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90 records · Page 5

Calculation of radiative properties of nonequilibrium hydrogen plasma

A computer program called NEQRAP is described that calculates the radiative properties of nonequilibrium ionized hydrogen. From the given electron temperature, electron density, and atom density values (which do not necessarily satisfy the equilibrium relationship) and intensities of incident radiation, the non-Boltzmann populations of electronic states are computed by solving the equation of quasi-steady-state population distribution. Emission and absorption coefficients are determined as functions of wavelength by invoking the principle of detailed balance between the upper and lower states of each radiative transition. Radiative transport through the medium is computed assuming a one-dimensional uniform slab. The rate of ionic reaction is also computed. When used on a sample case, the program shows that there is a large difference between the calculated intensities of radiation emitted by a bulk of equilibrium and nonequilibrium hydrogen. The accuracy of the program is estimated to be better than 10%.

Park, C.↗

Lattice Boltzmann Equation On a 2D Rectangular Grid

We construct a multi-relaxation lattice Boltzmann model on a two-dimensional rectangular grid. The model is partly inspired by a previous work of Koelman to construct a lattice BGK model on a two-dimensional rectangular grid. The linearized dispersion equation is analyzed to obtain the constraints on the isotropy of the transport coefficients and Galilean invariance for various wave propagations in the model. The linear stability of the model is also studied. The model is numerically tested for three cases: (a) a vortex moving with a constant velocity on a mesh periodic boundary conditions; (b) Poiseuille flow with an arbitras~y inclined angle with respect to the lattice orientation: and (c) a cylinder &symmetrically placed in a channel. The numerical results of these tests are compared with either analytic solutions or the results obtained by other methods. Satisfactory results are obtained for the numerical simulations.

Bouzidi, MHamed↗

Transition regime droplet growth and evaporation - An integrodifferential variational approach

A variational principle based on the integrodifferential form of the Boltzmann equation, which allows very general forms of the collision integral and of the boundary operator, has been used to compute the mass flux to a spherical particle. For simplicity the problem has been restricted to the one-speed, constant cross-section approximation, the black sphere problem of neutron transport theory. Using the Hilbert expansion of the solution far from the sphere as a trial function leads to a rational expression in the inverse Knudsen number for the extrapolation distance, which is simply related to the number flux to the sphere. A five-term expansion gives results that are no more than 6 percent in error when compared to an accurate numerical solution. The technique can be applied to other forms of the collision model and other boundary conditions.

Cipolla, J. W., Jr.↗

Recommended DSMC Collision Model Parameters for Planetary Entry

Hybrid simulation frameworks combining Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) are frequently employed to efficiently perform high-fidelity simulations of environments consisting of both continuum and rarified flow. DSMC is a stochastic, particle-based method which solves the fundamental Boltzmann equation and is therefore necessary for high-Knudsen flow where continuum-based assumptions governing CFD break down. However, the DSMC methodology is generally computationally inefficient to model the continuum regime. In a CFD/DSMC hybrid approach, obtaining an accurate, high-fidelity solution hinges on the consistent treatment of transport properties and the thermo-chemical models employed within the two solvers. In principle, in regions where CFD and DSMC are both employed, the same gas mixture under the same conditions should have the same properties, regardless of simulation type. Observed differences should be due to non-equilibrium processes, rather than differences in physical models. The goal of this work is to provide a comprehensive DSMC transport database encompassing the vast majority of known gas species encountered during Earth or other planetary atmospheric entry. This goal is largely possible due to recently performed ab initio quantum chemistry calculations. Combined with other high-fidelity data, the planned database will consist of collision integral data for over 200 neutral and ionized species and over 20000 binary collisions. From these collision integrals, Nelder-Mead optimization is used to compute collision-specific Variable Soft Sphere (VSS) collision model parameters, fitted from 300 K to 20000 K. Initial comparisons of transport properties of relevant equilibrium gas mixtures show great agreement between CFD and DSMC-derived results. The completed database can be readily applied to model binary collisions of any gas mixture containing the included species over the specified temperature range, making it a valuable tool for future planetary probe modeling efforts. An example is shown below in Fig. 1. Equilibrium mixture transport properties for a 35-species mixture composed originally of 10% air and 90% pyrolysis species of a carbon-phenolic ablator material [4] are computed using both fitted VSS Parameters and the original CFD collision integral values. Deviations in computed properties between the two approaches are less than 5% for the entire temperature range.

M. R. Gosma↗

Transport coefficients of gaseous ions in an electric field

A general theory of ion mobility formulated by Kihara (1953) is extended to ion diffusion and to mixtures of neutral gases. The theory assumes that only binary collisions between ions and neutral particles need to be taken into account and that the velocity distribution function of the neutral particles is Maxwellian. These assumptions make it possible to use a linearized Boltzmann equation. Questions of mobility are considered along with aspects of diffusion and deviations from Fick's law of diffusion.

