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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

A coupled multi-block solution procedure for spray combustion in complex geometries

Turbulent spray-combusting flow in complex geometries is presently treated by a coupled implicit procedure that employs finite-rate chemistry and real gas properties for combustion, as well as the stochastic separated model for spray and a multiblock treatment for complex geometries. Illustrative numerical tests conducted encompass a steady-state nonreacting backward-facing step flow, a premixed single-phase combustion flow, and spray combustion flow in a gas turbine combustor.

Chen, Kuo-Huey↗

A NASTRAN-based computer program for structural dynamic analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

This paper describes a computer program developed for structural dynamic analysis of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT's). It is based on the finite element method through its reliance on NASTRAN for the development of mass, stiffness, and damping matrices of the tower end rotor, which are treated in NASTRAN as separate structures. The tower is modeled in a stationary frame and the rotor in one rotating at a constant angular velocity. The two structures are subsequently joined together (external to NASTRAN) using a time-dependent transformation consistent with the hub configuration. Aerodynamic loads are computed with an established flow model based on strip theory. Aeroelastic effects are included by incorporating the local velocity and twisting deformation of the blade in the load computation. The turbulent nature of the wind, both in space and time, is modeled by adding in stochastic wind increments. The resulting equations of motion are solved in the time domain using the implicit Newmark-Beta integrator. Preliminary comparisons with data from the Boeing/NASA MOD2 HAWT indicate that the code is capable of accurately and efficiently predicting the response of HAWT's driven by turbulent winds.

Lobitz, Don W.↗

Numerical Investigation of Slag Behavior for RSRM

It is known that the flow field of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) is very complicated due to the complex characteristics of turbulent multi-phase flow, chemical reaction, particle combustion, evaporation, breakup and agglomeration etc. It requires multi-phase calculations, chemical reaction simulation, and particle combustion, evaporation, and breakup models to obtain a better understanding of thermophysics for the RSRM design using numerical methods. Also, the slag buildup due to the molten particles is another factor affecting the performance of the RSRM. To achieve this goal, the volume of fluid (VOF) method is used to capture the free surface motion so as to simulate the accumulation of the molten particles (slag) of the RSRM. A finite rate chemistry model is used to simulate the chemical reaction effects. For multi-phase calculations, the Hermsen combustion model is used for the aluminum particle combustion analysis and the Taylor Analogy Breakup (TAB) model is used for the particle breakup analysis. An interphase mas-exchange model introduced by Spalding is used for the evaporation calculation. The particle trajectories are calculated using a one-step implicit method for several groups of particle sizes by which the drag forces and heat fluxes are then coupled with the gas phase equations. The preliminary results predicted a reasonable physical simulation of the particle effects using a simple two dimensional solid rocket motor configuration. It shows that the AL/AL2O3 particle sizes are reduced due to the combustion, evaporation, and breakup. The flow field is disturbed by the particles. Mach number distributions in the nozzle are deformed due to the effect of particle concentrations away from the center line.

Liaw, P.↗

Towards an Understanding of Atmospheric Balance

During a 35 year period I published 30+ pear-reviewed papers and technical reports concerning, in part or whole, the topic of atmospheric balance. Most used normal modes, either implicitly or explicitly, as the appropriate diagnostic tool. This included examination of nonlinear balance in several different global and regional models using a variety of novel metrics as well as development of nonlinear normal mode initialization schemes for particular global and regional models. Recent studies also included the use of adjoint models and OSSEs to answer some questions regarding balance. lwill summarize what I learned through those many works, but also present what l see as remaining issues to be considered or investigated.

