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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 127 records · Page 7

Behavior of streamwise rib vortices in a three-dimensional mixing layer

The structure and behavior of a streamwise rib vortex in a direct numerical simulation of a time-developing three-dimensional incompressible plane mixing layer is examined. Where the rib vortex is being stretched, the vorticity vector is primarily directed in the vortex axial direction and the radial and azimuthal velocity distribution is similar to that of a Burger's vortex. In the region where the vortex stretching is negative, there is a change in the local topology of the vortex. The axial flow is decelerated and a negative azimuthal component of vorticity is induced. These features are characteristic of vortex breakdown. The temporal evolution of the rib vortex is similar to the evolution of an axisymmetric vortex in the early stages of vortex breakdown. The effect of vortex breakdown on other parts of the flow is, however, not as significant as the interaction between the rib vortex and other vortices.

Lopez, J. M.↗

DC electric field generation and distribution in magnetized plasmas

Very large DC and AC electric fields cannot be sustained between conducting electrodes because of volume gas breakdown and/or surface field emission. However, very large potential fields are now routinely generated in plasma structures, such as laser generated wake in unmagnetized plasmas. In magnetized plasmas, large DC fields can also be sustained and controlled perpendicular to the magnetic field, but the metallic end plates limiting the plasma, terminating the magnetic field lines, and usually providing the voltage drop feed between the field lines impose severe restrictions on the maximum field. However, it is shown that very large radial DC voltage drops can be sustained by injecting waves of predetermined frequencies and wave vectors, traveling along the azimuthal direction of an axially magnetized plasma cylinder, or by injecting fast neutral particles beams along this azimuthal direction. The large conductivity along the magnetic field lines and the small conductivity between the field lines then distribute this voltage drop. Furthermore, the global power balance and control parameters of wave and beam generated large DC electric fields in magnetized plasmas are identified, described, and analyzed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Fermions at finite density in the path integral approach

Abstract We study relativistic fermionic systems in 3 + 1 spacetime dimensions at finite chemical potential and zero temperature, from a path-integral point of view. We show how to properly account for theiεterm that projects on the finite density ground state, and compute the path integral analytically for free fermions in homogeneous external backgrounds, using complex analysis techniques. As an application, we show that the U(1) symmetry is always linearly realized for free fermions at finite charge density, differently from scalars. We study various aspects of finite density QED in a homogeneous magnetic background. We compute the free energy density, non-perturbatively in the electromagnetic coupling and the external magnetic field, obtaining the finite density generalization of classic results of Euler-Heisenberg and Schwinger. We also obtain analytically the magnetic susceptibility of a relativistic Fermi gas at finite density, reproducing the de Haas-van Alphen effect. Finally, we consider a (generalized) Gross-Neveu model forNinteracting fermions at finite density. We compute its non-perturbative effective potential in the large-Nlimit, and discuss the fate of the U(1) vector and$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_2^A $$ ℤ 2 A axial symmetries.

Physics↗

Vortical flow analysis for F-106B configuration

The three-dimensional Euler aerodynamic method is applied to basic F-106B wing-fuselage geometries over an angle-of-attack range in the subsonic and transonic speeds to examine vortical flow behavior. The use of this method to provide meaningful vortex breakdown information is explored. This Euler solution algorithm uses a C-H mesh with 80625 grid points to represent the flowfield. Contours of axial velocity and total pressure, spanwise surface pressure and velocity vectors at cross flow planes, together with contours of suction pressure and total pressure on the leeward surface of the wing, were used to examine the vortex breakdown details.

Pao, Jenn Louh↗

Thrust vector control by liquid injection for solid propellant rockets

In liquid injection thrust vector control, a rocket jet is deflected for steering purposed by injecting a liquid into the nozzle exit cone. The liquid is preferably both dense and reactive so that it adds mass and energy and generates shocks in the supersonic exhaust. This behavior increases thrust in the affected part of the jet producing not only a side force for steering but an addition to axial thrust. This paper presents a summary of current liquid injection thrust vector control technology, including procedures for design, development, analysis, testing and evaluation, together with supporting data and references.

