-element based approach. The software package (executable code, user manuals, and example model sets defining example-model inputs) shall have the following research capabilities and requirements.
1. The vendor shall develop the ability to describe a surface defect as a perturbation to a finite element model of a perfect (undamaged) gear tooth, rolling element, or bearing race. The analytical tool needs to be able to specify one or more pits, on individual teeth (or rollers). The profile of the surface defect must be described in sufficient detail such that the provider’s contact solver will properly emulate the surface profile for purposes of computing the contact force directions and separations. In other words, the influence of the surface defect on the computed contact vector force magnitude and direction must be calculated during the dynamic analysis.
2. The software module or modules for gear analysis models having a surface defects shall incorporate a method to complete calculations until steady state is reached, then study the frequency spectrum of reaction forces.
3. The software module or modules for bearing analysis must be capable of modeling cylindrical rolling element bearing with surface defects, with deformable (finite element) contact models incorporating the effect of contact between the rollers and races. The races small be modeled as deformable. The inertial properties of the cage should be included. The cage may be modeled as a rigid element.
4. The user shall be able to specify surface defects on individual teeth/rollers or specific points on the bearing raceway. The user shall be able to specify different defects on individual teeth, raceway elements, or rollers. The underlying finite element model must not be modified but the contact solver must model the defect geometry and the resulting change in the contact force vector. The defect specification should be capable of using data imported from a profilometer inspection of a real part. The user shall also have the option to define a defect using parameters via a Graphical User Interface (GUI).
5. The developer shall conduct example analyses to study the effects of surface defects on the races or rollers on the frequency spectrum of the bearing reaction forces.
6. The model definition for the gear must be 100% compatible with the gear software program “CALYX-ExtPair2D “ from Advanced Numerical Solution. The compatibility requirement will allow NASA and Army researchers to make use of the extensive database of models already available and built up by the research team.
7. The developer shall conduct example cases and document the contact solver resolutions required such as to provide guidance for running analysis cases with appropriate contact solver solutions.
8. The user shall be able to save the analysis results in a file that can later be “post-processed” using the including contact forces and contact pressure distributions, stress at any point in the FEA model as a function of time, stress as a function of position in the root-fillet region of the gear, and finite element model displacements. The post-processing capabilities and execution shall be presented to the user via a Graphical User Interface. The post-processed data shall be presented as X-Y plots or histograms as appropriate in a manner that can be copied and pasted in the Microsoft Windows environment (for example a graph shall be capable of being copied and pasted into a Microsoft Word document) via a few keyboard keystrokes or mouse device “clicks”.
9. The user shall be able to read the analysis results file and conduct post-processing of the results via the “IGlass” software tool. This tool allows to create color coded plots of finite element meshes, resultant stresses, and displacement distributions. The results in “IGlass” are depicted on the geometry representations of the gear and bearing models.
Final deliverables
The final deliverables of the purchase will be:
1. Executable software code and license that will permit the software to operate on a Personal Computer (PC),
2. At least one example gear model, including defects shall be provided in electronic format
3. At least one example bearing model, including defects, shall be provided in electronic format.
4. The vendor shall provide a report that will serve as a user manual. Also the report shall document example analysis cases results that will demonstrate that the software meets the requirements of the SOW.
NASA/GRC intends to purchase the items from Advanced Nunerical Solutions, LLC., 3554 Mark Twain Ct., Hilliard OH 43026-5729.
The GRC Mechanical Components Branch has access to the CALYX and IGlass software package executables (permanent license) as a result of a previous purchase from this vendor. The CALYX software package is currently not capable of analyzing a pitted gear or bearing. A requirement of the SOW includes compatibilities with the CALYX and IGlass software modules. The software specification to allow such compatibility is the exclusive proprietary rights of the Advanced Numerical Solutions Company. The CALYX software package source code is required to accomplish the task as defined, and only this contractor has access and control of the source code. Although one can imagine developing similar tools to those defined in the SOW for other general purpose finite element analysis tools, the cost for purchasing such a license and the training of GRC personnel to operate another software package would greatly exceed the expected cost of this task.
The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and the Simplified Acquisition Procedures set forth in FAR Part 13.
The Sole Source is under the authority of FAR reference 13.106-1(b)1.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on December 17, 2008. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.
Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".
Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
