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At least 127 records · Page 7

Inversion of multiwavelength radiometer measurements by three-dimensional filtering

Remote sensing data from satellites typically have three dimensions: scan position, spacecraft position, and wavelength. Inversion of the radiometric data to infer geophysical parameters is a filtering problem in which the dimension of wavelength (or channel number) is transformed into a dimension of geophysical parameters, and the most general solution is a three-dimensional filter. Linear filters have the advantages of computational speed and easily described transfer functions; but often the measurements are nonlinear functions of the parameters to be inferred. To the extent that the nonlinear inversion problem is overdetermined, it can be modeled by a critically determined linear problem. As an example, inversion of Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) data by means of a three-dimensional Wiener Filter is described. Atmospheric water vapor content, rain liquid water content, surface wind speed and surface temperature are the parameters inferred from the measurements. Nonprecipitating liquid water and water vapor scale height are also modeled but not retrieved. The a priori statistics on which the filter is trained have the effect of governing the selection of a trade-off point of noise as a function of resolution (in all three retrieval dimensions).

Rosenkranz, P. W.↗

Three-dimensional analysis of 0/90s and 90/0s laminates with a central circular hole

Stress distributions were calculated near a circular hole in laminates, using a three dimensional finite element analysis. These stress distributions were presented three ways: through the thickness at the hole boundary, along radial lines at the 0/90 and 90/0 interfaces, and around the hole at these interfaces. The interlaminar normal stress, and the shear stress, distributions had very steep gradients near the hole boundary, suggesting interlaminar stress singularities. The largest compressive stress occurred at about 60 deg from the load axis. A simple procedure was introduced to calculate interlaminar stresses near the hole boundary. It used stresses calculated by an exact two dimensional analysis of a laminate with a hole as input to a quasi three dimensional model. It produced stresses that agreed closely with those from the three dimensional finite element model.

Raju, I. S.↗

Numerical solution to the glancing sidewall oblique shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction in three dimension

A supersonic three-dimensional viscous forward-marching computer design code called PEPSIS is used to obtain a numerical solution of the three-dimensional problem of the interaction of a glancing sidewall oblique shock wave and a turbulent boundary layer. Very good results are obtained for a test case that was run to investigate the use of the wall-function boundary-condition approximation for a highly complex three-dimensional shock-boundary layer interaction. Two additional test cases (coarse mesh and medium mesh) are run to examine the question of near-wall resolution when no-slip boundary conditions are applied. A comparison with experimental data shows that the PEPSIS code gives excellent results in general and is practical for three-dimensional supersonic inlet calculations.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Numerical solution to the glancing sidewall oblique shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction in three-dimension

A supersonic three-dimensional viscous forward-marching computer design code called PEPSIS is used to obtain a numerical solution of the three-dimensional problem of the interaction of a glancing sidewall oblique shock wave and a turbulent boundary layer. Very good results are obtained for a test case that was run to investigate the use of the wall-function boundary-condition approximation for a highly complex three-dimensional shock-boundary layer interaction. Two additional test cases (coarse mesh and medium mesh) are run to examine the question of near-wall resolution when no-slip boundary conditions are applied. A comparison with experimental data shows that the PEPSIS code gives excellent results in general and is practical for three-dimensional supersonic inlet calculations.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Three-dimensional stability of vortex arrays

The stability to three-dimensional disturbances of three classical steady vortex configurations in an incompressible inviscid fluid is studied in the limit of small vortex cross-sectional area and long axial disturbance wavelength. The configurations examined are the single infinite vortex row, the Karman vortex street of staggered vortices and the symmetric vortex street. It is shown that the single row is most unstable to a two-dimensional disturbance, while the Karman vortex street is most unstable to a three-dimensional disturbance over a significant range of street spacing ratios. The symmetric vortex street is found to be most unstable to three-dimensional or two-dimensional symmetric disturbances depending on the spacing ratio of the street. Short remarks are made concerning the relevance of the calculations to the observed instabilities in free shear layer, wake and boundary-layer type flows.

