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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 19 records

Automatic Tip Vortex Core Profiling for Numerical Flow Simulations of Rotorcraft in Hover

An automated approach is presented that extracts visual and quantitative data from vortex cores produced by Navier-Stokes simulations of rotorcraft in hover mode. This approach extracts contiguous rotor tip vortex-core trajectories, cross-flow velocity profiles, and vortex-core diameter variation with wake age (azimuth angle). This automated approach is faster and more accurate than a conventional manual approach. Moreover, this new approach allows for an efficient way to quantitatively compare vortex-core profiles from different flow simulations, e.g., grid resolution studies, and validate computed results with experimental data

Kao, David L.↗

Analytical desmearing of Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering data via truncated Abel inversion

A non-iterative analytical framework based on the truncated Abel inversion is developed for desmearing Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) data. The method directly inverts the slit-averaged intensity without empirical extrapolation or iterative regularization, establishing a closed-form relationship between the measured and intrinsic scattering profiles. Numerical benchmarks on representative models, including a rigid-line form factor, a Lorentzian function and a fractal structural model, demonstrate quantitative recovery of the ground-truth intensity across the full Q range. Application to a deuterated polystyrene/poly(2-vinylpyridine) blend further confirms that the approach yields smooth continuous profiles consistent with companion small-angle neutron scattering data. The truncated Abel inversion thus provides a stable, model-independent and physically transparent route for accurate desmearing of Bonse–Hart USANS measurements.

Huang, Guan-Rong [National Tsing Hua University, T↗

Computational analysis of plume induced separation

Full Navier-Stokes simulations around axisymmetric boattailed and flared rockets are numerically investigated for plume induced separation phenomenon. At lower altitudes, the plume interaction with the external flow does not cause any flow separation on the body, but at conditions corresponding to higher altitudes large plume induced separation is observed. Addition of a flare to the afterbody limits the extent of separation at high altitudes. Computational solutions for the boattailed axisymmetric geometry are compared with available wind-tunnel and flight data. The effect of forebody ablation is studied by modifying the inflow boundary layer profile. Numerical solutions with thicker boundary layers show significantly greater plume-induced separation compared with nonablating cases. Heat transfer to the wall was computed for the flared afterbody geometry and is presented.

Venkatapathy, Ethiraj↗

Hypersonic Combustor Model Inlet CFD Simulations and Experimental Comparisons

Numerous two-and three-dimensional computational simulations were performed for the inlet associated with the combustor model for the hypersonic propulsion experiment in the NASA Ames 16-Inch Shock Tunnel. The inlet was designed to produce a combustor-inlet flow that is nearly two-dimensional and of sufficient mass flow rate for large scale combustor testing. The three-dimensional simulations demonstrated that the inlet design met all the design objectives and that the inlet produced a very nearly two-dimensional combustor inflow profile. Numerous two-dimensional simulations were performed with various levels of approximations such as in the choice of chemical and physical models, as well as numerical approximations. Parametric studies were conducted to better understand and to characterize the inlet flow. Results from the two-and three-dimensional simulations were used to predict the mass flux entering the combustor and a mass flux correlation as a function of facility stagnation pressure was developed. Surface heat flux and pressure measurements were compared with the computed results and good agreement was found. The computational simulations helped determine the inlet low characteristics in the high enthalpy environment, the important parameters that affect the combustor-inlet flow, and the sensitivity of the inlet flow to various modeling assumptions.

Venkatapathy, E.↗

Entropy Stable Conservative Flux Form Neural Networks

We propose an entropy-stable conservative flux form neural network (CFN) to predict the dynamics of unknown governing conservation laws. The design of the network is based on the entropy-stable, second-order, and non-oscillatory Kurganov-Tadmor (KT) scheme. The proposed entropy-stable CFN, hereafter referred to as ESCFN, uses slope limiting as a denoising mechanism, ensuring accurate predictions in both noisy and sparse observation environments, as well as in both smooth and discontinuous regions. Importantly, our method is designed to predict long term dynamics of the unknown conservation law exclusively from a short temporal window of observed data, that is, without oracle knowledge of the PDE or later-time solution profiles. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the ESCFN achieves both stability and conservation while maintaining accuracy over extended time domains, and successfully predicts shock propagation speeds in long-term simulations. Furthermore, it is also robust to both noisy and sparse data environments.

