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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Collisional dynamics of perturbed particle disks in the solar system

Investigations of the collisional evolution of particulate disks subject to the gravitational perturbation of a more massive particle orbiting within the disk are underway. Both numerical N-body simulations using a novel collision algorithm and analytical kinetic theory are being employed to extend our understanding of perturbed disks in planetary rings and during the formation of the solar system. Particular problems proposed for investigation are: (1) The development and testing of general criteria for a small moonlet to clear a gap and produce observable morphological features in planetary rings; (2) The development of detailed models of collisional damping of the wavy edges observed on the Encke division of Saturn's A ring; and (3) The determination of the extent of runaway growth of the few largest planetesimals during the early stages of planetary accretion.

Roberts, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Numerical solutions of the complete Navier-Stokes equations

Using ideas from the kinetic theory, the Navier-Stokes equations are modified in such a way that they can be cast as a set of first order hyperbolic equations. This is achieved by incorporating time dependent terms into the definition of the stress tensor and the heat flux vectors. The boundary conditions are then determined from the theory of characteristics. Because the resulting equations reduce to the traditional Navier-Stokes equations when the steady state is reached, the present approach provides a straightforward scheme for the determination of inflow and outflow boundary conditions. The method is validated by comparing its predictions with known exact solutions of the steady Navier-Stokes equations.

Hassan, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Crosslinking-property relationships in PMR polyimide composites. I

The thermooxidatively-induced crosslinking/ physical and mechanical property relationships of graphite fiber-reinforced PMR polyimide-matrix composites were studied during isothermal exposure of the composite specimens at 288 C in air for periods of up to 5000 hr. The crosslinking densities due to this treatment were estimated on the basis of the kinetic theory of rubber elasticity and shifts in the glass transition temperature T(g). Several linear relationships are noted between crosslink density and physical and mechanical properties: T(g), initial weight loss, and elevated temperature interlaminar shear strength increase with crosslink density, while initial moisture absorption decreases. After achieving the highest crosslink density, several of the composite properties begin to decrease from their maximum values.

Pater, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Cellular automaton formulation of passive scalar dynamics

Cellular automata modeling of the advection of a passive scalar in a two-dimensional flow is examined in the context of discrete lattice kinetic theory. It is shown that if the passive scalar is represented by tagging or 'coloring' automation particles a passive advection-diffusion equation emerges without use of perturbation expansions. For the specific case of the hydrodynamic lattice gas model of Frisch et al. (1986), the diffusion coefficient is calculated by perturbation.

Chen, Hudong↗
NASA NTRS1987

Finite difference solution for a generalized Reynolds equation with homogeneous two-phase flow

An attempt is made to relate elements of two-phase flow and kinetic theory to the modified generalized Reynolds equation and to the energy equation, in order to arrive at a unified model simulating the pressure and flows in journal bearings, hydrostatic journal bearings, or squeeze film dampers when a two-phase situation occurs due to sudden fluid depressurization and heat generation. The numerical examples presented furnish a test of the algorithm for constant properties, and give insight into the effect of the shaft fluid heat transfer coefficient on the temperature profiles. The different level of pressures achievable for a given angular velocity depends on whether the bearing is thermal or nonisothermal; upwind differencing is noted to be essential for the derivation of a realistic profile.

Braun, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes equations

Using ideas from kinetic theory, the Navier-Stokes equations are modified in such a way that they can be cast as a set of first order hyperbolic equations. This is achieved by incorporating time dependent terms into the definition of the stress tensor and the heat flux vectors. The boundary conditions are then determined from the theory of characteristics. Because the resulting equations reduce to the traditional Navier-Stokes equations when the steady state is reached, the present approach provides a straightforward scheme for the determination of inflow and outflow boundary conditions. The method is validated by comparing its predictions with exact and numerical solutions of the steady Navier-Stokes equations.

Rudisill, Edgar N., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A proposed non-intrusive method for finding coefficients of slip and molecular reflectivity in microgravity

A proposed experimental program to look at a series of vapor transport properties measured along solid and liquid surfaces is described. The research objectives proposed are: (1) with accuracy otherwise unobtainable on ground, to determine the coefficient of slip measured between gases and the surfaces of liquids and solids; (2) for the first time, to classify and tabulate dominant surface effects found for a variety of solids, particularly those crystalized by vapor transport; and (3) to extend understanding of settling rates predicted for cosmic dust and condensed vapor falling through planetary atmospheres. The method used to obtain these objectives, has aided, to an order of magnitude, understanding of various liquid-gas interfaces such as oil and water. But to date, no similar characterization has proved successful for solids or liquids of uncertain densities. Likewise, no data exist in either ground-based research or as part of a microgravity program that, when collected with the high accuracy expected in low gravity, could definitely settle outstanding questions in kinetic theory, molecular dynamics, and cosmic physics.

