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At least 163 records · Page 9

On the suitability of the connection machine for direct particle simulation

The algorithmic structure was examined of the vectorizable Stanford particle simulation (SPS) method and the structure is reformulated in data parallel form. Some of the SPS algorithms can be directly translated to data parallel, but several of the vectorizable algorithms have no direct data parallel equivalent. This requires the development of new, strictly data parallel algorithms. In particular, a new sorting algorithm is developed to identify collision candidates in the simulation and a master/slave algorithm is developed to minimize communication cost in large table look up. Validation of the method is undertaken through test calculations for thermal relaxation of a gas, shock wave profiles, and shock reflection from a stationary wall. A qualitative measure is provided of the performance of the Connection Machine for direct particle simulation. The massively parallel architecture of the Connection Machine is found quite suitable for this type of calculation. However, there are difficulties in taking full advantage of this architecture because of lack of a broad based tradition of data parallel programming. An important outcome of this work has been new data parallel algorithms specifically of use for direct particle simulation but which also expand the data parallel diction.

Dagum, Leonard↗

Multi-Dimensional, Inviscid Flux Reconstruction for Simulation of Hypersonic Heating on Tetrahedral Grids

The quality of simulated hypersonic stagnation region heating on tetrahedral meshes is investigated by using a three-dimensional, upwind reconstruction algorithm for the inviscid flux vector. Two test problems are investigated: hypersonic flow over a three-dimensional cylinder with special attention to the uniformity of the solution in the spanwise direction and hypersonic flow over a three-dimensional sphere. The tetrahedral cells used in the simulation are derived from a structured grid where cell faces are bisected across the diagonal resulting in a consistent pattern of diagonals running in a biased direction across the otherwise symmetric domain. This grid is known to accentuate problems in both shock capturing and stagnation region heating encountered with conventional, quasi-one-dimensional inviscid flux reconstruction algorithms. Therefore the test problem provides a sensitive test for algorithmic effects on heating. This investigation is believed to be unique in its focus on three-dimensional, rotated upwind schemes for the simulation of hypersonic heating on tetrahedral grids. This study attempts to fill the void left by the inability of conventional (quasi-one-dimensional) approaches to accurately simulate heating in a tetrahedral grid system. Results show significant improvement in spanwise uniformity of heating with some penalty of ringing at the captured shock. Issues with accuracy near the peak shear location are identified and require further study.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗

Research on Subjective Response to Simulated Sonic Booms at NASA Langley Research Center

Over the past 15 years, NASA Langley Research Center has conducted many tests investigating subjective response to simulated sonic booms. Most tests have used the Sonic Boom Booth, an airtight concrete booth fitted with loudspeakers that play synthesized sonic booms pre-processed to compensate for the response of the booth/loudspeaker system. Tests using the Booth have included investigations of shaped booms, booms with simulated ground reflections, recorded booms, outdoor and indoor booms, booms with differing loudness for bow and tail shocks, and comparisons of aircraft flyover recordings with sonic booms. Another study used loudspeakers placed inside people s houses, so that they could experience the booms while in their own homes. This study investigated the reactions of people to different numbers of booms heard within a 24-hour period. The most recent Booth test used predicted boom shapes from candidate low-boom aircraft. At present, a test to compare the Booth with boom simulators constructed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is underway. The Lockheed simulator is an airtight booth similar to the Langley booth; the Gulfstream booth uses a traveling wave method to create the booms. Comparison of "realism" as well as loudness and other descriptors is to be studied.

