Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “EQUILIBRIUM FLOW”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Operating characteristics of a 60 cm and a 10 cm electric arc-driven shock-tube

This paper describes the current status of the operating characteristics of the electric arc-driven shock-tube facility at Ames Research Center, focusing on its potential usefulness in the current and anticipated future applications. The paper specifically addresses the questions as to: (1) how well the behavior of the arc driver is understood and controlled, (2) how well the facility is equipped to test low-density, very-high-velocity nonequilibrium flow regimes, and (3) how closely the facility is expected to produce an equilibrium hypersonic flow when operated in shock-tunnel modes. For these issues, it is shown that: (1) a plasma kinetics model of the exploding wire closely describes the arc behavior in the driver, (2) the facility can produce a spectroscopically-clean flow in a low density regime with a shock velocity of 13 km/sec in air when used with an aluminum driven tube, and (3) when operated as a shock-tunnel, the high enthalpy flow in the test section is expected to deviate only slightly from the perfect equilibrium flow conditions at enthalpies corresponding to flight speeds of 5 km/sec or less.

Sharma, Surendra P.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Current Trends in Modeling Research for Turbulent Aerodynamic Flows

The engineering tools of choice for the computation of practical engineering flows have begun to migrate from those based on the traditional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes approach to methodologies capable, in theory if not in practice, of accurately predicting some instantaneous scales of motion in the flow. The migration has largely been driven by both the success of Reynolds-averaged methods over a wide variety of flows as well as the inherent limitations of the method itself. Practitioners, emboldened by their ability to predict a wide-variety of statistically steady, equilibrium turbulent flows, have now turned their attention to flow control and non-equilibrium flows, that is, separation control. This review gives some current priorities in traditional Reynolds-averaged modeling research as well as some methodologies being applied to a new class of turbulent flow control problems.

Gatski, Thomas B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Accelerating the computation of steady state solutions for non-equilibrium, chemically reacting flow fields

The objective of the study is to develop a technique for accelerating the computation of steady state solutions for nonequilibrium chemically reacting flow fields using the time marching method. To achieve this, a better initial condition is introduced for the time marching scheme to achieve a faster convergence to the steady state solution. This is done by replacing the source terms of the original system of equations, which are responsible for the sitffness, by approximate source terms. It is shown that the saving in computation time increases in direct proportion to the stiffness of the flow model, with a factor of 10 increase in convergence rate observed for the models tested in this study.

Krispin, Jacob↗
NASA NTRS1988

On thermal instability and hydrostatic equilibrium in cooling flows

The nature of thermal instability in cluster cooling flows is investigated. The radial modes of a spherical static system are discussed, and it is shown that only the acoustical modes are present at short wavelengths and that there are no isobaric thermal instabilities. The analysis is expanded to include nonradial modes, and it is demonstrated that there are azimuthal high wavenumber thermal modes which can indeed become unstable according to the classical Field (1965) criterion. A new convective instability criterion is derived, and thermal instability and its limitations are briefly discussed.

Balbus, Steven A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Flux-difference split parabolized Navier-Stokes algorithm for non-equilibrium chemically reacting flows

A flux-difference split explicit finite-difference algorithm is presented for solving the parabolized form of the equations governing three-dimensional nonequilibrium chemically reacting flows. The algorithm is based on an explicit noniterative, upwind space-marching scheme developed by Korte, but differs in that the unsteady Riemann problem, rather than the steady Riemann problem, is solved. The algorithm allows either a second or an approximately third-order accurate upwind treatment of the convection terms by employing the unsteady approximate Riemann solver of Roe. The source terms of the species transport equations are treated in either an explicit or implicit manner, and the species diffusion terms are modeled with either a Fickian or a multicomponent model. A validation of the algorithm is performed by comparing computational results with the 2-D Mach 14, 15 degree compression-corner data of Holden. The three-dimensional capability of the algorithm is demonstrated by computing Mach 2.7 flow over a swept wedge scramjet fuel injector, and three-dimensional reacting flow capability is demonstrated by a computing a shock-jet interaction concept for mixing and combustion enhancement.

White, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Shock strength effects on separated flows in non-equilibrium chemically reacting air - Shock wave/boundary layer interaction

This work is part of a general study to examine the effects of nonequilibrium chemical reactions on hypersonic separated flows. In particular, the work presented is the first attempt to quantitatively predict the effects of impinging shock strength on the separation region in non-equilibrium chemically reacting air over a flat plate. Of special interest is the local heat transfer rate to the plate at the reattachment point. The effects of chemically non-equilibrium on the flow field are assessed by making direct comparisons to the results calculated assuming a calorically perfect flow. Chemical reactions are found to increase heat transfer rates, and this increase becomes significantly larger as Reynolds number increases.

