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At least 19 records

Magnus Effect on a Spinning Satellite in Low Earth Orbit

A spinning body in a flow field generates an aerodynamic lift or Magnus effect that displaces the body in a direction normal to the freestream flow. Earth orbiting satellites with substantial body rotation in appreciable atmospheric densities may generate a Magnus force to perturb orbital dynamics. We investigate the feasibility of using this effect for spacecraft at a perigee of 80km using the Systems Tool Kit (STK). Results show that for a satellite of reasonable properties, the Magnus effect doubles the amount of time in orbit. Orbital decay was greatly mitigated for satellites spinning at 10000 and 15000RPM. This study demonstrates that the Magnus effect has the potential to sustain a spacecraft's orbit at a low perigee altitude and could also serve as an orbital maneuver capability.

Orbit↗

The "Magnus effect" - the principle of the Flettner rotor

The phenomenon of the Magnus effect consists in the fact that a revolving body moving relatively to the surrounding fluid (air) is subjected not only to drag (i.e., a force acting in a direction opposite to that of the direction of motion), but also to a lift.

AERODYNAMICS - WIND PROPULSION↗

The Magnus Effect in Theory and in Reality

A discussion of the Flettner rotor is presented from a nautical and economic viewpoint, and although it was a failure, the experimental and theoretical inventions cannot be disregarded. The following critical and experimental investigation will show the relations and applicability of the theories and practical applications. The Magnus effect is described in detail and a discussion and critical review of the Magnus effect is included.

Ahlborn, F↗

Magnus effects on spinning transonic missiles

Magnus forces and moments were measured on a basic-finner model spinning in transonic flow. Spin was induced by canted fins or by full-span or semi-span, outboard and inboard roll controls. Magnus force and moment reversals were caused by Mach number, reduced spin rate, and angle of attack variations. Magnus center of pressure was found to be independent of the angle of attack but varied with the Mach number and model configuration or reduced spin rate.

Seginer, A.↗

Computations of the Magnus effect for slender bodies in supersonic flow

A recently reported Parabolized Navier-Stokes code has been employed to compute the supersonic flow field about spinning cone, ogive-cylinder, and boattailed bodies of revolution at moderate incidence. The computations were performed for flow conditions where extensive measurements for wall pressure, boundary layer velocity profiles and Magnus force had been obtained. Comparisons between the computational results and experiment indicate excellent agreement for angles of attack up to six degrees. The comparisons for Magnus effects show that the code accurately predicts the effects of body shape and Mach number for the selected models for Mach numbers in the range of 2-4.

Sturek, W. B.↗

Magnus effects at high angles of attack and critical Reynolds numbers

The Magnus force and moment experienced by a yawed, spinning cylinder were studied experimentally in low speed and subsonic flows at high angles of attack and critical Reynolds numbers. Flow-field visualization aided in describing a flow model that divides the Magnus phenomenon into a subcritical region, where reverse Magnus loads are experienced, and a supercritical region where these loads are not encountered. The roles of the spin rate, angle of attack, and crossflow Reynolds number in determining the boundaries of the subcritical region and the variations of the Magnus loads were studied.

Seginer, A.↗

Boundary layer stability on a yawed spinning body of revolution and its effect on the magnus force and moment

The parameters are established which are important to the stability of a boundary layer flow over a yawed spinning cylinder in a uniform stream. It is shown that transition occurs asymmetrically in general and this asymmetry can be important for the prediction of aerodynamic forces and moments (e.g., the Magnus effect). Instability of the steady-state boundary layer flow is determined using small disturbance theory. Although the approach is strictly valid only for the calculation of the conditions for stability in the small, experimental data indicate that in many problems, it provides a good estimate for the transition to turbulence.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Recent Experiments at the Gottingen Aerodynamic Institute

This report presents the results of various experiments carried out at the Gottingen Aerodynamic Institute. These include: experiments with Joukowski wing profiles; experiments on an airplane model with a built-in motor and functioning propeller; and the rotating cylinder (Magnus Effect).

CYLINDERS, ROTATING↗

Magnus induced diode effect for skyrmions in channels with periodic potentials

Using a particle based model, we investigate the skyrmion dynamical behavior in a channel where the upper wall contains divots of one depth and the lower wall contains divots of a different depth. Under an applied driving force, skyrmions in the channels move with a finite skyrmion Hall angle that deflects them toward the upper wall for -x direction driving and the lower wall for +x direction driving. When the upper divots have zero height, the skyrmions are deflected against the flat upper wall for -x direction driving and the skyrmion velocity depends linearly on the drive. For +x direction driving, the skyrmions are pushed against the lower divots and become trapped, giving reduced velocities and a nonlinear velocity-force response. When there are shallow divots on the upper wall and deep divots on the lower wall, skyrmions get trapped for both driving directions; however, due to the divot depth difference, skyrmions move more easily under -x direction driving, and become strongly trapped for +x direction driving. Further, the preferred -x direction motion produces what we call a Magnus diode effect since it vanishes in the limit of zero Magnus force, unlike the diode effects observed for asymmetric sawtooth potentials. We show that the transport curves can exhibit a series of jumps or dips, negative differential conductivity, and reentrant pinning due to collective trapping events. We also discuss how our results relate to recent continuum modeling on a similar skyrmion diode system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Numerical analysis of Microgravity Bubble Separation in Open Channels with ISS Bemchmarks

