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At least 37 records · Page 2

Assimilation of MODIS Snow Cover Through the Data Assimilation Research Testbed and the Community Land Model Version 4

To improve snowpack estimates in Community Land Model version 4 (CLM4), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover fraction (SCF) was assimilated into the Community Land Model version 4 (CLM4) via the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART). The interface between CLM4 and DART is a flexible, extensible approach to land surface data assimilation. This data assimilation system has a large ensemble (80-member) atmospheric forcing that facilitates ensemble-based land data assimilation. We use 40 randomly chosen forcing members to drive 40 CLM members as a compromise between computational cost and the data assimilation performance. The localization distance, a parameter in DART, was tuned to optimize the data assimilation performance at the global scale. Snow water equivalent (SWE) and snow depth are adjusted via the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter, particularly in regions with large SCF variability. The root-mean-square error of the forecast SCF against MODIS SCF is largely reduced. In DJF (December-January-February), the discrepancy between MODIS and CLM4 is broadly ameliorated in the lower-middle latitudes (2345N). Only minimal modifications are made in the higher-middle (4566N) and high latitudes, part of which is due to the agreement between model and observation when snow cover is nearly 100. In some regions it also reveals that CLM4-modeled snow cover lacks heterogeneous features compared to MODIS. In MAM (March-April-May), adjustments to snowmove poleward mainly due to the northward movement of the snowline (i.e., where largest SCF uncertainty is and SCF assimilation has the greatest impact). The effectiveness of data assimilation also varies with vegetation types, with mixed performance over forest regions and consistently good performance over grass, which can partly be explained by the linearity of the relationship between SCF and SWE in the model ensembles. The updated snow depth was compared to the Canadian Meteorological Center (CMC) data. Differences between CMC and CLM4 are generally reduced in densely monitored regions.

data assimilation↗

Friction and wear of single-crystal and polycrystalline maganese-zinc ferrite in contact with various metals

Sliding friction experiments were conducted with single-crystal (SCF) and hot-pressed polycrystalline (HPF) manganese-zinc ferrite in contact with various metals. Results indicate that the coefficients of friction for SCF and HPF are related to the relative chemical activity of those metals in high vacuum. The more active the metal, the higher the coefficient of friction. The coefficients of friction for both SCF and HPF were the same and much higher in vacuum than in argon at atmospheric pressure. All the metals tested transferred to the surface of both SCF and HPF in sliding. Both SCF and HPF exhibited cracking and fracture with sliding. Cracking in SCF is dependent on crystallographic characteristics. In HPF, cracking depends on the orientation of the individual crystallites.

Miyoshi, K.↗

Analysis-Driven Design Optimization of a SMA-Based Slat-Cove Filler for Aeroacoustic Noise Reduction

Airframe noise is a significant component of environmental noise in the vicinity of airports. The noise associated with the leading-edge slat of typical transport aircraft is a prominent source of airframe noise. Previous work suggests that a slat-cove filler (SCF) may be an effective noise treatment. Hence, development and optimization of a practical slat-cove-filler structure is a priority. The objectives of this work are to optimize the design of a functioning SCF which incorporates superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) materials as flexures that permit the deformations involved in the configuration change. The goal of the optimization is to minimize the actuation force needed to retract the slat-SCF assembly while satisfying constraints on the maximum SMA stress and on the SCF deflection under static aerodynamic pressure loads, while also satisfying the condition that the SCF self-deploy during slat extension. A finite element analysis model based on a physical bench-top model is created in Abaqus such that automated iterative analysis of the design could be performed. In order to achieve an optimized design, several design variables associated with the current SCF configuration are considered, such as the thicknesses of SMA flexures and the dimensions of various components, SMA and conventional. Designs of experiment (DOE) are performed to investigate structural response to an aerodynamic pressure load and to slat retraction and deployment. DOE results are then used to inform the optimization process, which determines a design minimizing actuator forces while satisfying the required constraints.

