Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Slip localization”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

Confined States in Large-Aspect-Ratio Thermosolutal Convection

Two-dimensional thermosolutal convection with no-slip boundary conditions is studied using numerical simulations in a periodic domain. The domain is large enough to follow the evolution of phase instabilities of fully nonlinear traveling waves. In the parameter regime studied these instabilities evolve, without loss of phase or hysteresis, into a series of confined states or pulses characterized by locally enhanced heat and solute transport. The wavelength and phase velocity of the traveling rolls within a pulse differ substantially from those in the background. The pulses drift in the same direction as the convection rolls on which they ride but more slowly, and are characterized by an exponential leading front and an oscillatory trailing end. Multiple, apparently stable, states are found for identical parameter values. The qualitative properties of the pulses are in good agreement with the predictions of a third-order phase equation which accounts for the relation between wave number and phase velocity, the oscillatory tails and the multiplicity of states. These properties of the pulses are shown to be a consequence of Shil'nikov dynamics in the spatial domain.

Spina, Alejandro↗

Rolling-contact deformation of MgO single crystals

Magnesium oxide single crystals were used as a model bearing material and deformed by rolling contact with a steel ball 0.64 cm in diameter. A dependence of depth of slip on rolling velocity which persisted with increasing numbers of rolling-contact cycles was discovered. The track width, track hardness and dislocation interactions as observed by transmission electron microscopy all increased in a consistent manner with increasing cycles. The rolling-contact state of stress produces a high density of dislocations in a localized zone. Dislocation interaction in this zone produces cleavage-type cracks after a large number of rolling-contact cycles. The orientation of the crystal influences the character of dislocation accumulation.

Dufrane, K. F.↗

Numerical modeling of troposphere-induced gravity wave propagation

Sources of internal gravity waves (IGW) in the upper atmosphere are assumed to be meteorological processes in the troposphere. These sources are vertically and horizontally inhomogeneous and time dependent. In order to describe the IGW propagation from such sources, a numerical solution of a system of hydrodynamical equations is required. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the influence of the altitude latitude inhomogeneity of the temperature and wind fields on the IGW propagation as well as the processes of dissipation. An algorithm is proposed for numerical modelling of the IGW propagation over a limited area from tropospheric local sources to the upper atmosphere. The algorithm takes into account all the above features. A spectral grid method is used with the expansion of wave fields into the Fourier series over longitude. The upper limit conditions were obtained from the requirement of a limited energy dissipation rate in an atmospheric column. The no slip (zero velocity) condition was used at the Earth's surface.

Gavrilov, N. M.↗

Analysis and design of numerical schemes for gas dynamics 1: Artificial diffusion, upwind biasing, limiters and their effect on accuracy and multigrid convergence

The theory of non-oscillatory scalar schemes is developed in this paper in terms of the local extremum diminishing (LED) principle that maxima should not increase and minima should not decrease. This principle can be used for multi-dimensional problems on both structured and unstructured meshes, while it is equivalent to the total variation diminishing (TVD) principle for one-dimensional problems. A new formulation of symmetric limited positive (SLIP) schemes is presented, which can be generalized to produce schemes with arbitrary high order of accuracy in regions where the solution contains no extrema, and which can also be implemented on multi-dimensional unstructured meshes. Systems of equations lead to waves traveling with distinct speeds and possibly in opposite directions. Alternative treatments using characteristic splitting and scalar diffusive fluxes are examined, together with modification of the scalar diffusion through the addition of pressure differences to the momentum equations to produce full upwinding in supersonic flow. This convective upwind and split pressure (CUSP) scheme exhibits very rapid convergence in multigrid calculations of transonic flow, and provides excellent shock resolution at very high Mach numbers.

