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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 163 records · Page 9

Oscillations of a compound drop system undergoing rotation

A compound liquid-drop system is comprised of three immiscible concentric fluids: a core fluid of density p(i) surrounded by a shell of density p(s) which is embedded in a medium of density p(o). In this analysis, the fluids are incompressible and inviscid. The effect of rotation upon the modes of oscillation of a compound drop is investigated. Rotation rate is considered as a small perturbation of the normal modes of the compound drop, thus introducing the effects of a Coriolis force and a centrifugal distortion.

Lyell, M. J.↗

Robot arm dynamic model reduction for control

General methods are described by which the mathematical complexities of explicit and exact state equations of robot arms can be reduced to a simplified and compact state equation representation without introducing significant errors into the robot arm dynamic model. The model reduction methods are based on homogeneous coordinates and on the Langrangian algorithm for robot arm dynamics, and utilize matrix, vector and numeric analysis techniques. The derivation of differential vector representation of centripetal and Coriolis forces which has not yet been established in the literature is presented.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

Calculation of three-dimensional, viscous flow through turbomachinery blade passages by parabolic marching

The three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations are formulated in a rotating coordinate system, so as to include centrifugal and Coriolis forces. The equations are parabolized by using a previously calculated inviscid static pressure field. The thin layer Navier-Stokes approximation, which neglects streamwise diffusion, is used. A body-fitted coordinate system is used. The streamwise momentum equation is uncoupled from the cross-stream momentum equation by using contravariant momentum components, and then using the contravariant velocity components as primary unknowns. To reduce problems with small separating regions, the Reyhner and Flugge-Lotz approximation is used. The energy equation is included to allow for calculation of heat transfer. The flow may be laminar, or a simple eddy-viscosity turbulence may be used. A number of curved ducts and an axial stator were analyzed, including cases for which experimental data are available.

Katsanis, T.↗

An asymptotic investigation of the stationary modes of instability of the boundary layer on a rotating disc

An investigation of high Reynolds number stationary instabilities in the boundary layer on a rotating disc is given. It is shown that in addition to the inviscid mode at high Reynolds numbers, there is a stationary short wavelength mode. This mode has its structure fixed by a balance between viscous and Coriolis forces and cannot be described by an inviscid theory. The asymptotic structure of the wavenumber and orientation of this mode is obtained. A similar analysis is given for the inviscid mode, the expansion procedure used is capable of taking nonparallel effects into account in a self consistent manner. The results are compared to numerical calculations and experimental observations.

Hall, P.↗

Nonlinear interactions between convection, rotation and flows with vertical shear

The effects of a mean flow with vertical shear on the convective motions in a rotating layer are examined using a three-dimensional and time-dependent numerical model. In the absence of rotation, the convective motions are shown to be dominated by the shear flow when the Richardson number becomes greater than about -1.0. Both heat and momentum are carried down their respective gradients. For rotating cases with vertical rotation vectors, the Coriolis force turns the flow induced by the convection to produce a more complicated shear that changes direction with height. For rotating cases with tilted rotation vectors, the results depend on the direction of the shear. When the imposed flow is in the opposite direction, the convection motions are less energetic and are even suppressed entirely when the shear is strong. When the imposed flow is in the same direction, as that produced by the rotation, the convective motions are enhanced and a countergradient flux of momentum can be produced.

Hathaway, D. H.↗

The neutral curve for stationary disturbances in rotating-disk flow

The neutral curve for stationary vortex disturbances in rotating-disk flow is computed up to a Reynolds number of 10 to the 7th using the sixth-order system of linear stability equations which includes the effects of streamline curvature and Coriolis force. It is found that the neutral curve has two minima: one at R = 285.36 (upper branch) and the other at R = 440.88 (lower branch). At large Reynolds numbers, the upper branch tends to Stuart's asymptotic solution while the lower branch tends to a solution that is associated with the wave angle corresponding to the direction of zero mean wall shear.

Malik, M. R.↗

An asymptotic investigation of the stationary modes of instability of the boundary layer on a rotating disc

An investigation of high Reynolds number stationary instabilities in the boundary layer on a rotating disc is given. It is shown that in addition to the inviscid mode at high Reynolds numbers, there is a stationary short wavelength mode. This mode has its structure fixed by a balance between viscous and Coriolis forces and cannot be described by an inviscid theory. The asymptotic structure of the wavenumber and orientation of this mode is obtained. A similar analysis is given for the inviscid mode, the expansion procedure used is capable of taking nonparallel effects into account in a self consistent manner. The results are compared to numerical calculations and experimental observations.

