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At least 145 records · Page 8

Axisymmetric computational fluid dynamics analysis of Saturn V/S1-C/F1 nozzle and plume

An axisymmetric single engine Computational Fluid Dynamics calculation of the Saturn V/S 1-C vehicle base region and F1 engine plume is described. There were two objectives of this work, the first was to calculate an axisymmetric approximation of the nozzle, plume and base region flow fields of S1-C/F1, relate/scale this to flight data and apply this scaling factor to a NLS/STME axisymmetric calculations from a parallel effort. The second was to assess the differences in F1 and STME plume shear layer development and concentration of combustible gases. This second piece of information was to be input/supporting data for assumptions made in NLS2 base temperature scaling methodology from which the vehicle base thermal environments were being generated. The F1 calculations started at the main combustion chamber faceplate and incorporated the turbine exhaust dump/nozzle film coolant. The plume and base region calculations were made for ten thousand feet and 57 thousand feet altitude at vehicle flight velocity and in stagnant freestream. FDNS was implemented with a 14 species, 28 reaction finite rate chemistry model plus a soot burning model for the RP-1/LOX chemistry. Nozzle and plume flow fields are shown, the plume shear layer constituents are compared to a STME plume. Conclusions are made about the validity and status of the analysis and NLS2 vehicle base thermal environment definition methodology.

Ruf, Joseph H.↗

Computational fluid dynamic control

A general technique is presented for modeling fluid, or gas, dynamic systems specifically for the development of control systems. The numerical methods which are generally used in computational fluid dynamics are borrowed to create either continuous-time or discrete-time models of the particular fluid system. The resulting equations can be either left in a nonlinear form, or easily linearized about an operating point. As there are typically very many states in these systems, the usual linear model reduction methods can be used on them to allow a low-order controller to be designed. A simple example is given which typifies many internal flow control problems. The resulting control is termed computational fluid dynamic control.

Hartley, Tom T.↗

Development of computational fluid dynamics at NASA Ames Research Center

Ames Research Center has the lead role among NASA centers to conduct research in computational fluid dynamics. The past, the present, and the future prospects in this field are reviewed. Past accomplishments include pioneering computer simulations of fluid dynamics problems that have made computers valuable in complementing wind tunnels for aerodynamic research. The present facilities include the most powerful computers built in the United States. Three examples of viscous flow simulations are presented: an afterbody with an exhaust plume, a blunt fin mounted on a flat plate, and the Space Shuttle. The future prospects include implementation of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Processing System that will provide the capability for solving the viscous flow field around an aircraft in a matter of minutes.

Inouye, M.↗

Development of computational fluid dynamics at NASA Ames Research Center

Ames Research Center has the lead role among NASA centers to conduct research in computational fluid dynamics. The past, the present, and the future prospects in this field are reviewed. Past accomplishments include pioneering computer simulations of fluid dynamics problems that have made computers valuable in complementing wind tunnels for aerodynamic research. The present facilities include the most powerful computers built in the United States. Three examples of viscous flow simulations are presented: an afterbody with an exhaust plume, a blunt fin mounted on a flat plate, and the space shuttle. The future prospects include implementation of the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Processing System that will provide the capability for solving the viscous flow field around an aircraft in a matter of minutes.

Inouye, M.↗

Methodology for Thermodynamic Analysis Coupled with Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Casting a Novel Aluminum–Cerium Alloy

In this paper, we present the results of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to assess castability, porosity, molten metal fluidity and other technological properties of a new Al-Ce alloy. A thermodynamic analysis of a new Al-Ce alloy is done to obtain the physical properties as a function of temperature across both solid and liquid phases. These properties are then used to build the CFD of model the full casting process from initial pouring through to final solidification of the part, here an example of a heavy duty mor mount is used. While several excellent commercial CFD codes exists this process shows that CFD can be used to assess the capability of the alloy to properly fill the mold, as well as give predictions where scattered porosity or large-scale defects may occur in the casting. Further, unlike the commercially available software (e.g., ProCAST, SOLIDCast , MAGMASOFT®) the complex 3D-analysis of the stress / strain fields in cast parts is not performed at this time. However, the availability of free software for assessing the required thermodynamic / thermo-physical properties of new alloys (OpenCALPHAD) and CFD codes such as OpenFOAM® makes the developed option attractive and economical, especially for the analysis of new Al-Ce alloys, for which the available data does not exist.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Parallel Domain Decomposition Preconditioning for Computational Fluid Dynamics

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of the parallel domain decomposition preconditioning for computational fluid dynamics. Details are given on some difficult fluid flow problems, stabilized spatial discretizations, and Newton's method for solving the discretized flow equations. Schur complement domain decomposition is described through basic formulation, simplifying strategies (including iterative subdomain and Schur complement solves, matrix element dropping, localized Schur complement computation, and supersparse computations), and performance evaluation.

