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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 397 records · Page 22

Analysis of energy dissipation and deposition in elastic bodies impacting at hypervelocities

A series of impact problems were analyzed using the Eulerian hydrocode CTH. The objective was to quantify the amount of energy dissipated locally by a projectile-infinite plate impact. A series of six impact problems were formulated such that the mass and speed of each projectile were varied in order to allow for increasing speed with constant kinetic energy. The properties and dimensions of the plate were the same for each projectile impact. The resulting response of the plate was analyzed for global Kinetic Energy, global momentum, and local maximum shear stress. The percentage of energy dissipated by the various hypervelocity impact phenomena appears as a relative change of shear stress at a point away from the impact in the plate.

Medina, David F.↗

Feasibility of Traveling Wave Direct Energy Conversion of Fission Reaction Fragments

Fission fragment direct energy conversion has been considered in the past for the purpose of increasing nuclear power plant efficiency and for advanced space propulsion. Since the fragments carry electric charge (typically in the order of 20 e) and have 100 MeV-range kinetic energy, techniques utilizing very high-voltage DC electrodes have been considered. This study is focused on a different approach: the kinetic energy of the charged fission fragments is converted into alternating current by means of a traveling wave coupling scheme (Traveling Wave Direct Energy Converter, TWDEC), thereby not requiring the utilization of high voltage technology. A preliminary feasibility analysis of the concept is introduced based on a conceptual level study and on a particle simulation model of the beam dynamics.

Tarditi, A. G.↗

Spatial and time domain spectral energetics in the GLAS circulation model

Zonally averaged eddy kinetic energies and time domain energetics spectra were calculated for the GLAS general circulation model. The spatial results show significant improvements in the magnitude and distribution of the eddy kinetic energy. The spectral results provide a technique for tracing when and where the model predictions diverge from observations.

Tenenbaum, J.↗

Comparison between the South Pacific Convergence Zone and South Atlantic Convergence Zone in January 1979

Using one of the FGGE data sets, the eddy potential and eddy kinetic energy budgets during the period of January 10-27, 1979 were derived for the regions containing the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) and the South Atlantic Convergence Zone. A complete set of energy equations developed by Brennan and Vincent (1980) was partitioned into zonal and eddy components; the eddy forms of energy were derived from a grid point's departure from the zonal average over a 5-deg latitude belt. The results of the analysis indicate that the eddy kinetic energy content (KE) is greater than the eddy available potential energy content (AE) throughout the period. Both AE and KE show large losses beginning when the SPCZ enters a decaying state: AE shows a gradual but slow decrease until after January 22, when it decreases rapidly; KE oscillates, reaching a maximum on January 22 before a rapid decrease.

Vincent, Dayton G.↗

The Effect of Rain on Air-Water Gas Exchange

The relationship between gas transfer velocity and rain rate was investigated at NASA's Rain-Sea Interaction Facility (RSIF) using several SF, evasion experiments. During each experiment, a water tank below the rain simulator was supersaturated with SF6, a synthetic gas, and the gas transfer velocities were calculated from the measured decrease in SF6 concentration with time. The results from experiments with IS different rain rates (7 to 10 mm/h) and 1 of 2 drop sizes (2.8 or 4.2 mm diameter) confirm a significant and systematic enhancement of air-water gas exchange by rainfall. The gas transfer velocities derived from our experiment were related to the kinetic energy flux calculated from the rain rate and drop size. The relationship obtained for mono-dropsize rain at the RSIF was extrapolated to natural rain using the kinetic energy flux of natural rain calculated from the Marshall-Palmer raindrop size distribution. Results of laboratory experiments at RSIF were compared to field observations made during a tropical rainstorm in Miami, Florida and show good agreement between laboratory and field data.

Ho, David T.↗

Local dynamic subgrid-scale models in channel flow

The dynamic subgrid-scale (SGS) model has given good results in the large-eddy simulation (LES) of homogeneous isotropic or shear flow, and in the LES of channel flow, using averaging in two or three homogeneous directions (the DA model). In order to simulate flows in general, complex geometries (with few or no homogeneous directions), the dynamic SGS model needs to be applied at a local level in a numerically stable way. Channel flow, which is inhomogeneous and wall-bounded flow in only one direction, provides a good initial test for local SGS models. Tests of the dynamic localization model were performed previously in channel flow using a pseudospectral code and good results were obtained. Numerical instability due to persistently negative eddy viscosity was avoided by either constraining the eddy viscosity to be positive or by limiting the time that eddy viscosities could remain negative by co-evolving the SGS kinetic energy (the DLk model). The DLk model, however, was too expensive to run in the pseudospectral code due to a large near-wall term in the auxiliary SGS kinetic energy (k) equation. One objective was then to implement the DLk model in a second-order central finite difference channel code, in which the auxiliary k equation could be integrated implicitly in time at great reduction in cost, and to assess its performance in comparison with the plane-averaged dynamic model or with no model at all, and with direct numerical simulation (DNS) and/or experimental data. Other local dynamic SGS models have been proposed recently, e.g., constrained dynamic models with random backscatter, and with eddy viscosity terms that are averaged in time over material path lines rather than in space. Another objective was to incorporate and test these models in channel flow.

