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At least 307 records · Page 17

Numerical study of terrain-induced mesoscale motions in a mixed layer

Numerical integrations using a potential enstrophy-conserving scheme are presented for the flow within a mixed layer over hilly terrain using the hydrostatic shallow-water equations with a quadratic drag law. The mesoscale area treated is 150 km on a side; cyclic lateral boundary conditions are used. It is found that for the idealized conditions treated (no surface heating, no entrainment and no pressure adjustments aloft), the topography quickly induces a steady state flow pattern by means of surface friction. Unsteadiness does not occur unless a surface-friction Reynolds number is greater than approximately 100. Effects of varying the Rossby number, Froude number and terrain-height parameter are examined.

Han, Y.-J.↗

Numerical simulation of axisymmetric turbulent flow in combustors and diffusers

Numerical studies of turbulent flow in an axisymmetric 45-deg-expansion combustor and bifurcated diffuser are presented. The Navier-Stokes equations incorporating a k-epsilon model were solved in a nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. A zonal-grid method, where the flow field was divided into several subsections, was developed. This approach permitted different computational schemes to be used in the various zones. In addition, grid generation was made a more simple task. Boundary overlap and interpolating techniques were used, and an adjustment of the flow variables was required to assure conservation of mass flux. Three finite-differencing methods (hybrid, quadratic upwind, and skew upwind) were used to represent the convection terms. Results were compared with existing experimental data. In general, good agreement between predicted and measured values was obtained.

Yung, Chain-Nan↗

Flux Jacobian Matrices For Equilibrium Real Gases

Improved formulation includes generalized Roe average and extension to three dimensions. Flux Jacobian matrices derived for use in numerical solutions of conservation-law differential equations of inviscid flows of ideal gases extended to real gases. Real-gas formulation of these matrices retains simplifying assumptions of thermodynamic and chemical equilibrium, but adds effects of vibrational excitation, dissociation, and ionization of gas molecules via general equation of state.

Vinokur, Marcel↗

Evolution and interaction of two- and three-dimensional instability waves

The present work is concerned with the nonlinear interactions of high-amplitude two- and three-dimensional instability waves in jets. A jet is excited by multifrequency axisymmetric and helical modes. Formulations are presented here for the nonlinear development of both the amplitudes and phases of the instability waves. The development of these waves are also coupled with the development of the mean flow and the background turbulence. In formulating this model it is assumed that each flow component can be characterized by conservations equations supplemented by closure models.

Mankbadi, R. R.↗

Numerical simulation of nonlinear development of instability waves

The nonlinear interactions of high amplitude instability waves in turbulent jets are described. In plane shear layers Riley and Metcalf (1980) and Monkewitz (1987) have shown that these interactions are dependent, among other parameters, on the phase-difference between the two instability waves. Therefore, here researchers consider the nonlinear development of both the amplitudes and the phase of the instability waves. The development of these waves are also coupled with the development of the mean flow and the background turbulence. In formulating this model it is assumed that each of the flow components can be characterized by conservation equations supplemented by closure models. Results for the interactions between the two instability waves under high-amplitude forcing at fundamental and subharmonic frequencies are presented here. Qualitative agreements are found between the present predictions and available experimental data.

Mankbadi, Reda R.↗

A subgrid mixing model for LES of nonpremixed turbulent combustion

A new sub-grid mixing model for use in large eddy simulations of turbulent combustion is presented and applied to a hydrogen-air diffusion flame. The sub-grid model is based on Kerstein's Linear Eddy Model (1988). The model is first used to predict the mixing of a conserved scalar in a turbulent shear flow. The model correctly predicts the behavior of the pdf of the scalar field and displays a nonmarching peak at the preferred mixture fraction as the shear layer is traversed. It is then illustrated how a reduced chemical mechanism can be implemented within the linear eddy subgrid model formulation. The model is used to predict NO formation in hydrogen-air diffusion flame using a reduced chemical mechanism involving nine reactive scalars.

