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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Rastall's and related theories are conservative gravitational theories although physically inequivalent to general relativity

The proper framework for testing Rastall's theory and its generalizations is in the case of non-negligible (i.e. discernible) gravitational effects such as gravity gradients. These theories have conserved integral four-momentum and angular momentum. The Nordtvedt effect then provides limits on the parameters which arise as the result of the non-zero divergence of the energy-momentum tensor.

Smalley, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Electron dynamics and potential jump across slow mode shocks

In the de Hoffmann-Teller reference frame, the cross-shock electric field is simply the thermoelectric field responsible for preserving charge neutrality. As such, it gives information regarding the heating and dissipation occurring within the shock. The total cross-shock potential can be determined by integrating a weighted electron pressure gradient through the shock, but this requires knowledge of the density and temperature profiles. Here, a recently proposed alternative approach relying on particle dynamics is exploited to provide an independent estimate of this potential. Both determinations are applied to slow mode shocks which form the plasma sheet boundary in the deep geomagnetic tail as observed by ISEE 3. The two methods correlate well. There is no indication of the expected transition from resistive to viscous shocks, although the highest Mach number shocks show the highest potentials. The implications of these results for the electron dissipation mechanisms and turbulence at the shock are discussed.

Schwartz, Steven J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Trajectory optimization for an asymmetric launch vehicle

A numerical optimization technique is used to fully automate the trajectory design process for an symmetric configuration of the proposed Advanced Launch System (ALS). The objective of the ALS trajectory design process is the maximization of the vehicle mass when it reaches the desired orbit. The trajectories used were based on a simple shape that could be described by a small set of parameters. The use of a simple trajectory model can significantly reduce the computation time required for trajectory optimization. A predictive simulation was developed to determine the on-orbit mass given an initial vehicle state, wind information, and a set of trajectory parameters. This simulation utilizes an idealized control system to speed computation by increasing the integration time step. The conjugate gradient method is used for the numerical optimization of on-orbit mass. The method requires only the evaluation of the on-orbit mass function using the predictive simulation, and the gradient of the on-orbit mass function with respect to the trajectory parameters. The gradient is approximated with finite differencing. Prelaunch trajectory designs were carried out using the optimization procedure. The predictive simulation is used in flight to redesign the trajectory to account for trajectory deviations produced by off-nominal conditions, e.g., stronger than expected head winds.

Sullivan, Jeanne Marie↗
NASA NTRS2018

Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations in Gradient-Based Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

A gradient-based approach to multidisciplinary design optimization enables efficient scalability to large numbers of design variables. However, the need for derivatives causes difficulties when integrating ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in models. To simplify this, we propose the use of the general linear methods framework, which unifies all Runge-Kutta and linear multistep methods. This approach enables rapid implementation of integration methods without the need to differentiate each one, even in a gradient-based optimization context. We also develop a new parallel time integration algorithm that enables vectorization across time steps. We present a set of benchmarking results using a stiff ODE, a non-stiff nonlinear ODE, and an orbital dynamics ODE, and compare integration methods. In a modular gradient-based multidisciplinary design optimization context, we find that the new parallel time integration algorithm with high-order implicit methods, especially Gauss-Legendre collocation, is the best choice for a broad range of problems.

Hwang, John T.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Broadband Noise Predictions Based on a New Aeroacoustic Formulation

A new analytic result in acoustics called 'Formulation 1B,' proposed by Farassat, is used to compute the loading noise from an unsteady surface pressure distribution on a thin airfoil in the time domain. This formulation is a new solution of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation with the loading source term. The formulation contains a far-field surface integral that depends on the time derivative and the surface gradient of the pressure on the airfoil, as well as a contour integral on the boundary of the airfoil surface. As a first test case, the new formulation is used to compute the noise radiated from a flat plate, moving through a sinusoidal gust of constant frequency. The unsteady surface pressure for this test case is specified analytically from a result that is based on linear airfoil theory. This test case is used to examine the velocity scaling properties of Formulation 1B, and to demonstrate its equivalence to Formulation 1A, of Farassat. The new acoustic formulation, again with an analytic surface pressure, is then used to predict broadband noise radiated from an airfoil immersed in homogeneous turbulence. The results are compared with experimental data previously reported by Paterson and Amiet. Good agreement between predictions and measurements is obtained. The predicted results also agree very well with those of Paterson and Amiet, who used a frequency-domain approach. Finally, an alternative form of Formulation 1B is described for statistical analysis of broadband noise.

