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At least 505 records · Page 28

On the dynamics of small-scale vorticity in isotropic turbulence

It was previously shown that the strong vorticity in isotropic turbulence is organized into tubular vortices ('worms') whose properties were characterized through the use of full numerical simulations at several Reynolds numbers. At the time most of the observations were kinematic, and several scaling laws were discovered for which there was no theoretical explanation. In the meantime, further analysis of the same fields yielded new information on the generation of the vortices, and it was realized that even if they had to be formed by stretching, they were at any given moment actually compressed at many points of their axes. This apparent contradiction was partially explained by postulating axial inertial waves induced by the nonuniformity of the vortex cores, which helped to 'spread' the axial strain and allowed the vortices to remain compact even if not uniformly stretched. The existence of such solutions was recently proved numerically. The present report discusses a set of new numerical simulations of isotropic turbulence, and a reanalysis of the old ones, in an effort to prove or disprove the presence of these waves in actual turbulent flows and to understand the dynamics, as opposed to the kinematics, of the vortices.

Jimenez, Javier↗

A Hybrid Numerical Method for Turbulent Mixing Layers

A hybrid method has been developed for simulations of compressible turbulent mixing layers. Such mixing layers dominate the flows in exhaust systems of modern day aircraft and also those of hypersonic vehicles currently under development. The method configurations in which a dominant structural feature provides an unsteady mechanism to drive the turbulent development in the mixing layer. The hybrid method uses a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) procedure to calculate wall bounded regions entering a mixing section, and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) procedure to calculate the mixing dominated regions. A numerical technique was developed to enable the use of the hybrid RANS-LES method on stretched, non-Cartesian grids. Closure for the RANS equations was obtained using the Cebeci-Smith algebraic turbulence model in conjunction with the wall-function approach of Ota and Goldberg. The wall-function approach enabled a continuous computational grid from the RANS regions to the LES region. The LES equations were closed using the Smagorinsky subgrid scale model. The hybrid RANS-LES method is applied to a benchmark compressible mixing layer experiment. Preliminary two dimensional calculations are used to investigate the effects of axial grid density and boundary conditions. Vortex shedding from the base region of a splitter plate separating the upstream flows was observed to eventually transition to turbulence. The location of the transition, however, was much further downstream than indicated by experiments. Actual LES calculations, performed in three spatial directions, also indicated vortex shedding, but the transition to turbulence was found to occur much closer to the beginning of the mixing section. which is in agreement with experimental observations. These calculations demonstrated that LES simulations must be performed in three dimensions. Comparisons of time-averaged axial velocities and turbulence intensities indicated reasonable agreement with experimental data.

Georgiadis, Nicholas J.↗

A numerical analysis of the effects of conjugate heat transfer, vapor compressibility, and viscous dissipation in heat pipes

The effects of conjugate heat transfer, vapor compressibility, and viscous dissipation in heat pipes are discussed. The accuracy of the partially parabolic versus the elliptic presentation of the governing equations is also examined. The results show that the axial wall conduction has a tendency to make the temperature distribution more uniform for heat pipes with large ratios of pipe wall to effective liquid-wick thermal conductivity. The compressible and incompressible models show very close agreement for the total pressure drop, while the local pressure variations along the heat pipe are quite different for these two models when the radial Reynolds number at the interface is high.

Faghri, Amir↗

Transonic Flow Past Cone Cylinders

Experimental results are presented for transonic flow post cone-cylinder, axially symmetric bodies. The drag coefficient and surface Mach number are studied as the free-stream Mach number is varied and, wherever possible, the experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions. Interferometric results for several typical flow configurations are shown and an example of shock-free supersonic-to-subsonic compression is experimentally demonstrated. The theoretical problem of transonic flow past finite cones is discussed briefly and an approximate solution of the axially symmetric transonic equations, valid for a semi-infinite cone, is presented.

