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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Nonlinear dynamics of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in a finite-width plasma flow

The nonlinear stage of Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability in a finite-width plane-parallel plasma flow is analyzed. The analysis is performed by means of two-dimensional numerical simulations with the use of ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations describing isothermal plasma flows propagating along the magnetic field. The influence of the magnetic field strength, the plasma temperature, and the ratio of the flow width to the width of the transition layer on the formation of vortex layers and large-scale flow perturbations is investigated. It is shown that, if the wavelength of periodic perturbations is shorter than the flow width, the symmetric and antisymmetric modes develop in a qualitatively similar manner. For waves with wavelengths longer than the flow width, the development of such modes is very different due to the mutual influence of the flow boundaries. Analysis of the development of instability at different values of the Alfven Mach number M{sub A} shows that long-lived vortices with a characteristic scale length on the order of the flow width appear in a weak magnetic field for both symmetric and antisymmetric modes; however, the vortex geometries for these modes are different. In a strong magnetic field, M{sub A} {approx} 5, the phase of vortex decay for both types of modes occurs faster than in a weak field; however, in the case of an antisymmetric mode, large-scale perturbations of the flow boundary are retained for a longer time. Analysis of the evolution of the initial disturbance produced by an ensemble of random small perturbations (noise) at different plasma temperatures shows that, for a flow width comparable with the width of the transition region, the development of KH instability is always antisymmetric in character and leads to well-developed large-scale perturbations of the flow as a whole. For a cold plasma with C{sub S} < 0.5U (where C{sub S} is the speed of sound and U is the flow velocity), in contrast to hot plasma with C{sub S} > 0.5U, the development of KH instability leads to the growth of the antisymmetric mode even if the flow width is much larger than the width of the transition region.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Saturation of Fishbone Instability by Self-Generated Zonal Flows in Tokamak Plasmas

Gyrokinetic simulations of the fishbone instability in DIII-D tokamak plasmas find that self-generated zonal flows can dominate the nonlinear saturation by preventing coherent structures from persisting or drifting in the energetic particle phase space when the mode frequency down-chirps. Results from the simulation with zonal flows agree quantitatively, for the first time, with experimental measurements of the fishbone saturation amplitude and energetic particle transport. Moreover, the fishbone-induced zonal flows are likely responsible for the formation of an internal transport barrier that was observed after fishbone bursts in this DIII-D experiment. Finally, gyrokinetic simulations of a related ITER baseline scenario show that the fishbone induces insignificant energetic particle redistribution and may enable high performance scenarios in ITER burning plasma experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Investigating flow patterns and related dynamics in multi-instability turbulent plasmas using a three-point cross-phase time delay estimation velocimetry scheme

Complexities of flow patterns in the azimuthal cross-section of a cylindrical magnetized helicon plasma and the corresponding plasma dynamics are investigated by means of a novel scheme for time delay estimation velocimetry. The advantage of this introduced method is the capability of calculating the time-averaged 2D velocity fields of propagating wave-like structures and patterns in complex spatiotemporal data. It is able to distinguish and visualize the details of simultaneously present superimposed entangled dynamics and it can be applied to fluid-like systems exhibiting frequently repeating patterns (e.g., waves in plasmas, waves in fluids, dynamics in planetary atmospheres, etc.). The velocity calculations are based on time delay estimation obtained from cross-phase analysis of time series. Each velocity vector is unambiguously calculated from three time series measured at three different non-collinear spatial points. This method, when applied to fast imaging, has been crucial to understand the rich plasma dynamics in the azimuthal cross-section of a cylindrical linear magnetized helicon plasma. The capabilities and the limitations of this velocimetry method are discussed and demonstrated for two completely different plasma regimes, i.e., for quasi-coherent wave dynamics and for complex broadband wave dynamics involving simultaneously present multiple instabilities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effects of zonal flows on ion temperature gradient instability in the scrape-off layer of a field-reversed configuration