Hall, P.↗

Assessment of a 3-D boundary layer code to predict heat transfer and flow losses in a turbine

Zonal concepts are utilized to delineate regions of application of three-dimensional boundary layer (DBL) theory. The zonal approach requires three distinct analyses. A modified version of the 3-DBL code named TABLET is used to analyze the boundary layer flow. This modified code solves the finite difference form of the compressible 3-DBL equations in a nonorthogonal surface coordinate system which includes coriolis forces produced by coordinate rotation. These equations are solved using an efficient, implicit, fully coupled finite difference procedure. The nonorthogonal surface coordinate system is calculated using a general analysis based on the transfinite mapping of Gordon which is valid for any arbitrary surface. Experimental data is used to determine the boundary layer edge conditions. The boundary layer edge conditions are determined by integrating the boundary layer edge equations, which are the Euler equations at the edge of the boundary layer, using the known experimental wall pressure distribution. Starting solutions along the inflow boundaries are estimated by solving the appropriate limiting form of the 3-DBL equations.

Anderson, O. L.↗

Theoretical and experimental studies in support of the geophysical fluid flow experiment

Meteorologists and astrophysicists interested in large scale planetary and solar circulations have come to recognize the importance of rotation and stratification in determining the character of these flows. In particular, the effect of latitude-dependent Coriolis force on nonlinear convection is thought to play a crucial role in such phenomena as differential rotation on the Sun, cloud band orientation on Jupiter, and the generation of magnetic fields in thermally driven dynamos. The continuous low-gravity environment of the orbiting space shuttle offers a unique opportunity to make laboratory studies of such large-scale thermally driven flows under the constraint imposed by rotation and sphericity. This is possible because polarization forces in a dielectric liquid, which are linearly dependent on fluid temperature, give rise to an effectively radial buoyancy force when a radial electrostatic field is imposed. The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC) is an implementation of this ideal in which fluid is contained between two rotating hemispheres that are differentially heated and stressed with a large a-c voltage. The experiment, to be flown on Spacelab III (currently set for launch April 29, 1985), will explore non-linear mode selection and high Rayleigh number turbulence in a rotating convecting spherical shell of liquid. Experiments will be carried out in a low driving parameter range where some limited numerical experimentation is currently feasible, as well as in a parameter range significantly beyond numerical computation for many years.

Hart, J.↗

Rotational effects on impingement cooling

The present consideration of rotation effects on heat transfer in a radially exhausted, impingement-cooled turbine blade model gives attention to experimental results for Reynolds and Rossby numbers and blade/coolant temperature ratio values that are representative of small gas turbine engines. On the basis of a model that encompasses the effects of Coriolis force and buoyancy on heat transfer, bouyancy is identified as the cause of an average Nusselt number that is 20-30 percent lower than expected from previous nonrotating data. A heuristic model is proposed which predicts that the impingement jets nearest the blade roots should deflect inward, due to a centripetal force generated by their tangential velocity counter to the blade motion. Potentially serious thermal stresses must be anticipated from rotation effects in the course of blade design.

Epstein, A. H.↗

A quartic dispersion equation for internal gravity waves in the thermosphere

A new quartic dispersion equation in the square of the complex vertical wave number is derived by employing the 'shallow atmosphere' approximation and an ion drag approximation. These approximations allow the coefficients of the quartic equation to be given in terms of the corresponding cubic equation (which neglects the Coriolis force and the zonal ion drag component), but modified to take into account these neglected effects. Coupling between the extraordinary viscosity wave mode and the other three wave modes is highlighted and numerical solutions are compared for this quartic equation, an exact eighth order equation and the cubic equation. For the first time the validity of using the 'shallow atmosphere' approximation to describe internal gravity wave motions is demonstrated.

Hickey, M. P.↗

A simple model describing the nonlinear dynamics of the dusk/dawn asymmetry in the high-latitude thermospheric flow

A simple nonlinear, axisymmetric, shallow-water numerical model has been used to study the asymmetry in the neutral flow between the dusk and dawn sides of the auroral oval. The results indicate that the Coriolis force and the curvature terms are nearly in balance on the evening side and require only a small pressure gradient to effect adjustment. The result is smaller neutral velocities near dawn and larger velocities near dusk than would be the case for a linearized treatment. A consequence is that more gravity wave energy is produced on the morning side than on the evening side.

Gundlach, J. P.↗

r-mode oscillations in the sun

The relationship between solar r-modes (long-period oscillations dominated by the Coriolis force) and solar activity cycles is investigated statistically. FFT power spectra of the daily Zurich sunspot numbers (R) and of the Greenwich Photoheliographic projected whole sunspot area (A) are obtained for the high-activity years of solar cycles 14 through 21. Both R and A are found to exhibit periods of 22 + or - 1 d, 34 + or - 1.5 d, and 43 + or - 2 d, corresponding to r-modes with (l,m) angular harmonics (2,2), (3,1), and (2,1), respectively.

