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At least 37 records · Page 2

Effects of Space Environment on Flow and Concentration During Directional Solidification

A study of directional solidification of a weak binary alloy (specifically, Bi - 1 at% Sn) based on the fixed grid single domain approach is being undertaken. The enthalpy method is used to solve for the temperature field over the computational domain including both the solid and liquid phases; latent heat evolution is treated with the aid of an effective specific heat coefficient. A source term accounting for the release of solute into the liquid during solidification has been incorporated into the solute transport equation. The vorticity-stream function formulation is used to describe thermosolutal convection in the liquid region. In this paper we numerically investigate the effects of g-jitter on directional solidification. A background gravity of 1 micro-g has been assumed, and new results for the effects of periodic disturbances over a range of amplitudes and frequencies on solute field and segregation have been presented.

Benjapiyaporn, C.↗

Effect of g-jitter on Directional Solidification of a Binary Alloy

A study of directional solidification of a weak binary alloy (specifically, Bi - 1 at% Sn) based on the fixed grid single domain approach is being undertaken. The enthalpy method is used to solve for the temperature field over the computational domain including both the solid and liquid phases; latent heat evolution is treated with the aid of an effective specific heat coefficient. A source term accounting for the release of solute into the liquid during solidification has been incorporated into the solute transport equation. The vorticity-stream function formulation is used to describe thermosolutal convection in the liquid region. In this paper we present a numerical simulation of g-jitter: the small, rapid fluctuations in gravitational acceleration which may be experienced in an orbiting space vehicle. A background gravity of 1 micro-g has been assumed, and new results for the effects of orientation angle of the periodic disturbances over a range of amplitudes and frequencies on solute field and segregation have been presented.

Santiviriyapanich, P.↗

Enthalpies of a binary alloy during solidification

The purpose of the paper is to present a method of calculating the enthalpy of a dendritic alloy during solidification. The enthalpies of the dendritic solid and interdendritic liquid of alloys of the Pb-Sn system are evaluated, but the method could be applied to other binaries, as well. The enthalpies are consistent with a recent evaluation of the thermodynamics of Pb-Sn alloys and with the redistribution of solute in the same during dendritic solidification. Because of the heat of mixing in Pb-Sn alloys, the interdendritic liquid of hypoeutectic alloys (Pb-rich) of less than 50 wt pct Sn has enthalpies that increase as temperature decreases during solidification.

Poirier, D. R.↗

Mid-Field Sonic Boom Extrapolation Methodology

In the design cycle of low-boom airplanes, sonic boom prediction must be accurate and efficient. The classical linear method, Whitham's F-function theory, has been widely applied to predict sonic boom signatures. However, linear theory fails to capture the nonlinear effects created by large civil transport. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used successfully to predict sonic boom signals at the near and mid fields. Nevertheless, it is computationally expansive in airplane design runs. In the present study, the method of characteristics is used to predict sonic boom signals in an efficient fashion. The governing equations are the axisymmetric Euler's equations with constant enthalpy. Since the method solves Euler's equations, it captures more nonlinear effects than the classical Whitham's F-function technique. Furthermore, the method of characteristics is an efficient marching scheme for initial value problems. In this study, we will first review the current CFD extrapolation technique and the work previously done in sonic boom extrapolation. Then, we will introduce the governing equations and the method of characteristics. Finally, we will show that the present method yields the same accurate results as previous CFD techniques, but with higher efficiency.

Cheung, Samson↗

Using Thermally Imperfect and Ideal Gas Equations for Determining Conditions in Slotted Throat Wind Tunnels

The derivation and application of two back pressure controlling methods for setting the dynamic pressure, Mach number, and Reynolds number of subsonic wind tunnels with a slotted-throat test section are discussed. The first method uses a pressure difference to determine the tunnel dynamic pressure via the compressible Bernoulli equations and is used in the ideal gas path in the CFD code. The second method uses an enthalpy difference in the flow to determine the velocity in the test section and can be applied to multispecies, calorically imperfect and calorically perfect gas flow simulations. For a tunnel operating point close to standard atmosphere conditions, Mach number, pressure, and temperature along the tunnel centerline were very closely matched between the various thermodynamic equation assumption controller methods.

