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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

TAP 1: A Finite Element Program for Steady-State Thermal Analysis of Convectively Cooled Structures

The program has a finite element library of six elements: two conduction/convection elements to model heat transfer in a solid, two convection elements to model heat transfer in a fluid, and two integrated conduction/convection elements to represent combined heat transfer in tubular and plate/fin fluid passages. Nonlinear thermal analysis due to temperature dependent thermal parameters is performed using the Newton-Raphson iteration method. Program output includes nodal temperatures and element heat fluxes. Pressure drops in fluid passages may be computed as an option. A companion plotting program for displaying the finite element model and predicted temperature distributions is presented. User instructions and sample problems are presented in appendixes.

Thornton, E. A.↗

CFD and Thermodynamic Model Predictions of No-Vent Tank Filling in Microgravity

Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) of propellant fluids under low gravity conditions present an important challenge in the pursuit of NASA’s future long-duration space missions. Success of these missions relies to a large extent on the ability to store and transfer the cryogenic liquid fuels efficiently and safely. To this end, the Zero-Boil-Off Tank Filling and Transfer Experiment (ZBOT-FT) undertaken by University of Bremen in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University aims at studying two phase flow tank-to-tank transfer operations in microgravity using a simulant fluid, Perfluoro-n-pentane (PNP). As part of this effort, in this work, we present a system level homogeneous thermodynamic model and a two-phase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of a no-vent cylindrical tank filling in microgravity. Both 2D axisymmetric and 3D parametric simulations case studies are performed to show the detailed physics of the filling process and the evolution of tank pressure for filling flow rates between 1.0 and 1.65 mL/s. A zero-dimensional homogeneous thermodynamic model is also developed to predict the final steady state tank pressure analytically. Comparison of the 2D and 3D CFD predictions of final pressures to the steady state thermodynamic results displays very good agreement. However, it is shown that the 2D axisymmetric model predicts a maxima in tank pressure before reaching steady state. It is indicted that this pressure maxima is caused by the constraints inherent in the axisymmetric model and is absent in the 3D and thermodynamic pressure predictions.

Two Phase Flow↗

Aeroelastic Calculations Using CFD for a Typical Business Jet Model

Two time-accurate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes were used to compute several flutter points for a typical business jet model. The model consisted of a rigid fuselage with a flexible semispan wing and was tested in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center where experimental flutter data were obtained from M(sub infinity) = 0.628 to M(sub infinity) = 0.888. The computational results were computed using CFD codes based on the inviscid TSD equation (CAP-TSD) and the Euler/Navier-Stokes equations (CFL3D-AE). Comparisons are made between analytical results and with experiment where appropriate. The results presented here show that the Navier-Stokes method is required near the transonic dip due to the strong viscous effects while the TSD and Euler methods used here provide good results at the lower Mach numbers.

Gibbons, Michael D.↗

Traction contact performance evaluation at high speeds

The results of traction tests performed on two fluids are presented. These tests covered a pressure range of 1.0 to 2.5 GPa, an inlet temperature range of 30 'C to 70 'C, a speed range of 10 to 80 m/sec, aspect ratios of .5 to 5 and spin from 0 to 2.1 percent. The test results are presented in the form of two dimensionless parameters, the initial traction slope and the maximum traction peak. With the use of a suitable rheological fluid model the actual traction curves measured can now be reconstituted from the two fluid parameters. More importantly, the knowledge of these parameters together with the fluid rheological model, allow the prediction of traction under conditions of spin, slip and any combination thereof. Comparison between theoretically predicted traction under these conditions and those measured in actual traction tests shows that this method gives good results.

