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At least 523 records · Page 29

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NASA NTRS1983

Three-dimensional Euler solutions for long-duct nacelles

A three-dimensional Euler-equation computational technique has been developed to solve for the transonic flow past flow-through nacelles. The technique employs an approximately-factored alternating-direction implicit numerical algorithm and a radiation treatment of the outflow boundary. Studies are presented which show that the radiation treatment gives better numerical convergence than the condition of specifying the pressure at the outflow boundary. Calculations made with the technique are presented for a long-duct turbofan engine nacelle at a Mach number of 0.80 and angles of attack of 0 deg and 4 deg. Good agreement is shown between the computational results and wind-tunnel data. Problem areas are identified and recommendations are made for further numerical studies.

Compton, W. B., III↗

NASA NTRS1979

Singular perturbation techniques for on-line optimal flight path control

This paper presents a partial evaluation on the use of singular perturbation methods for developing computer algorithms for on-line optimal control of aircraft. The evaluation is based on a study of the minimum time intercept problem using F-4 aerodynamic and propulsion data as a base line. The extensions over previous work on this subject are that aircraft turning dynamics (in addition to position and energy dynamics) are included in the analysis, the algorithm is developed for a moving end point and is adaptive to unpredictable target maneuvers, and short range maneuvers that do not have a cruise leg are included. Particular attention is given to identifying those quantities that can be precomputed and stored (as a function of aircraft total energy), thus greatly reducing the onboard computational load. Numerical results are given that illustrate the nature of the optimal intercept flight paths, and an estimate is given for the execution time and storage requirements of the control algorithm.

Calise, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Supersonic flow over ablated nosetips using an unsteady, implicit numerical procedure

The axisymmetric supersonic flow over passive, that is, nonablating, indented nosetips of reentry vehicles is determined using an unsteady implicit numerical algorithm which solves either the inviscid Euler equations or the 'thin-layer' Navier-Stokes equations. A nonorthogonal independent variable transformation is used to map the distorted physical region, containing multiple zones of embedded subsonic flow into a rectangular computational domain at whose boundaries the required permeable or impermeable boundary conditions are simulated. Use of the implicit algorithm results in faster convergence to the steady state because of a larger allowable time step over conventional explicit schemes. The numerical results obtained compare favorably with existing experimental data for very mildly and severely indented blunt nosetips.

Kutler, P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Computation of supersonic flows over three-dimensional configurations

An aerodynamic prediction technique based on the steady form of the full-potential equation has been applied to a variety of three-dimensional supersonic flow problems exhibiting embedded subsonic regions. A conservative switching scheme is employed to transition from the supersonic relaxation algorithm, and vice versa. Numerical solutions are obtained for a number of complex configurations, including advanced tactical fighter, Langley canard-wing fighter configuration, isolated shuttle orbiter, and mated shuttle orbiter configuration with external tank. The computed results are in good agreement with available experimental data.

Szema, K.-Y.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Performability evaluation of the SIFT computer

Performability modeling and evaluation techniques are applied to the SIFT computer as it might operate in the computational evironment of an air transport mission. User-visible performance of the total system (SIFT plus its environment) is modeled as a random variable taking values in a set of levels of accomplishment. These levels are defined in terms of four attributes of total system behavior: safety, no change in mission profile, no operational penalties, and no economic process whose states describe the internal structure of SIFT as well as relavant conditions of the environment. Base model state trajectories are related to accomplishment levels via a capability function which is formulated in terms of a 3-level model hierarchy. Performability evaluation algorithms are then applied to determine the performability of the total system for various choices of computer and environment parameter values. Numerical results of those evaluations are presented and, in conclusion, some implications of this effort are discussed.

Meyer, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations for transonic afterbody flows

The time dependent Navier-Stokes equations in mass averaged variables are solved for transonic flow over axisymmetric boattail plume simulator configurations. Numerical solution of these equations is accomplished with the unsplit explict finite difference algorithm of MacCormack. A grid subcycling procedure and computer code vectorization are used to improve computational efficiency. The two layer algebraic turbulence models of Cebeci-Smith and Baldwin-Lomax are employed for investigating turbulence closure. Two relaxation models based on these baseline models are also considered. Results in the form of surface pressure distribution for three different circular arc boattails at two free stream Mach numbers are compared with experimental data. The pressures in the recirculating flow region for all separated cases are poorly predicted with the baseline turbulence models. Significant improvements in the predictions are usually obtained by using the relaxation models.

Swanson, R. C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Investigation, Development, and Evaluation of Performance Proving for Fault-tolerant Computers

A number of methodologies for verifying systems and computer based tools that assist users in verifying their systems were developed. These tools were applied to verify in part the SIFT ultrareliable aircraft computer. Topics covered included: STP theorem prover; design verification of SIFT; high level language code verification; assembly language level verification; numerical algorithm verification; verification of flight control programs; and verification of hardware logic.