Robinson, A. C.↗

Numerical generation of composite three dimensional grids by quasilinear elliptic systems

A three-dimensional grid generation technique designed to numerically construct a boundary-conforming grid within a three-dimensional region bounded by a closed surface is described. The boundary values are generated numerically by a modified elliptic system and are used to compute grid control parameters that are contained in the elliptic systems. The interior grid distribution is governed by the distribution of points on the boundary as well as by the boundary's geometric shape. The composite three-dimensional grid remains both continuous and smooth across the surface of juncture between any two adjoining subregions. The details of the method and its implementation are presented, displaying numerical results for three-dimensional composite grid for a wing-body combination and surface grids.

Thomas, P. D.↗

A time-split finite-volume algorithm for three-dimensional flow-field simulation

A general finite-volume algorithm is developed for solving three-dimensional, time-dependent, compressible Navier-Stokes equations for high Reynolds number flows over an arbitrary geometry. This algorithm adapts MacCormack's (1982) explicit-implicit scheme to a time-split, three-dimensional finite-volume concept in a general coordinate system. It is shown that the thin-layer approximation in all three spatial directions significantly reduces the evaluation of viscous terms and allows the algorithm to solve more complicated geometries with all boundaries in two or all three directions. The calculated results using this method are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements of a blunt-fin induced shock wave and boundary-layer interaction problems. Observations of the existence of peak pressure, primary horseshoe and secondary vortices, and reversed supersonic zones show that computational fluid dynamics can effectively supplement the wind tunnel tests for aerodynamic design as well as for understanding basic fluid dynamics.

Hung, C. M.↗

Correlated observations of three triggered lightning flashes

Three triggered lightning flashes, initiated during the Thunderstorm Research International Program (1981) at Langmuir Laboratory, New Mexico, are examined on the basis of three-dimensional return stroke propagation speeds and peak currents. Nonlinear relationships result between return stroke propagation speed and stroke peak current for 56 strokes, and between return stroke propagation speed and dart leader propagation speed for 32 strokes. Calculated linear correlation coefficients include dart leader propagation speed and ensuing return stroke peak current (32 strokes; r = 0.84); and stroke peak current and interstroke interval (69 strokes; r = 0.57). Earlier natural lightning data do not concur with the weak positive correlation between dart leader propagation speed and interstroke interval. Therefore, application of triggered lightning results to natural lightning phenomena must be made with certain caveats. Mean values are included for the three-dimensional return stroke propagation speed and for the three-dimensional dart leader propagation speed.

Idone, V. P.↗

Application of axisymmetric analogue for calculating heating in three-dimensional flows

A rapid, approximate method has been developed for calculating the heating rates on three-dimensional vehicles such as the Space Shuttle Orbiter and other advanced reentry configurations. The method is based on the axisymmetric analogue for three-dimensional boundary layers. It uses information obtained from a three-dimensional inviscid flowfield solution, such as HALIS, to calculate inviscid surface streamlines along which approximate heating rates are calculated independent of what happens along other streamlines. Three-dimensional effects are included through the metric coefficient that describes the divergence or convergence of streamlines. Boundary-layer edge properties are obtained from the inviscid flowfield solution by interpolating in the inviscid flowfield at a distance equal to the boundary-layer thickness away from the wall. This accounts, approximately, for the variable boundary-layer edge entropy. Using this method, heating calculations can be made along a typical streamline in a few seconds. This method has been used to accurately predict heating rates for simple shapes such as a spherically blunted cone and more complex shapes such as the Shuttle Orbiter for a variety of wind-tunnel and flight conditions. A unique feature of the method is its ability to accurately predict heating rates on the Shuttle Orbiter wing.