Sullivan, Brenda M.↗

Design of Hypervelocity Flow Generator (HFG) and Its Diagnostics

Ground facilities for hypersonic research are a key element for successful development of aerodynamically proven hypervelocity vehicles. Design concepts and diagnostics of a hypervelocity flow generator (HFG) were made as a test platform for hypersonic/hypervelocity spacecraft models at the NASA Langley Research Center. The HFG is a hypersonic flow field generator using optically heated gas which is blown into an 80 cu m vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is kept at a stable vacuum pressure with a combination of three large vacuum pumps, while the HFG is in the test mode. The HFG provides a relatively small test section with approximately a 20 cm window. This facility was designed to generate 2.45 km/sec of flow speed, and potentially generate a continuous flow with the nozzle and vacuum system. The window in test section provides a direct view of the shock wave around a model in order to measure temperature, pressure, and density profile within the shock layer. One of the key test goals under this project is to understand why the emission spectra from the standing shockwave plasma predicted by Lora-Loran codes are significantly different from the measured emission spectra from the Flight Investigation Reentry Environment (FIRE II) Flight. The correct estimate of the thermal loading on the leading edge of hypersonic vehicles greatly affects the aerodynamic design, the material selection for the vehicle, and the cooling requirement and can be obtained by the precise modeling of emission spectra from shockwave plasma. However, the estimation of thermal loading is not an easy task due to complex non-equilibrium radiative process within high temperature shock layers that still falls into a category of cold plasma. Direct flight experiments are the most desirable, but not a cost-effective approach. Analysis by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) offers many test flexibilities. However, the CFD codes must be fully tested and validated with experimental data before the codes are effectively used for practical design. Large discrepancies between experiments and codes appear in hypersonic/hypervelocity flow regimes at high altitudes of 60 km ~ 90 km. This HFG facility offers some important parameters for CFD code validation, such as collision cross-sections, relaxation times, reaction rate coefficients and transportation coefficients. The HFG test facility is based on the ejection flow of high temperature gas heated over to 3500 K through a nozzle. The tungsten gas chamber of the HFG is heated up to a desired temperature by a 60 kW optical power beam source. This system consists of an optical power source, a thermal chamber, an expansion nozzle, a test section, and an 80 cu m vacuum tank. 60 kW optical input power is obtained from the 150 kW Vortek arc lamp system (by Vortek Industries, Vancouver, Canada). This optical beam is focused to heat the gas chamber within which a flow media is heated. The maximum achievable temperature of the flow medium reached approximately 3500 K or even higher but is limited by the melting point of the chamber material used. The exhaust velocity through the nozzle was determined by the stagnation temperature and the molecular weight of the working medium at the test section. To provide design parameters, a NASA Chemical Equilibrium with Application (CEA) computer program is used for the simulation of aerothermal data. This CEA program can calculate chemical equilibrium and properties of complex mixtures using shock tube parameters. For nitrogen gas at 2666 K stagnation temperature, the maximum achievable velocity at the test section is approximately 2.45 km/sec which is within the range of the thermal velocity of 8000 K shock layer. Based on the calculation through the CEA program, the design parameters of a HFG were determined and implemented for the test section that includes an expansion nozzle. The installed test section of the experimental facility can sustain a condition of a re-entry vehicle from the Space at an altitude of 60-90 km. After installation of the HFG, the system was fully tested and its operational parameters were measured. An 80 cu m vacuum chamber of HFG was set at 1 torr level to keep a stable downstream condition. The pumping time to reach the minimum vacuum pressure (~ 1 torr) at the test chamber from atmospheric pressure was approximately an hour using Kinney (MBV-14000/MB -1600/KT-300) and Stokes (Model 1772 and 412) pumps. Such a setup condition allowed a continued stable operation of the HFG experiment with flowrates through 1-, 3-, or 5-mm diameters of nozzle throat. The flow characteristics of the HFG for various operating conditions were performed using a focused Schlieren method. At 0.8 torr chamber pressure, a barrel shock was observed at the test section. With a sphere obstacle of 12 mm diameter in the flow, a bow shock (~ 2-mm thickness) was observed by a focused Schlieren visualization method.

Hypervelocity flow↗

International Conference on Numerical Methods in Fluid Dynamics, 7th, Stanford University, Stanford and Moffett Field, CA, June 23-27, 1980, Proceedings

Topics discussed include polygon transformations in fluid mechanics, computation of three-dimensional horseshoe vortex flow using the Navier-Stokes equations, an improved surface velocity method for transonic finite-volume solutions, transonic flow calculations with higher order finite elements, the numerical calculation of transonic axial turbomachinery flows, and the simultaneous solutions of inviscid flow and boundary layer at transonic speeds. Also considered are analytical solutions for the reflection of unsteady shock waves and relevant numerical tests, reformulation of the method of characteristics for multidimensional flows, direct numerical simulations of turbulent shear flows, the stability and separation of freely interacting boundary layers, computational models of convective motions at fluid interfaces, viscous transonic flow over airfoils, and mixed spectral/finite difference approximations for slightly viscous flows.

Reynolds, W. C.↗

Shock wave-boundary layer interactions in rarefied gas flows

A numerical study is presented, using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method, of shock wave-boundary layer interactions in low density supersonic flows. Test cases include two-dimensional, axially-symmetric and three-dimensional flows. The effective displacement angle of the boundary layer is calculated for representative flat plate, wedge, and cone flows. The maximum pressure, shear stress, and heat transfer in the shock formation region is determined in each case. The two-dimensional reflection of an oblique shock wave from a flat plate is studied, as is the three-dimensional interaction of such a wave with a sidewall boundary layer.

