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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Simulations of Active Vortex Generators

We are interested in the study, via numerical simulations, of active vortex generators. Vortex generators may be used to modify the inner part of the boundary layer or to control separation thus enhancing the performance and maneuverability of aerodynamic configurations. we consider generators that consist of a surface cavity elongated in the streamwise direction and partially covered with a moving lid that at rest lies flush with the boundary. Streamwise vorticity is generated and ejected due to the oscillatory motion of the lid. The present simulations complement relevant experimental investigations of active vortex generators that have been conducted at NASA Ames Research Center and Stanford University used a piezoelectric device in water, allowing for small amplitude high frequency oscillations. They placed the lid asymmetrically on the cavity and observed a strong outward velocity at the small gap of the cavity. Saddoughi used a larger mechanically driven device in air to investigate this flow and observed a jet emerging from the wide gap of the configuration, contrary to the findings of Jacobson and Reynolds We are simulating the flows generated by these devices and we are conducting a parametric study that would help us elucidate the physical mechanisms present in the flow. Conventional computational schemes encounter difficulties when simulating flows around complex configurations undergoing arbitrary motions. Here we present a formulation that achieves this task on a purely Lagrangian frame by extending the formulation presented by Koumoutsakos, Leonard and Pepin (1994). The viscous effects are taken into account by modifying the strength Of the particles, whereas fast multipole schemes employing hundreds of thousands of particles allow for high resolution simulations. We shall present simulation results of an oscillating plate at various Reynolds numbers and Strouhal frequencies.

Mansour, N. N.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Preconditioning of overcast-to-broken cloud transitions by riming in marine cold air outbreaks

Marine cold air outbreaks (CAOs) commonly form overcast cloud decks that transition into broken cloud fields downwind, dramatically altering the local radiation budget. In this study, we investigate the impact of frozen hydrometeors on these transitions. We focus on a CAO case in the NW Atlantic, the location of the multi-year flight campaign ACTIVATE (Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment). We use MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, version 2) reanalysis fields to drive large eddy simulations with mixed-phase two-moment microphysics in a Lagrangian framework. We find that transitions are triggered by substantial rain (rainwater paths >25 g m−2), and only simulations that allow for aerosol depletion result in sustained breakups, as observed. Using a range of diagnostic ice nucleating particle concentrations, Ninp, we find that increasing ice progressively accelerates transitions, thus abbreviating the overcast state. Ice particles affect the cloud-topped boundary layer evolution, primarily through riming-related processes prior to substantial rain, leading to (1) a reduction in cloud liquid water, (2) early consumption of cloud condensation nuclei, and (3) early and light precipitation cooling and moistening below cloud. We refer to these three effects collectively as “preconditioning by riming”. Greater boundary layer aerosol concentrations available as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) delay the onset of substantial rain. However, cloud breakup and low CCN concentration final stages are found to be inevitable in this case, due, primarily, to liquid water path buildup. An ice-modulated cloud transition speed suggests the possibility of a negative cloud–climate feedback. To address prevailing uncertainties in the model representation of mixed-phase processes, the magnitude of ice formation and riming impacts and, thereby, the strength of an associated negative cloud–climate feedback process, requires further observational evaluation by targeting riming hot spots with in situ imaging probes that allow for both the characterization of ice particles and abundance of supercooled droplets.

Marine cold air outbreaks↗
NASA NTRS1978

CELFE: Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Finite Element program for high velocity impact. Part 1: Theory and formulation

A 3-D finite element program capable of simulating the dynamic behavior in the vicinity of the impact point, together with predicting the dynamic response in the remaining part of the structural component subjected to high velocity impact is discussed. The finite algorithm is formulated in a general moving coordinate system. In the vicinity of the impact point contained by a moving failure front, the relative velocity of the coordinate system will approach the material particle velocity. The dynamic behavior inside the region is described by Eulerian formulation based on a hydroelasto-viscoplastic model. The failure front which can be regarded as the boundary of the impact zone is described by a transition layer. The layer changes the representation from the Eulerian mode to the Lagrangian mode outside the failure front by varying the relative velocity of the coordinate system to zero. The dynamic response in the remaining part of the structure described by the Lagrangian formulation is treated using advanced structural analysis. An interfacing algorithm for coupling CELFE with NASTRAN is constructed to provide computational capabilities for large structures.

