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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Numerical simulation of the Gulf Stream and Mid-Ocean eddies

Oceanographic field measurements have revealed intense, transient mesoscale motions in many parts of the world ocean. The circulation of the western North Atlantic, considered in the present study as a rectangular basin, is simulated with a primitive equation model that has five levels and a horizontal grid size of 37 km. The model ocean is driven by a 2.5 gyre pattern of steady zonal wind stress and by a Newtonian-type surface heating. Two cases are considered: the first uses a Laplacian formulation for the subgrid-scale lateral diffusions of heat and momentum; the second uses a highly scale-selective biharmonic formulation for these diffusions. An analysis of the heat transport, in the biharmonic experiment, shows that the horizontal transport of heat by eddies is much larger than the subgrid-scale horizontal heat diffusion. In the Gulf Stream region, the eddy heat transport is comparable to the effect of a lateral diffusion coefficient of 10 to the 7th sq cm/s.

Semtner, A. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The 4th order GISS model of the global atmosphere

The new GISS 4th order model of the global atmosphere is described. It is based on 4th order quadratically conservative differences with the periodic application of a 16th order filter on the sea level pressure and potential temperature equations, a combination which is approximately enstrophy conserving. Several short range forecasts indicate a significant improvement over 2nd order forecasts with the same resolution (approximately 400 km). However the 4th order forecasts are somewhat inferior to 2nd order forecasts with double resolution. This is probably due to the presence of short waves in the range between 1000 km and 2000 km, which are computed more accurately by the 2nd order high resolution model. An operation count of the schemes indicates that with similar code optimization, the 4th order model will require approximately the same amount of computer time as the 2nd order model with the same resolution. It is estimated that the 4th order model with a grid size of 200 km provides enough accuracy to make horizontal truncation errors negligible over a period of a week for all synoptic scales (waves longer than 1000 km).

Kalnay-Rivas, E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The Seasat-A satellite scatterometer

This report describes the methods used to develop performance requirements and design characteristics of a microwave scatterometer wind sensor planned for Seasat-A. User requirements such as wind speed accuracy, resolution cell size, grid spacing, and swath width of the measurements formed the basis for defining instrument characteristics. Results are presented that show scatterometer accuracy as a function of orbit position satisfies User requirements for nominal orbit conditions.

Grantham, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On implicit finite-difference simulations of three-dimensional flow

An implicit finite-difference procedure for unsteady three-dimensional flow capable of handling arbitrary geometry through the use of general coordinate transformations is described. Viscous effects are optionally incorporated with a 'thin layer' approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations. An implicit approximate factorization technique is employed so that the small grid sizes required for spatial accuracy and viscous resolution do not impose stringent stability limitations. Results obtained from the program include transonic inviscid and laminar-turbulent solutions about simple body configurations. Comparisons with existing theories and experiments are made. Numerical accuracy and the effect of three-dimensional coordinate singularities are also discussed.

Pulliam, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The impact of Sun-weather research on forecasting

The possible impact of Sun-weather research on forecasting is examined. The type of knowledge of the effect is evaluated to determine if it is in a form that can be used for forecasting purposes. It is concluded that the present understanding of the effect does not lend itself readily to applications for forecast purposes. The limits of present predictive skill are examined and it is found that skill is most lacking for prediction of the smallest scales of atmospheric motion. However, it is not expected that Sun-weather research will have any significant impact on forecasting the smaller scales since predictability at these scales is limited by the finite grid size resolution and the time scales of turbulent diffusion. The predictability limits for the largest scales are on the order of several weeks although presently only a one week forecast is achievable.

Larsen, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A new approach in cascade flow analysis using the finite element method

A new approach in analyzing the potential flow past cascades and single airfoils using the finite element method is developed. In this analysis the circulation around the airfoil is not externally imposed but is directly computed in the numerical solution. Different finite element discretization patterns, orders of piecewise approximation, and grid sizes are used in the solution. The results obtained are compared with existing experimental measurements and exact solutions in cascades and single airfoils.

