SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “discrete surface”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 163 records · Page 9

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2020

Numerical methodology for treating static and dynamic dislocation problems near a free surface

Abstract Simulation of dislocation dynamics enables researchers and scientists to explore the plastic behavior of crystalline materials under loading. Analytic solutions for the stress field due to a linear dislocation segment near a free surface are case-specific, e.g. dealing with either a horizontal segment or a vertical segment, and therefore hard to implement in time-dependent dislocation dynamics simulations as different dislocation segments could be differently oriented. This article presents a generalized numerical framework to find the stress field beneath a free surface due to the presence of a dislocation segment. The framework can be expanded to non-flat surfaces. Also, three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics simulations are performed here, which clearly show the effect of free surfaces on the flow stress of a material.

Siddique, Abu Bakar↗

NASA NTRS1985

Effects of deterministic surface distortions on reflector antenna performance

Systematic distortions of reflector antenna surfaces can cause antenna radiation patterns to be undesirably different from those of perfectly smooth reflector surfaces. In this paper, a simulation model for systematic distortions is described which permits an efficient computation of the effects of distortions in the reflector pattern. The model uses a vector diffraction physical optics analysis for the determination of both the co-polar and cross-polar fields. An interpolation scheme is also presented for the description of reflector surfaces which are prescribed by discrete points. Representative numerical results are presented for reflectors with sinusoidally and thermally distorted surfaces. Finally, comparisons are made between the measured and calculated patterns of a slowly-varying distorted offset parabolic reflector.

Rahmat-Samii, Y.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Minimizing distortion and internal forces in truss structures by simulated annealing

Inaccuracies in the length of members and the diameters of joints of large space structures may produce unacceptable levels of surface distortion and internal forces. Here, two discrete optimization problems are formulated, one to minimize surface distortion (DSQRMS) and the other to minimize internal forces (FSQRMS). Both of these problems are based on the influence matrices generated by a small-deformation linear analysis. Good solutions are obtained for DSQRMS and FSQRMS through the use of a simulated annealing heuristic.

Kincaid, Rex K.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Geoelectric Hazard Maps for the Continental United States

In support of a multiagency project for assessing induction hazards, we present maps of extreme-value geoelectric amplitudes over about half of the continental United States. These maps are constructed using a parameterization of induction: estimates of Earth surface impedance, obtained at discrete geographic sites from magnetotelluric survey data, are convolved with latitude-dependent statistical maps of extreme-value geomagnetic activity, obtained from decades of magnetic observatory data. Geoelectric amplitudes are estimated for geomagnetic waveforms having 240 s sinusoidal period and amplitudes over 10 min that exceed a once-per-century threshold. As a result of the combination of geographic differences in geomagnetic activity and Earth surface impedance, once-per-century geoelectric amplitudes span more than 2 orders of magnitude and are an intricate function of location. For north-south induction, once-per-century geoelectric amplitudes across large parts of the United States have a median value of 0.26 Vkm; for east-west geomagnetic variation the median value is 0.23 Vkm. At some locations,once-per-century geoelectric amplitudes exceed 3 Vkm.

Love, Jeffrey J.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Discrete “W” Turbulators for sCO2 Turbine Internal Cooling

Direct-fired supercritical CO2 (sCO2 ) cycles are of particular interest for power generation due to the potential for higher thermal efficiencies with inherent CO2 capture. Direct fired sCO2 turbines must withstand high temperatures and the density of the working fluid is much higher than conventional Brayton cycles. Based on conventional Brayton cycle applications, internal serpentine cooling channels with ribbed turbulator strips are a common approach to achieve the required cooling, while minimizing coolant utilization. Most of the previous studies of coolant channel heat transfer enhancements have focused on serpentine channels using air as the cooling media at Reynold’s numbers typical of Brayton cycles. This paper investigates the Nusselt number augmentation of coolant channels with no features, ribbed turbulators, and discrete “W” turbulators with surface roughness effects included and CO2 as the coolant. The numerical results are compared to experimental results using CO2 as the cooling media at Reynold’s numbers ranging from 100,000 to 300,000. The results show the Nusselt number augmentation plateaus with increasing Reynolds number, in contrast to the decay observed in prior publications with air as the coolant media. Additionally, the CFD results indicate the discrete “W” geometry provides a 10% increase in Nusselt number augmentation relative to the angled ribbed turbulators.

