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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 109 records · Page 6

GridTool: A surface modeling and grid generation tool

GridTool is designed around the concept that the surface grids are generated on a set of bi-linear patches. This type of grid generation is quite easy to implement, and it avoids the problems associated with complex CAD surface representations and associated surface parameterizations. However, the resulting surface grids are close to but not on the original CAD surfaces. This problem can be alleviated by projecting the resulting surface grids onto the original CAD surfaces. GridTool is designed primary for unstructured grid generation systems. Currently, GridTool supports VGRID and FELISA systems, and it can be easily extended to support other unstructured grid generation systems. The data in GridTool is stored parametrically so that once the problem is set up, one can modify the surfaces and the entire set of points, curves and patches will be updated automatically. This is very useful in a multidisciplinary design and optimization process. GridTool is written entirely in ANSI 'C', the interface is based on the FORMS library, and the graphics is based on the GL library. The code has been tested successfully on IRIS workstations running IRIX4.0 and above. The memory is allocated dynamically, therefore, memory size will depend on the complexity of geometry/grid. GridTool data structure is based on a link-list structure which allows the required memory to expand and contract dynamically according to the user's data size and action. Data structure contains several types of objects such as points, curves, patches, sources and surfaces. At any given time, there is always an active object which is drawn in magenta, or in their highlighted colors as defined by the resource file which will be discussed later.

Samareh-Abolhassani, Jamshid↗

Visual Methods for Model and Grid Validation

This joint research interchange proposal allowed us to contribute in two directions that are of interest to NASA. These are: (a) data level comparative visualization of experimental and computational fluid flow, and (b) visualization tools for analysis of adaptively refined Cartesian grids.

Pang, Alex↗

Geometry Modeling and Grid Generation for "Icing Effects" and "Ice Accretion" Simulations on Airfoils

There are two distinct icing-related problems for airfoils that can be simulated. One is predicting the effects of ice on the aerodynamic performance of airfoils when ice geometry is known ("icing effects" study). The other is simulating ice accretion under specified icing conditions ("ice accretion" simulation). This paper will address development of two different software packages for two-dimensional geometry preparation and grid generation for both "icing effects" and "ice accretion" studies.

Choo, Yung↗

Technical Report Series on Global Modeling and Data Assimilation: Filtering Techniques on a Stretched Grid General Circulation Model - Volume 16

This report documents the techniques used to filter quantities on a stretched grid general circulation model. Standard high-latitude filtering techniques (e.g., using an FFT (Fast Fourier Transformations) to decompose and filter unstable harmonics at selected latitudes) applied on a stretched grid are shown to produce significant distortions of the prognostic state when used to control instabilities near the pole. A new filtering technique is developed which accurately accounts for the non-uniform grid by computing the eigenvectors and eigenfrequencies associated with the stretching. A filter function, constructed to selectively damp those modes whose associated eigenfrequencies exceed some critical value, is used to construct a set of grid-spaced weights which are shown to effectively filter without distortion. Both offline and GCM (General Circulation Model) experiments are shown using the new filtering technique. Finally, a brief examination is also made on the impact of applying the Shapiro filter on the stretched grid.

Takacs, Lawrence L.↗

Future grid mix impacts on whole-building life cycle assessment

Building construction and operation are a significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, so understanding and mitigating emissions is crucial for reliable and realistic emissions accounting. Whole-building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) is an emissions accounting method that considers lifetime environmental impacts of a building during its construction, operation, and eventual end-of-life. When performing WBLCAs, emission calculations from the building's operation over the entire building lifespan are typically based on today's energy grid mixes. This method does not consider changes or advancements in the clean energy proportion within the grid mix and can over or under-inflate results, skewing the ratio of embodied vs. operational environmental impacts. While a variety of prediction tools estimate what future grid emissions might be, predictions can vary widely. To predict the clean energy ratio within future grid mixes and the potential impact these changes might have on WBLCA, annual data from several existing U.S. grid models was averaged and probabilistic modeling was used to extend the usable projections of shorter forecasts. Results show that clean energy sources will likely continue to increase over time, although the rate of growth varies by model. On average, by 2085, the clean energy penetration of the grid is projected to reach ~81% and renewable energy is projected to reach ~71%, although no widespread consensus is reached. To understand how the future grid mix impacts lifetime building emissions within a WBLCA context, the team analyzed two 2021 IECC-compliant all-electric residential buildings: one built from traditional materials and construction processes and the other built with carbon sequestering materials and modular assembly, with a portion of energy generated on site. The results indicate that a moderate estimate of future electricity grid mixes shows a reduction of yearly operational emissions for traditional residential buildings of 55% between 2025 and 2085, and a corresponding reduction of 48% of total emissions over a 60 year building lifespan. This study offers a nuanced approach to account for the variability of future grid mix models and provides an average trend-line based on a robust collection of scenarios.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)↗