Ballaro, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium chemistry and vibrational relaxation

The present consideration of numerical computation methods for gas flows with nonequilibrium chemistry thermodynamics gives attention to an equilibrium model, a general nonequilibrium model, and a simplified model based on vibrational relaxation. Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully-coupled inviscid equations encompassing fluid dynamics and both chemical and internal energy-relaxation processes. A fully coupled and implicit large-block structure is presented which embodies novel forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms valid for nonequilibrium flow; illustrative high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flow examples are given.

Grossman, B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The development of flux-split algorithms for flows with non-equilibrium thermodynamics and chemical reactions

A finite-volume method for the numerical computation of flows with nonequilibrium thermodynamics and chemistry is presented. A thermodynamic model is described which simplifies the coupling between the chemistry and thermodynamics and also results in the retention of the homogeneity property of the Euler equations (including all the species continuity and vibrational energy conservation equations). Flux-splitting procedures are developed for the fully coupled equations involving fluid dynamics, chemical production and thermodynamic relaxation processes. New forms of flux-vector split and flux-difference split algorithms are embodied in a fully coupled, implicit, large-block structure, including all the species conservation and energy production equations. Several numerical examples are presented, including high-temperature shock tube and nozzle flows. The methodology is compared to other existing techniques, including spectral and central-differenced procedures, and favorable comparisons are shown regarding accuracy, shock-capturing and convergence rates.

Grossman, B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Forebody and base region real gas flow in severe planetary entry by a factored implicit numerical method. II - Equilibrium reactive gas

The factored-implicit, gas-dynamic algorithm has been adapted to the numerical simulation of equilibrium reactive flows. Changes required in the perfect gas version of the algorithm are developed, and the method of coupling gas-dynamic and chemistry variables is discussed. A flow-field solution that approximates a Jovian entry case was obtained by this method and compared with the same solution obtained by HYVIS, a computer program much used for the study of planetary entry. Comparison of surface pressure distribution and stagnation line shock-layer profiles indicates that the two solutions agree well.

Davy, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Turbulence Modeling Effects on the Prediction of Equilibrium States of Buoyant Shear Flows

The effects of turbulence modeling on the prediction of equilibrium states of turbulent buoyant shear flows were investigated. The velocity field models used include a two-equation closure, a Reynolds-stress closure assuming two different pressure-strain models and three different dissipation rate tensor models. As for the thermal field closure models, two different pressure-scrambling models and nine different temperature variance dissipation rate, Epsilon(0) equations were considered. The emphasis of this paper is focused on the effects of the Epsilon(0)-equation, of the dissipation rate models, of the pressure-strain models and of the pressure-scrambling models on the prediction of the approach to equilibrium turbulence. Equilibrium turbulence is defined by the time rate (if change of the scaled Reynolds stress anisotropic tensor and heat flux vector becoming zero. These conditions lead to the equilibrium state parameters. Calculations show that the Epsilon(0)-equation has a significant effect on the prediction of the approach to equilibrium turbulence. For a particular Epsilon(0)-equation, all velocity closure models considered give an equilibrium state if anisotropic dissipation is accounted for in one form or another in the dissipation rate tensor or in the Epsilon(0)-equation. It is further found that the models considered for the pressure-strain tensor and the pressure-scrambling vector have little or no effect on the prediction of the approach to equilibrium turbulence.

Zhao, C. Y.↗
DOE OSTI2020

RELAP-7 Application and Enhancement for FLEX Strategies and ATF Behavior under Extended Loss of AC Power Conditions

