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At least 289 records · Page 16

Numerical modeling of turbulent flow

Three dimensional combustor calculations are currently stretching the computer hardware capabilities and the computing budgets of gas turbine manufacturers. One of the main reasons for this relates to the large number of complex physical processes occurring in the combustor. Airflow, fuel spray, reaction kinetics, flame radiation, and not the least of which, turbulence must be modeled and the related differential equations solved. Discussions in this conference will address methods to improve the accuracy of combustor flow field calculations and methods to speed the convergence of the modeled equations. This report will focus on aspects of merging these two new technologies. The improved accuracy discretization schemes have a negative impact on the speed of convergence of the modeled equations that the improved solution algorithms may not overcome. A description of the causes of this problem and potential solutions will be examined.

Claus, R. W.↗

A dynamical basis for the parameterization of organized deep convection in large-scale numerical models

A hierarchy of steady, nonlinear, semianalytic models of different types of convection were produced. These provide a theoretical framework for determining cloud outflow fluxes of both dynamic and thermodynamic quantities, which can be used to formulate dynamical transports in parameterization schemes. This was achieved by exploiting certain Lagrangian conservation properties of steady flow, from which an equation for the vertical displacement of particles can be obtained and the outflow entropy, energy and momentum fluxes and the infow/outflow mass fluxes can be determined from solution to the equation. These fluxes are determined in terms of grid scale parameters such as convective available potential energy (CAPE), cloud layer shear, and horizontal pressure gradients. Five main types of system models are identified, respectively representing archtypes of convection in zero shear, large shear, midlatitude squall lines, tropical squall lines and cellular convection. The downdraught is an important aspect in the first four of these and the cloud scale transport of momentum is very distinctive.

Moncrieff, M. W.↗

A numerical model of acoustic choking. I - Shock free solutions

The phenomenon of acoustic choking in near sonic flows is investigated using the one-dimensional gasdynamic equations for an ideal gas. It is pointed out that this approach eliminates the need to make the classical small disturbance assumption. A finite difference scheme is elaborated to approximate these equations. Boundary conditions that correctly model the physics of the acoustics problems are chosen. The use of a fast Fourier transform routine allows the results to be compared with those obtained by using the conventional harmonic assumptions. Only solutions in which shocks have not fully developed are reported. Continuous solutions are sought, and these are compared with the Fubini solution and with certain results of Myers and Callegari (1977, 1978, 1979).

Walkington, N. J.↗

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.↗

Cumulus clouds - Numerical models, observations and entrainment

The first computer simulation of the organization phase of a buoyant atmospheric thermal is described. Although crude, it showed the spontaneous development of a rounded tight-gradient 'cap' and internal vortical circulation. The complexities involved in these 'field of motion' models in part motivated the development of entity models, based upon laboratory thermals. These one-dimensional models and their uses with observations are briefly described as well as their limitations. Finally, an application of Schlesinger's three-dimensional model to a GATE cumulus situation clarifies many apparently conflicting observations and postulates, thereby raising further challenging questions to be addressed jointly by the more sophisticated measuring and modeling tools available in the 1980's.

Simpson, J.↗

Some Recent Developments in Numerical Modelling at ECMWF

A new atmospheric model was introduced into operational forecasting at the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, on 21 April 1983. The principal differences between this model and the Center's first operational model were in the adiabatic formulation, which, in the new model, includes use of a spectral representation in the horizontal, a more general vertical coordinate, and a modified, more-efficient, time-stepping scheme. In addition, new programming techniques and standards were adopted to facilitate both the model's use as a research tool and its adaptation to make full use of the features of the recently-acquired CRAY X-MP computer. A number of revisions were also made in detailed aspects of the formulation of the parameterization schemes. The operational change to this new model was accompanied by a second important change, namely the use of a higher envelope orography in the lower boundary conditions of the model. Problems in the operational performance of the model and development preparatory to the future operational implementation of a high resolution version of the model on the CRAY X-MP are discussed.

