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At least 199 records · Page 11

Radiative interactions in laminar duct flows

Analyses and numerical procedures are presented for infrared radiative energy transfer in gases when other modes of energy transfer occur simultaneously. Two types of geometries are considered, a parallel plate duct and a circular duct. Fully developed laminar incompressible flows of absorbing-emitting species in black surfaced ducts are considered under the conditions of uniform wall heat flux. The participating species considered are OH, CO, CO2, and H2O. Nongray as well as gray formulations are developed for both geometries. Appropriate limiting solutions of the governing equations are obtained and conduction-radiation interaction parameters are evaluated. Tien and Lowder's wide band model correlation was used in nongray formulation. Numerical procedures are presented to solve the integro-differential equations for both geometries. The range of physical variables considered are 300 to 2000 K for temperature, 0.1 to 100.0 atm for pressure, and 0.1 to 100 cm spacings between plates/radius of the tube. An extensive parametric study based on nongray formulation is presented. Results obtained for different flow conditions indicate that the radiative interactions can be quite significant in fully developed incompressible flows.

Trivedi, P. A.↗

Rotating reactor studies

Undesired gravitational effects such as convection or sedimentation in a fluid can sometimes be avoided or decreased by the use of a closed chamber uniformly rotated about a horizontal axis. In a previous study, the spiral orbits of a heavy or buoyant particle in a uniformly rotating fluid were determined. The particles move in circles, and spiral in or out under the combined effects of the centrifugal force and centrifugal buoyancy. A optimization problem for the rotation rate of a cylindrical reactor rotated about its axis and containing distributed particles was formulated and solved. Related studies in several areas are addressed. A computer program based on the analysis was upgraded by correcting some minor errors, adding a sophisticated screen-and-printer graphics capability and other output options, and by improving the automation. The design, performance, and analysis of a series of experiments with monodisperse polystyrene latex microspheres in water were supported to test the theory and its limitations. The theory was amply confirmed at high rotation rates. However, at low rotation rates (1 rpm or less) the assumption of uniform solid-body rotation of the fluid became invalid, and there were increasingly strong secondary motions driven by variations in the mean fluid density due to variations in the particle concentration. In these tests the increase in the mean fluid density due to the particles was of order 0.015 percent. To a first approximation, these flows are driven by the buoyancy in a thin crescent-shaped depleted layer on the descending side of the rotating reactor. This buoyancy distribution is balanced by viscosity near the walls, and by the Coriolis force in the interior. A full analysis is beyond the scope of this study. Secondary flows are likely to be stronger for buoyant particles, which spiral in towards the neutral point near the rotation axis under the influence of their centrifugal buoyancy. This is because the depleted layer is thicker and extends all the way around the reactor.

Roberts, Glyn O.↗

Modeling of Bulk Evaporation and Condensation

This report describes the modeling and mathematical formulation of the bulk evaporation and condensation involved in liquid-vapor phase change processes. An internal energy formulation, for these phase change processes that occur under the constraint of constant volume, was studied. Compared to the enthalpy formulation, the internal energy formulation has a more concise and compact form. The velocity and time scales of the interface movement were obtained through scaling analysis and verified by performing detailed numerical experiments. The convection effect induced by the density change was analyzed and found to be negligible compared to the conduction effect. Two iterative methods for updating the value of the vapor phase fraction, the energy based (E-based) and temperature based (T-based) methods, were investigated. Numerical experiments revealed that for the evaporation and condensation problems the E-based method is superior to the T-based method in terms of computational efficiency. The internal energy formulation and the E-based method were used to compute the bulk evaporation and condensation processes under different conditions. The evolution of the phase change processes was investigated. This work provided a basis for the modeling of thermal performance of multi-phase nuclear fuel elements under variable gravity conditions, in which the buoyancy convection due to gravity effects and internal heating are involved.

