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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Nonlinear hydrodynamics of cosmological sheets. 1: Numerical techniques and tests

We present the numerical techniques and tests used to construct and validate a computer code designed to study the multidimensional nonlinear hydrodynamics of large-scale sheet structures in the universe, especially the fragmentation of such structures under various instabilities. This code is composed of two codes, the hydrodynamical code ZEUS-2D and a particle-mesh code. The ZEUS-2D code solves the hydrodynamical equations in two dimensions using explicit Eulerian finite-difference techniques, with modifications made to incorporate the expansion of the universe and the gas cooling due to Compton scattering, bremsstrahlung, and hydrogen and helium cooling. The particle-mesh code solves the equation of motion for the collisionless dark matter. The code uses two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates with a nonuniform grid in one direction to provide high resolution for the sheet structures. A series of one-dimensional and two-dimensional linear perturbation tests are presented which are designed to test the hydro solver and the Poisson solver with and without the expansion of the universe. We also present a radiative shock wave test which is designed to ensure the code's capability to handle radiative cooling properly. And finally a series of one-dimensional Zel'dovich pancake tests used to test the dark matter code and the hydro solver in the nonlinear regime are discussed and compared with the results of Bond et al. (1984) and Shapiro & Struck-Marcell (1985). Overall, the code is shown to produce accurate and stable results, which provide us a powerful tool to further our studies.

Anninos, Wenbo Y.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Thermal History and Mantle Dynamics of Venus

One objective of this research proposal is to develop a 3-D thermal history model for Venus. The basis of our study is a finite-element computer model to simulate thermal convection of fluids with highly temperature- and pressure-dependent viscosities in a three-dimensional spherical shell. A three-dimensional model for thermal history studies is necessary for the following reasons. To study planetary thermal evolution, one needs to consider global heat budgets of a planet throughout its evolution history. Hence, three-dimensional models are necessary. This is in contrasts to studies of some local phenomena or local structures where models of lower dimensions may be sufficient. There are different approaches to treat three-dimensional thermal convection problems. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the choice of the various approaches is subjective and dependent on the problem addressed. In our case, we are interested in the effects of viscosities that are highly temperature dependent and that their magnitudes within the computing domain can vary over many orders of magnitude. In order to resolve the rapid change of viscosities, small grid spacings are often necessary. To optimize the amount of computing, variable grids become desirable. Thus, the finite-element numerical approach is chosen for its ability to place grid elements of different sizes over the complete computational domain. For this research proposal, we did not start from scratch and develop the finite element codes from the beginning. Instead, we adopted a finite-element model developed by Baumgardner, a collaborator of this research proposal, for three-dimensional thermal convection with constant viscosity. Over the duration supported by this research proposal, a significant amount of advancements have been accomplished.

Hsui, Albert T.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Numerical Modeling of Liquid-Vapor Phase Change

We implemented a two- and three-dimensional finite difference/front tracking technique to solve liquid-vapor phase change problems. The mathematical and the numerical features of the method were explained in great detail in our previous reports, Briefly, we used a single formula representation which incorporated jump conditions into the governing equations. The interfacial terms were distributed as singular terms using delta functions so that the governing equations would be the same as conventional conservation equations away from the interface and in the vicinity of the interface they would provide correct jump conditions. We used a fixed staggered grid to discretize these equations and an unstructured grid to explicitly track the front. While in two dimensions the front was simply a connection of small line segments, in three dimensions it was represented by a connection of small triangular elements. The equations were written in conservative forms and during the course of computations we used regriding to control the size of the elements of the unstructured grid. Moreover, we implemented a coalescence in two dimensions which allowed the merging of different fronts or two segments of the same front when they were sufficiently close. We used our code to study thermocapillary migration of bubbles, burst of bubbles at a free surface, buoyancy-driven interactions of bubbles, evaporation of drops, rapid evaporation of an interface, planar solidification of an undercooled melt, dendritic solidification, and a host of other problems cited in the reference.