Solomon, George E↗

Method of analysis for compressible flow through mixed-flow centrifugal impellers of arbitrary design

A method is presented for analysis of the compressible flow between the hub and the shroud of mixed-flow impellers of arbitrary design. Axial symmetry was assumed, but the forces in the meridional (hub to shroud) plane, which are derived from tangential pressure gradients, were taken into account. The method was applied to an experimental mixed-flow impeller. The analysis of the flow in the meridional plane of the impeller showed that the rotational forces, the blade curvature, and the hub-shroud profile can introduce severe velocity gradients along the hub and the shroud surfaces. Choked flow at the impeller inlet as determined by the analysis was verified by experimental results.

Hamrick, Joseph T↗

Development of a Hybrid RANS/LES Method for Compressible Mixing Layer Simulations

A hybrid method has been developed for simulations of compressible turbulent mixing layers. Such mixing layers dominate the flows in exhaust systems of modem day aircraft and also those of hypersonic vehicles currently under development. The hybrid method uses a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) procedure to calculate wall bounded regions entering a mixing section, and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) procedure to calculate the mixing dominated regions. A numerical technique was developed to enable the use of the hybrid RANS/LES method on stretched, non-Cartesian grids. The hybrid RANS/LES method is applied to a benchmark compressible mixing layer experiment. Preliminary two-dimensional calculations are used to investigate the effects of axial grid density and boundary conditions. Actual LES calculations, performed in three spatial directions, indicated an initial vortex shedding followed by rapid transition to turbulence, which is in agreement with experimental observations.

Georgiadis, Nicholas J.↗

Passive Orbital Disconnect Strut (PODS 3) structural test program

A passive orbital disconnect strut (PODS-3) was analyzed structurally and thermally. Development tests on a graphite/epoxy orbit tube and S glass epoxy launch tube provided the needed data to finalize the design. A detailed assembly procedure was prepared. One strut was fabricated. Shorting loads in both the axial and lateral direction (vs. load angle and location) were measured. The strut was taken to design limit loads at both ambient and 78 K (cold end only). One million fatigue cycles were performed at predicted STS loads (half in tension, half in compression) with the cold end at 78 K. The fatigue test was repeated at design limit loads. Six struts were then fabricated and tested as a system. Axial loads, side loads, and simulated asymmetric loads due to temperature gradients around the vacuum shell were applied. Shorting loads were measured for all tests.

Parmley, R. T.↗

A compressive failure model for anisotropic plates with a cutout under compressive and shear loads

The paper introduces a failure model for laminated composite plates with a cutout under combined compressive and shear loads. The model is based on kinking failure of the load-carrying fibers around a cutout, and includes the effect of local shearing and compressive stresses. Comparison of predictions of the model with available experimental results for quasi-isotropic and orthotropic plates with a circular hole indicated a good agreement. Predictions for orthotropic plates under combined loading are compared with the predictions of a point-stress model. The present model indicates significant reductions in axial load-carrying capacity due to shearing loads for plates with principal axis of orthotropy oriented along the axial load direction. A gain in strength is achieved by rotating the axis of orthotropy to counteract the shearing stress, or by eliminating the compressive-shear deformation coupling.

Gurdal, Z.↗

Pressure probe compensates for dimensional tolerance variations

Flexible, compressible spring-loaded pressure probe measures the static pressure between the rotor stages on an axial-flow fuel pump. This probe is used in installation where a drilled static pressure tap or a rigid impulse tube cannot be used. Its parameters must be specially determined for each installation.

