Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Particle Drag”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

An Assessment of the Drag Models in the Case of a Shock Interacting With a Fixed Bed of Point Particles

Abstract In this work, three-dimensional Euler–Lagrange (EL) point-particle simulations of a shock wave interacting with a fixed bed of particles are carried out. The results from the particle-resolved (PR) simulations are used to assess the performance of the point-particle drag models during short time scales. We demonstrate that in a one-way coupled regime, the point-particle simulations recover the dominant gas dynamic features of the flow and are in a good agreement with the exact Riemann solution of a shock traveling through a sudden area contraction. Although the PR simulations are inviscid, we show that a dissipative drag is necessary to predict the mean behavior of the gas. As a model for the inviscid shock-induced (SI) drag two different models are presented in lieu of the quasi-steady drag. Finally, two-way coupled simulations are performed at four different particle volume fractions {0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25} and three different incident shock Mach numbers {1.22, 1.66, 3.0} and compared against the data from PR inviscid simulations. At a lower Mach number (1.22), averaged flow quantities from the two-way coupled simulations agree well with the PR simulations. As the Mach number increases, we observe that the discrepancies between the point-particle and the PR simulations grow. A sensitivity analysis of the drag models involved reveals a strong influence of the inviscid-unsteady force on the gas quantities especially in the case of a strong shock interacting with a dense bed of particles. The use of Mach correlation beyond the subcritical regime coupled with the model for volume fraction correction is identified as a probable cause for the additional drag.

Engineering↗

Assessment of analytical techniques for predicting solid propellant exhaust plumes

The calculation of solid propellant exhaust plume flow fields is addressed. Two major areas covered are: (1) the applicability of empirical data currently available to define particle drag coefficients, heat transfer coefficients, mean particle size and particle size distributions, and (2) thermochemical modeling of the gaseous phase of the flow field. Comparisons of experimentally measured and analytically predicted data are made. The experimental data were obtained for subscale solid propellant motors with aluminum loadings of 2, 10 and 15%. Analytical predictions were made using a fully coupled two-phase numerical solution. Data comparisons will be presented for radial distributions at plume axial stations of 5, 12, 16 and 20 diameters.

Tevepaugh, J. A.↗

Applicability of empirical data currently used in predicting solid propellant exhaust plumes

Theoretical and experimental approaches to exhaust plume analysis are compared. A two-phase model is extended to include treatment of reacting gas chemistry, and thermodynamical modeling of the gaseous phase of the flow field is considered. The applicability of empirical data currently available to define particle drag coefficients, heat transfer coefficients, mean particle size, and particle size distributions is investigated. Experimental and analytical comparisons are presented for subscale solid rocket motors operating at three altitudes with attention to pitot total pressure and stagnation point heating rate measurements. The mathematical treatment input requirements are explained. The two-phase flow field solution adequately predicts gasdynamic properties in the inviscid portion of two-phase exhaust plumes. It is found that prediction of exhaust plume gas pressures requires an adequate model of flow field dynamics.

Tevepaugh, J. A.↗

Comparing Particle Flow Regimes in the L2K Arcjet with Martian Entry Conditions

In this study, the US3D-DUST code will be used to simulate particles in the L2K dusty-flow test environments and compare them to conditions in the shock layer of the Schiaparelli capsule during its entry into the Martian atmosphere in 2016. The particle Reynolds, Mach, and Knudsen numbers, key non-dimensional numbers that characterize the dusty-flow environments, will be compared between the L2K and Martian shock layers. This study will provide a preliminary assessment of how well-suited L2K dusty-flow conditions are for particle drag model validation and the development of particle impact surface damage correlations. The results of this study may help to guide the design of future dusty flow environments in the L2K facility

Dusty flow↗

Stony Meteoroid Space Erosion and Drag: Effect on Cosmic Ray Exposure Ages

Collisions with dust particles in retrograde orbits cause space erosion on stony meteoroids in addition to the particle drag which causes drift toward resonances. The spacing between resonances determines the maximum drift time and sets upper limits on the neon-21 cosmic ray exposure (CRE) ages for meteoroids less than ∼1 m in radius, while space erosion controls the limit for radii greater than ∼1 m; the limits accord well with the measured CRE ages of stony meteorites.

Rubincam, David P.↗

The Effect of Drag Model on Heatshield Recession due to Particle Impacts for Martian Spacecraft

A spacecraft entering the Martian atmosphere during a dust storm may experience recession to the heatshield due to dust particle impacts. Aerodynamic drag is the primary force that determines the trajectory of the dust particles through the shock layer. This paper examines the effect of particle drag model on the heatshield recession. Three particle drag models are assessed including two that are intended to be applicable over a wide range of particle flow conditions. Particle trajectories are computed in conditions measured during the 2007 major global dust storm. It was found that accounting for Knudsen number and compressibility effects made a large difference in the estimated particle impact velocity. The two drag models that were valid for transitional, compressible particle flow environments predicted only slightly-different amounts of heatshield recession due to dust particle impacts. A brief description of the effects of non-spherical particles on drag coefficients is provided.