Zeamer, R. J.↗

Single-stage experimental evaluation of tandem-airfoil rotor stator blading for compressors. Part 6: Data and performance for stage D

An axial flow compressor stage, having single-airfoil blading, was designed for zero rotor prewhirl, constant rotor work across the span, and axial discharge flow. The stage was designed to produce a pressure ratio of 1.265 at a rotor tip velocity of 757 ft/sec. The rotor had an inlet hub/tip ratio of 0.8. The design procedure accounted for the rotor inlet boundary layer and included the effects of axial velocity ratio and secondary flow on blade row performance. The objectives of this experimental program were: (1) to obtain performance with uniform and distorted inlet flow for comparison with the performance of a stage consisting of tandem-airfoil blading designed for the same vector diagrams; and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of accounting for the inlet boundary layer, axial velocity ratio, and secondary flows in the stage design. With uniform inlet flow, the rotor achieved a maximum adiabatic efficiency of 90.1% at design equivalent rotor speed and a pressure ratio of 1.281. The stage maximum adiabatic efficiency at design equivalent rotor speed with uniform inlet flow was 86.1% at a pressure ratio of 1.266. Hub radial, tip radial, and circumferential distortion of the inlet flow caused reductions in surge pressure ratio of approximately 2, 10 and 5%, respectively, at design rotor speed.

Clemmons, D. R.↗

Single-stage experimental evaluation of tandem-airfoil rotor and stator blading for compressors. Part 7: Data and performance for stage E

An axial flow compressor stage, having tandem airfoil blading, was designed for zero rotor prewhirl, constant rotor work across the span, and axial discharge flow. The stage was designed to produce a pressure ratio of 1.265 at a rotor tip velocity of 757 ft/sec. The rotor has an inlet hub/tip ratio of 0.8. The design procedure accounted for the rotor inlet boundary layer and included the effects of axial velocity ratio and secondary flow on blade row performance. The objectives of this experimental program were (1) to obtain performance with uniform and distorted inlet flow for comparison with the performance of a stage consisting of single-airfoil blading designed for the same vector diagrams and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of accounting for the inlet boundary layer, axial velocity ratio, and secondary flows in the stage design.

Cheatham, J. G.↗

The effect of axial crucible rotation on microstructural uniformity during horizontal directional solidification

The effects on microstructure of crucible orientation with respect to the earth's gravitational vector, g, during directional solidification of low-volume fraction copper and aluminum, Pb-Cu, and Sn-Al alloys are examined. It is demonstrated that horizontal alignment (i.e. perpendicular to g) in combination with axial rotation of the crucible during growth is sufficient to negate factors which initiate macrosegregation, e.g. density gradients attributed to temperature and/or compositional differences, and promotes a uniform microstructure.

Grugel, R. N.↗

Experimental measurements of fluid flow in an 84-pin hexagonal rod bundle with spacer grid for a gas-cooled fast modular reactor

A 50 MW e helium-cooled fast modular reactor (FMR) is under development, and as part of the Department of Energy Integrated Research Project (IRP), Texas A&M University is conducting the thermal-hydraulic characterization of its baseline core configuration. Here, we experimentally investigated the axial and cross flow fields characteristics in the hexagonal fuel rod bundle composed of 84 rods, a central rod, and spacer grids at a Reynolds number of 12,000. A fully transparent experimental facility resembling of one unit of the fuel assembly was constructed. Time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements were performed to characterize hydraulic behavior downstream the spacer grid. Velocity measurements were conducted in the axial and radial direction of the rod bundle. From the PIV velocity vector fields, the full-field flow statistics were computed for the mean velocity, vorticity, and Reynolds stresses. An analysis of the energy decay downstream of the spacer grid was conducted with calculations of secondary-flow intensities, turbulent kinetic energy, power spectrum, and spatial-temporal velocity cross correlations. The vorticity field was obtained and pairs of counter-rotating vortexes were identified using a 3D reconstruction of several measurement planes. The data from this experimental campaign will be used to validate numerical models based on Computational Fluid Dynamics and other codes.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Analytical Investigation of Propellant Slosh Stability Boundary on a Space Vehicle

The effect of propellant sloshing upon the stability of a liquid-propelled space vehicle has been studied extensively. For a typical space vehicle with thrust vector control and a single slosh tank, the slosh danger zone is located between the vehicle center of mass and the center of percussion. If the slosh mass is located between these two locations, baffles may be required to provide additional damping for stability. In this work, the methodology behind the classic single tank solution analytical is extended to a tandem tank configuration where the tanks are located along the vehicle centerline or symmetrically offset from the centerline. Secondly, the slosh stability boundary for a vehicle with pairs of outboard reaction jets, rather than thrust vectoring, for attitude control is studied. Finally, the impact of aerodynamics and vehicle axial acceleration on the classic danger zone solution are analyzed.