Baskharone, E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Advanced ion thruster and electrochemical launcher research

The theoretical model of orificed hollow cathode operation predicted experimentally observed cathode performance with reasonable accuracy. The deflection and divergence characteristics of ion beamlets emanating from a two grid optics system as a function of the relative offset of screen and accel grids hole axes were described. Ion currents associated with discharge chamber operation were controlled to improve ion thruster performance markedly. Limitations imposed by basic physical laws on reductions in screen grid hole size and grid spacing for ion optics systems were described. The influence of stray magnetic fields in the vicinity of a neutralizer on the performance of that neutralizer was demonstrated. The ion current density extracted from a thruster was enhanced by injecting electrons into the region between its ion accelerating grids. Theoretical analysis of the electrothermal ramjet concept of launching space bound payloads at high acceleration levels is described. The operation of this system is broken down into two phases. In the light gas gun phase the payload is accelerated to the velocity at which the ramjet phase can commence. Preliminary models of operation are examined and shown to yield overall energy efficiences for a typical Earth escape launch of 60 to 70%. When shock losses are incorporated these efficiencies are still observed to remain at the relatively high values of 40 to 50%.

Wilbur, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Finite analytic numerical solution of axisymmetric Navier-Stokes and energy equations

Convective heat transfer for steady state laminar flow in axisymmetric coordinates is considered. Numerical solutions for flow pattern and temperature distribution are obtained by the finite analytic numerical method applied to the Navier-Stokes equations expressed in terms of vorticity and stream function, and the energy equation. The finite analytic numerical method differs from other numerical methods in that it utilizes a local analytic solution in an element of the problem to construct the total numerical solution. Finite analytic solutions of vorticity, stream function, temperature and heat transfer coefficients for flow with Reynolds number of 5.0, 100.0, 1000.0, and 2000.0, and Prandtl number of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 with uniform grid sizes are reported for axisymmetric pipe with sudden expansion and contraction. The wall temperature is considered to be isothermal and differs from the inlet temperature. It is shown that the finite analytic solution is stable, converges rapidly, and simulates the convection of fluid flow accurately since the local analytic solution is capable of simulating automatically the influence of skewed convection through the element boundary on the interior nodal values thereby minimizing the false numerical diffusion.

Chen, C.-J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Boundary conditions for the solution of compressible Navier-Stokes equations by an implicit factored method

A method is presented for formulating the boundary conditions in implicit finite-difference form needed for obtaining solutions to the compressible Navier-Stokes equations by the Beam and Warming implicit factored method. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated (a) by establishing the boundary conditions applicable to the analysis of the flow inside an axisymmetric piston-cylinder configuration and (b) by calculating velocities and mass fractions inside the cylinder for different geometries and different operating conditions. Stability, selection of time step and grid sizes, and computer time requirements are discussed in reference to the piston-cylinder problem analyzed.

Shih, T. I.-P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Comparison of solutions of the Navier-Stokes and interacting boundary layer equations for separated turbulent flow

Comparisons are presented between numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes and interacting boundary-layer equations for the subsonic separated turbulent flow over an axisymmetric boattail configuration for which experimental data was available. Comparisons were made using a standard algebraic turbulence model and its modification using a streamwise relaxation model. Grid size studies were performed to provide an approximate assessment of the sensitivity of each method to mesh size. In general, good agreement was observed between the solutions of the Navier-Stokes and interacting boundary-layer equations; however, the interaction approach responded more strongly to the modified turbulence model thereby giving better agreement with experimental data.

Vatsa, V. N.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A study of the effects of numerical dissipation on the calculation of supersonic separated flows

An extensive investigation of the effect of numerical dissipation on the calculation of supersonic, separated flow over a rearward-facing step is carried out. The complete two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved by means of MacCormack's standard explicit, unsplit, time-dependent, finite difference method. A fourth-order numerical dissipation term is added explicitly. The magnitude of this term is progressively varied, and its consequences on the flowfield calculations are identified and studied. For a cold-wall, heat transfer case, numerical dissipation had a major effect on the results, particularly in the separated region. However, rather dramatically for an adiabatic wall case, numerical dissipation had virtually no effect on the results. The role of grid size on both the influence of numerical dissipation, and on the overall accuracy of the separated flow solutions is discussed.

