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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 1,567 records · Page 87

Solution of Aeroacoustic Problems by a Nonlinear, Hybrid Method

Category 1, problem 3 (scattering of sound by a sphere) and category 2, problem 1 (spherical source in a cylindrical duct subject to uniform flow) are solved in generalized coordinates using the nonlinear Euler equations together with nonreflecting boundary conditions. A temporally and spatially fourth-order accurate finite-difference, Runge-Kutta time-marching technique is employed for the near-field calculations and a Kirchhoff method is employed for the prediction of far-field sound. Computations are all performed on parallel processors using the data-parallel paradigm.

Oezyoeruek, Yusuf↗

Adaptive mesh refinement in binary black holes simulations

Abstract We discuss refinement criteria for the Berger–Rigoutsos (block-based) refinement algorithm in our numerical relativity code GR-Athena++ in the context of binary black hole (BBH) merger simulations. We compare three different strategies: the ‘box-in-box’ approach, the ‘sphere-in-sphere’ approach and a local criterion for refinement based on the estimation of truncation error of the finite difference scheme. We extract and compare gravitational waveforms using the three different mesh refinement methods and compare their accuracy against a calibration waveform and demonstrate that the sphere-in-sphere approach provides the best strategy overall when considering computational cost and the waveform accuracy. Ultimately, we demonstrate the capability of each mesh refinement method in accurately simulating gravitational waves from BBH systems—a crucial aspect for their application in next-generation detectors. We quantify the mismatch achievable with the different strategies by extrapolating the gravitational wave mismatch to higher resolution.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗

Modeling underwater noise propagation from marine hydrokinetic power devices through a time-domain, velocity-pressure solution

Marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices generate electricity from the motion of tidal and ocean currents, as well as ocean waves, to provide an additional source of renewable energy available to the United States. These devices are a source of anthropogenic noise in the marine ecosystem and must meet regulatory guidelines that mandate a maximum amount of noise that may be generated. In the absence of measured levels from in situ deployments, a model for predicting the propagation of sound from an array of MHK sources in a real environment is essential. A set of coupled, linearized velocity-pressure equations in the time-domain are derived and presented in this paper, which are an alternative solution to the Helmholtz and wave equation methods traditionally employed. Discretizing these equations on a three-dimensional (3D), finite-difference grid ultimately permits a finite number of complex sources and spatially varying sound speeds, bathymetry, and bed composition. The solution to this system of equations has been parallelized in an acoustic-wave propagation package developed at Sandia National Labs, called Paracousti. This work presents the broadband sound pressure levels from a single source in two-dimensional (2D) ideal and Pekeris wave-guides and in a 3D domain with a sloping boundary. Furthermore, the paper concludes with demonstration of Paracousti for an array of MHK sources in a simple wave-guide.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Thermally Effective and Efficient Cooling Technologies for Advanced Gas Turbine Systems

This report presents the research which has been undertaken under DOE grant DE-FE-0011875 as part of NETL’s UTSR (University Turbine System Research) Program. The experimental portion of this work was undertaken at the University of North Dakota (UND) under the direction of Dr. Forrest Ames. The computational work was undertaken at LSU (Louisiana State University), UM (University of Memphis), and at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology) under the direction of Dr. Sumanta Acharya. The research program was organized into a four phase program which included: 1) development of a FDA/FEA (finite difference analysis/finite element analysis) cooling model, 2) experimental/computational investigation of appropriate internal cooling methods, 3) experimental/computational investigation of external heat transfer and film cooling, 4) development of an enhanced FDA/FEA model along with the development of a warm cascade test for comparison purposes. The experimental work at UND included research on both internal cooling methods and external heat transfer. The internal cooling work included the design and testing of multiple variable hole-size “incremental impingement” configurations along with testing of two converging rounded diamond pedestal arrays for the trailing edge region. The external heat transfer work included the building of a large scale cascade facility to test a vane design with a large leading edge and an aft loaded suction surface. UND has acquired both midspan and full suction surface heat transfer measurements as well as prepared for film cooling measurements under the grant. LSU/UM/IIT has developed and conducted wall resolved LES computations for the incremental impingement geometries and provided rational understanding of the effect of hole sizes and their distributions. Additionally they have provided design correlations for the incremental impingement heat transfer coefficients. They have also developed LES methods to predict flow through film cooling plenums, which have pedestals along with the development of slot film cooling downstream from the plenums. Additionally, they have developed wall resolved LES to predict vane surface heat transfer including bypass transition without the use of a transition model. Through these simulations they provide understanding of the aerodynamic and surface heat transfer behavior under a range of influences such as freestream turbulence. The present study has produced some very useful research outcomes.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Magnus: A New Resistive MHD Code with Heat Flow Terms