Anghaie, S.↗

Determination of Interfacial Rheological Properties through Microgravity Oscillations of Bubbles and Drops

This report summarizes our derivations of analytical expressions for the frequencies and damping constants for small-amplitude axisymmetric shape oscillations of a liquid drop suspended in an immiscible fluid host in microgravity. In particular, this work addresses large Reynolds number shape oscillations and focuses on the surface rheological effects that arise from the presence of insoluble surfactants at the interface. Parameters characterizing viscous effects from the bulk phases, surface viscous effects, Marangoni effects from the surface advection and diffusion of surfactants, and the Gibbs elasticity are all considered and analyzed to determine the relative importance of each contribution. Supplementing the analytical treatment for small-amplitude oscillations, a numerical boundary integral equation formulation is developed for the study of large-amplittide axisymmetric oscillations of a drop in vacuum. The boundary integral formulation is an extension of classical potential flow theory and approximately accounts for viscous effects in the bulk fluid as well as the surface viscous and Marangoni effects resulting from an insoluble surfactant contaminating the interface. Theoretical and numerical results are presented for four distinct cases. These, range from the case when the effects of the surfactants are 'negligible' to 'large' when compared to the viscous effects in the bulk phases. The feasibility of the non-contact measurement of the surface parameters, using experimental observations for the oscillation frequencies and damping constants of drops and bubbles, is discussed.

Nadim, Ali↗

Pumping Loss of Shrouded Meshed Spur Gears

High speed rotorcraft transmissions are subject to load-independent power losses consisting of drag loss and pumping loss. Tightly conforming shrouds enclosing the transmission gears are often incorporated to reduce the drag component of the total load-independent losses. However, tightly conforming axial shrouds can result in an increase in the pumping loss component. Quantifying the pumping loss of shrouded gear transmissions has been the subject of many studies. This study presents a new approach for estimating pumping loss based on the concept of swept volume and examines the applicability of the approach to various shroud configurations.The drag loss and pumping loss of a shrouded spur gear pair has been determined through testing using the NASAGlenn Research Center (GRC) Gear Windage Test Facility.The results from this testing have been compared to theoretical results using the formulations presented in this study. In addition, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis has been conducted for the various shroud configurations tested at NASA GRC. The results from the CFD analysis confirm the theoretical and empirical results and provide insight into the applicability of the swept volume approach for estimating pumping power loss of shrouded gear transmissions.

Michael J. Hurrell↗

A Wall-Modeled LES Perspective for the High Lift Common Research Model Using LAVA

A new immersed boundary Wall-Modelled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES) formulation is developed to study high-lift aerodynamics on the NASA High-Lift Common Research Model (HL-CRM). A sequence of Cartesian Octree grids with sizes ranging from 100 Million through 2.02 Billion grid points is utilized to systematically assess grid-sensitivity and convergence for the in-tunnel (QinetiQ) configuration of the model, and remarkable agreement between the immersed boundary and the curvilinear body-aligned WMLES formulations is reported on grids with comparable resolutions. In the free-air configuration of the model, consistent predictions between the Curvilinear Overset and the Cartesian Octree formulations are reported for angles of attack up to C(L,max) at a=19.57. However, some differences in the onset of stall are seen between the two methods for a>20°: while the curvilinear WMLES experiences wing-root separation with increasing angle of attack (Topology A), the Cartesian Octree formulation shows a different flow topology characterized by boundary layer weakness on the main element, emanating from the pylon-wing attachment (Topology B). In order to obtain further insight into the two-distinct topologies, carefully designed numerical experiments to isolate effects of the model standoff and the tunnel wall-boundary layers are conducted using the immersed boundary WMLES formulation. The increased incidence angle-of-attack on the inboard portion of the wing due to the standoff is shown to be sufficient for triggering a switch from Topology B to Topology A in Cartesian WMLES. The role of the floor boundary layer is further examined in detail by identification of additional corner-flow vorticity generated by the viscous juncture flow interactions between the floor boundary layer and the standoff leading to formation of a strong coherent and persistent vortex on the belly-side of the fuselage. The intensity of this vortex is shown to increase with the thickness of the floor boundary layer. A further increase in the incidence angle of attack near the leading-edge strake caused by the presence of this belly-side vortex is quantified for two-distinct floor boundary layers. Both of the floor boundary layers considered result in the onset of large scale wing-root separation at a=21.47in non-confined (free-air) configurations.