Whealton, J. H.↗

Space Radiation Transport Methods Development

Improved spacecraft shield design requires early entry of radiation constraints into the design process to maximize performance and minimize costs. As a result, we have been investigating high-speed computational procedures to allow shield analysis from the preliminary design concepts to the final design. In particular, we will discuss the progress towards a full three-dimensional and computationally efficient deterministic code for which the current HZETRN evaluates the lowest order asymptotic term. HZETRN is the first deterministic solution to the Boltzmann equation allowing field mapping within the International Space Station (ISS) in tens of minutes using standard Finite Element Method (FEM) geometry common to engineering design practice enabling development of integrated multidisciplinary design optimization methods. A single ray trace in ISS FEM geometry requires 14 milliseconds and severely limits application of Monte Carlo methods to such engineering models. A potential means of improving the Monte Carlo efficiency in coupling to spacecraft geometry is given in terms of reconfigurable computing and could be utilized in the final design as verification of the deterministic method optimized design.

Wilson, J. W.↗

A space radiation transport method development

Improved spacecraft shield design requires early entry of radiation constraints into the design process to maximize performance and minimize costs. As a result, we have been investigating high-speed computational procedures to allow shield analysis from the preliminary design concepts to the final design. In particular, we will discuss the progress towards a full three-dimensional and computationally efficient deterministic code for which the current HZETRN evaluates the lowest-order asymptotic term. HZETRN is the first deterministic solution to the Boltzmann equation allowing field mapping within the International Space Station (ISS) in tens of minutes using standard finite element method (FEM) geometry common to engineering design practice enabling development of integrated multidisciplinary design optimization methods. A single ray trace in ISS FEM geometry requires 14 ms and severely limits application of Monte Carlo methods to such engineering models. A potential means of improving the Monte Carlo efficiency in coupling to spacecraft geometry is given in terms of re-configurable computing and could be utilized in the final design as verification of the deterministic method optimized design. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

NASA Center JSC↗

Computing Interactions Of Free-Space Radiation With Matter

High Charge and Energy Transport (HZETRN) computer program computationally efficient, user-friendly package of software adressing problem of transport of, and shielding against, radiation in free space. Designed as "black box" for design engineers not concerned with physics of underlying atomic and nuclear radiation processes in free-space environment, but rather primarily interested in obtaining fast and accurate dosimetric information for design and construction of modules and devices for use in free space. Computational efficiency achieved by unique algorithm based on deterministic approach to solution of Boltzmann equation rather than computationally intensive statistical Monte Carlo method. Written in FORTRAN.

Wilson, J. W.↗

HZETRN: A heavy ion/nucleon transport code for space radiations

The galactic heavy ion transport code (GCRTRN) and the nucleon transport code (BRYNTRN) are integrated into a code package (HZETRN). The code package is computer efficient and capable of operating in an engineering design environment for manned deep space mission studies. The nuclear data set used by the code is discussed including current limitations. Although the heavy ion nuclear cross sections are assumed constant, the nucleon-nuclear cross sections of BRYNTRN with full energy dependence are used. The relation of the final code to the Boltzmann equation is discussed in the context of simplifying assumptions. Error generation and propagation is discussed, and comparison is made with simplified analytic solutions to test numerical accuracy of the final results. A brief discussion of biological issues and their impact on fundamental developments in shielding technology is given.

Wilson, John W.↗

Direct simulation of rarefied hypersonic flows

As the capability of the space transportation vehicles (STV's) expand to meet the requirements for future space exploration and utilization, the effects of rarefied hypersonic flows will play a more significant role in defining the aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic performance of STV's. This is particularly true of the low lift/drag aeroassisted STV's where aerobraking occurs at relatively high altitudes and high velocity. Because of the limitations of the continuum description as expressed by the Navier-Stokes equations and the difficulties of solving the Boltzmann equation, the particle of molecular approach has been developed over the last three decades for modeling rarefied gas effects. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method of Bird is the most used method today for simulating rarefied flows. The DSMC method provides a direct physical simulation as opposed to a numerical solution of a set of model equations. This is accomplished by developing phenomenological models of the relevant physical events. The DSMC method accounts for translational, thermal, chemical, and radiative nonequilibrium effects. The general features of the DSMC method, the numerical requirements for obtaining meaningful results, the modeling used to simulate high temperature gas effects, and applications of the method to calculate the flow about an aeroassist flight experiment vehicle (AFE) are reviewed. The AFE simulates a geosynchronous return while entering the Earth's upper atmosphere at approximately 10 km/s. Results obtained using a general 3-D code are presented for the more rarefied portion of the atmospheric encounter (altitudes of 200 to 100 km) emphasizing surface, flowfield, and aerodynamic characteristics of the AFE. Finally, results obtained using axisymmetric and 1-D versions of the code are presented for lower altitude conditions.

