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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 991 records · Page 55

Application of an optimization method to high performance propeller designs

The application of an optimization method to determine the propeller blade twist distribution which maximizes propeller efficiency is presented. The optimization employs a previously developed method which has been improved to include the effects of blade drag, camber and thickness. Before the optimization portion of the computer code is used, comparisons of calculated propeller efficiencies and power coefficients are made with experimental data for one NACA propeller at Mach numbers in the range of 0.24 to 0.50 and another NACA propeller at a Mach number of 0.71 to validate the propeller aerodynamic analysis portion of the computer code. Then comparisons of calculated propeller efficiencies for the optimized and the original propellers show the benefits of the optimization method in improving propeller performance. This method can be applied to the aerodynamic design of propellers having straight, swept, or nonplanar propeller blades.

Li, K. C.↗

Forward-Swept Fan Flutter Calculated Using TURBO Code

Flutter, a self-excited dynamic instability arising because of fluid structure interaction, can be a significant design problem for rotor blades in gas turbines. Blade shapes influenced by noise-reduction requirements increase the likelihood of flutter in modern blade designs. Validated numerical methods provide designers an invaluable tool to calculate and avoid the flutter instability during the design phase. Toward this objective, a flutter analysis code, TURBO, was developed and validated by researchers from the NASA Glenn Research Center and other researchers working under grants and contracts with Glenn. The TURBO code, which is based on unsteady three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations was used to calculate the observed flutter of a forward-swept fan. The forward-swept experimental fan, designed to reduce noise, showed flutter at part-speed conditions during wind tunnel tests.

Srivastava, Rakesh↗

SLS Navigation Model-Based Design Approach

The SLS Program chose to implement a Model-based Design and Model-based Requirements approach for managing component design information and system requirements. This approach differs from previous large-scale design efforts at Marshall Space Flight Center where design documentation alone conveyed information required for vehicle design and analysis and where extensive requirements sets were used to scope and constrain the design. The SLS Navigation Team has been responsible for the Program-controlled Design Math Models (DMMs) which describe and represent the performance of the Inertial Navigation System (INS) and the Rate Gyro Assemblies (RGAs) used by Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GN&C). The SLS Navigation Team is also responsible for the navigation algorithms. The navigation algorithms are delivered for implementation on the flight hardware as a DMM. For the SLS Block 1-B design, the additional GPS Receiver hardware is managed as a DMM at the vehicle design level. This paper provides a discussion of the processes and methods used to engineer, design, and coordinate engineering trades and performance assessments using SLS practices as applied to the GN&C system, with a particular focus on the Navigation components. These include composing system requirements, requirements verification, model development, model verification and validation, and modeling and analysis approaches. The Model-based Design and Requirements approach does not reduce the effort associated with the design process versus previous processes used at Marshall Space Flight Center. Instead, the approach takes advantage of overlap between the requirements development and management process, and the design and analysis process by efficiently combining the control (i.e. the requirement) and the design mechanisms. The design mechanism is the representation of the component behavior and performance in design and analysis tools. The focus in the early design process shifts from the development and management of design requirements to the development of usable models, model requirements, and model verification and validation efforts. The models themselves are represented in C/C++ code and accompanying data files. Under the idealized process, potential ambiguity in specification is reduced because the model must be implementable versus a requirement which is not necessarily subject to this constraint. Further, the models are shown to emulate the hardware during validation. For models developed by the Navigation Team, a common interface/standalone environment was developed. The common environment allows for easy implementation in design and analysis tools. Mechanisms such as unit test cases ensure implementation as the developer intended. The model verification and validation process provides a very high level of component design insight. The origin and implementation of the SLS variant of Model-based Design is described from the perspective of the SLS Navigation Team. The format of the models and the requirements are described. The Model-based Design approach has many benefits but is not without potential complications. Key lessons learned associated with the implementation of the Model Based Design approach and process from infancy to verification and certification are discussed

Oliver, T. Emerson↗

Program ELM: A tool for rapid thermal-hydraulic analysis of solid-core nuclear rocket fuel elements

This report reviews the state of the art of thermal-hydraulic analysis codes and presents a new code, Program ELM, for analysis of fuel elements. ELM is a concise computational tool for modeling the steady-state thermal-hydraulics of propellant flow through fuel element coolant channels in a nuclear thermal rocket reactor with axial coolant passages. The program was developed as a tool to swiftly evaluate various heat transfer coefficient and friction factor correlations generated for turbulent pipe flow with heat addition which have been used in previous programs. Thus, a consistent comparison of these correlations was performed, as well as a comparison with data from the NRX reactor experiments from the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA) project. This report describes the ELM Program algorithm, input/output, and validation efforts and provides a listing of the code.