Ground Testing↗

Finite element simulations involving simultaneous multiple interface fronts in phase change problems

The present paper describes the simulation of phase change problems involving simultaneous multiple interface fronts employing the finite element method. Much of the past investigations employing finite elements have been restricted to primarily a single phase change situation. The existence of more than one phase, that is, the presence of multiple phase fronts poses certain challenges and further complications. However, the results provide a very interesting thermal behavior for this class of problems. In this paper, attention is focused on fixed grid methods and the trapezoidal family of one-step methods using the enthalpy formulations. Illustrative examples which handle simultaneous multiple fronts in phase change problems are presented.

Ouyang, Tianhong↗

Experimental and Theoretical Study of Thermodynamics of the Reaction of Titania and Water at High Temperatures

The transpiration method was used to determine the volatility of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in water vapor-containing environments at temperatures between 1473 and 1673 K. Water contents ranged from 0 to 76 mole % in oxygen or argon carrier gases for 20 to 250 hr exposure times. Results indicate that oxygen is not a key contributor to volatilization and the primary reaction for volatilization in this temperature range is: TiO2(s) + H2O(g) = TiO(OH)2(g). Data were analyzed with both the second and third law methods to extract an enthalpy and entropy of formation. The geometry and vibrational frequencies of TiO(OH)2(g) were computed using B3LYP density functional theory, and the enthalpy of formation was computed using the coupled-cluster singles and doubles method with a perturbative correction for connected triple substitutions [CCSD(T)]. Thermal functions are calculated using both a structure with bent and linear hydroxyl groups. Calculated second and third heats show closer agreement with the linear hydroxyl group, suggesting more experimental and computational spectroscopic and structural work is needed on this system.

equilibrium↗

A Technique for Determining the Nozzle-Flow Properties of Air in an Equilibrium, Nonequilibrium, or Frozen State

One of the problems associated with the development of high-enthalpy hypersonic test facilities hos been the determination of nozzle flow properties. This note presents a technique for determining the flow properties of air in an equilibrium, non-equilibrium, or frozen state using two test section measurements. A knowledge of two stagnation properties is required before the technique can be applied. The stagnation pressure can be measured, and reference 1 offers a method for determining stagnation enthalpy. Results of the calculations using the method of reference 1 are presented in reference 2 in a chart (chart 21) which can be readily used to determine the stagnation enthalpy from measurements of stagnation pressure, mass flow of air through the tunnel, and throat diameter.

Hayman, Lovick O.↗

Defining the Operational Envelope for Air Flows in the Miniature Arc-Jet Research Chamber (mARC II)

The second-generation 30 kW miniature Arc-jet Research Chamber (mARC II) at NASA Ames Research Center produces high enthalpy flows relevant for entry systems ground testing. The mARC II facility has recently undergone upgrades, including the installation of a new vacuum system to address the issues preventing it from maintaining underexpanded flow under test conditions. In this work, we present data obtained from an Integrated Systems Testing campaign and provide an initial assessment of arc-jet performance following the upgrades. Air is used as the working gas for the standard mARC II arc-heater configuration with two constrictor disks. Seven runs were investigated for five test conditions to assess the lowest achievable stagnation point heat fluxes for air flow rates of 0.15 or 0.25 g s −1 . The heat flux was measured using a water-cooled Gardon gauge (Ø4.76 mm, 3/16" hemispherical) at 70 mm from the nozzle exit plane. The new vacuum system produced test box pressures in the medium (fine) vacuum range (~0.03 torr, 4 Pa) prior to gas addition and successfully maintained underexpanded flow after gas addition. The upgrade yielded a ~4X reduction in heat flux relative to the previous system for the same set test conditions. We report the lowest heat fluxes measured in mARC II to date, ranging from 26 to 81 W cm −2 , for sonic flow enthalpies of 4–14 MJ kg −1 . Bulk enthalpies estimated using an energy balance method (EB 2 ) are reported for the first time using mARC II.Initial data suggests EB 2 generally estimates lower enthalpies than sonic flow methods for mARC II. Lastly, laminar axisymmetric Navier–Stokes simulations were performed using the NASA DPLR code. Numerical heat flux results show good agreement with experiments at low arc powers (3–15% difference at the minimum set arc current), but discrepancy increases with arc power (49% difference at the maximum set arc current).

