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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 451 records · Page 25

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NASA NTRS1989

A numerical analysis of Stefan problems for generalized multi-dimensional phase-change structures using the enthalpy transforming model

An enthalpy transforming scheme is proposed to convert the energy equation into a nonlinear equation with the enthalpy, E, being the single dependent variable. The existing control-volume finite-difference approach is modified so it can be applied to the numerical performance of Stefan problems. The model is tested by applying it to a three-dimensional freezing problem. The numerical results are in agreement with those existing in the literature. The model and its algorithm are further applied to a three-dimensional moving heat source problem showing that the methodology is capable of handling complicated phase-change problems with fixed grids.

Cao, Yiding↗

NASA NTRS1995

Robust integration schemes for generalized viscoplasticity with internal-state variables. Part 2: Algorithmic developments and implementation

This two-part report is concerned with the development of a general framework for the implicit time-stepping integrators for the flow and evolution equations in generalized viscoplastic models. The primary goal is to present a complete theoretical formulation, and to address in detail the algorithmic and numerical analysis aspects involved in its finite element implementation, as well as to critically assess the numerical performance of the developed schemes in a comprehensive set of test cases. On the theoretical side, the general framework is developed on the basis of the unconditionally-stable, backward-Euler difference scheme as a starting point. Its mathematical structure is of sufficient generality to allow a unified treatment of different classes of viscoplastic models with internal variables. In particular, two specific models of this type, which are representative of the present start-of-art in metal viscoplasticity, are considered in applications reported here; i.e., fully associative (GVIPS) and non-associative (NAV) models. The matrix forms developed for both these models are directly applicable for both initially isotropic and anisotropic materials, in general (three-dimensional) situations as well as subspace applications (i.e., plane stress/strain, axisymmetric, generalized plane stress in shells). On the computational side, issues related to efficiency and robustness are emphasized in developing the (local) interative algorithm. In particular, closed-form expressions for residual vectors and (consistent) material tangent stiffness arrays are given explicitly for both GVIPS and NAV models, with their maximum sizes 'optimized' to depend only on the number of independent stress components (but independent of the number of viscoplastic internal state parameters). Significant robustness of the local iterative solution is provided by complementing the basic Newton-Raphson scheme with a line-search strategy for convergence. In the present second part of the report, we focus on the specific details of the numerical schemes, and associated computer algorithms, for the finite-element implementation of GVIPS and NAV models.

Li, Wei↗

DOE OSTI2022

Single- and two-particle finite size effects in interacting lattice systems

Simulations of extended quantum systems are typically performed by extrapolating results of a sequence of finite-system-size simulations to the thermodynamic limit. In the quantum Monte Carlo community, twist-averaging was pioneered as an efficient strategy to eliminate one-body finite size effects. In the dynamical mean field community, cluster generalizations of the dynamical mean field theory were formulated to study systems with nonlocal correlations. In this work, we put the twist-averaging and the dynamical cluster approximation variant of the dynamical mean field theory onto equal footing, discuss commonalities and differences, and compare results from both techniques to the standard periodic boundary technique. At the example of Hubbard-type models with local, short-range and Yukawa-like longer range interactions we show that all methods converge to the same limit, but that the convergence speed differs in practice. We show that embedding theories are an effective tool for managing both one-body and two-body finite size effects, in particular if interactions are averaged over twist angles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Pareto solutions in multicriteria optimization under uncertainty

We present and analyze several definitions of Pareto optimality for multicriteria optimization or decision problems with uncertainty primarily in their objective function values. In comparison to related notions of Pareto robustness, we first provide a full characterization of an alternative efficient set hierarchy that is based on six different ordering relations both with respect to the multiple objectives and a possibly finite, countably infinite or uncountable number of scenarios. We then establish several scalarization results for the generation of the corresponding efficient points using generalized weighted-sum and epsilon-constraint techniques. Finally, we leverage these scalarization results to also derive more general conditions for the existence of efficient points in each of the corresponding optimality classes, under suitable assumptions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-490: Separating Effects Influencing Detector Response in Small MV Photon Fields