Levitt, K. N.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Boost-phase discrimination research activities

Theoretical research in two areas was performed. The aerothermodynamics research focused on the hard-body and rocket plume flows. Analytical real gas models to describe finite rate chemistry were developed and incorporated into the three-dimensional flow codes. New numerical algorithms capable of treating multi-species reacting gas equations and treating flows with large gradients were also developed. The computational chemistry research focused on the determination of spectral radiative intensity factors, transport properties and reaction rates. Ab initio solutions to the Schrodinger equation provided potential energy curves transition moments (radiative probabilities and strengths) and potential energy surfaces. These surfaces were then coupled with classical particle reactive trajectories to compute reaction cross-sections and rates.

Cooper, David M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

On the computation of near wake, aerobrake flowfields

Simulations of the near wake flowfield behind three aerobrakes have been implemented with Program LAURA, an algorithm for obtaining the numerical solution to the governing equations for three-dimensional, viscous, hypersonic flows in chemical and thermal nonequilibrium. Emphasis is placed on understanding the conditons which are likely to cause the shear layer to impinge on a payload positioned behind the aerobrake. A linear relationship between shear layer deflection angle and angle of attack (or lift-to-drag ratio) has been identified in several ground based tests. A similar relation appears in the numerical simulations, though there is some evidence that deflection angels may increase somewhat due to the effects of gas chemistry. Shear layer impingement can raise local heating levels a factor of 10 higher than levels present without impingement. Payload heating levels near impingement points are a larger percentage of stagnation point heating levels at higher altitudes and peak payload heating levels are likely to occur earlier in the trajectory than peak heating on the forebody stagnation point.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Hypersonic flow past open cavities

The hypersonic flow over a cavity is investigated. The time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved. An implicit algorithm, with a subiteration procedure to recover time accuracy, is used to perform the time-accurate computations. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of Reynolds number and cavity dimensions. The comparsion of the computations with available experimental data, in terms of time mean static pressure, heat transfer, and Mach number, show good agreement. In the computations large vortex structures, which adversely affect the cavity flow characteristics, are observed at the rear of the cavity. A self-sustained oscillatory motion occurs within the cavity over a range of Reynolds number and cavity dimensions. The frequency spectra of the oscillations show good agreement with a modified semiempirical relation.

Morgenstern, Algacyr, Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

An implicit factored scheme for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations

An implicit finite difference scheme is developed for the numerical solution of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations in conservation-law form. The algorithm is second-order-time accurate, noniterative, and spatially factored. In order to obtain an efficient factored algorithm, the spatial cross-derivatives are evaluated explicitly. However, the algorithm is unconditionally stable and, although a three-time-level scheme, requires only two-time-levels of data storage. The algorithm is constructed in a 'delta' form (i.e., increments of the conserved variables and fluxes) that provides a direct derivation of the scheme and leads to an efficient computational algorithm. In addition, the delta form has the advantageous property of a steady-state (if one exists) independent of the size of the time step. Numerical results are presented for a two-dimensional shock boundary-layer interaction problem.

Beam, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A computer code for three-dimensional incompressible flows using nonorthogonal body-fitted coordinate systems

In this report, a numerical method for solving the equations of motion of three-dimensional incompressible flows in nonorthogonal body-fitted coordinate (BFC) systems has been developed. The equations of motion are transformed to a generalized curvilinear coordinate system from which the transformed equations are discretized using finite difference approximations in the transformed domain. The hybrid scheme is used to approximate the convection terms in the governing equations. Solutions of the finite difference equations are obtained iteratively by using a pressure-velocity correction algorithm (SIMPLE-C). Numerical examples of two- and three-dimensional, laminar and turbulent flow problems are employed to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the present computer code. The user's guide and computer program listing of the present code are also included.

Chen, Y. S.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Category 5 problem solution using an unstructured finite volume algorithm

For the simulation of flows with complex geometries, unstructured finite volume methods have proven to be very popular, and simulations of a large number of flows have been done with good results using this approach. Since most of the simulations to date were done for steady flows, it is not clear that present unstructured finite volume algorithms can accurately track the unsteady propagation of acoustic waves in a computation. Therefore, there is a need to assess the accuracy of these methods for acoustic calculations. In this paper, we perform the numerical simulation of a very small amplitude acoustic wave incident on the non-uniform steady flow in a quasi- 1 D convergent-divergent nozzle using an unstructured finite volume algorithm with piece-wise linear, least square reconstruction, Roe flux difference splitting, and second-order MacCormack time marching. First, the spatial accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated for the steady flow by running the simulation with a sequence of successively finer meshes. Then the unsteady numerical solution with the acoustic perturbation is presented.