Aircraft system aft telescope cavity configuration study for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), phase 2

The SOFIA Aircraft System (AS) Phase 1 Study was a broad-based study which addressed itself to satisfying technical and programmatic requirements by drawing from existing technology and applying cost-efficient commercial approaches to the aircraft modification. In this SOFIA AS Phase 2 Study, five critical areas of the aircraft were selected for more detailed investigation: forward pressure bulkhead, aft bulkhead, 'free' shell to bulkhead interface, shell cut-out to bulkhead interface, and flooring. The in-depth investigation of these areas upon a finite element model (FEM), with a fine grid model in areas of particular interest, is discussed. The FEM code used is called 'STRAP' and was developed by the engineering firm, Rasmussen and Associates. STRAP is NASTRAN compatible to within 1%. The loads applied to the model were approximated from known 747 envelope conditions. The areas of investigation, and a section through the fuselage is shown. The thrust of this investigation was to develop the design concepts conceived under phase 1 to the point where detailed design could be undertaken with a high level of confidence.

Source record↗

Parametrics on 2D Navier-Stokes analysis of a Mach 2.68 bifurcated rectangular mixed-compression inlet

The supersonic diffuser of a Mach 2.68 bifurcated, rectangular, mixed-compression inlet was analyzed using a two-dimensional (2D) Navier-Stokes flow solver. Parametric studies were performed on turbulence models, computational grids and bleed models. The computer flowfield was substantially different from the original inviscid design, due to interactions of shocks, boundary layers, and bleed. Good agreement with experimental data was obtained in many aspects. Many of the discrepancies were thought to originate primarily from 3D effects. Therefore, a balance should be struck between expending resources on a high fidelity 2D simulation, and the inherent limitations of 2D analysis. The solutions were fairly insensitive to turbulence models, grids and bleed models. Overall, the k-e turbulence model, and the bleed models based on unchoked bleed hole discharge coefficients or uniform velocity are recommended. The 2D Navier-Stokes methods appear to be a useful tool for the design and analysis of supersonic inlets, by providing a higher fidelity simulation of the inlet flowfield than inviscid methods, in a reasonable turnaround time.

Mizukami, M.↗

Approaches for averaging surface parameters and fluxes over heterogeneous terrain

Successful prediction of possible climate change depends on realistic parameterization of land surface processes in climate models. Such parameterizations must take appropriate account of the heterogeneities that are found in most earth surfaces. In this study, different averaging strategies for aggregating patch-scale heterogeneities to scales that are appropriate for mesoscale and climate model grids have been explored. A simple model for estimating area-average 'effective' surface flux parameters is evaluated. The model satisfies the energy balance equation and leads to a set of relationships between local and effective parameters in the governing equations for the surface energy balance. One outcome is that the resulting effective surface temperature is not a simple area-weighted average of component temperatures, but is a function of a specific combination of different resistances of the individual surface elements. A set of heterogeneous surfaces has been simulated to study the effective fluxes obtained using the described model. A comparison with results obtained by other investigators using different averaging methods is also performed.

