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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 469 records · Page 26

Computational Hemodynamic Simulation of Human Circulatory System under Altered Gravity

A computational hemodynamics approach is presented to simulate the blood flow through the human circulatory system under altered gravity conditions. Numerical techniques relevant to hemodynamics issues are introduced to non-Newtonian modeling for flow characteristics governed by red blood cells, distensible wall motion due to the heart pulse, and capillary bed modeling for outflow boundary conditions. Gravitational body force terms are added to the Navier-Stokes equations to study the effects of gravity on internal flows. Six-type gravity benchmark problems are originally presented to provide the fundamental understanding of gravitational effects on the human circulatory system. For code validation, computed results are compared with steady and unsteady experimental data for non-Newtonian flows in a carotid bifurcation model and a curved circular tube, respectively. This computational approach is then applied to the blood circulation in the human brain as a target problem. A three-dimensional, idealized Circle of Willis configuration is developed with minor arteries truncated based on anatomical data. Demonstrated is not only the mechanism of the collateral circulation but also the effects of gravity on the distensible wall motion and resultant flow patterns.

Kim. Chang Sung↗

Containerless Measurements of Density and Viscosity of Fe-Co Alloys

During the past years, extensive collaborative research has been done to understand phase selection in undercooled metals using novel containerless processing techniques such as electrostatic and electromagnetic levitation. Of major interest is controlling a two-step solidification process, double recalescence, in which the metastable phase forms first and then transforms to the stable phase after a certain delay time. The previous research has shown that the delay time is greatly influenced by the internal convection velocity. In the prediction of internal flow, the fidelity of the results depends on the accuracy of the material properties. This research focuses on the measurements of density and viscosity of Fe-Co alloys which will be used for the fluid simulations whose results will support upcoming International Space Station flight experiments.

Lee, Jonghyun↗

Numerical Simulation of Boundary Layer Ingesting (BLI) Inlet-Fan Interaction

Future civil transport designs may incorporate engine inlets integrated into the body of the aircraft to take advantage of efficiency increases due to weight and drag reduction. Additional increases in engine efficiency are predicted if the inlet ingests the lower momentum boundary layer flow. Previous studies have shown, however, that efficiency benefits of Boundary Layer Ingesting (BLI) ingestion are very sensitive to the magnitude of fan and duct losses, and blade structural response to the non-uniform flow field that results from a BLI inlet has not been studied in-depth. This paper presents an effort to extend the modeling capabilities of an existing rotating turbomachinery unsteady analysis code to include the ability to solve the external and internal flow fields of a BLI inlet. The TURBO code has been a successful tool in evaluating fan response to flow distortions for traditional engine/inlet integrations, such as the development of rotating stall and inlet distortion through compressor stages. This paper describes the first phase of an effort to extend the TURBO model to calculate the external and inlet flowfield upstream of fan so that accurate pressure distortions that result from BLI configurations can be computed and used to analyze fan aerodynamics and structural response. To validate the TURBO program modifications for the BLI flowfield, experimental test data obtained by NASA for a flushmounted S-duct with large amounts of boundary layer ingestion was modeled. Results for the flow upstream and in the inlet are presented and compared to experimental data for several high Reynolds number flows to validate the modifications to the solver. Quantitative data is presented that indicates good predictive capability of the model in the upstream flow. A representative fan is attached to the inlet and results are presented for the coupled inlet/fan model. The impact on the total pressure distortion at the AIP after the fan is attached is examined.

Inlet Fan Interactions↗

Euler Flow Computations on Non-Matching Unstructured Meshes

Advanced fluid solvers to predict aerodynamic performance-coupled treatment of multiple fields are described. The interaction between the fluid and structural components in the bladed regions of the engine is investigated with respect to known blade failures caused by either flutter or forced vibrations. Methods are developed to describe aeroelastic phenomena for internal flows in turbomachinery by accounting for the increased geometric complexity, mutual interaction between adjacent structural components and presence of thermal and geometric loading. The computer code developed solves the full three dimensional aeroelastic problem of-stage. The results obtained show that flow computations can be performed on non-matching finite-volume unstructured meshes with second order spatial accuracy.

Gumaste, Udayan↗

A computer program for the transient thermal analysis of an impingement cooled turbine blade

A computer program to calculate transient and steady state temperatures, pressures, and coolant flows in a cooled turbine blade or vane with an impingement insert is described. Input to the program includes a description of the blade geometry, coolant supply conditions, outside thermal boundary conditions and wheel speed. Coolant-side heat transfer coefficients are calculated internally in the program, with the user specifying the mode of heat transfer at each internal flow station. Program output includes the temperature at each node, the coolant pressures and flow rates, and the inside heat transfer coefficients. A sample problem is discussed.

