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At least 271 records · Page 15

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NASA NTRS1994

A study of angular momentum loss in binaries using the free Lagrange method

The evolution of a binary star system depends greatly on the angular momentum losses in the system brought about by gravitational radiation and mass outflow (e.g., evaporating winds and magnetic braking) from the secondary component of the binary. Using a three-dimensional hydrodynamic fluid code based on the free Lagrange method, we study the loss of specific angular momentum from a binary system due to an evaporative wind from the companion of a millisecond pulsar. We consider binaries of different mass ratios and winds of different initial velocities and in particular attempt to model the system PSR 1957+20. We are in the process of incorporating the effect of the radiation force from the pulsar and the magnetic field of the companion on the mass outflow. The latter effect would also enable us to study magnetic braking in cataclysmic variables and low-mass X-ray binaries.

Rajasekhar, A. M.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Structure and dynamics of hydrodynamically interacting finite-size Brownian particles in a spherical cavity: Spheres and cylinders

The structure and dynamics of confined suspensions of particles of arbitrary shape are of interest in multiple disciplines from biology to engineering. Theoretical studies are often limited by the complexity of long-range particle-particle and particle-wall forces, including many-body fluctuating hydrodynamic interactions. Here, we report a computational study on the diffusion of spherical and cylindrical particles confined in a spherical cavity. We rely on an immersed-boundary general geometry Ewald-like method to capture lubrication and long-range hydrodynamics and include appropriate non-slip conditions at the confining walls. A Chebyshev polynomial approximation is used to satisfy the fluctuation-dissipation theorem for the Brownian suspension. We explore how lubrication, long-range hydrodynamics, particle volume fraction, and shape affect the equilibrium structure and the diffusion of the particles. It is found that once the particle volume fraction is greater than 10%, the particles start to form layered aggregates that greatly influence particle dynamics. Hydrodynamic interactions strongly influence the particle diffusion by inducing spatially dependent short-time diffusion coefficients, stronger wall effects on the particle diffusion toward the walls, and a sub-diffusive regime-caused by crowding-in the long-time particle mobility. The level of asymmetry of the cylindrical particles considered here is enough to induce an orientational order in the layered structure, decreasing the diffusion rate and facilitating a transition to the crowded mobility regime at low particle concentrations. Our results offer fundamental insights into the diffusion and distribution of globular and fibrillar proteins inside cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2026

Hourglass control in staggered-grid hydrodynamics using virtual element stabilization techniques

Numerical simulations using the staggered-grid hydrodynamics (SGH) discretization suffer from hourglass instabilities. In this work, we develop a stabilization method to suppress the hourglass instabilities using techniques from the virtual element method (VEM). The stiffness matrix of the VEM consists of two terms: the consistency matrix which is rank deficient and the stability matrix. Here, we first show that in two dimensions and on general polygons, the stiffness matrix of the SGH is identical to the consistency matrix of the linear VEM for both the diffusion equation and the linear elasticity equation. These analyses explain the origin of the hourglass instabilities of the SGH discretization method, and establish a theoretical foundation for our proposed stabilization method by augmenting the stiffness matrix of the SGH discretization using the VEM stability matrix. Then, we present numerical examples using Lagrangian SGH simulations. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed VEM stabilization method is effective at eliminating hourglass modes in the SGH discretization.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NASA NTRS1994

Three-dimensional hydrodynamic Bondi-Hoyle accretion. 1: Code validation and stationary accretors

We investigate the hydrodynamics of three-dimensional classical Bondi-Hoyle accretion. Totally absorbing stationary spheres of varying sizes (from 10.0 down to 0.02 Bondi radii) accrete matter from a homogeneous and slightly perturbed medium, which is taken to be an ideal gas (gamma = 5/3 or 1.2). To accommodate the long-range gravitational forces, the extent of the computational volume is typically a factor of 100 larger than the radius of the accretor. We compare the numerical mass accretion rates with the theoretical predictions of Bondi, to assess the validity of the code. The hydrodynamics is modeled by the piecewise parabolic method. No energy sources (nuclear burning) or sinks (radiation, conduction) are included. The resolution in the vicinity of the accretor is increased by multiply nesting several (6-8) grids around the stationary sphere, each finer grid being a factor of 2 smaller spatially than the next coarser grid. This allows us to include a coarse model for the surface of the accretor (vacuum sphere) on the finest grid while at the same time evolving the gas on the coarser grids. The accretion rates derived numerically are in in very good agreement (to about 10% over several orders of magnitude) with the values given by Bondi for a stationary accretor within a hydrodynamic medium. However, the equations have to be changed in order to include the finite size of the accretor (in some cases very large compared to the sonic point or even to the Bondi radius).

