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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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The TranAir computer code solves the full-potential equation for transonic flow by combining a rectangular box of flow-field grid points with networks of surface panels. Complex geometry is easily represented since surface conforming flow-field grids are not used. Application of TranAir to the F-16A is presented for free-stream Mach numbers of 0.6 and 0.90, at an angle of attack of four degrees.
Recent advances in computing power and numerical solution procedures have enabled computational fluid dynamicists to attempt increasingly difficult problems. In particular, efforts are focusing on computations of complex three-dimensional flow fields about realistic aerodynamic bodies. To perform such computations, a very accurate and detailed description of the surface geometry must be provided, and a three-dimensional grid must be generated in the space around the body. The geometry must be supplied in a format compatible with the grid generation requirements, and must be verified to be free of inconsistencies. A procedure for performing the geometry definition of a fighter aircraft that makes use of a commercial computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system is presented. Furthermore, visual representations of the geometry are generated using a computer graphics system for verification of the body definition. Finally, the three-dimensional grids for fighter-like aircraft are generated by means of an efficient new parabolic grid generation method. This method exhibits good control of grid quality.
A test bed was fabricated to demonstrate hydrogen/oxygen propulsion technology readiness for the Initial Operating Capabilities (IOC) space station application and for use as a means to test evolving technology for the growth station. The test bed, its function, and plans for future testing are discussed.
Using ideas from the kinetic theory, the Navier-Stokes equations are modified in such a way that they can be cast as a set of first order hyperbolic equations. This is achieved by incorporating time dependent terms into the definition of the stress tensor and the heat flux vectors. The boundary conditions are then determined from the theory of characteristics. Because the resulting equations reduce to the traditional Navier-Stokes equations when the steady state is reached, the present approach provides a straightforward scheme for the determination of inflow and outflow boundary conditions. The method is validated by comparing its predictions with known exact solutions of the steady Navier-Stokes equations.
The physical phenomena within supersonic flows that sustain chemical reactions are investigated. An earlier study to develop accurate physical models for supersonic reacting flowfields focused on 2-D laminar shear layers. The objective is to examine the mixing and subsequent combustion within turbulent reacting shear layers. To conduct this study, a computer program has been written to solve the axisymmetric Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical method uses a cell-centered finite volume approach and a Runge Kutta time stepping scheme. The Reynolds averaged equations are closed using the eddy viscosity concept. Several zero-equation models have been tested by making calculations for an H2-air nonreacting coaxial jet flow. Comparisons made with experimental data show that Cohen's eddy viscosity model provides best agreement. The finite rate chemistry model used in the study of 2-D laminar shear layers is incorporated into the computer program and data is compared from a recent experiment performed at NASA Langley.
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The leaf normal distribution function is related to the extinction coefficient of direct solar radiation by a Fredholm integral equation of the first kind. The integral equation is solved by the method of constrained least squares. The solutions are stable and correct only in extreme cases and, in general, it is not possible to recover an arbitrary leaf normal distribution function.
The dc behavior of a clamped-mode series-resonant converter is characterized systematically. Given a circuit operating condition, the converter's mode of operation is determined and various circuit parameters are calculated, such as average inductor current (load current), rms inductor current, peak capacitor voltage, rms switch currents, average diode currents, switch turn-on currents, and switch turn-off currents. Regions of operation are defined, and various circuit characteristics are derived to facilitate the converter design.
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Based on NASA EOS data panel analyses, an architectural concept is described in terms of elemental composition, top-level functions, and external and internal interfaces. This concept has been evaluated through the use of realistic user-generated scenarios consistent with existing plans for the 1990s and the Space Station. Developmental approaches for the requisite EOS data and information system are presented and a hybrid methodology for implementing this system is discussed.
Total flux densities, peak flux densities, and spatial extents at 12, 25, 60, and 100 microns are presented for the 330 sources in the IRAS Bright Galaxy Sample. The flux density ratios S sub nu (60 microns)/S sub nu (100 microns) and S sub nu (12 microns)/S sub n (25 microns) are found to correlate with both the infrared luminosity and the ratio of IR to visible flux. The relation between these two flux density ratios is shown to follow that found previously, with different slopes appearing for the warmer and colder galaxies in the sample. The results suggest that single photon heating of small grains (often the dominant source of 12 and 25 micron radiation from galaxies) significantly affects the emission of some galaxies at 60 microns, and that optical depth effects may alter the emergent radiation at 12 and 25 microns.
HARPS is a telerobot control system that can perform some simple but useful tasks. This capability is demonstrated by performing the ORU exchange demonstration. HARPS is based on NASREM (NASA Standard Reference Model). All software is developed in Ada, and the project incorporates a number of different CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools. NASREM was found to be a valid and useful model for building a telerobot control system. Its hierarchical and distributed structure creates a natural and logical flow for implementing large complex robust control systems. The ability of Ada to create and enforce abstraction enhanced the implementation of such control systems.
A hybrid Reynolds averaged/assumed probability density function (PDF) approach was developed and applied to the study of turbulent combustion in a supersonic mixing layer. This approach was used to address the laminar-like treatment of the thermochemical terms that appear in the conservation equations. Calculations were carried out for two experiments involving H2-air supersonic turbulent mixing. A SPARK combustion model was employed. In general, the approach shows modest improvement over previous calculations.
Non-proprietary summaries of Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects supported by NASA in the 1987 program year are given. Work in the areas of aeronautical propulsion, aerodynamics, acoustics, aircraft systems, materials and structures, teleoperators and robotics, computer sciences, information systems, spacecraft systems, spacecraft power supplies, spacecraft propulsion, bioastronautics, satellite communication, and space processing are covered.
For purposes of the adaptive-wall algorithms to be described, the modern era is considered to have begun with the simultaneous, independent recognition of the concept of matching an experimental inner flow across an interface to a computed outer flow by Chevallier, Ferri, Goodyer, Lissaman, Rubbert, and Sears. Fundamental investigations of the adaptive-wall matching concept by means of numerical simulations and theoretical considerations are described. An overview of the development and operation of 2D adaptive-wall facilities from about 1970 until the present is given, followed by similar material for 3D adaptive-wall facilities from approximately 1978 until the present. A general formulation of adaptation strategy is presented, with a theoretical basis for adaptation followed by 2D flexible, impermeable-wall applications; 2D ventilated-wall applications; 3D flexible, impermeable-wall applications; and 3D ventilated-wall applications. Representative experimental and 3D results are given, with 2D, followed by a discussion of limitations and open questions.
In this work a spherical harmonic theory of ocean tides is presented. The theory is based on Laplace tide equations modified to include turbulence with constant eddy viscosity, linearized bottom friction, and oceanic loading and self-gravitation. Variable bathymetry is also treated in harmonic terms, and no-flow boundary conditions are applied at continental coastlines. The tide and boundary constraint equations are reduced to matrix form and solved by a weighted least-squares procedure. Five zonal luni-solar tides, ranging in period from 14 days to 18.6 yr, are investigated using the theory; such tides have typically been difficult to compute using traditional numerical approaches. The polar motion and changes in the length of day induced by these long-period tides are calculated. Tidal solutions are compared extensively with results from other tidal theories and from recent satellite and sea-level observations. The greatest limitation to accurate prediction of zonal tides - for any theory - appears to be the marginal failure of all tide theories to conserve mass globally; the use of additional mass constraints may be warranted.
Eichhorn and Googe (1969) present formulas for incorporating a new position measurement into an existing star catalog. Their result is extended to the case where the new measurement also includes proper motion, thereby enabling one to combine the positions and proper motions from two catalogs.