Scholten, William↗

Modeling Boundary-Layer Transition in Subsonic Flow over a Swept Wing

Predicting the onset of boundary-layer transition is often more accurate using physics-based models that directly compute disturbance growth rather than phenomenological models often implemented into industrial CFD codes. The aim of this ongoing study is to calibrate linear, physics-based computations of transition in subsonic flows over swept wings against a large set of experimental data. Advancing the calibration of linear models of transition contributes to the CFD-Vision-2030 goal of automated boundary-layer transition prediction. This progress report uses the dual N-factor method to model transition over the swept NACA 64-2-015A wing. The flow conditions match selected test conditions from an extensive experimental dataset acquired from the NASA Ames 12-ft Pressure Tunnel. The OVERFLOW 2.4b flow solver is used to obtain laminar basic states based on an infinite-span assumption. Stability analyses are performed on 365 distinct configurations with linear stability theory (LST) and parabolized stability equations (PSE) from the Langley Stability and Transition Analysis Codes (LASTRAC), modeling the growth of Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) and stationary crossflow (SCF) disturbances. From a total of 67 data points for unswept, i.e., TS-dominant configurations, the critical N-factor based on PSE is found to be N_TS = 9. The SCF critical N-factor is found to be near 8 for the highly swept, SCF-dominant configurations. Dual N-factor curves for both LST and PSE computations demonstrate a high level of interaction between TS and SCF. It may be worthwhile to investigate an alternate metric to visualize maximal SCF amplification upstream of the transition location to account for the growth of SCF modes near the leading edge, which is not considered in the conventional applications of the dual N-factor criterion.

boundary-layer transition↗

Modeling Boundary-Layer Transition in Subsonic Flow over a Swept Wing

Predicting the onset of boundary-layer transition is often more accurate using physics-based models that directly compute disturbance growth rather than phenomenological models often implemented into industrial CFD codes. The aim of this ongoing study is to calibrate linear, physics-based computations of transition in subsonic flows over swept wings against a large set of experimental data. Advancing the calibration of linear models of transition contributes to the CFD-Vision-2030 goal of automated boundary-layer transition prediction. This progress report uses the dual N-factor method to model transition over the swept NACA 64-2-015A wing. The flow conditions match selected test conditions from an extensive experimental dataset acquired from the NASA Ames 12-ft Pressure Tunnel. The OVERFLOW 2.4b flow solver is used to obtain laminar basic states based on an infinite-span assumption. Stability analyses are performed on 365 distinct configurations with linear stability theory (LST) and parabolized stability equations (PSE) from the Langley Stability and Transition Analysis Codes (LASTRAC), modeling the growth of Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) and stationary crossflow (SCF) disturbances. From a total of 67 data points for unswept, i.e., TS-dominant configurations, the critical N-factor based on PSE is found to be N_TS = 9. The SCF critical N-factor is found to be near 8 for the highly swept, SCF-dominant configurations. Dual N-factor curves for both LST and PSE computations demonstrate a high level of interaction between TS and SCF. It may be worthwhile to investigate an alternate metric to visualize maximal SCF amplification upstream of the transition location to account for the growth of SCF modes near the leading edge, which is not considered in the conventional applications of the dual N-factor criterion.

computational modeling↗

Aerodynamic and Structural Evaluation of an SMA Slat-Cove Filler Using Computational and Experimental Tools at Model Scale

Transport class aircraft produce a significant amount of airframe noise during approach and landing due to exposed geometric discontinuities that are hidden during cruise. The leading-edge slat is a primary contributor to this noise. In previous work, use of a slat-cove filler (SCF) has proven to reduce airframe noise by filling the cove aft of the slat, eliminating the circulation region within the cove. The goal of this work is to extend and improve upon past experimental and computational efforts on the evaluation of a scaled high-lift wing with a super elastic shape memory alloy (SMA) SCF. Recent turbulence measurements of the Texas A&M University 3ft-by-4ft wind tunnel allow for more accurate representation of the flow through the test section in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The finite volume models used in CFD analysis are coupled to structural finite element models using a framework compatible with an SMA constitutive model and significant deformation, enabling fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis of the SCF. Both fully-deployed and retraction/deployment cases are considered. The displacement of the SCF on the experimental model is measured at various stages of retraction/deployment using a laser displacement sensor and digital image correlation system. Due to a lack of structural stiffness in the 3D-printed plastic slat during retraction and SCF stowage, a rigid steel slat is incorporated into the physical model and preliminary wind tunnel tests are conducted at multiple angles of attack in both retracted and deployed configurations.