We present a new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code for the simulation of wave propagation in the solar atmosphere, under the effects of electrical resistivity—but not dominant—and heat transference in a uniform 3D grid. The code is based on the finite-volume method combined with the HLLE and HLLC approximate Riemann solvers, which use different slope limiters like MINMOD, MC, and WENO5. In order to control the growth of the divergence of the magnetic field, due to numerical errors, we apply the Flux Constrained Transport method, which is described in detail to understand how the resistive terms are included in the algorithm. In our results, it is verified that this method preserves the divergence of the magnetic fields within the machine round-off error (∼1×10{sup −12}). For the validation of the accuracy and efficiency of the schemes implemented in the code, we present some numerical tests in 1D and 2D for the ideal MHD. Later, we show one test for the resistivity in a magnetic reconnection process and one for the thermal conduction, where the temperature is advected by the magnetic field lines. Moreover, we display two numerical problems associated with the MHD wave propagation. The first one corresponds to a 3D evolution of a vertical velocity pulse at the photosphere–transition–corona region, while the second one consists of a 2D simulation of a transverse velocity pulse in a coronal loop.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Development of a three dimensional numerical water quality model for continental shelf applications

A model to predict the distribution of water quality parameters in three dimensions was developed. The mass transport equation was solved using a non-dimensional vertical axis and an alternating-direction-implicit finite difference technique. The reaction kinetics of the constituents were incorporated into a matrix method which permits computation of the interactions of multiple constituents. Methods for the computation of dispersion coefficients and coliform bacteria decay rates were determined. Numerical investigations of dispersive and dissipative effects showed that the three-dimensional model performs as predicted by analysis of simpler cases. The model was then applied to a two dimensional vertically averaged tidal dynamics model for the Providence River. It was also extended to a steady state application by replacing the time step with an iteration sequence. This modification was verified by comparison to analytical solutions and applied to a river confluence situation.

Spaulding, M.↗

Implicit approximate-factorization schemes for the efficient solution of steady transonic flow problems

Implicit approximate-factorization algorithms (AF) are developed for the solution of steady-state transonic flow problems. The performance of the AF solution method is evaluated relative to that of the standard solution method for transonic flow problems, successive line over-relaxation (SLOR). Both methods are applied to the solution of the nonlinear, two-dimensional transonic small-disturbance equation. Results indicate that the AF method requires substantially less computer time than SLOR to solve the nonlinear finite-difference matrix equation for a transonic flow field. This increase in computational efficiency is achieved with no appreciable increase in computer storage or coding complexity.

Ballhaus, W. F.↗

Transonic flow computations in cascades using finite element method

Analysis of transonic flow through a cascade of airfoils is investigated using the finite element method. Development of a computational grid suitable for complex flow structures and different types of boundary conditions is presented. An efficient pseudo-time integration scheme is developed for the solution of equations. Modeling of the shock and the convergence characteristics of the developed scheme are discussed. Numerical results include a 45 deg staggered cascade of NACA 0012 airfoils with inlet flow Mach number of 0.8 and angles of attack 1, 0, and 1 deg.