computational fluid dynamics (CFD)↗

NASA NTRS2018

Active Flow Control for Trailing Edge Flap Separation

Active flow control (AFC) in the form of sweeping jet (SWJ) excitation and discrete steady jet excitation is used to control the flow separation on an NACA 0015 semispan wing with a deflected, simple-hinged, trailing edge flap. This geometry has been the focus of several recent publications that investigated methods to improve the efficiency of sweeping jet actuators. In the current study, the interaction of the AFC excitation with the separated flowfields present at several flap deflection angles was examined. Previous studies with this model have been limited to a maximum flap deflection angle of 40°. The flap deflection range was extended to 60! because systems studies have indicated that a high-lift system with simple-hinged flaps may require larger flap deflections than the Fowler flaps found on most high-lift systems. The results obtained at flap deflection angles of 20°, 40°, and 60° are presented and compared. Force and moment data, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data, and steady and unsteady surface pressure data are used to describe the flowfield with and without AFC. With a flap deflection of 60°, increasing the SWJ actuator momentum at the flap shoulder increased lift due to an increase in circulation but did not completely eliminate the recirculation region above the flap surface. AFC using the discrete steady jet actuators of this study increased lift as well but required more mass flow than the SWJ actuators and had a detrimental effect on lift at the highest mass flow level tested. PIV results showed that the angle between the excitation and the flap surface was not optimal for attaching the separated shear layer.

Melton, LaTunia Pack↗

DOE OSTI2020

Machine learning analysis of perovskite oxides grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) is a ubiquitous in situ molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) characterization tool. Although RHEED can be a powerful means for crystal surface structure determination, it is often used as a static qualitative surface characterization method at discrete intervals during a growth. A full analysis of RHEED data collected during the entirety of MBE growths is made possible using principle component analysis (PCA) and $\textit{k}$-means clustering to examine significant boundaries that occur in the temporal clusters grouped from RHEED data and identify statistically significant patterns. This process is applied to data from homoepitaxial SrTiO 3 growths, heteroepitaxial SrTiO 3 grown on scandate substrates, BaSnO 3 films grown on SrTiO 3 substrates, and LaNiO 3 films grown on SrTiO 3 substrates. We report this analysis may provide additional insights into the surface evolution and transitions in growth modes at precise times and depths during growth, and that video archival of an entire RHEED image sequence may be able to provide more insight and control overgrowth processes and film quality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2017

Curved Displacement Transfer Functions for Geometric Nonlinear Large Deformation Structure Shape Predictions

For shape predictions of structures under large geometrically nonlinear deformations, Curved Displacement Transfer Functions were formulated based on a curved displacement, traced by a material point from the undeformed position to deformed position. The embedded beam (depth-wise cross section of a structure along a surface strain-sensing line) was discretized into multiple small domains, with domain junctures matching the strain-sensing stations. Thus, the surface strain distribution could be described with a piecewise linear or a piecewise nonlinear function. The discretization approach enabled piecewise integrations of the embedded-beam curvature equations to yield the Curved Displacement Transfer Functions, expressed in terms of embedded beam geometrical parameters and surface strains. By entering the surface strain data into the Displacement Transfer Functions, deflections along each embedded beam can be calculated at multiple points for mapping the overall structural deformed shapes. Finite-element linear and nonlinear analyses of a tapered cantilever tubular beam were performed to generate linear and nonlinear surface strains and the associated deflections to be used for validation. The shape prediction accuracies were then determined by comparing the theoretical deflections with the finiteelement- generated deflections. The results show that the newly developed Curved Displacement Transfer Functions are very accurate for shape predictions of structures under large geometrically nonlinear deformations.

displacement theory↗

NASA NTRS2018

Curvilinear Displacement Transfer Functions for Deformed Shape Predictions of Curved Structures Using Distributed Surface Strains