Blizard, Jane B.↗

The generalization of mixing length theory to rotating convection zones and applications to the sun

The consequences of a balance between the Coriolis forces, pressure gradients, and buoyancy forces in a compressible medium are explored, and the generalization of mixing length theory to rotating convection zones is considered, with particular attention being given to the approximations involved. It is shown that if this balance holds, the latitudinally dependent part of the superadiabatic gradient is determined by the angular velocity. Reynolds stresses are found to transport angular momentum towards the equator and towards the deeper layers of the solar convection zone (SCZ). The behavior of the angular velocity at the boundaries of the SCZ is also studied.

Durney, Bernard R.↗

The growth of magnetic fields prior to galaxy formation

Hydromagnetic dynamo theory is applied to the problem of magnetic field amplification in the epoch after recombination but prior to galaxy formation. Large-scale density fluctuations acquire angular momentum from tidal torques exerted by neighboring fluctuations, and small-scale subfluctuations possess helicity due to the Coriolis forces associated with the rotation of the large-scale host fluctuations. Cosmic expansion and the interaction of matter with the ambient radiation field are taken into account. Despite many uncertainties, it is concluded that significant dynamo amplification may have occurred.

Zweibel, Ellen G.↗

The possible role of meridional flows in suppressing magnetic buoyancy

The equation of motion for a toroidal flux ring in a stellar convective envelope is derived, and the equilibrium of such a ring is considered. Necessary conditions for the stability of toroidal flux rings are derived, and results of stability calculations for a particular model of the meridional flow are presented. The motions of the flux rings when the rings are far from their equilibrium position or when equilibrium does not exist are considered. The results confirm the linear stability analysis, and show that in the absence of stable equilibrium, the rings move toward the solar surface along a trajectory which is parallel to the rotation axis. It is expected that viscosity will tend to reduce the rotational velocity difference between the flux ring and its surroundings, thus reducing the Coriolis force and altering the equilibrium. The storage time of toroidal flux rings is estimated, and some implications for the sun are discussed.

Van Ballegooijen, A. A.↗

The effects of Reynolds number, rotor incidence angle, and surface roughness on the heat transfer distribution in a large-scale turbine rotor passage

A combined experimental and computational program was conducted to examine the heat transfer distribution in a turbine rotor passage geometrically similiar to the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP). Heat transfer was measured and computed for both the full-span suction and pressure surfaces of the rotor airfoil as well as for the hub endwall surface. The primary objective of the program was to provide a benchmark-quality data base for the assessment of rotor passage heat transfer computational procedures. The experimental portion of the study was conducted in a large-scale, ambient temperature, rotating turbine model. Heat transfer data were obtained using thermocouple and liquid-crystal techniques to measure temperature distributions on the thin, electrically-heated skin of the rotor passage model. Test data were obtained for various combinations of Reynolds number, rotor incidence angle and model surface roughness. The data are reported in the form of contour maps of Stanton number. These heat distribution maps revealed numerous local effects produced by the three-dimensional flows within the rotor passage. Of particular importance were regions of local enhancement produced on the airfoil suction surface by the main-passage and tip-leakage vortices and on the hub endwall by the leading-edge horseshoe vortex system. The computational portion consisted of the application of a well-posed parabolized Navier-Stokes analysis to the calculation of the three-dimensional viscous flow through ducts simulating the a gas turbine passage. These cases include a 90 deg turning duct, a gas turbine cascade simulating a stator passage, and a gas turbine rotor passage including Coriolis forces. The calculated results were evaluated using experimental data of the three-dimensional velocity fields, wall static pressures, and wall heat transfer on the suction surface of the turbine airfoil and on the end wall. Particular attention was paid to an accurate modeling of the passage vortex and to the development of the wall boundary layers including crossflow.

Blair, Michael F.↗

Shaft flexibility effects on aeroelastic stability of a rotating bladed disk

A comprehensive study of Coriolis forces and shaft flexibility effects on the structural dynamics and aeroelastic stability of a rotating bladed-disk assembly attached to a cantilever, massless, flexible shaft is presented. Analyses were performed for an actual bladed-disk assembly, used as the first stage in the fan of the 'E3' engine. In the structural model, both in-plane and out-of-plane elastic deformation of the bladed-disk assembly were considered relative to their hub, in addition to rigid disk translations and rotations introduced by shaft flexibility. Besides structural coupling between blades (through the flexible disk), additional coupling is introduced through quasisteady aerodynamic loads. Rotational effects are accounted for throughout the work, and some mode shapes for the whole structure are presented at a selected rpm.

Khader, Naim↗