Cabot, William H.↗

Partially-Averaged Navier Stokes Model for Turbulence: Implementation and Validation

Partially-averaged Navier Stokes (PANS) is a suite of turbulence closure models of various modeled-to-resolved scale ratios ranging from Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) to Navier-Stokes (direct numerical simulations). The objective of PANS, like hybrid models, is to resolve large scale structures at reasonable computational expense. The modeled-to-resolved scale ratio or the level of physical resolution in PANS is quantified by two parameters: the unresolved-to-total ratios of kinetic energy (f(sub k)) and dissipation (f(sub epsilon)). The unresolved-scale stress is modeled with the Boussinesq approximation and modeled transport equations are solved for the unresolved kinetic energy and dissipation. In this paper, we first present a brief discussion of the PANS philosophy followed by a description of the implementation procedure and finally perform preliminary evaluation in benchmark problems.

Girimaji, Sharath S.↗

Subsonic Round and Rectangular Twin Jet Flow Effects

Subsonic and supersonic aircraft concepts proposed by NASAs Fundamental Aeronautics Program have integrated propulsion systems with asymmetric nozzles. The asymmetry in the exhaust of these propulsion systems creates asymmetric flow and acoustic fields. The flow asymmetries investigated in the current study are from two parallel round, 2:1, and 8:1 aspect ratio rectangular jets at the same nozzle conditions. The flow field was measured with streamwise and cross-stream particle image velocimetry (PIV). A large dataset of single and twin jet flow field measurements was acquired at subsonic jet conditions. The effects of twin jet spacing and forward flight were investigated. For round, 2:1, and 8:1 rectangular twin jets at their closest spacings, turbulence levels between the two jets decreased due to enhanced jet mixing at near static conditions. When the flight Mach number was increased to 0.25, the flow around the twin jet model created a velocity deficit between the two nozzles. This velocity deficit diminished the effect of forward flight causing an increase in turbulent kinetic energy relative to a single jet. Both of these twin jet flow field effects decreased with increasing twin jet spacing relative to a single jet. These variations in turbulent kinetic energy correlate with changes in far-field sound pressure level.

Jet↗

Evolution of solar wind fluctuations and the influence of turbulent 'mixing'

We present various numerical and analytical solutions for the transport of solar wind turbulence. The model used takes into account the effects of convection, expansion, and wave propagation, as well as the recently illuminated effects of (non-WKB) 'mixing' terms. The radial evolution of the fluctuating kinetic energy, magnetic energy, and normalized cross helicity is computed, and, it is demonstrated that in appropriate limits the solutions converge to the WKB forms. In the general case, solutions which differ substantially from those predicted by WKB theory are obtained. The degree of turbulent 'mixing' shows considerable dependence on the nature of the turbulence, giving rise to varying levels, at 1 AU, of the ratio of 'inward' and 'outward' fluctuation energies and the ratio of kinetic to magnetic energies in the fluctuations. The transport properties described here may provide at least a partial explanation for the observed mixing of cross helicities with increasing heliocentric distance in the solar wind.

Oughton, S.↗

Utilization of satellite cloud information to diagnose the energy state and transformations in extratropical cyclones

A study of the contribution of latent heat release to the synoptic scale vertical motions in the Jan. 9-11, 1975 extratropical cyclone case study was completed. Results indicate that early cyclone development was dominated by dry dynamical forcing. However, as the cyclone matured, the influence of latent heating became more significant. This influence appeared to be of two types, (1) the direct impact of heating causing a lowering of surface pressures, and (2) an indirect role in which the heating altered thermal and vorticity gradients and lead to subsequent increases in dry dynamical forcing. The kinetic energy budget was completed and extended to include an available potential energy budget. Focusing on the eddy component of the budgets, results indicate that kinetic energy increased throughout the cyclone's development, with the increase being most pronounced after the onset of significant latent heat release. Latent heating played a strong role not only in generating available potential energy, but also in forcing baroclinic release of potential energy.

Smith, P. J.↗

The use of impact force as a scale parameter for the impact response of composite laminates

The building block approach is currently used to design composite structures. With this approach, the data from coupon tests is scaled up to determine the design of a structure. Current standard impact tests and methods of relating test data to other structures are not generally understood and are often used improperly. A methodology is outlined for using impact force as a scale parameter for delamination damage for impacts of simple plates. Dynamic analyses were used to define ranges of plate parameters and impact parameters where quasi-static analyses are valid. These ranges include most low velocity impacts where the mass of the impacter is large and the size of the specimen is small. For large mass impacts of moderately thick (0.35 to 0.70 cm) laminates, the maximum extent of delamination damage increased with increasing impact force and decreasing specimen thickness. For large mass impact tests at a given kinetic energy, impact force and hence delamination size depends on specimen size, specimen thickness, boundary conditions, and indenter size and shape. If damage is reported in terms of impact force instead of kinetic energy, large mass test results can be applied directly to other plates of the same size.