Spacecraft fluid systems often require specific considerations to operate in a manner similar to those on Earth. For instance, an open wedge shaped channel can serve as a pathway for passively separating bubbles from a liquid in a two phase flow, analogous to buoyancy effects on Earth. As the bubbles merge within the channel, they become increasingly confined in the wedge, driving them upwards and outwards toward the free surface due to capillary forces. These same forces ensure coalescence and allow the bubbles to escape through the free surface. However, in low gravity environments, a challenge arises when bubbles are not sufficiently large. Under such conditions, the bubbles tend to follow trajectories near their inscribed elevations, never fully leaving the liquid. Such unseparated bubbles can lead to downstream pump failure, cavitation, flow instabilities, dryout, and other adverse effects aboard spacecraft. Understanding and exploiting the underlying mechanisms behind this behavior is crucial for enhancing the reliability of passive capillary fluids management in space applications, including cryogenic and storable fuels transport, thermal fluids circulation, water recycling for life support, plant watering systems, and more. The joint German Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA Capillary Channel Flow (CCF) experiment conducted on the International Space Station has provided an extensive publicly available database documenting such phenomena (https://science.nasa.gov/physical sciences informatics psi). Leveraging this resource, we aim to establish benchmarks for our numerical investigation of zero gravity bubbly two phase flow in open wedge channels. Specifically, we seek to quantitatively understand the mechanisms governing ‘inscribed’ bubble motion, considering the apparent interplay of two competing forces: Saffman lift (causing upward/outward motion) and the Magnus effect (causing downward/inward motion). Our cross cutting findings directly inform the development of robust passive phase separation methods within spacecraft plumbing systems.

bubble↗

A brief summary of the attempts to develop large wind-electric generating systems in the US

Interest in developing large wind-electric generating systems in the United States was simulated primarily by one man, Palmer C. Putnam. He was responsible for the construction of the 1250 kilowatt Smith-Putnam wind-electric plant. The existence of this system prompted the U. S. Federal Power Commission to investigate the potential of using the winds as a source energy. Also, in 1933 prior to Putnam's effort, there was an abortive attempt by J. D. Madaras to develop a wind system based on the Magnus effect. These three projects comprise the only serious efforts in America to develop large wind driven plants. In this paper the history of each project is briefly described. Also discussed are some of the reasons why wind energy was not seriously considered as a major source of energy for the U. S.

Savino, J. M.↗

A brief summary of the attempts to develop large wind-electric generating systems in the U.S.

Interest in developing large wind-electric generating systems in the United States was stimulated primarily by one man, Palmer C. Putnam. He was responsible for the construction of the largest wind-power system ever built - the 1250 kilowatt Smith-Putnam wind-electric plant. The existence of this system prompted the U.S. Federal Power Commission to investigate the potential of using the winds as a source energy. Also, in 1933 prior to Putnam's effort, there was an abortive attempt by J. D. Madaras to develop a wind system based on the Magnus effect. These three projects comprise the only serious efforts in America to develop large wind driven plants. In this paper, the history of each project is briefly described. Also discussed are some of the reasons why wind energy was not seriously considered as a major source of energy for the U.S.

Savino, J. M.↗

Photoballistics of volcanic jet activity at Stromboli, Italy

Two night eruptions of the volcano Stromboli were studied through 70-mm photography. Single-camera techniques were used. Particle sphericity, constant velocity in the frame, and radial symmetry were assumed. Properties of the particulate phase found through analysis include: particle size, velocity, total number of particles ejected, angular dispersion and distribution in the jet, time variation of particle size and apparent velocity distribution, averaged volume flux, and kinetic energy carried by the condensed phase. The frequency distributions of particle size and apparent velocities are found to be approximately log normal. The properties of the gas phase were inferred from the fact that it was the transporting medium for the condensed phase. Gas velocity and time variation, volume flux of gas, dynamic pressure, mass erupted, and density were estimated. A CO2-H2O mixture is possible for the observed eruptions. The flow was subsonic. Velocity variations may be explained by an organ pipe resonance. Particle collimation may be produced by a Magnus effect.

Chouet, B.↗

Numerical simulation of steady supersonic flow over spinning bodies of revolution

A recently reported parabolized Navier-Stokes code has been employed to compute the supersonic flowfield about a spinning cone and spinning and nonspinning ogive cylinder and boattailed bodies of revolution at moderate incidence. The computations were performed for flow conditions where extensive measurements for wall pressure, boundary-layer velocity profiles, and Magnus force had been obtained. Comparisons between the computational results and experiment indicate excellent agreement for angles of attack up to 6 deg. At angles greater than 6 deg discrepancies are noted which are tentatively attributed to turbulence modeling errors. The comparisons for Magnus effects show that the code accurately predicts the effects of body shape for the selected models.

Sturek, W. B.↗

Aerodynamics of sports balls

Research data on the aerodynamic behavior of baseballs and cricket and golf balls are summarized. Cricket balls and baseballs are roughly the same size and mass but have different stitch patterns. Both are thrown to follow paths that avoid a batter's swing, paths that can curve if aerodynamic forces on the balls' surfaces are asymmetric. Smoke tracer wind tunnel tests and pressure taps have revealed that the unbalanced side forces are induced by tripping the boundary layer on the seam side and producing turbulence. More particularly, the greater pressures are perpendicular to the seam plane and only appear when the balls travel at velocities high enough so that the roughness length matches the seam heigh. The side forces, once tripped, will increase with spin velocity up to a cut-off point. The enhanced lift coefficient is produced by the Magnus effect. The more complex stitching on a baseball permits greater variations in the flight path curve and, in the case of a knuckleball, the unsteady flow effects. For golf balls, the dimples trip the boundary layer and the high spin rate produces a lift coefficient maximum of 0.5, compared to a baseball's maximum of 0.3. Thus, a golf ball travels far enough for gravitational forces to become important.

Mehta, R. D.↗