Moss, James N.↗

Application of closed-form solutions to a mesh point field in silicon solar cells

A computer simulation method is discussed that provides for equivalent simulation accuracy, but that exhibits significantly lower CPU running time per bias point compared to other techniques. This new method is applied to a mesh point field as is customary in numerical integration (NI) techniques. The assumption of a linear approximation for the dependent variable, which is typically used in the finite difference and finite element NI methods, is not required. Instead, the set of device transport equations is applied to, and the closed-form solutions obtained for, each mesh point. The mesh point field is generated so that the coefficients in the set of transport equations exhibit small changes between adjacent mesh points. Application of this method to high-efficiency silicon solar cells is described; and the method by which Auger recombination, ambipolar considerations, built-in and induced electric fields, bandgap narrowing, carrier confinement, and carrier diffusivities are treated. Bandgap narrowing has been investigated using Fermi-Dirac statistics, and these results show that bandgap narrowing is more pronounced and that it is temperature-dependent in contrast to the results based on Boltzmann statistics.

Lamorte, M. F.↗

A Study of Green's Function Methods Applied to Space Radiation Protection

The purpose of this research was to study the propagation of galactic ions through various materials. Galactic light ions result from the break up of heavy ion particles and their propagation through materials is modeled using the one-dimensional Boltzmann equation. When ions enter materials there can occur (i) the interaction of ions with orbital electrons which causes ionization within the material and (ii) ions collide with atoms causing production of secondary particles which penetrate deeper within the material. These processes are modeled by a continuum model. The basic idea is to place a control volume within the material and examine the change in ion flux across this control volume. In this way on can derive the basic equations for the transport of light and heavy ions in matter. Green's function perturbation methods can then be employed to solve the resulting equations using energy dependent nuclear cross sections.

Heinbockel, John H.↗

On the energy deposition of photoelectrons in the atmosphere of Venus

Vertical components of photoelectron fluxes in the atmosphere of Venus are computed by solving an appropriate form of the Boltzmann equation in the cases where there is no flux of either photoelectrons or solar-wind particles across the ionopause and where photoelectrons are free to escape from the atmosphere. It is assumed that Venus has no magnetic field and that the atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide, atomic oxygen, and helium. The results are plotted as a function of altitude for several energies in the range from 100 eV to a cutoff of the order of 1 eV. Heating rates for the two upper boundary conditions and the case of no spatial transport are determined which show that transport effects dominate at altitudes greater than about 200 km. Electron temperatures are calculated for the adopted model atmosphere and ionosphere by solving the pertinent conservation equation, and excitation rates are computed for the CO Cameron band as well as the CO2(+) A and B bands.

Mccormick, P. T.↗

Electrical double layers at the oil/water interface

This review presents the historical development and current status of the theory of the electrical double layer at a liquid/liquid interface. It gives rigorous thermodynamic definitions of all basic concepts related to liquid interfaces and to the electrical double layer. The difference between the surface of a solid electrode and the interface of two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) is analyzed in connection to their electrical properties. The most important classical relationships for the electrical double layer are presented and critically discussed. The generalized adsorption isotherm is derived. After a short review of the classical Gouy-Chapman and Verwey-Niessen models, more recent developments of the double layer theory are presented. These include effects of variable dielectric permittivity, nonlocal electrostatics, hydration forces, the modified Poisson-Boltzmann equation and the ion-dipole plasma. The relative merits of different theories are estimated by comparing them with computer simulation of the ITIES and electrical double layer. Special attention is given to the structure of ITIES and its variation due to adsorption of ions and amphiphilic molecules.

Non-NASA Center↗

A unifying comparison of nearly scatter free transport models

Gombosi et al. (1993) recently derived a modified telegrapher's equation for charged particle transport under the influence of isotropic scattering. This equation obeys causality and disallows upstream diffusion for particles with random velocities smaller than the bulk flow velocity. The acausal diffusion equation was obtained to lowest order in the expansion of smallness prameters. The paper by Gombosi et al. (1993) prompted responses from Pauls et al. (1993) and Earl (1993). This paper is written to explain the differences between the methods, assumptions, and results of Gombosi et al. (1993), Pauls et al. (1993), and Earl (1993) and presents a new method of obtaining approximate solutions. It is shown that the assumptions used by Gombosi et al. (1993) and Pauls et al. (1993) are physically equivalent. In our solution method, the solution of the modified telegrapher's equation is obtained as the casual limit of solutions accurate to second order in the smallness parameter expansion. In order to investigate the coherent velocity, we have also developed `wavenumber eigenfunctions' which account for all the pitch angle dependence in our Boltzmann equation. Using truncation, Earl (1993) obtains approximations for the wavenumber dependence of the lowest two frequency modes, which correspond to two of the wavenumber eigenmodes. We find that a consequence of including only two wavenumber eigenmodes is that one obtains solutions which disobey causality at sufficiently short times. Furthermore, the coherent velocity of the two eigenmodes is strongly dependent on wavenumber and approaches the particle velocity in the limit of large wavenumber for both isotropic and anisotropic scattering processes. We conclude that Earl's (1993) solutions and solutions obtained using the new solution method implicitly assume weak acausality and reasonable behavior in the temporal regime, t less than 4 tau. The solutions are not strictly consistent with the behavior of the lowest two frequency modes but have similar behavior in the regime of low wavenumber.

