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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

CONDIF - A modified central-difference scheme with unconditional stability and very low numerical diffusion

This paper describes a method, called CONDIF, which retains the essential nature of the central difference scheme (CDS) but eliminates the over- and under-shoots. It modifies the CDS by introducing a controlled amount of numerical diffusion based on local gradients. The results obtained for a number of test problems show that the CONDIF is significantly more accurate than the hybrid scheme when the Peclet number is very high and the flow is at large angles to the grid. In the worst case, it yields results similar to those of the hybrid scheme. Though the CONDIF is unconditionally stable, under some conditions the rate of convergence deteriorates as the grid Peclet number is increased. Efforts are currently underway to develop a faster converging variation of CONDIF.

Runchal, Akshai K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Numerical experiments on the stability of controlled boundary layers

Nonlinear simulations are presented for instability and transition in parallel water boundary layers subjected to pressure gradient, suction, or heating control. In the nonlinear regime, finite amplitude, 2-D Tollmein-Schlichting waves grow faster than is predicted by linear theory. Moreover, this discrepancy is greatest in the case of heating control. Likewise, heating control is found to be the least effective in delaying secondary instabilities of both the fundamental and subharmonic type. Flow field details (including temperature profiles) are presented for both the uncontrolled boundary layer and the heated boundary layer.

Zang, Thomas A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A numerical study of the nonlinear thermal stability of solar loops

A time-dependent numerical model is used to investigate the nonlinear thermal stability of static loops of various heights. Simulations show that the instability of a hot state with loop heights of less than about 1000 km is physically significant, with an initially hot atmosphere in low-lying compact loops evolving to an extended atmosphere with temperatures far below 100,000 K. Results also show that high-lying loops are stable to all reasonable perturbations, including those of large initial amplitude and long wavelength. The simulation results suggest that low-lying compact loops should not be common to the sun, and that cool loops with temperatures near 100,000 K must be formed in the cool state initially and cannot evolve from preexisiting loops.

Klimchuk, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermal stability during rotation in space - A scaling and numerical analysis

An analysis of thermal stability in a fluid during rotation is presented. The conditions resulting in thermal stability are examined and numerically verified. It is shown that at least one thermal field exists for any rotating fluid, with or without a gravitational background field, where convection does not occur. The numerical model used is fully nonlinear and 3D. Results are presented on the basis of both steady-state and fully transient models. The thermally stable condition is further investigated in the context of the average net acceleration and the inhomogeneous part of the acceleration field (gradient of acceleration). It is shown that in the thermally stable condition the flow that would result from the average net acceleration is equal and opposite to the flow that would result from the inhomogeneous part of the acceleration field. It is concluded that the thermally stable condition is actually a flow mode transition at Ad = 1.

Arnold, William A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Numerical solution of wave equations for the stability of the inner cometo-sheath

Numerical solution of the MHD wave equations for stability of the cometary sheath determined by the balance between the inward Lorentz body force and the outward ion-neutral drag force is obtained by using a two-point boundary value method. The eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions are obtained numerically by treating the cometary inner sheath as a layer of finite thickness, bounded by the contact surface, i.e., the diamagnetic cavity boundary. The magnetic field structure discovered in the ionosphere of Comets Halley and Giacobini-Zinner is found to be unstable. The effects of finite plasma pressure, dissociative recombination, and mass loading due to photoionization are found to be stabilizing but are unable to quench the instability completely. It is also found that the higher the neutral production rate the lesser is the growth rate for the instability.

Srivastava, Krishna M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Impact of turbulence modeling on numerical accuracy and efficiency of compressible flow simulations

Discussed is the numerical implementation of turbulence models used in viscous compressible flow simulations and their performance described with respect to numerical accuracy, efficiency and stability. The basic approach utilizes the Reynolds-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations in which the Reynolds stresses and heat fluxes are mathematically modeled by suitable turbulence models. The turbulence models investigated include zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models. The flow fields investigated include theoretical and supersonic flows about two-dimensional and axisymmetric bodies. Discussions concerning the numerical implementation of models include differencing procedures and boundary conditions used to assume numerical stability and accuracy. Numerical performance is also evaluated by comparing computations with experimental results.

Coakley, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A numerical study of a marine subtropical stratus cloud layer and its stability

A model for numerical simulation of stratus cloud layers is constructed by combining a second-order closure, turbulent transfer model with a thermal radiative transfer model. The turbulent transfer model allows water vapor saturation. The combined turbulence-radiation model is applied to both a horizontally uniform one-dimensional case and a horizontally nonuniform two-dimensional case. In the latter, the dynamics of mesoscale circulations are also incorporated. Results of the two-dimensional simulation show that the layer cloud instability occurs where the sea surface temperature is high and the large-scale subsidence is weak. The simulated instability is analyzed in view of an instability criterion, the eddy kinetic energy budget, and evaporative cooling near the cloud top.

