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At least 145 records · Page 8

On the combustion of a laminar spray

A spray combustor, with flow velocities in the laminar range, exhibits a unique operating mode where large amplitude, self-induced oscillations of the flame shape occur. The phenomenon, not previously encountered, only occurs when fuel is supplied in the form of fine liquid droplets and does not occur when fuel is supplied in gaseous form. Several flow mechanisms are coupled in such a fashion as to trigger and maintain the oscillatory motion of the flame. These mechanisms include heat transfer and evaporation processes, dynamics of two-phase flows, and effects of gravity (buoyancy forces). An interface volume, lying above the fuel nozzle and below the flame was found to be the most susceptible to gravity effects and postulated to be responsible for inducing the oscillatory motion. Heptane fuel was used in the majority of the tests. Tests performed with iso-octane also showed similar results.

Levy, Yeshayahou↗

On the Oscillation of Combustion of a Laminar Spray

A spray combustor, with flow velocities in the laminar range, exhibits a unique operating mode where large amplitude, self-induced oscillations of the flame shape occur. The phenomenon, not previously encountered, only occurs when fuel is supplied in the form of fine liquid droplets and does not occur when fuel is supplied in gaseous form. Several flow mechanisms are coupled in such a fashion as to trigger and maintain the oscillatory motion of the flame. These mechanisms include heat transfer and evaporation processes, dynamics of two-phase flows, and effects of gravity (buoyancy forces). An interface volume, lying between the fuel nozzle and the flame was found to be the most susceptible to gravity effects, and postulated to be responsible for inducing the oscillatory motion. Heptane fuel was used in the majority of the tests.

Levy, Yeshayahou↗

Comparison of Inflation Processes at the 1859 Mauna Loa Flow, HI, and the McCartys Flow Field, NM

Basaltic lavas typically form channels or tubes during flow emplacement. However, the importance of sheet flow in the development of basalt ic terrains received recognition over the last 15 years. George Walke r?s research on the 1859 Mauna Loa Flow was published posthumously in 2009. In this paper he discusses the concept of endogenous growth, or inflation, for the distal portion of this otherwise channeldominated lava flow. We used this work as a guide when visiting the 1859 flow to help us better interpret the inflation history of the McCartys flow field in NM. Both well preserved flows display similar clues about the process of inflation. The McCartys lava flow field is among the you ngest (approx.3000 yrs) basaltic lava flows in the continental United States. It was emplaced over slopes of <1 degree, which is similar to the location within the 1859 flow where inflation occurred. Although older than the 1859 flow, the McCartys is located in an arid environ ment and is among the most pristine examples of sheet flow morphologies. At the meter scale the flow surface typically forms smooth, undula ting swales that create a polygonal terrain. The literature for simil ar features includes multiple explanatory hypotheses, original breakouts from adjacent lobes, or inflation related upwarping of crust or sa gging along fractures that enable gas release. It is not clear which of these processes is responsible for polygonal terrains, and it is po ssible that one explanation is not the sole cause of this morphology between all inflated flows. Often, these smooth surfaces within an inflated sheet display lineated surfaces and occasional squeeze-ups alon g swale contacts. We interpret the lineations to preserve original fl ow direction and have begun mapping these orientations to better interpret the emplacement history. At the scale of 10s to 100s of meters t he flow comprises multiple topographic plateaus and depressions. Some depressions display level floors with surfaces as described above, while some are bowl shaped with floors covered in broken lava slabs. Th e boundaries between plateaus and depressions are also typically smoo th, grooved surfaces that have been tilted to angles sometimes approaching vertical. The upper margin of these tilted surfaces displays lar ge cracks, sometimes containing squeeze-ups. The bottom boundary with smooth floored depressions typically shows embayment by younger lavas. It appears that this style of terrain represents the emplacement of an extensive sheet that experiences inflation episodes within prefer red regions where lateral spreading of the sheet is inhibited, thereby forming plateaus. Depressions are often the result of non-inflation and can be clearly identified by lateral squeeze-outs along the pit walls that form when the rising crust exposes the still liquid core of the sheet. Our current efforts are focused on.

