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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

A Lagrangian dynamic subgrid-scale model turbulence

A new formulation of the dynamic subgrid-scale model is tested in which the error associated with the Germano identity is minimized over flow pathlines rather than over directions of statistical homogeneity. This procedure allows the application of the dynamic model with averaging to flows in complex geometries that do not possess homogeneous directions. The characteristic Lagrangian time scale over which the averaging is performed is chosen such that the model is purely dissipative, guaranteeing numerical stability when coupled with the Smagorinsky model. The formulation is tested successfully in forced and decaying isotropic turbulence and in fully developed and transitional channel flow. In homogeneous flows, the results are similar to those of the volume-averaged dynamic model, while in channel flow, the predictions are superior to those of the plane-averaged dynamic model. The relationship between the averaged terms in the model and vortical structures (worms) that appear in the LES is investigated. Computational overhead is kept small (about 10 percent above the CPU requirements of the volume or plane-averaged dynamic model) by using an approximate scheme to advance the Lagrangian tracking through first-order Euler time integration and linear interpolation in space.

Meneveau, C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Low Reynolds number two-equation modeling of turbulent flows

A k-epsilon model that accounts for viscous and wall effects is presented. The proposed formulation does not contain the local wall distance thereby making very simple the application to complex geometries. The formulation is based on an existing k-epsilon model that proved to fit very well with the results of direct numerical simulation. The new form is compared with nine different two-equation models and with direct numerical simulation for a fully developed channel flow at Re = 3300. The simple flow configuration allows a comparison free from numerical inaccuracies. The computed results prove that few of the considered forms exhibit a satisfactory agreement with the channel flow data. The model shows an improvement with respect to the existing formulations.

Michelassi, V.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Predicting Modes of the Unsteady Vorticity Field near the Trailing Edge of a Blade

Progress on predicting modes of the unsteady velocity/vorticity field of a turbulent boundary layer from Reynolds stress statistics is described. Prediction of these modes, that provide the source terms for trailing edge noise predictions in aircraft engine fans and other configurations, will allow for the first time detailed viscous flow effects to be included in such noise calculations. The key accomplishments of this work in FY02 are: (1) The development of a Matlab code for the prediction of modes in two- and three-dimensional boundary layers, previously applied to plane wakes; (2) Predictions with the code using a constant lengthscale formulation in a fully developed turbulence channel flow. Comparison of these boundary layer predictions with available DNS simulation results; and (3) Formulation of an improved model using a variable lengthscale proportional to mixing length. Turbulent channel flow predictions and comparison with DNS results. This work is being carried out in continuous communication and collaboration with the Glegg research group at Florida Atlantic University, which will be incorporating mode predictions into engine noise calculations.

Devenport, William J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Numerical simulation of particle-wave interaction in boundary layers

The effects of wall injection and particle motion on the spatial stability of two-dimensional plane channel flow are investigated. For this purpose, an accurate Navier-Stokes solver to simulate the space-time evolution of disturbances in three-dimensional flows has been developed. The code is operational on the NASA Langley CRAY2 and can be ported to any other supercomputer. The code has been tested extensively in tracking the spatial evolution of two-dimensional disturbances in plane channel flow and provided excellent agreement with the linear theory including at the inflow/outflow boundaries. Preliminary calculations have been performed to investigate the effects of stationary and moving sources of vortical disturbances simulating a particle traveling in the flow field. Results suggest that even at very low amplitudes, vortical disturbances act as amplifiers on the Tollmien-Schlichting waves promoting rapid instability. It is also found that slow moving particles are more dangerous than both stationary and fast moving particles for the same disturbance levels.

Biringen, S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Streamline curvature effects on turbulent boundary layers

A theoretical tool has been developed for predicting, in a nonempirical manner, effects of streamline curvature and coordinate-system rotation on turbulent boundary layers. The second-order closure scheme developed by Wilcox and Traci has been generalized for curved streamline flow and for flow in a rotating coordinate system. A physically based straightforward argument shows that curvature/rotation primarily affects the turbulent mixing energy; the argument yields suitable curvature/rotation terms which are added to the mixing-energy equation. Singular-perturbation solutions valid in the wall layer of a curved-wall boundary layer and a fully developed rotating channel flow demonstrate that, with the curvature/rotation terms, the model predicts the curved-wall and the rotating coordinate system laws of the wall. Results of numerical computations of curved-wall boundary layers and of rotating channel flow show that curvature/rotation effects can be computed accurately with second-order closure.