Barth, Timothy J.↗

NASA Computational Fluid Dynamics Conference. Volume 1: Sessions 1-6

This publication is a collection of the presentations given at the NASA Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Conference held at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, March 7-9, 1989. The objectives of the conference were to disseminate CFD research results to industry and university CFD researchers, to promote synergy among NASA CFD researchers, and to permit feedback from researchers outside of NASA on issues pacing the discipline of CFD. The focus of the conference was on the application of CFD technology but also included fundamental activities. The conference was sponsored by the Aerodynamics Division, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST), NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C. 20546. The conference consisted of twelve sessions of papers representative of CFD research conducted within NASA and three non-NASA panel sessions. For each panel session, the panel membership consisted of industry and university CFD researchers. A summary of the comments made during the panel sessions has been included in this publication. Volume 1 contains the papers given in Sessions I-VT. Volume 2 covers Sessions VII-XII.

Computational fluid dynamics↗

Infrared imaging - A validation technique for computational fluid dynamics codes used in STOVL applications

The need for a validation technique for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes in STOVL applications has led to research efforts to apply infrared thermal imaging techniques to visualize gaseous flow fields. Specifically, a heated, free-jet test facility was constructed. The gaseous flow field of the jet exhaust was characterized using an infrared imaging technique in the 2 to 5.6 micron wavelength band as well as conventional pitot tube and thermocouple methods. These infrared images are compared to computer-generated images using the equations of radiative exchange based on the temperature distribution in the jet exhaust measured with the thermocouple traverses. Temperature and velocity measurement techniques, infrared imaging, and the computer model of the infrared imaging technique are presented and discussed. From the study, it is concluded that infrared imaging techniques coupled with the radiative exchange equations applied to CFD models are a valid method to qualitatively verify CFD codes used in STOVL applications.

Hardman, R. R.↗

Computational fluid dynamics study of the variable-pitch split-blade fan concept

A computational fluid dynamics study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the variable-pitch split-blade supersonic fan concept. This fan configuration was conceived as a means to enable a supersonic fan to switch from the supersonic through-flow type of operation at high speeds to a conventional fan with subsonic inflow and outflow at low speeds. During this off-design, low-speed mode of operation, the fan would operate with a substantial static pressure rise across the blade row like a conventional transonic fan; the front (variable-pitch) blade would be aligned with the incoming flow, and the aft blade would remain fixed in the position set by the supersonic design conditions. Because of these geometrical features, this low speed configuration would inherently have a large amount of turning and, thereby, would have the potential for a large total pressure increase in a single stage. Such a high-turning blade configuration is prone to flow separation; it was hoped that the channeling of the flow between the blades would act like a slotted wing and help alleviate this problem. A total of 20 blade configurations representing various supersonic and transonic configurations were evaluated using a Navier Stokes CFD program called ADAPTNS because of its adaptive grid features. The flow fields generated by this computational procedure were processed by another data reduction program which calculated average flow properties and simulated fan performance. These results were employed to make quantitative comparisons and evaluations of blade performance. The supersonic split-blade configurations generated performance comparable to a single-blade supersonic, through-flow fan configuration. Simulated rotor total pressure ratios of the order of 2.5 or better were achieved for Mach 2.0 inflow conditions. The corresponding fan efficiencies were approximately 75 percent or better. The transonic split-blade configurations having large amounts of turning were able to generate large amounts of total turning and achieve simulated total pressure ratios of 3.0 or better with subsonic inflow conditions. These configurations had large losses and low fan efficiencies in the 70's percent. They had large separated regions and low velocity wakes. Additional turning and diffusion of this flow in a subsequent stator row would probably be very inefficient. The high total pressure ratios indicated by the rotor performance would be substantially reduced by the stators, and the stage efficiency would be substantially lower. Such performance leaves this dual-mode fan concept less attractive than originally postulated.

Kepler, C. E.↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Solar Thermal Dry Reforming of Methane in a Parabolic Trough

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of solar-thermal dry reforming of methane using a parabolic trough configuration were performed. Parametric simulations of different combinations of gas flow rate, receiver tube emissivity, and geometric concentration ratio were conducted to determine configurations that could achieve the required catalyst temperatures of at least 700 °C to achieve high conversion of CH4 and CO2 to H2 and CO. Results showed that the concentration ratio of the parabolic trough collector had to be increased from ~70 to ~120 and the receiver-tube emissivity had to be reduced to ~0.2 to achieve bulk average catalyst temperatures of greater than 700 °C. Lower gas flow rates also reduced enthalpic heat losses and increased catalyst temperatures.

Ho, Clifford↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Symposium on Aeropropulsion

Recognizing the considerable advances that have been made in computational fluid dynamics, the Internal Fluid Mechanics Division of NASA Lewis Research Center sponsored this symposium with the objective of providing a forum for exchanging information regarding recent developments in numerical methods, physical and chemical modeling, and applications. This conference publication is a compilation of 4 invited and 34 contributed papers presented in six sessions: algorithms one and two, turbomachinery, turbulence, components application, and combustors. Topics include numerical methods, grid generation, chemically reacting flows, turbulence modeling, inlets, nozzles, and unsteady flows.