Tevaarwerk, J. L.↗

Validation of a Two-Phase CFD Model for Autogenous Pressurization and Expulsion

This paper presents a two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating autogenous pressurization and expulsion in a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank, utilizing a volume-of-fluid (VOF) approach combined with the kinetics-based Schrage equation to accurately capture the phase boundary and interfacial heat, mass, and momentum transfer between liquid and vapor phases. The model is validated against experimental data from NASA's K-site tank facility, specifically experimental case 225, which involved pressurization and controlled expulsion of liquid hydrogen. Various turbulence models are evaluated to assess their influence on model accuracy. The CFD simulations successfully replicate key thermodynamic behaviors observed during the experiments, including pressure evolution, temperature profiles, and phase-change dynamics at the vapor-liquid interface. The predicted tank pressures, temperatures, and pressurant requirements agree with experimental data, with pressurant mass predictions within 16\% of observed values. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate turbulence models to accurately simulate complex flow and heat transfer phenomena during tank pressurization and expulsion. By enhancing the accuracy and reliability of CFD models for liquid hydrogen under cryogenic conditions, this research contributes to developing efficient cryogenic propellant management strategies for future space missions.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗

Validation of a Two-Phase CFD Model for Autogenous Pressurization and Expulsion

This paper presents a two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating autogenous pressurization and expulsion in a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank, utilizing a volume-of-fluid (VOF) approach combined with the kinetics-based Schrage equation to accurately capture the phase boundary and interfacial heat, mass, and momentum transfer between vapor and liquid phases. The model is validated against experimental data from NASA's K-site tank facility, specifically experimental case 225, which involved autogenous pressurization and controlled expulsion of liquid hydrogen. Various turbulence models are evaluated to assess their influence on model accuracy. The CFD simulations successfully replicate key thermodynamic behaviors observed during the experiments, including pressure evolution, temperature profiles, and phase-change dynamics at the vapor-liquid interface. The predicted tank pressures and temperatures agree well with experimental data, whereas the pressurant mass predictions are within 16% of observed values. This study emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate turbulence models to accurately simulate the complex flow and heat transfer phenomena during tank autogenous pressurization and expulsion. By improving the accuracy and reliability of CFD models for these processes, this research contributes to developing efficient cryogenic propellant management strategies for future space missions.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗

Numerical Simulations of an Axisymmetric Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interaction

A series of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations were performed of two Mach 2.5 axisymmetric shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions (SWBLIs) based off of the NASA Turbulent Computational Fluid Dynamics Validation Experiment (TCFDVE). The goals of the simulations were to (1) determine how well RANS can predict the flow physics of an axisymmetric SWBLI and (2) generate a new validation case for the NASA Turbulence Modeling Resource (TMR). The simulations were run with two different turbulence models and three different computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes while looking at two different conical shock generator angles, one of which was shown to cause flow separation in the experiment. The results in this paper show that, as expected, the CFD simulations agreed well with each other and the experiment when SWBLI-induced separation was not present. When separation was present, differences in the predicted separation characteristics were noted. These included a stronger interaction and subsequently longer separation extent for the Menter Shear-Stress Transport k-ω (SST) turbulence model simulations compared to both the Spalart-Allmaras (SA) turbulence model simulations and the experiment.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗

Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane Integrated Propulsion System Test Bed

In support of NASA?s Propulsion and Cryogenic Advanced Development (PCAD) project, a liquid oxygen (LO2)/liquid methane (LCH4) Integrated Propulsion System Test Bed (IPSTB) was designed and advanced to the Critical Design Review (CDR) stage at the Johnson Space Center. The IPSTB?s primary objectives are to study LO2/LCH4 propulsion system steady state and transient performance, operational characteristics and to validate fluid and thermal models of a LO2/LCH4 propulsion system for use in future flight design work. Two phase thermal and dynamic fluid flow models of the IPSTB were built to predict the system performance characteristics under a variety of operating modes and to aid in the overall system design work. While at ambient temperature and simulated altitude conditions at the White Sands Test Facility, the IPSTB and its approximately 600 channels of system instrumentation would be operated to perform a variety of integrated main engine and reaction control engine hot fire tests. The pressure, temperature, and flow rate data collected during this testing would then be used to validate the analytical models of the IPSTB?s thermal and dynamic fluid flow performance. An overview of the IPSTB design and analytical model development will be presented.