arc-jet↗

Defining the Operational Envelope for Air Flows in the Miniature Arc-Jet Research Chamber (mARC II)

The second-generation 30 kW miniature Arc-jet Research Chamber (mARC II) at NASA Ames Research Center produces high enthalpy flows relevant for entry systems ground testing. The mARC II facility has recently undergone upgrades, including the installation of a new vacuum system to address the issues preventing it from maintaining underexpanded flow under test conditions. In this work, we present data obtained from an Integrated Systems Testing campaign and provide an initial assessment of arc-jet performance following the upgrades. Air is used as the working gas for the standard mARC II arc-heater configuration with two constrictor disks. Seven runs were investigated for five test conditions to assess the lowest achievable stagnation point heat fluxes for air flow rates of 0.15 or 0.25 g s −1 . The heat flux was measured using a water-cooled Gardon gauge (Ø4.76 mm, 3/16" hemispherical) at 70 mm from the nozzle exit plane. The new vacuum system produced test box pressures in the medium (fine) vacuum range (~0.03 torr, 4 Pa) prior to gas addition and successfully maintained underexpanded flow after gas addition. The upgrade yielded a ~4X reduction in heat flux relative to the previous system for the same set test conditions. We report the lowest heat fluxes measured in mARC II to date, ranging from 26 to 81 W cm −2 , for sonic flow enthalpies of 4–14 MJ kg −1 . Bulk enthalpies estimated using an energy balance method (EB 2 ) are reported for the first time using mARC II.Initial data suggests EB 2 generally estimates lower enthalpies than sonic flow methods for mARC II. Lastly, laminar axisymmetric Navier–Stokes simulations were performed using the NASA DPLR code. Numerical heat flux results show good agreement with experiments at low arc powers (3–15% difference at the minimum set arc current), but discrepancy increases with arc power (49% difference at the maximum set arc current).

Pitot tube↗

Thermodynamics of the Si-O-H System

Thermodynamic functions for Si(OH)4(g) and SiO(OH)2(g) have been measured using the transpiration method. A second law enthalpy of formation and entropy and a third law enthalpy of formation has been calculated for Si(OH)4. The results are in very good agreement with previous experimental measurements, ab-initio calculations, and estimates.

Jacobson, Nathan S.↗

Recent advances, trends and new perspectives via enthalpy-based finite element formulations for applications to solidification problems

The present paper describes recent advances and trends in finite element developments and applications for solidification problems. In particular, in comparison to traditional methods of approach, new enthalpy-based architectures based on a generalized trapezoidal family of representations are presented which provide different perspectives, physical interpretation and solution architectures for effective numerical simulation of phase change processes encountered in solidification problems. Various numerical test models are presented and the results support the proposition for employing such formulations for general phase change applications.

Tamma, Kumar K.↗

Bulk Enthalpy Calculations in the Arc Jet Facility at NASA ARC

The Arc Jet Facilities at NASA Ames Research Center generate test streams with enthalpies ranging from 5 MJ/kg to 25 MJ/kg. The present work describes a rigorous method, based on equilibrium thermodynamics, for calculating the bulk enthalpy of the flow produced in two of these facilities. The motivation for this work is to determine a dimensionally-correct formula for calculating the bulk enthalpy that is at least as accurate as the conventional formulas that are currently used. Unlike previous methods, the new method accounts for the amount of argon that is present in the flow. Comparisons are made with bulk enthalpies computed from an energy balance method. An analysis of primary facility operating parameters and their associated uncertainties is presented in order to further validate the enthalpy calculations reported herein.

