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At least 199 records · Page 11

Solid Rocket Motor Combustion Instability Modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics

Combustion instability modeling of Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) remains a topic of active research. Many rockets display violent fluctuations in pressure, velocity, and temperature originating from the complex interactions between the combustion process, acoustics, and steady-state gas dynamics. Recent advances in defining the energy transport of disturbances within steady flow-fields have been applied by combustion stability modelers to improve the analysis framework [1, 2, 3]. Employing this more accurate global energy balance requires a higher fidelity model of the SRM flow-field and acoustic mode shapes. The current industry standard analysis tool utilizes a one dimensional analysis of the time dependent fluid dynamics along with a quasi-three dimensional propellant grain regression model to determine the SRM ballistics. The code then couples with another application that calculates the eigenvalues of the one dimensional homogenous wave equation. The mean flow parameters and acoustic normal modes are coupled to evaluate the stability theory developed and popularized by Culick [4, 5]. The assumption of a linear, non-dissipative wave in a quiescent fluid remains valid while acoustic amplitudes are small and local gas velocities stay below Mach 0.2. The current study employs the COMSOL multiphysics finite element framework to model the steady flow-field parameters and acoustic normal modes of a generic SRM. The study requires one way coupling of the CFD High Mach Number Flow (HMNF) and mathematics module. The HMNF module evaluates the gas flow inside of a SRM using St. Robert's law to model the solid propellant burn rate, no slip boundary conditions, and the hybrid outflow condition. Results from the HMNF model are verified by comparing the pertinent ballistics parameters with the industry standard code outputs (i.e. pressure drop, thrust, ect.). These results are then used by the coefficient form of the mathematics module to determine the complex eigenvalues of the Acoustic Velocity Potential Equation (AVPE). The mathematics model is truncated at the nozzle sonic line, where a zero flux boundary condition is self-satisfying. The remaining boundaries are modeled with a zero flux boundary condition, assuming zero acoustic absorption on all surfaces. The results of the steady-state CFD and AVPE analyses are used to calculate the linear acoustic growth rate as is defined by Flandro and Jacob [2, 3]. In order to verify the process implemented within COMSOL we first employ the Culick theory and compare the results with the industry standard. After the process is verified, the Flandro/Jacob energy balance theory is employed and results displayed.

Fischbach, Sean R.

Numerical analysis of the scramjet-inlet flow field by using two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations

A computer code was developed to solve the full two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations in a supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) inlet. In order to be able to consider a general inlet geometry with embedded bodies, a numerical coordinate transformation is used which generates a set of boundary-fitted curvilinear coordinates. The explicit finite difference algorithm of MacCormack is used to solve the governing equations. An algebraic, two-layer eddy-viscosity model is used for the turbulent flow. The code can analyze both inviscid and viscous flows with no strut, one strut, or multiple struts in the flow field. The application of the two dimensional analysis in the preliminary parametric design studies of a scramjet inlet is discussed. Detailed results are presented for one model problem and for several actual scramjet-inlet configurations.

Kumar, A.

Validation of the NCC Code for Staged Transverse Injection and Computations for a RBCC Combustor

The NCC code was validated for a case involving staged transverse injection into Mach 2 flow behind a rearward facing step. Comparisons with experimental data and with solutions from the FPVortex code was then used to perform computations to study fuel-air mixing for the combustor of a candidate rocket based combined cycle engine geometry. Comparisons with a one-dimensional analysis and a three-dimensional code (VULCAN) were performed to assess the qualitative and quantitative performance of the NCC solver.

Ajmani, Kumud

Changes in muscle protein composition induced by disuse atrophy - Analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis

Using 320 g rats, a two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of muscle proteins in the soleus and EDL muscles from hindlimbs maintained load-free for 10 days is performed. Statistical analysis of the two-dimensional patterns of control and suspended groups reveals more protein alteration in the soleus muscle, with 25 protein differences, than the EDL muscle, with 9 protein differences, as a result of atrophy. Most of the soleus differences reside in minor components. It is suggested that the EDL may also show alteration in its two-dimensional protein map, even though no significant atrophy occurred in muscle wet weight. It is cautioned that strict interpretation of data must take into account possible endocrine perturbations.

Ellis, S.