Gaugler, R. E.↗

A computer program for the transient thermal analysis of an impingement cooled turbine blade

A computer program to calculate transient and steady state temperatures, pressures, and coolant flows in a cooled turbine blade or vane with an impingement insert is described. Input to the program includes a description of the blade geometry, coolant supply conditions, outside thermal boundary conditions and wheel speed. Coolant-side heat transfer coefficients are calculated internally in the program, with the user specifying the mode of heat transfer at each internal flow station. Program output includes the temperature at each node, the coolant pressures and flow rates, and the inside heat transfer coefficients. A sample problem is discussed.

Gaugler, R. E.↗

Aerodynamic interaction of heat transfer with steady transonic flow

An experimental study investigated the interactive effect between the heat transfer and the steady transonic flow in a simple convergent-divergent duct. The results show that the position of the shock is considerably affected by the effect of wall cooling. The physical explanation for the shift is also offered. The results may have implications in the other internal flow problems.

Kurosaka, M.↗

Experimental and analytical study of close-coupled ventral nozzles for ASTOVL aircraft

Flow in a generic ventral nozzle system was studied experimentally and analytically with a block version of the PARC3D computational fluid dynamics program (a full Navier-Stokes equation solver) in order to evaluate the program's ability to predict system performance and internal flow patterns. For the experimental work a one-third-size model tailpipe with a single large rectangular ventral nozzle mounted normal to the tailpipe axis was tested with unheated air at steady-state pressure ratios up to 4.0. The end of the tailpipe was closed to simulate a blocked exhaust nozzle. Measurements showed about 5 1/2 percent flow-turning loss, reasonable nozzle performance coefficients, and a significant aftward axial component of thrust due to flow turning loss, reasonable nozzle performance coefficients, and a significant aftward axial component of thrust due to flow turning more than 90 deg. Flow behavior into and through the ventral duct is discussed and illustrated with paint streak flow visualization photographs. For the analytical work the same ventral system configuration was modeled with two computational grids to evaluate the effect of grid density. Both grids gave good results. The finer-grid solution produced more detailed flow patterns and predicted performance parameters, such as thrust and discharge coefficient, within 1 percent of the measured values. PARC3D flow visualization images are shown for comparison with the paint streak photographs. Modeling and computational issues encountered in the analytical work are discussed.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Experimental and analytical study of close-coupled ventral nozzles for ASTOVL aircraft

Flow in a generic ventral nozzle system was studied experimentally and analytically with a block version of the PARC3D computational fluid dynamics program (a full Navier-Stokes equation solver) in order to evaluate the program's ability to predict system performance and internal flow patterns. Measurements showed about 5.5-percent flow-turning loss, reasonable nozzle performance coefficients, and a significant aftward axial component of thrust due to flow turning more than 90 deg. Flow behavior into and through the ventral duct is discussed and illustrated with paint streak flow visualization photographs. PARC3D flow visualization images are shown for comparison with the paint streak photographs. Modeling and computational issues encountered in the analytical work are discussed.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Computed And Measured Flow In A Turnaround Duct

Report presents theoretical and experimental study of subsonic flow of air in 180 degree-turnaround duct of rectangular cross section. Purpose of study to conduct partial simulation of conditions similar to those in axisymmetric duct of Space Shuttle main engine. Part of continuing effort to develop capability to simulate complicated turbulent internal flows with large curvatures like those in rocket engines and turbomachinery.

Monson, Daryl J.↗

Inlet contour and flow effects on radiation

An experimental investigation of sound radiation from inlets with different contours with and without flow is being conducted to study the possibility of reducing noise radiated by aircraft engines. For each inlet configuration, complex directivity patterns and complex pressure reflection coefficients are measured as a function of a single space-time structure of the wave (up to a frequency of 4000Hz and an azimuthal wave number 6) and of flow velocity (up to Mach number 0.4) in a cylindrical duct located downstream the inlet. Experimental results of radiation from an unflanged duct are compared with theory. Effect of inlet contour and flow are deduced by comparing respectively unflanged duct and bellmouth measurements and, no flow and flow measurements with the bellmouth. Results are presented which indicate that the contour effect is significant near the cut-on frequency of a mode and emphasize the necessity for taking into account the inlet geometry in a radiation prediction. These results show also that internal flow has a weak effect on the amplitude of the directivity pattern

Ville, J. M.↗

Idealized tip-to-tail waverider model

The flow field of an idealized cone-derived waverider is axisymmetric. This forebody feature is preserved for the rest of the vehicle, including the inlet, cowl, combustor, and nozzle. There is thus an inviscid, tip-to-tail model in which both the external and internal flows are axisymmetric. The assumption of axial symmetry provides a major simplification for the analysis and allows for a systematic integration of the propulsion unit with the aerodynamics. The code is an initial formulation that provides only the most basic engineering data, such as lift, thrust, drag, and fuel consumption for a point-designed vehicle that may be cruising at a low hypersonic Mach number. The user may specify flight altitude and Mach number, a multiple shock configuration for the inlet, a few basic geometric parameter, H2 or CH4 as fuel, the fuel/air ratio, etc. A new design concept is used for the nozzle that avoids shock waves, minimizes the nozzle length, and may maximize its thrust. A general description of the model is provided with emphasis on the design of the nozzle and fins. Preliminary results are presented that compare the cruise flight range using H2 or CH4 as the fuel.