Jackson, Wade C.↗

The use of impact force as a scale parameter for the impact response of composite laminates

The building block approach is currently used to design composite structures. With this approach, the data from coupon tests are scaled up to determine the design of a structure. Current standard impact tests and methods of relating test data to other structures are not generally understood and are often used improperly. A methodology is outlined for using impact force as a scale parameter for delamination damage for impacts of simple plates. Dynamic analyses were used to define ranges of plate parameters and impact parameters where quasi-static analyses are valid. These ranges include most low-velocity impacts where the mass of the impacter is large, and the size of the specimen is small. For large-mass impacts of moderately thick (0.35-0.70 cm) laminates, the maximum extent of delamination damage increased with increasing impact force and decreasing specimen thickness. For large-mass impact tests at a given kinetic energy, impact force and hence delamination size depends on specimen size, specimen thickness, boundary conditions, and indenter size and shape. If damage is reported in terms of impact force instead of kinetic energy, large-mass test results can be applied directly to other plates of the same thickness.

Jackson, Wade C.↗

Compressible homogeneous shear: Simulation and modeling

Compressibility effects were studied on turbulence by direct numerical simulation of homogeneous shear flow. A primary observation is that the growth of the turbulent kinetic energy decreases with increasing turbulent Mach number. The sinks provided by compressible dissipation and the pressure dilatation, along with reduced Reynolds shear stress, are shown to contribute to the reduced growth of kinetic energy. Models are proposed for these dilatational terms and verified by direct comparison with the simulations. The differences between the incompressible and compressible fields are brought out by the examination of spectra, statistical moments, and structure of the rate of strain tensor.

Sarkar, S.↗

Compressible homogeneous shear - Simulation and modeling

Compressibility effects were studied on turbulence by direct numerical simulation of homogeneous shear flow. A primary observation is that the growth of the turbulent kinetic energy decreases with increasing turbulent Mach number. The sinks provided by compressible dissipation and the pressure dilatation, along with reduced Reynolds shear stress, are shown to contribute to the reduced growth of kinetic energy. Models are proposed for these dilatational terms and verified by direct comparison with the simulations. The differences between the incompressible and compressible fields are brought out by the examination of spectra, statistical moments, and structure of the rate of strain tensor.

Sarkar, S.↗

Comparison of Climatological Planetary Boundary Layer Depth Estimates Using the GEOS-5 AGCM

Planetary boundary layer (PBL) processes, including those influencing the PBL depth, control many aspects of weather and climate and accurate models of these processes are important for forecasting changes in the future. However, evaluation of model estimates of PBL depth are difficult because no consensus on PBL depth definition currently exists and various methods for estimating this parameter can give results that differ by hundreds of meters or more. In order to facilitate comparisons between the Goddard Earth Observation System (GEOS-5) and other modeling and observational systems, seven PBL depth estimation methods are used to produce PBL depth climatologies and are evaluated and compared here. All seven methods evaluate the same atmosphere so all differences are related solely to the definition chosen. These methods depend on the scalar diffusivity, bulk and local Richardson numbers, and the diagnosed horizontal turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). Results are aggregated by climate class in order to allow broad generalizations. The various PBL depth estimations give similar midday results with some exceptions. One method based on horizontal turbulent kinetic energy produces deeper PBL depths in the winter associated with winter storms. In warm, moist conditions, the method based on a bulk Richardson number gives results that are shallower than those given by the methods based on the scalar diffusivity. The impact of turbulence driven by radiative cooling at cloud top is most significant during the evening transition and along several regions across the oceans and methods sensitive to this cooling produce deeper PBL depths where it is most active. Additionally, Richardson number-based methods collapse better at night than methods that depend on the scalar diffusivity. This feature potentially affects tracer transport.

Planetary Boundary Layer Depth↗

Modeling of near-wall turbulence

An improved k-epsilon model and a second order closure model is presented for low Reynolds number turbulence near a wall. For the k-epsilon model, a modified form of the eddy viscosity having correct asymptotic near wall behavior is suggested, and a model for the pressure diffusion term in the turbulent kinetic energy equation is proposed. For the second order closure model, the existing models are modified for the Reynolds stress equations to have proper near wall behavior. A dissipation rate equation for the turbulent kinetic energy is also reformulated. The proposed models satisfy realizability and will not produce unphysical behavior. Fully developed channel flows are used for model testing. The calculations are compared with direct numerical simulations. It is shown that the present models, both the k-epsilon model and the second order closure model, perform well in predicting the behavior of the near wall turbulence. Significant improvements over previous models are obtained.

Shih, T. H.↗

Approximate method for predicting the permanent set in a beam in vacuo and in water subject to a shock wave

An approximate method to compute the maximum deformation and permanent set of a beam subjected to shock wave laoding in vacuo and in water was investigated. The method equates the maximum kinetic energy of the beam (and water) to the elastic plastic work done by a static uniform load applied to a beam. Results for the water case indicate that the plastic deformation is controlled by the kinetic energy of the water. The simplified approach can result in significant savings in computer time or it can expediently be used as a check of results from a more rigorous approach. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by various examples of beams with simple support and clamped support boundary conditions.

Stiehl, A. L.↗