Mcmurtry, P. A.↗

A review of chemically reactive turbulent flow mixing mechanisms and a new design for a low NO(x) combustor

A review of chemically reactive flow analysis is presented. Key studies are reviewed. The approaches to modeling chemically reactive flows that are discussed are PDF, conserved PDF, conserved scalar, stochastic, and mixing length. Turbulent mixing mechanisms are also discussed and a model is formulated that could be used for optimizing non-premixed gas reacting systems. Consequently, a re-examination of the NO(x) reduction concepts for nonpremixed reactants are suggested together with two new designs for low NO(x) subsonic combustor research.

Mcbeath, Giorgio↗

Towards Resolving the Crab Sigma-Problem: A Linear Accelerator?

Using the exact solution of the axisymmetric pulsar magnetosphere derived in a previous publication and the conservation laws of the associated MHD flow, we show that the Lorentz factor of the outflowing plasma increases linearly with distance from the light cylinder. Therefore, the ratio of the Poynting to particle energy flux, generically referred to as sigma, decreases inversely proportional to distance, from a large value (typically approx. greater than 10(exp 4)) near the light cylinder to sigma approx. = 1 at a transition distance R(sub trans). Beyond this distance the inertial effects of the outflowing plasma become important and the magnetic field geometry must deviate from the almost monopolar form it attains between R(sub lc), and R(sub trans). We anticipate that this is achieved by collimation of the poloidal field lines toward the rotation axis, ensuring that the magnetic field pressure in the equatorial region will fall-off faster than 1/R(sup 2) (R being the cylindrical radius). This leads both to a value sigma = a(sub s) much less than 1 at the nebular reverse shock at distance R(sub s) (R(sub s) much greater than R(sub trans)) and to a component of the flow perpendicular to the equatorial component, as required by observation. The presence of the strong shock at R = R(sub s) allows for the efficient conversion of kinetic energy into radiation. We speculate that the Crab pulsar is unique in requiring sigma(sub s) approx. = 3 x 10(exp -3) because of its small translational velocity, which allowed for the shock distance R(sub s) to grow to values much greater than R(sub trans).

Contopoulos, Ioannis↗

Variable Step Integration Coupled with the Method of Characteristics Solution for Water-Hammer Analysis, A Case Study

One-dimensional water-hammer modeling involves the solution of two coupled non-linear hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs). These equations result from applying the principles of conservation of mass and momentum to flow through a pipe, and usually the assumption that the speed at which pressure waves propagate through the pipe is constant. In order to solve these equations for the interested quantities (i.e. pressures and flow rates), they must first be converted to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by either approximating the spatial derivative terms with numerical techniques or using the Method of Characteristics (MOC). The MOC approach is ideal in that no numerical approximation errors are introduced in converting the original system of PDEs into an equivalent system of ODEs. Unfortunately this resulting system of ODEs is bound by a time step constraint so that when integrating the equations the solution can only be obtained at fixed time intervals. If the fluid system to be modeled also contains dynamic components (i.e. components that are best modeled by a system of ODEs), it may be necessary to take extremely small time steps during certain points of the model simulation in order to achieve stability and/or accuracy in the solution. Coupled together, the fixed time step constraint invoked by the MOC, and the occasional need for extremely small time steps in order to obtain stability and/or accuracy, can greatly increase simulation run times. As one solution to this problem, a method for combining variable step integration (VSI) algorithms with the MOC was developed for modeling water-hammer in systems with highly dynamic components. A case study is presented in which reverse flow through a dual-flapper check valve introduces a water-hammer event. The predicted pressure responses upstream of the check-valve are compared with test data.

Turpin, Jason B.↗

Mass diffusion in a self-confined rotating flow

The effectiveness of fluid containment near an interior stagnation point and within a self-confined stagnation region is determined by numerically solving the species conservation equation for a bi-component mixture. The flow geometry is that of a swirling fluid stream containing a stationary eddy on the axis of rotation. The base flow is axisymmetric, and the Reynolds number is equal to 50. Schmidt numbers range from 0.1 to 10.