Hamilton, H. H.↗

Three-dimensional viscous-shock-layer applications for the Space Shuttle orbiter

A nonorthogonal three-dimensional viscous-shock-layer code was modified and used to compute the windward surface flowfield over a Shuttle-like configuration. Code modifications were made in the methods used to evaluate shock boundary conditions and in the implementation of the equilibrium air models. Additional viscous terms were also retained in the governing equations. Effects of these modifications are demonstrated. Three-dimensional flowfield solutions obtained with the modified code showed good comparison of surface heating and pressure with actual flight data. An apparently three-dimensional effect, characterized by a drop in surface heating on the Shuttle windward centerline in the wing root area, was predicted by the present method. A preliminary review of Shuttle ground-based experimental and flight data confirmed this trend. The present three-dimensional solutions were also compared with the predictions of several approximate methods. Those comparisons showed the approximate methods to be valid for predicting heating along the Shuttle windward centerline uner both perfect gas and equilibrium air conditions.

Thompson, R. A.↗

A three-dimensional adaptive grid method

A three-dimensional solution-adaptive-grid scheme is described which is suitable for complex fluid flows. This method, using tension and torsion spring analogies, was previously developed and successfully applied for two-dimensional flows. In the present work, a collection of three-dimensional flow fields are used to demonstrate the feasibility and versatility of this concept to include an added dimension. Flow fields considered include: (1) supersonic flow past an aerodynamic afterbody with a propulsive jet at incidence to the free stream, (2) supersonic flow past a blunt fin mounted on a solid wall, and (3) supersonic flow over a bump. In addition to generating three-dimensional solution-adapted grids, the method can also be used effectively as an initial grid generator. The utility of the method lies in: (1) optimum distribution of discrete grid points, (2) improvement of accuracy, (3) improved computational efficiency, (4) minimization of data base sizes, and (5) simplified three-dimensional grid generation.

Nakahashi, K.↗

Three-dimensional vibration analysis of a uniform beam with offset inertial masses at the ends

Analysis of a flexible beam with displaced end-located inertial masses is presented. The resulting three-dimensional mode shape is shown to consist of two one-plane bending modes and one torsional mode. These three components of the mode shapes are shown to be linear combinations of trigonometric and hyperbolic sine and cosine functions. Boundary conditions are derived to obtain nonlinear algebraic equations through kinematic coupling of the general solutions of the three governing partial differential equations. A method of solution which takes these boundary conditions into account is also presented. A computer program has been written to obtain unique solutions to the resulting nonlinear algebraic equations. This program, which calculates natural frequencies and three-dimensional mode shapes for any number of modes, is presented and discussed.

Robertson, D. K.↗

Experimentally determined flutter from two- and three-bladed model bearingless rotors in hover

A series of experiments was performed on a 1.8-m-diam model rotor in hover for the principal purpose of investigating the lead-lag stability of isolated bearingless rotors. Incidental to those tests, at least three types of pitch-flap flutter were encountered. Type 1 flutter occurred approximately at the second flap-mode frequency on both two-and three-bladed rotors for both small and large pitch angles and appeared to be a classic pitch-flap flutter. Type 2 flutter showed mostly torsional motion and was seen on both two- and three-bladed rotors. Type 3 flutter was a regressing flap flutter that occurred for only the three-bladed rotor configurations and appears to be a wake excited flutter. Although flutter occurred on a number of different configurations, no rotor parameters were identified that were clearly stabilizing or destabilizing.

Bousman, W. G.↗

Three-dimensional surface reconstruction for industrial computed tomography

Modern high resolution medical computed tomography (CT) scanners can produce geometrically accurate sectional images of many types of industrial objects. Computer software has been developed to convert serial CT scans into a three-dimensional surface form, suitable for display on the scanner itself. This software, originally developed for imaging the skull, has been adapted for application to industrial CT scanning, where serial CT scans thrrough an object of interest may be reconstructed to demonstrate spatial relationships in three dimensions that cannot be easily understood using the original slices. The methods of three-dimensional reconstruction and solid modeling are reviewed, and reconstruction in three dimensions from CT scans through familiar objects is demonstrated.