Purpose: Different detector properties influence their responses especially in field sizes below the lateral electron range. Due to the finite active volume, the detector density and electron perturbation at other structural parts, the response factor is in general field size dependent. We aimed to visualize and separate the main effects contributing to detector behavior for a variety of detector types. This was achieved in an experimental setup, shielding the field center. Thus, effects caused by scattered radiation could be examined separately. Methods: Signal ratios for field sizes down to 8 mm (SSD 90 cm, water depth 10 cm) of a 6MV beam from a Siemens Primus LINAC were recorded with several detectors: PTW microDiamond and PinPoint ionization chamber, shielded diodes (PTW P-60008, IBA PFD and SNC Edge) and unshielded diodes (PTW E-60012 and IBA SFD). Measurements were carried out in open fields and with an aluminum pole of 4 mm diameter as a central block. The geometric volume effect was calculated from profiles obtained with Gafchromic EBT3 film, evaluated using FilmQA Pro software (Ashland, USA). Results: Volume corrections were 1.7% at maximum. After correction, in small open fields, unshielded diodes showed a lower response than the diamond, i.e. diamond detector over-response seems to be higher than that for unshielded diodes. Beneath the block, this behavior was amplified by a factor of 2. For the shielded diodes, the overresponse for small open fields could be confirmed. However their lateral response behavior was strongly type dependent, e.g. the signal ratio dropped from 1.02 to 0.98 for the P-60008 diode. Conclusion: The lateral detector response was experimentally examined. Detector volume and density alone do not fully account for the field size dependence of detector response. Detector construction details play a major role, especially for shielded diodes.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

NASA NTRS1978

A split-recoupled-semidirect computational technique applied to transonic flow over lifting airfoils

A new version of the semidirect iterative method eliminates significant restrictions of previous versions of the method. A semidirect method solves finite-difference equations by a rapid globally implicit iterative process driven by a fast direct elliptic solver. The new approach can treat complex systems of equations in an efficient 'correction form', and allows the use of general, nonorthogonal, boundary-fitted coordinate transformations. These features are expected to lead to significant practical applications with conservation-equation systems in either two or three dimensions. The present application to the full potential equations for steady transonic flow over an airfoil at angle of attack illustrates the utility of the technique.

Martin, E. D.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Numerical simulation of excited jet mixing layers

A numerical simulation of unsteady flow in jet mixing layers, both with and without external excitation, has been performed by solving the time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Computations were performed on a CRAY X-MP computer using MacCormick's explicit finite difference algorithm. Different excitation methods were investigated and were shown to be very effective in controlling the well organized periodic production, shedding and pairing of large scale vortex structures. It is found that pressure excitation was generally more effective than temperature excitation, and that grid refinement results in substantial improvement in the resolution of unsteady features. The location and orientation, in addition to the frequency, of the excitation source are shown to have a significant influence on the production and interaction of large scale vortex structures in the jet mixing layer.

Scott, J. N.↗

NASA NTRS1988

An elastic-plastic finite-element analysis of the J-resistance curve using a CTOD criterion

The fracture process in compact and bend specimens was simulated using a two-dimensional finite-element analysis of the J-resistance (J-R) curve and a CTOD criterion. The J-R curves were calculated from the numerical results for each specimen type using several different methods. In general, the J-R curves obtained for the bend specimens were found to be higher than those for the compact specimens, especially beyond maximum load. However, below the maximum load, the modified deformation theory of plasticity and the contour-integral J(r) method resulted in very similar J-R curves for both specimen types.