Bird, G. A.↗

Supersonic flow visualization of a nacelle in close proximity to a simulated wing

A flow visualization study was made in the 9 x 9 inch supersonic wind tunnel at Wichita State University to examine shock and boundary layer flow interaction for a nacelle in close proximity to the lower surface of a simulated wing. The test matrix included variations of angle of attack from -2 degrees to +4 degrees, nacelle-wing gap from 0.5 to 3-nacelle inlet diameter (0.12 inch), and Reynolds number based on nacelle length (1.164 inch) from 1.16 x 10(exp 6) to 1.45 x 10(exp 6) at a nominal Mach number of 2. Schlieren pictures of wing and nacelle flowfield were recorded by a video camera during each tunnel run. Results show that the nacelle inlet shock wave remains attached to the inlet lip and its impingement does not significantly affect the wing boundary layer. At the nacelle trailing edge location, the wing boundary layer thickness is approximately one nacelle inlet diameter at alpha = 0 degrees and it decreases with increase of angle of attack.

Biber, Kasim↗

Development of Ultra Low Temperature, Impact Resistant Lithium Battery for the Mars Microprobe

The requirements of the power source for the Mars Microprobe, to be backpacked on the Mars 98 Spacecraft, are fairly demanding, with survivability to a shock of the order of 80,000 g combined with an operational requirement at -80 C. Development of a suitable power system, based on primary lithium-thionyl chloride is underway for the last eighteen months, together with Yardney Technical Products Inc., Pawcatuck, CT. The battery consists of 4 cells of 2 Ah capacity at 25 C, of which at least 25 % would be available at -80 C, at a moderate rate of C/20. Each probe contains two batteries and two such probes will be deployed. The selected cell is designed around an approximate 1/2 "D" cells, with flat plate electrodes. Significant improvements to the conventional Li-SOCl2 cell include: (a) use of tetrachlorogallate salt instead of aluminate for improved low temperature performance and reduced voltage delay, (b) optimization of the salt concentration, and (c) modification of the cell design to develop shock resistance to 80,000 g. We report here results from our several electrical performance tests, mission simulation tests, microcalorimetry and AC impedance studies, and Air gun tests. The cells have successfully gone through mission-enabling survivability and performance tests for the Mars Microprobe penetrator.

Frank, H.↗

Comparing Particle Flow Regimes in the L2K Arcjet with Martian Entry Conditions

In this study, the US3D-DUST code will be used to simulate particles in the L2K dusty-flow test environments and compare them to conditions in the shock layer of the Schiaparelli capsule during its entry into the Martian atmosphere in 2016. The particle Reynolds, Mach, and Knudsen numbers, key non-dimensional numbers that characterize the dusty-flow environments, will be compared between the L2K and Martian shock layers. This study will provide a preliminary assessment of how well-suited L2K dusty-flow conditions are for particle drag model validation and the development of particle impact surface damage correlations. The results of this study may help to guide the design of future dusty flow environments in the L2K facility

Dusty flow↗

Digital-computer normal shock position and restart control of a Mach 2.5 axisymmetric mixed-compression inlet

Digital computer control of a mixed-compression inlet is discussed. The inlet was terminated with a choked orifice at the compressor face station to dynamically simulate a turbojet engine. Inlet diffuser exit airflow disturbances were used. A digital version of a previously tested analog control system was used for both normal shock and restart control. Digital computer algorithms were derived using z-transform and finite difference methods. Using a sample rate of 1000 samples per second, the digital normal shock and restart controls essentially duplicated the inlet analog computer control results. At a sample rate of 100 samples per second, the control system performed adequately but was less stable.

Neiner, G. H.↗

Development of Multi-Physics Dynamics Models for High-Frequency Large-Amplitude Structural Response Simulation

An analytic approach is demonstrated to reveal potential pyroshock-driven dynamic effects causing power losses in the Thermo-Electric (TE) module bars of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). This study utilizes high-fidelity finite element analysis with SIERRA/PRESTO codes to estimate wave propagation effects due to large-amplitude suddenly-applied pyro shock loads in the MMRTG. A high fidelity model of the TE module bar was created with approximately 30 million degrees-of-freedom (DOF). First, a quasi-static preload was applied on top of the TE module bar, then transient tri-axial acceleration inputs were simultaneously applied on the preloaded module. The applied input acceleration signals were measured during MMRTG shock qualification tests performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. An explicit finite element solver in the SIERRA/PRESTO computational environment, along with a 3000 processor parallel super -computing framework at NASA AMES, was used for the simulation. The simulation results were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The predicted shock wave propagation results provide detailed structural responses throughout the TE module bar, and key insights into the dynamic response (i.e., loads, displacements, accelerations) of critical internal spring/piston compression systems, TE materials, and internal component interfaces in the MMRTG TE module bar. They also provide confidence on the viability of this high-fidelity modeling scheme to accurately predict shock wave propagation patterns within complex structures. This analytic approach is envisioned for modeling shock sensitive hardware susceptible to intense shock environments positioned near shock separation devices in modern space vehicles and systems.

