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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Numerical vorticity capturing for vortex-solid body interaction problems

A new numerical method based on adding a term to the Euler/Navier-Stokes equations has been demonstrated it can effectively treat vortex-dominated flows using low-order numerical schemes and coarse grids. The numerical diffusion introduced by convection schemes can be eliminated by modifying the velocity field as a result of solving the modified flow governing equations. The modification of the velocity field, which conserves the total vorticity, essentially convects the vorticity toward its local extreme to offset the numerical diffusion. This method preserves the vortex structure even when vortices travel on coarse grid region. The method is implemented with two distinctive codes: a Navier-Stokes flow solver based on vorticity-velocity formulation and an Euler code based on velocity-pressure formulation. Problems presented in this paper include airfoil dynamic stall, vortex airfoil interaction, and vortex-fuselage interactions.

Wang, Clin M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

RIACS

Topics considered include: high-performance computing; cognitive and perceptual prostheses (computational aids designed to leverage human abilities); autonomous systems. Also included: development of a 3D unstructured grid code based on a finite volume formulation and applied to the Navier-stokes equations; Cartesian grid methods for complex geometry; multigrid methods for solving elliptic problems on unstructured grids; algebraic non-overlapping domain decomposition methods for compressible fluid flow problems on unstructured meshes; numerical methods for the compressible navier-stokes equations with application to aerodynamic flows; research in aerodynamic shape optimization; S-HARP: a parallel dynamic spectral partitioner; numerical schemes for the Hamilton-Jacobi and level set equations on triangulated domains; application of high-order shock capturing schemes to direct simulation of turbulence; multicast technology; network testbeds; supercomputer consolidation project.

Oliger, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development of deterministic transport methods for low energy neutrons for shielding in space

Transport of low energy neutrons associated with the galactic cosmic ray cascade is analyzed in this dissertation. A benchmark quality analytical algorithm is demonstrated for use with BRYNTRN, a computer program written by the High Energy Physics Division of NASA Langley Research Center, which is used to design and analyze shielding against the radiation created by the cascade. BRYNTRN uses numerical methods to solve the integral transport equations for baryons with the straight-ahead approximation, and numerical and empirical methods to generate the interaction probabilities. The straight-ahead approximation is adequate for charged particles, but not for neutrons. As NASA Langley improves BRYNTRN to include low energy neutrons, a benchmark quality solution is needed for comparison. The neutron transport algorithm demonstrated in this dissertation uses the closed-form Green's function solution to the galactic cosmic ray cascade transport equations to generate a source of neutrons. A basis function expansion for finite heterogeneous and semi-infinite homogeneous slabs with multiple energy groups and isotropic scattering is used to generate neutron fluxes resulting from the cascade. This method, called the FN method, is used to solve the neutral particle linear Boltzmann transport equation. As a demonstration of the algorithm coded in the programs MGSLAB and MGSEMI, neutron and ion fluxes are shown for a beam of fluorine ions at 1000 MeV per nucleon incident on semi-infinite and finite aluminum slabs. Also, to demonstrate that the shielding effectiveness against the radiation from the galactic cosmic ray cascade is not directly proportional to shield thickness, a graph of transmitted total neutron scalar flux versus slab thickness is shown. A simple model based on the nuclear liquid drop assumption is used to generate cross sections for the galactic cosmic ray cascade. The ENDF/B V database is used to generate the total and scattering cross sections for neutrons in aluminum. As an external verification, the results from MGSLAB and MGSEMI were compared to ANISN/PC, a routinely used neutron transport code, showing excellent agreement. In an application to an aluminum shield, the FN method seems to generate reasonable results.

Ganapol, Barry↗
NASA NTRS1984

Methods for analysis of cracks in three-dimensional solids

Analytical and numerical methods evaluating the stress-intensity factors for three-dimensional cracks in solids are presented, with reference to fatigue failure in aerospace structures. The exact solutions for embedded elliptical and circular cracks in infinite solids, and the approximate methods, including the finite-element, the boundary-integral equation, the line-spring models, and the mixed methods are discussed. Among the mixed methods, the superposition of analytical and finite element methods, the stress-difference, the discretization-error, the alternating, and the finite element-alternating methods are reviewed. Comparison of the stress-intensity factor solutions for some three-dimensional crack configurations showed good agreement. Thus, the choice of a particular method in evaluating the stress-intensity factor is limited only to the availability of resources and computer programs.

Raju, I. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A domain method for shape design sensitivity analysis of built-up structures

A numerical method of obtaining accurate shape design sensitivity information for built-up structures is developed and demonstrated through examples. The method utilizes the basic character of the finite element method that gives accurate information not on the boundary, but in the domain. The method is shown to drastically simplify the derivation of shape design sensitivity formulas for complex built-up structures.

