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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 559 records · Page 31

Low-frequency oscillations in total ozone measurements

Low frequency oscillations with periods of approximately one to two months are found in eight years of global grids of total ozone data from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite instrument. The low frequency oscillations corroborate earlier analyses based on four years of data. In addition, both annual and seasonal one-point correlation maps based on the 8-year TOMS data are presented. The results clearly show a standing dipole in ozone perturbations, oscillating with 35 to 50 day periods over the equatorial Indian Ocean-west Pacific region. This contrasts with the eastward moving dipole reported in other data sets. The standing ozone dipole appears to be a dynamical feature associated with vertical atmospheric motions. Consistent with prior analyses based on lower stratospheric temperature fields, large-scale standing patterns are also found in the extratropics of both hemispheres, correlated with ozone fluctuations over the equatorial west Pacific. In the Northern Hemisphere, a standing pattern is observed extending from the tropical Indian Ocean to the north Pacific, across North America, and down to the equatorial Atlantic Ocean region. This feature is most pronounced in the NH summer.

Gao, X. H.↗

Navier-Stokes simulation of a close-coupled canard-wing-body configuration

The thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the flow about a coplanar close-coupled canard-wing-body configuration at a transonic Mach number of 0.90 and at angles of attack ranging from 0 to 12 degrees. The influence of the canard on the wing flowfield, including canard-wing vortex interaction and wing vortex breakdown, is investigated. A study of canard downwash and canard leading-edge vortex effects, which are the primary mechanisms of the canard-wing interaction, is emphasized. Comparisons between the computations and experimental measurements of surface pressure coefficients, lift, drag and pitching moment data are favorable. A grid refinement study for configurations with and without canard shows that accurate results are obtained using a refined grid for angles of attack where vortex burst is present. At an angle of attack of approximately 12 deg, favorable canard-wing interaction which delays wing vortex breakdown is indicated by the computations and is in good agreement with experimental findings.

Tu, Eugene L.↗

Algorithms for contours depicting static electric fields during adverse weather conditions

A flexible and functional analytical tool is developed for the study of electric fields during adverse weather conditions. This tool is designed for use by members of the Atmospheric Science Group as part of their overall effort to appraise environmental conditions during these situations. It is also used to illustrate approaches open to those interested in the study of the physics of ambient electric field phenomena. Computer resources of KSC are coordinated with original software to produce contour interpretations of electric field data available from a grid of field mills spanning the region. Three model algorithms are presented and examples are given illustrating the system design, flexibility, and utility.

Rompala, John T.↗

Navier-Stokes prediction of large-amplitude delta-wing roll oscillations characterizing wing rock

High-incidence vortical flow about a 65-deg sweep delta wing undergoing static roll and large-amplitude, high-rate-of-roll oscillations is simulated numerically using the time-dependent, three-dimensional, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations. Turbulent computations are presented for static roll angles up through 42 degrees. The effects of roll angle on the vortex aerodynamics are discussed, and the solution accuracy is evaluated by comparison with experimental data. The effects of grid refinement and zonal boundary condition treatment on solution accuracy are assessed at zero roll angle. Numerical simulation of a forced periodic roll motion is also presented.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗

Evaluation of a multigrid-based Navier-Stokes solver for aerothermodynamic computations

A multigrid acceleration technique developed for solving the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations is used for computing high Mach number flows over configurations of practical interest. An explicit multistage Runge-Kutta type of time-stepping scheme is used as the basic algorithm. Solutions are presented for a spherically blunted cone at Mach 10 and a modified shuttle orbiter at Mach 6. The computed surface heat-transfer distributions are shown to compare favorably with the experimental data. Effect of grid-refinement on computed heat-transfer distributions is also examined to assess the numerical accuracy of the computed solutions. The rapid convergence rate associated with multigrid schemes in previous applications at transonic speeds is observed at the higher Mach number flows investigated here.