Esmaeeli, Asghar↗
NASA NTRS1998

Methodology for Examining the Operator and the System Concurrently: Pilot Interaction with Automation

Complex system description is problematic when considering operator task activities interacting with system dynamics. Engineering languages have matured sufficiently to allow machine system description at various levels of depth and breadth but without operator synergy. Concurrently, Task Analysis methods have evolved along diverse lines enabling a description of the operator in the system from various paradigms but not describing the system. A void exists when attempting to view the system and the operator in the same plane. We propose a methodology employing descriptive languages from different domains viewed in a single dimension. Finite Automata (FA) languages describe the machine system in the proposed approach. Operator task specifications, a form of task analysis output, examine the operator activities within the system. Operator task specifications were then selected for discrete task activities and overlaid on the system description to examine operator inputs and subsequently view system responses. Unexpected (surprise) and undesirable system behavior was expected to emerge from this analysis. In this paper we shall first describe the methodology and show how the two perspectives, machine model and operator task specifications are integrated. Following we describe the process of doing such analysis using an example from cockpit automation. The methodology was employed in the analysis of a new function that was added to an existing automatic flight control system. We begin by defining a flight scenario involving all aspects of pilot interaction with the new function. Then, we proceed to develop a basic model of the machine behavior, in the context of pilot actions. Finally we superimpose the operator task specification on the machine model and perform the analysis. The proposed methodology may have broad appeal to system designers and human factors specialists. A common language for engineers of diverse domains is a strong point of this approach. Systems engineers may not fully understand operational considerations and human limitations, and human factors specialists may not be exposed to the full extent of system behavior. We hope the proposed methodology is adopted by both disciplines and in the process each assimilates a common language to address potential shortcomings of either approach separately.

Austin, David↗
NASA NTRS2005

Full Multigrid Flow Solver

FMG3D (full multigrid 3 dimensions) is a pilot computer program that solves equations of fluid flow using a finite difference representation on a structured grid. Infrastructure exists for three dimensions but the current implementation treats only two dimensions. Written in Fortran 90, FMG3D takes advantage of the recursive subroutine feature, dynamic memory allocation, and structured-programming constructs of that language. FMG3D supports multi-block grids with three types of block-to-block interfaces: periodic, C-zero, and C-infinity. For all three types, grid points must match at interfaces. For periodic and C-infinity types, derivatives of grid metrics must be continuous at interfaces. The available equation sets are as follows: scalar elliptic equations, scalar convection equations, and the pressure-Poisson formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations for an incompressible fluid. All the equation sets are implemented with nonzero forcing functions to enable the use of user-specified solutions to assist in verification and validation. The equations are solved with a full multigrid scheme using a full approximation scheme to converge the solution on each succeeding grid level. Restriction to the next coarser mesh uses direct injection for variables and full weighting for residual quantities; prolongation of the coarse grid correction from the coarse mesh to the fine mesh uses bilinear interpolation; and prolongation of the coarse grid solution uses bicubic interpolation.

Mineck, Raymond E.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Innovative Video Diagnostic Equipment for Material Science

Materials science experiments under microgravity increasingly rely on advanced optical systems to determine the physical properties of the samples under investigation. This includes video systems with high spatial and temporal resolution. The acquisition, handling, storage and transmission to ground of the resulting video data are very challenging. Since the available downlink data rate is limited, the capability to compress the video data significantly without compromising the data quality is essential. We report on the development of a Digital Video System (DVS) for EML (Electro Magnetic Levitator) which provides real-time video acquisition, high compression using advanced Wavelet algorithms, storage and transmission of a continuous flow of video with different characteristics in terms of image dimensions and frame rates. The DVS is able to operate with the latest generation of high-performance cameras acquiring high resolution video images up to 4Mpixels@60 fps or high frame rate video images up to about 1000 fps@512x512pixels.

