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At least 91 records · Page 5

Coherent structures in transitional and turbulent free shear flows

The development of a quantitative understanding of large-scale coherent structures in shear flows has led to the recognition of their evolutionary features and 'rules' of nonlinear interaction among each other. These determinations, in conjunction with the study of fine-grained turbulence and mean motion, constitute a general view of hydrodynamical instabilities that has resulted in useful concepts for the achievement of shear-flow control. The dynamical role of longitudinal structures in free shear flows is presently exemplified by the axisymmetric and helical modes in a round jet, which resemble the two-dimensional and spanwise-periodic three-dimensional modes in a two-dimensional mean flow.

Liu, J. T. C.↗

Wedge and Conical Probes for the Instantaneous Measurement of Free-Stream Flow Quantities at Supersonic Speeds

Wedge and conical shaped probes for the measurement of free-stream flow quantities at supersonic speeds have been tested in both wind tunnel and flight. These probes have improved capabilities over similar ones used in the past. Through the use of miniature pressure sensors, that are located inside the probes, they are able to provide instantaneous measurements of a time-varying environment. Detailed herein are the results of the tests in NASA Langley Researcher Center s Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) at Mach numbers of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0, as well as flight tests carried out at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) on its F-15 aircraft up to Mach numbers of 1.9. In the flight tests the probes were attached to a fixture on the underside of the F-15 fuselage. Problems controlling the velocity of the flow through the conical probe, required for accurate temperature measurements, are noted, as well as some calibration problems of the miniature pressure sensors that impact the accuracy of the measurements.

Bobbitt, Percy J.↗

Investigation of supersonic modes and three-dimensionality in bounded, free shear flows

It is found through two-dimensional temporal simulations of high-speed free shear layers that mean flow distortion is significantly increased when supersonic disturbances are introduced as initial conditions. The shear layer exhibits no subharmonic growth or roll-up, but rather a spectral broadening as energy is distributed into higher harmonics. Increasing the velocity of one side of the mixing layer (u2) to roughly 1/5 the speed of the high speed side (u1), allows a slight subharmonic growth at a very slow rate for two-dimensional modes. A first look at three-dimensional free shear flows is also presented for M = 2. No effect is seen for incompressible flow; however, stabilization is seen with respect to maximum temporal growth rates as the transverse velocity is increased. A much stronger, but similar effect is seen if u2 is increased. The wave direction of maximum growth for u2 is greater than 0.4 is found to be the direction of the faster stream (u1) over a broad range of transverse velocities.

Macaraeg, Michele G.↗

Large-scale coherent structures in free turbulent flows and their aerodynamic sound

After interpreting the observed physical features of large-scale coherent structures in free shear flows on the basis of conservation principles, the role of such structures in sources of turbulent jet sound is discussed. It is found that the lower-frequency sound, which comes from lower-frequency coherent structures peaking further downstream, radiates preferentially nearer the jet axis; the peak radiation moves away from the jet axis as the frequency increases.

Liu, J. T. C.↗

Gas Flux and Density Surrounding a Cylindrical Aperture in the Free Molecular Flow Regime

The equations for rigorously calculating the particle flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture in the free molecular flow regime are developed and presented. The fundamental equations for particle flux and density from a reservoir and a diffusely reflecting surface will initially be developed. Assumptions will include a Maxwell-Boltzmann speed distribution, equal particle and wall temperatures, and a linear flux distribution along the cylindrical aperture walls. With this information, the equations for axial flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture will be developed. The cylindrical aperture will be divided into multiple volumes and regions to rigorously determine the surrounding axial flux and density, and appropriate limits of integration will be determined. The results of these equations will then be evaluated. The linear wall flux distribution assumption will be assessed. The axial flux and density surrounding a cylindrical aperture with a thickness-to-radius ratio of 1.25 will be presented. Finally, the equations determined in this study will be verified using multiple methods.

