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At least 757 records · Page 42

On the validation of a code and a turbulence model appropriate to circulation control airfoils

A computer code for calculating flow about a circulation control airfoil within a wind tunnel test section has been developed. This code is being validated for eventual use as an aid to design such airfoils. The concept of code validation being used is explained. The initial stages of the process have been accomplished. The present code has been applied to a low-subsonic, 2-D flow about a circulation control airfoil for which extensive data exist. Two basic turbulence models and variants thereof have been successfully introduced into the algorithm, the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic and the Jones-Launder two-equation models of turbulence. The variants include adding a history of the jet development for the algebraic model and adding streamwise curvature effects for both models. Numerical difficulties and difficulties in the validation process are discussed. Turbulence model and code improvements to proceed with the validation process are also discussed.

Viegas, J. R.↗

On the validation of a code and a turbulence model appropriate to circular control airfoils

A computer code for calculating flow about a circulation control airfoil within a wind tunnel test section was developed. This code is being validated for eventual use as an aid to design such airfoils. The concept of code validation being used is explained. The initial stages of the process were accomplished. The present code was applied to a low subsonic, 2-D flow about a circulation control airfoil for which extensive data exist. Two basic turbulence models and variants thereof were successfully introduced into the algorithm, the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic and the Jones-Launder two equation models of turbulence. The variants include adding a history of the jet development for the algebraic model and adding streamwise curvature effects for both models. Numerical difficulties and difficulties in the validation process are discussed. Turbulence model and code improvements to proceed with the validation process are also discussed.

Viegas, J. R.↗

Analytical determination of propeller performance degradation due to ice accretion

A computer code has been developed which is capable of computing propeller performance for clean, glaze, or rime iced propeller configurations, thereby providing a mechanism for determining the degree of performance degradation which results from a given icing encounter. The inviscid, incompressible flow field at each specified propeller radial location is first computed using the Theodorsen transformation method of conformal mapping. A droplet trajectory computation then calculates droplet impingement points and airfoil collection efficiency for each radial location, at which point several user-selectable empirical correlations are available for determining the aerodynamic penalities which arise due to the ice accretion. Propeller performance is finally computed using strip analysis for either the clean or iced propeller. In the iced mode, the differential thrust and torque coefficient equations are modified by the drag and lift coefficient increments due to ice to obtain the appropriate iced values. Comparison with available experimental propeller icing data shows good agreement in several cases. The code's capability to properly predict iced thrust coefficient, power coefficient, and propeller efficiency is shown to be dependent on the choice of empirical correlation employed as well as proper specification of radial icing extent.

Miller, T. L.↗

Core polarization effects: Oscillator strengths, transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of levels in Bi IV

In this work a systematic analysis of Bi IV atomic properties is presented. Ab initio relativistic Hartree–Fock calculations in an intermediate coupling (IC) formalism and taking into account Core Polarization Effects (CPE) are used. We use for the IC calculations the standard method of least square fitting of experimental energy levels by means of computer codes from Cowan which was modified in order to include CPE. Our calculations have been made from 17 configurations of Bi IV: 5d{sup 10}6s{sup 2}, 5d{sup 10}6p{sup 2}, 5d{sup 10}6sns (n= 7–10) and 5d{sup 10}6snd (n= 6–9) for even parity and 5d{sup 10}6snp (n=6,7), 5d{sup 10}6snf (n=5,6), 5d{sup 9}6s{sup 2}6p and 5d{sup 9}6s{sup 2}nf (n=5,6) for odd parity. Transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for 100 lines and some radiative lifetimes of Bi IV have been calculated. Besides a comparison of our results with the scarce experimental values available in the bibliography are presented. The presence of spectral lines of bismuth in stellar atmospheres has been reported in different stars. This is the motivation by this work can be very interest in astrophysical area. Recently the Bi IV is taking importance because it is considered as the main dopant in the prospective used for the design and synthesis of new scintillators.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