Heatshield↗

The Effect of Drag Model on Heatshield Recession due to Particle Impacts for Martian Spacecraft

A spacecraft entering the Martian atmosphere during a dust storm may experience recession to the heatshield due to dust particle impacts. Aerodynamic drag is the primary force that determines the trajectory of the dust particles through the shock layer. This paper examines the effect of particle drag model on the heatshield recession. Three particle drag models are assessed including two that are intended to be applicable over a wide range of particle flow conditions. Particle trajectories are computed in conditions measured during the 2007 major global dust storm. It was found that accounting for Knudsen number and compressibility effects made a large difference in the estimated particle impact velocity. The two drag models that were valid for transitional, compressible particle flow environments predicted only slightly-different amounts of heatshield recession due to dust particle impacts. A brief description of the effects of non-spherical particles on drag coefficients is provided.

Heatshield↗

Numerical investigation of laser-driven shock interaction with a deformable particle

A laser-driven shock propagating through an isolated particle embedded in a plastic (CH) target was studied using the radiation-hydrodynamic code FLASH. Preliminary simulations using IONMIX equations of state (EOS) showed significant differences in the shock Hugoniot of aluminum compared to experimental data in the low-pressure regime [O(10) GPa], resulting in higher streamwise compression and deformation of an aluminum particle. Hence, a simple modification to the ideal gas EOS was developed and employed to describe the target materials and examine the particle dynamics. The evolution of the pressure field demonstrated a complex wave interaction, resulting in a highly unsteady particle drag which featured two drag minima due to shock focusing at the rear end of the particle and rarefaction stretching due to laser shut-off. Although ~30% lateral expansion and ~25% streamwise compression were observed, the aluminum particle maintained considerable integrity without significant distortion. Additional simulations examined the particle response for a range of particle densities, sizes, and acoustic impedances. The data revealed that lighter particles such as aluminum gained significant momentum, reaching up to ~96% of the shocked CH's speed, compared to ~29% for the heavier tungsten particles. Despite the differences seen in the early stage of shock interaction, particles with varying acoustic impedances ultimately reached the same peak velocity. This identified particle-to-host density ratio is an important factor in determining the inviscid terminal velocity of the particle. In addition, the modified EOS model presented in this study could be used to approximate solid materials in hydrocodes that lack material strength models.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Atmospheric entry heating - A criterion to distinguish between asteroidal and cometary sources of interplanetary dust

Interplanetary dust samples obtained in the earth stratosphere by NASA sampling aircraft have been analyzed to ascertain the duration of their exposure as small particles in space, and the peak temperature they attained during atmospheric entry and deceleration. A three-dimensional orbital evolution model is then developed from these data which involves asteroidal and cometary sources for the dust as well as the influence of Poynting-Robertson drag. Particles from comets with perihelia greater than 1.2 AU typically undergo 600-800 C heating, while those from comets with smaller perihelia are heated to temperatures in excess of 800 C. Atmospheric-entry velocities inferred are consistent with the major fraction of stratospheric cosmic dust being derived from parent bodies in the main asteroid belt.

Flynn, G. J.↗

Modeling Dense Particle Flow in Multistage and Obstructed Flow Receivers Using High Fidelity Simulations

Particles are a leading contender for next-generation, concentrating solar power technologies, and the design of the particle receiver is critical to minimize the levelized cost of electricity. Falling particle receivers (FPRs) are a viable receiver concept, but many new designs feature complex particle obstructions that include dense discrete phase flows. This creates additional challenges for modeling as particle-to-particle interactions (i.e., collisions) and particle drag become more complex. To improve upon existing modeling strategies, a CFD-DEM simulation capability was created by coupling two independent codes: Sierra/Fuego and LAMMPS. A suitable receiver model was then defined using a traditional continuum-based model for the air and a granular model for the particle curtain. A sensitivity study was executed using this model to determine the relevance of different granular model inputs on important quantities of interest in obstructed flow FPRs: the particle velocity and curtain opacity. The study showed that the granular model inputs had little effect on the particle velocity magnitude and curtain opacity after an obstruction.

Mills, Brantley↗

Development and Demonstration of a Computational Tool for the Analysis of Particle Vitiation Effects in Hypersonic Propulsion Test Facilities

In order to improve the understanding of particle vitiation effects in hypersonic propulsion test facilities, a quasi-one dimensional numerical tool was developed to efficiently model reacting particle-gas flows over a wide range of conditions. Features of this code include gas-phase finite-rate kinetics, a global porous-particle combustion model, mass, momentum and energy interactions between phases, and subsonic and supersonic particle drag and heat transfer models. The basic capabilities of this tool were validated against available data or other validated codes. To demonstrate the capabilities of the code a series of computations were performed for a model hypersonic propulsion test facility and scramjet. Parameters studied were simulated flight Mach number, particle size, particle mass fraction and particle material.

