Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Transient simulations”

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 469 records · Page 26

Numerical Modeling of Thermofluid Transients During Chilldown of Cryogenic Transfer Lines

The chilldown of fluid transfer lines is an important part of using cryogenic systems such as those found in both ground and space based applications. The chilldown process is a complex combination of both thermal and fluid transient phenomena. A cryogenic liquid flows through a transfer line that is initially at a much higher temperature than the cryogen. Transient heat transfer processes between the liquid and transfer line cause vaporization of the liquid, and this phase change can cause transient pressure and flow surges in the liquid. As the transfer line is cooled, these effects diminish until the liquid reaches a steady flow condition in the chilled transfer line. If these transient phenomena are not properly accounted for in the design process of a cryogenic system, it can lead to damage or failure of system components during operation. For such cases, analytical modeling is desirable for ensuring that a cryogenic system transfer line design is adequate for handling the effects of a chilldown process. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a numerical model developed using Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP)'s new fluid transient capability in combination with its previously developed thermal transient capability to predict pressure and flow surge in cryogenic transfer lines during a chilldown process. An experiment performed by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in 1966 has been chosen as the baseline comparison case for this work. NBS s experimental set-up consisted of a 10.59 cubic foot supply dewar, an inlet valve, and a 200 foot long, in Outside Diameter (OD) vacuum jacketed copper transfer line that exhausted to atmosphere. Three different inlet valves, an in-port ball valve, a 1-in-port globe valve and a 1-in-port gate valve, were used in NBS's experiments. Experiments were performed using both liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen as the fluids. The proposed paper will include detailed comparisons of GFSSP's predictions with NBS's experimental results.

Majumdar, Alok↗

Dayside Transient Phenomena and Their Impact on the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere

Dayside transients, such as hot flow anomalies, foreshock bubbles, magnetosheath jets, flux transfer events, and surface waves, are frequently observed upstream from the bow shock, in the magnetosheath, and at the magnetopause. They play a significant role in the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Foreshock transient phenomena, associated with variations in the solar wind dynamic pressure, deform the magnetopause, and in turn generates field-aligned currents (FACs) connected to the auroral ionosphere. Solar wind dynamic pressure variations and transient phenomena at the dayside magnetopause drive magnetospheric ultra low frequency (ULF) waves, which can play an important role in the dynamics of Earth’s radiation belts. These transient phenomena and their geoeffects have been investigated using coordinated in-situ spacecraft observations, spacecraft-borne imagers, ground-based observations, and numerical simulations. Cluster, THEMIS, Geotail, and MMS multi-mission observations allow us to track the motion and time evolution of transient phenomena at different spatial and temporal scales in detail, whereas ground-based experiments can observe the ionospheric projections of transient magnetopause phenomena such as waves on the magnetopause driven by hot flow anomalies or flux transfer events produced by bursty reconnection across their full longitudinal and latitudinal extent. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), hybrid, and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are powerful tools to simulate the dayside transient phenomena. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the present understanding of dayside transient phenomena at Earth and other planets, their geoeffects, and outstanding questions.

Bow shock↗

Experimental and Numerical Characterization of High Heat Fluxes During Transient Blackbody Calibrations

High heat fluxes are encountered in numerous applications, such as hypersonic vehicles in flight, fires, and engines, Calibration of heat flux gages may be performed in a dual cavity cylindrical blackbody resulting in a transient calibration environment. To characterize the transient heat fluxes. experiments were performed on a dual cavity cylindrical blackbody at nominal temperatures varying from 800 C to 1900 C in increments of 100 C. Based on experiments, the optimum heat flux sensor insertion location as measured from the center partition was determined. The pre-insertion steady state axial temperature profile is compared experimentally, numerically, and analytically. The effect of convection in the blackbody cavity during the insertion is calculated and found to be less than 2 per cent. Also, an empirical correlation for predicting the emissivity of the blackbody is included. Detailed transient thermal models have been developed to simulate the heat flux calibration process at two extreme fluxes. The high (1MW/sq m) and relatively low (70 kw/sq m) fluxes are reported in this article. The transient models show the effect of inserting a heat flux gage at room temperature on the thermal equilibrium of the blackbody at 1800 C and 800 C nominal temperatures, respectively. Also, heat flux sensor outputs are derived from computed sensor temperature distributions and compared to experimental results.

