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At least 253 records · Page 14

Validation of finite element analysis strategy to investigate acoustic levitation in a two-axis acoustic levitator

A two-axis acoustic levitator can be used to generate a standing pressure wave capable of levitating solid and liquid particles at appropriate input conditions. This work proposes a simulation framework to investigate the two-axis levitation particle stability using a commercial, computational fluid dynamics software based on the harmonic solution to the acoustic wave equation. The simulation produced predictions of the standing wave that include a strong "+" shaped pattern of nodes and anti-nodes that are aligned with the levitator axes. To verify the simulation, a levitator was built and used to generate the standing wave. The field was probed with a microphone and a motorized-scanning system. After scaling the simulated pressure to the measured pressure, the magnitudes of the sound pressure level at corresponding high-pressure locations were different by no more than 5%. This is the first time a measurement of a two-axis levitator standing pressure wave has been presented and shown to verify simulations. Furthermore, as an additional verification, the authors consulted high speed camera measurements of a reference-levitator transducer, which was found to have a maximum peak-to-peak displacement of 50 +/- 5 mu m. The reference-levitator is known to levitate water at 160 dB. The system for this work was simulated to match the operation of the reference-levitator so that it produced sound pressure levels of 160 dB. This pressure was achieved when the transducer maximum peak-to-peak displacement was 50.8 mu m. The agreement between the two levitators' displacements provides good justification that the modeling approach presented here produces reliable results.

2 axis levitator↗

Nucleon-nucleon potentials from Δ-full chiral effective-field-theory and implications

We closely investigate NN potentials based upon the Δ-full version of chiral effective-field-theory. We find that recently constructed NN potentials of this kind, which (when applied together with three-nucleon forces) were presented as predicting accurate binding energies and radii for a range of nuclei from A = 16 to A = 132 and providing accurate equations of state for nuclear matter, yield a χ 2 /datum of 60 for the reproduction of the pp data below 100 MeV laboratory energy. This χ 2 is more than three times what the Hamada-Johnston potential of the year of 1962 achieved already some 60 years ago. We perceive this historical fact as concerning in view of the current emphasis on precision. We are able to trace the very large χ 2 as well as the apparent success of the potentials in nuclear structure to unrealistic predictions for P-wave states, in which the Δ-full next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) potentials are off by up to 40 times the NNLO truncation errors. In fact, we show that the worse the description of the P-wave states, the better the predictions in nuclear structure. Thus, these potentials cannot be seen as the solution to the outstanding problems in current microscopic nuclear structure physics.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Global Measurements of Stratospheric Mountain Waves from Space

Temperatures acquired by the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) during shuttle mission STS-66 have provided measurements of stratospheric mountain waves from space. Large-amplitude, long-wavelength mountain waves at heights of 15 to 30 kilometers above the southern Andes Mountains were observed and characterized, with vigorous wave breaking inferred above 30 kilometers. Mountain waves also occurred throughout the stratosphere (15 to 45 kilometers) over a broad mountainous region of central Eurasia. The global distribution of mountain wave activity accords well with predictions from a mountain wave model. The findings demonstrate that satellites can provide the global data needed to improve mountain wave parameterizations and hence global climate and forecast models.

Eckermann, Stephen D.↗

The interaction of moderately strong shock waves with thick perforated walls of low porosity

A theoretical prediction is given of the flow through thick perforated walls of low porosity resulting from the impingement of a moderately strong traveling shock wave. The model was a flat plate positioned normal to the direction of the flow. Holes bored in the plate parallel to the direction of the flow provided nominal hole length-to-diameter ratios of 10:1 and an axial porosity of 25 percent of the flow channel cross section. The flow field behind the reflected shock wave was assumed to behave as a reservoir producing a quasi-steady duct flow through the model. Rayleigh and Fanno duct flow theoretical computations for each of three possible auxiliary wave patterns that can be associated with the transmitted shock (to satisfy contact surface compatibility) were used to provide bounding solutions as an alternative to the more complex influence coefficients method. Qualitative and quantitative behavior was verified in a 1.5- by 2.0-in. helium shock tube. High speed Schlieren photography, piezoelectric pressure-time histories, and electronic-counter wave speed measurements were used to assess the extent of correlation with the theoretical flow models. Reduced data indicated the adequacy of the bounding theory approach to predict wave phenomena and quantitative response.

Grant, D. J.↗

Chromospheric extents predicted by time-dependent acoustic wave models

Theoretical models for chromospheric structures of late-type giant stars are computed, including the time-dependent propagation of acoustic waves. Models with short-period monochromatic shock waves as well as a spectrum of acoustic waves are discussed, and the method is applied to the stars Arcturus, Aldebaran, and Betelgeuse. Chromospheric extent, defined as the monotonic decrease with height of the time-averaged electron densities, are found to be 1.12, 1.13, and 1.22 stellar radii for the three stars, respectively; this corresponds to a time-averaged electron density of 10 to the 7th/cu cm. Predictions of the extended chromospheric obtained using a simple scaling law agree well with those obtained by the time-dependent wave models; thus, the chromospheres of all stars for which the scaling law is valid consist of the same number of pressure scale heights.