Scholten, William↗

Development of Slat-gap and Slat-cove Filler Treatments for Noise Reduction Assessment on the High Lift Common Research Model in the NASA LaRC 14x22

Airframe noise is an important issue during the approach and landing phases of flight because engines are throttled back, and airframe sources become an equal or greater contributor to environmental noise. The leading-edge slat component of the high-lift system for transport aircraft has been identified as a prominent source of airframe noise. Noise production mechanisms and potential treatments to mitigate airframe noise have been areas of active research for nearly three decades. Two promising technologies for slat noise reduction are the slat-gap filler (SGF) and slat-cove filler (SCF). Previous work was done using a 2D section of a transport class aircraft wing to demonstrate their feasibility via benchtop and computational models. A wind tunnel test campaign was recently undertaken to test the SGF and SCF technologies in a flight-like environment by installing dynamically scaled treatments on the 10%-scale High-Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL), which is representative of a commercial twin-aisle transport aircraft. Advancement of the SGF and SCF technologies to overcome challenges of integration with 3D airframe structures, computational simulations of the CRM-HL predicting the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance and structural loads, and design of wind tunnel model hardware with features accommodating noise treatments were conducted in parallel. Details of innovations in the SGF and SCF technologies for 3D airframe feasibility will be described. The loads the treatments must sustain in flight and the influence of those loads on the design is also discussed. Finally, the design of wing leading-edge assemblies to treat the 10% CRM-HL with dynamically scaled SGF and SCF components is presented. The treatments were successfully tested in 2020/2021 providing a demonstration of leading-edge noise reduction using components that would allow slat articulation.

airframe noise reduction↗

Aeroelastic Stability Assessment Methodology and Application to Slat Noise Treatments on the High-Lift Common Research Model

This work supports a larger effort at NASA to reduce airframe noise and, thus, environmental noise around airports. The leading-edge slat of conventional high-lift systems is a prominent source of airframe noise, and two technologies were previously identified as promising for noise reduction without significant aerodynamic or weight penalty: the slat cove filler (SCF) and the slat gap filler (SGF). NASA fabricated a 10%-scale semispan aircraft model for wind tunnel testing based upon the High-Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL). NASA embarked on a test campaign with the 10% CRM-HL to determine the noise reduction effectiveness and other performance metrics of 3D SCF and SGF treatments in flow conditions representative of flight. The highly flexible SCF and SGF treatments posed a risk to the model and aeroelastic instability would compromise research integrity, so aeroelastic stability assessment was required. This work briefly describes the 10% CRM-HL, design of the SCF and SGF treatments to the model, and supporting fluid structure interaction (FSI) research. Relations for static and dynamic aeroelastic similitude are then developed for convenience of reference, and simplifications are introduced of particular utility to the cases considered in this study. The similitude relations are employed to assess the stability of the treatments under wind tunnel flow conditions based upon known behaviors from the supporting research. It is shown that the treatments are safe for test under the anticipated wind tunnel flow conditions with significant margins/factors of safety. It is furthermore demonstrated that the SCF is more susceptible to aeroelastic instability than the SGF, which has implications for flight feasibility.

