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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 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Elastic wave propagation in a highly scattering medium - A diffusion approach

The propagation of elastic waves in the moon, where the first seismograms were characterized by the presence of a long coda attributed to strongly scattered waves, is modeled with the aid of the time-dependent equation of radiative transfer. The average energy density as a function of time and space is described by the diffusion equation with linear dissipation on the assumption that all the energy present has been scattered many times and the time and distance scales of the problem are long compared to the scales of the scattering process. Ultrasonic experiments in the laboratory confirm the applicability of the formalism.

Dainty, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A Navier-Stokes solution of the three-dimensional viscous compressible flow in a centrifugal compressor impeller

A two-dimensional time-dependent computer code was utilized to calculate the three-dimensional steady flow within the impeller blading. The numerical method is an explicit time marching scheme in two spatial dimensions. Initially, an inviscid solution is generated on the hub blade-to-blade surface by the method of Katsanis and McNally (1973). Starting with the known inviscid solution, the viscous effects are calculated through iteration. The approach makes it possible to take into account principal impeller fluid-mechanical effects. It is pointed out that the second iterate provides a complete solution to the three-dimensional, compressible, Navier-Stokes equations for flow in a centrifugal impeller. The problems investigated are related to the study of a radial impeller and a backswept impeller.

Harp, J. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Numerical methods for large-scale, time-dependent partial differential equations

A survey of numerical methods for time dependent partial differential equations is presented. The emphasis is on practical applications to large scale problems. A discussion of new developments in high order methods and moving grids is given. The importance of boundary conditions is stressed for both internal and external flows. A description of implicit methods is presented including generalizations to multidimensions. Shocks, aerodynamics, meteorology, plasma physics and combustion applications are also briefly described.

Turkel, E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Influence of exit impedance on finite difference solutions of transient acoustic mode propagation in ducts

The time-dependent governing acoustic-difference equations and boundary conditions are developed and solved for sound propagation in an axisymmetric (cylindrical) hard-wall duct without flow and with spinning acoustic modes. The analysis begins with a harmonic sound source radiating into a quiescent duct. This explicit iteration method then calculates stepwise in real time to obtain the steady solutions of the acoustic field. The transient method did not converge to the steady-state solution for cutoff acoustic duct modes. This has implications as to its use in a variable-area duct, where modes may become cutoff in the smal-area portion of the duct. For single cutoff mode propagation the steady-state impedance boundary condition produced acoustic reflections during the initial transient that caused finite instabilities in the numerical calculations. The stability problem is resolved by reformulating the exit boundary condition. Example calculations show good agreement with exact analytical and numerical results for forcing frequencies above, below, and nearly at the cutoff frequency.

Baumeister, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Submillisecond measurements of system optical modulation functions in mosaic focal plane arrays

Measurements of system optical modulation functions (MTF, SWR) may be distorted by time-dependent environmental effects (thermal, vibration, flexure) and by electronics drift. Fast data collection may therefore be advantageous by minimizing drift time. The problem of fast data collection is accentuated when modulation data must be taken on a large number of detectors in a focal plane array. A method has been developed for the generation and storage of knife edge data from focal plane arrays, where data collection time per detector is in the submillisecond range. Once knife edge collects are completed, MTF response is found using conventional convolution techniques. SWR is obtained directly from knife edge response using a computerized simulation algorithm which bypasses use of MTF harmonics. Requirements for detector electronics speed, damping, and dynamic range are considered.

Thurlow, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of low-frequency kernel-function aerodynamics for comparison with time-dependent finite-difference methods

Finite difference methods for unsteady transonic flow frequency use simplified equations in which certain of the time dependent terms are omitted from the governing equations. Kernel functions are derived for two dimensional subsonic flow, and provide accurate solutions of the linearized potential equation with the same time dependent terms omitted. These solutions make possible a direct evaluation of the finite difference codes for the linear problem. Calculations with two of these low frequency kernel functions verify the accuracy of the LTRAN2 and HYTRAN2 finite difference codes. Comparisons of the low frequency kernel function results with the Possio kernel function solution of the complete linear equations indicate the adequacy of the HYTRAN approximation for frequencies in the range of interest for flutter calculations.