Kuruvila, G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Multigrid applications to three-dimensional elliptic coordinate generation

The multigrid algorithm was applied to solve the coupled set of elliptic quasilinear partial differential equations associated with three-dimensional coordinate generation. The results indicate that the multigrid scheme is more than twice as fast as conventional relaxation schemes on moderate-size grids. Convergence factors of order 0.90 per work unit were achieved on 36,000-point grids. The paper covers the form of transformation, develops the set of generation equations, and gives details on the multigrid approach used. Included are a development of the full-approximation storage scheme, details of the smoothing-rate analysis, and a section devoted to rational programming techniques applicable to the multigrid algorithm.

Thames, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Experimental study of disturbances produced in a pre-transitional laminar boundary layer by weak freestream turbulence

The high-amplitude, low-frequency, disturbances generated in a Blasius boundary layer by grid-produced freestream turbulence were studied by means of hot-wire anemometry and by flow visualization. Emphasis was placed on determining the cause and nature of these, and on their effect upon the mean flow profile. It was found that the motion in the layer was intrinsically three-dimensional, according to which the fronts, of Tollmien-Schlichting waves became warped. Evidence of streamwise vorticity was noted. At Reynolds numbers near 1.6 million, the maximum attained, sharp velocity gradients appeared locally. With increase of grid size, there appeared turbulent spots which were wider than the coherence scale of the background motion.

Kendall, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Mean zonal winds and planetary waves induced by internal gravity wave packets

The generation of mean zonal winds and planetary waves induced by internal gravity wave packets are investigated by numerical experiments. The numerical model is a 3-dimensional primitive equation model on the equatorial beta-plane with boundaries at the equator and North Pole. Because of equatorial boundary conditions, equatorial symmetric modes only are included in the model. Internal gravity wave packets are produced by thermal heating at the bottom boundary. Because of restriction of grid size, convective instability is parameterized by time-independent vertical and horizontal eddy viscosity. Other dissipation mechanisms (e.g., Newtonian cooling, ion drag, molecular viscosity etc.) are also included in the model.

Takahashi, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Advanced turboprop noise prediction: Development of a code at NASA Langley based on recent theoretical results

The development of a high speed propeller noise prediction code at Langley Research Center is described. The code utilizes two recent acoustic formulations in the time domain for subsonic and supersonic sources. The structure and capabilities of the code are discussed. Grid size study for accuracy and speed of execution on a computer is also presented. The code is tested against an earlier Langley code. Considerable increase in accuracy and speed of execution are observed. Some examples of noise prediction of a high speed propeller for which acoustic test data are available are given. A brisk derivation of formulations used is given in an appendix.

Farassat, F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On the adequacy of meridional resolution of linear and quasi-linear barotropic models

The minimum meridional resolution needed for an adequate numerical simulation of the linear and 'quasi-linear' barotropic vorticity dynamics in the vicinity of a critical latitude (CL) is determined by using a semispectral nondivergent barotropic model on a sphere. The behavior of the analytic as well as the meridionally finite differenced form of the refractive index in the vicinity of a CL is discussed. An estimation of an upper bound on the latitudinal gridsize to be used in linear calculations is given, and constraint on the latitudinal grid size are considered. The dynamical model utilized is briefly described.

Nigam, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A verification of unsteady Navier-Stokes solutions around oscillating airfoils

A finite difference solution code for the two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations was combined with a moving-grid system. The thin layer Navier-Stokes equations with a turbulence model are solved in a time-accurate manner in order to study the unsteady aerodynamics around airfoils undergoing small amplitude pitching or heaving motions in the transonic regime. The accuracy of the solutions obtained by the use of the present moving-grid technqiue is investigated. The effects of the minimum grid size and the integrating time-step size on the solutions are also checked. Some of the solutions obtained by the present method are compared with experimental results. It is demonstrated that the unsteady aerodynamics around oscillating airfoils can be predicted fairly well by the present code for cases in which the dynamic angle of attack or displacement is small.

Nakamichi, J.↗