Bleacher, Jacob E.↗

Mid-tertiary ash flow tuff cauldrons, southwestern New Mexico

Characteristics of 28 known or suspected mid-Tertiary ash-flow tuff cauldrons in New Mexico are described. The largest region is 40 km in diameter, and erosional and block faulting processes have exposed levels as far down as the plutonic roots. The study supports a five-stage process: precursor, caldera collapse, early post-collapse, volcanism, major ring-fracture volcanism, and hydrothermal activity. The stages can repeat or the process can stop at any stage. Post-collapse lavas fell into two categories: cauldron lavas, derived from shallow defluidized residues of caldera-forming ash flow tuff eruption, and framework lavas, evolved from a siliceous pluton below the cauldron complex. The youngest caldera was shallow and formed from asymmetric subsidence and collapse of the caldera walls.

Elston, W. E.↗

MANTLE: A finite element program for the thermal-mechanical analysis of mantle convection. A user's manual with examples

A finite element computer code for the analysis of mantle convection is described. The coupled equations for creeping viscous flow and heat transfer can be solved for either a transient analysis or steady-state analysis. For transient analyses, either a control volume or a control mass approach can be used. Non-Newtonian fluids with viscosities which have thermal and spacial dependencies can be easily incorporated. All material parameters may be written as function statements by the user or simply specified as constants. A wide range of boundary conditions, both for the thermal analysis and the viscous flow analysis can be specified. For steady-state analyses, elastic strain rates can be included. Although this manual was specifically written for users interested in mantle convection, the code is equally well suited for analysis in a number of other areas including metal forming, glacial flows, and creep of rock and soil.

Thompson, E.↗

Effects of a Rotating Aerodynamic Probe on the Flow Field of a Compressor Rotor

An investigation of distortions of the rotor exit flow field caused by an aerodynamic probe mounted in the rotor is described in this paper. A rotor total pressure Kiel probe, mounted on the rotor hub and extending up to the mid-span radius of a rotor blade channel, generates a wake that forms additional flow blockage. Three types of high-response aerodynamic probes were used to investigate the distorted flow field behind the rotor. These probes were: a split-fiber thermo-anemometric probe to measure velocity and flow direction, a total pressure probe, and a disk probe for in-flow static pressure measurement. The signals acquired from these high-response probes were reduced using an ensemble averaging method based on a once per rotor revolution signal. The rotor ensemble averages were combined to construct contour plots for each rotor channel of the rotor tested. In order to quantify the rotor probe effects, the contour plots for each individual rotor blade passage were averaged into a single value. The distribution of these average values along the rotor circumference is a measure of changes in the rotor exit flow field due to the presence of a probe in the rotor. These distributions were generated for axial flow velocity and for static pressure.

Lepicovsky, Jan↗

Imdr Regio: The Geology of A Possible Active Hot Spot on Venus and A Target for Future Exploration By the ESA Envision Mission.

With Venus being the focus of future new missions like ESA’s EnVision, we need to look for target sites for future investigations on Venus. The different instruments will help to study the planet in a unprecedented detail. In particular, the VenSAR instrument will map the 20% of the surface of Venus at a resolution of 5 to 10 meters/pixel, so it gets crucial to select what areas of Venus deserve to be targeted for such a high-resolution mapping. We propose here Imdr Regio as a good candidate location for combined high resolution SAR mapping and for study with the rest of the mission instruments (e.g., Subsurface Radar Sounder). Imdr Regio is a large topographic rise that extends approximately from 35ºS-50ºS and 195ºE-225ºE between the volcanic plains of Helen, Nsomeka and Wawalag Planitiae. Imdr Regio was classified as a volcano-dominated topographic rise with a minimum-maximum diameter of 1200-1400 km and a swell height of 1.6 km. The southeast of Imdr Regio is dominated by Idunn Mons (46.5ºS/214.5ºE). Studies using the 1 µm (derived) surface emissivity from the Venus Express mission of the volcanic flows surrounding Idunn Mons suggest that high emissivity values in the volcano flanks are related to relatively unweathered basaltic rock and therefore indicative of a recent or even ongoing volcanic activity. We have carried out geologic mapping in the area to constrain volcanic and tectonic structures, and the geologic history of the large topographic rise. This geologic mapping reveals that different styles of volcanism are present across Imdr Regio and that this volcanic activity takes place in all the hot spot in close relation with the formation of a rift throughout all time represented by in the area. The first stages on the evolution of this large volcano are characterized by the formation of a radial fracture system and contemporaneous large sheet flows. These large sheet flows are locally difficult to distinguish from regional plains and are also deformed by regional N-trending wrinkle ridges. After this initial phase, multiple overlapping digitate flow units form the flanks and summit of the volcano and are contemporaneous with NW-SE trending fractures and graben of Olapa Chasma, a rift system that cross the topographic rise. To the northwest another large volcano also presents a system of radial fractures but lacks clear large sheet flows. Numerous pit chains are associated to fractures and graben, suggesting that transport of magma under the surface is important. The geologic history based on the mapping suggests that activity in Imdr Regio started with the emplacement of a plume/diapir in the southeast, which resulted in the formation of a radial dyke system and the emplacement of large sheet flows in Idunn Mons. The presence of other large volcanoes to the northwest suggests the presence of another magmatic source (plume or diapir). After this initial stage, volcanism continues in Idunn Mons and activity in the topographic rise is strongly related to the formation of Olapa Chasma. Rift-related volcanic flows postdate these other volcanoes and are contemporaneous with the late activity in Idunn Mons. Monogenetic volcanism is present in the rift and in all the units that are in the area.

