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Torrance, K. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Torrance, K. E..

13 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Initiation and structure of axisymmetric eddies in a rotating stream

Axisymmetric flow of a rotating stream is examined numerically to determine conditions under which an isolated eddy will form on the axis of rotation. An explicit finite difference procedure is used to integrate the time dependent transport equations. Solutions provide details of the flow structure and are presented for a range of Reynolds numbers and swirl ratios. Calculated results are interpreted in terms of recent physical experiments insofar as is possible.

Kopecky, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Convection in the earth's mantle

The computer is used to solve for thermal convection within the earth's mantle. A review of the knowledge of surface displacements and of the present understanding of the mantle and its relevant physical and chemical properties is contained in the paper. Applicable equations assume a Newtonian fluid layer heated from below and within, with gravity acting downward. The numerical method employs finite differences and was constructed with a view toward the faithful simulation of coupling mechanisms. It enables surveying the effect of a parameter using a relatively coarse computing mesh. Some of the results obtained are presented.

Turcotte, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Thermal structure of the moon.

Numerical calculations for the structure of convection cells within a self-gravitating, fluid sphere are used to determine the temperature distribution within the moon. The distribution of surface heat flux is also given. The results are compared with the temperatures deduced from magnetic induction within the moon and with the surface heat flow measurement carried out on Apollo 15.

Turcotte, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Mass diffusion in a self-confined rotating flow

The effectiveness of fluid containment near an interior stagnation point and within a self-confined stagnation region is determined by numerically solving the species conservation equation for a bi-component mixture. The flow geometry is that of a swirling fluid stream containing a stationary eddy on the axis of rotation. The base flow is axisymmetric, and the Reynolds number is equal to 50. Schmidt numbers range from 0.1 to 10.

Torrance, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Finite-amplitude thermal convection within a self-gravitating fluid sphere.

Finite-difference calculations have been carried out to determine the structure of finite-amplitude thermal convection within a self-gravitating fluid sphere with uniform heat release. For a fixed-surface boundary condition, single-cell convection breaks up into double-cell convection at a Rayleigh number of 30,000, at a Rayleigh number of 500,000 four-cell convection is observed. With a free-surface boundary condition only single cell convection is obtained up to a Rayleigh number of 5,000,000.

Hsui, A. T.↗