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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 217 records · Page 12

Compressor and fan wake characteristics

A triaxial probe and a rotating conventional probe, mounted on a traverse gear operated by two step motors were used to measure the mean velocities and turbulence quantities across a rotor wake at various radial locations and downstream stations. The data obtained was used in an analytical model developed to study how rotor flow and blade parameters and turbulence properties such as energy, velocity correlations, and length scale affect the rotor wake characteristics and its diffusion properties. The model, includes three dimensional attributes, can be used in predicting the discrete as well as broadband noise generated in a fan rotor, as well as in evaluating the aerodynamic losses, efficiency and optimum spacing between a rotor and stator in turbomachinery.

Reynolds, B.↗

LOX/hydrocarbon fuel carbon formation and mixing data analysis

By applying the Priem-Heidmann Generalized-Length vaporization correlation, the computer model developed by the present study predicts the spatial variation of propellant vaporization rate using the injector cold flow results to define the streamtubes. The calculations show that the overall and local propellant vaporization rate and mixture ratio change drastically as the injection element type or the injector operating condition is changed. These results are compared with the regions of carbon formation observed in the photographic combustion testing. The correlation shows that the fuel vaporization rate and the local mixture ratio produced by the injector element have first order effects on the degree of carbon formation.

Fang, J.↗

Cross Correlation of the 2-10 keV X-Ray Background with Radio Sources: Constraining the Large Scale Structure of the X-Ray Background

We present cross-correlation analyses of the HEAO 2-10 keV diffuse X-ray map with both the combined GB6/Parkes-MIT-NRAO (GB6-PMN) 5 GHz and the FIRST 1.4 GHz radio surveys. The cross-correlation functions (CCFs) of both radio surveys with the unresolved X-ray background were detected at the 5 u level. While the large angular resolution (3 deg) of the X-ray map makes it difficult to separate the contributions of clustering from those of Poisson fluctuations, the amplitude of the CCF provides important constraints on the X-ray emissivity of the radio sources, as well as on the clustering properties of radio and X-ray sources. These constraints are subject to a number of modeling parameters, e.g., X-ray luminosity evolution, clustering evolution, the radio luminosity function, cosmological model, etc. For reasonable choices of parameters the X-ray/FIRST CCF is consistent with a correlation scale length of 6/h Mpc. This is somewhat smaller than the scale length inferred from the autocorrelation function of the FIRST survey and implies that X-ray sources are less strongly clustered than strong radio sources, a result that is consistent with previous constraints on X-ray clustering. The X-ray/GB6-PMN CCF is several times larger and is likely to be dominated by Poisson fluctuations. This implies that approx. 2% of the diffuse X-ray background arises from the GB6-PMN sources.

Boughn, Stephen P.↗

The Prediction of Broadband Shock-Associated Noise Including Propagation Effects

An acoustic analogy is developed based on the Euler equations for broadband shock- associated noise (BBSAN) that directly incorporates the vector Green's function of the linearized Euler equations and a steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solution (SRANS) as the mean flow. The vector Green's function allows the BBSAN propagation through the jet shear layer to be determined. The large-scale coherent turbulence is modeled by two-point second order velocity cross-correlations. Turbulent length and time scales are related to the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation. An adjoint vector Green's function solver is implemented to determine the vector Green's function based on a locally parallel mean flow at streamwise locations of the SRANS solution. However, the developed acoustic analogy could easily be based on any adjoint vector Green's function solver, such as one that makes no assumptions about the mean flow. The newly developed acoustic analogy can be simplified to one that uses the Green's function associated with the Helmholtz equation, which is consistent with the formulation of Morris and Miller (AIAAJ 2010). A large number of predictions are generated using three different nozzles over a wide range of fully expanded Mach numbers and jet stagnation temperatures. These predictions are compared with experimental data from multiple jet noise labs. In addition, two models for the so-called 'fine-scale' mixing noise are included in the comparisons. Improved BBSAN predictions are obtained relative to other models that do not include the propagation effects, especially in the upstream direction of the jet.

