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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 289 records · Page 16

Interactive method for computation of viscous flow with recirculation

An interactive method is proposed for the solution of two-dimensional, laminar flow fields with identifiable regions of recirculation, such as the shear-layer-driven cavity flow. The method treats the flow field as composed of two regions, with an appropriate mathematical model adopted for each region. The shear layer is computed by the compressible boundary layer equations, and the slowly recirculating flow by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The flow field is solved iteratively by matching the local solutions in the two regions. For this purpose a new matching method utilizing an overlap between the two computational regions is developed, and shown to be most satisfactory. Matching of the two velocity components, as well as the change in velocity with respect to depth is amply accomplished using the present approach, and the stagnation points corresponding to separation and reattachment of the dividing streamline are computed as part of the interactive solution. The interactive method is applied to the test problem of a shear layer driven cavity. The computational results are used to show the validity and applicability of the present approach.

Brandeis, J.↗

Apparatus, Method, and Computer Program for a Resolution-Enhanced Pseudo-Noise Code Technique

An apparatus, method, and computer program for a resolution enhanced pseudo-noise coding technique for 3D imaging is provided. In one embodiment, a pattern generator may generate a plurality of unique patterns for a return to zero signal. A plurality of laser diodes may be configured such that each laser diode transmits the return to zero signal to an object. Each of the return to zero signal includes one unique pattern from the plurality of unique patterns to distinguish each of the transmitted return to zero signals from one another.

Li, Steven X.↗

An adaptive grid method for computing time accurate solutions on structured grids

The solution method consists of three parts: a grid movement scheme; an unsteady Euler equation solver; and a temporal coupling routine that links the dynamic grid to the Euler solver. The grid movement scheme is an algebraic method containing grid controls that generate a smooth grid that resolves the severe solution gradients and the sharp transitions in the solution gradients. The temporal coupling is performed with a grid prediction correction procedure that is simple to implement and provides a grid that does not lag the solution in time. The adaptive solution method is tested by computing the unsteady inviscid solutions for a one dimensional shock tube and a two dimensional shock vortex iteraction.

Bockelie, Michael J.↗

Computational Bayesian Methods Applied to Complex Problems in Bio and Astro Statistics

In this dissertation we apply computational Bayesian methods to three distinct problems. In the first chapter, we address the issue of unrealistic covariance matrices used to estimate collision probabilities. We model covariance matrices with a Bayesian Normal-Inverse-Wishart model, which we fit with Gibbs sampling. In the second chapter, we are interested in determining the sample sizes necessary to achieve a particular interval width and establish non-inferiority in the analysis of prevalences using two fallible tests. To this end, we use a third order asymptotic approximation. In the third chapter, we wish to synthesize evidence across multiple domains in measurements taken longitudinally across time, featuring a substantial amount of structurally missing data, and fit the model with Hamiltonian Monte Carlo in a simulation to analyze how estimates of a parameter of interest change across sample sizes.

Elrod, Chris↗

A method for computing the leading-edge suction in a higher-order panel method

Experimental data show that the phenomenon of a separation induced leading edge vortex is influenced by the wing thickness and the shape of the leading edge. Both thickness and leading edge shape (rounded rather than point) delay the formation of a vortex. Existing computer programs used to predict the effect of a leading edge vortex do not include a procedure for determining whether or not a vortex actually exists. Studies under NASA Contract NAS1-15678 have shown that the vortex development can be predicted by using the relationship between the leading edge suction coefficient and the parabolic nose drag. The linear theory FLEXSTAB was used to calculate the leading edge suction coefficient. This report describes the development of a method for calculating leading edge suction using the capabilities of the higher order panel methods (exact boundary conditions). For a two dimensional case, numerical methods were developed using the double strength and downwash distribution along the chord. A Gaussian quadrature formula that directly incorporates the logarithmic singularity in the downwash distribution, at all panel edges, was found to be the best method.

Ehlers, F. E.↗

A survey of aftbody flow prediction methods

A survey of computational methods used in the calculation of nozzle aftbody flows is presented. One class of methods reviewed are those which patch together solutions for the inviscid, boundary layer, and plume flow regions. The second class of methods reviewed are those which computationally solve the Navier Stokes equations over nozzle aftbodies with jet exhaust flow. Computed results from the methods are compared with experiment. Advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are discussed along with opportunities for further development of these methods.

Putnam, L. E.↗

An empirical method for computing leeside centerline heating on the Space Shuttle Orbiter

An empirical method is presented for computing top centerline heating on the Space Shuttle Orbiter at simulated reentry conditions. It is shown that the Shuttle's top centerline can be thought of as being under the influence of a swept cylinder flow field. The effective geometry of the flow field, as well as top centerline heating, are directly related to oil-flow patterns on the upper surface of the fuselage. An empirical turbulent swept cylinder heating method was developed based on these considerations. The method takes into account the effects of the vortex-dominated leeside flow field without actually having to compute the detailed properties of such a complex flow. The heating method closely predicts experimental heat-transfer values on the top centerline of a Shuttle model at Mach numbers of 6 and 10 over a wide range in Reynolds number and angle of attack.