Similitude↗

Performance characteristics of two multiaxis thrust-vectoring nozzles at Mach numbers up to 1.28

The thrust-vectoring axisymmetric (VA) nozzle and a spherical convergent flap (SCF) thrust-vectoring nozzle were tested along with a baseline nonvectoring axisymmetric (NVA) nozzle in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel at Mach numbers from 0 to 1.28 and nozzle pressure ratios from 1 to 8. Test parameters included geometric yaw vector angle and unvectored divergent flap length. No pitch vectoring was studied. Nozzle drag, thrust minus drag, yaw thrust vector angle, discharge coefficient, and static thrust performance were measured and analyzed, as well as external static pressure distributions. The NVA nozzle and the VA nozzle displayed higher static thrust performance than the SCF nozzle throughout the nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) range tested. The NVA nozzle had higher overall thrust minus drag than the other nozzles throughout the NPR and Mach number ranges tested. The SCF nozzle had the lowest jet-on nozzle drag of the three nozzles throughout the test conditions. The SCF nozzle provided yaw thrust angles that were equal to the geometric angle and constant with NPR. The VA nozzle achieved yaw thrust vector angles that were significantly higher than the geometric angle but not constant with NPR. Nozzle drag generally increased with increases in thrust vectoring for all the nozzles tested.

Wing, David J.↗

Probabilistic Simulation of Stress Concentration in Composite Laminates

A computational methodology is described to probabilistically simulate the stress concentration factors (SCF's) in composite laminates. This new approach consists of coupling probabilistic composite mechanics with probabilistic finite element structural analysis. The composite mechanics is used to probabilistically describe all the uncertainties inherent in composite material properties, whereas the finite element is used to probabilistically describe the uncertainties associated with methods to experimentally evaluate SCF's, such as loads, geometry, and supports. The effectiveness of the methodology is demonstrated by using is to simulate the SCF's in three different composite laminates. Simulated results match experimental data for probability density and for cumulative distribution functions. The sensitivity factors indicate that the SCF's are influenced by local stiffness variables, by load eccentricities, and by initial stress fields.

Chamis, C. C.↗

A comparison of two algorithms for simulating collisionless systems

Two completely different simulation algorithms are compared by applying them to the same stellar dynamical problems: one is a self-consistent field (SCF) method for solving Poisson's equation and the other is a phase-space method for integrating the collisionless Boltzmann equation. We consider simulations of spherical stellar systems which are initially far from equilibrium and relax to their final states by gravitational collapse. The initial conditions consist of either uniform-density spheres or nonequilibrium models having Plummer density profiles, in which velocity dispersions are assigned according to given virial ratios. If a few tens of radial expansion terms with hundreds of thousands of particles are used in the SCF code, excellent agreement is found between the results it generates and those obtained with the phase-space solver, provided that a sufficiently large number of grid cells are employed with the latter. These findings imply that for simulating collisionless systmes over many dynamical times, the SCF approach based on sampling phase space is competitive with the approach treating phase space as a continuous fluid. The results of our tests make it possible to estimate the number of particles and basis functions required in situations like those modeled. Limitations of the SCF method and the choice of an optimal set of basis functions are also discussed.

Hozumi, Shunsuke↗

A Novel Machine Learning-Based Gap-Filling of Fine-Resolution Remotely Sensed Snow Cover Fraction Data By Combining Downscaling and Regression

Satellite-based remotely sensed observations of snow cover fraction (SCF) can have data gaps in spatially distributed coverage from sensor and orbital limitations. We mitigate these limitations in the example fine-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data by gap-filling using auxiliary 1-km datasets that either aid in downscaling from coarser-resolution (5 km) MODIS SCF wherever not fully covered by clouds, or else by themselves via regression wherever fully cloud covered. This study’s prototype predicts a 1-km version of the 500-m MOD10A1 SCF target. Due to noncollocatedness of spatial gaps even across input and auxiliary datasets, we consider a recent gap-agnostic advancement of partial convolution in computer vision for both training and predictive gap-filling. Partial convolution accommodates spatially consistent gaps across the input images, effectively implementing a two-dimensional masking. To overcome reduced usable data from noncollocated spatial gaps across inputs, we innovate a fully generalized three-dimensional masking in this partial convolution. This enables a valid output value at a pixel even if only a single valid input variable and its value exist in the neighborhood covered by the convolutional filter zone centered around that pixel. Thus, our gap-agnostic technique can use significantly more examples for training (∼67%) and prediction (∼100%), instead of only less than 10% for the previous partial convolution. We train an example simple three-layer legacy super-resolution convolutional neural network (SRCNN) to obtain downscaling and regression component performances that are better than baseline values of either climatology or MOD10C1 SCF as relevant. Our generalized partial convolution can enable multiple Earth science applications like downscaling, regression, classification, and segmentation that were hindered by data gaps.