Thompson, Corinna S.↗

High-temperature mass spectrometry - Vaporization of group 4-B metal carbides

The high temperature vaporization of the metal-carbon systems TiC, ZrC, HfC, and ThC was studied by the Knudsen effusion - mass spectrometric method. For each system the metal dicarbide and tetracarbide molecular species were identified in the gas phase. Relative ion currents of the carbides and metals were measured as a function of temperature. Second- and third-law methods were used to determine enthalpies. Maximum values were established for the dissociation energies of the metal monocarbide molecules TiC, ZrC, HfC, and ThC. Thermodynamic functions used in the calculations are discussed in terms of assumed molecular structures and electronic contributions to the partition functions. The trends shown by the dissociation energies of the carbides of Group 4B are compared with those of neighboring groups and discussed in relation to the corresponding oxides and chemical bonding. The high temperature molecular beam inlet system and double focusing mass spectrometer are described.

Stearns, C. A.↗

Enthalpy By Energy Balance for Aerodynamic Heating Facility at NASA Ames Research Center Arc Jet Complex

The NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) Arc Jet Facilities' Aerodynamic Heating Facility (AHF) has been instrumented for the Enthalpy By Energy Balance (EB2) method. Diagnostic EB2 data is routinely taken for all AHF runs. This paper provides an overview of the EB2 method implemented in the AHF. The chief advantage of the AHF implementation over earlier versions is the non-intrusiveness of the instruments used. For example, to measure the change in cooling water temperature, thin film 1000 ohm Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are used with an Anderson Current Loop (ACL) as the signal conditioner. The ACL with 1000 ohm RTDs allows for very sensitive measurement of the increase in temperature (Delta T) of the cooling water to the arc heater, which is a critical element of the EB2 method. Cooling water flow rates are measured with non-intrusive ultrasonic flow meters.

Hightower, T. Mark↗

Solutions of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations using the integral method

The integral representation method was used to obtain numerical solutions of the compressible, unsteady, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for subsonic flows. The equations were written with the vorticity, the dilatation, the density, and the enthalpy as the dependent variables. The method was tested by solving the following problems: the flow over a flat plate, around a circular cylinder, and around a Joukowski airfoil. The last two problems involved massive flow separation. The approach offers the capability of confining the domain of computations to the region where two quantities, the vorticity and the difference in dilatation between the real flow and the potential flow around the body, are non-negligible.

Elrefaee, M. M.↗

The measurement of heats of solution of high melting metallic systems in an electromagnetic levitation field

A method was tested for measuring the enthalpies of mixing of liquid metallic alloying systems, involving the combination of two samples in the electromagnetic field of an induction coil. The heat of solution is calculated from the pyrometrically measured temperature effect, the heat capacity of the alloy, and the heat content of the added sample. The usefulness of the method was tested experimentally with iron-copper and niobium-silicon systems. This method should be especially applicable to high-melting alloys, for which conventional measurements have failed.

Frohberg, M. G.↗

Reliability enhancement of Navier-Stokes codes through convergence enhancement

Reduction of total computing time required by an iterative algorithm for solving Navier-Stokes equations is an important aspect of making the existing and future analysis codes more cost effective. Several attempts have been made to accelerate the convergence of an explicit Runge-Kutta time-stepping algorithm. These acceleration methods are based on local time stepping, implicit residual smoothing, enthalpy damping, and multigrid techniques. Also, an extrapolation procedure based on the power method and the Minimal Residual Method (MRM) were applied to the Jameson's multigrid algorithm. The MRM uses same values of optimal weights for the corrections to every equation in a system and has not been shown to accelerate the scheme without multigriding. Our Distributed Minimal Residual (DMR) method based on our General Nonlinear Minimal Residual (GNLMR) method allows each component of the solution vector in a system of equations to have its own convergence speed. The DMR method was found capable of reducing the computation time by 10-75 percent depending on the test case and grid used. Recently, we have developed and tested a new method termed Sensitivity Based DMR or SBMR method that is easier to implement in different codes and is even more robust and computationally efficient than our DMR method.

Choi, K.-Y.↗