Miller, Steven↗

Prediction of Broadband Shock-Associated Noise Including Propagation Effects Originating NASA

An acoustic analogy is developed based on the Euler equations for broadband shock-associated noise (BBSAN) that directly incorporates the vector Green s function of the linearized Euler equations and a steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solution (SRANS) to describe the mean flow. The vector Green s function allows the BBSAN propagation through the jet shear layer to be determined. The large-scale coherent turbulence is modeled by two-point second order velocity cross-correlations. Turbulent length and time scales are related to the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate. An adjoint vector Green s function solver is implemented to determine the vector Green s function based on a locally parallel mean flow at different streamwise locations. The newly developed acoustic analogy can be simplified to one that uses the Green s function associated with the Helmholtz equation, which is consistent with a previous formulation by the authors. A large number of predictions are generated using three different nozzles over a wide range of fully-expanded jet Mach numbers and jet stagnation temperatures. These predictions are compared with experimental data from multiple jet noise experimental facilities. In addition, two models for the so-called fine-scale mixing noise are included in the comparisons. Improved BBSAN predictions are obtained relative to other models that do not include propagation effects.

Miller, Steven↗

Some Scenarios for Transition on Turbomachinery Blading

Measurements on transition under different levels of adverse pressure gradient and free-stream turbulence level are described. This extensive series of investigations, which was predicated on intermittency measurement techniques, has resulted in correlations for transition length and turbulent spot formation rate. These correlations rae intended to be used in conjunction with boundary layer prediction methods and examples are given of such predictions. More effective predictions of the transition region, especially under conditions of variable pressure gradient, are dependent on a more comprehensive understanding of transition and spot behavior. It is expected that this will result in improved transition modeling.

Gostelow, J. P.↗

Multipoint Measurements in an Axisymmetric Sudden Expansion

A flying wire system was utilized in conjunction with a rake of nine cross-wire probes to obtain simultaneous velocity measurements in an axisymmetric sudden expansion at a Reynolds number of 41,000. From these measurements, the correlation tensor could be calculated. Knowledge of the two-point correlation tensor reveals more in-depth information of the physical attributes of this flow. The two point correlation tensor allowed for calculation of the integrated length scales in both the radial and axial directions. This gives insight into the growth of structures with increasing downstream distance and at different radial locations through out the sudden expansion. The length scales were calculated by integrating the two-point correlation tensor in the radial direction from the centerline to the outer pipe wall and by integrating between several step heights for the axial direction. Calculated correlations at z/h = 8 and 9 at r/R = 0.46 showed a correlation length of 1/3 step height for the radial direction. It was found that length scales in the radial direction became larger with increasing radius with peaks at 0.70 e r/R c 0.81 but then decreased slightly towards the wall. Length scales in the axial direction yielded a recirculating bubble on the order of 3 step heights in the recirculating region. After the recirculating region, the length scales decreased to 1/4 of a step height.

Eaton, Erroll L.↗

Fractal geometry of some Martian lava flow margins: Alba Patera

Fractal dimension for a few lava flow margins on the gently sloping flanks of Alba Patera were measured using the structured walk method. Fractal behavior was observed at scales ranging from 20 to 100 pixels. The upper limit of the linear part of log(margin length) vs. log(scale) profile correlated well to the margin length. The lower limit depended on resolution and flow properties.

Kauhanen, K.↗

Application of the AMI C sub l sub max prediction method to a number of airfoils

A method for calculating the flow about airfoils up to and beyond the stall is described. It is an iterative procedure between potential flow and boundary layer solutions. The separated region is modeled in the potential flow analysis using free vortex sheets which require an inner iteration to establish their shapes. The free vortex sheet length is an important parameter in the potential flow calculation. Results so far indicate a possible correlation between wake length and airfoil thickness/chord ratio. Calculated and experimental results are compared for a series of airfoils.

Dvorak, F. A.↗

Correlations by the entrainment theory of thermodynamic effects for developed cavitation in venturis and comparisons with ogive data

A semi-empirical entrainment theory was employed to correlate the measured temperature depression, Delta T, in a developed cavity for a venturi. This theory correlates Delta t in terms of the dimensionless numbers of Nusselt, Reynolds, Froude, Weber and Peclet, and dimensionless cavity length, L/D. These correlations are then compared with similar correlations for zero and quarter caliber ogives. In addition, cavitation number data for both limited and developed cavitation in venturis are presented.