Perkins, Hugh Douglas↗

Applying Physics-Informed Neural Networks to Solve Navier–Stokes Equations for Laminar Flow around a Particle

In recent years, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) have drawn great interest among researchers as a tool to solve computational physics problems. Unlike conventional neural networks, which are black-box models that “blindly” establish a correlation between input and output variables using a large quantity of labeled data, PINNs directly embed physical laws (primarily partial differential equations) within the loss function of neural networks. By minimizing the loss function, this approach allows the output variables to automatically satisfy physical equations without the need for labeled data. The Navier–Stokes equation is one of the most classic governing equations in thermal fluid engineering. This study constructs a PINN to solve the Navier–Stokes equations for a 2D incompressible laminar flow problem. Flows passing around a 2D circular particle are chosen as the benchmark case, and an elliptical particle is also examined to enrich the research. The velocity and pressure fields are predicted by the PINNs, and the results are compared with those derived from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Additionally, the particle drag force coefficient is calculated to quantify the discrepancy in the results of the PINNs as compared to CFD outcomes. The drag coefficient maintained an error within 10% across all test scenarios.

Hu, Beichao (ORCID:0009000163215151)↗

Pedestal craters on Ganymede

The high-resolution Voyager images of Ganymede show a class of fresh craters 6-89 km in diameter which is distinguished by an ejecta blanket similar to those seen for some types of Martian craters. One hundred and eighty-five were identified and studied for trends with respect to latitude, longitude, and terrain type. No correlation of the ratio of ejecta diameter to crater diameter was found as a function of latitude or longitude, and there is only a suggestion of a trend in this ratio with respect to major terrain types. Central peak frequency is greatest for the smaller crater diameters. Central pit occurrence dominates central peak occurrence at crater diameters of about 35 km. It is concluded that the ejecta morphology probably results from impact into an icy target. The question of whether atmospheric ejecta-particle drag contributes to ejecta blanket morphologies on planets with an atmosphere cannot be resolved entirely from the Voyager images.

Horner, V. M.↗

Drag coefficient equations for small particles in high speed flows

The paper determines the effect of various available drag coefficient equations on particle velocity calculations for typical two phase flows encountered in supersonic and turbulent laser velocimeter applications. The predictions of the particle drag coefficient equations are compared with experimental sphere drag data. For the laser velocimeter applications, the relative Mach number less than 2 and the relative Reynolds number less than 200 are of particular importance.

Walsh, M. J.↗

Decoupling the Role of Particle Inertia and Gravity on Particle Dispersion

Particle dispersion and the influence that particle momentum exchange has on the properties of a turbulent carrier flow in micro-gravity environments challenge present understanding and predictive schemes. The objective of this effort has been to develop and assess high-fidelity simulation tools for predicting particle transport within micro-gravity environments suspended in turbulent flows. The computational technique is based on Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The particular focus of the present work is on the class of dilute flows in which particle volume fractions and inter-particle collisions are negligible. Particle motion is assumed to be governed by drag with particle relaxation times ranging from the Kolmogorov scale to the Eulerian timescale of the turbulence and particle mass loadings up to one. The velocity field was made statistically stationary by forcing the low wavenumbers of the flow. The calculations were performed using 96(exp 3) collocation points and the Taylor-scale Reynolds number for the stationary flow was 62. The effect of particles on the turbulence was included in the Navier-Stokes equations using the point-force approximation in which 96(exp 3) particles were used in the calculations. DNS results show that particles increasingly dissipate fluid kinetic energy with increased loading, with the reduction in kinetic energy being relatively independent of the particle relaxation time. Viscous dissipation in the fluid decreases with increased loading and is larger for particles with smaller relaxation times. Fluid energy spectra show that there is a non-uniform distortion of the turbulence with a relative increase in small-scale energy. The non-uniform distortion significantly affects the transport of the dissipation rate, with the production and destruction of dissipation exhibiting completely different behaviors. The spectrum of the fluid-particle energy exchange rate shows that the fluid drags particles at low wavenumbers while the converse is true at high wavenumbers for small particles. A spectral analysis shows that the increase of the high wavenumber portion of the fluid energy spectrum can be attributed to transfer of the fluid-particle covariance by the fluid turbulence. This in turn explains the relative increase of small-scale energy caused by small particles observed in the present simulations as well as those of others.

Squires, Kyle D.↗

Erosion in radial inflow turbines. Volume 2: Balance of centrifugal and radial drag forces on erosive particles

The particle motion in two-dimensional free and forced inward flowing vortices is considered. A particle in such a flow field experiences a balance between the aerodynamic drag forces that tend to drive erosive particles toward the axis, and centrifugal forces that prevent these particles from traveling toward the axis. Results predict that certain sizes of particles will achieve a stable orbit about the turbine axis in the inward flowing free vortex. In this condition, the radial drag force is equal to the centrifugal force. The sizes of particles that will achieve a stable orbit is shown to be related to the gas flow velocity diagram at a particular radius. A second analysis yields a description of particle sizes that will experience a centrifugal force that is greater than the radial component of the aerodynamic drag force for a more general type of particle motion.

Clevenger, W. B., Jr.↗