Jameson, Antony↗

Analytical Simulation of the Effects of Local Mechanisms on the Tensile Response of CMC Minicomposites

A micromechanics-based method based on a fiber shear lag analysis was developed to analyze the fast fracture response of uncoated ceramic matrix minicomposites under room temperature conditions. The model was applied to two SiCf/SiC minicomposite systems that were fabricated by Rolls-Royce and the University of Connecticut. The analysis approach does not require the assumption that matrix cracks propagate along the entire width of the minicomposite. The ratio of the fiber slip length to the crack spacing was found to be a key parameter driving the stress level at which the proportional limit takes place and the secondary modulus. Parametric studies were performed to investigate the effect of interfacial shear stress, fiber volume fraction and percentage of the composite that remains uncracked on the proportional limit stress and the composite secondary modulus. This work will allow increased understanding of the key material mechanisms that take place during the fast fracture loading and can be expanded to provide improved analysis methods for full macro composites. simulations to simulations of a flat panel impact test, have been performed to fully exercise and evaluate the capabilities of the developed model.

Micromechanics↗

A new Lagrangian method for three-dimensional steady supersonic flows

In this report, the new Lagrangian method introduced by Loh and Hui is extended for three-dimensional, steady supersonic flow computation. The derivation of the conservation form and the solution of the local Riemann solver using the Godunov and the high-resolution TVD (total variation diminished) scheme is presented. This new approach is accurate and robust, capable of handling complicated geometry and interactions between discontinuous waves. Test problems show that the extended Lagrangian method retains all the advantages of the two-dimensional method (e.g., crisp resolution of a slip-surface (contact discontinuity) and automatic grid generation). In this report, we also suggest a novel three dimensional Riemann problem in which interesting and intricate flow features are present.

Loh, Ching-Yuen↗

Cenozoic rift formation in the northern Caribbean

Rifts form in many different tectonic environments where the lithosphere is put into extension. An outline is provided of the distribution, orientation, and relative ages of 16 Cenozoic rifts along the northern edge of the Caribbean plate and it is suggested that these structures formed successively by localized extension as the Caribbean plate moved eastward past a continental promontory of North America. Evidence leading to this conclusion includes (1) recognition that the rifts become progressively younger westward; (2) a two-phase subsidence history in a rift exposed by upthrusting in Jamaica; (3) the absence of rifts east of Jamaica; and (4) the observation that removal of 1400 km of strike-slip displacement on the Cayman Trough fault system places the Paleogene rifts of Jamaica in an active area of extension south of Yucatan where the rifts of Honduras and Guatemala are forming today.

Mann, P.↗

A spectral method determination of the first critical Rayleigh number for a low-Prandtl number crystal melt in a cylindrical container

The onset of laminar axisymmetric Rayleigh-Benard convection is investigated for a low-Prandtl number liquid metal in a cylindrical container. All surfaces are considered to be solid and no-slip. Two separate cases are examined for the thermal boundary conditions at the side wall, one with conducting and the other with insulated surface. The governing Boussinesq system is first perturbed and then simplified by introducing a Stokes stream function. Subsequently, a Chebyshev Galerkin spectral model is employed to reduce the simplified system to a system of first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A local stability analysis determines the two values of the first critical Rayleigh number, Ra(sub cl), for the insulated and conducting side walls. As expected, the conducting Ra(sub cl) value of 2882.5 obtained from the present approach exceeded the corresponding insulated Ra(sub cl) value of 2331.6. For the insulated case, an earlier study using a different numerical approach suggests that Ra(sub cl) = 2261.9, while an experimental study measured Ra(sub cl) = 2700.

Dietz, C. M., Jr.↗

Thin-layer and full Navier-Stokes, locally-conical and three-dimensional asymmetric solutions

The unsteady, compressible thin-layer and full Navier-Stokes equations are used to numerically simulate steady and unsteady asymmetric, supersonic, locally-conical flows around a 5-deg-semiapex angle circular cone. The main computational scheme used for the present computations is the implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. Comparisons of the solutions using the two sets of equations are presented for the flow asymmetry and its control. Computational studies are also presented to investigate the effects of the freestream Reynolds number and the locally-scaled Reynolds number on the flow asymmetry. These studies are carried out using the full Navier-Stokes equations. Three-dimensional, asymmetric flow solutions are also presented for a 5-deg-semiapex angle cone of unit length and a cone-cylinder configuration. The three-dimensional solutions are obtained by using the thin-layer equations and short-duration transient side-slip disturbances along with a very fine grid.