Cuntz, Manfred↗

Control-inspired design and power optimization of an active mechanical motion rectifier based power takeoff for wave energy converters

Ocean waves have high energy density and are persistent and predictable. Yet, converting wave energy to a useable form remains challenging. A significant hurdle is the oscillatory nature of waves resulting in the alternating loads, which necessitate the use of rectification at some stage of the energy conversion. This research effort presents a novel design of active mechanical motion rectifier (AMMR) for the power takeoff (PTO), which provides enhanced controllability and better power performance when compared to passive mechanical motion rectifiers (MMR). Inspired by transistors used in synchronous electrical rectifiers, the proposed design uses controllable electromagnetic clutches in the mechanical transmission to allow active engagement-disengagement control; thus, rectifying the oscillatory motion into a unidirectional rotation for high energy conversion efficiency and allowing the generator in unidirectional rotation to control the bidirectional wave capture structure for maximizing the power output. A semi-analytical computational approach is developed to efficiently evaluate the optimal power achieved using the proposed AMMR-based PTO and active control. It is found that the AMMR-based PTO design yields a higher optimal power than the previous passive MMR design across the wave spectrum. The influences of generator inertia and reactive power are discussed. Furthermore, the effects of control parameters on the power output and the optimal trajectories are analyzed. Wave tank tests with the AMMR prototype demonstrated the effectiveness of AMMR based PTO design and validated the numerical analysis.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Wave propagation in the marginal ice zone - Model predictions and comparisons with buoy and synthetic aperture radar data

Ocean wave dispersion relation and viscous attenuation by a sea ice cover are studied for waves propagating into the marginal ice zone (MIZ). The Labrador ice margin experiment (LIMEX), conducted on the MIZ off the east coast of Newfoundland, Canada in March 1987, provided aircraft SAR imagery, ice property and wave buoy data. Wave energy attenuation rates are estimated from SAR data and the ice motion package data that were deployed at the ice edge and into the ice pack, and compared with a model. It is shown that the model data comparisons are quite good for the ice conditions observed during LIMEX 1987.

Liu, Antony K.↗

Characterization of Extreme Wave Conditions for Wave Energy Converter Design and Project Risk Assessment

Best practices and international standards for determining n-year return period extreme wave (sea states) conditions allow wave energy converter designers and project developers the option to apply simple univariate or more complex bivariate extreme value analysis methods. The present study compares extreme sea state estimates derived from univariate and bivariate methods and investigates the performance of spectral wave models for predicting extreme sea states at buoy locations within several regional wave climates along the US East and West Coasts. Two common third-generation spectral wave models are evaluated, a WAVEWATCH III® model with a grid resolution of 4 arc-minutes (6–7 km), and a Simulating WAves Nearshore model, with a coastal resolution of 200–300 m. Both models are used to generate multi-year hindcasts, from which extreme sea state statistics used for wave conditions characterization can be derived and compared to those based on in-situ observations at National Data Buoy Center stations. Comparison of results using different univariate and bivariate methods from the same data source indicates reasonable agreement on average. Discrepancies are predominantly random. Large discrepancies are common and increase with return period. There is a systematic underbias for extreme significant wave heights derived from model hindcasts compared to those derived from buoy measurements. This underbias is dependent on model spatial resolution. However, simple linear corrections can effectively compensate for this bias. A similar approach is not possible for correcting model-derived environmental contours, but other methods, e.g., machine learning, should be explored.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Wave-Rotor-Enhanced Gas Turbine Engine Demonstrator

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Rolls-Royce Allison are working collaboratively to demonstrate the benefits and viability of a wave-rotor-topped gas turbine engine. The self-cooled wave rotor is predicted to increase the engine overall pressure ratio and peak temperature by 300% and 25 to 30%. respectively, providing substantial improvements in engine efficiency and specific power. Such performance improvements would significantly reduce engine emissions and the fuel logistics trails of armed forces. Progress towards a planned demonstration of a wave-rotor-topped Rolls-Royce Allison model 250 engine has included completion of the preliminary design and layout of the engine, the aerodynamic design of the wave rotor component and prediction of its aerodynamic performance characteristics in on- and off-design operation and during transients, and the aerodynamic design of transition ducts between the wave rotor and the high pressure turbine. The topping cycle increases the burner entry temperature and poses a design challenge to be met in the development of the demonstrator engine.

Welch, Gerard E.↗

Wave evolution in the marginal ice zone - Model predictions and comparisons with on-site and remote data

The ocean-wave dispersion relation and viscous attenuation by a sea ice cover were studied for waves in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). The Labrador ice margin experiment (Limex), conducted off the east coast of Newfoundland, Canada in March 1987, provided aircraft SAR, wave buoy, and ice property data. Based on the wave number spectrum from SAR data, the concurrent wave frequency spectrum from ocean buoy data, and accelerometer data on the ice during Limex '87, the dispersion relation has been derived and compared with the model. Accelerometers were deployed at the ice edge and into the ice pack. Data from the accelerometers were used to estimate wave energy attenuation rates and compared with the model. The model-data comparisons are reasonably good for the ice conditions observed during Limex' 87.