Ruffert, Maximilian↗

NASA NTRS2004

Hydrodynamics in a Degenerate, Strongly Attractive Fermi Gas

In summary, we use all-optical methods with evaporative cooling near a Feshbach resonance to produce a strongly interacting degenerate Fermi gas. We observe hydrodynamic behavior in the expansion dynamics. At low temperatures, collisions may not explain the expansion dynamics. We observe hydrodynamics in the trapped gas. Our observations include collisionally-damped excitation spectra at high temperature which were not discussed above. In addition, we observe weakly damped breathing modes at low temperature. The observed temperature dependence of the damping time and hydrodynamic frequency are not consistent with collisional dynamics nor with collisionless mean field interactions. These observations constitute the first evidence for superfluid hydrodynamics in a Fermi gas.

Thomas, John E.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Removal of spurious modes encountered in solving stability problems by spectral methods

A technique based on the Galerkin approximation is developed to remove spurious roots arising when Chebyshev spectral methods are used to solve eigenvalue problems in hydrodynamic stability. The derivation of Galerkin-Chebyshev approximations is explained, and numerical results for the Orr-Sommerfeld equations of plane Poiseuille flow and a Blasius profile are presented in tables and compared with those obtained by the method of Zebib (1984). It is pointed out that the present method does not increase the size of the algebraic system to be solved.

Zebib, Abdelfattah↗

NASA NTRS1993

A mixed method Poisson solver for three-dimensional self-gravitating astrophysical fluid dynamical systems

A key ingredient in the simulation of self-gravitating astrophysical fluid dynamical systems is the gravitational potential and its gradient. This paper focuses on the development of a mixed method multigrid solver of the Poisson equation formulated so that both the potential and the Cartesian components of its gradient are self-consistently and accurately generated. The method achieves this goal by formulating the problem as a system of four equations for the gravitational potential and the three Cartesian components of the gradient and solves them using a distributed relaxation technique combined with conventional full multigrid V-cycles. The method is described, some tests are presented, and the accuracy of the method is assessed. We also describe how the method has been incorporated into our three-dimensional hydrodynamics code and give an example of an application to the collision of two stars. We end with some remarks about the future developments of the method and some of the applications in which it will be used in astrophysics.

Duncan, Comer↗

DOE OSTI2021

Benchmarking numerical methods for impact and cratering applications

Large scale computational models are important for studying impact cratering events that are prevalent both on Earth and, more broadly, in this solar system. To address these problems, models must reliably account for both large length scales (e.g., kilometers) and relatively long time scales (hundreds of seconds). This work benchmarks two such approaches, a more traditional hydrodynamics approach and a finite-discrete element method (FDEM), for impact cratering applications. Both 2D and 3D results are discussed for two different impact velocities, 5 km/s and 20 km/s, striking normal to the target and, for 3D simulations, 45° from vertical. In addition, comparisons to previously published data are presented. Finally, differences in how these methods model damage are discussed. Ultimately, both approaches show successful modeling of several different impact scenarios.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2022

General Relativistic Implicit Monte Carlo Radiation-hydrodynamics

Abstract We report on a new capability added to our general relativistic radiation-magnetohydrodynamics code, Cosmos++ : an implicit Monte Carlo (IMC) treatment for radiation transport. The method is based on a Fleck-type implicit discretization of the radiation-hydrodynamics equations, but generalized for both Newtonian and relativistic regimes. A multiple reference frame approach is used to geodesically transport photon packets (and solve the hydrodynamics equations) in the coordinate frame, while radiation–matter interactions are handled either in the fluid or electron frames then communicated via Lorentz boosts and orthonormal tetrad bases attached to the fluid. We describe a method for constructing estimators of radiation moments using path-weighting that generalizes to arbitrary coordinate systems in flat or curved spacetime. Absorption, emission, scattering, and relativistic Comptonization are among the matter interactions considered in this report. We discuss our formulations and numerical methods, and validate our models against a suite of radiation and coupled radiation-hydrodynamics test problems in both flat and curved spacetimes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Practical considerations for measuring global spin density matrix elements of vector mesons in heavy-ion collisions