Chehbouni, A.↗

Anvil Forecast Tool in the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS)

Launch Weather Officers (LWOs) from the 45th Weather Squadron (45 WS) and forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG) have identified anvil forecasting as one of their most challenging tasks when predicting the probability of violating the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) (Krider et al. 2006; Space Shuttle Flight Rules (FR), NASA/JSC 2004)). As a result, the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) developed a tool that creates an anvil threat corridor graphic that can be overlaid on satellite imagery using the Meteorological Interactive Data Display System (MIDDS, Short and Wheeler, 2002). The tool helps forecasters estimate the locations of thunderstorm anvils at one, two, and three hours into the future. It has been used extensively in launch and landing operations by both the 45 WS and SMG. The Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) is now used along with MIDDS for weather analysis and display at SMG. In Phase I of this task, SMG tasked the AMU to transition the tool from MIDDS to AWIPS (Barrett et aI., 2007). For Phase II, SMG requested the AMU make the Anvil Forecast Tool in AWIPS more configurable by creating the capability to read model gridded data from user-defined model files instead of hard-coded files. An NWS local AWIPS application called AGRID was used to accomplish this. In addition, SMG needed to be able to define the pressure levels for the model data, instead of hard-coding the bottom level as 300 mb and the top level as 150 mb. This paper describes the initial development of the Anvil Forecast Tool for MIDDS, followed by the migration of the tool to AWIPS in Phase I. It then gives a detailed presentation of the Phase II improvements to the AWIPS tool.

Barrett, Joe H., III↗

Shoshone River Water Resources II​: Quantifying Sediment Input in the Shoshone River in Wyoming using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool for Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring

The Willwood Dam, an irrigation diversion dam located on the Shoshone River (Wyoming, USA), has faced ongoing issues with sediment accumulation and needs frequent sediment flushing to remain operable. However, high suspended sediment levels during flushing events have negatively impacted downstream aquatic ecology and recreational opportunities. To address these problems, DEVELOP partnered with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Shoshone River Partners, and United States Geologic Survey. During term one, the team developed a workflow to map turbidity using PlanetScope imagery, analyze time series precipitation data, and create landcover maps. For this term, we focused on three methods to gain a better understanding of sediment sources: 1) improving remote sensing of turbidity, 2) modeling sediment transport within the watershed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and 3) conducting a snow cover time series analysis using Suomi NPP VIIRS imagery. Through remote sensing, we found Dry Creek/Homesteader Creek and Penney Gulch/Rough Gulch had the highest concentration sediment plumes. The SWAT+ model created a high-resolution grid model of the watershed, identifying high sedimentation in the western and southern subbasins but displayed low-correlated calibration and validation results due to limited observed data. We analyzed the snow cover extent alongside other hydrologic variables and found that snow melt events correlated with increases in suspended sediment concentration and turbidity values. Coupling remote sensing with hydrological modeling will give watershed managers a new perspective on high-priority regions for implementation of remediation to reduce the sediment build-up at the Willwood Dam.

Suspended Sediment↗

Transition prediction in hypersonic regime on complex geometries with RANS-based models

In the near future, RANS computations will continue to play a significant role in the design of hypersonic vehicles with complex geometries. Therefore, it is imperative to continue testing, benchmarking, and refining the RANS models. In the present study, we evaluate RANS-like, transport equations-based models for predicting laminar-turbulent transition over a full-scale scale model of the BOLT flight configuration that was tested in the CUBRC LENS-II wind tunnel test facility. Based on the availability of the experimental results, comparisons are made between computations from several pre-existing transition models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes, with an emphasis on using the same computational meshes and flow conditions for all computations. The analysis covers the sensitivity of the transition predictions to the input parameters for five different transition models (four mainstream models designed for low-speed flows and a uniquely high-speed model), grid resolution, and the details of model implementation across three different flow solvers. The results show that the phenomenological models can describe significant aspects of the measured transition front. However, a number of additional improvements are required before these models can offer more reliable estimates of transition in high-speed flows.

CFD↗

Transition Prediction in Hypersonic Regime on Complex Geometries With Rans-Based Models

In the near future, RANS computations will continue to play a significant role in the design of hypersonic vehicles with complex geometries. Therefore, it is imperative to continue testing, benchmarking, and refining the RANS models. In the present study, we evaluate RANS-like, transport equations-based models for predicting laminar-turbulent transition over a full-scale scale model of the BOLT flight configuration that was tested in the CUBRC LENS-II wind tunnel test facility. Based on the availability of the experimental results, comparisons are made between computations from several pre-existing transition models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes, with an emphasis on using the same computational meshes and flow conditions for all computations. The analysis covers the sensitivity of the transition predictions to the input parameters for five different transition models (four mainstream models designed for low-speed flows and a uniquely high-speed model), grid resolution, and the details of model implementation across three different flow solvers. The results show that the phenomenological models can describe significant aspects of the measured transition front. However, a number of additional improvements are required before these models can offer more reliable estimates of transition in high-speed flows.