Soulas, George C.↗

Balancing renewable energy and river resources by moving from individual assessments of hydropower projects to energy system planning

As governments and non-state actors strive to minimize global warming, a primary strategy is the decarbonization of power systems which will require a massive increase in renewable electricity generation. Leading energy agencies forecast a doubling of global hydropower capacity as part of that necessary expansion of renewables. While hydropower provides generally low-carbon generation and can integrate variable renewables, such as wind and solar, into electrical grids, hydropower dams are one of the primary reasons that only one-third of the world’s major rivers remain free-flowing. This loss of free-flowing rivers has contributed to dramatic declines of migratory fish and sediment delivery to agriculturally productive deltas. Further, the reservoirs behind dams have displaced tens of millions of people. Thus, hydropower challenges the world’s efforts to meet climate targets while simultaneously achieving other Sustainable Development Goals. In this paper, we explore strategies to achieve the needed renewable energy expansion while sustaining the diverse social and environmental benefits of rivers. These strategies can be implemented at scales ranging from the individual project (environmental flows, fish passage and other site-level mitigation) to hydropower cascades to river basins and regional electrical power systems. While we review evidence that project-level management and mitigation can reduce environmental and social costs, we posit that the most effective scale for finding balanced solutions occurs at the scale of power systems. We further hypothesize that the pursuit of solutions at the system scale can also provide benefits for investors, developers and governments; evidence of benefits to these actors will be necessary for achieving broad uptake of the approaches described in this paper. We test this hypothesis through cases from Chile and Uganda that demonstrate the potential for system-scale power planning to allow countries to meet low-carbon energy targets with power systems that avoid damming high priority rivers (e.g., those that would cause conflicts with other social and environmental benefits) for a similar system cost as status quo approaches. We also show that, through reduction of risk and potential conflict, strategic planning of hydropower site selection can improve financial performance for investors and developers, with a case study from Colombia.

Opperman, Jeffrey J.↗

Computed Turbulent Free Shear Flow Of Air

Standard k-epsilon model of turbulence yields fairly accurate results. Symposium paper discusses numerical simulation of turbulent free shear flow of nonreacting compressible fluid. Ability to compute such flows essential to advances in design.

Viegas, J. R.↗

On the mechanism of turbulence suppression in free shear flows under acoustic excitation

Acoustic excitation at certain high frequencies has been known to suppress large amplitude fluctuations otherwise occurring naturally in various free shear flows. The phenomenon has been observed in flows with initially laminar or transitional boundary layers. An experimental investigation is conducted to consider two possibilities in regards to the mechanism of the effect. (1) The natural shear layer is self excited by the instability waves already developed in the upstream boundary layer. This is overridden when the shear layer is excited at its maximally unstable mode, causing the observed decrease in the intensities downstream. (2) The upstream boundary layer is in a transitional or buffeted laminar state, characterized by large amplitude unsteady fluctuations, which force the large fluctuations downstream. Excitation trips the upstream boundary layer to full turbulence, reduces the unsteady fluctuations, and thus causes the observed suppression of the intensities throughout the flowfield. The present experimental results refute either of these possibilities to be the general mechanism of the effect.

Zaman, K. B. M. Q.↗

On the mechanism of turbulence suppression in free shear flows under acoustic excitation

Acoustic excitation at certain high frequencies has been known to suppress large amplitude fluctuations otherwise occurring naturally in various free shear flows. The phenomenon has been observed in flows with initially laminar or transitional boundary layers. An experimental investigation is conducted to consider two possibilities in regards to the mechanism of the effect. (1) The natural shear layer is self excited by the instability waves already developed in the upstream boundary layer. This is overridden when the shear layer is excited at its maximally unstable mode, causing the observed decrease in the intensities downstream. (2) The upstream boundary layer is in a transitional or buffeted laminar state, characterized by large amplitude unsteady fluctuations, which force the large fluctuations downstream. Excitation trips the upstream boundary layer to full turbulence, reduces the unsteady fluctuations, and thus causes the observed suppression of the intensities throughout the flowfield. The present experimental results refute either of these possibilities to be the general mechanism of the effect.