Billet, M. L.↗

Applicability of Mixing Length Theory to a Turbulent Vortex System

The ability of mixing length theory to correlate vortex data is evaluated. Expressions are derived for eddy diffusivity by applying the techniques of von Karman and Prandtl which have been established for pipe flow. Total and static pressures were measured from the outer radius to the exhaust-nozzle radius of a vortex generator for a range of mass flows. These data are combined with Navier-Stokes solutions for this region of a compressible vortex to determine turbulent Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds number is related to Prandtl and Karman functions for various assumed boundary conditions, and the experimental data are used to determine the usefulness of these expressions. The following conclusions were reached: (1) Mixing length functions developed by applying von Karman's similarity hypothesis to vortex motion correlate the data better than do Prandtl functions obtained with the assumption that mixing length is proportional to radius. (2) Some of the expressions developed do not adequately represent the experimental data. (3) The data are correlated with acceptable scatter by evaluating the fluid radial inertia at the outer boundary and the shear stress at the inner boundary. The universal constant K was found to be 0.04 to 0.08, rather than the value of 0.4 which is accepted for rectilinear flow. (4) The data are best correlated by a modified Karman expression which includes an effect of radial inertia, as well as shear stress, on eddy diffusivity.

Ragsdale, Robert G.↗

The use of silica aerogel to collect interplanetary dust in space

We report on impact experiments to evaluate the suitability of silica aerogel as a capture medium for interplanetary dust particles in space. The structure of silica aerogel is such that even micrometer-sized hypervelocity particles may sense it as a target of very low density; consequently shock stresses and temperatures due to impact should be minimized. We performed impact experiments in a light gas gun that employed projectiles manufactured from forsterite, pyrrhotite, and calcite. From these experiments we have developed techniques that will permit the successful extrication of interplanetary dust particles from aerogel. We note a rough correlation between increasing particle penetration lengths and decreasing aerogel density, and there is a poor correlation of track lengths with impact velocity at laboratory-attainable velocities of 5-7 km/s. We conclude that aerogel track length should not be used even as (crude) velocity indicators. Transmission electron microscope studies show the re covered particulate residues are encased in melted silica aerogel, which possibly protects the residue from some impact damage. Individual minerals within interplanetary dust are expected to exhibit differential survival, and may be vaporized, melted, dehydrated, or structurally reordered. However, some mineral grains should successfully be captured in an unmelted state at encounter velocities less than 8 km/s.

Zolensky, Michael E.↗

IMF Length Scales and Predictability: The Two Length Scale Medium

We present preliminary results from a systematic study using simultaneous data from three spacecraft, Wind, IMP 8 (Interplanetary Monitoring Platform) and Geotail to examine interplanetary length scales and their implications on predictability for magnetic field parcels in the typical solar wind. Time periods were selected when the plane formed by the three spacecraft included the GSE (Ground Support Equipment) x-direction so that if the parcel fronts were strictly planar, the two adjacent spacecraft pairs would determine the same phase front angles. After correcting for the motion of the Earth relative to the interplanetary medium and deviations in the solar wind flow from radial, we used differences in the measured front angle between the two spacecraft pairs to determine structure radius of curvature. Results indicate that the typical radius of curvature for these IMF parcels is of the order of 100 R (Sub E). This implies that there are two important IMF (Interplanetary Magnetic Field) scale lengths relevant to predictability: (1) the well-established scale length over which correlations observed by two spacecraft decay along a given IMF parcel, of the order of a few tens of Earth radii and (2) the scale length over which two spacecraft are unlikely to even observe the same parcel because of its curvature, of the order of a hundred Earth radii.

Collier, Michael R.↗

Test and evaluation of water vapor radiometers

The accuracy of very long baseline interferometry in geodetic and astrometric applications is primarily limited by the propagation delays through the troposphere. The part of this delay that is most difficult to predict is due to atmospheric water vapor which can contribute up to about 40 cm of excess propagation path at microwave frequencies. The water vapor content in the atmosphere is variable and is not well correlated with surface meteorological variables. The brightness temperature measured near the transition of water vapor at 22.2 GHz and the propagation delay due to water vapor, or wet path length, are well correlated. This correlation is not perfect because the absorption coefficient and index of refraction do not have the same dependence on temperature and pressure.