Choi, Kyung K.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Higher-Order Methods for Compressible Turbulent Flows Using Entropy Variables

Turbulent flows have a large range of spatial and temporal scales which need to be resolved in order to obtain accurate predictions. Higher-order methods can provide greater efficiency for simulations requiring high spatial and temporal resolution, allowing for solutions with fewer degrees of freedom and lower computational cost than traditional second-order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods.1 Higher-order methods have been widely used for turbulent flows. However, the reduced numerical stabilization present in higher-order schemes implies that special care needs to be taken in the development of numerical methods to suppress nonlinear instabilities.2–6 In this work we present the development of a higher-order space-time discontinuous Galerkin method with a focus on the aspects of our numerical scheme required for ensuring nonlinear stability for turbulent simulations at high Reynolds numbers.

Diosady, Laslo T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

On direct numerical simulations of turbulent reacting flows

A description of the emerging field of direct numerical simulations of turbulent, chemically reacting flows is presented. The types of direct numerical simulations, physical issues related to implementing the simulations, as well as the various numerical methods used are described. Examples are presented of recent applications of direct numerical simulations to a variety of problems, displaying both the potential of the method and also some of its limitations. Finally, our view of the potential role of direct numerical simulations in future research on turbulent, chemically reacting flows is presented.

Jou, W.-H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Numerical Simulation of One- and Two-Phase Flows in Propulsion Systems

Four subprojects were conducted using analytical methods, numerical simulation and experimental tests: (A) Shock wave mitigation by spike-shaped blunt bodies with application for the purpose of drag, lift and longitudinal momentum optimization. The main result in this subproject is: application of a single needle against a supersonic flow provides higher benefits for blunt body drag reduction and heat transfer to the body than the application of multiple needles. (B) Solid particles, liquid and air jet injection through the front of a blunt body against a supersonic flow. In this case, the research conducted and analysis of multiple previous investigations in this area have shown essential benefits and preferable application of solid particle injection. (C) Comparison of different methods of fuel injection into supersonic duct flows. Preliminary numerical simulations and theoretical analysis show promising results for Telescope-shaped inlet applications in SCRAMJET; and (D) Development of an acoustic source location method for different applications including propulsion systems.

Gilinsky, Mikhail↗
NASA NTRS1975

Recent progress in numerical techniques for flow simulation

Recent developments in the use of numerical methods for fluid flow simulation show an increasing tendency to use numerical operators that can, in various ways, be factored. Use of methods having this property often increases the accuracy and efficiency of computer codes. Tracing the factorization property provides a unity to the basic concepts involved in the development of cyclic reduction, predictor-corrector, splitting, fast Fourier transform, and pseudospectral methods.-

Lomax, H.↗
NASA NTRS1997

An Investigation of High-Order Shock-Capturing Methods for Computational Aeroacoustics

This project is motivated by the desire to develop numerical methods that will be useful in the study of compressible flows that exhibit aeroacoustic phenomena. Solutions to linear problems have been investigated through the development of a computer code based on the recent dispersion-relation-preserving (DRP) methodology. In regard to nonlinear problems, the class of essentially nonoscillatory (ENO) schemes have been considered as the primary candidates for solving aeroacoustic problems in which discontinuities are involved. Discontinuities in the solution itself (e.g. shocks) as well as in the geometry on which the problem is defined have been studied. Two-dimensional nonlinear problems were considered in order to determine if the one-dimensional results obtained in the first phase of this project were extendable to more realistic problems. Conclusions have been drawn in regard to the ability to numerically predict solutions of nonlinear problems with shocks to high-order accuracy.

Casper, Jay↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical study on mixing of sprayed liquid in an LNG storage tank

This paper presents a numerical method to simulate the mixing of heavier LNG sprayed on lighter layer. Numerical results for evolutions of flow field and density field are obtained in a rectangular computational domain which includes the vicinity of the liquid surface. At the surface boundary, uniform distributions of the fluid velocity and the density are assumed. Detail structure of flow caused by impingements of liquid drops are neglected. But, to trigger a realistic motion, a series of random numbers is employed. It is used as an initial distribution of the density near the surface. This method successfully gives a realistic simulation of the mixing process. Numerical results for mixing velocity shows good agreement with experimental data.