I. López↗

Evaluation of dual flow thrust vectored nozzles with exhaust stream impingement

The main objective of this project was to predict the expansion wave/oblique shock wave structure in an under-expanded jet expanding from a convergent nozzle. The shock structure was predicted by combining the calculated curvature of the free pressure boundary with principles and governing equations relating to oblique shock wave and expansion wave interaction. The procedure was then continued until the shock pattern repeated itself. A mathematical model was then formulated and written in FORTRAN to calculate the oblique shock/expansion wave structure within the jet. In order to study shock waves in expanding jets, Schlieren photography, a form of flow visualization, was employed. Thirty-six Schlieren photographs of jets from both a straight and 15 degree nozzle were taken. An iterative procedure was developed to calculate the shock structure within the jet and predict the non-dimensional values of Prandtl primary wavelength (w/rn), distance to Mach Disc (Ld) and Mach Disc radius (rd). These values were then compared to measurements taken from Schlieren photographs and experimental results. The results agreed closely to measurements from Schlieren photographs and previously obtained data. This method provides excellent results for pressure ratios below that at which a Mach Disc first forms. Calculated values of non-dimensional distance to the Mach Disc (Ld) agreed closely to values measured from Schlieren photographs and published data. The calculated values of non-dimensional Mach Disc radius (rd), however, deviated from published data by as much as 25 percent at certain pressure ratios.

Carpenter, Thomas W.↗

A modified Newton-Raphson analysis of flight measurements of the trailing vortices of a heavy jet transport

A modified Newton-Raphson method has been used to determine the parameters in equations describing the vortex flow to obtain a best match with flight measurements of the flow behind the C-5A airplane. The flight measurements were made using a specially instrumented T-33 airplane which passed as closely as possible to the centers of the trailing vortices at several distances behind the C-5A airplane. The flight measurements were transformed to flow velocity relative to an inertial frame of reference. The assumed form of the flow consisted of the superposition of two counterrotating, finite core vortices. The positions of the vortex centers, their total circulation, the effective eddy viscosity and measurement bias were the parameters adjusted. The assumed form of vortex flow fit well the measured velocities for the numerous sets of data, both flaps up and down for the C-5A airplane. The resulting values of total circulation, however, were about two-thirds that expected of a wing with an elliptical loading. A partial explanation of the less than expected circulation is a dip in the spanwise lift distribution at the airplane's center line. The distance between the trailing vortices at the smallest times encountered is somewhat less than that expected for an elliptical wing loading.

Taylor, L. W., Jr.↗

ISOFINEL: Isoparametric finite element code for elastic analysis of two-dimensional bodies

A formulation is presented for the development of a finite element program for the elastic analysis of two-dimensional bodies using the eight-node isoparametric quadrilateral. The program solves for both plane stress and plane strain problems. The finite element formulation based on the isoparametric displacement functions is presented. The program structure is given in the form of flow diagrams with descriptions of the numerical procedure used to obtain the element stiffness matrix, and the solution method employed to solve for nodal displacements. Three numerical examples (a plate under uniaxial tension, a plate under pure shear, and a beam under pure bending) are presented to illustrate the capability and limitations of the element implementation. The first problem is solved exactly by the element, as predicted by the form of its displacement functions. In the other two problems the accuracy of the solution is highly dependent upon the slenderness of the element, the number of elements in the map, and the numerical integration scheme used to build the element stiffness matrix.