Curvilinear Displacement Transfer Functions were formulated for deformed shape predictions of different curved structures using surface strains. The embedded curved beam (depth-wise cross section of a curved structure along a surface strain-sensing line) was discretized into multiple small domains, with domain junctures matching the strain-sensing stations. Thus, the surface strain distribution can be described with a piecewise linear or a piecewise nonlinear function. The discrete approach enabled piecewise integrations of a curvature-strain differential equation for the embedded curved beam to yield closed-form Curvilinear Displacement Transfer Functions, which are written in terms of embedded curved-beam geometrical parameters and surface strains. By inputting the surface strain data, the Curvilinear Displacement Transfer Functions can transform surface strains into deflections along each embedded curved beam for mapping out the overall structural deformed shapes. The finite-element method was used to analytically generate the surface strains of the curved beams. The deformed shape prediction accuracies were then determined by comparing the theoretical deflections with the finite-element-generated deflections, which were used as yardsticks. By introducing the correction factors in simple mathematical forms, the Curvilinear Displacement Transfer Functions can be quite accurate for shape predictions of different curved-beam structures ranging from limit case of straight beam up to semicircular curved beam.

Ko, William L.↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Robust Numerical Treatment of Solid-Phase Diffusion in Pseudo Two-Dimensional Lithium-Ion Battery Models

Solid-phase diffusion in active materials of lithium-ion batteries significantly affects charging and safety-related behavior of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is essential to develop an efficient and robust numerical algorithm for solving solid-phase diffusion equations in physics-based battery models. In this work, we discuss the origins of numerical instabilities that can occur when solving the solid-phase diffusion equations using iterative methods. Then, in order to resolve such issues, we propose a simple numerical treatment to the surface flux term of discretized solid-phase diffusion equations. To demonstrate its numerical robustness, the proposed method is implemented into a pseudo two-dimensional (P2D) physics-based battery model and simulations are conducted at wide ranges of operating conditions. Even with extremely poor initial guesses for the Li+ concentrations of the active materials, computations using the proposed method do not diverge and the their computational speeds are comparable to those with conventional initial guesses. Comprehensive tests of the proposed method are also performed with a dynamic current profile based on US06 driving profile and a multi-stage charging profile with very high initial C-rate (12C).

battery modeling↗

DOE OSTI2026

A low-latitude, high-elevation 10Be production-rate calibration from the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda

Cosmogenic nuclide surface-exposure dating has become a key tool in geomorphology. Robust application of the technique relies on determination of local nuclide production rates using independently dated calibration sites. However, there are few existing calibration sites in certain regions, particularly in low-latitude, high-elevation regions where cosmogenic nuclide production is theoretically more sensitive to changes in Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric conditions. We present a new cosmogenic beryllium-10 (10Be) production-rate calibration from the equatorial Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. The calibration is based on radiocarbon dating of basal lake sediments (∼21.3 kyr BP) from Lake Mahoma (2900 m asl) and measured 10Be concentrations from boulders on the crest of a moraine which dams the lake. Our results indicate a time-integrated 10Be production rate of 15.83 ± 0.81 at/g/yr at Lake Mahoma. We then use these calibration data and two public online calculators to calculate ages for moraines in a separate Rwenzori valley for which there exists a minimum-limiting radiocarbon age constraint (∼12 kyr BP) on surficial glacial sediments. This enables us to assess the performance of different parameters used to scale production rates spatially and temporally (e.g., scaling frameworks, geomagnetic field reconstructions, atmospheric models) for surface-exposure age calculation in the region. Our results highlight the sensitivity of low-latitude cosmogenic nuclide surface-exposure ages to discrete calculation parameters, such as scaling framework or reconstructions of Earth's magnetic field, and the utility of determining production rates at sites where limiting age data exists for other nearby landforms.

Anderson, N [Dartmouth College]↗

DOE OSTI2026

High-Order Mesh r-Adaptivity with Tangential Relaxation and Guaranteed Mesh Validity

High-order meshes are crucial for achieving optimal convergence rates in curvilinear domains, preserving symmetry, and aligning with key flow features in moving mesh simulations [1], but their quality is challenging to control. In prior work, we have developed techniques based on Target-Matrix Optimization Paradigm (TMOP) to adapt a given high-order mesh to the geometry and solution of the partial differential equation (PDE) [2, 3]. Here, we extend this framework to address two key gaps in the literature for highorder mesh 𝑟-adaptivity. First, we introduce tangential relaxation on curved surfaces using solely the discrete mesh representation, eliminating the need for access to underlying geometry (e.g., CAD model). Second, we ensure a continuously positive Jacobian determinant throughout the domain. This determinant positivity is essential for using the high-order mesh resulting from 𝑟-adaptivity with arbitrary quadrature schemes in simulations. The proposed approach is demonstrated to be robust using a variety of numerical experiments.