Vatsa, Veer N.↗

Lower stratosphere waves during 1986-1989 southern springs

Global NMC height analyses and Nimbus 7 TOMS Grid-T Version 6 data are used to investigate the horizontal structure of ozone and 50-mb height waves for the 1986-1989 springs of the Southern Hemisphere. Empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) are obtained for the ozone and height data independently to identify the meridional structure of observed long waves as well as their propagation characteristics. The leading EOFs for both the ozone and 50-mb height waves exhibit wavenumber 1 and 2 patterns. The correlation coefficients between ozone and 50-mb height principal components are high. They indicate high/low ozone values associated with high/low values of 50-mb heights. This distribution is consistent with the advection of ozone by planetary waves south of the ozone maximum, as shown by a simple linear wave model. The observed total ozone amplitudes for waves 1 and 2 for most years are consistent with the total ozone predictions by the wave model.

Nogues-Paegle, Julia↗

Implementation of the Baldwin-Barth turbulence model into the ZETA code and its diagnosis

The Baldwin-Barth turbulence model was implemented into Zeta, a time-accurate, zonal, integro-differential code for incompressible laminar and turbulent flows. The implementation procedure is patterned after the model subroutine in ARC2D. The results of ZETA with the Baldwin-Barth turbulence model were compared with experimental data, with ZETA using Baldwin-Lomax model, and with ARC2D using the Baldwin-Barth model. The Baldwin-Barth model subroutine was tested by inputting an ARC2D velocity solution of an NACA-0012 airfoil at R(sub e) = 3.9 x 10(exp 6) and alpha = 5 deg. The resultant turbulent viscosity and Reynolds stresses compared favorably with the original data. For the same grid having grid points inside the laminar sublayer, which is necessary due to the one-equation nature of the model, ZETA however predicts early separation. It was found that the current ZETA has problem with such a fine grid. Further work is in progress to solve this problem.

Low, Scott L.↗

GridTool: A surface modeling and grid generation tool

GridTool is designed around the concept that the surface grids are generated on a set of bi-linear patches. This type of grid generation is quite easy to implement, and it avoids the problems associated with complex CAD surface representations and associated surface parameterizations. However, the resulting surface grids are close to but not on the original CAD surfaces. This problem can be alleviated by projecting the resulting surface grids onto the original CAD surfaces. GridTool is designed primary for unstructured grid generation systems. Currently, GridTool supports VGRID and FELISA systems, and it can be easily extended to support other unstructured grid generation systems. The data in GridTool is stored parametrically so that once the problem is set up, one can modify the surfaces and the entire set of points, curves and patches will be updated automatically. This is very useful in a multidisciplinary design and optimization process. GridTool is written entirely in ANSI 'C', the interface is based on the FORMS library, and the graphics is based on the GL library. The code has been tested successfully on IRIS workstations running IRIX4.0 and above. The memory is allocated dynamically, therefore, memory size will depend on the complexity of geometry/grid. GridTool data structure is based on a link-list structure which allows the required memory to expand and contract dynamically according to the user's data size and action. Data structure contains several types of objects such as points, curves, patches, sources and surfaces. At any given time, there is always an active object which is drawn in magenta, or in their highlighted colors as defined by the resource file which will be discussed later.

Samareh-Abolhassani, Jamshid↗

Dynamics of the transition zone in coastal zone color scanner-sensed ocean color in the North Pacific during oceanographic spring