Birner, R. A.↗

Steady Secondary Momentum and Enthalpy Streaming in the Pulse Tube Refrigerator

Our study investigates the steady secondary streaming that occurs in the pulse tube refrigerator through application of the conservation laws and support by flow visualization experiments. A series expansion of the mass, momentum and energy conservation laws for an axisymmetric system yields a set of linear differential equations. The series solution is expanded in the small parameter epsilon = 1/Str where Str is the Strouhal number. The O(1) basic flow problem is solved for the case of a compressible ideal gas oscillating within a cylindrical tube. The phase and amplitude of the boundary conditions on axial velocity are treated as independent parameters. The basic solution for the gas domain is solved for the case of temperature and heat flux coupling to the tube wall. The temperature coupled solution shows how the Fourier number of the tube wall affects the gas temperature, phase angle, and time-averaged enthalpy flow. The basic solution is also examined for the time-averaged Reynolds stresses which are shown to be the driving force that produces steady secondary momentum streaming. Calculated solutions to the steady momentum streaming are shown to be in qualitative agreement with flow visualization experiments.

Lee, J. M.↗

Calculation of the Pressure Distribution on Bodies of Revolution in the Subsonic Flow of a Gas: Axially Symmetrical Flow - Part 1

The present report concerns a method of computing the velocity and pressure distributions on bodies of revolution in axially symmetrical flow in the subsonic range. The differential equation for the velocity potential Phi of a compressible fluid motion is linearized tn the conventional manner, and then put in the form Delta(Phi) = 0 by affine transformation. The quantity Phi represents the velocity potential of a fictitious incompressible flow, for which a constant superposition of sources by sections is secured by a method patterned after von Karman which must comply with the boundary condition delta(phi)/delta(n) = 0 at the originally specified contour. This requirement yields for the "pseudo-stream function" psi a differential equation which must be fulfilled for as many points on the contour as source lengths are assumed. In this manner, the problem of defining the still unknown source intensities is reduced to the solution of an inhomogeneous equation system. The pressure distribution is then determined with the aid of Bernoulli's equation and adiabatic equation of state. Lastly, the pressure distributions in compressible and incompressible medium are compared on a model problem.

Bilharz, Herbert↗

Computation of Three-Dimensional Compressible Flow From a Rectangular Nozzle with Delta Tabs

A three-dimensional viscous flow analysis is performed using a time-marching Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes code for a 3:1 rectangular nozzle with two delta tabs located at the nozz1e exit plane to enhance mixing. Two flow configurations, a subsonic jet case and a supersonic jet case using the same rate configuration, which were previously studied experimentally, are computed and compared with the experimental data. The experimental data include streamwise velocity and vorticity distributions for the subsonic case, and Mach number distributions for the supersonic case, at various axial locations downstream of the nozzle exit. The computational results show very good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the effect of compressibility on vorticity dynamics is examined by comparing the vorticity contours of the subsonic jet case with those of the supersonic jet case which were not measured in the experiment.

Reddy, D. R.↗

An evaluation of the effects of stacking sequence and thickness on the fatigue life of quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminates

Notched and unnotched geometries at 16, 32, and 64-ply thicknesses of a 90/45/0-45 (ns) laminate and a 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate were tested in compression-compression fatigue. The fatigue life and the initiation, type, and progression of damage were determined. Interlaminar stresses generated at straight, free edges of axially loaded laminates were used to interpret the test results. The fatigue lives of the notched specimens did not appear to be a strong function of laminate stacking sequence or specimen thickness. The stress concentration at the hole dominated over the interlaminar stresses at the straight free edge. The unnotched specimens of the 90/45/0/-45 (ns) laminate with tensile interlaminar normal stresses delaminated more readily than did the 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate with compressive interlaminar normal stress. The life of the 16-ply unnotched specimens was lower than the 32- and 64-ply specimens. Delaminations were located at the interface where the maximum shear stress occurred regardless of the sense or magnitude of the interlaminar normal stress. An antibuckling fixture was effective in preventing out-of-plane motion without overconstraining the specimen.