Akay, H. U.↗

On numerical simulation of viscous flows

Numerical simulation methods for viscous incompressible laminar flows are reviewed, with a focus on finite-difference schemes. The approaches to high/moderate-Reynolds-number flows (strong-viscous-interaction model or single sets of equations) and the factors affecting the versatility, reliability, and accuracy of the analysis algorithms are considered; approximate-factorization implicit solution techniques for low-Reynolds-number flows are discussed; and the procedures used in a number of specific problems are indicated.

Ghia, K. N.↗

Vibrations of twisted cantilever plates - A comparison of theoretical results

As a result of significant differences in the published results for various methods of analysis involving the use of finite element techniques, there are now some questions regarding the adequacy of these methods to predict accurately the vibratory characteristics of highly twisted cantilever plates. In an attempt to help in a resolution of the arising problems, a joint government/industry/university research effort was initiated. The primary objective of the present paper is to summarize the theoretical methods used in the study and show samples of the obtained results. The study provided 19 sets of theoretical results which are derived from beam theory, shell theory, and finite element methods.

Kielb, R. E.↗

A computational/experimental study of the flow around a body of revolution at angle of attack

The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved for steady flow around an ogive-cylinder (fineness ration 4.5) at angle of attack. The three-dimensional vortical flow is investigated with emphasis on the tip and the near wake region. The implicit, finite-difference computation is performed on the CRAY X-MP computer using the method of pseudo-compressibility. Comparisons of computational results with results of a companion towing tank experiment are presented for two symmetric leeside flow cases of moderate angles of attack. The topology of the flow is discussed and conclusions are drawn concerning the growth and stability of the primary vortices.

Zilliac, Gregory G.↗

Calculation of flow about two-dimensional bodies by means of the velocity-vorticity formulation on a staggered grid

A method for calculating the incompressible viscous flow about two-dimensional bodies, utilizing the velocity-vorticity form of the Navier-Stokes equations using a staggered-grid formulation is presented. The solution is obtained by employing an alternative-direction implicit method for the solution of the block tridiagonal matrix resulting from the finite-difference representation of the governing equations. The boundary vorticity and the conservation of mass are calculated implicitly as a part of the solution. The mass conservation is calculated to machine zero for the duration of the computation. Calculations for the flow about a circular cylinder, a 2-pct thick flat plate at 90-deg incidence, an elliptic cylinder at 45-deg incidence, and a NACA 0012, with and without a deflected flap, at - 90-deg incidence are performed and compared with the results of other numerical investigations.

Stremel, Paul M.↗

Scheme For Finite-Difference Computations Of Waves

Compact algorithms generating and solving finite-difference approximations of partial differential equations for propagation of waves obtained by new method. Based on concept of discrete dispersion relation. Used in wave propagation to relate frequency to wavelength and is key measure of wave fidelity.

Davis, Sanford↗

Analysis of bolt-loaded elliptical holes in laminated composite joints

The feasibility of changing the bolt shape from circular to elliptical in order to increase the joint strength was investigated. An analytical method using a cosine series to represent the bearing stress was derived, and a boundary collocation method was used to determine the unknown coefficients of this cosine series. Stresses at the hole edge predicted by the analytical method agreed very well with finite element solutions. Failure analyses of joints in two different laminates were performed, and each laminate exhibited a different joint failure mode. Results demonstrate that the joint strength of both laminates can be improved substantially by changing the bolt shape to elliptical. The joint that failed in a bearing mode showed a greater strength increase compared to the joint that failed in a shearing mode.

Wang, J. T.↗

Thermal Buckling Analysis of Rectangular Panels Subjected to Humped Temperature Profile Heating

This research investigates thermal buckling characteristics of rectangular panels subjected to different types of humped temperature profile heating. Minimum potential energy and finite-element methods are used to calculate the panel buckling temperatures. The two methods give fairly close thermal buckling solutions. 'Buckling temperature magnification factor of the first kind, eta' is established for the fixed panel edges to scale up the buckling solution of uniform temperature loading case to give the buckling solution of the humped temperature profile loading cases. Also, 'buckling temperature magnification factor of the second kind, xi' is established for the free panel edges to scale up the buckling solution of humped temperature profile loading cases with unheated boundary heat sinks to give the buckling solutions when the boundary heat sinks are heated up.