Balance↗

Navier-Stokes Aerodynamic Simulation of the V-22 Osprey on the Intel Paragon MPP

The paper will describe the Development of a general three-dimensional multiple grid zone Navier-Stokes flowfield simulation program (ENS3D-MPP) designed for efficient execution on the Intel Paragon Massively Parallel Processor (MPP) supercomputer, and the subsequent application of this method to the prediction of the viscous flowfield about the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor vehicle. The flowfield simulation code solves the thin Layer or full Navier-Stoke's equation - for viscous flow modeling, or the Euler equations for inviscid flow modeling on a structured multi-zone mesh. In the present paper only viscous simulations will be shown. The governing difference equations are solved using a time marching implicit approximate factorization method with either TVD upwind or central differencing used for the convective terms and central differencing used for the viscous diffusion terms. Steady state or Lime accurate solutions can be calculated. The present paper will focus on steady state applications, although time accurate solution analysis is the ultimate goal of this effort. Laminar viscosity is calculated using Sutherland's law and the Baldwin-Lomax two layer algebraic turbulence model is used to compute the eddy viscosity. The Simulation method uses an arbitrary block, curvilinear grid topology. An automatic grid adaption scheme is incorporated which concentrates grid points in high density gradient regions. A variety of user-specified boundary conditions are available. This paper will present the application of the scalable and superscalable versions to the steady state viscous flow analysis of the V-22 Osprey using a multiple zone global mesh. The mesh consists of a series of sheared cartesian grid blocks with polar grids embedded within to better simulate the wing tip mounted nacelle. MPP solutions will be shown in comparison to equivalent Cray C-90 results and also in comparison to experimental data. Discussions on meshing considerations, wall clock execution time, load balancing, and scalability will be provided.

Vadyak, Joseph↗

A non-linearly stable implicit finite element algorithm for hypersonic aerodynamics

A generalized curvilinear coordinate Taylor weak statement implicit finite element algorithm is developed for the two-dimensional and axisymmetric compressible Navier-Stokes equations for ideal and reacting gases. For accurate hypersonic simulation, air is modeled as a mixture of five perfect gases, i.e., molecular and atomic oxygen and nitrogen as well as nitric oxide. The associated pressure is then determined via Newton solution of the classical chemical equilibrium equation system. The directional semidiscretization is achieved using an optimal metric data Galerkin finite element weak statement, on a developed 'companion conservation law system', permitting classical test and trial space definitions. Utilizing an implicit Runge-Kutta scheme, the terminal algorithm is then nonlinearly stable, and second-order accurate in space and time on arbitrary curvilinear coordinates. Subsequently, a matrix tensor product factorization procedure permits an efficient numerical linear algebra handling for large Courant numbers. For ideal- and real-gas hypersonic flows, the algorithm generates essentially nonoscillatory numerical solutions in the presence of strong detached shocks and boundary layer-inviscid flow interactions.

Iannelli, G. S.↗

Kalman filter estimation of human pilot-model parameters

The parameters of a human pilot-model transfer function are estimated by applying the extended Kalman filter to the corresponding retarded differential-difference equations in the time domain. Use of computer-generated data indicates that most of the parameters, including the implicit time delay, may be reasonably estimated in this way. When applied to two sets of experimental data obtained from a closed-loop tracking task performed by a human, the Kalman filter generated diverging residuals for one of the measurement types, apparently because of model assumption errors. Application of a modified adaptive technique was found to overcome the divergence and to produce reasonable estimates of most of the parameters.

Schiess, J. R.↗

Influence of boundary approximations and conditions on finite difference solutions

Numerical representations of boundary approximations and conditions for three problems are investigated to determine the resulting global accuracy of the steady state solution. Numerical accuracy with various boundary approximations is determined for quasi-one-dimensional inviscid flow in a duct with the interior grid points evaluated using the MacCormack scheme. When an extrapolation approximation with first order local truncation error is used, the global second order accuracy of the difference scheme can be destroyed. For one dimensional flow in a porous medium, an implicit midpoint difference scheme which is consistent with the boundary conditions is developed without the need of boundary approximations. A dissipative model problem is solved with the boundary conditions discretized with first and second order accuracy. The overall second order accuracy of the difference scheme is destroyed if first order numerical representation of one of the boundary conditions is used. With a boundary approximation, the second order global accuracy of the model problem is retained if either second order extrapolation or first order representation of the governing equation is used.