Capuano, G.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Applications of Fractal Analytical Techniques in the Estimation of Operational Scale

The observational scale and the resolution of remotely sensed imagery are essential considerations in the interpretation process. Many atmospheric, hydrologic, and other natural and human-influenced spatial phenomena are inherently scale dependent and are governed by different physical processes at different spatial domains. This spatial and operational heterogeneity constrains the ability to compare interpretations of phenomena and processes observed in higher spatial resolution imagery to similar interpretations obtained from lower resolution imagery. This is a particularly acute problem, since longterm global change investigations will require high spatial resolution Earth Observing System (EOS), Landsat 7, or commercial satellite data to be combined with lower resolution imagery from older sensors such as Landsat TM and MSS. Fractal analysis is a useful technique for identifying the effects of scale changes on remotely sensed imagery. The fractal dimension of an image is a non-integer value between two and three which indicates the degree of complexity in the texture and shapes depicted in the image. A true fractal surface exhibits self-similarity, a property of curves or surfaces where each part is indistinguishable from the whole, or where the form of the curve or surface is invariant with respect to scale. Theoretically, if the digital numbers of a remotely sensed image resemble an ideal fractal surface, then due to the self-similarity property, the fractal dimension of the image will not vary with scale and resolution, and the slope of the fractal dimension-resolution relationship would be zero. Most geographical phenomena, however, are not self-similar at all scales, but they can be modeled by a stochastic fractal in which the scaling properties of the image exhibit patterns that can be described by statistics such as area-perimeter ratios and autocovariances. Stochastic fractal sets relax the self-similarity assumption and measure many scales and resolutions to represent the varying form of a phenomenon as the pixel size is increased in a convolution process. We have observed that for images of homogeneous land covers, the fractal dimension varies linearly with changes in resolution or pixel size over the range of past, current, and planned space-borne sensors. This relationship differs significantly in images of agricultural, urban, and forest land covers, with urban areas retaining the same level of complexity, forested areas growing smoother, and agricultural areas growing more complex as small pixels are aggregated into larger, mixed pixels. Images of scenes having a mixture of land covers have fractal dimensions that exhibit a non-linear, complex relationship to pixel size. Measuring the fractal dimension of a difference image derived from two images of the same area obtained on different dates showed that the fractal dimension increased steadily, then exhibited a sharp decrease at increasing levels of pixel aggregation. This breakpoint of the fractal dimension/resolution plot is related to the spatial domain or operational scale of the phenomenon exhibiting the predominant visible difference between the two images (in this case, mountain snow cover). The degree to which an image departs from a theoretical ideal fractal surface provides clues as to how much information is altered or lost in the processes of rescaling and rectification. The measured fractal dimension of complex, composite land covers such as urban areas also provides a useful textural index that can assist image classification of complex scenes.

Emerson, Charles W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effect of enclosure shape on natural convection velocities

A numerical analysis was performed to compare natural convection velocities in two dimensional enclosures of various shape. The following shapes were investigated: circle, square, horizontal and upright 2 x 1 aspect ratio rectangles, horizontal and upright half circles, diamond. In all cases, the length scale in the various dimensionless parameters, such as Rayleigh number, is defined as the diameter of the equal area circle. Natural convection velocities were calculated for Rayleigh numbers of 1000 and 5000 with the temperature difference taken to be across (1) the maximum horizontal dimension, (2) the median horizontal line (line through centroid) and (3) the horizontal distance such that the temperature gradient is the same for shapes of equal area. For the class of shapes including the square, upright half circle and upright rectangle, the computed velocities were found to agree very closely with that of the equal area circle when the temperature difference is taken to be across the maximum horizontal dimension (condition (a)). The velocities for the horizontal rectangle and half circle were found to be approximately one half that of the equal area circle for the same condition. Better overall agreement among all shapes was obtained by setting the temperature difference across a distance such that the temperature gradients were equal for shapes of equal area.

Robertson, S. J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Rapid spatial analysis of surrogate TRISO fuel particles using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy image analysis