Wilcox, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Measurement of Two-Phase Flow Characteristics Under Microgravity Conditions

This paper describes the technical approach and initial results of a test program for studying two-phase annular flow under the simulated microgravity conditions of KC-135 aircraft flights. A helical coil flow channel orientation was utilized in order to circumvent the restrictions normally associated with drop tower or aircraft flight tests with respect to two-phase flow, namely spatial restrictions preventing channel lengths of sufficient size to accurately measure pressure drops. Additionally, the helical coil geometry is of interest in itself, considering that operating in a microgravity environment vastly simplifies the two-phase flows occurring in coiled flow channels under 1-g conditions for virtually any orientation. Pressure drop measurements were made across four stainless steel coil test sections, having a range of inside tube diameters (0.95 to 1.9 cm), coil diameters (25 - 50 cm), and length-to-diameter ratios (380 - 720). High-speed video photographic flow observations were made in the transparent straight sections immediately preceding and following the coil test sections. A transparent coil of tygon tubing of 1.9 cm inside diameter was also used to obtain flow visualization information within the coil itself. Initial test data has been obtained from one set of KC-135 flight tests, along with benchmark ground tests. Preliminary results appear to indicate that accurate pressure drop data is obtainable using a helical coil geometry that may be related to straight channel flow behavior. Also, video photographic results appear to indicate that the observed slug-annular flow regime transitions agree quite reasonably with the Dukler microgravity map.

Keshock, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS2015

FINESSE: Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration

The FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Science and Exploration) team is focused on a science and exploration field-based research program aimed at generating strategic knowledge in preparation for the human and robotic exploration of the Moon, near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and Phobos and Deimos. We follow the philosophy that "science enables exploration and exploration enables science." 1) FINESSE Science: Understand the effects of volcanism and impacts as dominant planetary processes on the Moon, NEAs, and Phobos & Deimos. 2) FINESSE Exploration: Understand which exploration concepts of operations (ConOps) and capabilities enable and enhance scientific return. To accomplish these objectives, we are conducting an integrated research program focused on scientifically-driven field exploration at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho and at the West Clearwater Lake Impact Structure in northern Canada. Field deployments aimed at reconnaissance geology and data acquisition were conducted in 2014 at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Targets for data acquisition included selected sites at Kings Bowl eruptive fissure, lava field and blowout crater, Inferno Chasm vent and outflow channel, North Crater lava flow and Highway lava flow. Field investigation included (1) differential GPS (dGPS) measurements of lava flows, channels (and ejecta block at Kings Bowl); (2) LiDAR imaging of lava flow margins, surfaces and other selected features; (3) digital photographic documentation; (4) sampling for geochemical and petrographic analysis; (5) UAV aerial imagery of Kings Bowl and Inferno Chasm features; and (6) geologic assessment of targets and potential new targets. Over the course of the 5-week field FINESSE campaign to the West Clearwater Impact Structure (WCIS) in 2014, the team focused on several WCIS research topics, including impactites, central uplift formation, the impact-generated hydrothermal system, multichronometer dating of impact products, and using WCIS as an analog test site for crew studies of sampling protocols. The FINESSE team visited and mapped all of the major islands within West Clearwater Lake. Excellent cliff exposures around the coasts of many of the islands allowed a general stratigraphy of impactites to be defined. Notable differences to previous work includes the discovery of a monomict lithic breccia and a medium to coarse grained impact melt rock. In addition, ample rock samples were returned from West Clearwater for geochronology study. Geochronology work centers around laboratory analyses of these samples (and samples collected in the future or obtained from archives housed at the Canadian Geological Survey). Samples returned from the FINESSE field season have been evaluated for suitability for geochronologic analysis, and selected samples have been crushed for mineral separation and/or sawed for the preparation of polished petrologic thin sections. Heavy minerals (e.g., zircon, titanite, and apatite) will be separated from the crushed material for (U-Th)/He geochronology. The sections will be used for laser ablation 40Ar/39Ar research after neutron irradiation. This presentation will highlight the exciting science and exploration work conducted by FINESSE, as well as future plans for continued research.

Phobos & Deimos↗
NASA NTRS1992

Adjustable steam producing flexible orifice independent of fluid pressure

A self-adjusting choke for a fluids nozzle includes a membrane constructed of a single piece of flexible or elastic material. This flexible material is shaped to fit into the outlet of a nozzle. The body of the membrane has at least two flow channels, from one face to the other, which directs two streams of water to cross at the opening of the nozzle or at some point beyond. The elasticity and thickness of the membrane is selected to match the range of expected pressures and fluid velocities. The choke may have more than two flow channels, as long as they are aligned adjacent to one another and directed towards each other at the exit face. In a three orifice embodiment, one is directed upward, one is directed downward, and the one in the middle is directed forward. In this embodiment all three fluid streams intersect at some point past the nozzle opening. Under increased pressure the membrane will deform causing the orifices to realign in a more forward direction, causing the streams to intersect at a smaller angle. This reduces the force with which the separate streams impact each other, still allowing the separate streams to unify into a single stable spiralling stream in spite of the increased pressure.