Noever, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Experimental program for real gas flow code validation at NASA Ames Research Center

The experimental program for validating real gas hypersonic flow codes at NASA Ames is described. Ground based test facilities used include ballistic ranges, shock tubes and shock tunnels, arcjet facilities and heated air hypersonic wind tunnels. Also included are large scale computer systems for kinetic theory simulations and benchmark code solutions. Flight tests consist of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment, the Space Shuttle, Project Fire 2, and planetary probes such as Galileo, Pioneer Venus and PAET.

Deiwert, George S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

On the Nature of Navier-stokes Turbulence

Several turbulent and nonturbulent solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained. The unaveraged equations are used numerically in conjunction with tools and concepts from nonlinear dynamics, including time series, phase portraits, Poincare sections, largest Liapunov exponents, power spectra, and strange attractors. Initially neighboring solutions for a low-Reynolds-number fully developed turbulence are compared. The solutions, separate exponentially with time, having a positive Liapunov exponent. Thus the turbulence is characterized as chaotic. In a search for solutions which contrast with the turbulent ones, the Reynolds number is reduced. Several qualitatively different flows are noted. These are, fully chaotic, complex period, weakly chaotic, simple periodic, and fixed-point. Of these, only the fully chaotic flows are classified as turbulent. Those flows have both a positive Liapunov exponent and Poincare sections without pattern. By contrast, the weakly chaotic flows have some pattern in their Poincare sections. The fixed-point and periodic flows are nonturbulent, since turbulence, is both time-dependent and aperiodic. Turbulent solutions are obtained in which energy cascades from large to small-scale motions. In general, the spectral energy transfer takes place between wavenumber bands that are considerably separated. The special transfer can occur either as a result of nonlinear turbulence self-interaction or by interaction of turbulence with mean gradients. Turbulent systems are compared with those studied in kinetic theory. The two types of systems are fundamentally different (continuous and dissipative as opposed to discrete and conservative), but there are similarities. For instance, both are nonlinear and show sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Also, the turbulent and molecular stress tensors are identical if the macroscopic velocities for the turbulent stress are replaced by molecular velocities.

Deissler, Robert G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Experimental program for real gas flow code validation at NASA Ames Research Center

The experimental program for validating real gas hypersonic flow codes at NASA Ames Rsearch Center is described. Ground-based test facilities used include ballistic ranges, shock tubes and shock tunnels, arc jet facilities and heated-air hypersonic wind tunnels. Also included are large-scale computer systems for kinetic theory simulations and benchmark code solutions. Flight tests consist of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment, the Space Shuttle, Project Fire 2, and planetary probes such as Galileo, Pioneer Venus, and PAET.

Deiwert, George S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Exact solutions and low-frequency instability of the adiabatic auroral arc model

The adiabatic auroral arc model couples a kinetic theory parallel current driven by mirror forces to horizontal ionospheric currents; the resulting equations are nonlinear. Some exact stationary solutions to these equations, some of them based on the Liouville equation, are developed, with both latitudinal and longitudinal spatial variations. These Liouville equation exact solutions are related to stability boundaries of low-frequency instabilities such as Kelvin-Helmholtz, as shown by a study of a simplified model.

Cornwall, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Flow of rarefied gases over two-dimensional bodies

A kinetic-theory analysis is made of the flow of rarefied gases over two-dimensional bodies of arbitrary curvature. The Boltzmann equation simplified by a model collision integral is written in an arbitrary orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system, and solved by means of finite-difference approximation with the discrete ordinate method. A numerical code is developed which can be applied to any two-dimensional submerged body of arbitrary curvature for the flow regimes from free-molecular to slip at transonic Mach numbers. Predictions are made for the case of a right circular cylinder.

Jeng, Duen-Ren↗
NASA NTRS1989

Rarefied gas flow through two-dimensional nozzles

A kinetic theory analysis is made of the flow of a rarefied gas from one reservoir to another through two-dimensional nozzles with arbitrary curvature. The Boltzmann equation simplified by a model collision integral is solved by means of finite-difference approximations with the discrete ordinate method. The physical space is transformed by a general grid generation technique and the velocity space is transformed to a polar coordinate system. A numerical code is developed which can be applied to any two-dimensional passage of complicated geometry for the flow regimes from free-molecular to slip. Numerical values of flow quantities can be calculated for the entire physical space including both inside the nozzle and in the outside plume. Predictions are made for the case of parallel slots and compared with existing literature data. Also, results for the cases of convergent or divergent slots and two-dimensional nozzles with arbitrary curvature at arbitrary knudsen number are presented.