Shock Waves↗

Langley Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex: Enhancements and Testing Capabilities

Description, capabilities, recent upgrades, and utilization of the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Aerothermodynamic Facilities Complex (AFC) are presented. The AFC consists of five hypersonic, blow-down-to-vacuum wind tunnels that collectively provide a range of Mach number from 6 to 20, unit Reynolds number from 0.04 to 22 million per foot and, most importantly for blunt configurations, normal shock density ratio from 4 to 12. These wide ranges of hypersonic simulation parameters are due, in part, to the use of three different test gases (air, helium, and tetrafluoromethane), thereby making several of the facilities unique. The Complex represents nearly three-fourths of the conventional (as opposed to impulse)-type hypersonic wind tunnels operational in this country. AFC facilities are used to assess and optimize the hypersonic aerodynamic performance and aeroheating characteristics of aerospace vehicle concepts and to provide benchmark aerodynamic/aeroheating data fr generating the flight aerodynamic databook and final design of the thermal protection system (TPS) (e.g., establishment of flight limitations not to exceed TPS design limits). Modifications and enhancements of AFC hardware components and instrumentation have been pursued to increase capability, reliability, and productivity in support of programmatic goals. Examples illustrating facility utilization in recent years to generate essentially all of the experimental hypersonic aerodynamic and aeroheating information for high-priority, fast-paced Agency programs are presented. These programs include Phase I of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Advanced Technology Demonstrator, X-33 program, PHase II of the X-33 program, X-34 program, the Hyper-X program ( a Mach 5,7, and 10 airbreathing propulsion flight experiment), and the X-38 program (Experimental Crew Return Vehicle, X-CRV). Current upgrades/enchancements and future plans for the AFC are discussed.

Micol, J. R.↗

Modeling and Flight Performance of Supersonic Disk-Gap-Band Parachutes in Slender Body Wakes

NASA's ASPIRE (Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research and Experiments) project is investigating the supersonic deployment and inflation of full-scale parachutes. To achieve Mars-relevant conditions, the parachutes are deployed at high altitudes over Earth on a sounding rocket platform. During the flight test, Disk-Gap-Band parachutes of 21.5 meter diameter are deployed behind a slender payload 1/6th the diameter of the blunt Mars2020 capsule. Due to the differences in leading body geometry between the test flight and a parachute deployment at Mars, high fidelity numerical simulations of slender and blunt bodywakes, and of rigid parachutes behind them, were used to understand differences and similarities in the flow and the effect on parachute drag. The slender body wake is thinner, closes earlier, and presents a smaller wake deficit. Thus, a parachute deployed in the wake of a slender body is more likely to see a higher dynamic pressure than a parachute deployed behind a blunt body. In the presence of a parachute, the interaction of the unsteady wake with the parachute bow shock is stronger behind the blunt body. Simulations yield highly unsteady forces on the parachute, which was modeled as a rigid body. The mean parachute force behind a slender body is between 3 and 12 percent higher than behind a blunt body, depending on the angle of the parachute with the flow. As the angle of incidence increases, more of the parachute moves out of the leading body wakes, decreasing the sensitivity to leading body shape. To compare the flow past parachutes in Earth's and Mars' atmospheres, simulations were also performed in CO2. At the Mach number considered (1.75), the shock standoff distance ahead of the parachute, post-shock jump conditions, and the resulting parachute forces were found to be very similar in both air and CO2, indicating that a high altitude test is a good proxy for a Mars descent. The results of these numerical simulations and available data on past flight and wind tunnel tests of supersonic Disk-Gap-Band parachutes behind slender bodies were used to generate a parachute drag model for ASPIRE, which in turn was used to help design the flight test. The first flight test occurred in October 2017. The parachute was successfully deployed at Mach 1.77 and an altitude of 42 kilometers. Test instrumentation provided the atmospheric conditions, test vehicle trajectory, and the loads on the parachute along with detailed high-resolution imagery of the inflation process. Reconstruction of the flight test indicated that the measured forces on the parachute were within the model's bounds, although the model over-predicted the parachute force during the first few seconds. The parachute forces during the long subsonic period were well-predicted by the ASPIRE drag model.