Walton, James T.↗

Noise of Embedded High Aspect Ratio Nozzles

A family of high aspect ratio nozzles were designed to provide a parametric database of canonical embedded propulsion concepts. Nozzle throat geometries with aspect ratios of 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1 were chosen, all with convergent nozzle areas. The transition from the typical round duct to the rectangular nozzle was designed very carefully to produce a flow at the nozzle exit that was uniform and free from swirl. Once the basic rectangular nozzles were designed, external features common to embedded propulsion systems were added: extended lower lip (a.k.a. bevel, aft deck), differing sidewalls, and chevrons. For the latter detailed Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were made to predict the thrust performance and to optimize parameters such as bevel length, and chevron penetration and azimuthal curvature. Seventeen of these nozzles were fabricated at a scale providing a 2.13 inch diameter equivalent area throat." ! The seventeen nozzles were tested for far-field noise and a few data were presented here on the effect of aspect ratio, bevel length, and chevron count and penetration. The sound field of the 2:1 aspect ratio rectangular jet was very nearly axisymmetric, but the 4:1 and 8:1 were not, the noise on their minor axes being louder than the major axes. Adding bevel length increased the noise of these nozzles, especially on their minor axes, both toward the long and short sides of the beveled nozzle. Chevrons were only added to the 2:1 rectangular jet. Adding 4 chevrons per wide side produced some decrease at aft angles, but increased the high frequency noise at right angles to the jet flow. This trend increased with increasing chevron penetration. Doubling the number of chevrons while maintaining their penetration decreased these effects. Empirical models of the parametric effect of these nozzles were constructed and quantify the trends stated above." Because it is the objective of the Supersonics Project that future design work be done more by physics-based computations and less by experiments, several codes under development were evaluated against these test cases. Preliminary results show that the RANS-based code JeNo predicts the spectral directivity of the low aspect ratio jets well, but has no capability to predict the non-axisymmetry. An effort to address this limitations, used in the RANS-based code of Leib and Goldstein, overpredicted the impact of aspect ratio. The broadband shock noise code RISN, also limited to axisymmetric assumptions, did a good job of predicting the spectral directivity of underexpanded 2:1 cold jet case but was not as successful on high aspect ratio jets, particularly when they are hot. All results are preliminary because the underlying CFD has not been validated yet. An effort using a Large Eddy Simulation code by Stanford University predicted noise that agreed with experiments to within a few dB.

Bridges, James E.↗

Summary of EASM Turbulence Models in CFL3D With Validation Test Cases

This paper summarizes the Explicit Algebraic Stress Model in k-omega form (EASM-ko) and in k-epsilon form (EASM-ke) in the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes code CFL3D. These models have been actively used over the last several years in CFL3D, and have undergone some minor modifications during that time. Details of the equations and method for coding the latest versions of the models are given, and numerous validation cases are presented. This paper serves as a validation archive for these models.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗

The validation and application of numerical modelling to supersonic mixing and reacting flows

This study demonstrates that the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code GASP can be used to predict the features for flowfields representative of scramjet combustors. The validation program undertaken was composed of two parts: a low enthalpy mixing study and a simplified autoignition study. The low enthalpy mixing study was done using low angle helium injection into a Mach 6 airstream over a flat plate. Both matched and overpressurized injection cases were numerically modelled. The agreement with experimental data for the farfield bulk mixing in both cases was reasonable. The combustion studies modelled premixed hydrogen-air reaction with the results being evaluated qualitatively. GASP proved to be highly sensitive to the chemical species present for flow near the ignition temperature, but provided reasonable qualitative results for a subsonic flameholder model.

Vitt, Paul H.↗

Jet-A reaction mechanism study for combustion application

Simplified chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms for the combustion of Jet A fuel are studied. Initially 40 reacting species and 118 elementary chemical reactions were chosen based on the literature review of previous works. Through a sensitivity analysis with the use of LSENS General Kinetics and Sensitivity Analysis Code, 16 species and 21 elementary chemical reactions were determined from this study. This mechanism is first justified by comparison of calculated ignition delay time with available shock tube data, then it is validated by comparison of calculated emissions from plug flow reactor code with in-house flame tube data.