Mathematics and Computing↗

NASA NTRS1971

Importance of combining convection with film cooling

The interaction of film and convection cooling and its effect on wall cooling efficiency is investigated analytically for two cooling schemes for advanced gas turbine applications. The two schemes are full coverage- and counterflow-film cooling. In full coverage film cooling, the cooling air issues from a large number of small discrete holes in the surface. Counterflow film cooling is a film-convection scheme with film injection from a slot geometry. The results indicate that it is beneficial to utilize as much of the cooling air heat sink as possible for convection cooling prior to ejecting it as a film.

Colladay, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Importance of combining convection with film cooling.

Colladay, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Direct simulation Monte Carlo technique for modeling of the environment in the vicinity of the Space Shuttle Orbiter

A program for analyzing the flowfield parameters in the neighborhood of the Space Shuttle Orbiter has been developed. The program uses the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, which is a completely probabilistic Monte Carlo technique capable of analyzing 3-dimensional steady or unsteady flow with prescribed internal and external boundary conditions. The freestream flux densities incident on the external flowfield boundaries are calculated from the drifting Maxwellian gas properties of the freestream. The flux entering the flowfield from the internal boundary is calculated from the outgassing flux density distribution over the Shuttle external surface and the prescribed discrete source fluxes. This technique produces a numerical flowfield solution which is the probabilistic equivalent of a complete solution of the time-dependent, 3-dimensional Boltzmann equation. Flowfield results are presented for the following configurations: (1) Shuttle angles of attack of 0 and 90 deg, (2) freestream density 10 to the 9th - 10 to the 11th per cu cm, (3) Shuttle outgassing flux density, and (4) operation of the aft downfiring vernier Reaction Control System (RCS) engine. Results are presented for column density distribution of outgassed and engine species and for the flux density of outgassed and engine species incident on the Shuttle bay and the windshield.

Melfi, L. T., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Could life have evolved in cometary nuclei

The suggestion by Hoyle and Wickramasinghe (1978) that life might have originated in cometary nuclei rather than directly on the earth is discussed. Factors in the cometary environment including the conditions at perihelion passage leading to the ablation of cometary ices, ice temperatures, the absence of an atmosphere and discrete liquid and solid surfaces, weak cometary structure incapable of supporting a liquid core, and radiation are presented as arguments against biopoesis in comets. It is concluded that although the contribution of cometary and meteoritic matter was significant in shaping the earth environment, the view that life on earth originally arose in comets is untenable, and the proposition that the process of interplanetary infection still occurs is unlikely in view of the high specificity of host-parasite relationships.

Bar-Nun, A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A general low frequency acoustic radiation capability for NASTRAN

A new capability called NASHUA is described for calculating the radiated acoustic sound pressure field exterior to a harmonically-excited arbitrary submerged 3-D elastic structure. The surface fluid pressures and velocities are first calculated by coupling a NASTRAN finite element model of the structure with a discretized form of the Helmholtz surface integral equation for the exterior fluid. After the fluid impedance is calculated, most of the required matrix operations are performed using the general matrix manipulation package (DMAP) available in NASTRAN. Far field radiated pressures are then calculated from the surface solution using the Helmholtz exterior integral equation. Other output quantities include the maximum sound pressure levels in each of the three coordinate planes, the rms and average surface pressures and normal velocities, the total radiated power and the radiation efficiency. The overall approach is illustrated and validated using known analytic solutions for submerged spherical shells subjected to both uniform and nonuniform applied loads.

Everstine, G. C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Development of an integrated BEM approach for hot fluid structure interaction

A comprehensive boundary element method is presented for transient thermoelastic analysis of hot section Earth-to-Orbit engine components. This time-domain formulation requires discretization of only the surface of the component, and thus provides an attractive alternative to finite element analysis for this class of problems. In addition, steep thermal gradients, which often occur near the surface, can be captured more readily since with a boundary element approach there are no shape functions to constrain the solution in the direction normal to the surface. For example, the circular disc analysis indicates the high level of accuracy that can be obtained. In fact, on the basis of reduced modeling effort and improved accuracy, it appears that the present boundary element method should be the preferred approach for general problems of transient thermoelasticity.

Dargush, G. F.↗