Engineering topics

Sakowski, Barbara

Publications and source records attributed to Sakowski, Barbara.

17 records

NASA NTRS2019

SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop Multi-Node Settled and Unsettled Propellant Tank Modeling of Zero Boil Off Test

Cryogenic propellant storage tank self-pressurization involves complex physical phenomena which are usually analytically modelled via complex multidimensional CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) codes. Unfortunately these codes, even when modelling axisymmetric domains, may take weeks or longer to obtain transient pressure and temperature information for relatively short periods of time (several seconds to several hours). Propellant tank storage end-to-end mission simulations can last a duration of days to weeks to months. Multi-node modelling of propellant tanks is a viable alternative to traditional CFD modelling and presents the advantage of greatly reduced run times on the order of hours and days compared to the weeks or longer for CFD codes. A multi-node model represents the fluid within the storage tank, as well as the storage tank itself, as a fluid-thermal network. This type of setup is not necessarily geometrically based. This can be accomplished using a commercial generalized fluid-thermal network code, such as SINDA/FLUINT (SF). The advantage of using a fluid-thermal network code like SF lies in its extensive ability to model the external environment of the storage tank through the graphical user interface, Thermal Desktop (TD). The total heat load into the tank may be a function of heaters and a complex radiative environment as well. Thermal Desktop may be used to address the detailed radiative environment of the tank as well as building a geometrically accurate depiction of the storage tank itself.

Thermal Desktop↗

NASA NTRS2019

Numerical Simulation on Liquid Hydrogen Chill-Down Process of Vertical Pipeline

In order to improve the cryogenic propellant management technologies for a liquid hydrogen rocket with high specific impulse, JAXA, the University of Tokyo, and the NASA Glenn Research Center have jointly organized a multi-agency model validation collaboration project. As part of this project, JAXA's boiling simulation was validated with NASA's experimental data on vertical pipeline chill-down. Simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data obtained using an improved boiling model to reproduce the spray flow. This activity achieved liquid hydrogen turbo-pump simulation at JAXA for grasping the boiling flow phenomenon from engine cut-off to re-ignition. This joint research resulted in an international cooperative relationship for discussing the cryogenic propellant management technologies necessary to develop next-generation liquid rockets.

Umemura, Yutaka↗

NASA NTRS2019

SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop Multi-Node Settled and Unsettled Propellant Tank Modeling of Zero Boil Off Test

Cryogenic propellant storage tank self-pressurization involves complex physical phenomena which are usually analytically modelled via complex multidimensional CFD codes. Unfortunately these codes, even when modelling axisymmetric domains, may takes weeks or longer to obtain transient pressure and temperature information for relatively short periods of time (several seconds to several hours). Propellant tank storage end-to-end mission simulations can last a duration of days to weeks to months. Multi-node modelling of propellant tanks is a viable alternative to traditional CFD modelling and presents the advantage of greatly reduced run times on the order of hours and days compared to the weeks or longer for CFD codes. A multi-node model represents the fluid within the storage tank, as well as the storage tank itself, as a fluid-thermal network. This type of setup is not necessarily geometrically based. This can be accomplished using a commercial generalized fluid-thermal network code, such as SINDA/FLUINT (SF). The advantage of using a fluid-thermal network code like SF lies in its extensive ability to model the external environment of the storage tank through the graphical user interface, Thermal Desktop (TD). The total heat load into the tank may be a function of heaters and a complex radiative environment as well. Thermal Desktop may be used to address the detailed radiative environment of the tank as well as building a geometrically accurate depiction of the storage tank itself.

Sakowski, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS2018

Validation of Heat Transfer Correlations in Line Chill-Down Tests of Cryogenic Fluid in SINDA/FLUINT

Line chill-down is an important process in cryogenic tank propellant management, storage, and usage Complex flow dynamics during these processes: boiling heat transfer (film, transition, and nucleate) Understanding boiling phenomena can lead to efficient line chill-down systems that use less propellant, propellant stored, reducing cost for space missions Line Chill-down heat transfer was modelled using SINDA/FLUINT version 5.8 (SF) Multiple chill-down tests were modelled using: heat transfer correlations readily available in SF using HTN/HTC TIES heat transfer empiricisms developed by the University of Florida (UF) based on a series of liquid nitrogen chill-down tests using SF HTU TIES Chill-down tests modelled: liquid nitrogen tests conducted by the University of Florida horizontal flow, upward flow, and downward flow (Reynolds Numbers ranging 850-231,000)liquid hydrogen tests conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center vertical upward flow (Reynolds Number range of 18,400 - 433,000)The flow rate was measured far downstream of the test section, near the system exit. Where to set the flow rate? SF was highly sensitive, and sometime unstable, setting the test flow rate downstream (the outlet) of the test section model and setting the test pressure upstream (the inlet) of the test section model higher flow rate oscillations at the entrance of the model's test section SF was more stable setting the test flow rate upstream (than the downstream flow rate set case)test pressure was used as an inlet (SF plenum) to set the thermodynamic state (temperature and quality) coming into the system setting the appropriate downstream pressure was the unknown. The pressure drops predicted by SF for the downstream set flow rate boundary condition were much smaller than test section measured pressure drops. The multiphase pressure drop correlations used internally in SF may need to be adjusted. Models with an upstream flow rate set assumed a pressure drop that was small