Simmons, A. J.↗

The dayside Venus ionosphere. II - Combined numerical model of ion and neutral composition above 120 km

The median vertical profile of ion densities for the dayside Venusian ionosphere obtained by the orbiter retarding potential analyzer (ORPA) is simulated by one-dimensional model calculations. The model includes both neutral and ionic chemistry, eddy and molecular diffusion for neutral constituents, and ion-plasma diffusion for ionic constituents. The electron and ion temperatures measured by the ORPA are used to calculate the plasma diffusion coefficients and scale heights for ions. The predicted O2(+) densities below about 200 km agree particularly well with observations by the ORPA, but the model values are significantly less than those measured by the orbiter ion mass spectrometer. The observed ion composition is interpreted in terms of densities of the neutral atmosphere and its composition.

Shimazaki, T.↗

Geostrophic adjustment in a shallow-water numerical model as it relates to thermospheric dynamics

The theory of geostrophic adjustment and its application to the dynamics of the high latitude thermosphere have been discussed in previous papers based on a linearized treatment of the fluid dynamical equations. However, a linearized treatment is only valid for small Rossby numbers given by Ro = V/fL, where V is the wind speed, f is the local value of the Coriolis parameter, and L is a characteristic horizontal scale for the flow. For typical values in the auroral zone, the approximation is not reasonable for wind speeds greater than 25 m/s or so. A shallow-water (one layer) model was developed that includes the spherical geometry and full nonlinear dynamics in the momentum equations in order to isolate the effects of the nonlinearities on the adjustment process. A belt of accelerated winds between 60 deg and 70 deg latitude was used as the initial condition. The adjustment process was found to proceed as expected from the linear formulation, but that an asymmetry between the response for an eastward and westward flow results from the nonlineawr curvature (centrifugal) terms. In general, the amplitude of an eastward flowing wind will be less after adjustment than a westward wind. For instance, if the initial wind velocity is 300 m/s, the linearized theory predicts a final wind speed of 240 m/s, regardless of the flow direction. However, the nonlinear curvature terms modify the response and produce a final wind speed of only 200 m/s for an initial eastward wind and a final wind speed of almost 300 m/s for an initial westward flow direction. Also, less gravity wave energy is produced by the adjustment of the westward flow than by the adjustment of the eastward flow. The implications are that the response of the thermosphere should be significantly different on the dawn and dusk sides of the auroral oval. Larger flow velocities would be expected on the dusk side since the plasma will accelerate the flow in a westward direction in that sector.

Larsen, M. F.↗

Numerical modeling of rotor flows with a conservative form of the full-potential equations

A computer program has been developed to solve a three-dimensional conservative formulation of the full-potential equation. Its ability to solve transonic, unsteady rotor flows is demonstrated by comparison to forward flight non-lifting pressure data at low to moderate advance ratios. A 'split potential' formulation has been added to the code which incorporates known vorticity fields into the full-potential calculation. Using this methodology, rotor wake contributions have been incorporated into the computer code. Pressure results are presented for lifting rotors in hover. These results are compared to experimental data as well as to other predictions.

Strawn, R. C.↗

A numerical model of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling Preliminary results

A three-dimensional simulation model was developed to study magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling in the auroral region. One-fluid MHD equations are adopted to model the magnetosphere, and current density continuity equations were solved consistently to model the ionosphere. In the preliminary simulation runs described here, the electrodynamics of region 1 field-aligned currents were modeled. Initially, the electric field is taken to be in the magnetospheric equatorial plane. Alfven waves then propagate down to the ionosphere, accompanying a field-aligned current and exciting the electrostatic potential in the ionosphere by electrodynamic coupling. The results of the preliminary runs directly correspond with the fundamental characteristics of global magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. These characteristics include an ionospheric electrostatic potential which varies in its development in time, depending upon the ratio of ionospheric resistance to magnetospheric impedance, the flowing of field-aligned currents into the ionosphere on the dawnside and out on the duskside, and the distribution along the geomagnetic field of the amplitude of the field-aligned current density in proportion to the field intensity.

Watanabe, K.↗

A detailed numerical model of a supersonic reacting mixing layer

A current research effort is underway at the NASA Langley Research Center to achieve a detailed understanding of important phenomena present when a supersonic flow undergoes chemical reaction. A computer program has been developed to study the details of such flows. The program has been constructed to consider the multicomponent diffusion and convection of important species, the finite-rate reaction of these species, and the resulting interaction between the fluid mechanics and chemistry. Code results from the analysis of a spatially developing and reacting mixing layer are presented, and conclusions are drawn regarding the structure of the evolving layer and its associated flame.