Kandil, O. A.↗

Models of recurrent strike-slip earthquake cycles and the state of crustal stress

Numerical models of the strike-slip earthquake cycle, assuming a viscoelastic asthenosphere coupling model, are examined. The time-dependent simulations incorporate a stress-driven fault, which leads to tectonic stress fields and earthquake recurrence histories that are mutually consistent. Single-fault simulations with constant far-field plate motion lead to a nearly periodic earthquake cycle and a distinctive spatial distribution of crustal shear stress. The predicted stress distribution includes a local minimum in stress at depths less than typical seismogenic depths. The width of this stress 'trough' depends on the magnitude of crustal stress relative to asthenospheric drag stresses. The models further predict a local near-fault stress maximum at greater depths, sustained by the cyclic transfer of strain from the elastic crust to the ductile asthenosphere. Models incorporating both low-stress and high-stress fault strength assumptions are examined, under Newtonian and non-Newtonian rheology assumptions. Model results suggest a preference for low-stress (a shear stress level of about 10 MPa) fault models, in agreement with previous estimates based on heat flow measurements and other stress indicators.

Lyzenga, Gregory A.↗

A miniature electro-optical air flow sensor

Miniature sensors are needed for rapid and uncomplicated installation on light aircraft engaged in stability research programs. One particularly difficult sensor to miniaturize to the required degree has been a flow angle and velocity sensor for measuring the local flow ahead of a wing. However, by using an electrooptical technique it was possible to overcome the encountered difficulties and to design a sensor satisfying the requirements. The developed sensor for measuring angle-of-attack, yaw, and airspeed was shown to be suitable for rapid instrumentation of research aircraft because of its small size. The size reduction was accomplished by a design feature which eliminates the need for slip rings and wiring within the movable components of the sensor.

Kershner, D. D.↗

Solid Rocket Motor Combustion Instability Modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics

Combustion instability modeling of Solid Rocket Motors (SRM) remains a topic of active research. Many rockets display violent fluctuations in pressure, velocity, and temperature originating from the complex interactions between the combustion process, acoustics, and steady-state gas dynamics. Recent advances in defining the energy transport of disturbances within steady flow-fields have been applied by combustion stability modelers to improve the analysis framework [1, 2, 3]. Employing this more accurate global energy balance requires a higher fidelity model of the SRM flow-field and acoustic mode shapes. The current industry standard analysis tool utilizes a one dimensional analysis of the time dependent fluid dynamics along with a quasi-three dimensional propellant grain regression model to determine the SRM ballistics. The code then couples with another application that calculates the eigenvalues of the one dimensional homogenous wave equation. The mean flow parameters and acoustic normal modes are coupled to evaluate the stability theory developed and popularized by Culick [4, 5]. The assumption of a linear, non-dissipative wave in a quiescent fluid remains valid while acoustic amplitudes are small and local gas velocities stay below Mach 0.2. The current study employs the COMSOL multiphysics finite element framework to model the steady flow-field parameters and acoustic normal modes of a generic SRM. The study requires one way coupling of the CFD High Mach Number Flow (HMNF) and mathematics module. The HMNF module evaluates the gas flow inside of a SRM using St. Robert's law to model the solid propellant burn rate, no slip boundary conditions, and the hybrid outflow condition. Results from the HMNF model are verified by comparing the pertinent ballistics parameters with the industry standard code outputs (i.e. pressure drop, thrust, ect.). These results are then used by the coefficient form of the mathematics module to determine the complex eigenvalues of the Acoustic Velocity Potential Equation (AVPE). The mathematics model is truncated at the nozzle sonic line, where a zero flux boundary condition is self-satisfying. The remaining boundaries are modeled with a zero flux boundary condition, assuming zero acoustic absorption on all surfaces. The results of the steady-state CFD and AVPE analyses are used to calculate the linear acoustic growth rate as is defined by Flandro and Jacob [2, 3]. In order to verify the process implemented within COMSOL we first employ the Culick theory and compare the results with the industry standard. After the process is verified, the Flandro/Jacob energy balance theory is employed and results displayed.