cryogenic modeling↗

NASA NTRS2018

Validation of Heat Transfer Correlations in Line Chill-Down Tests of Cryogenic Fluid in SINDA/FLUINT

Line Chill-down heat transfer was modelled using SINDA/FLUINT. Multiple chill-down tests were modelled using the heat transfer correlations that are available in SINDA/FLUINT, as well as incorporating heat transfer empiricisms developed by the University of Florida1 based on a series of liquid nitrogen chill-down tests. The chill-down tests that were modelled were the liquid nitrogen tests conducted by the University of Florida1 as well as liquid hydrogen tests conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center2. The liquid nitrogen tests included horizontal flow, upward flow, and downward flow with the liquid Reynolds Numbers ranging 850 - 231,000. The liquid hydrogen test was vertical upward flow at a Reynolds Number range of 18,400 - 433,000. Both the University of Florida's heat transfer correlations and SINDA/FLUINT's internal correlations faired similarly to wall temperature test data. They were acceptable although improvements could be made to the University of Florida correlations as well and SINDA/FLUINT's internal correlations.

cryogenic modeling↗

NASA NTRS2014

SINDA/FLUINT Stratified Tank Modeling for Cryrogenic Propellant Tanks

A general purpose SINDA/FLUINT (S/F) stratified tank model was created to simulate self-pressurization and axial jet TVS; Stratified layers in the vapor and liquid are modeled using S/F lumps.; The stratified tank model was constructed to permit incorporating the following additional features:, Multiple or singular lumps in the liquid and vapor regions of the tank, Real gases (also mixtures) and compressible liquids, Venting, pressurizing, and draining, Condensation and evaporation/boiling, Wall heat transfer, Elliptical, cylindrical, and spherical tank geometries; Extensive user logic is used to allow detailed tailoring - Don't have to rebuilt everything from scratch!!; Most code input for a specific case is done through the Registers Data Block:, Lump volumes are determined through user input:; Geometric tank dimensions (height, width, etc); Liquid level could be input as either a volume percentage of fill level or actual liquid level height

Axial Jet↗

NASA NTRS2014

One Dimensional Analysis Model of a Condensing Spray Chamber Including Rocket Exhaust Using SINDA/FLUINT and CEA

Modeling droplet condensation via CFD codes can be very tedious, time consuming, and inaccurate. CFD codes may be tedious and time consuming in terms of using Lagrangian particle tracking approaches or particle sizing bins. Also since many codes ignore conduction through the droplet and or the degradating effect of heat and mass transfer if noncondensible species are present, the solutions may be inaccurate. The modeling of a condensing spray chamber where the significant size of the water droplets and the time and distance these droplets take to fall, can make the effect of droplet conduction a physical factor that needs to be considered in the model. Furthermore the presence of even a relatively small amount of noncondensible has been shown to reduce the amount of condensation [Ref 1]. It is desirable then to create a modeling tool that addresses these issues. The path taken to create such a tool is illustrated. The application of this tool and subsequent results are based on the spray chamber in the Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B2) located at NASA's Plum Brook Station that tested an RL-10 engine. The platform upon which the condensation physics is modeled is SINDAFLUINT. The use of SINDAFLUINT enables the ability to model various aspects of the entire testing facility, including the rocket exhaust duct flow and heat transfer to the exhaust duct wall. The ejector pumping system of the spray chamber is also easily implemented via SINDAFLUINT. The goal is to create a transient one dimensional flow and heat transfer model beginning at the rocket, continuing through the condensing spray chamber, and finally ending with the ejector pumping system. However the model of the condensing spray chamber may be run independently of the rocket and ejector systems detail, with only appropriate mass flow boundary conditions placed at the entrance and exit of the condensing spray chamber model. The model of the condensing spray chamber takes into account droplet conduction as well as the degrading effect of mass and heat transfer due to the presence of noncondensibles. The one dimension model of the condensing spray chamber makes no presupposition on the pressure profile within the chamber, allowing the implemented droplet physics of heat and mass transfer coupled to the SINDAFLUINT solver to determine a transient pressure profile of the condensing spray chamber. Model results compare well to the RL-10 engine pressure test data.