Helms, V. T., III↗

Hybridized Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics

Hybridizable Discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) methods hold promise for any applications with significant advection character, including thermal hydraulics in light water reactors and advanced reactor concepts and fluid models of plasmas in magnetic confinement fusion. Its features include natural upwinding, local element conservation, and extensibility to arbitrarily high order accuracy. In the last fiscal year we have implemented HDG in the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). We developed a first-of-its-kind automatic static condensation system in MOOSE’s underlying finite element library libMesh which can condense out arbitrarily many internal variables. Finally, we developed the first preconditioner for HDG discretizations of the Navier-Stokes equations which shows robust performance across a wide range of problem sizes and Reynolds numbers. This preconditioner yields solution times that are equivalent to the fastest developed for industry standard finite volume methods. Moreover, the arbitrarily high-order nature of HDG makes it a prime candidate for acceleration via graphical processing units (GPUs). We believe these developments will hold significant importance for future DOE Nuclear Energy (NE) and Fusion Energy Science (FES) programs.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Demonstration Of Ultra HI-FI (UHF) Methods

Computational aero-acoustics (CAA) requires efficient, high-resolution simulation tools. Most current techniques utilize finite-difference approaches because high order accuracy is considered too difficult or expensive to achieve with finite volume or finite element methods. However, a novel finite volume approach (Ultra HI-FI or UHF) which utilizes Hermite fluxes is presented which can achieve both arbitrary accuracy and fidelity in space and time. The technique can be applied to unstructured grids with some loss of fidelity or with multi-block structured grids for maximum efficiency and resolution. In either paradigm, it is possible to resolve ultra-short waves (less than 2 PPW). This is demonstrated here by solving the 4th CAA workshop Category 1 Problem 1.

Dyson, Rodger W.↗

Computer implemented method, and apparatus for controlling a hand-held tool

The invention described here in is a computer-implemented method and apparatus for controlling a hand-held tool. In particular, the control of a hand held tool is for the purpose of controlling the speed of a fastener interface mechanism and the torque applied to fasteners by the fastener interface mechanism of the hand-held tool and monitoring the operating parameters of the tool. The control is embodied in intool software embedded on a processor within the tool which also communicates with remote software. An operator can run the tool, or through the interaction of both software, operate the tool from a remote location, analyze data from a performance history recorded by the tool, and select various torque and speed parameters for each fastener.

Wagner, Kenneth William↗

Mapping methods for computationally efficient and accurate structural reliability

Mapping methods are developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of probabilistic structural analyses with coarse finite element meshes. The mapping methods consist of: (1) deterministic structural analyses with fine (convergent) finite element meshes, (2) probabilistic structural analyses with coarse finite element meshes, (3) the relationship between the probabilistic structural responses from the coarse and fine finite element meshes, and (4) a probabilistic mapping. The results show that the scatter of the probabilistic structural responses and structural reliability can be accurately predicted using a coarse finite element model with proper mapping methods. Therefore, large structures can be analyzed probabilistically using finite element methods.

Shiao, Michael C.↗

Mapping methods for computationally efficient and accurate structural reliability

Mapping methods are developed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of probabilistic structural analyses with coarse finite element meshes. The mapping methods consist of the following: (1) deterministic structural analyses with fine (convergent) finite element meshes; (2) probabilistic structural analyses with coarse finite element meshes; (3) the relationship between the probabilistic structural responses from the coarse and fine finite element meshes; and (4) a probabilistic mapping. The results show that the scatter in the probabilistic structural responses and structural reliability can be efficiently predicted using a coarse finite element model and proper mapping methods with good accuracy. Therefore, large structures can be efficiently analyzed probabilistically using finite element methods.

Shiao, Michael C.↗

Methods of computing vocabulary size for the two-parameter rank distribution

A summation method is described for computing the vocabulary size for given parameter values in the 1- and 2-parameter rank distributions. Two methods of determining the asymptotes for the family of 2-parameter rank-distribution curves are also described. Tables are computed and graphs are drawn relating paris of parameter values to the vocabulary size. The partial product formula for the Riemann zeta function is investigated as an approximation to the partial sum formula for the Riemann zeta function. An error bound is established that indicates that the partial product should not be used to approximate the partial sum in calculating the vocabulary size for the 2-parameter rank distribution.

Edmundson, H. P.↗

Automated Parameter Studies Using a Cartesian Method

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is now routinely used to analyze isolated points in a design space by performing steady-state computations at fixed flight conditions (Mach number, angle of attack, sideslip), for a fixed geometric configuration of interest. This "point analysis" provides detailed information about the flowfield, which aides an engineer in understanding, or correcting, a design. A point analysis is typically performed using high fidelity methods at a handful of critical design points, e.g. a cruise or landing configuration, or a sample of points along a flight trajectory.

Murman, Scott M.↗

Efficient numerical method for computation of thermohydrodynamics of laminar lubricating films

The purpose of this paper is to describe an accurate, yet economical, method for computing temperature effects in laminar lubricating films in two dimensions. The procedure presented here is a sequel to one presented in Leeds in 1986 that was carried out for the one-dimensional case. Because of the marked dependence of lubricant viscosity on temperature, the effect of viscosity variation both across and along a lubricating film can dwarf other deviations from ideal constant-property lubrication. In practice, a thermohydrodynamics program will involve simultaneous solution of the film lubrication problem, together with heat conduction in a solid, complex structure. The extent of computation required makes economy in numerical processing of utmost importance. In pursuit of such economy, we here use techniques similar to those for Gaussian quadrature. We show that, for many purposes, the use of just two properly positioned temperatures (Lobatto points) characterizes well the transverse temperature distribution.

Elrod, Harold G.↗