Hyperbolic conservation laws↗

Computation of high-frequency magnetoelastic waves in layered materials

Here, the direct calculation of magnetoelastic wave dispersion in layered media is presented using an efficient, accurate computational technique. The governing, coupled equations for elasticity and magnetism, the Navier and Landau-Lifshitz equations, respectively, are linearized to form a quadratic eigenvalue problem that determines a complex web of wave-number–frequency dispersion branches and their corresponding mode profiles. Numerical discretization of the eigenvalue problem via a spectral collocation method (SCM) is employed to determine the complete dispersion maps for both a single, finite-thickness magnetic layer and a finite magnetic-nonmagnetic double-layer. The SCM, previously used to study elastic waves in nonmagnetic media, is fast, accurate, and adaptable to a variety of sample configurations and geometries. Emphasis is placed on the extremely high-frequency regimes being accessed in ultrafast magnetism experiments. The dispersion maps and modes provide insight into how energy propagates through the coupled system, including how energy can be transferred between elastic- and magnetic-dominated waves as well as between different layers. The numerical computations for a single layer are further understood by a simplified analytical calculation in the high-frequency, exchange-dominated regime where the resonance condition required for energy exchange (an anticrossing) between quasi-elastic and quasi-magnetic dispersion branches is determined. Nonresonant interactions are shown to be well approximated by the dispersion of uncoupled elastic and magnetic waves. The methods and results provide fundamental theoretical tools to model and understand current and future magnetic devices powering spintronic innovation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Electrochemical Response of Alkaline Batteries Subject to Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading

We report electrochemical changes were successfully monitored through the coupling of external loading, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis. The development of the testing methods allows for detailed observation of changes due to mechanical loading and distinguishes responses between different cell geometries. Comparison of the force vs displacement, voltage vs displacement, and distribution of relaxation times plots to the different cell geometries display failure modes specific to geometry as well as the impact of different loading profiles. Numerical modeling confirmed the movement within individual cells and predicted locations with the most deformation based on the external loading condition applied. The results gathered from combining mechanical loading, electrochemical response, and numerical modeling, yield a viable approach to establishing an improved understanding of the effects of mechanical loading on the electrochemical response of multiple battery geometries and the methods herein may be extensible to additional battery chemistries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The broadening of He I lines including ion dynamic corrections, with application to 4471 A

A theory of the broadening of He I lines with forbidden components is developed. The theory takes into account the effects of dynamic ion broadening and is valid at low densities where the forbidden line is reasonably well isolated. Good agreement with experiment and with calculations by Lee (1972) was obtained when the theory was applied at a wavelength of 4471 A. Tables of these data are given and are extended into the line wings beyond the extent of previous tabulations. Reasons for agreement with Lee data are discussed in detail. The density level above which the static ion theory is adequate is defined. A simple numerical profile of allowed lines is also obtained, taking into account dynamic ion effects.

Barnard, A. J.↗

Solar extinction radiometry

Work on the spectral line parameters of hydroxyl radical band was completed. The UV-visible data obtained during 1977 balloon flights were used for zone quantification. The region between from 3100 A to 3500 A appears to be the best region to use for determining ozone columns with the three wavelength method. Ozone volume mixing ratios determined for the 1977 data were compared with standard middle latitude ozone profiles. Numerous high and low Sun scans were obtained during ascent and from float altitude (1981 balloon flight) at 0.003 A resolution in the 3068 A to 3089 A region. The spectra are being studied for OH identification and quantification.