Newman, J. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2019

A Comparison of Different Modeling Strategies for Predicting Effective Properties of 3D Woven Composites

Three-dimensional (3D) woven composites are an attractive means of achieving superior mechanical performance in aerospace structures. Limited analysis capability currently exists to predict both effective elastic and strength properties for these complex composites. In this study, a comparison of three modeling strategies was performed to assess the ability of the different methods to predict the effective elastic properties of four distinct 3D orthogonal woven composites. Two finite element techniques (in-plane and triply-periodic boundary conditions) and one method of cells technique, the Multiscale Generalized Method of Cells, were considered.

Ricks, Trenton M.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Using Distributed Fiber-optic Strain Sensing to Estimate Generalized Modal Coordinates from Flight-test Data

A method for estimating the generalized modal coordinates of an aircraft during flight has been developed. The Fiber-optic Sensing System (FOSS) offers an efficient and cost-effective method of measuring the strain at thousands of points along the wings. The estimation of modal coordinates was implemented as a two-step process. First, a maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the statistical properties of the sensors and generalized modal coordinates. Second, the strain mode shapes from the finite element model are used along with the statistical properties from the first step to estimate the generalized modal coordinates over time. Using simulated data from the X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed (MUTT), different methods of modal coordinate estimation were compared to demonstrate the benefits and weaknesses of each. These were compared against the exact solution and an ordinary least squares (a more traditional method) estimate. Modal coordinate estimation methods were then applied to flight-test data from the X-56A aircraft to show that the method continues to work well with actual test data. The new estimation method provides insights unavailable from more classical approaches.

Jeffrey Ouellette↗

NASA NTRS1986

Large Deformation Dynamic Bending of Composite Beams

Studies were conducted on the large deformation response of composite beams subjected to a dynamic axial load. The beams were loaded with a moderate eccentricity to promote bending. The study was primarily experimental but some finite element results were obtained. Both the deformation and the failure of the beams were of interest. The static response of the beams was also studied to determine potential differences between the static and dynamic failure. Twelve different laminate types were tested. The beams tested were 23 in. by 2 in. and generally 30 plies thick. The beams were loaded dynamically with a gravity-driven impactor traveling at 19.6 ft/sec and quasi-static tests were conducted on identical beams in a displacement controlled manner. For laminates of practical interest, the failure modes under static and dynamic loadings were identical. Failure in most of the laminate types occurred in a single event involving 40% to 50% of the plies. However, failure in laminates with 300 or 150 off-axis plies occurred in several events. All laminates exhibited bimodular elastic properties. The compressive flexural moduli in some laminates was measured to be 1/2 the tensile flexural modulus. No simple relationship could be found among the measured ultimate failure strains of the different laminate types. Using empirically determined flexural properties, a finite element analysis was reasonably accurate in predicting the static and dynamic deformation response.

Derian, E. J.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Fermions at finite density in the path integral approach

Abstract We study relativistic fermionic systems in 3 + 1 spacetime dimensions at finite chemical potential and zero temperature, from a path-integral point of view. We show how to properly account for theiεterm that projects on the finite density ground state, and compute the path integral analytically for free fermions in homogeneous external backgrounds, using complex analysis techniques. As an application, we show that the U(1) symmetry is always linearly realized for free fermions at finite charge density, differently from scalars. We study various aspects of finite density QED in a homogeneous magnetic background. We compute the free energy density, non-perturbatively in the electromagnetic coupling and the external magnetic field, obtaining the finite density generalization of classic results of Euler-Heisenberg and Schwinger. We also obtain analytically the magnetic susceptibility of a relativistic Fermi gas at finite density, reproducing the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Finally, we consider a (generalized) Gross-Neveu model forNinteracting fermions at finite density. We compute its non-perturbative effective potential in the large-Nlimit, and discuss the fate of the U(1) vector and$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^A $$ ℤ 2 A axial symmetries.