Marino, C.↗

Three Dimensional Flow and Pressure Patterns in a Single Pocket of a Hydrostatic Journal Bearing

The flow in a hydrostatic pocket is described by a mathematical model that uses the three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations written in terms of the primary variables, u, v, w, and p. Using a conservative formulation, a finite volume multi-block method is applied through a collocated, body fitted grid. The flow is simulated in a shallow pocket with a depth/length ratio of 0.02. The flow structures obtained and described by the authors in their previous two dimensional models are made visible in their three dimensional aspect for the Couette flow. It has been found that the flow regimes formed central and secondary vortical cells with three dimensional corkscrew-like structures that lead the fluid on an outward bound path in the axial direction of the pocket. The position of the central vortical cell center is at the exit region of the capillary restrictor feedline. It has also been determined that a fluid turn around zone occupies all the upstream space between the floor of the pocket and the runner, thus preventing any flow exit through the upstream port. The corresponding pressure distribution under the shaft presented as well. It was clearly established that for the Couette dominated case the pressure varies significantly in the pocket in the circumferential direction, while its variation is less pronounced axially.

Braun, M. Jack↗

Measurement of the effect of manufacturing deviations on natural laminar flow for a single engine general aviation airplane

Renewed interest in natural laminar flow (NLF) had rekindled designer concern that manufacuring deviations may destroy the effectiveness of NLF for an operational aircraft. Experiments are summarized that attemtped to measure total drag changes associated with three different wing surface conditions on an aircraft typical of current general aviation high performance singles. The speed power technique was first used in an attempt to quantify the changes in total drag. Predicted and measured boundary layer transition locations for three different wing surface conditions were also compared, using two different forms of flow visualization. The three flight test phases included: assessment of an unpainted airframe, flight tests of the same aircraft after painstakingly filling and sanding the wings to design contours, and similar measurement after this aricraft was painted. In each flight phase, transition locations were monitored using with sublimating chemicals or pigmented oil. Two-dimensional drag coefficients were estimated using the Eppler-Somers code and measured with a wake rake in a method very similar to Jones' pitot traverse method. The net change in two-dimensional drag coefficient was approximately 20 counts between the unpainted aircraft and the hand-smoothed aircraft for typical cruise flight conditions.

Source record↗

Numerical simulation of the interaction of a vortex with stationary airfoil in transonic flow

A perturbation form of an implicit conservative, noniterative numerical algorithm for the two-dimensional thin layer Navier-Stokes and Euler equations is used to compute the interaction flow-field of a vortex with stationary airfoil. A Lamb-like analytical vortex having a finite core is chosen to interact with a thick (NACA 0012) and a thin (NACA 64A006) airfoil independently in transonic flow. Two different configurations of vortex interaction are studied, viz., (1) when the vortex is fixed at one location in the flowfield, and (2) when the vortex is convecting past the airfoil at freestream velocity. Parallel computations of this interacting flowfield are also done using a version of the Transonic Small Disturbance Code (ATRAN2). A special treatment of the leading edge region for thin airfoils is included in this code. With this, the three methods gave qualitatively similar results for the weaker interactions considered in this study. However, the strongest interactions considered proved to be beyond the capabilities of the small disturbance code. The results also show a far greater influence of the vortex on the airfoil flowfield when the vortex is stationary than when it is convecting with the flow.

Srinivasan, G. R.↗

A review of reduced Navier-Stokes computations for compressible viscous flows

A reduced form of the Navier-Stokes equations, defined by a single composite of the Euler, boundary layer, and triple deck approximations, is considered for the computation of viscous interacting flows. Global pressure or pseudopotential relaxation methods are integrated with coupled sparse matrix direct solvers or coupled strongly implicit ILU algorithms to efficiently capture sharp shocks and regions of recirculation. Solutions are obtained for a variety of 2D and 3D geometries and for Mach numbers (M) spanning the range from incompressible (M = 0) to supersonic (M = 6) flow.