Fischbach, Sean R.↗

Investigation of hypersonic rarefied flow on a spherical nose of the AOTV

The Navier-Stokes (NS) equations were integrated numerically for investigating the flow characteristics on the forepart of the spherical nose of a space vehicle such as the AOTV or AFE by a modified Accelerated Successive Replacement (ASR) scheme under hypersonic rarefied conditions. Technical feasibility of the mathematical approach was demonstrated by computing the flowfield on a spherical nose under conditions that the AFE encounters at times t = 15 and 20 seconds after its reentry into the atmosphere. Local similar solutions for the merged layer flow along the stagnation line of the sphere were developed. These are correct to the same degree of accuracy as the NS equations. These solutions provided stagnation line boundary conditions for the domain of integration on the spherical noise. Also, a parametric study of the stagnation line solution was made with a view to understand the flow characteristics in tunnels with different ambient fluids. Analytical expressions for surface slip temperature, jump conditions, and concentration level in the presence of the real gas effects at the top of the Knudsen layer were derived and used to calculate the stagnation line flowfield with nonequilibrium dissociation and ionization. A number of graphics were drawn to illustrate the basic physics of the flowfields. The present analysis can be extended to include real gas effects and to bodies of arbitrary shapes. It can further provide boundary conditions for integrating the NS equations in the near wake region.

Jain, Amolak C.↗

Fault pattern at the northern end of the Death Valley - Furnace Creek fault zone, California and Nevada

The author has identified the following significant results. The pattern of faulting associated with the termination of the Death Valley-Furnace Creek Fault Zone in northern Fish Lake Valley, Nevada was studied in ERTS-1 MSS color composite imagery and color IR U-2 photography. Imagery analysis was supported by field reconnaissance and low altitude aerial photography. The northwest-trending right-lateral Death Valley-Furnace Creek Fault Zone changes northward to a complex pattern of discontinuous dip slip and strike slip faults. This fault pattern terminates to the north against an east-northeast trending zone herein called the Montgomery Fault Zone. No evidence for continuation of the Death Valley-Furnace Creek Fault Zone is recognized north of the Montgomery Fault Zone. Penecontemporaneous displacement in the Death Valley-Furnace Creek Fault Zone, the complex transitional zone, and the Montgomery Fault Zone suggests that the systems are genetically related. Mercury mineralization appears to have been localized along faults recognizable in ERTS-1 imagery within the transitional zone and the Montgomery Fault Zone.

Liggett, M. A.↗

Particle-laden weakly swirling free jets: Measurements and predictions

A theoretical and experimental investigation of particle-laden, weakly swirling, turbulent free jets was conducted. Glass particles, having a Sauter mean diameter of 39 microns with a standard deviation of 15 microns, were used. A single loading ratio of 0.2 was used in the experiments. Measurements are reported for three swirl numbers, ranging from 0.0 to 0.3. The measurements included mean and fluctuating velocities of both phases, and particle mass flux distributions. Measurements were compared with predictions from three types of multiphase flow analysis: locally homogeneous flow (LHF); deterministic separated flow (DSF); and stochastic separated flow (SSF). For the particle-laden jets, the LHF and DSF models did not provide very satisfactory predictions. The LHF model generally overestimated the rate of decay of particle mean axial and angular velocities with streamwise distance, due to the neglect of particle inertia. The LHF model predictions of particle mass flux also showed poor agreement with measurements due to the assumption of no-slip between phases. The DSF model also performed quite poorly for predictions of particle mass flux, because turbulent dispersion of the particles was neglected. The SSF model, which accounts for both particle inertia and turbulent dispersion of the particles, yielded reasonably good predictions throughout the flow field for the particle-laden jets.

Bulzan, Daniel L.↗

Particle-laden weakly swirling free jets - Measurements and predictions

A theoretical and experimental investigation of particle-laden, weakly swirling, turbulent free jets was conducted. Glass particles, having a Sauter mean diameter of 39 microns with a standard deviation of 15 microns, were used. A single loading ratio of 0.2 was used in the experiments. Measurements are reported for three swirl numbers, ranging from 0.0 to 0.3. The measurements included mean and fluctuating velocities of both phases, and particle mass flux distributions. Measurements were compared with predictions from three types of multiphase flow analysis: locally homogeneous flow (LHF); deterministic separated flow (DSF); and stochastic separated flow (SSF). For the particle-laden jets, the LHF and DSF models did not provide very satisfactory predictions. The LHF model generally overestimated the rate of decay of particle mean axial and angular velocities with streamwise distance, due to the neglect of particle inertia. The LHF model predictions of particle mass flux also showed poor agreement with measurements due to the assumption of no-slip between phases. The DSF model also performed quite poorly for predictions of particle mass flux, because turbulent dispersion of the particles was neglected. The SSF model, which accounts for both particle inertia and turbulent disperison of the particles, yielded reasonably good predictions throughout the flow field for the particle-laden jets.

