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Gomez, Reynaldo J., III

Publications and source records attributed to Gomez, Reynaldo J., III.

20 plus Years of Computational Fluid Dynamics for the Space Shuttle

This slide presentation reviews the use of computational fluid dynamics in performing analysis of the space shuttle with particular reference to the return to flight analysis and other shuttle problems. Slides show a comparison of pressure coefficient with the shuttle ascent configuration between the wind tunnel test and the computed values. the evolution of the grid system for the space shuttle launch vehicle (SSLv) from the early 80's to one in 2004, the grid configuration of the bipod ramp redesign from the original design to the current configuration, charts with the computations showing solid rocket booster surface pressures from wind tunnel data, calculated over two grid systems (i.e., the original 14 grid system, and the enhanced 113 grid system), and the computed flight orbiter wing loads are compared with strain gage data on STS-50 during flight. The loss of STS-107 initiated an unprecedented review of all external environments. The current SSLV grid system of 600+ grids, 1.8 Million surface points and 95+ million volume points is shown. The inflight entry analyses is shown, and the use of Overset CFD as a key part to many external tank redesign and debris assessments is discussed. The work that still remains to be accomplished for future shuttle flights is discussed.

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

Space Shuttle Debris Transport

This slide presentation reviews the assessment of debris damage to the Space Shuttle, and the use of computation to assist in the space shuttle applications. The presentation reviews the sources of debris, a mechanism for determining the probability of damaging debris impacting the shuttle, tools used, eliminating potential damaging debris sources, the use of computation to assess while inflight damage, and a chart showing the applications that have been used on increasingly powerful computers simulate the shuttle and the debris transport.

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

20 Plus Years of Chimera Grid Development for the Space Shuttle. STS-107, Return to Flight, End of the Program

This slide presentation reviews the progress in grid development for the space shuttle, with particular focus on the development from the los of STS-107 and the return to flight, to the end of the program. Included are views from the current Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle (SSLV) grid system, containing 1.8 million surface points, and 95+ million volume points. Charts showing wind tunnel tests comparisons, and Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) vs 1A613B wing pressures, wind tunnel test comparison with CFD of the proposed ice/frost ramp configuration are shown. The use of pressure sensitive paint and particle imaging velocimetry was used to support debris transport tools, The actual creation of the grids and the use of overset CFD to assess the external tank redesign was also reviewed. It also asks was the use of the overset tool the right choice. The presentation ends with a review of the work to be done still.

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

Parallel CFD Supporting NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate

This slide presentation reviews the use of parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in support of NASA's space operations. Particular attention was devoted to the development of the Space Shuttle, and the use of CFD in designing the shuttle and the work after the Columbia accident. The presentation ends with a discussion of the reasons for CFD and the use of parallel computers in the design and testing of spacecraft.

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

Overset Applications at NASA JSC

This slide presentation reviews the use of the Overset grid approach for analysis and graphically presenting the mathematical grids used for CFD analysis. Some of the applications that are reviewed are: the X-38 and Aerodynamic Research Facility (ARF) Wind Tunnel Simulations of separation aerodynamics

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

Best Practices in Overset Grid Generation

Accurate geometry + high quality grids are necessary for an accurate solution. Other requirements include a) Verified/validated solver with appropriate physics b) Convergence criteria consistent with application: 1) Aerodynamics - forces and moments; 2) Heat transfer - maximum and minimum heat transfer coefficients.

Gomez, Reynaldo J., III↗

Best Practices In Overset Grid Generation

Grid generation for overset grids on complex geometry can be divided into four main steps: geometry processing, surface grid generation, volume grid generation and domain connectivity. For each of these steps, the procedures currently practiced by experienced users are described. Typical problems encountered are also highlighted and discussed. Most of the guidelines are derived from experience on a variety of problems including space launch and return vehicles, subsonic transports with propulsion and high lift devices, supersonic vehicles, rotorcraft vehicles, and turbomachinery.

Chan, William M.↗