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2017

A simple extension of Roe's scheme for real gases

The purpose of this paper is to develop a highly accurate numerical algorithm to model real gas flows in local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The Euler equations are solved using a finite volume method based on Roe's flux difference splitting scheme including real gas effects. A novel algorithm is proposed to calculate the Jacobian matrix which satisfies the flux difference splitting exactly in the average state for a general equation of state. This algorithm increases the robustness and accuracy of the method, especially around the contact discontinuities and shock waves where the gas properties jump appreciably. The results are compared with an exact solution of the Riemann problem for the shock tube which considers the real gas effects. In addition, the method is applied to a blunt cone to illustrate the capability of the proposed extension in solving two dimensional flows.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2016

Radiation-stimulated explosive evaporation and burning of hydrogen droplets in hot aerosol mixtures

We present results of analytical and numerical investigation of explosive evaporation and burning scenarios of hydrogen droplets in hydrogen/oxygen aerosols. The following two scenarios have been elucidated. The first scenario, corresponding to sufficiently large droplets, is characterized by three stages: (i) an essentially homogeneous heating of a droplet to a near-critical temperature by IR radiation from the hot gas; (ii) explosive evaporation; and (iii) burning of hydrogen cloud formed by evaporation. The second scenario, corresponding to small droplets, differs in that a droplet is heated mainly by thermal conduction from the hot gas. The heating is accompanied by evaporation which can become explosive at the final stage of evaporation. The crossover droplet size separating the two scenarios is calculated. Conservative finite-difference numerical analysis is used to explore the predicted scenarios and verify analytical estimates.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2019

Enhancements to the Subplane Capability in MPACT

In recent years, much of the development effort for the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) has been devoted to improving performance and targeting industry-class computers. This includes reducing both runtime (improving efficiency) and core-count requirements to enable simulation on smaller machines. In MPACT, in particular, many aspects of the neutronic iteration strategy have been evaluated and improved, such as the subgroup and method of characteristics (MOC) runtimes, and many efforts have focused on improving the coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) runtime, which has become a dominant component of the runtime as other aspects have been improved.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

NASA NTRS1972

Computation of space shuttle flow fields using noncentered finite-difference schemes.

Second- and third-order, noncentered finite-difference schemes are described for the numerical solution of the hyperbolic equations of fluid dynamics. The advantages of noncentered methods over the more conventional centered schemes are: simpler programming logic, nonhomogeneous terms are easily included, and generalization to multidimensional problems is direct. Second- and third-order methods are compared with regard to dissipative and dispersive errors and shock-capturing ability. These schemes are then used in a shock-capturing technique to determine the inviscid, supersonic flow field surrounding space shuttle vehicles (SSV). Resulting flow fields about typical pointed and blunted, delta-winged SSVs at angle of attack are presented and compared with experiment.

Kutler, P.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A review of modelling techniques for the open and closed-loop dynamics of large space systems

This paper reviews the steps in the development of mathematical models that can be used to simulate the in-orbit dynamic behavior of large flexible systems. A general continuum formulation is compared with the hybrid coordinate formulation and also a finite element representation of the total system. A review of structural analysis routines emphasizes the use of computer generated graphics to help understand the different modal elastic shape functions of complex systems. Numerical techniques employed to synthesize shape and attitude control laws are summarized. Finally, the modeling of environmental disturbance torques due to the interaction of solar radiation pressure on vibrating and thermally deflected systems is discussed.

Bainum, Peter M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

FEM/SINDA: Combining the strengths of NASTRAN, SINDA, I-DEAS, and PATRAN for thermal and structural analysis

This paper describes the interface/integration between FEM/SINDA, a general purpose geometry driven thermal analysis code, and the FEM software: I-DEAS, PATRAN, and NASTRAN. FEM/SINDA brings together the advantages of the finite element method to model arbitrary geometry and anisotropic materials and SINDA's finite difference capability to model thermal properties, loads, and boundary conditions that vary with time or temperature. I-DEAS and PATRAN thermal entities are directly supported since FEM/SINDA uses the nodes of the FEM model as the point at which the temperature is determined. Output from FEM/SINDA (as well as the FEM/SINDA input deck) can be used directly by NASTRAN for structural analysis.

Zarda, P. Richard↗