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) mapping enables rapid elemental and spatial analysis of solid samples. In this work, surrogate TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) particles with various layers consisting of Zr, W, C, and Si were used to demonstrate the use of a new thickness measurement tool developed to analyze elemental images generated from LIBS maps. Zr particles with varying outer-layer thicknesses ranging from 16 to 32 μm were measured with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and LIBS with both a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector and an intensified charged coupled device (ICCD) detector. LIBS maps of particles were completed using CMOS and ICCD spectrometers with effective spatial resolutions of 4 and 2 μm, respectively. The novel thickness measurement tool identified layer regions within a LIBS map and then identified the locations of the boundaries between these layers. The tool then generated up to 1000 random profiles stemming radially from the center region, which were used to measure the layer thickness/radius. This image analysis tool demonstrated LIBS's ability to provide values comparable with SEM-EDS (3.7% relative difference) along with a 95% reduction in measurement time. Furthermore, the precision of these measurements was on par with the SEM-EDS measurements at <15% relative standard deviation. Following the analysis of the Zr particles, W particles with increased complexity (e.g., five versus three layers) were analyzed using both the CMOS and ICCD spectrometers simultaneously. The spatial dimensions were extracted with an average relative difference of 2.7% and an average relative standard deviation of 9%.

Andrews, Hunter B. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory ↗
NASA NTRS1976

A note on the leap-frog scheme in two and three dimensions

The paper considers the leap-frog finite-difference method (Kreiss and Oliger, 1973) for systems of partial differential equations of the form du/dt = dF/dx + dG/dy + dH/dz, where d denotes partial derivative, u is a q-component vector and a function of x, y, z, and t, and the vectors F, G, and H are functions of u only. The original leap-frog algorithm is shown to admit a modification that improves on the stability conditions for two and three dimensions by factors of 2 and 2.8, respectively, thereby permitting larger time steps. The scheme for three dimensions is considered optimal in the sense that it combines simple averaging and large time steps.

Abarbanel, S.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Constraints on light dark sector particles from lifetime difference of heavy neutral mesons

Heavy meson decays with missing energy in the final state offer interesting avenues to search for light invisible new physics such as dark matter (DM). In this context, we show that such new physics (NP) interactions also affect lifetime difference in neutral meson-antimeson mixing. We consider general dimension-six effective quark interactions involving a pair of DM particles and calculate their contributions to lifetime difference in beauty and charm meson systems. We use the latest data on mixing observables to constrain the relevant effective operators. We find that lifetime differences provide novel and complementary flavor constraints compared to those obtained from heavy meson decays. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗
NASA NTRS2005

A Fundamental Mathematical Model of a Microbial Predenitrification System

Space flight beyond Low Earth Orbit requires sophisticated systems to support all aspects of the mission (life support, real-time communications, etc.). A common concern that cuts across all these systems is the selection of information technology (IT) methodology, software and hardware architectures to provide robust monitoring, diagnosis, and control support. Another dimension of the problem space is that different systems must be integrated seamlessly so that communication speed and data handling appear as a continuum (un-interrupted). One such team investigating this problem is the Advanced Integration Matrix (AIM) team whose role is to define the critical requirements expected of software and hardware to support an integrated approach to the command and control of Advanced Life Support (ALS) for future long-duration human space missions, including permanent human presence on the Moon and Mars. A goal of the AIM team is to set the foundation for testing criteria that will assist in specifying tasks, control schemes and test scenarios to validate and verify systems capabilities. This project is to contribute to the goals of the AIM team by assisting with controls planning for ALS. Control for ALS is an enormous problem it involves air revitalization, water recovery, food production, solids processing and crew. In more general terms, these systems can be characterized as involving both continuous and discrete processes, dynamic interactions among the sub-systems, nonlinear behavior due to the complex operations, and a large number of multivariable interactions due to the dimension of the state space. It is imperative that a baseline approach from which to measure performance is established especially when the expectation for the control system is complete autonomous control.

Hoo, Karlene A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The crystal chemistry of armalcolites from Apollo 17

Single-crystal X-ray studies of armacolites from the 2 to 5 mm fraction of Apollo 17 soils 75082 and 78502 are evaluated. The two types of armacolites studied show slight composition differences and identical structures. Precession photographs of each crystal show the two forms, ortho and para, to have the same space group and nearly the same cell dimensions. The analyses conducted support the proposition that the difference in optical properties is caused by differing MgO and Cr2O3 contents.