Flynn, Howard↗

TAP 2: A finite element program for thermal analysis of convectively cooled structures

A finite element computer program (TAP 2) for steady-state and transient thermal analyses of convectively cooled structures is presented. The program has a finite element library of six elements: two conduction/convection elements to model heat transfer in a solid, two convection elements to model heat transfer in a fluid, and two integrated conduction/convection elements to represent combined heat transfer in tubular and plate/fin fluid passages. Nonlinear thermal analysis due to temperature-dependent thermal parameters is performed using the Newton-Raphson iteration method. Transient analyses are performed using an implicit Crank-Nicolson time integration scheme with consistent or lumped capacitance matrices as an option. Program output includes nodal temperatures and element heat fluxes. Pressure drops in fluid passages may be computed as an option. User instructions and sample problems are presented in appendixes.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Vortex modeling of single and multiple dilution jet mixing in a crossflow

An analytical model for the behavior of normally injected jets in a crossflow is developed and applied to fluids of differing densities. Central to the model are the dynamics of the vortex pair structure associated with the local jet cross-section and the entrainment of crossflow by jet fluid. Two specific cases are modeled: one involving a single dilution jet in a crossflow, in which trajectories are found to scale primarily with jet-to-crossflow momentum ratio, and the other involving a series of spanwise jets injected into a crossflow, which indicates scaling with momentum ratio and with the spacing-to-orifice-diameter ratio. In the case of multiple jet penetration, however, merging of the jets into an approximately two-dimensional jet downstream of injection is observed for low spacing-to-diameter ratios.

Karagozian, A. R.↗

Two-stream modeling of plasmaspheric refilling

Plasmaspheric refilling on an L = 4 flux tube was studied by using a time-dependent, hydrodynamic plasmaspheric flow model in which the ion streams from the two hemispheres are treated as distinct fluids. In the model the continuity, momentum, and energy equations of a two-ion (O(+) and H(+)), quasi-neutral, currentless plasma are solved along a closed geomagnetic field line; diffusive equilibrium is not assumed. collisions between all stream pairs and with neutral species are included. The model includes a corotating, tilted dipole magnetic field and neutral winds. Ionospheric sources and sinks are accounted for in a self-consistent manner. Electrons are assumed to be heated by photoelectrons. The model flux tube extends from a 200-km altitude in one hemisphere to a 200-km altitude in the other hemisphere. Initially, the upwelling streams pass through each other practically unimpeded. When the streams approach the boundary in the conjugate ionosphere, a shock develops there, which moves upward and dissipates slowly; at about the same time a reverse shock develops in the hemisphere of origin, which moves upward. After about 1 hour, large shocks develop in each stream near the equator; these shocks move toward the equator and downward after crossing the equator. However, these shocks are probably artificial, because counterstreaming flows occur in each H(+) fluid, which the model can only handle by creating shocks.

Guiter, S. M.↗

Marshall Space Flight Center Faculty Fellowship Program

This paper presents a multi-node model of autogenous pressurization of liquid nitrogen in a flight tank using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a general purpose flow network code developed at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center. This study considers two different models: (a) pressurization of the tank by nitrogen gas from a supply tank and (b) pressurization of the tank by using the boil-off propellant through an IVF (Integrated Vehicle Fluids) loop. The tank pressurization model considers two different liquid fill-levels of the tank (a) 75% and (b) 45%. Heat and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor has been modeled at the liquid vapor interface. Heat transfer between wall and vapor at the ullage has been accounted for by assuming heat transfer occurs by natural convection. The model also accounts for heat leak to the tank through the insulation and metal wall by heat conduction. The predicted pressures and temperatures are compared with the measured data and good agreement has been observed. In the second case, the tank is pressurized by using the boil-off fluid that recirculates through an IVF loop. Preliminary results from this model are also reported.