Goldman, A.↗

The applicability of the piecewise linear current profile in the baroclinic instability problem

The applicability of the piecewise linear function in place of a similar smoothly-varying current profile is examined in the baroclinic context. Within the framework of small-perturbation linearization, the behavior of the vertical velocity and the horizontal divergence is analyzed at the discontinuity of the current shear. In the conventional geostrophic-type instability regime, the discontinuity in the horizontal divergence at the shear discontinuity is suppressed, and, therefore, the piecewise linear profile leads to a useful approximation to the true solution. In the symmetric-type instability regime, however, due to the magnified discontinuity in the horizontal divergence at the shear discontinuity, the solution thus obtained will show a major distortion, rendering the piecewise linear profile inadequate for modeling the smoothly-varying current profile. Using exemplary current profiles, numerical results are presented to demonstrate the behavior of the horizontal divergence near the discontinuity of current shear.

Hyun, J. M.↗

Analysis of the single-blow transient testing technique for perforated plate heat exchangers

An analysis of the single-blow transient testing technique for heat exchanger surfaces is made for perforated plate and similar discontinuous surfaces. The model assumes that there is no temperature variation across each plate, and allows for axial conduction in spacers: the resulting axial fluid temperature profile is discontinuous, rather than the usual continuous profile. Numerical solutions are obtained to the resulting set of coupled first-order differential equations for a step change in inlet fluid temperature. Results are presented in tabular form, which allow the heat transfer coefficients to be calculated from test data using the maximum slope technique.

Rodriguez, Jose I.↗

A statistical model for evaluating GOPEX uplink performance

This article describes a statistical model to analyze the signal intensity received at the solid-state imaging (SSI) camera of the Galileo optical communications system from an Earth-based transmitter (GOPEX) demonstration. The analytical model assumes that the optical beam possesses a Gaussian profile and the communication channel has a log-normal scattering characteristic. The atmospheric-induced jitter is modelled as two independent zero mean Gaussian random variables. By modelling the system parameters as a set of independent and identically distributed (iid) random variables, the combined impact of uncertainties due to system parameters and the turbulent atmosphere can be approximated by a log-normal distributed signal intensity at the spacecraft. A Monte-Carlo software simulation package was also developed to compute the confidence interval probabilities for general optical beam profiles. Numerical results show that the approximation is valid for a wide range of operation scenarios.

Kiesaleh, K.↗

The flow of a compressible fluid past a circular arc profile

The Ackeret iteration process is utilized to obtain higher approximations than that of Prandtl and Glauert for the flow of a compressible fluid past a circular arc profile. The procedure is to expand the velocity potential in a power series of the camber coefficient. The first two terms of the development correspond to the Prandtl-Glauert approximation and yield the well-known correction to the circulation about the profile. The second approximation, involving the square of the camber coefficient, improves the velocity and pressure fields but yields no new results with regard to the circulation, since the circulation about the profile is an odd function of the camber coefficient. The third approximation, involving the cube of the camber coefficient, permits the use of higher values of the camber coefficient and furthermore yields an improvement to the Prandtl-Glauert rule with regard to the effect of compressibility on the circulation of the circular arc profile. Numerical examples with tables and graphs illustrate the results of the analysis.

Kaplan, Carl↗

Evaluating wind profiles in a numerical weather prediction model with Doppler lidar