Blottner, F. G.↗

Numerical solution of three-dimensional unsteady transonic flow over wings including inviscid/viscous interactions

A numerical procedure is presented for computing the unsteady transonic flow field about three dimensional swept wings undergoing general time dependent motion. The outer inviscid portion of the flow is assumed to be governed by the modified unsteady transonic small disturbance potential equation which is integrated in the time domain by means of an efficient alternating direction implicit approximate factorization algorithm. Gross dominant effects of the shock boundary layer interaction are accounted for by a simple empirically defined model. Viscous flow regions adjacent to the wing surface and in the trailing wake are described by a set of integral equations appropriate for compressible turbulent shear layers. The two dimensional boundary layer equations are applied quasi-statically stripwise across the span. Coupling with the outer inviscid flow is implemented through use of the displacement thickness concept within the limitations of small disturbance theory. Validity of the assumptions underlying the method is established by comparison with experimental data for the flow about a high aspect ratio transport wing having an advanced airfoil section.

Rizzetta, D. P.↗

A direct method for the solution of unsteady two-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

The unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are formulated in terms of vorticity and stream function in generalized curvilinear orthogonal coordinates to facilitiate analysis of flow configurations with general geometries. The numerical method developed solves the conservative form of the transport equation using the alternating-direction implicit method, whereas the stream-function equation is solved by direct block Gaussian elimination. The method is applied to a model problem of flow over a back-step in a doubly infinite channel, using clustered conformal coordinates. One-dimensional stretching functions, dependent on the Reynolds number and the asymptotic behavior of the flow, are used to provide suitable grid distribution in the separation and reattachment regions, as well as in the inflow and outflow regions. The optimum grid distribution selected attempts to honor the multiple length scales of the separated-flow model problem. The asymptotic behavior of the finite-differenced transport equation near infinity is examined and the numerical method is carefully developed so as to lead to spatially second-order accurate wiggle-free solutions, i.e., with minimum dispersive error. Results have been obtained in the entire laminar range for the backstep channel and are in good agreement with the available experimental data for this flow problem.

Ghia, K. N.↗

Implicit/explicit analysis of interactive phenomena in: supersonic, chemically-reacting, mixing and boundary layer problems

An efficient implicit/explicit procedure for solving the parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations to analyze supersonic, viscous, chemically-reacting flows is presented. The approach combines a fully-implicit algorithm for solving the parabolic mixing/boundary layer equations with an explicit algorithm for determining the hyperbolic pressure field. The unified model, SPLITP, contains provisions for treating bounding/embedded subsonic regions using a pressure-splitting procedure which suppresses elliptic (upstream influence) effects without recourse to sublayer approximations. Several two-equation turbulence models with compressibility and curvature-correction terms are incorporated into SPLITP. Applications to a variety of flow problems are presented which include: ducted supersonic mixing and combustion flowfields, free jets and plumes, and, curved boundary layers and wall jets.

Dash, S. M.↗

A new approximate LU factorization scheme for the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations

A new approximate LU factorization scheme is developed to solve the steady state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. Central differencing is used for both implicit and explicit operator and special care is taken to obtain well-conditioned factors on the implicit side. The scheme is then analyzed and optimized according to a simple linear analysis. It is unconditionally stable for the model hyperbolic equation in both two- and three-dimensions. However, the requirement for well-conditioned factors has essentially limited the effective time step the scheme can achieve. Supersonic and transonic three-dimensinal flows past a hemisphere cylinder are computed to demonstrate the convergence characteristics of the scheme. A good convergence rate is achieved for the inviscid case. Finally, an explicit eigenvector annihilation procedure is adopted successfully to remove the stiffness caused by the fine grid spacing for viscous flows.