Abdelmessih, Amanie N.↗

Unsteady Flow Simulation of High-speed Turbopumps

Computation of high-speed hydrodynamics requires high-fidelity simulation to resolve flow features involving transient flow, cavitation, tip vortex and multiple scales of unsteady fluctuations. One example of this type in aerospace is related to liquid-fueled rocket turbopump. Rocket turbopumps operate under severe conditions at very high rotational speeds typically at thousands of rpm. For example, the Shuttle orbiter low-pressure-fuel-turbopump creates transient flow features associated with reverse flows, tip clearance effects, secondary flows, vortex shedding, junction flows, and cavitation effects. Flow unsteadiness originating from the orbiter Low-Pressure-Fuel-Turbopump (LPFTP) inducer is one of the major contributors to the high frequency cyclic loading that results in high cycle fatigue damage to the flow liners just upstream of the LPFTP. The reverse flow generated at the tip of the inducer blades travels upstream and interacts with the bellows cavity. Simulation procedure for this type high-speed hydrodynamic problems requires a method for quantifying multi-scale and multi-phase flow as well as an efficient high-end computing strategy. The current paper presents a high-fidelity computational procedure for unsteady hydrodynamic problems using a high-speed liquid-fueled rocket turbopump.

Kiris, Cetin C.↗

Model-based parameter estimation using cardiovascular response to orthostatic stress

This paper presents a cardiovascular model that is capable of simulating the short-term (< or approximately equal to 3 min) transient hemodynamic response to gravitational stress and a gradient-based optimization method that allows for the automated estimation of model parameters from simulated or experimental data. We perform a sensitivity analysis of the transient heart rate response to determine which parameters of the model impact the heart rate dynamics significantly. We subsequently include only those parameters in the estimation routine that impact the transient heart rate dynamics substantially. We apply the estimation algorithm to both simulated and real data and showed that restriction to the 20 most important parameters does not impair our ability to match the data.

Non-NASA Center↗

Experimental and Numerical Characterization of Transient Insertion of Heat Flux Gages in a Cylindrical Black Body Cavity at 1100 C

Initial transient thermal models have been developed to simulate a heat flux gage calibration process capable of generating high heat flux levels of interest to reciprocating and gas turbine engine industries as well as the aerospace industry. These transient models are based on existing, experimentally validated, steady state models of the cylindrical blackbody calibration system. The steady state models were modified to include insertion of a heat flux gage into the hot zone of the calibration system and time varying electrical current passing through the resistance heated blackbody. Heat fluxes computed using the initial transient models were compared to experimental measurements. The calculated and measured transient heat fluxes were within 5% indicating that the major physical phenomena in the transient calibration had been captured by the models. The predicted and measured transient heat fluxes were also compared at two different gage insertion depths. These results indicated that there is an optimum insertion position which maximizes heat flux and minimizes cavity disturbance.

Abdelmessih, A. N.↗

A comparison of a GCM simulation of the seasonal cycle of the atmosphere with observation. I - Mean fields and the annual harmonic. II - Stationary waves and transient fluctuations

The seasonal cycle of a GCM is analyzed in terms of the behavior of the monthly and seasonal mean fields and the structure of the annual harmonic. The GCM is found to be successful in simulating the Northern Hemisphere sea-level pressure and 200-mb heights over eastern continents and oceans and in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Problems in the simulation include an anomalously deep Aleutian low and low values of the height over Europe in winter. The GCM fails to show the observed amplitude of the annual harmonic in 200-mb temperature over Antarctica. In the second section, the seasonal dependence of the stationary and transient eddies of the GCM are presented for a two-year annual cycle. The accuracy of the wave and eddy simulations is analyzed.

Straus, David M.↗

A History of Full-Scale Aircraft and Rotorcraft Crash Testing and Simulation at NASA Langley Research Center