We use Doppler lidar wind profiles from six locations around the globe to evaluate the wind profile forecasts in the boundary layer generated by the operational global Integrated Forecast System (IFS) from the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The six locations selected cover a variety of surfaces with different characteristics (rural, marine, mountainous urban, and coastal urban). We first validated the Doppler lidar observations at four locations by comparison with co-located radiosonde profiles to ensure that the Doppler lidar observations were of sufficient quality. The two observation types agree well, with the mean absolute error (MAE) in wind speed almost always less than 1 m s –1 . Large deviations in the wind direction were usually only seen for low wind speeds and are due to the wind direction uncertainty increasing rapidly as the wind speed tends to zero. Time–height composites of the wind evaluation with 1 h resolution were generated, and evaluation of the model winds showed that the IFS model performs best over marine and coastal locations, where the mean absolute wind vector error was usually less than 3 m s –1 at all heights within the boundary layer. Larger errors were seen in locations where the surface was more complex, especially in the wind direction. For example, in Granada, which is near a high mountain range, the IFS model failed to capture a commonly occurring mountain breeze, which is highly dependent on the sub-grid-size terrain features that are not resolved by the model. The uncertainty in the wind forecasts increased with forecast lead time, but no increase in the bias was seen. At one location, we conditionally performed the wind evaluation based on the presence or absence of a low-level jet diagnosed from the Doppler lidar observations. The model was able to reproduce the presence of the low-level jet, but the wind speed maximum was about 2 m s –1 lower than observed. This is attributed to the effective vertical resolution of the model being too coarse to create the strong gradients in wind speed observed. Our results show that Doppler lidar is a suitable instrument for evaluating the boundary layer wind profiles in atmospheric models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Numerical spatial marching techniques for estimating duct attenuation and source pressure profiles

A numerical method was developed that could predict the pressure distribution of a ducted source from far field pressure inputs. Using an initial value formulation, the two-dimensional homogeneous Helmholtz wave equation (no steady flow) was solved using explicit marching techniques. The Von Neumann method was used to develop relationships which describe how sound frequency and grid spacing effect numerical stability. At the present time, stability considerations limit the approach to high frequency sound. Sample calculations for both hard and soft wall ducts compare favorably to known boundary value solutions. In addition, assuming that reflections in the duct are small, this initial value approach was successfully used to determine the attenuation of a straight soft wall duct. Compared to conventional finite difference or finite element boundary value approaches, the numerical marching technique is orders of magnitude shorter in computation time and required computer storage and can be easily employed in problems involving high frequency sound.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Numerical spatial marching techniques for estimating duct attenuation and source pressure profiles

A numerical method is developed that could predict the pressure distribution of a ducted source from far-field pressure inputs. Using an initial value formulation, the two-dimensional homogeneous Helmholtz wave equation (no steady flow) is solved using explicit marching techniques. The Von Neumann method is used to develop relationships which describe how sound frequency and grid spacing effect numerical stability. At the present time, stability considerations limit the approach to high frequency sound. Sample calculations for both hard and soft wall ducts compare favorably to known boundary value solutions. In addition, assuming that reflections in the duct are small, this initial value approach is successfully used to determine the attenuation of a straight soft wall duct. Compared to conventional finite difference or finite element boundary value approaches, the numerical marching technique is orders of magnitude shorter in computation time and required computer storage and can be easily employed in problems involving high frequency sound.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Radiation from an array of gray circular fins of trapezoidal profile

A numerical method is developed to calculate the temperature distribution and radiation heat transfer for an annular fin and tube radiator, with fins having trapezoidal profiles. All surfaces are assumed gray and to emit and reflect diffusely. Radiative interactions between adjacent fins and between the fins and tube are included. The thermal conductivity of the fin material may vary linearly with temperature. Results of a parametric study of the special case of circular fins of triangular profile having constant thermal conductivity are presented and used to optimize a fin array with respect to minimum weight.

Schnurr, N. M.↗

A study of high-temperature heat pipes with multiple heat sources and sinks. I - Experimental methodology and frozen startup profiles. II - Analysis of continuum transient and steady-state experimental data with numerical predictions

Experimental profiles for heat pipe startup from the frozen state were obtained, using a high-temperature sodium/stainless steel pipe with multiple heat sources and sinks to investigate the startup behavior of the heat pipe for various heat loads and input locations, with both low and high heat rejection rates at the condensor. The experimental results of the performance characteristics for the continuum transient and steady-state operation of the heat pipe were analyzed, and the performance limits for operation with varying heat fluxes and location are determined.

Faghri, A.↗