This report summarizes the results of a three-year research project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) to enhance and apply the RELAP-7 code by adding and improving several important components (e.g., a mechanistic Reactor Core Isolation Cooling (RCIC) system model) for thermal hydraulic studies of LWRs under ELAP conditions and evaluating the time available for transition to portable FLEX equipment. The project team included University of Massachusetts–Lowell, The Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In the Fukushima accident, it was found that the RCIC system played a crucial role in delaying core meltdown by almost three days in Fukushima Daiichi Unit 2, because of self-regulated operation of the steam driven RCIC turbine-pump injection system. Steam flow in the convergent-divergent nozzles of the RCIC Terry turbine is two-phase non-equilibrium transonic flow with homogenous nucleation condensation. To more accurately predict the dynamic process and behavior of the transonic compressible steam flow, a one-dimensional transient two-phase analytical model is presented. A simplified four-fluid model was employed in the present work with the consideration of four separate fluid fields: vapor, liquid film, entrained droplets and condensed droplets. The mass, momentum and energy interactions between the fluids were considered and modeled. An extended seven-equation non-equilibrium critical flow model was developed to obtain the critical pressure and velocities of each phase at the nozzle throat. To predict the wetness in the divergent section, a mechanistic nucleation condensation model was integrated in the nozzle analysis model, considering the generation and consequent growth of droplets. The governing differential equations on a staggered grid were discretized using the second-order Lax-Wendroff scheme with a flux limiter, and the Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equation (SIMPLE) algorithm was employed to solve the discrete linear system. To demonstrate the predictability and reliability of the physical models and the numerical method proposed in the present work, three representative nozzles were modeled and simulated. The results show good agreement with the available experimental data, even for condensation shock. Then, the 1D nozzle model was employed to obtain nozzle flow tables of the Terry turbine nozzle for different working pressures which can cover the operation pressure range of the RCIC system. A mechanistic RCIC turbine-pump system model was developed and implemented in the system code TRACE to simulate dynamic responses of the RCIC system under Beyond Design Basis Accident (BDBA) conditions. The turbine-pump governing equations are based on the control volume approach of the angular momentum balance. The physics based mechanistic RCIC model was developed using the TRACE control system components (i.e., signal variables, control blocks, and tables), and incorporated into a TRACE boiling water reactor (BWR) model. The TRACE model in this report has a detailed nodalization of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV), and all of the major flow paths and system components, including the safety relief valves (SRVs) and the containment suppression pool and drywell. Based on the nozzle flow tables generated from the 1D nozzle model developed, the turbine drive torque can be calculated from table lookup. Since the detailed specifications of the RCIC pump are unavailable, the homologous curves for a Bingham pump were used in the current pump component. A station black-out (SBO) accident test problem was selected to demonstrate the TRACE RCIC model. The short-term SBO simulations were performed for two cladding materials: Zircaloy and FeCrAl, to demonstrate the effect of the accident tolerant fuel cladding on fuel heat-up under BDBA accident conditions. The wetwell plays a vital safety role in SBO and other BWR accident scenarios in that it can reduce containment pressure and supply additional core make-up water. The suppression pool temperature distribution has a very large impact on both RPV and containment pressure. Thus, another novel contribution of the project comes mainly from an improved, systems-level wetwell model which can capture buoyancy-induced thermal stratification effects due to steam injection and condensation. A two-zone stratified wetwell model has been implemented in RELAP-7 and some results from that model are presented. This wetwell model is capable of simulating thermal stratification due to a low steam mass injection rate. With a low mass flow rate, the model assumes that all the steam condenses within the pipe and the resulting plume can be approximated with a purely buoyant, heat-source driven model. The wetwell model developed with these assumptions is adequate to simulate slow transients such as extended SBO transients.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Bead–Spring Simulation of Ionomer Melts—Studying the Effects of Chain-Length and Associating Group Fraction on Equilibrium Structure and Extensional Flow Behavior

Ionomers are associative polymers with diverse applications ranging from selective membranes and high-performance adhesives to abrasion- and chemical-resistant coatings, insulation layers, vacuum packaging, and foamed sheets. Within equilibrium melt, the ionic or associating groups are known to form thermally reversible, associative clusters whose presence can significantly affect the system’s mechanical, viscoelastic, and transport properties. It is, thus, of great interest to understand how to control such clusters’ size distribution, shape, and stability through the designed choice of polymer architecture and the ionic groups’ fraction, arrangement, and interaction strength. In this work, we represent linear associating polymers using a Kremer–Grest type bead–spring model and perform large-scale MD simulations to explore the effect of polymer chain-length (l) and fraction (f s ) of randomly placed associating groups on the size distribution and stability of formed clusters. We consider different chain-lengths (below and above entanglement), varying fractions of associating groups (represented by ‘sticky’ beads) between 5 and 20%, and a fixed sticky–sticky nonbond interaction strength of four times that between regular non-associating beads. For all melts containing associating groups the equilibrium structure factor S(q) displays a signature ionomer peak at low wave vector q whose intensity increases with increasing f s and l. The average cluster size Nc increases with f s . However, the effect of chain-length on Nc appears to be pronounced only at higher values of f s . Under extensional flows, the computed stress (and viscosity) is higher at higher f s and l regardless of strain rate. Beyond a critical strain rate, we observe fragmentation of the associative clusters, which has interesting effects on the stress/viscous response.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Three-dimensional AOTV flowfields in chemical nonequilibrium

A technique for upwind differencing of the three-dimensional species continuity equations is presented which permits computation of steady flows in chemical equilibrium and nonequilibrium. The capabilities and shortcomings of the present approach for equilibrium and nonequilibrium flows is discussed. Modifications now being investigated to improve computational time are outlined.

Gnoffo, P. A.↗