Muppidi, Suman↗

Hypersonic shock tunnel heat transfer tests of the Space Shuttle SILTS pod configuration

Heat transfer measurements have been made on a 0.0175-scale NASA Space Shuttle orbiter model having a simulated SILTS (Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature Sensor) pod on top of the vertical tail. Heat transfer distributions were measured both on the pod and on the vertical tail. The test program covered Mach numbers of 8, 11 and 16 in air, at Reynolds numbers from 100,000 to 18 million, based on model length. The angle of attack ranged from 30 deg to 40 deg at sideslip angles from -2 to +2 deg. Data were obtained with 92 thin film assistance thermometers located on the SILTS pod and on the upper 30 percent of the vertical tail. Heat transfer rates measured on the vertical tail show good agreement with flight data obtained from missions STS-1, -2 and -3. The variation of heat transfer to the pod with Reynolds number, Mach number and angle of attack is discussed.

Wittliff, C. E.↗

Simulation of electron acceleration at collisionless shocks

The motion of suprathermal electrons through the quasi-perpendicular, curved bow shock is considered, using a combined test-particle and hybrid-code approach. Whistler-wave generation and pitch-angle scattering of the derived distributions is studied with an implicit full-particle code. The results are compared to published ISEE observations at the Earth's bow shock.

Krauss-Varban, D.↗

Shock Waves Mitigation at Blunt Bodies Using Needles and Shells Against a Supersonic Flow

The paper contains some experimental and numerical simulation test results on cylindrical blunt body drag reduction using thin spikes or shell mounted in front of a body against a supersonic flow. Experimental tests were conducted using the Aeromechanics and Gas Dynamics Laboratory facilities at the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University (IMMSU). Numerical simulations utilizing NASA and IM/MSU codes were conducted at the Hampton University Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics Laboratory. The main purpose of this research is to examine the efficiency of application of multiple spikes for drag reduction and flow stability at the front of a blunt body in different flight conditions, i.e. Mach number, angle of attack, etc. The principal conclusions of these test results are: multiple spike/needle application leads to decrease of drag reduction benefits by comparison with the case of one central mounted needle at the front of a blunt body, but increase lift benefits.

Gilinsky, M.↗

The Impact of the 8–10 March 2012 Geomagnetic Storm on Inner Zone Protons as Measured by Van Allen Probes

The Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope (REPT) instrument on the Van Allen Probes observed a double-peaked inner zone proton population throughout the 7 year lifetime of the mission. M. Hudson et al. (2023) showed that a strong SEP event accompanied by a CME-shock in early March 2012 provided the Solar Energetic Proton (SEP) source for the higher L trapped proton population, which then diffused radially inward to be observed by REPT at L = 2. The study followed trajectories of SEP protons launched isotropically from a sphere at 7 Re for 2.5 hr in fields calculated by the LFM-RCM global MHD model, which includes electric fields needed to model the transport and trapping of the protons by the shock, and then a radial diffusion simulation was run for 2 years using the result from the test-particle simulation as the initial condition. The simulation result was compared with REPT measurement in November 2013 and showed reasonable agreement. However, the simulation overestimated the Phase Space Density by a factor of four due to lack of field line curvature scattering during the storm in the model. In this study, a test-particle simulation is performed for 2 days following the injection and trapping of protons in March 2012 using TS05 fields to simulate the field line curvature scattering of the trapped SEP due to the buildup of the ring current during the geomagnetic storm. The resulting sample distribution was then weighted using the flux at the end of the two-hour MHD-test particle simulation. A radial diffusion simulation is then run using the initial profile that included the loss effect, with improved comparison with REPT measurements after 2 years.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Hot interstellar tunnels. 1: Simulation of interacting supernova remnants

The theory required to build a numerical simulation of interacting supernova remnants is developed. The hot cavities within a population of remnants will become connected, with varying ease and speed, for a variety of assumed conditions in the outer shells of old remnants. Apparently neither radiative cooling nor thermal conduction in a large-scale galactic magnetic field can destroy hot cavity regions, if they grow, faster than they are reheated by supernova shock waves, but interstellar mass motions disrupt the contiguity of extensive cavities necessary for the dispersal of these shocks over a wide volume. Monte Carlo simulations show that a quasi-equilibrium is reached in the test space within 10 million yrs of the first supernova and is characterized by an average cavity filling fraction of the interstellar volume. Aspects of this equilibrium are discussed for a range of supernova rates. Two predictions are not confirmed within this range: critical growth of hot regions to encompass the entire medium, and the efficient quenching of a remnant's expansion by interaction with other cavities.

Smith, B. W.↗