Lee, Chi-Ming↗

SPHINX: An SEP Model Validation Infrastructure developed through Community Challenges and the SEP Scoreboards

Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events are interesting from a scientific perspective as they are the product of a broad set of physical processes from the corona out through the extent of the heliosphere, and provide insight into processes of particle acceleration and transport that are widely applicable in astrophysics. From the operations perspective, SEP events pose a radiation hazard for aviation, electronics in space, and human space exploration, in particular for missions outside of the Earth’s protective magnetosphere including to the Moon and Mars (Whitman et al 2022). For these reasons, SEP modelers have developed a rich and diverse set of models with a wide variety of aims. Some models probe the basic physics at the heart of particle acceleration and transport. Others produce fast statistical forecasts or employ disruptive new techniques like Machine Learning with the goal to assist end users in making operational decisions. To enable a consistent and quantitative understanding of SEP model performance, a generalized, automated validation infrastructure, called SPHINX, is being developed at NASA SRAG in close collaboration with NASA CCMC, NASA M2M, NOAA SWPC, and BIRA-IASB. This infrastructure has been built up through a multi-year community challenge. Starting in 2018 at the SHINE workshop, an effort was launched through SHINE, ISWAT, and ESWW to encourage quantitative, comprehensive, and consistent validation of SEP models. This effort has defined a set of challenge SEP events with the aim of generating quantitative comparisons between forecasts and observations and a set of challenge “non-events” to assess false alarms. In 2023, these challenge lists have been extended to statistically significant numbers with a prescribed set of rules for producing forecasts and supported through the dedicated SEPVAL working meetings. The participation of the research community has allowed the infrastructure to validate all the types of outputs being produced by SEP models. In parallel, the SPHINX code is being applied to real time forecasts submitted to the SEP Scoreboards, ensuring that the validation infrastructure can interpret forecasts produced in an operational scenario and provide metrics meaningful for operations. Upon completion, SPHINX and its interactive user interface, SPHINX-Web, will be made available for public use.

space weather↗

CNSFV code development, virtual zone Navier-Stokes computations of oscillating control surfaces and computational support of the laminar flow supersonic wind tunnel

The work performed during the past year on this cooperative agreement covered two major areas and two lesser ones. The two major items included further development and validation of the Compressible Navier-Stokes Finite Volume (CNSFV) code and providing computational support for the Laminar Flow Supersonic Wind Tunnel (LFSWT). The two lesser items involve a Navier-Stokes simulation of an oscillating control surface at transonic speeds and improving the basic algorithm used in the CNSFV code for faster convergence rates and more robustness. The work done in all four areas is in support of the High Speed Research Program at NASA Ames Research Center.

Klopfer, Goetz H.↗

The HiVY Tool Set

Our aim is to validate mission-specific components of spacecraft flight software designs that are specified using state-charts and translated automatically to the final flight code for the mission. We established an automatic translation tool set from state-charts to SPIN for the validation of such mission-specific components. To guarantee compliance with autogenerated flight code, our translation tool set preserves the StateFlow@ semantics. We are now able to specify and validate portions of mission-critical software design and implementation using the exhaustive exploration techniques of model checking.

stateflow↗

Overview of CFD flow modeling and validation: NASA. Ames Research Center

NASA Ames Center personnel presented data on stages of code development and corresponding experiments in the application of computational fluid dynamics for aeronautical investigations. Specific subjects included algorithms, grid generation, facilities, instrumentation, and data acquisition. Numerical simulation and flow modelling were described to show the procedure for calibration and validation.

Marvin, Joe G.↗

Implementation of a Blowing Boundary Condition in the LAURA Code

Preliminary steps toward modeling a coupled ablation problem using a finite-volume Navier-Stokes code (LAURA) are presented in this paper. Implementation of a surface boundary condition with mass transfer (blowing) is described followed by verification and validation through comparisons with analytic results and experimental data. Application of the code to a carbon-nosetip ablation problem is demonstrated and the results are compared with previously published data. It is concluded that the code and coupled procedure are suitable to support further ablation analyses and studies.