Torrance, K. E.↗

CISCC Countermeasures for Spent Fuel Canisters in Concrete Casks

Aging management of spent fuel is an important issue worldwide. Chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) of welded canisters is particularly important for concrete casks, where it occurs in response to a combination of environmental, material, and residual stress factors. In this paper, we introduce a countermeasure to prevent the occurrence of CISCC by adjusting the flow rate of the cooling air into the concrete cask so that the canister surface temperature does not decrease below 100°C, which is a conservative deliquesce temperature threshold for CISCC occurrence. The flow adjustment device was installed in a cask model, and two tests were conducted under the heat rate conditions corresponding to those of an actual canister. In the first test, the device was operated under a condition where the canister surface temperature was below 100°C to verify whether it could increase the canister surface temperature to above 100°C. In the second test, the heat rate was decreased from a state where the canister surface temperature was above 100°C, to verify whether the device could maintain the canister surface temperature above 100°C. Good results were obtained in both cases. However, in the case of a low decay heat rate of spent fuel after extended dry storage, the temperature of the canister surface may decrease below 100°C even if no air supply is provided. Therefore, in this case, it may be necessary to take measures such as blocking air outlets.

Takeda, Hirofumi↗

Gust response analysis for cascades operating in nonuniform mean flows

The linearized unsteady aerodynamic response of a cascade of airfoils subjected to entropic, vortical, and acoustic gusts is analyzed. Field equations for the first-order unsteady perturbation flow are obtained by linearizing the full time-dependent mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations about a nonlinear, isentropic, and irrotational mean or steady flow. A splitting technique is then used to decompose the unsteady velocity field into irrotational and rotational parts leading to field equations for the unsteady entropy, rotational velocity, and irrotational velocity fluctuations that are coupled only sequentially. The entropic and rotational velocity fluctuations can be described in terms of the mean-flow drift and stream functions which can be computed numerically. The irrotational unsteady velocity is described by an inhomogeneous linearized potential equation which contains a source term that depends on the rotational velocity field. This equation is solved via a finite difference technique. Results are presented to indicate the status of the numerical solution procedure and to demonstrate the impact of blade geometry and mean blade loading on the aerodynamic response of cascades to vortical gust excitations. The analysis described leads to very efficient predictions of cascade unsteady aerodynamic phenomena making it useful for turbomachinery aeroelastic and aeroacoustic design applications.

Hall, Kenneth C.↗

Gust response analysis for cascades operating in nonuniform mean flows

The linearized unsteady aerodynamic response of a cascade of airfoils subjected to entropic, vortical, and acoustic gusts is analyzed. Field equations for the first-order unsteady perturbation flow are obtained by linearizing the full time-dependent mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations about a nonlinear, isentropic, and irrotational mean or steady flow. A splitting technique is then used to decompose the unsteady velocity field into irrotational and rotational parts leading to field equations for the unsteady entropy, rotational velocity, and irrotational velocity fluctuations that are coupled only sequentially. The entropic and rotational velocity fluctuations can be described in terms of the mean-flow drift and stream functions which can be computed numerically. The irrotational unsteady velocity is described by an inhomogeneous linearized potential equation which contains a source term that depends on the rotational velocity field. This equation is solved via a finite difference technique. Results are presented to indicate the status of the numerical solution procedure and to demonstrate the impact of blade geometry and mean blade loading on the aerodynamic response of cascades to vortical gust excitations. The analysis described leads to very efficient predictions of cascade unsteady aerodynamics phenomena making it useful for turbomachinery aeroelastic and aeroacoustic design applications.