Bland, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

VNAP2: A Computer Program for Computation of Two-dimensional, Time-dependent, Compressible, Turbulent Flow

A computer program, VNAP2, for calculating turbulent (as well as laminar and inviscid), steady, and unsteady flow is presented. It solves the two dimensional, time dependent, compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The turbulence is modeled with either an algebraic mixing length model, a one equation model, or the Jones-Launder two equation model. The geometry may be a single or a dual flowing stream. The interior grid points are computed using the unsplit MacCormack scheme. Two options to speed up the calculations for high Reynolds number flows are included. The boundary grid points are computed using a reference plane characteristic scheme with the viscous terms treated as source functions. An explicit artificial viscosity is included for shock computations. The fluid is assumed to be a perfect gas. The flow boundaries may be arbitrary curved solid walls, inflow/outflow boundaries, or free jet envelopes. Typical problems that can be solved concern nozzles, inlets, jet powered afterbodies, airfoils, and free jet expansions. The accuracy and efficiency of the program are shown by calculations of several inviscid and turbulent flows. The program and its use are described completely, and six sample cases and a code listing are included.

Cline, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A time-split finite-volume algorithm for three-dimensional flow-field simulation

A general finite-volume algorithm is developed for solving three-dimensional, time-dependent, compressible Navier-Stokes equations for high Reynolds number flows over an arbitrary geometry. This algorithm adapts MacCormack's (1982) explicit-implicit scheme to a time-split, three-dimensional finite-volume concept in a general coordinate system. It is shown that the thin-layer approximation in all three spatial directions significantly reduces the evaluation of viscous terms and allows the algorithm to solve more complicated geometries with all boundaries in two or all three directions. The calculated results using this method are found to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements of a blunt-fin induced shock wave and boundary-layer interaction problems. Observations of the existence of peak pressure, primary horseshoe and secondary vortices, and reversed supersonic zones show that computational fluid dynamics can effectively supplement the wind tunnel tests for aerodynamic design as well as for understanding basic fluid dynamics.

Hung, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Navier-Stokes Simulation of Homogeneous Turbulence on the CYBER 205

A computer code which solves the Navier-Stokes equations for three dimensional, time-dependent, homogenous turbulence has been written for the CYBER 205. The code has options for both 64-bit and 32-bit arithmetic. With 32-bit computation, mesh sizes up to 64 (3) are contained within core of a 2 million 64-bit word memory. Computer speed timing runs were made for various vector lengths up to 6144. With this code, speeds a little over 100 Mflops have been achieved on a 2-pipe CYBER 205. Several problems encountered in the coding are discussed.

Wu, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Solution of 3-dimensional time-dependent viscous flows. Part 1: Investigation of candidate algoriths

There is considerable interest in developing a numerical scheme for solving the time dependent viscous compressible three dimensional flow to aid in the design of helicopter rotors. Numerical algorithms are examined to determine their overall suitability for the efficient and routine solution of an appropriate system of partial differential equations. It is concluded that a consistently split time linearized block implicit scheme using either quintic B spline collocation or the generalized operator compact implicit approach to generate a fourth order accurate algorithm is particularly well suited for use on the present problem. High cell Reynolds number behavior leads to favoring the generalized operator compact implicit approach over the quintic B spline collocation method.

Weinberg, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A variational formulation for time-dependent climate models

A variational principle for time dependent diffusion problems is presented and is demonstrated by applying it to simple seasonal climate models. Two cases are treated. The first, a North-Coakley-type model with constant properties, is used as a tutorial example for the application of the technique. For the second case, heat capacity and thermal conductivity are considered to be latitude dependent in order to treat the effects of land/ocean distribution on the seasonal temperature distribution over the earth. The variational equations are derived and approximate analytical solutions are developed which delineate the influences of the physical asymmetries of the hemispheres in producing an asymmetric annual cycle.

Smith, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Numerical modeling of laser thermal propulsion flows

An review of the problems associated with modeling laser thermal propulsion flows, a synopsis of the status of such models, and the attributes of a successful model are presented. The continuous gaseous hydrogen laser-supported combustion wave (LSCW) thruster, for which a high-energy laser system (preferably space-based) should exist by the time the propulsion technology is developed, is considered in particular. The model proposed by Raizer (1970) is based on the assumptions of one-dimensional flow at constant pressure with heat conduction as the principal heat transfer mechanism. Consideration is given to subsequent models which account for radiative transfer into the ambient gas; provide a two-dimensional generalization of Raizer's analysis for the subsonic propagation of laser sparks in air; include the effect of forward plasma radiation in a one-dimensional model; and attempt a time-dependent (elliptic) solution of the full Navier-Stokes equations for the flow in a simple axisymmetric thruster. Attention is also given to thruster and nozzle flow models and thermodynamic and transport properties.