Ko, William I.↗

Health Monitoring of a Rotating Disk Using a Combined Analytical-Experimental Approach

Rotating disks undergo rigorous mechanical loading conditions that make them subject to a variety of failure mechanisms leading to structural deformities and cracking. During operation, periodic loading fluctuations and other related factors cause fractures and hidden internal cracks that can only be detected via noninvasive types of health monitoring and/or nondestructive evaluation. These evaluations go further to inspect material discontinuities and other irregularities that have grown to become critical defects that can lead to failure. Hence, the objectives of this work is to conduct a collective analytical and experimental study to present a well-rounded structural assessment of a rotating disk by means of a health monitoring approach and to appraise the capabilities of an in-house rotor spin system. The analyses utilized the finite element method to analyze the disk with and without an induced crack at different loading levels, such as rotational speeds starting at 3000 up to 10 000 rpm. A parallel experiment was conducted to spin the disk at the desired speeds in an attempt to correlate the experimental findings with the analytical results. The testing involved conducting spin experiments which, covered the rotor in both damaged and undamaged (i.e., notched and unnotched) states. Damaged disks had artificially induced through-thickness flaws represented in the web region ranging from 2.54 to 5.08 cm (1 to 2 in.) in length. This study aims to identify defects that are greater than 1.27 cm (0.5 in.), applying available means of structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation, and documenting failure mechanisms experienced by the rotor system under typical turbine engine operating conditions.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗

FEAA90: Physics-based Creep Simulation of Thick Section Welds in High Temperature and Pressure Applications

Welded microstructures of ?’-strengthened, nickel-based alloy, 740H, contain significant microstructural heterogeneities that can have a strong influence on the dislocation dynamics, resulting in very different creep behavior compared to the base metal. Crystal plasticity-based finite element method (CPFEM) has been widely used to incorporate the effect of microstructural heterogeneities on deformation at the polycrystalline scale and is being utilized in this work to model the creep behavior of 740H GTA welds. Current model development is focused on secondary creep considering dislocation climb, glide, and, anti-phase boundary shearing or Orowan looping. A dislocation-density based CPFEM model addressing these mechanisms is currently being implemented in the Multi-Physics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE: mooseframework.org) software that provides the ability to solve problems involving multiple physics concurrently and implicitly. Short term creep tests at 700-800°C of cross weld and all-weld metal samples from GTA welds in Alloy 740 will be used to determine input parameters for the model. Long term creep tests at 750°C on Alloy 740H GTA welds will be used to validate the results of modeling and simulation. The model will also be applied to welds with microstructures that develop during hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) of Alloy 740H to evaluate the effect of weld microstructure on of the validity of the model.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

A mixed pseudospectral/finite difference method for a thermally driven fluid in a nonuniform gravitational field

A numerical study of the steady, axisymmetric flow in a heated, rotating spherical shell is conducted to model the Atmospheric General Circulation Experiment (AGCE) proposed to run aboard a later Shuttle mission. The AGCE will consist of concentric rotating spheres confining a dielectric fluid. By imposing a dielectric field across the fluid a radial body force will be created. The numerical solution technique is based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In the method a pseudospectral technique is used in the latitudinal direction, and a second-order accurate finite difference scheme discretizes time and radial derivatives. This paper discusses the development and performance of this numerical scheme for the AGCE which has been modeled in the past only by pure FD formulations. In addition, previous models have not investigated the effect of using a dielectric force to simulate terrestrial gravity. The effect of this dielectric force on the flow field is investigated as well as a parameter study of varying rotation rates and boundary temperatures. Among the effects noted are the production of larger velocities and enhanced reversals of radial temperature gradients for a body force generated by the electric field.

Macaraeg, M. G.↗