Harris, C. E.↗

An evaluation of the effects of stacking sequence and thickness on the fatigue life of quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminates

Notched and unnotched geometries at 16, 32, and 64-ply thicknesses of a 90/45/0-45 (ns) laminate and a 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate were tested in compression-compression fatigue. The fatigue life and the initiation, type, and progression of damage were determined. Interlaminar stresses generated at straight, free edges of axially loaded laminates were used to interpret the test results. The fatigue lives of the notched specimens did not appear to be a strong function of laminate stacking sequence or specimen thickness. The stress concentration at the hole dominated over the interlaminar stresses at the straight free edge. The unnotched specimens of the 90/45/0/-45 (ns) laminate with tensile interlaminar normal stresses delaminated more readily than did the 45/0/-45/90 (ns) laminate with compressive interlaminar normal stress. The life of the 16-ply unnotched specimens was lower than the 32and 64-ply specimens. Delaminations were located at the interface where the maximum shear stress occurred regardless of the sense or magnitude of the interlaminar normal stress. An antibuckling fixture was effective in preventing out-of-plane motion without overconstraining the specimen.

Harris, C. E.↗

Turbulence measurements in axisymmetric supersonic boundary layer flow in adverse pressure gradients

Mean flow and turbulence measurements are presented for adiabatic compressible turbulent boundary layer flow in adverse pressure gradients. The gradients were induced on the wall of an axially symmetric wind tunnel by contoured centerbodies mounted on the wind tunnel centerline. The boundary layer turbulence downstream of a boundary layer bleed section in a zero pressure gradient was also examined. The measurements were obtained using a constant temperature hot-wire anemometer. The adverse pressure gradients were found to significantly alter the turbulence properties of the boundary layer. With flow through the bleed holes there was a measureable decrease in the rms longitudinal velocity fluctuations near the wall and the turbulent shear stress in the boundary layer was reduced.

Gootzait, E.↗

Comparison of numerical and experimental 'conical' flow fields in supersonic corners with compression and/or expansion

The flow field produced by the intersection of two plane solid surfaces in a supersonic stream is a complex interference flow. These flows can be fully compressive, fully expansive, or of mixed compression-expansion nature. This paper presents a comparison of the experimentally obtained flow-field structure in an axial corner with that predicted numerically by using a shock-capturing finite-difference method. The effect of sweep and surface deflection are evaluated, and the general influence of each is presented for the three classes of corner flow. The results show that the numerical method is a valuable aid in understanding the flow structure for simple configurations. In addition, confidence in the numerical method is gained for use in solving more general three-dimensional configurations where the flow is nonconical and several wave interaction may be presented.

Anderson, D. A.↗

Computer program for aerodynamic and blading design of multistage axial-flow compressors

A code for computing the aerodynamic design of a multistage axial-flow compressor and, if desired, the associated blading geometry input for internal flow analysis codes is presented. Compressible flow, which is assumed to be steady and axisymmetric, is the basis for a two-dimensional solution in the meridional plane with viscous effects modeled by pressure loss coefficients and boundary layer blockage. The radial equation of motion and the continuity equation are solved with the streamline curvature method on calculation stations outside the blade rows. The annulus profile, mass flow, pressure ratio, and rotative speed are input. A number of other input parameters specify and control the blade row aerodynamics and geometry. In particular, blade element centerlines and thicknesses can be specified with fourth degree polynomials for two segments. The output includes a detailed aerodynamic solution and, if desired, blading coordinates that can be used for internal flow analysis codes.

Crouse, J. E.↗

Effect of Mechanical Stresses on Characteristics of Chip Tantalum Capacitors

The effect of compressive mechanical stresses on chip solid tantalum capacitors is investigated by monitoring characteristics of different part types under axial and hydrostatic stresses. Depending on part types, an exponential increase of leakage currents was observed when stresses exceeded 10 MPa to 40 MPa. For the first time, reversible variations of leakage currents (up to two orders of magnitude) with stress have been demonstrated. Mechanical stresses did not cause significant changes of AC characteristics of the capacitors, whereas breakdown voltages measured during the surge current testing decreased substantially indicating an increased probability of failures of stressed capacitors in low impedance applications. Variations of leakage currents are explained by a combination of two mechanisms: stress-induced scintillations and stress-induced generation of electron traps in the tantalum pentoxide dielectric.

Teverovsky, Alexander A.↗