Liu, A. K.↗

A study of stratospheric vacillations and sudden warmings on a beta-plane. I - Single wave-mean flow interaction

A beta-plane model of the stratosphere is used to investigate the planetary-wave amplitude vacillations first reported by Holton and Mass (1976). This model differs from theirs in allowing more horizontal modes. For low surface wave amplitudes, a new class of solutions is found which exhibits a stationary, partially reflecting critical line at steady state. The critical line equilibrates at lower altitudes as the wave forcing is increased. Vacillating solutions occur when the steady state critical line occurs near the lower boundary. The maximum wave amplitude and the maximum steady-state wave amplitude found in the model are in the ratio of 2:1, in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The maximum wave amplitude never exceeds 2200 gpm which is quite close to the saturation limit predicted by Schoeberl (1982). An analysis of the statistics of slowly and rapidly vacillating flows shows that both the wave and zonal mean variances are important in determining the time mean, zonal mean dynamics of the upper stratosphere.

Schoeberl, M. R.↗

Acceleration of heavy ions on auroral field lines

Results of both a linear and a nonlinear study of oxygen cyclotron waves and the associated oxygen heating are presented. Linear theory predicts that oxygen cyclotron waves will have smaller growth rates than hydrogen cyclotron waves. Results of a simulation study in which the free energy source is an initial drifting electron distribution indicate that oxygen cyclotron waves only grow to small amplitudes, while the hydrogen cyclotron waves achieve larger amplitudes. In an attempt to model more realistically the continuous ionospheric outflow, a simulation model is used, in which the electron velocity distribution is maintained by a constant flow of electrons. This latter model predicts that the oxygen waves grow to amplitudes much larger than the hydrogen waves resulting in the preferential heating of the heavier ions.

Ashour-Abdalla, M.↗

Acoustic measurements of three Prop-Fan models

Results of NASA sponsored acoustic tests of three 2 ft. diameter models of the Prop-Fan (a small diameter, highly loaded, many-bladed variable pitch advanced turboprop) are presented. The highly swept model designed for noise reduction produces substantially less near field noise at simulated 0.8 Mach number cruise conditions than the unswept or slightly swept models. It also produces less far field noise at conditions simulating takeoff and landing. The noise reduction mechanism is discussed. Correlation between harmonic noise measurements and theoretical predictions and between measured and predicted acoustic pressure pulses is good. Shadowgraph measurements which show the location of blade associated wave patterns were obtained. Predicted and measured wave locations show good general agreement. Full scale near and far field noise is predicted.

Brooks, B. M.↗

Observations of vertical velocities in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere using the Arecibo 430-MHz radar

The first clear-air observations of vertical velocities in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (8-22 km) using the Arecibo 430-MHz radar are presented. Oscillations in the vertical velocity near the Brunt-Vaisala period are observed in the lower stratosphere during the 12-hour observation period. Frequency power spectra from the vertical velocity time series show a slope between -0.5 and -1.0. Vertical wave number spectra computed from the height profiles of vertical velocities have slopes between -1.0 and -1.5. These observed slopes do not agree well with the slopes of +1/3 and -2.5 for frequency and vertical wave number spectra, respectively, predicted by a universal gravity-wave spectrum model. The spectral power of wave number spectra of a radial beam directed 15 deg off-zenith is enhanced by an order of magnitude over the spectral power levels of the vertical beam. This enhancement suggests that other geophysical processes besides gravity waves are present in the horizontal flow. The steepening of the wave number spectrum of the off-vertical beam in the lower stratosphere to near -2.0 is attributed to a quasi-inertial period wave, which was present in the horizontal flow during the observation period.

Cornish, C. R.↗

Comparison of measured and predicted sea surface spectra of short waves

Reliable sea surface slope time series, using a laseroptical receiver system deployed on a wave follower, are analyzed to yield slope frequency spectra of the ocean surface up to 300 Hz. The results show significant differences when compared with the Pierson and Stacy (1973) model. An epirical model is proposed in this paper that is consistent with the observed slope spectra. The newly proposed model is compared with other more recently advanced shortwave spectral models.

Shemdin, O. H.↗

Prediction of secondary separation in shock wave boundary-layer interactions

A complex three-dimensional shock-wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction at Mach 4 has been investigated experimentally and computationally, using two turbulence models with substantial refinement. With the use of a fine grid model, secondary flow separation was successfully computed, and grid changes did not improve agreement with experiment for the extent of upstream influence. The use of a non-isotropic turbulence model gave a slight improvement in upstream influence, but the size of the interaction was still significantly less than in the experiment.

Horstman, C. C.↗