Lee, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS2013

PowderSim: Lagrangian Discrete and Mesh-Free Continuum Simulation Code for Cohesive Soils

PowderSim is a calculation tool that combines a discrete-element method (DEM) module, including calibrated interparticle-interaction relationships, with a mesh-free, continuum, SPH (smoothed-particle hydrodynamics) based module that utilizes enhanced, calibrated, constitutive models capable of mimicking both large deformations and the flow behavior of regolith simulants and lunar regolith under conditions anticipated during in situ resource utilization (ISRU) operations. The major innovation introduced in PowderSim is to use a mesh-free method (SPH-based) with a calibrated and slightly modified critical-state soil mechanics constitutive model to extend the ability of the simulation tool to also address full-scale engineering systems in the continuum sense. The PowderSim software maintains the ability to address particle-scale problems, like size segregation, in selected regions with a traditional DEM module, which has improved contact physics and electrostatic interaction models.

Johnson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS1980

The restricted three-body problem including radiation pressure

The force of radiation pressure is included in the restricted three-body problem by considering the major radial components of the pressure force for the case of a particle in the vicinity of two luminous massive bodies, as well as by introducing the Poynting-Robertson effect for the case of one luminous body. The positions of the Lagrangian points L4 and L5 are found as functions of the ratio of radiation to gravitational forces. The Poynting-Robertson effect renders the L4 and L5 points unstable on a time scale that is long compared to the period of rotation of the two massive bodies. Implications for space colonization and a mechanism for producing azimuthal asymmetries in the interplanetary dust complex are discussed.

Schuerman, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Improved vortex methods for three-dimensional flows

Robust numerical methods are developed for three-dimensional incompressible vortical flows, using Lagrangian vortex elements. A successful scheme must be able to handle regions of intense vortex stretching and vortex reconnection with reasonable accuracy (without diverging). Here, consideration is given to vortex particles, also commonly called vortons or vortex sticks. The following issues are discussed: (1) use of delta-function elements and weak solutions of the vorticity equation; (2) use of smoothed elements and the choice of the smoothing function; (3) representation of viscous effects and the redistribution of element strength; and (4) conservation laws (are they satisfied?). The various proposed schemes have been tested on flows involving a strong interaction between two vortex rings.

Winckelmans, G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Computation of two-phase shear-layer flow using an Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis

A combined Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis which combines a linearized block implicit Navier-Stokes analysis for the continuous phase with a Lagrangian analysis for the discrete phase has been utilized to simulate a two-phase shear-layer flow in a two-dimensional channel flow configuration. The motion of the particles is tracked in computational coordinate space, resulting in improved computational efficiency, and interphase coupling terms for the Eulerian analysis are computed from the instantaneous distribution of the particles rather than the trajectory information. The use of the implicit Navier-Stokes analysis for the continuous phase has made it possible to efficiently use a highly stretched mesh. A low Reynolds number form of the k-epsilon turbulence model was used with near-wall resolution, thus eliminating the need to use the 'wall-function' approach. The streamwise velocity profiles for the continuous and the discrete phases have been compared with experimental data for two test cases.

Sabnis, Jayant S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The effect of radiation pressure on the restricted three-body problem

The classical restricted three-body problem is extended to account for the effects of radiation pressure and the Poynting-Robertson effect on a particle with a surface-to-volume relation such that radiation pressure forces are nonnegligible moving in the gravitational field of two larger, orbiting bodies. The positions of the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points are found as functions of the ratio of radiational to gravitational forces. The inclusion of the Poynting-Robertson effect, however, is found to render the L4 and L5 points unstable on a time scale which is long compared to the rotation period of the two massive bodies. The results imply that space colonies with solar facing adjustable sails may be able to remain stationary at any heliocentric distance between a planet and the sun, and may provide a mechanism for producing asymmetries in the interplanetary dust cloud.

Schuerman, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Quantum disorder, duality, and fractional statistics in 2 + 1 dimensions

A low-energy equivalence between two apparently unrelated Lagrangians with fractional statistics is reported. Exploiting this equivalence, it is possible to study the quantum disordered phase of the nonlinear sigma model with Hopf term. It is found that the quasi-particles in the disordered phase also have fractional statistics. There appears to be a dual relationship between the ordered and disordered phases.