Emanuel, G.↗

Navier-Stokes simulation of flow through a highly contoured subsonic diffuser

The flow through a highly offset subsonic diffuser with cross-sectional profiles that varied from rectangular at the duct entrance to circular at the engine face was numerically simulated. A multizonal approach combined with a two-grid topology was used to represent both the internal and external flowfields, and an implicit, approximately-factored, partially flux-split finite-difference algorithm was used to solve the three-dimensional thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. The computed static pressures along the inlet wall and total pressures on the engine face were compared with experimental data. In addition, the overall flowfield within the duct was examined in detail. Good agreement is shown between experiment and computations, with the limiting factor being the lack of a reliable turbulence model for internal flow problems.

Chyu, W. J.↗

Supersonic Retropropulsion Experimental Results from the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

A new supersonic retropropulsion experimental effort, intended to provide code validation data, was recently completed in the Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Test Section 2 over the Mach number range from 2.4 to 4.6. The experimental model was designed using insights gained from pre-test computations, which were instrumental for sizing and refining the model to minimize tunnel wall interference and internal flow separation concerns. A 5-in diameter 70-deg sphere-cone forebody with a roughly 10-in long cylindrical aftbody was the baseline configuration selected for this study. The forebody was designed to accommodate up to four 4:1 area ratio supersonic nozzles. Primary measurements for this model were a large number of surface pressures on the forebody and aftbody. Supplemental data included high-speed Schlieren video and internal pressures and temperatures. The run matrix was developed to allow for the quantification of various sources of experimental uncertainty, such as random errors due to run-to-run variations and bias errors due to flow field or model misalignments. Preliminary results and observations from the test are presented, while detailed data and uncertainty analyses are ongoing.

Berry, Scott A.↗

Inverse design of axisymmetric flow passages using compressible viscous flow theory

A study reported by Yang and Hudson (1971) was extended by Nelson (1971), who presented a method of inverse design for axisymmetric diffusers. The diffusers obtained with the aid of this method were found to function well under certain conditions, while, for other cases, a modification of the analytical design procedure was required. An outline is provided of the method of inverse solution in simple axisymmetric internal flow passages. Attention is given to governing equations, the method of solution, and examples which illustrate the feasibility of the design procedure. The discussed method, which is based on viscous compressible flow theory, has some limitations. However, it is expected to yield good designs in many practical cases in which the existing design must be modified.

Ntone, F.↗

Experimental aerodynamic evaluation of the SSME two-duct, hot gas manifold

An investigation was performed on an improved Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) hot gas manifold (HGM) design using a full scale HGM model in cold-flow, air-blowdown tests. The new HGM design replaces the current three transfer ducts with two enlarged elliptical transfer ducts, faired duct inlets, and enlarged fuel bowl. Extensive experimental results have been obtained to verify previous results showing that the two-duct design improved the HGM internal flow path by eliminating separated flow regions, reducing high local velocities, and providing more uniform flow.

Kim, B. Y.↗

Simulation of blood flow through an artificial heart

A numerical simulation of the incompressible viscous flow through a prosthetic tilting disk heart valve is presented in order to demonstrate the current capability to model unsteady flows with moving boundaries. Both steady state and unsteady flow calculations are done by solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in 3-D generalized curvilinear coordinates. In order to handle the moving boundary problems, the chimera grid embedding scheme which decomposes a complex computational domain into several simple subdomains is used. An algebraic turbulence model for internal flows is incorporated to reach the physiological values of Reynolds number. Good agreement is obtained between the numerical results and experimental measurements. It is found that the tilting disk valve causes large regions of separated flow, and regions of high shear.

Kiris, Cetin↗

Nonequilibrium in a low power arcjet nozzle

Emission spectroscopy measurements were made of the plasma flow inside the nozzle of a 1 kW class arcjet thruster. The thruster propellant was a hydrogen-nitrogen mixture used to simulate fully decomposed hydrazine. The 0.25 mm diameter holes were drilled into the diverging section of the tungsten thruster nozzle to provide optical access to the internal flow. Atomic electron excitation, vibrational, and rotational temperatures were determined for the expanding plasma using relative line intensity techniques. The atomic excitation temperatures decreased from 18,000K at a location 3 mm downstream of the constrictor to 9,000K at a location 9 mm from the constrictor, while the molecular vibrational and rotational temperatures decreased from 6,500K to 2,500K and from 8,000K to 3,000K, respectively, between the same locations. The electron density measured using hydrogen H line Stark broadening decreased from about 10(exp 15) cm(-3) to about 2 times 10(exp 14) cm(-3) during the expansion. The results show that the plasma is highly nonequilibrium throughout the nozzle, with most relaxation times equal or exceeding the particle residence time.

Zube, Dieter M.↗