Condensing Spray Model↗

NASA NTRS2001

An Algorithm for Interactive Modeling of Space-Transportation Engine Simulations: A Constraint Satisfaction Approach

In this research we have developed an algorithm for the purpose of constraint processing by utilizing relational algebraic operators. Van Beek and others have investigated in the past this type of constraint processing from within a relational algebraic framework, producing some unique results. Apart from providing new theoretical angles, this approach also gives the opportunity to use the existing efficient implementations of relational database management systems as the underlying data structures for any relevant algorithm. Our algorithm here enhances that framework. The algorithm is quite general in its current form. Weak heuristics (like forward checking) developed within the Constraint-satisfaction problem (CSP) area could be also plugged easily within this algorithm for further enhancements of efficiency. The algorithm as developed here is targeted toward a component-oriented modeling problem that we are currently working on, namely, the problem of interactive modeling for batch-simulation of engineering systems (IMBSES). However, it could be adopted for many other CSP problems as well. The research addresses the algorithm and many aspects of the problem IMBSES that we are currently handling.

Mitra, Debasis↗

NASA NTRS1999

Ninth Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop Proceedings

The Ninth Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS 98) was held at the Ohio Aerospace Institute in Cleveland, Ohio from August 31 to September 4, 1998. The theme for the hands-on training workshop and conference was "Integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer into the Design Process." Highlights of the workshop (in addition to the papers published herein) included an address by the NASA Chief Engineer, Dr. Daniel Mulville; a CFD short course by Dr. John D. Anderson of the University of Maryland; and a short course by Dr. Robert Cochran of Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, lectures and hands-on training were offered in the use of several cutting-edge engineering design and analysis-oriented CFD and Heat Transfer tools. The workshop resulted in international participation of over 125 persons representing aerospace and automotive industries, academia, software providers, government agencies, and private corporations. The papers published herein address issues and solutions related to the integration of computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer into the engineering design process. Although the primary focus is aerospace, the topics and ideas presented are applicable to many other areas where these and other disciplines are interdependent.

Sakowski, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1992

Interface of an uncoupled boundary layer algorithm with an inviscid core flow algorithm for unsteady supersonic engine inlets

An uncoupled boundary layer algorithm was combined with an inviscid core flow algorithm to model flows within supersonic engine inlets. The inviscid flow algorithm that was used was the LArge Perturbation INlet Code (LAPIN). The boundary layer and inviscid core flow algorithms were formulated in different manners. The boundary layer algorithm was two dimensional and solved in nonconservation form, while the core flow algorithm was one dimensional and solved in conservation form. In order to interface the two codes, the following modifications were important. The coordinate system was set up to maintain the parabolic nature of the boundary layer algorithm while approaching the one dimensional core flow solution far from a wall. The pressure gradient used in the boundary layer equation was calculated using the core flow values and the boundary layer equations, so the boundary layer solution smoothly approached the core flow values far from the wall. Flaring was used for the advection terms perpendicular to the core flow to maintain the stability of the algorithm. With these modifications, the combined viscous/inviscid algorithm matched well with experimental observations of pressure distributions with a supersonic inlet.

Darling, Douglas↗

NASA NTRS1992

A fast, uncoupled, compressible, two-dimensional, unsteady boundary layer algorithm with separation for engine inlets

A finite difference boundary layer algorithm was developed to model viscous effects when an inviscid core flow solution is given. This algorithm solved each boundary layer equation separately, then iterated to find a solution. Solving the boundary layer equations sequentially was 2.4 to 4.0 times faster than solving the boundary layer equations simultaneously. This algorithm used a modified Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model, a weighted average of forward and backward differencing of the pressure gradient, and a backward sweep of the pressure. With these modifications, the boundary layer algorithm was able to model flows with and without separation. The number of grid points used in the boundary layer algorithm affected the stability of the algorithm as well as the accuracy of the predictions of friction coefficients and momentum thicknesses. Results of this boundary layer algorithm compared well with experimental observations of friction coefficients and momentum thicknesses. In addition, when used interactively with an inviscid flow algorithm, this boundary layer algorithm corrected for viscous effects to give a good match with experimental observations for pressures in a supersonic inlet.