Thompson, Richard a.↗

Identification of phenological stages and vegetative types for land use classification

The author has identified the following significant results. Multispectral reflectance signatures have been obtained from computer printouts from scene 1049-20505. Those signatures have been grouped for 13 dominant physical features in the Matanuska Susitna Valley area of Alaska. The derived signatures will be validated and tested by requesting another symbol-coded computer printout for the same area. It is expected that ERTS-1 imagery collected during late autumn and early spring will provide separations of signatures that are confounded in the 1049-20505 scene. Separating bogs and forests should be much improved when either snow covered or when grasses are brown. Photographs have been made of projections on the color additive viewer, each scene being projected with six different filter combinations. The products will be analyzed and those best suited used for producing color transparencies at a scale of 1:250,000 for overlaying on standard quadrangle maps. Color prints will be processed for use in the field. From digital MSS signatures derived to date, identification has been made of which bands are the most powerful for automated classification of dominant physical features. It has been found that separations among density ranges increase with longer wavelengths. Deriving MSS digital signatures has proven valuable to both digital and visual processing of ERTS-1 data.

Branton, C. I.↗

Interaction of two-dimensional transverse jet with a supersonic mainstream

The interaction of a two dimensional sonic jet injected transversely into a confined main flow was studied. The main flow consisted of air at a Mach number of 2.9. The effects of varying the jet parameters on the flow field were examined using surface pressure and composition data. Also, the downstream flow field was examined using static pressure, pitot pressure, and composition profile data. The jet parameters varied were gapwidth, jet static pressure, and injectant species of either helium or nitrogen. The values of the jet parameters used were 0.039, 0.056, and 0.109 cm for the gapwidth and 5, 10, and 20 for the jet to mainstream static pressure ratios. The features of the flow field produced by the mixing and interaction of the jet with the mainstream were related to the jet momentum. The data were used to demonstrate the validity of an existing two dimensional elliptic flow code.

Kraemer, G. O.↗

Protostellar formation in rotating interstellar clouds. IV Nonisothermal collapse

Radiative transfer in the Eddington approximation is included in a multidimensional, self-gravitational, hydrodynamical computer code. Details of the numerical solution and thermodynamic relations are given. Comparison calculations with previous spherically symmetrical models of protostellar collapse are used to validate the basic approach and the artifices which allow the explicit hydrodynamics code to follow the accretion of gas onto a quasi-equilibrium core. A series of axisymmetric models is used to investigate the importance of rotation in collapsing clouds, as the initial amount of angular momentum is lowered, with an emphasis on the possible formation of rings. Rings readily form even in the nonisothermal regime except for very low initial angular momenta; even these clouds may experience ring formation prior to reaching stellar densities. The models imply that other effects (such as gravitational torques or turbulent viscosity) may be necesary to avoid binary formation and thus result in a presolar nebula consistent with the assumptions of either Safronov or Cameron.

Boss, A. P.↗

Algorithm and code development for unsteady three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations

A streamwise upwind algorithm for solving the unsteady 3-D Navier-Stokes equations was extended to handle the moving grid system. It is noted that the finite volume concept is essential to extend the algorithm. The resulting algorithm is conservative for any motion of the coordinate system. Two extensions to an implicit method were considered and the implicit extension that makes the algorithm computationally efficient is implemented into Ames's aeroelasticity code, ENSAERO. The new flow solver has been validated through the solution of test problems. Test cases include three-dimensional problems with fixed and moving grids. The first test case shown is an unsteady viscous flow over an F-5 wing, while the second test considers the motion of the leading edge vortex as well as the motion of the shock wave for a clipped delta wing. The resulting algorithm has been implemented into ENSAERO. The upwind version leads to higher accuracy in both steady and unsteady computations than the previously used central-difference method does, while the increase in the computational time is small.

Obayashi, Shigeru↗

Recent advances in hypersonic technology

This paper will focus on recent advances in hypersonic aerodynamic prediction techniques. Current capabilities of existing numerical methods for predicting high Mach number flows will be discussed and shortcomings will be identified. Physical models available for inclusion into modern codes for predicting the effects of transition and turbulence will also be outlined and their limitations identified. Chemical reaction models appropriate to high-speed flows will be addressed, and the impact of their inclusion in computational fluid dynamics codes will be discussed. Finally, the problem of validating predictive techniques for high Mach number flows will be addressed.

Dwoyer, Douglas L.↗