Gyrokinetic simulations of long wavelength ion temperature gradient (ITG) turbulence in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) find that zonal flows are nonlinearly generated and are the dominant mechanism for the nonlinear saturation of the ITG instability. After the ITG saturation, zonal flows remain undamped and gradually suppress the turbulent transport to a very low level. In the simulations with collisions, collisional damping gradually reduces zonal flow amplitude to a lower level, which allows finite ITG turbulence intensity and ion heat transport in the SOL. The steady state turbulence intensity and ion heat transport are found to be proportional to the collision frequency. Furthermore, this favorable scaling suggests that minimizing collisions (e.g. increasing temperature, reducing impurity content, etc) and preserving toroidal symmetry could improve plasma confinement in the FRC.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1995

Three-dimensional transient flow of spin-up in a filled cylinder with oblique gravity force

Three-dimensional transient flow profiles of spin-up in a fully liquid filled cylinder from rest with gravity acceleration at various direction are numerically simulated and studied. Particular interests are concentrated on the development of temporary reverse flow zones and Ekman layer right after the impulsive start of spin-up from rest, and decay before the flow reaching to the solid rotation. Relationship of these flow developments and differences in the Reynolds numbers of the flow and its size selection of grid points concerning the numerical instabilities of flow computations are also discussed. In addition to the gravitational acceleration along the axial direction of the cylindrical container, a series of complicated flow profiles accompanied by three-dimensional transient flows with oblique gravitational acceleration has been studies.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Simulations of Instabilities in Complex Valve and Feed Systems

CFD analyses are playing an increasingly important role in identifying and characterizing flow induced instabilities in rocket engine test facilities and flight systems. In this paper, we analyze instability mechanisms that range from turbulent pressure fluctuations due to vortex shedding in structurally complex valve systems to flow resonance in plug cavities to large scale pressure fluctuations due to collapse of cavitation induced vapor clouds. Furthermore, we discuss simulations of transient behavior related to valve motion that can serve as guidelines for valve scheduling. Such predictions of valve response to varying flow conditions is of crucial importance to engine operation and testing.

Ahuja, Vineet↗
DOE OSTI2019

An extension of Darcy’s law incorporating dynamic length scales

We propose a physics-based, macroscale formulation of multiphase porous-media flows that both honors the validity of Darcy’s law in steady or near-steady flows and accommodates the effects of heterogeneities and nonlinearities in unsteady flows. The new formulation recognizes that parameters characterizing the system operate at different length-scales. In particular, the use of Darcy’s law, predicated on the assumption of near-steady flows, requires dynamic length scales, owing to the possibility of rapid fluctuations in rock properties and fluid saturations attributable to heterogeneity and nonlinearity. We accommodate these dynamic length-scales through dynamic spatial averaging. The length and position of the averaging window are characterized by the length of the mixing zone and the direction of propagation of information in the transport process. Here, we validate the proposed formulation by comparing highly accurate,two dimensional numerical solutions against core-scale displacement experiments. The proposed paradigm is consistent with the classical multiphase Darcy formulation, in the sense that the latter also represents the results of an averaging approach.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Mixing in a liquid metal electrode

Fluid mixing has first-order importance for many engineering problems in mass transport, including design and optimization of liquid-phase energy storage devices. Liquid metal batteries are currently being commercialized as a promising and economically viable technology for large-scale energy storage on worldwide electrical grids. But because these batteries are entirely liquid, fluid flow and instabilities may affect battery robustness and performance. Here we present estimates of flow magnitude and ultrasound measurements of the flow in a realistic liquid metal electrode. We find that flow does substantially affect mass transport by altering the electrode mixing time. Above a critical electrical current density, the convective flow organizes and gains speed, which promotes transport and would yield improved battery efficiency. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Kelley, DH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrodynamic Mechanism for Clumping along the Equatorial Rings of SN1987A and Other Stars