Moeng, C.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical Modeling of a Vortex Stabilized Arcjet

Arcjet thrusters are being actively considered for use in Earth orbit maneuvering applications. Experimental studies are currently the chief means of determining an optimal thruster configuration. Earlier numerical studies have failed to include all of the effects found in typical arcjets including complex geometries, viscosity, and swirling flow. Arcjet geometries are large area ratio converging nozzles with centerbodies in the subsonic portion of the nozzle. The nozzle walls serve as the anode while the centerbody functions as the cathode. Viscous effects are important because the Reynolds number, based on the throat radius, is typically less than 1,000. Experimental studies have shown that a swirl or circumferential velocity component stabilizes a constricted arc. This dissertation describes the equations governing flow through a constricted arcjet thruster. An assumption that the flowfield is in local thermodynamic equilibrium leads to a single fluid plasma temperature model. An order of magnitude analysis reveals the governing fluid mechanics equations are uncoupled from the electromagnetic field equations. A numerical method is developed to solve the governing fluid mechanics equations, the Thin Layer Navier-Stokes equations. A coordinate transformation is employed in deriving the governing equations to simplify the application of boundary conditions in complex geometries. An axisymmetric formulation is employed to include the swirl velocity component as well as the axial and radial velocity components. The numerical method is an implicit finite-volume technique and allows for large time steps to reach a converged steady-state solution. The inviscid fluxes are flux-split, and Gauss-Seidel line relaxation is used to accelerate convergence. Converging-diverging nozzles with exit-to-throat area ratios up to 100:1 and annular nozzles were examined. Quantities examined included Mach number and static wall pressure distributions, and oblique shock structures. As the level of swirl and viscosity in the flowfield increased the mass flow rate and thrust decreased. The technique was used to predict the flow through a typical arcjet thruster geometry. Results indicate swirl and viscosity play an important role in the complex geometry of an arcjet.

Pawlas, Gary E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

ADP enhances the allosteric activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase by calmodulin

Protein translation, one of the most energy-consumptive processes in a eukaryotic cell, requires robust regulation, especially under energy-deprived conditions. A critical component of this regulation is the suppression of translational elongation through reduced ribosome association of the GTPase eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF-2) resulting from its specific phosphorylation by the calmodulin (CaM)-activated α–kinase eEF-2 kinase (eEF-2K). It has been suggested that the eEF-2K response to reduced cellular energy levels is indirect and mediated by the universal energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through direct stimulatory phosphorylation and/or downregulation of the eEF-2K-inhibitory nutrient-sensing mTOR pathway. Here, we provide structural, biochemical, and cell-biological evidence of a direct energy-sensing role of eEF-2K through its stimulation by ADP. A crystal structure of the nucleotide-bound complex between CaM and the functional core of eEF-2K phosphorylated at its primary stimulatory site (T348) reveals ADP bound at a unique pocket located on the face opposite that housing the kinase active site. Within this basic pocket (BP), created at the CaM/eEF-2K interface upon complex formation, ADP is stabilized through numerous interactions with both interacting partners. Biochemical analyses using wild-type eEF-2K and specific BP mutants indicate that ADP stabilizes CaM within the active complex, increasing the sensitivity of the kinase to CaM. Induction of energy stress through glycolysis inhibition results in significantly reduced enhancement of phosphorylated eEF-2 levels in cells expressing ADP-binding compromised BP mutants compared to cells expressing wild-type eEF-2K. These results suggest a direct energy-sensing role for eEF-2K through its cooperative interaction with CaM and ADP.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1981

A Galerkin type finite element method for rotary-wing aeroelasticity in hover and forward flight

A Galerkin finite element method for the spatial discretization of the nonlinear, nonselfadjoint, partial differential equations governing rotary-wing aeroelasticity is presented. This method reduces algebraic manipulative labor significantly when compared to the global Galerkin method based on assumed modes. Furthermore, the Galerkin finite element method is ideally suited to treat rotor blades with discontinuous mass and stiffness distribution and structurally redundant configurations as they appear in bearingless rotors. Implementation of the method is illustrated for the coupled flap-lag aeroelastic problem of hingeless rotor blades in hover and forward flight. Numerical results for stability and response illustrate the numerical properties and convergence behavior of the method. It is concluded that the Galerkin finite element method is a practical tool for solving rotary-wing aeroelastic stability and response problems.