Pan, D.↗

AOTV bluff body flow - Relaxation algorithm

Preliminary investigations have led to the consideration of two classes of energy efficient aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicle (AOTV) concepts, with high and low L/D. The AOTV represent reentry space vehicles which are to fly hypersonically in the continuum upper reaches of the atmosphere. Problems arise in connection with convective and nonequilibrium radiative heating. As the possibilities for obtaining needed information by experimentation are limited, reliance must be placed on computational techniques to simulate testing of design concepts. A new relaxation algorithm for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations has been developed in the context of recent work with a conservative flux difference eigenvector split implicit upwind scheme CSCM (conservative supracharacteristics method). Attention is given to the CSCM implicit method, and early results for axisymmetric bluff body flow including complete forebody and base flow for a free flight range model drag brake AOTV.

Lombard, C. K.↗

A computational procedure for the dynamics of flexible beams within multibody systems

The dynamic analysis of three dimensional elastic beams which experience large rotational and large deformational motions are examined. The beam motion is modeled using an inertial reference for the translational displacements and a body-fixed reference for the rotational quantities. Finite strain rod theories are then defined in conjunction with the beam kinematic description which accounts for the effects of stretching, bending, torsion, and transverse shear deformations. A convected coordinate representation of the Cauchy stress tensor and a conjugate strain definition is introduced to model the beam deformation. To treat the beam dynamics, a two-stage modification of the central difference algorithm is presented to integrate the translational coordinates and the angular velocity vector. The angular orientation is then obtained from the application of an implicit integration algorithm to the Euler parameter/angular velocity kinematical relation. The combined developments of the objective internal force computation with the dynamic solution procedures result in the computational preservation of total energy for undamped systems. The present methodology is also extended to model the dynamics of deployment/retrieval of the flexible members. A moving spatial grid corresponding to the configuration of a deployed rigid beam is employed as a reference for the dynamic variables. A transient integration scheme which accurately accounts for the deforming spatial grid is derived from a space-time finite element discretization of a Hamiltonian variational statement. The computational results of this general deforming finite element beam formulation are compared to reported results for a planar inverse-spaghetti problem.

Downer, Janice Diane↗

The coupling of radiative transfer to quasi 1-D flows with thermochemical nonequilibrium

Quasi-one-dimensional nonequilibrium nozzle flows with coupled radiative transfer are considered. The strongly coupled formulation of radiation and flowfield leads to a governing set of integro-differential equations. A fully implicit numerical method using the full matrix inversion or block iteration methods is presented to solve these equations. The nonequilibrium gas model consists of two chemical species, molecular and atomic nitrogen. The thermodynamic state of the gas is described by two temperatures, translational-rotational and vibrational, and the thermal radiation is assumed to be governed by the vibrational temperature. In radiative transfer, gases are assumed to be absorbing and emitting, and a detailed spectral dependency of the absorption coefficient is prescribed for a non-gray gas. The numerical solutions of strongly radiating nonequilibrium flows are presented for both gray and non-gray gases.

Gokcen, Tahir↗

A study of the effects of macrosegregation and buoyancy-driven flow in binary mixture solidification

A generalized anisotropic porous medium approach is developed for modelling the flow, heat and mass transport processes during binary mixture solidification. Transient predictions are obtained using FEM, coupled with an implicit time-marching scheme, for solidification inside a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure. A parametric study focusing attention on the effects of solutal buoyancy and thermal buoyancy is presented. It is observed that three parameters, namely the thermal Rayleigh number, the solutal Rayleigh number, and the relative density change parameter, significantly alter the flow fields in the liquid and the mushy regions. Depending upon the nature of these flow fields, the solute enrichment caused by macrosegregation may occur in the top or the bottom region of the enclosure.