An explanation for the origin and number of clumps along the equatorial ring of Supernova 1987A has eluded decades of research. Our linear analysis and hydrodynamic simulations of the expanding ring prior to the supernova reveal that it is subject to the Crow instability between vortex cores. Here, the dominant wave number is remarkably consistent with the number of clumps, suggesting that the Crow instability stimulates clump formation. Although the present analysis focuses on linear fluid flow, future nonlinear analysis and the incorporation of additional stellar physics may further elucidate the remnant structure and the evolution of the progenitor and other stars.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1992

Secondary instability of high-speed flows and the influence of wall cooling and suction

The periodic streamwise modulation of the supersonic and hypersonic boundary layers by a two dimensional first mode or second mode wave makes the resulting base flow susceptible to a broadband spanwise-periodic three dimensional type of instability. The principal parametric resonance of this instability (subharmonic) was analyzed using Floquet theory. The effect of Mach number and the effectiveness of wall cooling or wall suction in controlling the onset, the growth rate, and the vortical nature of the subharmonic secondary instability are assessed for both a first mode and a second mode primary wave. Results indicate that the secondary subharmonic instability of the insulated wall boundary layer is weakened as Mach number increases. Cooling of the wall destabilizes the secondary subharmonic of a second mode primary wave, but stabilizes it when the primary wave is a first mode. Suction stabilizes the secondary subharmonic at all Mach numbers.

El-Hady, Nabil M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Secondary instability of high-speed flows and the influence of wall cooling and suction

The periodic streamwise modulation of the supersonic and hypersonic boundary layers by a two-dimensional first-mode or second-mode wave makes the resulting base flow susceptible to a broadband spanwise-periodic three-dimensional type of instability. The principal parametric resonance of this instability (subharmonic) has been analyzed using Floquet theory. The effect of Mach number and the effectiveness of wall cooling or wall suction in controlling the onset, the growth rate, and the vortical structure of the subharmonic secondary instability are assessed for both a first-mode and a second-mode primary wave. Results indicate that the secondary subharmonic instability of an insulated wall boundary layer is weakened as Mach number increases. Cooling of the wall destabilizes the secondary subharmonic of a second-mode primary wave, but stabilizes it when the primary wave is a first mode. Suction stabilizes the secondary subharmonic at all Mach numbers.

El-Hady, Nabil M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fluid dynamics of heart assist device

Certain hemodynamic phenomena that arise in connection with the use of artificial blood pumping devices are reviewed. Among these are: (1) Flows produced by collapsing bulbs; (2) the impedance presented by the aorta; (3) limiting velocities and instability of flow in elastic vessels; (4) effectiveness of valveless arterio-arterial pumps, and (5) wave reflection phenomena and instabilities associated with the intra-aortic balloon pump.

Jones, R. T.↗
DOE OSTI2011

Global Hall-MHD simulations of magnetorotational instability in a plasma Couette flow experiment

Global MHD and Hall-MHD numerical simulations relevant to the Madison plasma Couette flow experiment (MPCX) have been performed using the extended MHD code NIMROD. The MPCX has been constructed to study the magnetorotational instability (MRI) in a plasma. The two-fluid Hall effect, which is relevant to some astrophysical situations such as protostellar disks, is also expected to be important in the MPCX. Here, we first derive the local Hall dispersion relation including viscosity, extending earlier work by Balbus and Terquem [Astrophys. J. 552, 235 (2001)]. The predictions of the local analysis are then compared with nonlocal calculations of linear stability of the MRI for a parameter range relevant to the MPCX. It is found that the MHD stability limit and mode structure are altered by the Hall term, and nonlocal analysis is necessary to obtain quantitatively reliable predictions for MPCX. Two-fluid physics also significantly changes the nonlinear evolution and saturation of the axisymmetric MRI. Both the Reynolds and Maxwell stresses contribute significantly to momentum transport. In the Hall regime, when the magnetic field is parallel to the rotation axis, the Maxwell stress is larger than the Reynolds stress (similar to the MHD regime). However, when the magnetic field is antiparallel to the rotation axis in the Hall regime, the Reynolds stress is much larger than the Maxwell stress. To further study the role of non-axisymmetric modes, we have also carried out fully nonlinear MHD computations. Non-axisymmetric modes play an increasingly important role as the magnetic Reynolds number increases and grow to large amplitudes in a saturated turbulent state.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1991