Jing Pei↗

3-D LDA study of a rectangular jet

The flow field of a rectangular jet with a 2:1 aspect ratio was studied at an axial Reynolds number of 100,000 (Mach number 0.09) using three-dimensional laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow field survey resulted in mean velocity vector field plots and contour plots of the Reynolds stress tensor components. This paper presents contour plots in the planes of the jet minor and major axes at different axial locations. These data contribute substantially to currently available data of jet flow fields and will provide a valuable database for three-dimensional modeling.

Morrison, Gerald L.↗

A numerical study of three-dimensional vortex breakdown

A numerical simulation of bubble-type vortex breakdown using a unique discrete form of the full 3-D, unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations was performed. The Navier-Stokes equations were written in a vorticity-velocity form and the physical problem was not restricted to axisymmetric flow. The problem was parametized on a Rossby- Reynolds-number basis. Utilization of this parameter duo was shown to dictate the form of the free-field boundary condition specification and allowed control of axial breakdown location within the computational domain. The structure of the breakdown bubble was studied through time evolution plots of planar projected velocity vectors as well as through plots of particle traces and vortex lines. These results compared favorably with previous experimental studies. In addition, profiles of all three velocity components are presented at various axial stations and a Fourier analysis was performed to identify the dominant circumferential modes. The dynamics of the breakdown process were studied through plots of axial variation of rate of change of integrated total energy and rate of change of integrated enstrophy, as well as through contour plots of velocity, vorticity and pressure.

Spall, Robert E.↗

Anomalous spin polarization from turbulent color fields

Here we study the important, yet widely overlooked, role of gluons for spin transport with a connection to local parity violation in quark gluon plasmas. We employ the formalism of quantum kinetic theory to quarks in weakly coupled quantum chromodynamics to derive the source terms for quark spin polarization. These source terms involve parity-odd correlators of dynamically generated color fields in near-equilibrium quark gluon plasmas and give rise to locally fluctuating axial charge currents. Our results provide a possible explanation for the spin alignment of vector mesons measured in high-energy nuclear collisions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Effects of varying podded nacelle-nozzle installations on transonic aeropropulsive characteristics of a supersonic fighter aircraft

The aeropropulsive characteristics of an advanced twin engine fighter designed for supersonic cruise was investigated in the 16 foot Transonic Tunnel. The performance characteristics of advanced nonaxisymmetric nozzles installed in various nacelle locations, the effects of thrust induced forces on overall aircraft aerodynamics, the trim characteristics, and the thrust reverser performance were evaluated. The major model variables included nozzle power setting; nozzle duct aspect ratio; forward, mid, and aft nacelle axial locations; inboard and outboard underwing nacelle locations; and underwing and overwing nacelle locations. Thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle configurations included a wedge nozzle, a two dimensional convergent divergent nozzle, and a single expansion ramp nozzle, each with deflection angles up to 30 deg. In addition to the nonaxisymmetric nozzles, an axisymmetric nozzle installation was also tested. The use of a canard for trim was also assessed.

Capone, F. J.↗

A nozzle internal performance prediction method

A prediction method was written and incorporated into a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code (PAB3D) for the calculation of nozzle internal performance. The following quantities are calculated: (1) discharge coefficient; (2) normal, side, and axial thrust ratios; (3) rolling, pitching, and yawing moments; and (4) effective pitch and yaw vector angles. Four different case studies are presented to confirm the applicability of the methodology. Internal and, in most situations, external flow-field regions are required to be modeled. The computed nozzle discharge coefficient matches both the level and the trend of the experimental data within quoted experimental data accuracy (0.5 percent). Moment and force ratios are generally within 1 to 2 percent of the absolute level of experimental data, with the trends of data matched accurately.