Sinha, S. K.↗

Interlaminar stress analysis of dropped-ply laminated plates and shells by a mixed method

A mixed method of approximation based on Reissner's variational principle is developed for the linear analysis of interlaminar stresses in laminated composites, with special interest in laminates that contain terminated internal plies (dropped-ply laminates). Two models are derived, one for problems of generalized plane deformation and the other for the axisymmetric response of shells of revolution. A layerwise approach is taken in which the stress field is assumed with an explicit dependence on the thickness coordinate in each layer. The dependence of the stress field on the thickness coordinate is determined such that the three-dimensional equilibrium equations are satisfied by the approximation. The solution domain is reduced to one dimension by integration through the thickness. Continuity of tractions and displacements between layers is imposed. The governing two-point boundary value problem is composed of a system of both differential and algebraic equations (DAE's) and their associated boundary conditions. Careful evaluation of the system of DAE's was required to arrive at a form that allowed application of a one-step finite difference approximation. A two-stage Gauss implicit Runge-Kutta finite difference scheme was used for the solution because of its relatively high degree of accuracy. Patch tests of the two models revealed problems with solution accuracy for the axisymmetric model of a cylindrical shell loaded by internal pressure. Parametric studies of dropped-ply laminate characteristics and their influence on the interlaminar stresses were performed using the generalized plane deformation model. Eccentricity of the middle surface of the laminate through the ply drop-off was found to have a minimal effect on the interlaminar stresses under longitudinal compression, transverse tension, and in-plane shear. A second study found the stiffness change across the ply termination to have a much greater influence on the interlaminar stresses.

Harrison, Peter N.↗

Sensitivity of Age-of-Air Calculations to the Choice of Advection Scheme

The age of air has recently emerged as a diagnostic of atmospheric transport unaffected by chemical parameterizations, and the features in the age distributions computed in models have been interpreted in terms of the models' large-scale circulation field. This study shows, however, that in addition to the simulated large-scale circulation, three-dimensional age calculations can also be affected by the choice of advection scheme employed in solving the tracer continuity equation, Specifically, using the 3.0deg latitude X 3.6deg longitude and 40 vertical level version of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory SKYHI GCM and six online transport schemes ranging from Eulerian through semi-Lagrangian to fully Lagrangian, it will be demonstrated that the oldest ages are obtained using the nondiffusive centered-difference schemes while the youngest ages are computed with a semi-Lagrangian transport (SLT) scheme. The centered- difference schemes are capable of producing ages older than 10 years in the mesosphere, thus eliminating the "young bias" found in previous age-of-air calculations. At this stage, only limited intuitive explanations can be advanced for this sensitivity of age-of-air calculations to the choice of advection scheme, In particular, age distributions computed online with the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model (MACCM3) using different varieties of the SLT scheme are substantially older than the SKYHI SLT distribution. The different varieties, including a noninterpolating-in-the-vertical version (which is essentially centered-difference in the vertical), also produce a narrower range of age distributions than the suite of advection schemes employed in the SKYHI model. While additional MACCM3 experiments with a wider range of schemes would be necessary to provide more definitive insights, the older and less variable MACCM3 age distributions can plausibly be interpreted as being due to the semi-implicit semi-Lagrangian dynamics employed in the MACCM3. This type of dynamical core (employed with a 60-min time step) is likely to reduce SLT's interpolation errors that are compounded by the short-term variability characteristic of the explicit centered-difference dynamics employed in the SKYHI model (time step of 3 min). In the extreme case of a very slowly varying circulation, the choice of advection scheme has no effect on two-dimensional (latitude-height) age-of-air calculations, owing to the smooth nature of the transport circulation in 2D models. These results suggest that nondiffusive schemes may be the preferred choice for multiyear simulations of tracers not overly sensitive to the requirement of monotonicity (this category includes many greenhouse gases). At the same time, age-of-air calculations offer a simple quantitative diagnostic of a scheme's long-term diffusive properties and may help in the evaluation of dynamical cores in multiyear integrations. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the computed ages to the model numerics calls for caution in using age of air as a diagnostic of a GCM's large-scale circulation field.

Eluszkiewicz, Janusz↗