Smyth, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Correlative chemical and elemental nano-imaging of morphology and disorder at the nacre-prismatic region interface in Pinctada margaritifera

Abstract Understanding biomineralization relies on imaging chemically heterogeneous organic–inorganic interfaces across a hierarchy of spatial scales. Further, organic minority phases are often responsible for emergent inorganic structures from the atomic arrangement of different polymorphs, to nano- and micrometer crystal dimensions, up to meter size mollusk shells. The desired simultaneous chemical and elemental imaging to identify sparse organic moieties across a large field-of-view with nanometer spatial resolution has not yet been achieved. Here, we combine nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS) with spectroscopic IR s -SNOM imaging for simultaneous chemical, molecular, and elemental nanoimaging. At the example of Pinctada margaritifera mollusk shells we identify and resolve ~ 50 nm interlamellar protein sheets periodically arranged in regular ~ 600 nm intervals. The striations typically appear ~ 15 µm from the nacre-prism boundary at the interface between disordered neonacre to mature nacre. Using the polymorph distinctive IR-vibrational carbonate resonance, the nacre and prismatic regions are consistently identified as aragonite ( $${\overline{\nu }}_{a}=860$$ ν ¯ a = 860 cm −1 ) and calcite ( $${\overline{\nu }}_{c}=880$$ ν ¯ c = 880 cm −1 ), respectively. We observe previously unreported morphological features including aragonite subdomains encapsulated in extensions of the prism-covering organic membrane and regions of irregular nacre tablet formation coincident with dispersed organics. We also identify a ~ 200 nm region in the incipient nacre region with less well-defined crystal structure and integrated organics. These results show with the identification of the interlamellar protein layer how correlative nano-IR chemical and NanoSIMS elemental imaging can help distinguish different models proposed for shell growth in particular, and how organic function may relate to inorganic structure in other biomineralized systems in general.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

AFM Studies of Lunar Soils and Application to the Mars 2001 Mission

The upcoming Mars 01 mission will carry an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) as part of the Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA) instrument. By operating in a tapping mode, the AFM is capable of sub-nanometer resolution in three dimensions and can distinguish between substances of different compositions by employing phase contrast imaging. To prepare for the Mars 01 mission, we are testing the AFM on a lunar soil to determine its ability to define particle shapes and sizes and grain-surface textures. The test materials are from the Apollo 17 soil 79221, which is a mixture of agglutinates, impact and volcanic beads, and mare and highland rock and mineral fragments. The majority of the lunar soil particles are less than 100 microns in size, comparable to the sizes estimated for martian dust. We have used the AFM to examine several different soil particles at various resolutions. The instrument has demonstrated the ability to identify parallel ridges characteristic of twinning on a 150 micron plagioclase feldspar particle. Extremely small (10-100 nanometer) adhering particles are visible on the surface of the feldspar grain, and they appear elongate with smooth surfaces. Phase contrast imaging of the nanometer particles shows several compositions to be present. When the AFM was applied to a 100 micron glass spherule, it was possible to define an extremely smooth surface; this is in clear contrast to results from a basalt fragment which exhibited a rough surface texture. Also visible on the surface of the glass spherule were chains of 100 nanometer and smaller impact melt droplets. For the '01 Mars mission, the AFM is intended to define the size and shape distributions of soil particles, in combination with the NMCA optical microscope system and images from the Robot Arm Camera (RAC). These three data sets will provide a means of assessing potentially hazardous soil and dust properties. The study that we have conducted on the lunar soils now suggests that the NMCA experiment will be able to define grain transport and weathering processes. For example, it should be possible to determine if Martian grains have been subjected to aeolian or water transport, volcanic activity, impact melting processes, in-situ weathering, and a host of other processes. Additionally, textural maturity could be assessed (via freshness and form of fracture patterns and grain shapes). Thus, the AFM has the potential to shed new light on Martian surface processes by adding the submicroscopic dimension to planetary investigations.