Soni Yatheendradas↗

Impact of Random Micron-Sized Surface Roughness on Stationary Crossflow Instabilities

This study examines the effect of random micron-sized distributed roughness on stationary crossflow (SCF) instabilities. The roughness parameters are varied by creating nanoparticle coatings of various formulations and applying them to inserts that cover approximately the first 14% of the swept flat-plate model. In addition to the baseline configuration (no added roughness, root-mean-square (RMS) ≈ 0.4 µm ), 5 panels with RMS roughness values of 4.8 up to 17 µm and correlation lengths ranging from 92 to 876 µm were tested. Despite the significant roughness levels tested, the transition location was found to be only mildly impacted by the additional roughness. However, the SCF amplitudes and wavelength content were found to vary substantially depending on the roughness input. The results were somewhat unexpected, in that the panel with the highest roughness RMS level did not result in the largest initial amplitudes, nor did the panel with the most energy in the SCF wavelength range. Rather, the panel with the most energy in the smaller wavelengths resulted in the largest SCF amplitude. There were, however, significant variations in the results when the panels were rotated by 180 ◦ , indicating that the important factor for some of the panels may be isolated peaks that occur near the neutral point.

stationary crossflow instabilities↗

Improved fireman's compressed air breathing system pressure vessel development program

Prototype high pressure glass filament-wound, aluminum-lined pressurant vessels suitable for use in a fireman's compressed air breathing system were designed, fabricated, and acceptance tested in order to demonstrate the feasibility of producing such high performance, lightweight units. The 4000 psi tanks have a 60 standard cubic foot (SCF) air capacity, and have a 6.5 inch diamter, 19 inch length, 415 inch volume, weigh 13 pounds when empty, and contain 33 percent more air than the current 45 SCF (2250 psi) steel units. The current steel 60 SCF (3000 psi) tanks weigh approximately twice as much as the prototype when empty, and are 2 inches, or 10 percent shorter. The prototype units also have non-rusting aluminum interiors, which removes the hazard of corrosion, the need for internal coatings, and the possibility of rust particles clogging the breathing system.

King, H. A.↗

On the use of pressure broadening data to assess the accuracy of CO-He interaction potentials

The results of SCF-CI calculations of the intermolecular potential surface for CO and He are compared with pressure broadening data. Coupled states calculations were performed for both the electron gas and the more accurate SCF-CI potentials at collision energies from 15 to 1200/cm, and Boltzmann averages over collision energy were taken to compare with experimental results at liquid nitrogen (77 K), dry ice (195 K) and room (295 K) temperatures. The cross sections from the SCF-CI potential are shown to be in slightly better agreement with experiment than those from the electron gas potential, although both are consistent with the data to within experimental uncertainties. Closer examination of the experimental results reveals that this essential equivalence is due not to any inherent insensitivity of the pressure broadening technique, but to the uncertainties in the experimental values. It is thus concluded that more accurate experimental values are required to place meaningful constraints on the intermolecular potential.