TTT↗

Swept Volume Approach for the Characterization of Pumping Loss of Shrouded Meshed Cylindrical Gears

High speed rotorcraft transmissions are subject to load-independent power losses consisting of drag and pumping loss. Tightly conforming shrouds enclosing the transmission gears are often incorporated to reduce the drag component of the total load-independent losses. However, tightly conforming axial shrouding can result in an increase in the pumping loss component. Quantifying the pumping loss of shrouded gear transmissions has been the subject of many studies. This study presents a new approach for estimating pumping loss based on the concept of swept volume borrowed from the positive displacement pump and compressor industry. In this study, pumping loss of shrouded gear transmissions is considered to be related to the swept volume of the gear sets and the downstream flow resistance created by the shroud clearances. The drag loss and pumping loss of a spur gear pair have been determined through testing using the NASA Glenn Research Center Gear Windage Test Facility. The results from this testing have been compared to theoretical results using the formulations presented in this study. Good correlation exist between the test pumping power loss and the predicted pumping power loss for tightly conforming axial shroud configurations.

Hurrell, Michael J.↗

Study of aerodynamic surface control of space shuttle boost and reentry, volume 1

The optimization technique is described which was used in the study for applying modern optimal control technology to the design of shuttle booster engine reaction control systems and aerodynamic control systems. Complete formulations are presented for both the ascent and reentry portions of the study. These formulations include derivations of the 6D perturbation equations of motion and the process followed in the control and blending law selections. A total hybrid software concept applied to the study is described in detail. Conclusions and recommendations based on the results of the study are included.

Chang, C. J.↗

Effect of grid system on finite element calculation

Detailed parametric studies of the effect of grid system on finite element calculation for potential flows were made. These studies led to the formulation of a design criteria for optimum mesh system and the development of two methods to generate the optimum mesh system. The guidelines for optimum mesh system are: (1) the mesh structure should be regular; (2) the element should be as regular and equilateral as possible; (3) the distribution of size of element should be consistent with that of flow variables to insure maximum uniformity in error distribution; (4) for non-Dirichlet boundary conditions, smaller boundary elements or higher order interpolation functions should be used; and (5) the mesh should accommodate the boundary geometry as accurately as possible. The results of the parametric studies are presented.

Lee, K. D.↗

NASA Langley Research Center Systems Analysis & Concepts Directorate Participation in the Exploration Systems Architecture Study

The NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Systems Analysis & Concepts Directorate (SACD) began studying human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) in the year 1999. This included participation in NASA s Decadal Planning Team (DPT), the NASA Exploration Team (NExT), Space Architect studies and Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts (RASC) architecture studies that were used in formulating the new Vision for Space Exploration. In May of 2005, NASA initiated the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS). The primary outputs of the ESAS activity were concepts and functional requirements for the Crewed Exploration Vehicle (CEV), its supporting launch vehicle infrastructure and identification of supporting technology requirements and investments. An exploration systems analysis capability has evolved to support these functions in the past and continues to evolve to support anticipated future needs. SACD had significant roles in supporting the ESAS study team. SACD personnel performed the liaison function between the ESAS team and the Shuttle/Station Configuration Options Team (S/SCOT), an agency-wide team charged with using the Space Shuttle to complete the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. The most significant of the identified issues involved the ability of the Space Shuttle system to achieve the desired number of flights in the proposed time frame. SACD with support from the Kennedy Space Center performed analysis showing that, without significant investments in improving the shuttle processing flow, that there was almost no possibility of completing the 28-flight sequence by the end of 2010. SACD performed numerous Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM) trades to define top level element requirements and establish architecture propellant needs. Configuration trades were conducted to determine the impact of varying degrees of segmentation of the living capabilities of the combined descent stage, ascent stage, and other elements. The technology assessment process was developed and implemented by SACD as the ESAS architecture was refined. SACD implemented a rigorous and objective process which included (a) establishing architectural functional needs, (b) collection, synthesis and mapping of technology data, and (c) performing an objective decision analysis resulting in technology development investment recommendations. The investment recommendation provided budget, schedule, and center/program allocations to develop required technologies for the exploration architecture, as well as the identification of other investment opportunities to maximize performance and flexibility while minimizing cost and risk. A summary of the trades performed and methods utilized by SACD for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESAS) activity is presented along with how SACD is currently supporting the implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration.