De Witt, Kenneth J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Upgrade of PARC2D to include real gas effects

This paper presents a description of the changes and additions to the perfect gas PARC2D code to include chemical equilibrium effects, resulting in a code called PARCEQ2D. The work developed out of a need to have the capability of more accurately representing the flowfield surrounding the aeroassist flight experiment (AFE) vehicle. Use is made of the partition function of statistical mechanics in the evaluation of the thermochemical properties. This approach will allow the PARC code to be extended to thermal nonequilibrium when this task is undertaken in the future. The transport properties follow from formulae from the kinetic theory of gases. Results are presented for a two-dimensional AFE that compare perfect gas and real gas solutions at flight conditions, showing vast differences between the two cases.

Saladino, Anthony↗
NASA NTRS1990

Modification of the PARC Navier-Stokes Code to predict rocket engine nozzle performance

The PARC2D Navier-Stokes Code was modified to compute the performance parameters for rocket engine nozzles. The perfect gas code was applied to the SSME engine nozzle for inviscid, laminar and turbulent flow. Inviscid computations compare well with Rocketdyne computations. Performance degradation due to the boundary layers is very reasonable. Application of the code to nontraditional nozzle geometries and to low Reynolds nozzles is demonstrated. Modification of the code for equilibrium H2/O2 chemistry is described. Thermodynamic and equilibrium constants are determined from statistical mechanics and the transport properties from exact kinetic theory, using collison integrals determined from appropriate intermolecular potentials. The equilibrium code was used to compute the SSME flowfield. Modifications of the flowfield due to the change of composition are described.

Collins, Frank G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Analytical study of the liquid phase transient behavior of a high temperature heat pipe

The transient operation of the liquid phase of a high temperature heat pipe is studied. The study was conducted in support of advanced heat pipe applications that require reliable transport of high temperature drops and significant distances under a broad spectrum of operating conditions. The heat pipe configuration studied consists of a sealed cylindrical enclosure containing a capillary wick structure and sodium working fluid. The wick is an annular flow channel configuration formed between the enclosure interior wall and a concentric cylindrical tube of fine pore screen. The study approach is analytical through the solution of the governing equations. The energy equation is solved over the pipe wall and liquid region using the finite difference Peaceman-Rachford alternating direction implicit numerical method. The continuity and momentum equations are solved over the liquid region by the integral method. The energy equation and liquid dynamics equation are tightly coupled due to the phase change process at the liquid-vapor interface. A kinetic theory model is used to define the phase change process in terms of the temperature jump between the liquid-vapor surface and the bulk vapor. Extensive auxiliary relations, including sodium properties as functions of temperature, are used to close the analytical system. The solution procedure is implemented in a FORTRAN algorithm with some optimization features to take advantage of the IBM System/370 Model 3090 vectorization facility. The code was intended for coupling to a vapor phase algorithm so that the entire heat pipe problem could be solved. As a test of code capabilities, the vapor phase was approximated in a simple manner.

Roche, Gregory Lawrence↗
NASA NTRS1990

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment is determined by the variation of heat transfer with internal pressure and the pressure history of the interstitial gas. Measurements of thermal performance were made on three multilayer insulation configurations at room temperature and steady state pressures from 10(exp -6) to 10(exp -1) torr. The heat transfer due to gas conduction alone correlated with the kinetic theory of gases in the molecular flow regime. Pressure histories were measured in a unique apparatus which simulated the depressurization rate of a boost vehicle. The pressure histories on both sides of two of the configurations were measured to bound the actual interstitial pressure. The results of the two types of measurements agreed with earlier work and were combined to make performance predictions using an actual ascent pressure history.

Efromson, Ronald A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Electric currents in F-like planetary ionospheres

In this paper, electrical transport coefficients are found for charged particles in such lightly ionized gases as exist in planetary and stellar atmospheres, like the F-region of the earth's ionosphere. Electric fields and gradients of pressure in the ions and the electrons are taken as the drivers of electric current. Collisions of electrons with ions, and of ions and electrons with neutral particles, are taken into account, and new expressions are generated for electrical conductivity, heating rates, and diffusion of magnetic field. The paper extends and complements the results of an earlier paper by Cole (1990) which dealt with 'E-like' ionospheric regions. A comparison of the results with those of kinetic theory is made.

Cole, K. D.↗