Green, S.↗

On the uniqueness of the constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) technique

Several CSOV analyses are performed for the 1Sigma(+) state of NiCO, and it is shown that the importance of the CO sigma donation, Ni pi back donation, and interunit polarizations are virtually independent of the order of the CSOV steps, provided that the open-shell 3d sigma and 4s Ni orbitals are orthogonalized to the CO. This order of orthogonalization is consistent with the polarization of the Ni observed in the unconstrained SCF wavefunction. If instead the CO is orthogonalized to the open-shell Ni orbitals, the frozen orbital repulsion and entire CSOV analysis becomes unphysical. A comparison of the SCF and CAS SCF descriptions for the NiCO 1Sigma(+) state shows the importance of the s to d promotion and sd hybridization in reducing the repulsion and increasing the Ni to CO pi bonding. For LiF, CSOV analyses starting from both the neutral and ionic asymptotes show the bonding to be predominantly Li(+) - F(-). These examples show the uniqueness of the CSOV decomposition.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.↗

Accurate Effective Core Potential for Germanium. Application to the Singlet-Triplet Splitting in GeH2

An accurate effective core potential (ECP), including frozen 3s, 3p orbitals and a single-zeta contracted 3d orbital, has been developed for germanium. The ECP with associated valence basis set reproduces the corresponding all-electron results for the atomic excitations and the geometry and excitation energies of GeH2. At the SCF, CAS SCF and CI levels the maximum difference from the all-electron results is 0.5 kcal/mol in the (sup 1)A(sub 1) - (sup 3)B(sub 1) excitation energy. Finally, the ECP description is used with an extended valence basis set and large-scale CAS SCF and multi-reference CI wavefunctions to compute the singlet-triplet separation; the final CI result including the Davidson correction is 22.5 kcal/mol.

Pettersson, Lars G. M.↗

Evaluation of Non-Ozone-Depleting-Chemical Cleaning Methods for Space Mechanisms Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Rolling Contact Tribometer

Because CFC 113, an ozone depleting chemical (ODC), can no longer be produced, alternative bearing cleaning methods must be studied. The objective of this work was to study the effect of the new cleaning methods on lubricant lifetime using a vacuum bearing simulator (spiral orbit rolling contact tribometer). Four alternative cleaning methods were studied: ultra-violet (UV) ozone, aqueous levigated alumina slurry (ALAS), super critical fluid (SCF) CO2 and aqueous Brulin 815GD. Baseline tests were done using CFC 113. Test conditions were the following: a vacuum of at least 1.3 x 10(exp -6) Pa, 440C steel components, a rotational speed of 10 RPM, a lubricant charge of between 60-75 micrograms, a perfluoropolyalkylether lubricant (Z-25), and a load of 200N (44.6 lbs., a mean Hertzian stress of 1.5 GPa). Normalized lubricant lifetime was determined by dividing the total number of ball orbits by the amount of lubricant. The failure condition was a friction coefficient of 0.38. Post-test XPS analysis was also performed, showing slight variations in post-cleaning surface chemistry. Statistical analysis of the resultant data was conducted and it was determined that the data sets were most directly comparable when subjected to a natural log transformation. The natural log life (NL-Life) data for each cleaning method were reasonably normally (statistically) distributed and yielded standard deviations that were not significantly different among the five cleaning methods investigated. This made comparison of their NL-Life means very straightforward using a Bonferroni multiple comparison of means procedure. This procedure showed that the ALAS, UV-ozone and CFC 113 methods were not statistically significantly different from one another with respect to mean NL-Life. It also found that the SCF CO2 method yielded a significantly higher mean NL-Life than the mean NL-Lives of the ALAS, UV-ozone and CFC 113 methods. It also determined that the aqueous Brulin 815GD method yielded a mean NL-Life that was statistically significantly higher than the mean NL-Lives of each of the other four methods. Baseline tests using CFC 113 cleaned parts yielded a mean NL-Life 3.62 orbits/micro-g. ALAS and UV-ozone yielded similar mean NL-Life (3.31 orbits/mg and 3.33 orbits/micro-g, respectively). SCF CO2, gave a mean NL-Life of 4.08 orbits/mg and aqueous Brulin 8l5GD data yielded the longest mean NL-Life (4.66 orbits/micro-g).

Jansen, Mark J.↗