Wen, X. G.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A 'skewed' lognormal approximation to the probablility distribution function of the large-scale density field

I propose a method to fit the probability distribution function (PDF) of the large-scale density field rho, motivated by a Lagrangian version of the continuity equation. It consists in applying the Edgeworth expansion to the quantity Phi identical with log rho - mean value of log rho. The method is tested on the matter particle distribution in two cold dark matter N-body simulations of different physical sizes to cover a large dynamic range. It is seen to be very efficient, even in the nonlinear regime, and may thus be used as an analytical tool to study the effect on the PDF of the transition between the weakly nonlinear regime and the highly nonlinear regime.

Colombi, S.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Modeling Droplet Heat and Mass Transfer during Spray Bar Pressure Control of the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) Tank in Normal Gravity

A CFD model for simulating pressure control in cryogenic storage tanks through the injection of a subcooled liquid into the ullage is presented and applied to the 1g MHTB spray bar cooling experiments. An Eulerian-Lagrangian approach is utilized to track the spray droplets and capture the interaction between the discrete droplets and the continuous ullage phase. The spray model is coupled with the VOF model by performing particle tracking in the ullage, removing particles from the ullage when they reach the interface, and then adding their contributions to the liquid. A new model for calculating the droplet-ullage heat and mass transfer is developed. In this model, a droplet is allowed to warm up to the saturation temperature corresponding to the ullage vapor pressure, after which it evaporates while remaining at the saturation temperature. The droplet model is validated against the results of the MHTB spray-bar cooling experiments with 50% and 90% tank fill ratios. The predictions of the present T-sat based model are compared with those of a previously developed kinetic-based droplet mass transfer model. The predictions of the two models regarding the evolving tank pressure and temperature distributions, as well as the droplets' trajectories and temperatures, are examined and compared in detail. Finally, the ullage pressure and local vapor and liquid temperature evolutions are validated against the corresponding data provided by the MHTB spray bar mixing experiment.

mass transfer↗
NASA NTRS1993

An implicit method for two-dimensional hydrodynamics

An implicit method for compressible multidimensional flows is presented. The method, which is strongly oriented toward astrophysical applications, enables one to simulate very subsonic flows by removing the Courant condition upon time steps. It consists of an implicit purely Lagrangian step, followed by an explicit and second-order accurate (at least in one dimension) remapping step, which is optional. When the remapping step is performed the time step is limited by the 'particle crossing time' and otherwise it is limited only by accuracy considerations. The suggested method, which results from a compromise between accuracy and efficiency, is very efficient relative to other methods. It enables the computation of many multidimensional problems in stellar evolution, such as those governed by very subsonic flows, which were not calculable with existing explicit methods.

Livne, Eli↗
NASA NTRS1991

Calculations of particle-laden flows by second-moment closures

A differential second-moment closure is applied to calculate nonswirling turbulent particle-laden jet flow. The closure is effected by extending constant-density single-phase turbulence models to the continuous (carrier) phase of two-phase flow. The dispersed (discrete) phase is treated by stochastic-Lagrangian technique. To reduce the effects of numerical (false) diffusion on the predicted results, a higher order differencing scheme, namely the flux-spline, is employed. In addition, an experimental study is conducted to provide data of good quality, especially near the inlet, for model assessment. The experiment consists of a confined coaxial jet flow of air with glass beads. The beads' diameter is 105 microns and is injected from the inner jet with a mass loading ratio of 0.9. The computed results are in good agreement with experimental data, especially for the carrier phase. However, the predicted turbulence fluctuations associated with the discrete phase are lower than the data at the downstream region of the flow field.

Nikjooy, M.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Tropical Cyclogenesis in a Tropical Wave Critical Layer: Easterly Waves