Casper, J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A New Time Domain Formulation for Broadband Noise Predictions

A new analytic result in acoustics called "Formulation 1B," proposed by Farassat, is used to compute the loading noise from an unsteady surface pressure distribution on a thin airfoil in the time domain. This formulation is a new solution of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation with the loading source term. The formulation contains a far field surface integral that depends on the time derivative and the surface gradient of the pressure on the airfoil, as well as a contour integral on the boundary of the airfoil surface. As a first test case, the new formulation is used to compute the noise radiated from a flat plate, moving through a sinusoidal gust of constant frequency. The unsteady surface pressure for this test case is analytically specified from a result based on linear airfoil theory. This test case is used to examine the velocity scaling properties of Formulation 1B and to demonstrate its equivalence to Formulation 1A of Farassat. The new acoustic formulation, again with an analytic surface pressure, is then used to predict broadband noise radiated from an airfoil immersed in homogeneous, isotropic turbulence. The results are compared with experimental data previously reported by Paterson and Amiet. Good agreement between predictions and measurements is obtained. Finally, an alternative form of Formulation 1B is described for statistical analysis of broadband noise.

Casper, J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A New Time Domain Formulation for Broadband Noise Predictions

A new analytic result in acoustics called "Formulation 1B," proposed by Farassat, is used to compute the loading noise from an unsteady surface pressure distribution on a thin airfoil in the time domain. This formulation is a new solution of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation with the loading source term. The formulation contains a far field surface integral that depends on the time derivative and the surface gradient of the pressure on the airfoil, as well as a contour integral on the boundary of the airfoil surface. As a first test case, the new formulation is used to compute the noise radiated from a flat plate, moving through a sinusoidal gust of constant frequency. The unsteady surface pressure for this test case is analytically specied from a result based on linear airfoil theory. This test case is used to examine the velocity scaling properties of Formulation 1B and to demonstrate its equivalence to Formulation 1A of Farassat. The new acoustic formulation, again with an analytic surface pressure, is then used to predict broadband noise radiated from an airfoil immersed in homogeneous, isotropic turbulence. The results are compared with experimental data previously reported by Paterson and Amiet. Good agreement between predictions and measurements is obtained. Finally, an alternative form of Formulation 1B is described for statistical analysis of broadband noise.

Casper, Jay H.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Reducing Errors by Use of Redundancy in Gravity Measurements

A methodology for improving gravity-gradient measurement data exploits the constraints imposed upon the components of the gravity-gradient tensor by the conditions of integrability needed for reconstruction of the gravitational potential. These constraints are derived from the basic equation for the gravitational potential and from mathematical identities that apply to the gravitational potential and its partial derivatives with respect to spatial coordinates. Consider the gravitational potential in a Cartesian coordinate system {x1,x2,x3}. If one measures all the components of the gravity-gradient tensor at all points of interest within a region of space in which one seeks to characterize the gravitational field, one obtains redundant information. One could utilize the constraints to select a minimum (that is, nonredundant) set of measurements from which the gravitational potential could be reconstructed. Alternatively, one could exploit the redundancy to reduce errors from noisy measurements. A convenient example is that of the selection of a minimum set of measurements to characterize the gravitational field at n3 points (where n is an integer) in a cube. Without the benefit of such a selection, it would be necessary to make 9n3 measurements because the gravitygradient tensor has 9 components at each point. The problem of utilizing the redundancy to reduce errors in noisy measurements is an optimization problem: Given a set of noisy values of the components of the gravity-gradient tensor at the measurement points, one seeks a set of corrected values - a set that is optimum in that it minimizes some measure of error (e.g., the sum of squares of the differences between the corrected and noisy measurement values) while taking account of the fact that the constraints must apply to the exact values. The problem as thus posed leads to a vector equation that can be solved to obtain the corrected values.