Analysis of Regen Cooling in Rocket Combustors

The use of detailed CFD modeling for the description of cooling in rocket chambers is discussed. The overall analysis includes a complete three-dimensional analysis of the flow in the regenerative cooling passages, conjugate heat transfer in the combustor walls, and the effects of film cooling on the inside chamber. The results in the present paper omit the effects of film cooling and include only regen cooling and the companion conjugate heat transfer. The hot combustion gases are replaced by a constant temperature wall boundary condition. Load balancing for parallel cluster computations is ensured by using single-block unstructured grids for both fluids and solids, and by using a 'multiple physical zones' to account for differences in the number of equations. Validation of the method is achieved by comparing simple two-dimensional solutions with analytical results. Representative results for cooling passages are presents showing the effects of heat conduction in the copper walls with tube aspect ratios of 1.5:l.

Harper, Brent

CAVE: A computer code for two-dimensional transient heating analysis of conceptual thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles

A digital computer code CAVE (Conduction Analysis Via Eigenvalues), which finds application in the analysis of two dimensional transient heating of hypersonic vehicles is described. The CAVE is written in FORTRAN 4 and is operational on both IBM 360-67 and CDC 6600 computers. The method of solution is a hybrid analytical numerical technique that is inherently stable permitting large time steps even with the best of conductors having the finest of mesh size. The aerodynamic heating boundary conditions are calculated by the code based on the input flight trajectory or can optionally be calculated external to the code and then entered as input data. The code computes the network conduction and convection links, as well as capacitance values, given basic geometrical and mesh sizes, for four generations (leading edges, cooled panels, X-24C structure and slabs). Input and output formats are presented and explained. Sample problems are included. A brief summary of the hybrid analytical-numerical technique, which utilizes eigenvalues (thermal frequencies) and eigenvectors (thermal mode vectors) is given along with aerodynamic heating equations that have been incorporated in the code and flow charts.

Rathjen, K. A.

Study on prestressed concrete reactor vessel structures. II-5: Crack analysis by three dimensional finite elements method of 1/20 multicavity type PCRV subjected to internal pressure

A three-dimensional finite elements analysis is reported of the nonlinear behavior of PCRV subjected to internal pressure by comparing calculated results with test results. As the first stage, an analysis considering the nonlinearity of cracking in concrete was attempted. As a result, it is found possible to make an analysis up to three times the design pressure (50 kg/sqcm), and calculated results agree well with test results.

Source record

Development of an explicit multigrid algorithm for quasi-three-dimensional viscous flows in turbomachinery

A rapid quasi three-dimensional analysis was developed for blade-to-blade flows in turbomachinery. The analysis solves the unsteady Euler or thin layer Navier-Stokes equations in a body-fitted coordinate system. It accounts for the effects of rotation, radius change, and stream-surface thickness. The Baldwin-Lomax eddy-viscosity model is used for turbulent flows. The equations which are solved b a two-stage Runge-Kutta scheme made efficient by use of vectorization, a variable time-step, and a flux-based multigrid scheme, are described. A stability analysis is presented for the two-stage. Results for a flat-plate model problem show the applicability of the method to axial, radial, and rotating geometries. Results for a centrifugal impeller and a radial diffuser show that the quasi three-dimensional viscous analysis can be a practical design tool.

Chima, R. V.

Development of an explicit multigrid algorithm for quasi-three-dimensional viscous flows in turbo-machinery

A rapid quasi three-dimensional analysis was developed for blade-to-blade flows in turbomachinery. The analysis solves the unsteady Euler or thin layer Navier-Stokes equations in a body-fitted coordinate system. It accounts for the effects of rotation, radius change, and stream-surface thickness. The Baldwin-Lomax eddy-viscosity model is used for turbulent flows. The equations which are solved by a two-stage Runge-Kutta scheme made efficient by use of vectorization, a variable time-step, and a flux-based multigrid scheme, are described. A stability analysis is presented for the two-stage scheme. Results for a flat-plate model problem show the applicability of the method to axial, radial, and rotating geometries. Results for a centrifugal impeller and a radial diffuser show that the quasi three-dimensional viscous analysis can be a practical design tool.

Chima, R. V.

Finite element analysis of helicopter structures

Application of the finite element analysis is now being expanded to three dimensional analysis of mechanical components. Examples are presented for airframe, mechanical components, and composite structure calculations. Data are detailed on the increase of model size, computer usage, and the effect on reducing stress analysis costs. Future applications for use of finite element analysis for helicopter structures are projected.

Rich, M. J.

A deflection formula for single-span beams of constant section subjected to combined axial and transverse loads

In this paper there is presented a deflection formula for single-span beams of constant section subjected to combined axial and transverse loads of the types commonly encountered in airplane design. The form of the equation is obtainable by dimensional analysis. Tables and curves of the non dimensional coefficients are appended to facilitate the use of the formula. The equation is applied to the determination of the spring constant of a beam. Tables and curves are presented to show the variation of the spring constant with changes in the axial load and position along the beam.

Burke, Walter F