Keyes, Jennifer↗

Pilot Sensitivity to Simulator Flight Dynamics Model Formulation for Stall Training

A piloted simulation study was performed in the Cockpit Motion Facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center. The research was motivated by the desire to reduce the commercial transport airplane fatal accident rate due to in-flight loss of control. The purpose of this study, which focused on a generic T-tail transport airplane, was to assess pilot sensitivity to flight dynamics model formulation used during a simulator stall recognition and recovery training/demonstration profile. To accomplish this, the flight dynamics model was designed with many configuration options. The model options were based on recently acquired static and dynamic stability and control data from sources that included wind tunnel, water tunnel, and computational fluid dynamics. The results, which are specific to a transport airplane stall recognition and recovery guided demonstration scenario, showed the two most important aerodynamic effects (other than stick pusher) to model were stall roll- off and the longitudinal static stability characteristic associated with the pitch break.

Cunningham, Kevin↗

Transition research using flight experiments

The paper deals with flight experiments as a means of obtaining proper transition information in an uncontaminated environment. Flight transition experiments performed in the early to middle 1950s using rocket-propelled vehicles are outlined. It is noted that the standards for research quality experiments on stability and transition are no different for flight studies than for wind-tunnel experiments. The guidelines formulated by the U.S. Boundary Layer Transition Study Group are listed. Attention is focused on the relationship between the model design and the measurement of disturbance environment, the maintenance and monitoring of test and model-surface conditions, and a need for high data-sampling rates.

Reshotko, Eli↗

Topological structure of an anharmonically coupled many-body system.

It has been proposed recently that the description of a many-body system with anharmonic coupling could be achieved through the use of the generalized Bose operators of Brandt and Greenberg (1969) directly in a second quantized form. The present study describes a new formulation of the generalized Bose operators which exploits the group theoretical content of these operators.

Rasetti, M.↗

A method for direct numerical integration of the Boltzmann equation

The principal difficulties in numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation are considered. The study is aimed at formulating a numerical solution in such a manner that it contains a minimum amount of excess information at the distribution function level. It is pointed out that the accurate calculation of the distribution function at each point in phase space requires a tremendous number of operations, due to the necessity of solving five-fold quadratures in the collision integral. This results in the operational memory of the digital computer being insufficient to store all the data on the distribution functions at the necessary points in phase space. An algorithm is constructed involving successive iterations of the Boltzmann equation which does not require storage of each step of the new distribution function.

Cheremisin, F. G.↗

An analytical and experimental evaluation of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator

An analytical and experimental evaluation of line focusing Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range was studied. Analytical techniques were formulated to assess the solar transmission and imaging properties of a grooves down lens. Experimentation was based on a 56 cm wide, f/1.0 lens. A Sun tracking heliostat provided a nonmoving solar source. Measured data indicated more spreading at the profile base than analytically predicted, resulting in a peak concentration 18 percent lower than the computed peak of 57. The measured and computed transmittances were 85 and 87 percent, respectively. Preliminary testing with a subsequent lens indicated that modified manufacturing techniques corrected the profile spreading problem and should enable improved analytical experimental correlation.

Hastings, L. J.↗

AMPS data management concepts

Five typical AMPS experiments were formulated to allow simulation studies to verify data management concepts. Design studies were conducted to analyze these experiments in terms of the applicable procedures, data processing and displaying functions. Design concepts for AMPS data management system are presented which permit both automatic repetitive measurement sequences and experimenter-controlled step-by-step procedures. Extensive use is made of a cathode ray tube display, the experimenters' alphanumeric keyboard, and the computer. The types of computer software required by the system and the possible choices of control and display procedures available to the experimenter are described for several examples. An electromagnetic wave transmission experiment illustrates the methods used to analyze data processing requirements.

Metzelaar, P. N.↗

Random motion analysis of flexible satellite structures

A singular perturbation formulation is used to study the responses of a flexible satellite when random measurement errors can occur. The random variables, at different instants of time, are assumed to be uncorrelated. Procedures for obtaining maxima and minima are described, and a variation of the linear method is developed for the formal solution of the two-point boundary-value problems represented by the variational equations. Random and deterministic solutions for the structural position coordinates are studied, and an analytic algorithm for treating the force equation of motion is developed. Since the random system indicated by the variational equation will always be asymptotically unstable, any analysis of stability must be based on the deterministic system.

Huang, T. C.↗