Uchida, Hiroyuki↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strong Correlation DMRG and DFT

This project developed new ways to improve computer simulations of materials where electrons interact strongly with each other, a challenge for today’s most widely used method, density functional theory (DFT). We used an exact numerical method, the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG), to create highly accurate reference results for simple model systems, and used these to test DFT, prove when it will converge, and even train machine-learned functionals. We also invented new kinds of localized basis functions (“gausslets” and “multi-sliced gausslets”) and a “sliced-basis” approach that make high-accuracy simulations faster and more practical. These methods were applied to extended hydrogen systems, enabling the direct derivation of accurate low-energy models from first-principles calculations. We also introduced a new formalism, Conditional-Probability DFT, which could bypass traditional approximations. The tools and results from this work, including open-source software releases, will help scientists design and understand complex quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1972

Nuclear radiation analysis

A study program of radiation shielding against the deleterious effects of nuclear radiation on man and equipment is reported. The methods used to analyze the radiation environment from bremsstrahlung photons are discussed along with the methods employed by transport code users. The theory and numerical methods used to solve transport of neutrons and gammas are described, and the neutron and cosmic fluxes that would be present on the gamma-ray telescope were analyzed.

Knies, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Monte Carlo investigation of transient acoustic fields in partially or completely bounded medium

A simple repetitive calculation was used to investigate what happens to the field in terms of the signal paths of disturbances originating from the energy source. The computation allowed the field to be reconstructed as a function of space and time on a statistical basis. The suggested Monte Carlo method is in response to the need for a numerical method to supplement analytical methods of solution which are only valid when the boundaries have simple shapes, rather than for a medium that is bounded. For the analysis, a suitable model was created from which was developed an algorithm for the estimation of acoustic pressure variations in the region under investigation. The validity of the technique was demonstrated by analysis of simple physical models with the aid of a digital computer. The Monte Carlo method is applicable to a medium which is homogeneous and is enclosed by either rectangular or curved boundaries.

Thanedar, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A method for computing the leading-edge suction in a higher-order panel method

Experimental data show that the phenomenon of a separation induced leading edge vortex is influenced by the wing thickness and the shape of the leading edge. Both thickness and leading edge shape (rounded rather than point) delay the formation of a vortex. Existing computer programs used to predict the effect of a leading edge vortex do not include a procedure for determining whether or not a vortex actually exists. Studies under NASA Contract NAS1-15678 have shown that the vortex development can be predicted by using the relationship between the leading edge suction coefficient and the parabolic nose drag. The linear theory FLEXSTAB was used to calculate the leading edge suction coefficient. This report describes the development of a method for calculating leading edge suction using the capabilities of the higher order panel methods (exact boundary conditions). For a two dimensional case, numerical methods were developed using the double strength and downwash distribution along the chord. A Gaussian quadrature formula that directly incorporates the logarithmic singularity in the downwash distribution, at all panel edges, was found to be the best method.

Ehlers, F. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analysis of non-premixed turbulent reacting flows

Studies of chemical reactions occurring in turbulent flows are important in the understanding of combustion and other applications. Current numerical methods are limited in their applications due to the numerical resolution required to completely capture all length scales, but, despite the fact that realistic combustion cannot be solved completely, numerical simulations can be used to give insight into the interaction between the processes of turbulence and chemical reaction. The objective was to investigate the effects of turbulent motion on the effects of chemical reaction to gain some insight on the interaction of turbulence, molecular diffusion, and chemical reaction to support modeling efforts. A direct turbulence simulation spectral code was modified to include the effects of chemical reaction and applied to an initial value problem of chemical reaction between non-premixed species. The influence of hydrodynamics on the instantaneous structure of the reaction was investigated. The local scalar dissipation rates and the local reaction rates were examined to determine the influence of vorticity or rate of strain on the reaction and the structure of the scalar field.

Leonard, Andy D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A hybrid perturbation-Galerkin method for differential equations containing a parameter

A two-step hybrid perturbation-Galerkin method to solve a variety of differential equations which involve a parameter is presented and discussed. The method consists of: (1) the use of a perturbation method to determine the asymptotic expansion of the solution about one or more values of the parameter; and (2) the use of some of the perturbation coefficient functions as trial functions in the classical Bubnov-Galerkin method. This hybrid method has the potential of overcoming some of the drawbacks of the perturbation method and the Bubnov-Galerkin method when they are applied by themselves, while combining some of the good features of both. The proposed method is illustrated first with a simple linear two-point boundary value problem and is then applied to a nonlinear two-point boundary value problem in lubrication theory. The results obtained from the hybrid method are compared with approximate solutions obtained by purely numerical methods. Some general features of the method, as well as some special tips for its implementation, are discussed. A survey of some current research application areas is presented and its degree of applicability to broader problem areas is discussed.

Geer, James F.↗