Straub, F. K.↗
DOE OSTI2021

SU(n) and Quantum SU(n) Symmetries in Physical Systems [Slides]

Presence of SU(n) or other Lie group symmetry in a physical system is its powerful, usually underutilized property. In many cases it allows for finding analytical solutions to nonlinear differential equations describing this system. Power of the method is presented on diversified examples from mathematical physics: Lie-group symmetries in finding solutions of generalized, multidimensional theory of gravity; analytical Dirac–equation solutions for description of conducting polymers; stability of qubit states in quantum computers; spatial defects in condensed matter; reconstruction of 3D object from its 2D tomographic image; significant improvement of numerical solutions stability for Euler equations. The next question after obtaining such Lie group symmetric solution is: does a generalized solution with appropriate quantum group symmetry exists for the given physical system, and if yes what is the physical meaning of the deformation parameter q introduced by such solution. In many cases it can be identified. Any SU(n) solution is by its nature singular, assuming a perfect symmetry of the physical system discussed. Such solution gives a powerful insight to theoretical physics, yet the assumption may be too demanding for experimental applications. Deformation parameter q from a quantum group symmetry allows for a continuum of solutions, more applicable to experiments.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of anisotropic thermal transport on tearing mode stability in negative versus positive triangularity plasmas

The combined effects of anisotropic thermal transport and the plasma shaping, including negative triangularity, on the n = 1 (n is the toroidal mode number) tearing mode (TM) stability are numerically investigated utilizing the MARS-F code [Liu et al., Phys. Plasmas 7, 3681–3690 (2000)]. While varying the plasma boundary triangularity, the TM stability is found to be dictated by the competing effects of the Shafranov shift induced stabilization and the bad-curvature induced destabilization. The negative triangularity shape increases the Shafranov shift (stabilizing) in the plasma core but also enlarges bad-curvature regions (destabilizing) near the plasma edge, with the net effect being largely destabilizing for the TM as compared to the positive triangularity counter-part. Large negative triangularity however can also lead to more stabilization for the plasma core-localized TM. Anisotropic thermal transport reduces the stabilizing effect on the TM associated with the favorable averaged curvature, resulting in more unstable core-localized TMs in both negative and positive triangularity plasmas. But the opposite effect can also take place for the edge-localized TM in finite-pressure plasmas with negative triangularity.

Physics↗
NASA NTRS1993

Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Flame-Balls in Hydrogen-Air Mixtures

Flame-balls are stationary spherical premixed flames observed in certain near-limit mixtures. It is believed that radiative heat losses are an important stabilizing influence. Numerical solutions of flame balls are constructed for hydrogen-air mixtures using an accurate description of the chemical kinetics, diffusive transport, and radiation losses. A lean limit equivalence ratio of 0.0866 is predicted and a rich limit of 2,828. For any equivalence ratio between the two limits there are two solutions. One is characterized by a small flame, incomplete reactant consumption, and negligible radiation losses. The other by a large flame, complete consumption of one of the reactants, and significant radiation losses. The maximum temperature varies between 1200 and 900 K as the two solution branches are traversed. Much of our discussion is a reprise and modification of previously published analytical results, for these provide physical insight into the nature of the solutions, and suggest that a portion of the large flame branch near the lean limit is stable and so corresponds to observable flames.

Buckmaster, J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Simulations of Multidimensional Burner-stabilized Flames

Detailed numerical simulations have been performed to study the structure and dynamics of downward propagating burner-stabilized flames in lean hydrogen-air mixtures. These simulations include the effects of fluid convection, detailed hydrogen-oxygen chemistry, multispecies diffusion, thermal conduction, viscosity, and heat losses to the burner. One-dimensional calculations have been carried out to investigate burner boundary conditions. Well known features of a burner-stabilized flame have been reproduced. Two-dimensional calculations show the presence of cellular structures at the burner surface. At low inlet velocities, these cellular structures are suppressed by the increased heat loss to the burner. These simulations have been examined in detail to gain understanding of the similarities and differences in structure and stability of freely propagating and burner-stabilized flames.

Patnaik, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A numerical study of the thermal stability of low-lying coronal loops

The nonlinear evolution of loops that are subjected to a variety of small but finite perturbations was studied. Only the low-lying loops are considered. The analysis was performed numerically using a one-dimensional hydrodynamical model developed at the Naval Research Laboratory. The computer codes solve the time-dependent equations for mass, momentum, and energy transport. The primary interest is the active region filaments, hence a geometry appropriate to those structures was considered. The static solutions were subjected to a moderate sized perturbation and allowed to evolve. The results suggest that both hot and cool loops of the geometry considered are thermally stable against amplitude perturbations of all kinds.

Klimchuk, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Linear stability of streamwise developing longitudinal vortices

The linear stability of numerical solutions to the quasicylindrical equations of motion for swirling flows is investigated. Initial conditions are derived from Batchelor's similarity solution for a trailing line vortex. The stability calculations are performed using a 2nd-order accurate finitedifference scheme on a staggered grid with the accuracy of the computed eigenvalues enhanced through Richardson extrapolation. The streamwise development of both viscous and inviscid instability modes is discussed for low and high swirl cases. The effect of adverse and favorable pressure gradients on the viscous stability of a longitudinal vortex is also investigated.

Spall, Robert E.↗