A transition zone in phytoplankton concentration running across the North Pacific basin at 30 deg to 40 deg north latitude corresponds to a basin-wide front in surface chlorophyll observed in a composite of coastal zone color scanner (CZCS) images for May, June, and July 1979-1986. This transition zone with low chlorophyll to the south and higher chlorophyll to the north can be simulated by a simple model of the concentration of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and dissolved nutrient (nitrate) in the surface mixed layer of the ocean applied to the North Pacific basin for the climatological conditions during oceanographic springtime (May, June, and July). The model is initialized with a 1 deg x 1 deg gridded estimate of wintertime (February, March, and April) mixed layer nitrate concentrations calculated from an extensive nutrient database and a similarly gridded mixed layer depth data set. Comparison of model predictions with CZCS data provides a means of evaluating the dynamics of the transition zone. We conclude that in the North Pacific, away from major boundary currents and coastal upwelling zones, wintertime vertical mixing determines the total nutrient available to the plankton ecosystem in the spring. The transition zone seen in basin-scale CZCS images is a reflection of the geographic variation in the wintertime mixed layer depth and the nitracline, leading to a latitudinal gradient in phytoplankton chlorophyll.

Glover, David M.↗

Effects of spatial order of accuracy on the computation of vortical flowfields

The objective of the present investigation is to assess the effect of the spatial order of accuracy used for the evaluation of the inviscid fluxes on the resolution of higher order quantitites, such as velocity gradients. The viscous terms are computed as second-order accurate with central difference formulas, even though for the explicit part of the algorithm higher order approximations may be used. A viscous/inviscid method is used, and the outer part of the flowfield is computed with the inviscid flow equations. The viscous boundary-layer type flow region close to the body surface is computed with an algebraic eddy viscosity model. Results obtained with the conservative and nonconservative formulations and the viscous/inviscid approach are compared with available experimental data. The effect of grid refinement on the accuracy of the solution is also presented.

Ekaterinaris, J. A.↗

Calculation of tip clearance effects in a transonic compressor rotor

The flow through the tip clearance region of a transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) was computed and compared to aerodynamic probe and laser anemometer data. Tip clearance effects were modeled both by gridding the clearance gap and by using a simple periodicity model across the ungridded gap. The simple model was run with both the full gap height, and with half the gap height to simulate a vena-contracta effect. Comparisons between computed and measured performance maps and downstream profiles were used to validate the models and to assess the effects of gap height on the simple clearance model. Recommendations were made concerning the use of the simple clearance model. Detailed comparisons were made between the gridded clearance gap solution and the laser anemometer data near the tip at two operating points. The computer results agreed fairly well with the data but overpredicted the extent of the casing separation and underpredicted the wake decay rate. The computations were then used to describe the interaction of the tip vortex, the passage shock, and the casing boundary layer.

Chima, R. V.↗

Calculation of Tip Clearance Effects in a Transonic Compressor Rotor

The flow through the tip clearance region of a transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) was computed and compared to aerodynamic probe and laser anemometer data. Tip clearance effects were modeled both by gridding the clearance gap and by using a simple periodicity model across the ungridded gap. The simple model was run with both the full gap height, and with half the gap height to simulate a vena-contracta effect. Comparisons between computed and measured performance maps and downstream profiles were used to validate the models and to assess the effects of gap height on the simple clearance model. Recommendations were made concern- ing the use of the simple clearance model Detailed comparisons were made between the gridded clearance gap solution and the laser anemometer data near the tip at two operating points. The computed results agreed fairly well with the data but overpredicted the extent of the casing separation and underpredicted the wake decay rate. The computations were then used to describe the interaction of the tip vortex, the passage shock, and the casing boundary layer.

Chima, R. V.↗

Early Warning Signs

Developed under an SBIR contract with Goddard Space Flight Center, Jentek Sensors, Inc.'s GridStation Measurement System provides thermal spray coating thickness, porosity, and age degradation monitoring capability using comformable inductive and capacitative sensors and model-based grid measurement methods for data interpretation.

Source record↗

Simulation of Synthetic Jets in Quiescent Air Using Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations

We report research experience in applying an Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) solver for the prediction of time-dependent flows in the presence of an active flow control device. The configuration under consideration is a synthetic jet created by a single diaphragm piezoelectric actuator in quiescent air. Time-averaged and instantaneous data for this case were obtained at Langley Research Center, using multiple measurement techniques. Computational results for this case using one-equation Spalart-Allmaras and two-equation Menter s turbulence models are presented here along with comparisons with the experimental data. The effect of grid refinement, preconditioning and time-step variation are also examined.