NCC: A Multidisciplinary Design/Analysis Tool for Combustion Systems

A multi-disciplinary design/analysis tool for combustion systems is critical for optimizing the low-emission, high-performance combustor design process. Based on discussions between NASA Lewis Research Center and the jet engine companies, an industry-government team was formed in early 1995 to develop the National Combustion Code (NCC), which is an integrated system of computer codes for the design and analysis of combustion systems. NCC has advanced features that address the need to meet designer's requirements such as "assured accuracy", "fast turnaround", and "acceptable cost". The NCC development team is comprised of Allison Engine Company (Allison), CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC), GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC), and Pratt & Whitney (P&W). This development team operates under the guidance of the NCC steering committee. The "unstructured mesh" capability and "parallel computing" are fundamental features of NCC from its inception. The NCC system is composed of a set of "elements" which includes grid generator, main flow solver, turbulence module, turbulence and chemistry interaction module, chemistry module, spray module, radiation heat transfer module, data visualization module, and a post-processor for evaluating engine performance parameters. Each element may have contributions from several team members. Such a multi-source multi-element system needs to be integrated in a way that facilitates inter-module data communication, flexibility in module selection, and ease of integration.

Liu, Nan-Suey↗

Identification and Quantification of Beta-Emitters in Waste Packages by Segmented Gamma-Scanning - 20114

A commonly applied method for the non-destructive characterization of the radioactive inventory of waste packages (e.g. 200-l drums) is segmented gamma-scanning. The gamma-emitting inventory is identified via their characteristic lines in the measured spectra. The corresponding net peak areas allow for quantification applying appropriate models. The identification and quantification of beta-emitters present in the waste package require further evaluation. While some of them emit gamma-rays, too, which can be used for identification and quantification, pure beta-emitters contribute to the gamma-spectra only by their Bremsstrahlung-spectra. {sup 32}P, {sup 90}Sr and {sup 90}Y are typical representatives of these isotopes. A method is developed for identification and quantification of these pure beta-emitters in radioactive waste packages. Origin of the procedure is the evaluation of the measured gamma-spectrum. After the identification of all lines present in the spectrum (characteristic gamma-lines, single- and double-escape-lines, X-ray-lines, annihilation peak etc.) this information is used together with calibration data of the detection system and further a-priori information like matrix composition, cross-section data from databases etc. to simulate the spectra without the Bremsstrahlung-components by an appropriate method. This may be Monte Carlo simulations or, like in our case, a computer code taking into account mathematical descriptions of the physical effects like photo effect, (multiple) Compton scattering, backscattering etc. and the attenuation effects of the waste matrix. In any case, the resulting spectrum must simulate the real spectrum without its Bremsstrahlung-component as good as possible. Subtracting the simulated from the measured spectrum then results in the Bremsstrahlung-components caused by the beta-emitters. Prior to evaluation, a set of Bremsstrahlung-spectra is calculated and stored for different beta-emitters in different matrices using the Bethe-Heitler equation. This data set can be extended for new conditions, if necessary, and is allocated in a data base for future application. Applying a non-linear optimization using the generalized reduced gradient method for comparing the calculated with the derived Bremsstrahlung-spectra results in the identification of the beta-emitter and a factor, which is proportional to its activity. The proportionality is determined by previous calibration measurements. The application of the method is demonstrated by measurements on a 200-l mock-up drum and a real waste package. (authors)

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Obtain3D_open

This computer code uses the concept of the parallax to compute the x, y and z coordinates of points found using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), or any transmission imaging technique, using two images, each taken at a different perspective of the region containing the points. Points correspond, but are not limited, to the center of cavities or precipitates, positions of irradiation black dot damage, positions along a dislocation line, or positions along where an interface meets a free surface. Features can include dislocations, interfaces, cavities, precipitates, inclusions etc. The x, y and z coordinates of the points are output in a text file. The code also allows the user to visualize the features containing the points in three dimensions.

Eftink, Benjamin↗

Monte Carlo Second- and Third-Order Many-Body Green’s Function Methods with Frequency-Dependent, Nondiagonal Self-Energy