The development of tropical depressions within tropical waves over the Atlantic and eastern Pacific is usually preceded by a "surface low along the wave" as if to suggest a hybrid wave-vortex structure in which flow streamlines not only undulate with the waves, but form a closed circulation in the lower troposphere surrounding the low. This structure, equatorward of the easterly jet axis, is identified herein as the familiar critical layer of waves in shear flow, a flow configuration which arguably provides the simplest conceptual framework for tropical cyclogenesis resulting from tropical waves, their interaction with the mean flow, and with diabatic processes associated with deep moist convection. The recirculating Kelvin cat's eye within the critical layer represents a sweet spot for tropical cyclogenesis in which a proto-vortex may form and grow within its parent wave. A common location for storm development is given by the intersection of the wave's critical latitude and trough axis at the center of the cat's eye, with analyzed vorticity centroid nearby. The wave and vortex live together for a time, and initially propagate at approximately the same speed. In most cases this coupled propagation continues for a few days after a tropical depression is identified. For easterly waves, as the name suggests, the propagation is westward. It is shown that in order to visualize optimally the associated Lagrangian motions, one should view the flow streamlines, or stream function, in a frame of reference translating horizontally with the phase propagation of the parent wave. In this co-moving frame, streamlines are approximately equivalent to particle trajectories. The closed circulation is quasi-stationary, and a dividing streamline separates air within the cat's eye from air outside.

Dunkerton, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS2016

A Small Mission Concept to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian L5 Point for Innovative Solar, Heliospheric and Space Weather Science

We present a concept for a small mission to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian L5 point for innovative solar, heliospheric and space weather science. The proposed INvestigation of Solar-Terrestrial Activity aNd Transients (INSTANT) mission is designed to identify how solar coronal magnetic fields drive eruptions, mass transport and particle acceleration that impact the Earth and the heliosphere. INSTANT is the first mission designed to (1) obtain measurements of coronal magnetic fields from space and (2) determine coronal mass ejection (CME) kinematics with unparalleled accuracy. Thanks to innovative instrumentation at a vantage point that provides the most suitable perspective view of the Sun-Earth system, INSTANT would uniquely track the whole chain of fundamental processes driving space weather at Earth. We present the science requirements, payload and mission profile that fulfill ambitious science objectives within small mission programmatic boundary conditions.

Lavraud, B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Can a macroscopic gyroscope feel torsion

We demonstrate that for a large class of Lagrangian-based torsion theories a macroscopic gyroscope is insensitive to the torsion field: there can be no coupling of the torsion to the gyroscope's angular momentum of rotation. To detect torsion a polarized system with a net elementary particle spin is needed. These conclusions are evident from the conservation laws, which form the basis for deriving the equations of motion.

Stoeger, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Sun Chaser - A Mission to the Earth-Sun Lagrangian Point 4

Placed at L4, Sun Chaser is a mission concept that will follow (or chase) high-energy processes around the west limb, combining solar remote sensing & in situ observations, and overseeing the entire solar radiation hemisphere. Sun Chaser’s remote sensing is essential for ~90% of current physics-based and empirical solar energetic particle (SEP) event forecasting techniques. Without Sun Chaser, there cannot be a basis for SEP event all-clear forecasting. It establishes and maintains a space weather (SWx) radiation safe zone that supports all near-term human missions to the Moon and Mars. Sun Chaser latitude in-situ coverage also provides a unique opportunity for solar wind-, interplanetary- and interstellar-dust science. In combination with existing and planned observatories at L1 and L5, the three locations provide 240° longitude coverage of resolving photospheric magnetic field structure and safe Earth-directed CME viewing. A ~14°-inclination of both L4 and L5 out of the ecliptic guarantees continuous viewing of both solar poles and continuous in-situ presence on both sides of the heliographic equator, with >3.6° elevation. Extended observations in both longitude and latitude will revolutionize global solar wind modeling and immediate validation, and enables the development of local helioseismology, with potential for long-term solar activity forecasting.

space weather↗
NASA NTRS1988

SOHO: An observatory to study the solar interior and the solar atmosphere

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is described. The two main objectives of SOHO are to improve understanding of solar coronal phenomena and to study solar structure and interior dynamics from its core to the photosphere. The primary goals of the coronal and solar wind studies are to understand the coronal heating mechanism and its expansion into the solar wind. These goals will be achieved both by remote sensing of the solar atmosphere with high resolution spectrometers and telescopes and by in situ measurement of the composition and energy of the resulting solar wind and the energetic particles that propagate through it. The structure and interior dynamics are to be studied by helioseismological methods and the measurement of solar irradiance variations. The SOHO spacecraft will be three-axis stabilized and located in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrangian point (approximately 1 percent of the distance from the Earth to the Sun). It is currently scheduled for launch in July 1995.

Domingo, V.↗