Mccay, T. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Physical processes in the strong magnetic fields of accreting neutron stars

Analytical formulae are fitted to observational data on physical processes occurring in strong magnetic fields surrounding accreting neutron stars. The propagation of normal modes in the presence of a quantizing magnetic field is discussed in terms of a wave equation in Fourier space, quantum electrodynamic effects, polarization and mode ellipticity. The results are applied to calculating the Thomson scattering, bremsstrahlung and Compton scattering cross-sections, which are a function of the frequency, angle and polarization of the magnetic field. Numerical procedures are explored for solving the radiative transfer equations. When applied to modeling X ray pulsars, a problem arises in the necessity to couple the magnetic angle and frequency dependence of the cross-sections with the hydrodynamic equations. The use of time-dependent averaging and approximation techniques is indicated.

Meszaros, P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A complex T-matrix derivation of a resonance amplitude

Time-dependent perturbation-theory techniques are used to derive a compact expression, valid to arbitrary order and displaying time dependence explicitly, for a quantum-mechanical transition amplitude applicable to the description of resonances. A solution representing a complex-energy generalization of the usual real-energy (nonresonant) amplitude is obtained and generalized to all orders by introducing a complex-energy T matrix. Applications to physical problems such as the extension of the Fermi golden rules to resonances (Norbury and Deutchman, 1984); pion production in relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions (Norbury et al., 1985); and the determination of resonant cross sections for nuclear, atomic, or molecular processes involving the formation and decay of intermediate discrete or continuum states are indicated.

Norbury, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Efficient identification of critical stresses in structures subject to dynamic loads

Optimum structural design problems generally employ constraints which are parametric in terms of space and time variables. A parametric constraint may be replaced by equivalent critical point constraints at its local minima for optimization applications. In complex structures, accurate identification of such critical points is computationally expensive due to the cost of finite element analyses. Three techniques are described for efficiently and accurately identifying critical points for space- and time-dependent parametric constraints. An adaptive search technique and a spline interpolation technique are developed for exactly known response. A least squares spline approximation is suggested for noisy behavior. A helicopter tail-boom structure subjected to transient loading is used as an example to demonstrate the techniques described. All three techniques are shown to be computationally efficient for critical point identification and the least squares approximation also removes noise from the data. The case of multiple constraints per element is shown to be particularly suited to the use of spline techniques.

Haftka, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Unimolecular diffusion-mediated reactions with a nonrandom time-modulated absorbing barrier

A diffusion-reaction model with time-dependent reactivity is formulated and applied to unimolecular reactions. The model is solved exactly numerically and approximately analytically for the unreacted fraction as a function of time. It is shown that the approximate analytical solution is valid even when the system is far from equilibrium, and when the reactivity probability is more complicated than a square-wave function of time. A discussion is also given of an approach to problems of this type using a stochastically fluctuating reactivity, and the first-passage time for a particular example is derived.

Bashford, D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Finite element algorithms for compressible flow computation on a supercomputer

Methods of applying computational fluid dynamics techniques to engineering problems are discussed. The linking factors between theoretical and applied research are the shape and weight functions which produce the Galerkin finite element schemes. The flow is unsteady, viscous, heat conducting and compressible, and steady-state flows are the asymptotic limit of unsteady flows. All flows are described by the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) with mass and energy conservation. Local curvilinear intrinsic coordinates are applied to discretize the NSE in arbitrary geometric domains. A modified weighted residuals approach defines the discrete analogs of the physical systems modeled and a general interpolants method is used to derive families of numerical models, both implicit and explicit, finite difference and finite elemnt, from a single point of departure. Time-dependent element approximations are achieved with a progressive assembly of generalized elements method. Hyperbolic steady-state Euler algorithms and quasi-parabolic are spatial marching algorithms for solving the discretized equations. Application of the techniques is illustrated through calculation of the compressible flow around a hypersonic flight vehicle at 100,000 ft at zero angle of attack at speeds of Mach 4-10.

Spradley, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Discrete Dirac equation on a finite half-integer lattice

The formulation of the Dirac equation on a discrete lattice with half-integer spacing and periodic boundary conditions is investigated analytically. The importance of lattice formulations for problems in field theory and quantum mechanics is explained; the concept of half-integer Fourier representation is introduced; the discrete Dirac equation for the two-dimensional case is derived; dispersion relations for the four-dimensional case are developed; and the spinor formulation for the Dirac fields on the half-integer lattice and the discrete time variable for the four-dimensional time-dependent Dirac equation are obtained. It is argued that the half-integer lattice, because it takes the Dirac Lagrangian into account, is more than a mere relabeling of the integer lattice and may have fundamental physical meaning (e.g., for the statistics of fermions). It is noted that the present formulation does not lead to species doubling, except in the continuum limit.

Smalley, L. L.↗