Carlson, John R.↗

Simulation of Liquid Injection Thrust Vector Control for Mars Ascent Vehicle

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is currently in the initial design phase for a potential Mars Ascent Vehicle; which will be landed on Mars, stay on the surface for period of time, collect samples from the Mars 2020 rover, and then lift these samples into orbit around Mars. The engineers at JPL have down selected to a hybrid wax-based fuel rocket using a liquid oxidizer based on nitrogen tetroxide, or a Mixed Oxide of Nitrogen. To lower the gross lift-off mass of the vehicle the thrust vector control system will use liquid injection of the oxidizer to deflect the thrust of the main nozzle instead of using a gimbaled nozzle. The disadvantage of going with the liquid injection system is the low technology readiness level with a hybrid rocket. Presented in this paper is an effort to simulate the Mars Ascent Vehicle hybrid rocket nozzle and liquid injection thrust vector control system using the computational fluid dynamic flow solver Loci/Chem. This effort also includes determining the sensitivity of the thrust vector control system to a number of different design variables for the injection ports; including axial location, number of adjacent ports, injection angle, and distance between the ports.

Gudenkauf, Jared↗

Effects of Optimisation Parameters on Data-Driven Magnetofrictional Modelling of Active Regions

Context . The solar magnetic field plays an essential role in the formation, evolution, and dynamics of large-scale eruptive structures in the corona. The estimation of the coronal magnetic field, the ultimate driver of space weather, particularly in the ‘low’ and ‘middle’ corona, is presently limited due to practical difficulties. Data-driven time-dependent magnetofrictional modelling (TMFM) of active region magnetic fields has been proven to be a useful tool to study the corona. The input to the model is the photospheric electric field that is inverted from a time series of the photospheric magnetic field. Constraining the complete electric field, that is, including the non-inductive component, is critical for capturing the eruption dynamics. We present a detailed study of the effects of optimisation of the non-inductive electric field on the TMFM of AR 12473. Aims . We aim to study the effects of varying the non-inductive electric field on the data-driven coronal simulations, for two alternative parametrisations. By varying parameters controlling the strength of the non-inductive electric field, we wish to explore the changes in flux rope formation and their early evolution and other parameters, for instance, axial flux and magnetic field magnitude. Methods . We used the high temporal and spatial resolution cadence vector magnetograms from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The non-inductive electric field component in the photosphere is critical for energising and introducing twist to the coronal magnetic field, thereby allowing unstable configurations to be formed. We estimated this component using an approach based on optimising the injection of magnetic energy. Results . Our data show that flux ropes are formed in all of the simulations except for those with the lower values of these optimised parameters. However, the flux rope formation, evolution and eruption time varies depending on the values of the optimisation parameters. The flux rope is formed and has overall similar evolution and properties with a large range of non-inductive electric fields needed to determine the non-inductive electric field component that is critical for energising and introducing twist to the coronal magnetic field. Conclusions . This study shows that irrespective of non-inductive electric field values, flux ropes are formed and erupted, which indicates that data-driven TMFM can be used to estimate flux rope properties early in their evolution without needing to employ a lengthy optimisation process.

A. Kumari↗

Analytical Investigation of Propellant Slosh Stability Boundary on a Space Vehicle

The effect of propellant sloshing upon the stability of a liquid-propelled space vehicle has been studied extensively. For a typical space vehicle with thrust vector control and asingle slosh tank, the Bauer slosh danger zone is located between the vehicle center of mass and the center of percussion while ignoring effects like aerodynamics and axial acceleration. If the slosh mass is located between these two locations, baffles may be required toprovide additional damping for stability. Although this criteria is widely used in the launch vehicle flight controls community, its application is limited to the aforementioned configuration and assumptions. In this work, the methodology behind the classic single-tank criteria is extended to other tank configurations and includes previously ignored effects. First, the variation of the classic danger zone for a tandem tank configuration where the tanks are located along the vehicle centerline or symmetrically offset from the centerline is investigated. Second, a vehicle with a single centerline tank and pair of outboard reaction jets, rather than thrust vectoring, for attitude control is studied. Finally, the impacts of aerodynamics and vehicle axial acceleration on the classic single-tank criteria are analyzed.

Jing Pei↗