Kulikov, Igor↗
NASA NTRS1999

Tropical Convection and Climate Processes in a Cumulus Ensemble Model

Local convective-radiative equilibrium states of the tropical atmosphere are determined by the following external forcing: 1) Insolation, 2) Surface heat and moisture exchanges (primarily radiation and evaporation), 3) Heating and moistening induced by large-scale circulation. Understanding the equilibrium states of the tropical atmosphere in different external forcing conditions is of vital importance for studying cumulus parameterization, climate feedbacks, and climate changes. We extend our previous study using the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) Model which resolves convective-radiative processes more explicitly than global climate models do. Several experiments are carried out under fixed insolation and sea surface temperature. The prescribed SST consists of a uniform warm pool (29C) surrounded by uniform cold SST (26C). The model produces "Walker"-type circulation with the ascending branch of the model atmosphere more humid than the descending part, but the vertically integrated temperature does not show a horizontal gradient. The results are compared with satellite measured moisture by SSM/I (Special Sensor Microwave/Imager) and temperature by MSU in the ascending and descending tropical atmosphere. The vertically integrated temperature and humidity in the two model regimes are comparable to the observed values in the tropics.

Sui, Chung-Hsiung↗
NASA NTRS2019

Effects of Topography on Tropical Forest Structure Depend on Climate Context

Topography affects abiotic conditions which can influence the structure, function, and dynamics of ecological communities. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated biological consequences of fine-scale topographic heterogeneity but we have a limited understanding of how We merged high-resolution (1 sq. meter) data on topography and canopy height derived from airborne lidar with ground-based data from 15 forest plots in Puerto Rico distributed along a precipitation gradient spanning ca. 800 to 3,500 mm yr(exp -1). Ground-based data included species composition, estimated above-ground biomass (AGB), and two key functional traits (wood density and leaf mass per area, LMA) that reflect resource-use strategies and a trade-off between hydraulic safety and hydraulic efficiency. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to evaluate how the interaction between topography climate is related to metrics of forest structure (i.e., canopy height and AGB), as well as taxonomic and functional alpha- and beta-diversity. Fine-scale topography (characterized with the topographic wetness index, TWI) significantly affected forest structure and the strength (and in some cases direction) of these effects varied across the precipitation gradient. In all plots, canopy height increased with topographic wetness but the effect was much stronger in dry compared to wet forest plots. In dry forest plots, topographically wetter microsites also had higher levels of AGB but in wet forest plots, topographically drier microsites had higher AGB. Fine-scale topography influenced functional composition but had only weak or non-significant effects on taxonomic and functional alpha- and beta-diversity. For instance, community-weighted wood density followed a similar pattern to AGB across plots. We also found a marginally significant association between variation of wood density and topographic heterogeneity that depended on climate context. Synthesis: The effects of fine-scale topographic heterogeneity on tropical forest structure and composition depend on the climate context. Our study demonstrates how a stronger integration of topographic heterogeneity across precipitation gradients could improve estimates of forest structure and biomass, and may provide insight to the ways that topography might mediate species responses to drought and climate change.

Tropical dry forest↗
NASA NTRS1985

Time and energy dependence of the cosmic ray gradient in the outer heliosphere

Pioneers 10 and 11, now 35 and 18 AU from the Sun, continue to extend our knowledge of the spatial dependence of cosmic ray intensities in the heliosphere. Radial gradients measured from these spacecraft by UCSD detectors which have integral energy responses above thresholds of 80 and 500 MeV/nucleon are reported. An average gradient of 2%/AU typifies the data set as a whole, but there are time and energy dependences that deviate from this value. With operating lifetimes of 13 and 12 years, respectively, for the two spacecraft, the time dependence was followed for over a solar cycle. The higher energy channel shows less modulation on all time scales. At the start of the present cycle, the gradient is lower than the average value during the last solar cycle.