Weitz, C. M.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Search for efficient formulations for Hamiltonian simulation of non-Abelian lattice gauge theories

Hamiltonian formulation of lattice gauge theories (LGTs) is the most natural framework for the purpose of quantum simulation, an area of research that is growing with advances in quantum-computing algorithms and hardware. It, therefore, remains an important task to identify the most accurate, while computationally economic, Hamiltonian formulation(s) in such theories, considering the necessary truncation imposed on the Hilbert space of gauge bosons with any finite computing resources. This paper is a first step toward addressing this question in the case of non-Abelian LGTs, which further require the imposition of non-Abelian Gauss’s laws on the Hilbert space, introducing additional computational complexity. Focusing on the case of SU(2) LGT in 1+1 dimensions coupled to one flavor of fermionic matter, a number of different formulations of the original Kogut-Susskind framework are analyzed with regard to the dependence of the dimension of the physical Hilbert space on boundary conditions, system’s size, and the cutoff on the excitations of gauge bosons. The impact of such dependencies on the accuracy of the spectrum and dynamics obtained from a Hamiltonian computation is examined, and the (classical) computational-resource requirements given these considerations are studied. Besides the well-known angular-momentum formulation of the theory, the cases of purely fermionic and purely bosonic formulations (with open boundary conditions), and the Loop-String-Hadron formulation are analyzed, along with a brief discussion of a Quantum-Link-Model formulation of the same theory. Clear advantages are found in working with the Loop-String-Hadron framework which implements non-Abelian Gauss’s laws a priori using a complete set of gauge-invariant operators. Although small lattices are studied in the numerical analysis of this work, and only the simplest algorithms are considered, a range of conclusions will be applicable to larger systems and potentially to higher dimensions. Future studies will extend this investigation to the analysis of resource requirements for quantum simulations of non-Abelian LGT, with the goal of shedding light on the most efficient Hamiltonian formulation of gauge theories of relevance in nature

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Verification of numerical models for seismic fluid-structure interaction analysis of internal components in liquid-filled advanced reactors

Earthquake shaking of a liquid-filled advanced reactor induces fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between the reactor vessel (tank), its internal components, and the contained liquid. Seismic design, qualification, and risk assessment of such reactors must consider fluid-structure responses, their geometries and support conditions, and three-directional seismic inputs, all of which require numerical simulations. Numerical models used for analysis of safety-related nuclear equipment must be verified and validated. Here, this paper verifies numerical models of submerged components using analytical solutions. Seismic FSI analysis of the numerical models is performed using the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) and Incompressible Computational Fluid Dynamics (ICFD) solvers in LS-DYNA. Prior analytical solutions are reworked in this paper, and calculation errors are identified and corrected. The solutions address frequencies of two concentric cylindrical pipes filled with liquid: the inner pipe is a submerged component, and the outer pipe contains the liquid. A unitless frequency coefficient is defined and presented for pipes of different materials, filled with different liquids, and with a range of dimensions for application to advanced reactors. The numerical models are verified here by comparing the lateral frequencies of submerged components with those calculated using the corrected analytical solutions. Recommendations for verification of numerical models of internal components in advanced reactors for seismic FSI analysis are provided. Although the unitless frequency coefficients and verification procedures are developed for application to advanced nuclear reactors, they are broadly applicable to FSI analysis of submerged components in liquid-filled vessels such as storage tanks, boilers, and steam generators.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Validation of the Porous Medium Approximation for Hydrodynamics Analysis in Compact Heat Exchangers

Compact heat exchangers (HXs) have gained attention in recent years in various fields such as solar and nuclear power generation, oil and gas, and refrigeration due to their low cost, high power density, and robustness in high-pressure and/or high-temperature environments. However, the large difference between a compact HX's overall dimensions (~m) and the much smaller scale of its channels (~mm) makes it challenging to model the entire HX at once, due to computational limitations. In this work, we treat the channeled region of a compact HX as a porous medium (PM) to circumvent the need to model/mesh each individual channel. This allows us to simulate the entire HX, including both the header and channeled regions while maintaining the computational cost at a practical level. Although the porous medium approach has been used to model heat exchangers, its validity is still questionable because (1) the resistance coefficients are heavily data-based and thus difficult to be applied to new heat exchangers and (2) the validation has been focused on matching the overall pressure drop in the channel region, which does not address whether such model can predict detailed pressure and velocity field. For the first time, this work addresses under what circumstances and with what uncertainty does the PM approach work for hydrodynamics modeling in compact HXs. By answering these questions, we introduce the PM approach as a powerful tool for HX hydrodynamics modeling that can predict not only the overall pressure drop but also the detailed pressure and velocity distributions.

Engineering↗