Schwadron, N. A.↗

Fluid Creep Effects on Near-Wall Solute Transport for Non-Isothermal Ampoules

There is a growing practical and theoretical interest in developing accurate macroscopic modelling for flows arising in chemical or physical vapor transport (VT) crystal growth experiments, including those conducted in reduced gravity environments. Rosner was the first person to point out that previously neglected rarefield gas dynamics phenomena (Stefan and bouyancy-driven flows) become rather important sources of convection. In particular, the combination of rarefaction and strong gradients of temperature (and/or concentration) tangential to the side-walls of the ampoule induces convective flows known as thermal (and concentration) 'creep' respectively. His order-of-magnitude estimates revealed that thermal creep effects can be non-negligible even at normal gravitational levels. On the macroscopic level, the bulk fluid mechanics can be adequately described by the familiar macroscopic equations as long as the boundary conditions are modified to account for the integrated effect of kinetic boundary layers adjacent to solid boundaries. Motivated by the growing importance of these phenomena, we have embarked on a series of computational studies to elucidate these fundamental creep-induced effects for a rarefied gas in simple, two-dimensional confined geometries. However, unlike previous related studies, we resort to a microscopic description of the gas, mathematically expressed by the Boltzmann integro-differential equation. We employ the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method of Bird, the theoretical foundations and several practical applications. In the case of thermally induced flows, the no-time counter method of Bird is used, as implemented for a hard-sphere gas. The scheme has been also extended to account for realistic molecular interaction models, an extension necessary if the diffusion physics underlying concentration creep are to be captured.

Papadopoulos, Dimitrios↗

Update on the Status of the FLUKA Monte Carlo Transport Code

The FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code is a well-known simulation tool in High Energy Physics. FLUKA is a dynamic tool in the sense that it is being continually updated and improved by the authors. Here we review the progresses achieved in the last year on the physics models. From the point of view of hadronic physics, most of the effort is still in the field of nucleus--nucleus interactions. The currently available version of FLUKA already includes the internal capability to simulate inelastic nuclear interactions beginning with lab kinetic energies of 100 MeV/A up the the highest accessible energies by means of the DPMJET-II.5 event generator to handle the interactions for greater than 5 GeV/A and rQMD for energies below that. The new developments concern, at high energy, the embedding of the DPMJET-III generator, which represent a major change with respect to the DPMJET-II structure. This will also allow to achieve a better consistency between the nucleus-nucleus section with the original FLUKA model for hadron-nucleus collisions. Work is also in progress to implement a third event generator model based on the Master Boltzmann Equation approach, in order to extend the energy capability from 100 MeV/A down to the threshold for these reactions. In addition to these extended physics capabilities, structural changes to the programs input and scoring capabilities are continually being upgraded. In particular we want to mention the upgrades in the geometry packages, now capable of reaching higher levels of abstraction. Work is also proceeding to provide direct import into ROOT of the FLUKA output files for analysis and to deploy a user-friendly GUI input interface.

Pinsky, L.↗

The FLUKA code for space applications: recent developments

The FLUKA Monte Carlo transport code is widely used for fundamental research, radioprotection and dosimetry, hybrid nuclear energy system and cosmic ray calculations. The validity of its physical models has been benchmarked against a variety of experimental data over a wide range of energies, ranging from accelerator data to cosmic ray showers in the earth atmosphere. The code is presently undergoing several developments in order to better fit the needs of space applications. The generation of particle spectra according to up-to-date cosmic ray data as well as the effect of the solar and geomagnetic modulation have been implemented and already successfully applied to a variety of problems. The implementation of suitable models for heavy ion nuclear interactions has reached an operational stage. At medium/high energy FLUKA is using the DPMJET model. The major task of incorporating heavy ion interactions from a few GeV/n down to the threshold for inelastic collisions is also progressing and promising results have been obtained using a modified version of the RQMD-2.4 code. This interim solution is now fully operational, while waiting for the development of new models based on the FLUKA hadron-nucleus interaction code, a newly developed QMD code, and the implementation of the Boltzmann master equation theory for low energy ion interactions. c2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-NASA Center↗