Vannier, M. W.↗

Three dimensional flow phenomena in fluid machinery; Proceedings of the Winter Annual Meeting, Miami Beach, FL, November 17-22, 1985

For papers presented in this volume provide an overview of the latest developments in experimental measurements and analytical and numerical predictions of three-dimensional flows in fluid machinery. Topics discussed include three-dimensional cascade testing of turbine nozzles at high exit Mach number; the use of a secondary flow computation in the compressor design process; an experimental investigation of static propeller flow field; and calculation of three-dimensional boundary layers on rotating turbine blades. Papers are also presented on a three-dimensional solution method for turbomachinery analysis; analysis of rotational inviscid flows in curved passages; and a mathematical model for the analysis of fluid flow in a scroll.

Hamed, A.↗

A three-dimensional dual potential procedure with applications to wind tunnel inlets and interacting boundary layers

A dual potential decomposition of the velocity field into a scalar and a vector potential function is extended to three dimensions and used in the finite-difference simulation of steady three-dimensional inviscid rotational flows and viscous flow. The finite-difference procedure was used to simulate the flow through the 80 by 120 ft wind tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. Rotational flow produced by the stagnation pressure drop across vanes and screens which are located at the entrance of the inlet is modeled using actuator disk theory. Results are presented for two different inlet vane and screen configurations. The numerical predictions are in good agreement with experimental data. The dual potential procedure was also applied to calculate the viscous flow along two and three dimensional troughs. Viscous effects are simulated by injecting vorticity which is computed from a boundary layer algorithm. For attached flow over a three dimensional trough, the present calculations are in good agreement with other numerical predictions. For separated flow, it is shown from a two dimensional analysis that the boundary layer approximation provides an accurate measure of the vorticity in regions close to the wall; whereas further away from the wall, caution has to be exercised in using the boundary-layer equations to supply vorticity to the dual potential formulation.

Rao, K. V.↗

Shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization of three dimensional elastic solids using geometric modeling and automatic regridding

An automatic regridding method and a three dimensional shape design parameterization technique were constructed and integrated into a unified theory of shape design sensitivity analysis. An algorithm was developed for general shape design sensitivity analysis of three dimensional eleastic solids. Numerical implementation of this shape design sensitivity analysis method was carried out using the finite element code ANSYS. The unified theory of shape design sensitivity analysis uses the material derivative of continuum mechanics with a design velocity field that represents shape change effects over the structural design. Automatic regridding methods were developed by generating a domain velocity field with boundary displacement method. Shape design parameterization for three dimensional surface design problems was illustrated using a Bezier surface with boundary perturbations that depend linearly on the perturbation of design parameters. A linearization method of optimization, LINRM, was used to obtain optimum shapes. Three examples from different engineering disciplines were investigated to demonstrate the accuracy and versatility of this shape design sensitivity analysis method.

Yao, Tse-Min↗

Quantitative evaluation of perspective and stereoscopic displays in three-axis manual tracking tasks

Optimal presentation of three-dimensional information on a two-dimensional display screen requires careful design of the projection to the display surface. Monoscopic perspective projection alone is usually not sufficient to represent three-dimensional spatial information. It can, however, be improved by the adjustment of perspective parameters and by geometric visual enhancements such as reference lines and a background grid. Stereoscopic display is another method of providing three-dimensional information to the human operator. Two experiments are performed with three-axis manual tracking tasks. The first experiment investigates the effects of perspective parameters on tracking performance. The second experiment investigates the effects of visual enhancements for both monoscopic and stereoscopic displays. Results indicate that, although stereoscopic displays do generally permit superior tracking performance, monoscopic displays can allow equivalent performance when they are defined with optimal perspective parameters and provided with adequate visual enhancements.

Ellis, Stephen R.↗