Bulzan, Daniel L.↗

Direct numerical simulation of incompressible axisymmetric flows

In the present work, we propose to conduct direct numerical simulations (DNS) of incompressible turbulent axisymmetric jets and wakes. The objectives of the study are to understand the fundamental behavior of axisymmetric jets and wakes, which are perhaps the most technologically relevant free shear flows (e.g. combuster injectors, propulsion jet). Among the data to be generated are various statistical quantities of importance in turbulence modeling, like the mean velocity, turbulent stresses, and all the terms in the Reynolds-stress balance equations. In addition, we will be interested in the evolution of large-scale structures that are common in free shear flow. The axisymmetric jet or wake is also a good problem in which to try the newly developed b-spline numerical method. Using b-splines as interpolating functions in the non-periodic direction offers many advantages. B-splines have local support, which leads to sparse matrices that can be efficiently stored and solved. Also, they offer spectral-like accuracy that are C(exp O-1) continuous, where O is the order of the spline used; this means that derivatives of the velocity such as the vorticity are smoothly and accurately represented. For purposes of validation against existing results, the present code will also be able to simulate internal flows (ones that require a no-slip boundary condition). Implementation of no-slip boundary condition is trivial in the context of the b-splines.

Loulou, Patrick↗

Feasibility of Actively Cooled Silicon Nitride Airfoil for Turbine Applications Demonstrated

Nickel-base superalloys currently limit gas turbine engine performance. Active cooling has extended the temperature range of service of nickel-base superalloys in current gas turbine engines, but the margin for further improvement appears modest. Therefore, significant advancements in materials technology are needed to raise turbine inlet temperatures above 2400 F to increase engine specific thrust and operating efficiency. Because of their low density and high-temperature strength and thermal conductivity, in situ toughened silicon nitride ceramics have received a great deal of attention for cooled structures. However, the high processing costs and low impact resistance of silicon nitride ceramics have proven to be major obstacles for widespread applications. Advanced rapid prototyping technology in combination with conventional gel casting and sintering can reduce high processing costs and may offer an affordable manufacturing approach. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center, in cooperation with a local university and an aerospace company, are developing actively cooled and functionally graded ceramic structures. The objective of this program is to develop cost-effective manufacturing technology and experimental and analytical capabilities for environmentally stable, aerodynamically efficient, foreign-object-damage-resistant, in situ toughened silicon nitride turbine nozzle vanes, and to test these vanes under simulated engine conditions. Starting with computer aided design (CAD) files of an airfoil and a flat plate with internal cooling passages, the permanent and removable mold components for gel casting ceramic slips were made by stereolithography and Sanders machines, respectively. The gel-cast part was dried and sintered to final shape. Several in situ toughened silicon nitride generic airfoils with internal cooling passages have been fabricated. The uncoated and thermal barrier coated airfoils and flat plates were burner rig tested for 30 min without and with air cooling. Without cooling, the surface temperature of the flat plate reached approximately 2350 F. Starting with computer aided design (CAD) files of an airfoil and a flat plate with internal cooling passages, the permanent and removable mold components for gel casting ceramic slips were made by stereolithography and Sanders machines, respectively. The gel-cast part was dried and sintered to final shape. Several in situ toughened silicon nitride generic airfoils with internal cooling passages have been fabricated. The uncoated and thermal barrier coated airfoils and flat plates were burner rig tested for 30 min without and with air cooling. Without cooling, the surface temperature of the flat plate reached approximately 2350 F. With cooling, the surface temperature decreased to approximately 1910 F--a drop of approximately 440 F. This preliminary study demonstrates that a near-net-shape silicon nitride airfoil can be fabricated and that silicon nitride can sustain severe thermal shock and the thermal gradients induced by cooling and, thus, is a viable candidate for cooled components.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