Roach, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A fast, uncoupled, compressible, two-dimensional, unsteady boundary layer algorithm with separation for engine inlets

A finite difference boundary layer algorithm was developed to model viscous effects when an inviscid core flow solution is given. This algorithm solved each boundary layer equation separately, then iterated to find a solution. Solving the boundary layer equations sequentially was 2.4 to 4.0 times faster than solving the boundary layer equations simultaneously. This algorithm used a modified Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model, a weighted average of forward and backward differencing of the pressure gradient, and a backward sweep of the pressure. With these modifications, the boundary layer algorithm was able to model flows with and without separation. The number of grid points used in the boundary layer algorithm affected the stability of the algorithm affected the stability of the algorithm as well as the accuracy of the predictions of friction coefficients and momentum thicknesses. Results of this boundary layer algorithm compared well with experimental observations of friction coefficients and momentum thicknesses. In addition, when used interactively with an inviscid flow algorithm, this boundary layer algorithm corrected for viscous effects to give a good match with experimental observations for pressures in a supersonic inlet.

Roach, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Interface of an uncoupled boundary layer algorithm with an inviscid core flow algorithm for unsteady supersonic engine inlets

An uncoupled boundary layer algorithm was combined with an inviscid core flow algorithm to model flows within supersonic engine inlets. The inviscid flow algorithm that was used was the LArge Perturbation INlet Code (LAPIN). The boundary layer and inviscid core flow algorithms were formulated in different manners. The boundary layer algorithm was two dimensional and solved in nonconservation form, while the core flow algorithm was one dimensional and solved in conservation form. In order to interface the two codes, the following modifications were important. The coordinate system was set up to maintain the parabolic nature of the boundary layer algorithm while approaching the one dimensional core flow solution far from a wall. The pressure gradient used in the boundary layer equation was calculated using the core flow values and the boundary layer equations, so the boundary layer solution smoothly approached the core flow values far from the wall. Flaring was used for the advection terms perpendicular to the core flow to maintain the stability of the algorithm. With these modifications, the combined viscous/inviscid algorithm matched well experimental observations of pressure distributions with a supersonic inlet.

Darling, Douglas↗

NASA NTRS1992

Evaluation and application of the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model in two-dimensional, unsteady, compressible boundary layers with and without separation in engine inlets

The Baldwin-Lomax model is used in many CFD codes because it is quick and easy to implement. In this paper, we discuss implementing the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model for both steady and unsteady compressible flows. In addition, these flows may be either separated or attached. In order to apply this turbulence model to flows which may be subjected to these conditions, certain modifications should be made to the original Baldwin-Lomax model. We discuss these modifications and determine whether the Baldwin-Lomax model is a viable turbulence model that produces reasonably accurate results for high speed flows that can be found in engine inlets.

Sakowski, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1992

Evaluation and application of the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model in two-dimensional, unsteady, compressible boundary layers with and without separation in engine inlets

Sakowski, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1992

Evaluation and application of the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model in two-dimensional, unsteady, compressible boundary layers with and without separation in engine inlets

There is a practical need to model high speed flows that exist in jet engine inlets. The boundary layers that form in these inlets may be turbulent or laminar and either separated or attached. Also, unsteady supersonic inlets may be subject to frequent changes in operating conditions. Some changes in the operating conditions of the inlets may include varying the inlet geometry, bleeds and bypasses, and rotating or translating the centerbody. In addition, the inlet may be either started or unstarted. Therefore, a CFD code, used to model these inlets, may have to run for several different cases. Also, since the flow conditions through an unsteady inlet may be continually fluctuating, the CFD code which models these flows may have to be run over many time steps. Therefore, it would be beneficial that the code run quickly. Many turbulence models, however, are cumbersome to implement and require a lot of computer time to run, since they add to the number of differential equations to be solved to model a flow. The Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model is a popular model. It is an algebraic, eddy viscosity model. The Baldwin-Lomax model is used in many CFD codes because it is quick and easy to implement. In this paper, we will discuss implementing the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model for both steady and unsteady compressible flows. In addition, these flows may be either separated or attached. In order to apply this turbulence model to flows which may be subjected to these conditions, certain modifications should be made to the original Baldwin-Lomax model. We will discuss these modifications and determine whether the Baldwin-Lomax model is a viable turbulence model that produces reasonably accurate results for high speed flows that can be found in engine inlets.

Sakowski, Barbara↗

NASA NTRS1992

A compressible boundary layer algorithm for use with SINDA '85

It is useful to interface a high-speed-flow solution and SINDA to analyze the thermal behavior of systems that include both conduction and high speed flows. When interfacing a high-speed-flow solution to SINDA, it may be necessary to include the viscous effects in the energy equations. Boundary layer effects of interest include heat transfer coefficients (including convection and viscous dissipation) and friction coefficients. To meet this need, a fast, uncoupled, compressible, two-dimensional, boundary layer algorithm was developed that can model flows with and without separation. This algorithm was used as a subroutine with SINDA. Given the core flow properties and the wall heat flux from SINDA, the boundary layer algorithm returns a wall temperature to SINDA and boundary layer algorithm are iterated until they predict the same wall temperature.

Sakowski, Barbara↗