Turbulization of shear flows in astrophysics

The problem of instability in shear flows is treated in a number of works which present a global analysis of irrotational (potential) modes in a 2-D compressible shear flow, implying that, in the presence of reflecting boundaries, those modes can increase and that the characteristic time of the increase is several orders as high as the dynamic time in the medium. Due to the slowness of the increase of irrotational modes and to the problematic character of the theory's applicability for thin accretion disks, an attempt was made to develop an alternative theory of turbulization shear flows. It is quite contrary to the above theory. Instead of the global analysis, a local one is made far from the flow boundaries. Instead of irrotational perturbations, vortical ones are examined. Lastly, the medium is considered to be incompressible. The flow in the accretion disk can be modeled by a plane Couette flow, without regard for boundary conditions: it can be modeled by a plane shear flow in infinite incompressible fluid. According to this scenario, there is a critical perturbation level in the free shear flow. If the level of initial perturbations exceeds the critical one, the flow is turbulized.

Chagelishvili, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

On local inflexional instability in boundary-layer flows.

Development of a linearized theory of the two- and three-dimensional incompressible viscous flows ensuing from locally unstable velocity profiles. Indications of the theory with respect to the instability of the two-dimensional separation bubble and the mechanisms underlying formation of the turbulence wedge behind a fixed roughness element are pointed out. In connection with the aforementioned mechanisms, a theoretically based argument is advanced that, as a result of local inflectional instability of the velocity profile in a succession of skewed planes, a corresponding succession of stationary vortices is induced, the induction process terminating at the boundaries of the turbulence wedge when the velocity profiles along the boundaries themselves become unstable. It is suggested that a rational method of predicting the occurrence of roughness-induced turbulence wedges might be possible if a theory were available for the steady laminar flow caused by the roughness at a stage just prior to transition.

Tobak, M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Competing mechanisms at vibrated interfaces of density-contrast fluids

Fluid-fluid interfacial instability and subsequent fluid mixing are ubiquitous in nature and engineering. The hydrodynamic instability of fluid interfaces has long centered on the pressure gradient-driven long-wavelength Rayleigh-Taylor instability and the resonance-induced short-wavelength Faraday instability. However, neither instability alone can explain the dynamics when both mechanisms are present. We identify a previously unseen multi-modal instability emerging from their coexistence. When the denser fluid is polydimethylsiloxane, the mixed region at a high density contrast (Atwood number = 0.9) spans a vibration amplitude range approximately twice the gravitational acceleration. Using Floquet stability analysis, we show how vibrations govern transitions between the RT and Faraday instabilities, leading to contention between these instabilities rather than resonant enhancement. Here, the initial transient growth is represented by the exponential modal growth of the most unstable Floquet exponent, along with its accompanying periodic behavior. Direct numerical simulations validate these findings and track interface breakup into the multiscale and nonlinear regimes. Specifically, we show that growing RT modes nonlinearly suppresses Faraday responses even when the initial growth rate of the Faraday instability is 3.63 times that of RT, so a bidirectional competition hinders their sustained coexistence.

Direct numerical simulations↗
NASA NTRS2004

Combustion Instability Analysis and the Effects of Drop Size on Acoustic Driving Rocket Flow

High frequency combustion instability, the most destructive kind, is generally solved on a per engine basis. The instability often is the result of compounding acoustic oscillations, usually from the propellant combustion itself. To counteract the instability the chamber geometry can be changed and/or the method of propellant injection can be altered. This experiment will alter the chamber dimensions slightly; using a cylindrical shape of constant diameter and the length will be varied from six to twelve inches in three-inch increments. The main flowfield will be the products of a high OF hydrogen/oxygen flow. The liquid fuel will be injected into this flowfield using a modulated injector. It will allow for varied droplet size, feed rate, spray pattern, and location for the mixture within the chamber. The response will be deduced from the chamber pressure oscillations.

Harper, Brent↗