This paper summarizes 2-1/2 decades of full-scale aircraft and rotorcraft crash testing performed at the Impact Dynamics Research Facility (IDRF) located at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The IDRF is a 240-ft.-high steel gantry that was built originally as a lunar landing simulator facility in the early 1960's. It was converted into a full-scale crash test facility for light aircraft and rotorcraft in the early 1970 s. Since the first full-scale crash test was preformed in February 1974, the IDRF has been used to conduct: 41 full-scale crash tests of General Aviation (GA) aircraft including landmark studies to establish baseline crash performance data for metallic and composite GA aircraft; 11 full-scale crash tests of helicopters including crash qualification tests of the Bell and Sikorsky Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) prototypes; 48 Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS) qualification tests of Army helicopters; 3 vertical drop tests of Boeing 707 transport aircraft fuselage sections; and, 60+ crash tests of the F-111 crew escape module. For some of these tests, nonlinear transient dynamic codes were utilized to simulate the impact response of the airframe. These simulations were performed to evaluate the capabilities of the analytical tools, as well as to validate the models through test-analysis correlation. In September 2003, NASA Langley closed the IDRF facility and plans are underway to demolish it in 2007. Consequently, it is important to document the contributions made to improve the crashworthiness of light aircraft and rotorcraft achieved through full-scale crash testing and simulation at the IDRF.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Development and verification of real-time, hybrid computer simulation of F100-PW-100(3) turbofan engine

A real time, hybrid computer simulation of a turbofan engine is described. Controls research programs involving that engine are supported by the simulation. The real time simulation is shown to match the steady state and transient performance of the engine over a wide range of flight conditions and power settings. The simulation equations, FORTRAN listing, and analog patching diagrams are included.

Szuch, J. R.↗

LabHEART: an interactive computer model of rabbit ventricular myocyte ion channels and Ca transport

An interactive computer program, LabHEART, was developed to simulate the action potential (AP), ionic currents, and Ca handling mechanisms in a rabbit ventricular myocyte. User-oriented, its design allows switching between voltage and current clamp and easy on-line manipulation of key parameters to change the original formulation. The model reproduces normal rabbit ventricular myocyte currents, Ca transients, and APs. We also changed parameters to simulate data from heart failure (HF) myocytes, including reduced transient outward (I(to)) and inward rectifying K currents (I(K1)), enhanced Na/Ca exchange expression, and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase function, but unaltered Ca current density. These changes caused reduced Ca transient amplitude and increased AP duration (especially at lower frequency) as observed experimentally. The model shows that the increased Na/Ca exchange current (I(NaCa)) in HF lowers the intracellular [Ca] threshold for a triggered AP from 800 to 540 nM. Similarly, the decrease in I(K1) reduces the threshold to 600 nM. Changes in I(to) have no effect. Combining enhanced Na/Ca exchange with reduced I(K1) (as in HF) lowers the threshold to trigger an AP to 380 nM. These changes reproduce experimental results in HF, where the contributions of different factors are not readily distinguishable. We conclude that the triggered APs that contribute to nonreentrant ventricular tachycardia in HF are due approximately equally (and nearly additively) to alterations in I(NaCa) and I(K1). A free copy of this software can be obtained at http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/DeptWebs/physio/bers.html.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

A Synthetic Roman Space Telescope High-Latitude Time-Domain Survey: Supernovae in the Deep Field

NASA will launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (hereafter Roman ) in the second half of this decade, which will allow for a generation-defining measurement of dark energy through multiple probes, including Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). To impro v e decisions on surv e y strate gy, we hav e created the first simulations of realistic Roman images that include artificial SNe Ia injected as point sources in the images. Our analysis combines work done on Roman simulations for weak gravitational lensing studies as well as catalogue-level simulations of SN Ia samples. We have created a time series of images o v er 2 yr containing ∼1050 SNe Ia, co v ering a 1 deg 2 subarea of a planned 5 deg 2 deep survey. We have released these images publicly for community use along with input catalogues of all injected sources. We create secondary products from these images by generating coadded images and demonstrating reco v ery of transient sources using image subtraction. We perform first-use analyses on these images in order to measure galaxy detection efficiency, point source detection efficiency, and host-galaxy association biases. The simulated images can be found here at https:// roman.ipac.caltech.edu/sims/ SN Survey Image sim.html .

supernovae↗

Effect of Insertion of a Heat Flux Gage into a High Temperature Cylindrical Blackbody Cavity on the Gage

Detailed transient thermal models have been developed to simulate a heat flux gage calibration process capable of generating high heat flux levels. These heat flux levels are of interest to the reciprocating and gas turbine engine industries as well as the aerospace industry. The transient models are based on existing, experimentally validated steady state models of a cylindrical blackbody calibration system. The steady state models were modified to include insertion of a heat flux gage into the hot zone of the calibration system, time-varying electrical current that passes through the resistance heated blackbody, and the resulting heating of the heat flux gage. Heat fluxes computed using detailed transient models were compared to experimental measurements. The calculated and measured transient heat fluxes agreed to within 2 percent, indicating that the models had captured the physical phenomena in the transient calibration. The predicted and measured transient heat fluxes were also compared for two different blackbody configurations. The effect of convection on the blackbody extension was evaluated and found to be a minor factor.