N.F. Six↗

Local lattice-gas model for immiscible fluids

A lattice-gas model is presented for two-dimensional immiscible fluid flows with surface tension that uses strictly local collision rules. Instead of using a local total color flux as Somers and Rem (1991), local colored holes are used to be the memory of particles of the same color. Interactions between walls and fluids are included that produce arbitrary contact angles.

Chen, S.↗

Expansion of the solar wind from a two-hole corona

A one-fluid model is employed to study the global expansion of the solar wind from a two-hole corona, under the assumptions that the holes are confined to polar caps within 30 deg of heliographic colatitude, the flow is steady and axisymmetric, and the geometry of streamlines is prescribed. The boundary conditions are adjusted in such a way that the calculated solar-wind properties at 1 AU are in reasonable agreement with observational results. A series of numerical solutions are obtained, the series produces a maximum terminal speed of 829 km/s at the pole. The calculated solar-wind speeds are strongly latitude-dependent and are positively correlated with local divergence factor of a stream tube. The solutions imply that most plasma properties are highly inhomogeneous at the polar caps. The flow velocity, the temperature, the proton-number flux and the conduction-heat flux all increase towards the hole center.

Whang, Y. C.↗

Magnetospheric current sheets

A review is presented of theories and observations of current sheets in the magnetosphere, emphasizing the magnetopause and tail current sheets. Theoretical models of the magnetopause current sheet can be divided into two types: specular reflection and fluid models containing no external magnetic field, and models with an interplanetary/magnetosheath magnetic field. Our understanding of the first type is much better than of the second, although magnetospheric observations indicate that the external magnetic field plays an important role. Most of the theoretical models of the tail current sheet attempt to arrive at an understanding of the reconnection process or start with the assumption that reconnection is important. Observations are reviewed and implications for the models are discussed.

Speiser, T. W.↗

Modeling Two-Phase Flow and Vapor Cycles Using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program

This work presents three new applications for the general purpose fluid network solver code GFSSP developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center: (1) cooling tower, (2) vapor-compression refrigeration system, and (3) vapor-expansion power generation system. These systems are widely used across engineering disciplines in a variety of energy systems, and these models expand the capabilities and the use of GFSSP to include fluids and features that are not part of its present set of provided examples. GFSSP provides pressure, temperature, and species concentrations at designated locations, or nodes, within a fluid network based on a finite volume formulation of thermodynamics and conservation laws. This paper describes the theoretical basis for the construction of the models, their implementation in the current GFSSP modeling system, and a brief evaluation of the usefulness of the model results, as well as their applicability toward a broader spectrum of analytical problems in both university teaching and engineering research.

Smith, Amanda D.↗

Helium 2 slosh in low gravity

This paper describes the status and plans for the work being performed under NASA NRA contract NASW-4803 so that members of the Microgravity Fluid Dynamics Discipline Working Group are aware of this program. The contract is a cross-disciplinary research program and is administered under the Low Temperature Microgravity Research Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The purpose of the project is to perform low-gravity verification experiments on the slosh behavior of He II to use in the development of a CFD model that incorporates the two-fluid physics of He II. The two-fluid code predicts a different fluid motion response in low-gravity environment from that predicted by a single-fluid model, while the 1g response is identical for the both types of model.

Ross, Graham O.↗

Application of CFD to Explain Anomalous Stall Behavior of the SSME Flowmeter

Anomalous behavior manifested in the apparent SSME fuel flowmeter constant which relates the rotor speed to the engine flowrate has been shown to be the result of wakes of the upstream hexagonal web flow straightener periodically stalling the rotor blades, thereby changing the lift on the blades and the rotation speed of the rotor. Moreover, an unsteady, two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model of the flowmeter has shown this wake-induced stall disappearing as the straightener-rotor distance is doubled, in accord with the existing SSME flowmeter database for the previous "egg crate" flowmeter. These observations have led to a new flowmeter design which has been shown in three-dimensional CFD computations (consistent with both the previous two-dimensional analyses and with existing correlations for airfoil stall) to be much less susceptible to stalling instabilities.

Ascoli, E.↗