Source record↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Now And In The Future

Technical memorandum reviews state of art of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and predicts future developments and applications. Memorandum notes CFD enables study of physics of flows not previously understood. Applied routinely to complicated flows and influencing design of aerospace vehicles. Also used to design experiments; helps in placing surface and field probes, correcting measurements for laboratory-induced effects, extrapolating experimental results, and interpreting measurements.

Kutler, Paul↗

Assessment of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Models for Shock Boundary-Layer Interaction

A workshop on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) prediction of shock boundary-layer interactions (SBLIs) was held at the 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting. As part of the workshop numerous CFD analysts submitted solutions to four experimentally measured SBLIs. This paper describes the assessment of the CFD predictions. The assessment includes an uncertainty analysis of the experimental data, the definition of an error metric and the application of that metric to the CFD solutions. The CFD solutions provided very similar levels of error and in general it was difficult to discern clear trends in the data. For the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes methods the choice of turbulence model appeared to be the largest factor in solution accuracy. Large-eddy simulation methods produced error levels similar to RANS methods but provided superior predictions of normal stresses.

DeBonis, James R.↗

Computational fluid dynamics uses in fluid dynamics/aerodynamics education

The field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has advanced to the point where it can now be used for the purpose of fluid dynamics physics education. Because of the tremendous wealth of information available from numerical simulation, certain fundamental concepts can be efficiently communicated using an interactive graphical interrogation of the appropriate numerical simulation data base. In other situations, a large amount of aerodynamic information can be communicated to the student by interactive use of simple CFD tools on a workstation or even in a personal computer environment. The emphasis in this presentation is to discuss ideas for how this process might be implemented. Specific examples, taken from previous publications, will be used to highlight the presentation.

Holst, Terry L.↗

Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds

Video is an overview of the AETC Capability Challenge: Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds. Featuring assessments of a series of wind tunnel tests and CFD analysis conducted with a focus on air flow and the potential of optimizing future testing. This video is beneficial for sharing with other organizations that operate or test in wind tunnels.

CFD Studies↗

Blood flow imaging by optimal matching of computational fluid dynamics to 4D-flow data

Three-dimensional, time-resolved blood flow measurement (4D-flow) is a powerful research and clinical tool, but improved resolution and scan times are needed. Therefore, this study aims to (1) present a postprocessing framework for optimization-driven simulation-based flow imaging, called 4D-flow High-resolution Imaging with a priori Knowledge Incorporating the Navier-Stokes equations and the discontinuous Galerkin method (4D-flow HIKING), (2) investigate the framework in synthetic tests, (3) perform phantom validation using laser particle imaging velocimetry, and (4) demonstrate the use of the framework in vivo. An optimizing computational fluid dynamics solver including adjoint-based optimization was developed to fit computational fluid dynamics solutions to 4D-flow data. Synthetic tests were performed in 2D, and phantom validation was performed with pulsatile flow. Reference velocity data were acquired using particle imaging velocimetry, and 4D-flow data were acquired at 1.5 T. In vivo testing was performed on intracranial arteries in a healthy volunteer at 7 T, with 2D flow as the reference. Results Synthetic tests showed low error (0.4%-0.7%). Phantom validation showed improved agreement with laser particle imaging velocimetry compared with input 4D-flow in the horizontal (mean -0.05 vs -1.11 cm/s, P < .001; SD 1.86 vs 4.26 cm/s, P < .001) and vertical directions (mean 0.05 vs -0.04 cm/s, P = .29; SD 1.36 vs 3.95 cm/s, P < .001). In vivo data show a reduction in flow rate error from 14% to 3.5%. Phantom and in vivo results from 4D-flow HIKING show promise for future applications with higher resolution, shorter scan times, and accurate quantification of physiological parameters.

4D-flow MRI↗

Validation of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Self-Pressurization by Leveraging Reduced Order Modeling within Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

Validation of cryogenic propellant tank self-pressurization was performed using a hybrid Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and reduced order modeling methodology. Data from a liquid hydrogen ground test conducted at the K-site facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center was used for the validation effort. Liquid phase dynamics were explicitly resolved with a CFD tool. Vapor phase dynamics were modeled as a point mass that communicated heat from the tank wall to the liquid phase via a boundary condition used at the gas-liquid interface. The method proved to be more accurate, robust, and efficient than explicit resolution of the dynamics using a standard Volume of Fluid (VOF) methodology. The subject pressurization process was found to be heavily dependent upon both the relatively high liquid temperature gradient near the gas-liquid interface and the natural convection flow path. Modeling the gas-liquid interface as an immovable surface eliminated temperature gradient destroying gas-liquid interface velocities observed in VOF simulations, and correspondingly enabled more rapid simulation since interface advection was not allowed. The single phase computational domain also facilitated the ability to demonstrate spatial resolution convergence of natural convection cells within the liquid which significantly impacted the tank pressurization rate. This work was used to demonstrate the critical physics for tank self-pressurization and numerical methodologies that may be used to best resolve those physics. The findings informed development and operation of production level CFD tools used in the Fluid Dynamics Branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

J. M. Brodnick↗