Abdelmessih, Amanie N.↗

Modular, high power, variable R dynamic electrical load simulator

The design of a previously developed basic variable R load simulator was entended to increase its power dissipation and transient handling capabilities. The delivered units satisfy all design requirements, and provides for a high power, modular simulation capability uniquely suited to the simulation of complex load responses. In addition to presenting conclusions and recommendations and pertinent background information, the report covers program accomplishments; describes the simulator basic circuits, transfer characteristic, protective features, assembly, and specifications; indicates the results of simulator evaluation, including burn-in and acceptance testing; provides acceptance test data; and summarizes the monthly progress reports.

Joncas, K. P.↗

Full-Scale Crash Test and Finite Element Simulation of a Composite Prototype Helicopter

A full-scale crash test of a prototype composite helicopter was performed at the Impact Dynamics Research Facility at NASA Langley Research Center in 1999 to obtain data for validation of a finite element crash simulation. The helicopter was the flight test article built by Sikorsky Aircraft during the Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP). The composite helicopter was designed to meet the stringent Military Standard (MIL-STD-1290A) crashworthiness criteria and was outfitted with two crew and two troop seats and four anthropomorphic dummies. The test was performed at 38-ft/s vertical and 32.5-ft/s horizontal velocity onto a rigid surface. An existing modal-vibration model of the Sikorsky ACAP helicopter was converted into a model suitable for crash simulation. A two-stage modeling approach was implemented and an external user-defined subroutine was developed to represent the complex landing gear response. The crash simulation was executed with a nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic finite element code. Predictions of structural deformation and failure, the sequence of events, and the dynamic response of the airframe structure were generated and the numerical results were correlated with the experimental data to validate the simulation. The test results, the model development, and the test-analysis correlation are described.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

Performance characteristics of a thermal energy storage module - A transient PCM/forced convection conjugate analysis

The performance of a thermal energy storage module is simulated numerically. The change of phase of the phase-change material (PCM) and the transient forced convective heat transfer for the transfer fluid with low Prandtl numbers are solved simultaneously as a conjugate problem. A parametric study and a system optimization are conducted. The numerical results show that module geometry is crucial to the design of a space-based thermal energy storage system.

Cao, Y.↗

Models for dynamic surface temperatures during rarefied aeropass maneuvers

New models for calculating dynamic surface temperatures in a direct simulation Monte Carlo particle method during atmospheric entry are described. The models take into account the radiative emissivity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity of the material. They are applied to thin panels in a highly rarefied flows and yield the transient thermal response of individual surface facets. Simulation results for radiation panels with internal conductivity are verified by comparing them with free molecule theory.

Haas, Brian L.↗

Analytic Perturbation Method for Estimating Ground Flash Fraction from Satellite Lightning Observations

An analytic perturbation method is introduced for estimating the lightning ground flash fraction in a set of N lightning flashes observed by a satellite lightning mapper. The value of N is large, typically in the thousands, and the observations consist of the maximum optical group area produced by each flash. The method is tested using simulated observations that are based on Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) data. National Lightning Detection NetworkTM (NLDN) data is used to determine the flash‐type (ground or cloud) of the satellite-observed flashes, and provides the ground flash fraction truth for the simulation runs. It is found that the mean ground flash fraction retrieval errors are below 0.04 across the full range 0‐1 under certain simulation conditions. In general, it is demonstrated that the retrieval errors depend on many factors (i.e., the number, N, of satellite observations, the magnitude of random and systematic measurement errors, and the number of samples used to form certain climate distributions employed in the model).

Koshak, William↗

Analysis of integral lift-fan engine dynamics

An integral lift-fan engine being considered for VTOL applications was simulated using the hybrid computer. A contractor-proposed fuel control and a simple model of the roll dynamics of a hovering VTOL airplane were used in the simulation. Both steady-state and transient data were generated. The desired engine time constant of 0.20 second was achieved for thrust increments less than 10 precent of the design thrust. For roll angle demands less than 10 deg, roll angle overshoot was acceptable with more than 84 percent of the demand achieved in 1 second.

Szuch, J. R.↗