Moran, J.↗

Estimating the Mean Annual Surface Air Temperature at Armagh Observatory, Northern Ireland, and the Global Land-Ocean Temperature Index for Sunspot Cycle 24, the Current Ongoing Sunspot Cycle

As noted by Gray et al., Sir William Herschel was the first to suggest a possible close connection between the Sun and the Earth’s climate. The Sun, being the source of energy that impacts and drives the Earth’s climate system, displays a variety of changes over both short and long term time scales, the most obvious examples being the somewhat regular waxing and waning of sunspots with time (i.e., the sunspot cycle (SC)), first described by Samuel Heinrich Schwabe, a German apothecary and amateur astronomer who observed the Sun from Dessau, Germany, and the now well established variation of the Sun’s irradiance over the SC. Other factors related to the SC have been linked to changes in climate as well. Some of these other factors include the role of cosmic rays and the solar wind (i.e., the geomagnetic cycle) on climate, as well as the apparent close association between trends in global and northern hemispheric temperature and the length of the SC, although some investigators have described the inferred association between climate and, in particular, SC length as now being weak. More recently, Solheim et al. have reported on the relation between SC length and the average temperature in the same and immediately following SC for a number of meteorological stations in Norway and in the North Atlantic region. They noted that while they found no significant trend (correlation) between SC length and the average temperature when measured for the same cycle, in contrast, they found a significant negative trend when SC length was compared with the following cycle’s average temperature. From this observation, they suggested that average northern hemispheric temperature during the present ongoing SC (SC24) will be lower by about 0.9 °C than was seen in SC23 (spanning 1996–2007, based on yearly averages of sunspot number (SSN), and onset for SC24 occurring in 2008). The purpose of this Technical Publication (TP) is to examine the annual variations of the Armagh surface air temperature (ASAT) and the Global Land-Ocean Temperature Index (GLOTI) in relation to SSN and the SC in order to determine their likely values during SC24. Hence, it may provide insight as to whether solar forcing of global temperature is now lessening as a contributor to global warming, thereby indicating a possible cooling in the near term immediate future that potentially could ameliorate the effect of increased anthropogenic warming.

Wilson, Robert M.↗

Phase diagrams and microscopic structures of (Hg,Cd)Te, (Hg,Zn)Te, and (Cd,Zn)Te alloys

A cluster theory based on the quasi-chemical approximation has been applied to study the local correlation bond-length distribution, and phase diagrams of the II-VI pseudobinary alloys Hg(1 - x)Cd(x)Te, Hg(1 - x)Zn(x)Te, and Cd(1 - x)Zn(x)Te. The cluster energy is calculated by letting it relax in some effective alloy medium and then considering the contributions from the strain and chemical energies. Two different models are presented to simulate the alloy medium. While both models show that all three alloys have nearly random distributions, the signs of the local correlation prove to be sensitive to the alloy medium chosen for the energy calculation. Good agreement is found between experiment and the bond lengths and phase diagrams in both models.

Patrick, R. S.↗

Estimation of the vortex length scale and intensity from two-dimensional samples

A method is proposed for estimating flow features that influence flame wrinkling in reciprocating internal combustion engines, where traditional statistical measures of turbulence are suspect. Candidate methods were tested in a computed channel flow where traditional turbulence measures are valid and performance can be rationally evaluated. Two concepts are tested. First, spatial filtering is applied to the two-dimensional velocity distribution and found to reveal structures corresponding to the vorticity field. Decreasing the spatial-frequency cutoff of the filter locally changes the character and size of the flow structures that are revealed by the filter. Second, vortex length scale and intensity is estimated by computing the ensemble-average velocity distribution conditionally sampled on the vorticity peaks. The resulting conditionally sampled 'average vortex' has a peak velocity less than half the rms velocity and a size approximately equal to the two-point-correlation integral-length scale.

Reuss, D. L.↗