We fully develop the Monte Carlo many-body Green’s function (MC-GF) method with the following enhancements: (1) The truncation order of the perturbation expansion of the Dyson self-energy is raised from the second order (MC-GF2) to the third order (MC-GF3) with the aid of a computerized procedure to enumerate and transform all 84 third-order Goldstone diagrams into Monte Carlo integrable expressions and then into central processing unit (CPU)/graphical processing unit (GPU)-parallel computer codes. (2) An efficient algorithm is proposed that computes all off-diagonal and diagonal elements of the MC-GF2 and MC-GF3 self-energy matrices by common subexpression elimination. (3) The frequency-independent approximation is lifted by introducing a method that computes frequency derivatives of the MC-GF2 and MC-GF3 self-energies up to any arbitrarily high order at nearly no additional computational cost. (4) The imaginary-time integration in the Laplace-transformed expressions of the self-energy is carried out stochastically (instead of using a quadrature in the previous implementations), resulting in a 50- to 200-fold speedup. (5) The efficiency of the redundant-walker convergence acceleration scheme is analyzed numerically, and the guidelines are established to select an optimal number of walkers for maximal efficiency. When such an optimal number is used, the cost per sample is constant of molecular size on either many CPUs or many GPUs. (6) The computational cost to obtain a binding energy within a given statistical uncertainty is observed to increase as (tentatively) O(n 4 ) and O(n 5 ) of molecular size (n is the number of electrons) with and without the diagonal approximation, respectively, as opposed to O(n 5 ) and O(n 6 ) of the corresponding deterministic algorithms. With this method applied to the electron binding energies of C 60 , we show that the third-order corrections to the self-energies are much greater in electron binding energies than in ground-state energies. As a result, they display a sign of oscillatory convergence toward experimental results, not necessarily improving the agreement with increasing perturbation order, justifying MC-GF3 and motivating even higher-order methods.

Algorithms↗

The investigation of tethered satellite system dynamics

Tethered satellite system (TSS) dynamics were studied. The dynamic response of the TSS during the entire stationkeeping phase for the first electrodynamic mission was investigated. An out of plane swing amplitude and the tether's bowing were observed. The dynamics of the slack tether was studied and computer code, SLACK2, was improved both in capabilities and computational speed. Speed hazard related to tether breakage or plasma contactor failure was examined. Preliminary values of the potential difference after the failure and of the drop of the electric field along the tether axis have been computed. The update of the satellite rotational dynamics model is initiated.

Lorenzini, E.↗

Coordinated observations of X-ray bright BL Lacertae objects

No new International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations were scheduled. The work on the spectral extraction routine was continued. The computer code was adapted from the RDAF PDP 11/44 computer to a VAX 11/750, in order that it run more quickly. A chapter on ultraviolet observations of blazars for a book celebrating the scientific accomplishment of IUE was written in colloboration. A copy of the final draft is attached.

Urry, C. M.↗

Gravitational radiation from rotating gravitational collapse

The efficiency of gravitational wave emission from axisymmetric rotating collapse to a black hole was found to be very low: Delta E/Mc sq. less than 7 x 10(exp -4). The main waveform shape is well defined and nearly independent of the details of the collapse. Such a signature will allow pattern recognition techniques to be used when searching experimental data. These results (which can be scaled in mass) were obtained using a fully general relativistic computer code that evolves rotating axisymmetric configurations and directly computes their gravitational radiation emission.

Stark, Richard F.↗

Alternate vehicles for engine/vehicle optimization

The space shuttle main engine, full flow staged combustion, integrated modular engine concept, split expander, and expander bleed rocket engine cycles were studied for use on Single-Stage-to-Orbit fully reusable vehicles. The vehicle uses vertical take-off and horizontal landing and liquid hydrogen rockets for propulsion. The PROPSIZE computer code was modified for use on the available computers. Vehicle sizing was done after trajectory optimization for various engine designs. The various rocket engine cycles were compared and it was found that the full flow staged combustion cycle had the lowest vehicle dry mass. The split expander cycle could have advantages in safety and cooling which could make it the preferred choice in some cases. Comparison to previous work with two-stage heavy-lift vehicles showed that the same ranking of the cycles was found for both vehicle concepts.

Venkatasubramanyam, G.↗

Laminated Thin Shell Structures Subjected to Free Vibration in a Hygrothermal Environment

Parametric studies were performed to assess the effects of various parameters on the free-vibration behavior (natural frequencies) of (+/- theta)(sub 2) angle-ply, fiber composite, thin shell structures in a hygrothermal environment. Knowledge of the natural frequencies of structures is important in considering their response to various kinds of excitation, especially when structures and force systems are complex and when excitations are not periodic. The three dimensional, finite element structural analysis computer code CSTEM was used in the Cray YMP computer environment. The fiber composite shell was assumed to be cylindrical and made from T300 graphite fibers embedded in an intermediate-modulus, high-strength matrix. The following parameters were investigated: the length and the laminate thickness of the shell, the fiber orientation, the fiber volume fraction, the temperature profile through the thickness of the laminate, and laminates with different ply thicknesses. The results indicate that the fiber orientation and the length of the laminated shell had significant effects on the natural frequencies. The fiber volume fraction, the laminate thickness, and the temperature profile through the shell thickness had weak effects on the natural frequencies. Finally, the laminates with different ply thicknesses had an insignificant influence on the behavior of the vibrated laminated shell. Also, a single through-the-thickness, eight-node, three dimensional composite finite element analysis appears to be sufficient for investigating the free-vibration behavior of thin, composite, angle-ply shell structures.