The STAR Collaboration has reported a significant 𝜙-meson global spin alignment (𝜌 00 ) signal in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ ≤ 62 GeV by measuring the polar angle distribution of 𝜙-meson daughters with respect to the orbital angular momentum direction of the collision system. Here, in this paper, a new method is explored for studying vector-meson global spin alignment in heavy-ion collisions by examining the two-dimensional (2D) polar and azimuthal angle distribution. This method allows simultaneous extraction of 𝜌 00 and off-diagonal spin density matrix elements (SDMEs), providing unique access to local quark-antiquark spin correlations and spin hydrodynamics in quark-gluon plasma. The new 2D method also removes potential biases from nonzero off-diagonal SDMEs on 𝜌 00 with the 1D method. A detailed procedure to correct for detector acceptance and resolution effects is also presented and validated by simulation studies.

Wilks, Gavin [University of Illinois, Chicago, IL ↗

DOE OSTI2024

Parameter-Varying Hydrodynamic Model of a Single Vane in a Variable-Geometry Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter

This paper presents a preliminary study on the parameter-varying hydrodynamic modeling of an individual vane of a variable-geometry oscillating surge wave energy converter (VGOSWEC). The WEC design incorporates controlled surfaces that can modify their orientation relative to the wave motion, reducing hydrodynamic pressure and related loads. This research focuses on characterizing the behavior of the oscillating WEC using a simplified model and three methods for achieving a continuous parameter-varying model: coarse hydrodynamic parameters, interpolation of hydrodynamic parameters, and a fitting function. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of parameter-varying hydrodynamic effects in variable geometry oscillating WECs. The findings provide insights into the potential for reducing structural loads and improving the overall performance of such devices. Further research and development in this area could lead to advancements in WEC technologies, enabling their integration into the competitive energy market.

analytical models↗

DOE OSTI2024

Parameter-Varying Hydrodynamic Model of a Single Vane in a Variable-Geometry Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter: Preprint

This paper presents a study on the time-varying hydrodynamic modeling of an individual flap of a variable geometry oscillating surge wave energy converter (VGOSWEC). The WEC design incorporates controlled surfaces that can modify their orientation relative to the wave motion, reducing hydrodynamic pressure and related loads. This research focuses on characterizing the behavior of the oscillating WEC using a simplified model and three methods for achieving a continuous time-variant model: discrete hydrodynamic parameters, interpolation of hydrodynamic parameters, and a fitting function. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of time-varying hydrodynamic effects in variable geometry oscillating WECs. The findings provide insights into the potential for reducing structural loads and improving the overall performance of such devices. Further research and development in this area could lead to advancements in WEC technologies, enabling their integration into the competitive energy market.

HYDRO ENERGY,TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

NASA NTRS1952

Theoretical damping in roll and rolling moment due to differential wing incidence for slender cruciform wings and wing-body combinations

A method of analysis based on slender-wing theory is developed to investigate the characteristics in roll of slender cruciform wings and wing-body combinations. The method makes use of the conformal mapping processes of classical hydrodynamics which transform the region outside a circle and the region outside an arbitrary arrangement of line segments intersecting at the origin. The method of analysis may be utilized to solve other slender cruciform wing-body problems involving arbitrarily assigned boundary conditions. (author)

Adams, Gaynor J↗

NASA NTRS1981

Effect of Surface Roughness on Hydrodynamic Bearings

A theoretical analysis on the performance of hydrodynamic oil bearings is made considering surface roughness effect. The hydrodynamic as well as asperity contact load is found. The contact pressure was calculated with the assumption that the surface height distribution was Gaussian. The average Reynolds equation of partially lubricated surface was used to calculate hydrodynamic load. An analytical expression for average gap was found and was introduced to modify the average Reynolds equation. The resulting boundary value problem was then solved numerically by finite difference methods using the method of successive over relaxation. The pressure distribution and hydrodynamic load capacity of plane slider and journal bearings were calculated for various design data. The effects of attitude and roughness of surface on the bearing performance were shown. The results are compared with similar available solution of rough surface bearings. It is shown that: (1) the contribution of contact load is not significant; and (2) the hydrodynamic and contact load increase with surface roughness.