Vatsa, Veer N.↗

Discharge Chamber Primary Electron Modeling Activities in Three-Dimensions

Designing discharge chambers for ion thrusters involves many geometric configuration decisions. Various decisions will impact discharge chamber performance with respect to propellant utilization efficiency, ion production costs, and grid lifetime. These hardware design decisions can benefit from the assistance of computational modeling. Computational modeling for discharge chambers has been limited to two-dimensional codes that leveraged symmetry for interpretation into three-dimensional analysis. This paper presents model development activities towards a three-dimensional discharge chamber simulation to aid discharge chamber design decisions. Specifically, of the many geometric configuration decisions toward attainment of a worthy discharge chamber, this paper focuses on addressing magnetic circuit considerations with a three-dimensional discharge chamber simulation as a tool. With this tool, candidate discharge chamber magnetic circuit designs can be analyzed computationally to gain insight into factors that may influence discharge chamber performance such as: primary electron loss width in magnetic cusps, cathode tip position with respect to the low magnetic field volume, definition of a low magnetic field region, and maintenance of a low magnetic field region across the grid span. Corroborating experimental data will be obtained from mockup hardware tests. Initially, simulated candidate magnetic circuit designs will resemble previous successful thruster designs. To provide opportunity to improve beyond previous performance benchmarks, off-design modifications will be simulated and experimentally tested.

Steuber, Thomas J.↗

Simulation of Synthetic Jets in Quiescent Air Using Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations

We apply an unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) solver for the simulation of a synthetic jet created by a single diaphragm piezoelectric actuator in quiescent air. This configuration was designated as Case 1 for the CFDVAL2004 workshop held at Williamsburg, Virginia, in March 2004. Time-averaged and instantaneous data for this case were obtained at NASA Langley Research Center, using multiple measurement techniques. Computational results for this case using one-equation Spalart-Allmaras and two-equation Menter's turbulence models are presented along with the experimental data. The effect of grid refinement, preconditioning and time-step variation are also examined in this paper.

Vatsa, Veer N.↗

The NASA MSFC Earth Global Reference Atmospheric Model-2007 Version

Reference or standard atmospheric models have long been used for design and mission planning of various aerospace systems. The NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM) was developed in response to the need for a design reference atmosphere that provides complete global geographical variability, and complete altitude coverage (surface to orbital altitudes) as well as complete seasonal and monthly variability of the thermodynamic variables and wind components. A unique feature of GRAM is that, addition to providing the geographical, height, and monthly variation of the mean atmospheric state, it includes the ability to simulate spatial and temporal perturbations in these atmospheric parameters (e.g. fluctuations due to turbulence and other atmospheric perturbation phenomena). A summary comparing GRAM features to characteristics and features of other reference or standard atmospheric models, can be found Guide to Reference and Standard Atmosphere Models. The original GRAM has undergone a series of improvements over the years with recent additions and changes. The software program is called Earth-GRAM2007 to distinguish it from similar programs for other bodies (e.g. Mars, Venus, Neptune, and Titan). However, in order to make this Technical Memorandum (TM) more readable, the software will be referred to simply as GRAM07 or GRAM unless additional clarity is needed. Section 1 provides an overview of the basic features of GRAM07 including the newly added features. Section 2 provides a more detailed description of GRAM07 and how the model output generated. Section 3 presents sample results. Appendices A and B describe the Global Upper Air Climatic Atlas (GUACA) data and the Global Gridded Air Statistics (GGUAS) database. Appendix C provides instructions for compiling and running GRAM07. Appendix D gives a description of the required NAMELIST format input. Appendix E gives sample output. Appendix F provides a list of available parameters to enable the user to generate special output. Appendix G gives an example and guidance on incorporating GRAM07 as a subroutine in other programs such as trajectory codes or orbital propagation routines.

Leslie, F.W.↗