Zaman, K. B. M. Q.↗

Computing Incompressible Flows With Free Surfaces

RIPPLE computer program models transient, two-dimensional flows of incompressible fluids with surface tension on free surfaces of general shape. Surface tension modeled as volume force derived from continuum-surface-force model, giving RIPPLE both robustness and accuracy in modeling surface-tension effects at free surface. Also models wall adhesion effects. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Kothe, D.↗

AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder flowability is critical to metal 3D printing, because the more fluid the powder is, the better powder spreads. The NASA MSFC’s Contamination Control Team (CCT) studies density, flow, particle size distribution, and morphology for programs such as Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), ASTM Proficiency Testing for AM and Powder Metallurgy, and MSFC’s AM team. Examining and measuring powder characteristics is essential for improving flowability of AM powder and ensuring lot-to-lot consistency, which will help to prevent defects in manufactured parts. The CCT uses several methods to characterize AM powder. Optical particle size distribution and morphology analyses determine particle parameters including size, circularity, convexity, and dimensions. The Carney and Hall Flowmeter Funnel measures time it takes powder to flow through a funnel to compare relative flowability (free-flowing and non-free-flowing). In addition to this, the device utilizes a density cup which determines apparent density. Lastly, the Revolution Powder Analyzer measures dynamic powder flowability and behavior over time via digital imaging. Using the CCT’s lab, the team has produced ASTM Powder Proficiency Testing results with flow rates, apparent density, particle size distribution, and tap density on titanium-based and nickel-based powder and compared data with other companies/labs. Morphology data was also collected for various regolith simulant powder for the MMPACT program. Lastly, the CCT used morphology data to examine the flowability of Inconel 718 powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers at MSFC. The CCT’s essential work in studying and enabling AM powder characterization has helped and will continue to help study new and refined powders in the AM industry.

Additive Manufacturing↗

AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder flowability is critical to metal 3D printing, because the more fluid the powder is, the better powder spreads. AM Powder Flowability Capabilities at NASA MSFC studies density, flow, particle size distribution, and morphology for programs such as Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), ASTM Proficiency Testing for AM and Powder Metallurgy, and MSFC’s AM team. Examining and measuring powder characteristics is essential for improving flowability of AM powder and ensuring lot-to-lot consistency, which will help to prevent defects in manufactured parts. The Contamination Control Team (CCT) uses several methods to characterize AM powder. Optical particle size distribution and morphology analyses determine particle parameters including size, circularity, convexity, and dimensions. The Carney and Hall Flowmeter Funnel measures time it takes powder to flow through a funnel to compare relative flowability (free-flowing and non-free-flowing). In addition to this, the device utilizes a density cup which determines apparent density. Lastly, the Revolution Powder Analyzer measures dynamic powder flowability and behavior over time via digital imaging. Using the CCT’s lab, the team has produced ASTM Powder Proficiency Testing results with flow rates, apparent density, particle size distribution, and tap density on titanium-based and nickel-based powder and compared data with other companies/labs. Morphology data was also collected for various regolith simulant powder for the MMPACT program. Lastly, the CCT used morphology data to examine the flowability of Inconel 718 powder for Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers at MSFC. The CCT’s essential work in studying and enabling AM powder characterization has helped and will continue to help study new and refined powders in the AM industry.

Additive Manufacturing↗

Direct simulation of polymer drag reduction in free shear flows and vortex dipoles

One of the most efficient techniques for drag reduction is the injection of polymers near a wall which can achieve a reduction in drag up to 80 percent. Several experimental observations tend to indicate that polymers modify the turbulence structures within the buffer layer and show that the changes consist of a weakening of the strength of the streamwise vortices. In this paper, we investigate the effects of viscoelasticity on two different types of flows: the vortex dipole impinging walls to model streamwise vortices in a turbulent boundary layer and the mixing layer that represents free shear flows. For this purpose, we examined three different rheological models: the Oldroyd-B model, the Jeffrey's corotational model, and the FENE-P model.

Orlandi, P.↗