Majumdar, B. C.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Radiation drive designed to extend the pressure ranges measured in Gbar equation of state experiments at the National Ignition Facility

We present the design and demonstration of a Shock-Strengthening hohlraum radiation temperature drive in the Gbar experimental platform at the National Ignition Facility intended to increase the pressure range measured in a single experiment. Previously published experiments by Döppner et al. measured the equation of state in polystyrene from 25 to 60 Mbar. Recent experimental data of the Shock-Strengthening drive initially demonstrated a much larger pressure range from 15 to 110 Mbar using the same peak radiation temperature and experimental platform. The Shock-Strengthening drive starts with a low temperature foot that launches a weak shock into the sample and is followed by a continuous increase in radiation temperature to strengthen the leading shock. The additional strengthening increases the pressure within the sample beyond what is achievable by convergence alone. Design features of the Shock-Strengthening drive and accompanying radiation hydrodynamics simulations are used to illustrate the method by which the pressure range is increased from previous experiments. This method of modifying the radiation temperature drive can be used on the Gbar platform to significantly increase the range for equation of state data collected in a single experiment for many materials.

Physics - Plasma physics↗

DOE OSTI2024

Attribute-Aware RBFs: Interactive Visualization of Time Series Particle Volumes Using RT Core Range Queries

Smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a mesh-free method used to simulate volumetric media in fluids, astrophysics, and solid mechanics. Visualizing these simulations is problematic because these datasets often contain millions, if not billions of particles carrying physical attributes and moving over time. Radial basis functions (RBFs) are used to model particles, and overlapping particles are interpolated to reconstruct a high-quality volumetric field; however, this interpolation process is expensive and makes interactive visualization difficult. Existing RBF interpolation schemes do not account for color-mapped attributes and are instead constrained to visualizing just the density field. To address these challenges, we exploit ray tracing cores in modern GPU architectures to accelerate scalar field reconstruction. We use a novel RBF interpolation scheme to integrate per-particle colors and densities, and leverage GPU-parallel tree construction and refitting to quickly update the tree as the simulation animates over time or when the user manipulates particle radii. We also propose a Hilbert reordering scheme to cluster particles together at the leaves of the tree to reduce tree memory consumption. Finally, we reduce the noise of volumetric shadows by adopting a spatially temporal blue noise sampling scheme. Our method can provide a more detailed and interactive view of these large, volumetric, time-series particle datasets than traditional methods, leading to new insights into these physics simulations.

Particle Volumes↗

NASA NTRS1975

Intrinsic hydrodynamics with applications to space-time fluids

Cartan's methods of exterior differential forms are utilized to derive conformal and absolute conservation equations for various field quantities in relativistic hydromechanics. In particular, Fridman's results for the conservation of vector lines are extended to space time situations. The invariance concepts of Helmholtz and Bernoulli are formulated for arbitrary frames of reference, and the separate conservation concepts of total mass and total number in space time are distinguished and associated with the concept of turbulence.

Kiehn, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Analysis of starvation effects on hydrodynamic lubrication in nonconforming contacts

The effects of lubricant starvation on minimum film thickness, under conditions of a hydrodynamic point contact, are determined by numerical methods where: (1) starvation is effected by varying the fluid inlet level; (2) the Reynolds boundary conditions are applied at the cavitation boundary; and (3) zero pressure is stipulated at the meniscus or inlet boundary. Seventy-four cases were used to numerically determine a minimum-film-thickness equation, as a function of the ratio of dimensionless load to dimensionless speed for varying degrees of starvation. A film reduction factor was in turn determined as a function of the fluid inlet level, and a starved, fully-flooded boundary was defined along with an expression determining the onset of starvation. It is found that as the degree of starvation increases, the minimum film thickness decreases gradually until the fluid inlet becomes critical. The changes in the inlet pressure buildup due to changing the available lubricant supply are presented in the form of three-dimensional isometric plots.

Brewe, D. E.↗