Morrison, Andrew D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Electron-ion hybrid instabilities driven by velocity shear in a magnetized plasma

The stability of a magnetized plasma is investigated in which a sheared electron flow channel is present. The flow's peak velocity and shear scale length are denoted by V and L, respectively. If the velocity channel is perpendicular to the confining magnetic field and L is less than the ion Larmor radius, an electrostatic instability develops whose frequency is on the order of the lower hybrid frequency. It is concluded that velocity shear is the only source of free energy. Further, it is shown that density gradients do not stabilize this mode. It follows that the mode presented in this work can not be identified with the well-known modified two-stream instability. If the velocity channel is parallel to the confining magnetic field and the plasma is weakly magnetized, an instability driven by velocity shear is shown to exist.

Romero, H.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Compact Water Vapor Exchanger for Regenerative Life Support Systems

Thermal and environmental control systems for future exploration spacecraft must meet challenging requirements for efficient operation and conservation of resources. Regenerative CO2 removal systems are attractive for these missions because they do not use consumable CO2 absorbers. However, these systems also absorb and vent water to space along with carbon dioxide. This paper describes an innovative device designed to minimize water lost from regenerative CO2 control systems. Design studies and proof-of-concept testing have shown the feasibility of a compact, efficient membrane water vapor exchanger (WVX) that will conserve water while meeting challenging requirements for operation on future spacecraft. Compared to conventional WVX designs, the innovative membrane WVX described here has the potential for high water recovery efficiency, compact size, and very low pressure losses. The key innovation is a method for maintaining highly uniform flow channels in a WVX core built from water-permeable membranes. The proof-of-concept WVX incorporates all the key design features of a prototypical unit, except that it is relatively small scale (1/23 relative to a unit sized for a crew of six) and some components were fabricated using non-prototypical methods. The proof-of-concept WVX achieved over 90% water recovery efficiency in a compact core in good agreement with analysis models. Furthermore the overall pressure drop is very small (less than 0.5 in. H2O, total for both flow streams) and meets requirements for service in environmental control and life support systems on future spacecraft. These results show that the WVX provides very uniform flow through flow channels for both the humid and dry streams. Measurements also show that CO2 diffusion through the water-permeable membranes will have negligible effect on the CO2 partial pressure in the spacecraft atmosphere.

Izenson, Michael G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The interaction of moderately strong shock waves with thick perforated walls of low porosity

A theoretical prediction is given of the flow through thick perforated walls of low porosity resulting from the impingement of a moderately strong traveling shock wave. The model was a flat plate positioned normal to the direction of the flow. Holes bored in the plate parallel to the direction of the flow provided nominal hole length-to-diameter ratios of 10:1 and an axial porosity of 25 percent of the flow channel cross section. The flow field behind the reflected shock wave was assumed to behave as a reservoir producing a quasi-steady duct flow through the model. Rayleigh and Fanno duct flow theoretical computations for each of three possible auxiliary wave patterns that can be associated with the transmitted shock (to satisfy contact surface compatibility) were used to provide bounding solutions as an alternative to the more complex influence coefficients method. Qualitative and quantitative behavior was verified in a 1.5- by 2.0-in. helium shock tube. High speed Schlieren photography, piezoelectric pressure-time histories, and electronic-counter wave speed measurements were used to assess the extent of correlation with the theoretical flow models. Reduced data indicated the adequacy of the bounding theory approach to predict wave phenomena and quantitative response.

Grant, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Soliton solutions and their stability for the flow of relativistic fluids through channels

The flow of a perfect relativistic fluid through channels of various cross-sections is considered with reference to models of radio galaxies. Soliton-like solutions are found and their topologies are discussed. The calculations show that these solutions are unstable. It is suggested that under realistic astrophysical conditions the growth rate of the instabilities is so slow that soliton-type blobs may persist for a significant time.

Lerche, I.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Multifractal spectra in shear flows

Numerical simulations of three-dimensional homogeneous shear flow and fully developed channel flow, are used to calculate the associated multifractal spectra of the energy dissipation field. Only weak parameterization of the results with the nondimensional shear is found, and this only if the flow has reached its asymptotic development state. Multifractal spectra of these flows coincide with those from experiments only at the range alpha less than 1.

Keefe, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Some aeroacoustic and aerodynamic applications of the theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics

An exact equation is derived for the dissipation function of a homogeneous, isotropic, Newtonian fluid, with terms associated with irreversible compression or expansion, wave radiation, and the square of the vorticity. This and other forms of the dissipation function are used to identify simple flows, such as incompressible channel flow, the potential vortex with rotational core, and incompressible, irrotational flow as minimally dissipative distributions. A comparison of the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic stability characteristics of a parallel shear flow suggests that an association exists between flow stability and the variation of net dissipation with disturbance amplitude, and that nonlinear effects, such as bounded disturbance amplitude, may be examined from a thermodynamic basis.

Horne, W. Clifton↗