Drummond, J. P.↗

A feasibility study on the numerical modeling of interior noise fields

New developments in electronics and computer control have made active methods of noise suppression feasible. To date, however, active methods of noise control have been applied principally in geometrically uniform spaces with localized sound sources. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how finite element techniques may be used to model sound fields and active control inside geometrically complex spaces with non-uniform acoustic boundaries and multiple spatially separated sources. A closed-form solution is derived for the case of a one-dimensional tube with a vibrating piston at each end. Results are compared with finite element solutions and the problem is then generalized to two-dimensions with non-uniform geometry and non-uniform acoustic boundaries.

Abrahamson, A. L.↗

Comparison of vertical velocities analyzed by a numerical model and measured by a VHF wind profiler

The use of wind profilers for measuring vertical velocities in the troposphere and lower stratosphere is potentially of great interest for verification of forecasts, diagnosis of mesoscale circulations, and studies of wave motions. The studies of profiler vertical velocities to date have shown that the observed patterns of ascent and subsidence are reasonable when compared to the synoptic conditions. However, difficulties arise when a direct verification of the profiler vertical winds is sought. Since no other technique can measure the vertical velocities over the same height range and with the same claimed accuracy as the profilers, direct comparisons are impossible. The only alternative is to compare the measurements to analyzed vertical velocity fields. Here, researchers compare vertical measurements made with the SOUSY VHF radar over a period of 11 days at the beginning of November 1981 to the analyzed vertical velocities produced by the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) model for grid points near the radar site.

Larsen, M. F.↗

Intercomparison of numerical models of flaring coronal loops

The proposed Benchmark Problem consists of an infinitesimal magnetic flux tube containing a low-beta plasma. The field strength is assumed to be so large that the plasma can move only along the flux tube, whose shape remains invariant with time (i.e., the fluid motion is essentially one-dimensional). The flux tube cross section is taken to be constant over its entire length. In planar view the flux tube has a semi-circular shape, symmetric about its midpoint s = s sub max and intersecting the chromosphere-corona interface (CCI) perpendicularly at each foot point. The arc length from the loop apex to the CCI is 10,000 km. The flux tube extends an additional 2000 km below the CCI to include the chromosphere, which initially has a uniform temperature of 8000 K. The temperature at the top of the loop was fixed initially at 2 X 1 million K. The plasma is assumed to be a perfect gas (gamma = 5/3), consisting of pure hydrogen which is considered to be fully ionized at all temperatures. For simplicity, moreover, the electron and ion temperatures are taken to be everywhere equal at all times (corresponding to an artificially enhanced electron-ion collisional coupling). While there was more-or-less unanimous agreement as to certain global properties of the system behavior (peak temperature reached, thermal-wave time scales, etc.), no two groups could claim satisfactory accord when a more detailed comparison of solutions was attempted.

Kopp, R. A.↗

Numerical modelling of cryogenic propellant behavior in low-G

A partial survey is presented of recent research, sponsored by the NASA Lewis Research Center, into the computational modelling of cryogenic propellant behavior in a low gravity environment. This presentation is intended to provide insight into some of the specific problems being studied and into how these studies are part of an integrated plan to develop predictive capabilities. A brief description of the computational models developed to analyze jet induced mixing in cryogenic propellant tankage is presented along with representative results. Similar information is presented for a recent examination of on-orbit self-pressurization. A study of propellant reorientation has recently been initiated and preliminary results are included. The presentation concludes with a list of ongoing efforts and projected goals.

Hochstein, John I.↗

A surface temperature and moisture parameterization for use in mesoscale numerical models

A modified multi-level soil moisture and surface temperature model is presented for use as in defining lower boundary conditions in mesoscale weather models. Account is taken of the hydraulic and thermal diffusion properties of the soil, their variations with soil type, and the mixing ratio at the surface. Techniques are defined for integrating the surface input into the multi-level scheme. Sample simulation runs were performed with the modified model and the original model defined by Pielke, et al. (1977, 1981). The models were applied to regional weather forecasting over soils composed of sand and clay loam. The new form of the model avoided iterations necessary in the earlier version of the model and achieved convergence at reasonable profiles for surface temperature and moisture in regions where the earlier version of the model failed.

Tremback, C. J.↗