Rubin, S. G.↗

Experiments and Analyses of the Formation of Erosional Scour Marks with Implications to the Origin of the Martian Outflow Channels

The objectives of the present study of erosional scour marks on Mars involve flume experiments to examine the details of scour patterns around a variety of obstacle shapes, and to review the engineering literature on the scour around bridge piers to determine whether those results might provide a quantitative evaluation of the flows which formed the scour marks in the outflow channels. The flume experiments completed to date examined the scour which develops around a circular island and around a streamlined island (having a lemniscate shape with length/width = 3.0). The islands themselves are non-erodable solids, but are surrounded by a fine-grained sediment bed. The scour patterns which occur around the circular island agree with those produced by prototype bridge piers and by scale-model piers employed in the engineering studies. The scour patterns around the model streamlined islands correspond extremely well with those seen adjacent to the streamlined islands on Mars, providing still more confirmation for a water-flow origin.

Komar, P. D.↗

Large Alluvial Fans on Mars

Several dozen distinct alluvial fans, 10 to greater than 40 km long downslope are observed exclusively in highlands craters. Within a search region between 0 deg. and 30 deg. S, alluvial fan-containing craters were only found between 18 and 29 S, and they all occur at around plus or minus 1 km of the MOLA-defined Martian datum. Within the study area they are not randomly distributed but instead form three distinct clusters. Fans typically descend greater than 1 km from where they disgorge from their alcoves. Longitudinal profiles show that their surfaces are very slightly concave with a mean slope of 2 degrees. Many fans exhibit very long, narrow low-relief ridges radially oriented down-slope, often branching at their distal ends, suggestive of distributaries. Morphometric data for 31 fans was derived from MOLA data and compared with terrestrial fans with high-relief source areas, terrestrial low gradient alluvial ramps in inactive tectonic settings, and older Martian alluvial ramps along crater floors. The Martian alluvial fans generally fall on the same trends as the terrestrial alluvial fans, whereas the gentler Martian crater floor ramps are similar in gradient to the low relief terrestrial alluvial surfaces. For a given fan gradient, Martian alluvial fans generally have greater source basin relief than terrestrial fans in active tectonic settings. This suggests that the terrestrial source basins either yield coarser debris or have higher sediment concentrations than their Martian counterpoints. Martian fans and Basin and Range fans have steeper gradients than the older Martian alluvial ramps and terrestrial low relief alluvial surfaces, which is consistent with a supply of coarse sediment. Martian fans are relatively large and of low gradient, similar to terrestrial fluvial fans rather than debris flow fans. However, gravity scaling uncertainties make the flow regime forming Martian fans uncertain. Martian fans, at least those in Holden crater, apparently formed around the time of the Noachian-Hesperian boundary. We infer that these fans formed during an episode of enhanced precipitation (probably snow) and runoff, which exhibited both sudden onset and termination.

Moore, Jeffrey M.↗

Plasma spray nozzle with low overspray and collimated flow

An improved nozzle for reducing overspray in high temperature supersonic plasma spray devices comprises a body defining an internal passageway having an upstream end and a downstream end through which a selected plasma gas is directed. The nozzle passageway has a generally converging/diverging Laval shape with its upstream end converging to a throat section and its downstream end diverging from the throat section. The upstream end of the passageway is configured to accommodate a high current cathode for producing an electrical arc in the passageway to heat and ionize the gas flow to plasma form as it moves along the passageway. The downstream end of the nozzle is uniquely configured through the methodology of this invention to have a contoured bell-shape that diverges from the throat to the exit of the nozzle. Coating material in powder form is injected into the plasma flow in the region of the bell-shaped downstream end of the nozzle and the powder particles become entrained in the flow. The unique bell shape of the nozzle downstream end produces a plasma spray that is ideally expanded at the nozzle exit and thus virtually free of shock phenomena, and that is highly collimated so as to exhibit significantly reduced fanning and diffusion between the nozzle and the target. The overall result is a significant reduction in the amount of material escaping from the plasma stream in the form of overspray and a corresponding improvement in the cost of the coating operation and in the quality and integrity of the coating itself.

Beason, Jr., George P.↗