Gotsis, Pascal K.↗

Verification and Validation in NASA-CUIP LOX/methane Injector Research Efforts

The NASA-CUIP program is supporting experimental and modeling/computational research efforts investigating wall heat flux characteristics of LOX/methane single-element injectors. A Verification and Validation (V&V) task has begun with the objective of quantifying the degree of accuracy of the models for wall heat flux distributions at specific sets of conditions. The V&V approach used is that being drafted as a standard by the ASME Performance Test Codes Committee, PTC 61: Verification and Validation in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer. The approach is based on well-established concepts from experimental uncertainty analysis. Initially the V&V and uncertainty estimation efforts will use data obtained previously in the same facility using oxygen/hydrogen in single-element injector testing. In this paper the V&V process, experimental facility, and computer code are described, and approaches to estimating the associated uncertainties are discussed.

Coleman, Hugh W.↗

GMRES acceleration of computational fluid dynamics codes

The generalized minimal residual algorithm (GMRES) is a conjugate-gradient like method that applies directly to nonsymmetric linear systems of equations. In this paper, GMRES is modified to handle nonlinear equations characteristic of computational fluid dynamics. Attention is devoted to the concept of preconditioning and the role it plays in assuring rapid convergence. A formulation is developed that allows GMRES to be preconditioned by the solution procedures already built into existing computer codes. Examples are provided that demonstrate the ability of GMRES to greatly improve the robustness and rate of convergence of current state-of-the-art fluid dynamics codes. Theoretical aspects of GMRES are presented that explain why it works. Finally, the advantage GMRES enjoys over related methods such as conjugate gradients are discussed.

Wigton, L. B.↗

Measurements and computational analysis of heat transfer and flow in a simulated turbine blade internal cooling passage

Visual and quantitative information was obtained on heat transfer and flow in a branched-duct test section that had several significant features of an internal cooling passage of a turbine blade. The objective of this study was to generate a set of experimental data that could be used to validate computer codes for internal cooling systems. Surface heat transfer coefficients and entrance flow conditions were measured at entrance Reynolds numbers of 45,000, 335,000, and 726,000. The heat transfer data were obtained using an Inconel heater sheet attached to the surface and coated with liquid crystals. Visual and quantitative flow field results using particle image velocimetry were also obtained for a plane at mid channel height for a Reynolds number of 45,000. The flow was seeded with polystyrene particles and illuminated by a laser light sheet. Computational results were determined for the same configurations and at matching Reynolds numbers; these surface heat transfer coefficients and flow velocities were computed with a commercially available code. The experimental and computational results were compared. Although some general trends did agree, there were inconsistencies in the temperature patterns as well as in the numerical results. These inconsistencies strongly suggest the need for further computational studies on complicated geometries such as the one studied.

Russell, Louis M.↗

Measurements and computational analysis of heat transfer and flow in a simulated turbine blade internal cooling passage

Visual and quantitative information was obtained on heat transfer and flow in a branched-duct test section that had several significant features of an internal cooling passage of a turbine blade. The objective of this study was to generate a set of experimental data that could be used to validate computer codes for internal cooling systems. Surface heat transfer coefficients and entrance flow conditions were measured at entrance Reynolds numbers of 45,000, 335,000, and 726,000. The heat transfer data were obtained using an Inconel heater sheet attached to the surface and coated with liquid crystals. Visual and quantitative flow field results using particle image velocimetry were also obtained for a plane at mid channel height for a Reynolds number of 45,000. The flow was seeded with polystyrene particles and illuminated by a laser light sheet. Computational results were determined for the same configurations and at matching Reynolds numbers; these surface heat transfer coefficients and flow velocities were computed with a commercially available code. The experimental and computational results were compared. Although some general trends did agree, there were inconsistencies in the temperature patterns as well as in the numerical results. These inconsistencies strongly suggest the need for further computational studies on complicated geometries such as the one studied.

Russell, Louis M.↗