CFD↗

Performance Year 1 Technical Report - OPEN COG Grid: Extendable Coherent Models-Datasets for Cognitive Power Grids

The OPEN COG Grid project is a collaborative effort between LLNL, NREL, and Texas A&M University (TAMU) to develop synthetic power system datasets that (i) contain all technical information that would be available in a real system, allowing to conduct studies ranging from dynamic simulation to long term planning studies; ii) are accessible to researchers from the broader data sciences community, as oppossed to power system experts only; and (iii) This report summarizes the work conducted during the first 15 months of execution of the project. These activities encompassed: 1. Conduct a survey of existing open data sets and open source power systems simulators, their supported use cases, and accessibility (Chapter 1). 2. Define a new extensible specification for power system data, covering all parameters necessary for most computational use cases (Chapter 2). 3. Collecting real technical system data to complete missing parameters in existing open source datasets (Chapter 3). 4. Develop models that capture the behavior of emergent actors in power grids, neglected by existing datasets; aggregated residential demand response (Chapter 4) and demand response of cryptocurrency miners (Chapter 5). 5. Collect detailed spatial information on distributed energy resources, particular, solar photovoltaic facilities (Chapter 6). The following chapters provide detailed descriptions of these tasks, the assumptions taken, and their findings. In conducting these tasks, the project team produced: two (accepted) conference papers; one journal paper under submission; one draft journal paper pending submission; released one repository with the developed power system data specification, with documentation and examples; and one extended dataset for the Texas power grid under review for release. The team hopes these contributions will enhance access to power system data and remove barriers to the development of new computational techniques for power systems, particularly, those inspired by cognitive sciences.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

A nested grid, nonhydrostatic, elastic model using a terrain-following coordinate transformation - The radiative-nesting boundary conditions

This study presents a nested-grid nonhydrostatic and elastic model using a terrain-following coordinate transformation as well as a unique application of grid-nesting techniques to the time-splitting elastic model. A simulation of the 10-m-high Witch of Agnesi Mountain provides the control to test this new model. The results show that the model produces the same solution as that derived from a simple linear analytic model. It is demonstrated that the new nested-grid model improves model resolution without resorting to the costly method of placing a fine-resolution grid over the entire domain. Since the wave reflection from the boundaries of the fine-grid model is well controlled, the boundary of the nested fine-grid model can be located even at the wave-active region. The model can be used to simulate various weather systems in which scale interactions are important.

Chen, Chaing↗

Platform Of Optimal Experiment Management

The platform of optimal experiment management, POEM, powered with automated machine learning to accelerate the discovery of optimal solutions, and automatically guide the design of experiments to be evaluated. POEM currently supports 1) random model explorations for experiment design, 2) sparse grid model explorations with Gaussian Polynomial Chaos surrogate model to accelerate experiment design ,3) time-dependent model sensitivity and uncertainty analysis to identify the importance features for experiment design, 4) model calibrations via Bayesian inference to integrate experiments to improve model performance, and 5) Bayesian optimization for optimal experimental design. In addition, POEM aims to simplify the process of experimental design for users, enabling them to analyze the data with minimal human intervention, and improving the technological output from research activities.

Wang, Congjian [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), I↗

Prediction of secondary separation in shock wave boundary-layer interactions

A complex three-dimensional shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction at Mach 4 has been investigated experimentally and computationally, using two turbulence models with substantial refinement. With the use of a fine grid model, secondary flow separation was successfully computed, and grid changes did not improve agreement with experiment for the extent of upstream influence. The use of a non-isotropic turbulence model gave a slight improvement in upstream influence, but the size of the interaction was still significantly less than in the experiment.

Horstman, C. C.↗