Fillius, W.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Viscous Aerodynamic Shape Optimization with Installed Propulsion Effects

Aerodynamic shape optimization is demonstrated to tailor the under-track pressure signature of a conceptual low-boom supersonic aircraft. Primarily, the optimization reduces nearfield pressure waveforms induced by propulsion integration effects. For computational efficiency, gradient-based optimization is used and coupled to the discrete adjoint formulation of the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equations. The engine outer nacelle, nozzle, and vertical tail fairing are axi-symmetrically parameterized, while the horizontal tail is shaped using a wing-based parameterization. Overall, 48 design variables are coupled to the geometry and used to deform the outer mold line. During the design process, an inequality drag constraint is enforced to avoid major compromise in aerodynamic performance. Linear elastic mesh morphing is used to deform volume grids between design iterations. The optimization is performed at Mach 1.6 cruise, assuming standard day altitude conditions at 51,707-ft. To reduce uncertainty, a coupled thermodynamic engine cycle model is employed that captures installed inlet performance effects on engine operation.

computational fluid dynamics↗
NASA NTRS1994

Physiological Adaptations and Countermeasures Associated with Long-Duration Space Flights

On earth, the presence of gravity imposes weight-bearing gradients on tissues which influence the functions of multiple integrative systems. On the other hand, conditions of actual or simulated microgravity can modify and/or nullify these gradients and subsequently alter structure and function. The purpose of this symposium is to discuss the results from short-term Shuttle flights, long term Skylab or Mir missions, or long-term ground based experiments which indicate or suggest that performance has been or could be compromised in space missions of long durations (>one year) or with space tasks (e.g. building space stations) with the goal of identifying countermeasures that could minimize or eliminate the expected anatomical and physiological consequences. After an overview by C. Tipton from the U. Arizona, the countermeasures necessary for the fluid shifts and select functions of the cardiovascular system will be discussed by A. Hargens from NASA Ames Research Center. He will be followed by K. Baldwin of the U. California at Irvine who will discuss the countermeasures needed to prevent the changes that alter the structure, function and control of skeletal muscles. Since changes in bone mass with microgravity are a major concern of NASA, V. Schneider from NASA Headquarters will present data and the countermeasures for bone. Although the results are limited, the changes in the endocrine and immune system deserve mentioning and C. Tipton will assume this responsibility. V. Convertino from the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine has the challenge of discussing the role, importance, and the specificity of exercise as an effective countermeasure while I. Kozlovskaya from Moscow will elaborate on the Russian experiences with past countermeasures and provide a viewpoint on future ones. After the brief (25 min.) presentations, the speakers will assemble as a panel to discuss the issues raised and the concerns of the audience.

Tipton, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Minimum impulse three-body trajectories.

A rapid and accurate method of calculating optimal impulsive transfers in the restricted problem of three bodies has been developed. The technique combines a multi-conic method of trajectory integration with primer vector theory and an accelerated gradient method of trajectory optimization. A unique feature is that the state transition matrix and the primer vector are found analytical without additional integrations or differentiations. The method has been applied to the determination of optimal two and three impulse transfers between the L2 libration point and circular orbits about both the earth and the moon.

D'Amario, L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Studies of vorticity imbalance and stability, moisture budget, atmospheric energetics, and gradients of meteorological parameters during AVE 3

Four diagnostic studies of AVE 3. are presented. AVE 3 represents a high wind speed wintertime situation, while most AVE's analyzed previously represented springtime conditions with rather low wind speeds. The general areas of analysis include the examination of budgets of vorticity, moisture, kinetic energy, and potential energy and a synoptic and statistical study of the horizontal gradients of meteorological parameters. Conclusions are integrated with and compared to those obtained in previously analyzed experiments (mostly springtime weather situations) so as to establish a more definitive understanding of the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere under a wide range of synoptic conditions.

Scoggins, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Symmetry plane model for turbulent flows with vortex generators

An approximate procedure is proposed for predicting the performance of counterrotating vortex-generator installations in incompressible flow. An inviscid calculation that includes the motion of the vortices is used to obtain crossflow velocities at the boundary-layer edge as a function of initial position, spacing, and strength of the vortices, and local values of the spanwise gradient are then folded into an integral turbulent-boundary layer procedure applied in the plane of symmetry. Special attention is paid to the consistency of the approximations and equations used. The two-dimensional aerodynamics of vortex generator installations on a NACA 0016 airfoil at angle-of-attack are estimated in this manner, and the results compared with experiments carried out with a 30-cm chord wing mounted in a 2.4 x 3.6-m cross-section wind tunnel and tested at chord Reynolds numbers of 0.7 and 1.4 x 10 to the 6th. Agreement in the separation location is found for these complex flows for a range of conditions.

Arnaud, Gilles L.↗