Hall, Kenneth C.↗

A model of transverse fuel injection applied to the computation of supersonic combustor flow

A two-dimensional, nonreacting flow model of the aerodynamic interaction of a transverse hydrogen jet within a supersonic mainstream has been developed. The model assumes profile shapes of mass flux, pressure, flow angle, and hydrogen concentration and produces downstream profiles of the other flow parameters under the constraints of the integrated conservation equations. These profiles are used as starting conditions for an existing finite difference parabolic computer code for the turbulent supersonic combustion of hydrogen. Integrated mixing and flow profile results obtained from the computer code compare favorably with existing data for the supersonic combustion of hydrogen.

Rogers, R. C.↗

Dendritic cells focus CTL responses toward highly conserved and topologically important HIV-1 epitopes

During early HIV-1 infection, immunodominant T cell responses to highly variable epitopes lead to the establishment of immune escape virus variants. Here we assessed a type 1-polarized monocyte-derived dendritic cell (MDC1)-based approach to selectively elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses against highly conserved and topologically important HIV-1 epitopes in HIV-1-infected individuals from the Thailand RV254/SEARCH 010 cohort who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) during early infection (Fiebig stages I-IV). Autologous MDC1 were used as antigen presenting cells to induce in vitro CTL responses against HIV-1 Gag, Pol, Env, and Nef as determined by flow cytometry and ELISpot assay. Ultra-conserved or topologically important antigens were respectively identified using the Epigraph tool and a structure-based network analysis approach and compared to overlapping peptides spanning the Gag proteome. MDC1 presenting either the overlapping Gag, Epigraph, or Network 14-21mer peptide pools consistently activated and expanded HIV-1-specific T cells to epitopes identified at the 9-13mer peptide level. Interestingly, some CTL responses occurred outside known or expected HLA associations, providing evidence of new HLA-associated CTL epitopes. Comparative analyses demonstrated more sequence conservation among Epigraph antigens but a higher magnitude of CTL responses to Network and Gag peptide groups. Importantly, CTL responses against topologically constrained Gag epitopes contained in both the Network and Gag peptide pools were selectively enhanced in the Network pool-initiated cultures. Our study supports the use of MDC1 as a therapeutic strategy to induce and focus CTL responses toward putative fitness-constrained regions of HIV-1 to prevent immune escape and control HIV-1 infection.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A review of current finite difference rotor flow methods

Rotary-wing computational fluid dynamics is reaching a point where many three-dimensional, unsteady, finite-difference codes are becoming available. This paper gives a brief review of five such codes, which treat the small disturbance, conservative and nonconservative full-potential, and Euler flow models. A discussion of the methods of applying these codes to the rotor environment (including wake and trim considerations) is followed by a comparison with various available data. These data include tests of advancing lifting and nonlifting, and hovering model rotors with significant supercritical flow regions. The codes are also compared for computational efficiency.

Caradonna, F. X.↗

Unsteady motion and transition to turbulence in developing curved duct flow

An experiment was performed to further the understanding of developing flows in curved ducts of square cross-section. Unlike most earlier works, attention was paid to investigating the time-dependent character of the motion. Mean and unsteady flow characteristics were determined using flow visualization and a laser-Doppler velocimeter. Only one velocity component, that aligned in the longitudinal (streamwise) coordinate direction, was measured. Notwithstanding, the time histories, autocorrelations and spectra derived reveal a time-periodic motion that becomes turbulent with increasing Reynolds number. The results are of intrinsic fundamental value and also illustrate the danger of imposing symmetry of the conservation equations on numerical solutions of this flow.

Arnal, M.↗

Direct simulations of turbulent flow using finite-difference schemes

A high-order accurate finite-difference approach is presented for calculating incompressible turbulent flow. The methods used include a kinetic energy conserving central difference scheme and an upwind difference scheme. The methods are evaluated in test cases for the evolution of small-amplitude disturbances and fully developed turbulent channel flow. It is suggested that the finite-difference approach can be applied to complex geometries more easilty than highly accurate spectral methods. It is concluded that the upwind scheme is a good candidate for direct simulations of turbulent flows over complex geometries.

Rai, Man Mohan↗