Bui, Trong T.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Global Discrete Artificial Boundary Conditions for Time-Dependent Wave Propagation

We construct global artificial boundary conditions (ABCs) for the numerical simulation of wave processes on unbounded domains using a special non-deteriorating algorithm that has been developed previously for the long-term computation of wave-radiation solutions. The ABCs are obtained directly for the discrete formulation of the problem; in so doing, neither a rational approximation of 'non-reflecting kernels,' nor discretization of the continuous boundary conditions is required. The extent of temporal nonlocality of the new ABCs appears fixed and limited; in addition, the ABCs can handle artificial boundaries of irregular shape on regular grids with no fitting/adaptation needed and no accuracy loss induced. The non-deteriorating algorithm, which is the core of the new ABCs is inherently three-dimensional, it guarantees temporally uniform grid convergence of the solution driven by a continuously operating source on arbitrarily long time intervals, and provides unimprovable linear computational complexity with respect to the grid dimension. The algorithm is based on the presence of lacunae, i.e., aft fronts of the waves, in wave-type solutions in odd-dimension spaces, It can, in fact, be built as a modification on top of any consistent and stable finite-difference scheme, making its grid convergence uniform in time and at the same time keeping the rate of convergence the same as that of the non-modified scheme. In the paper, we delineate the construction of the global lacunae-based ABCs in the framework of a discretized wave equation. The ABCs are obtained for the most general formulation of the problem that involves radiation of waves by moving sources (e.g., radiation of acoustic waves by a maneuvering aircraft). We also present systematic numerical results that corroborate the theoretical design properties of the ABCs' algorithm.

Ryabenkii, V. S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Unsteady transonic Navier-Stokes computations for an oscillating wing using single and multiple zones

Modern jet transports and maneuvering tactical fighters operating in the transonic regime often give rise to time-dependent fluid physics that interact with flexible structural components, e.g., vortical flow, shocks, and separation. Efficient computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods are required to study such computationally intensive problems. In this work a numerical method is presented to address this problem. Time-dependent, compressible, Navier-Stokes equations are used to simulate unsteady transonic flow about a three-dimensional rigid wing undergoing a forced periodic motion in angle of attack. An efficient, implicit, diagonal algorithm is utilized because of its low operation count per time step compared to other methods that solve systems of block matrix equations. The formal time accuracy is addressed theoretically and demonstrated numerically by comparison of computational results with experimental data. A zonal grid approach, capable of treating complex geometries, is presented and its time accuracy is demonstrated by comparing a zonal computation with a single grid computation and experimental data.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Convergence acceleration of viscous and inviscid hypersonic flow calculations

The convergence of inviscid and viscous hypersonic flow calculations using a two-dimensional flux-splitting code is accelerated by applying a Richardson-type overrelaxation method. Successful results are presented for various cases; and a 50 percent savings in computer time is usually achieved. An analytical formula for the overrelaxation factor is derived, and the performance of this scheme is confirmed numerically. Moreover, application of this overrelaxation scheme produces a favorable preconditioning for Wynn's epsilon-algorithm. Both techniques have been extended to viscous three-dimensional flows and applied to accelerate the convergence of the compressible Navier-Stokes code. A savings of 40 percent in computer time is achieved in this case.

Cheer, A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Computational Fluid Dynamics Program at NASA Ames Research Center

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Program at NASA Ames Research Center is reviewed and discussed. The technical elements of the CFD Program are listed and briefly discussed. These elements include algorithm research, research and pilot code development, scientific visualization, advanced surface representation, volume grid generation, and numerical optimization. Next, the discipline of CFD is briefly discussed and related to other areas of research at NASA Ames including experimental fluid dynamics, computer science research, computational chemistry, and numerical aerodynamic simulation. These areas combine with CFD to form a larger area of research, which might collectively be called computational technology. The ultimate goal of computational technology research at NASA Ames is to increase the physical understanding of the world in which we live, solve problems of national importance, and increase the technical capabilities of the aerospace community. Next, the major programs at NASA Ames that either use CFD technology or perform research in CFD are listed and discussed. Briefly, this list includes turbulent/transition physics and modeling, high-speed real gas flows, interdisciplinary research, turbomachinery demonstration computations, complete aircraft aerodynamics, rotorcraft applications, powered lift flows, high alpha flows, multiple body aerodynamics, and incompressible flow applications. Some of the individual problems actively being worked in each of these areas is listed to help define the breadth or extent of CFD involvement in each of these major programs. State-of-the-art examples of various CFD applications are presented to highlight most of these areas. The main emphasis of this portion of the presentation is on examples which will not otherwise be treated at this conference by the individual presentations. Finally, a list of principal current limitations and expected future directions is given.

Holst, Terry L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Constructing second-order structural models with specified mass submatrix condition numbers

This paper presents a simple new algorithm for constructing second-order models for any given flexible structure, with these models satisfying the constraint that each leading principal submatrix of the mass matrix must have a specified condition number. Now, the effects of rounding errors in practical computation generally increase with increasing condition number, i.e. as the matrix considered approaches singularity. Thus, the new models should prove useful for the systematic testing of the numerical properties of many algorithms in the dynamics and control of flexible structures.

Williams, T.↗