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At least 37 records · Page 2

Direct Replacement of Arbitrary Grid-Overlapping by Non-Structured Grid

A new approach that uses nonstructured mesh to replace the arbitrarily overlapped structured regions of embedded grids is presented. The present methodology uses the Chimera composite overlapping mesh system so that the physical domain of the flowfield is subdivided into regions which can accommodate easily-generated grid for complex configuration. In addition, a Delaunay triangulation technique generates nonstructured triangular mesh which wraps over the interconnecting region of embedded grids. It is designed that the present approach, termed DRAGON grid, has three important advantages: eliminating some difficulties of the Chimera scheme, such as the orphan points and/or bad quality of interpolation stencils; making grid communication in a fully conservative way; and implementation into three dimensions is straightforward. A computer code based on a time accurate, finite volume, high resolution scheme for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations has been further developed to include both the Chimera overset grid and the nonstructured mesh schemes. For steady state problems, the local time stepping accelerates convergence based on a Courant - Friedrichs - Leury (CFL) number near the local stability limit. Numerical tests on representative steady and unsteady supersonic inviscid flows with strong shock waves are demonstrated.

Kao, Kai-Hsiung↗

A multidomain global modeling technique for analysis of Space Shuttle main engine

A multidomain global modeling technique is presented. The purpose of this multidomain methodology is to simultaneously analyze the three-dimensional compressible flow field in Space Shuttle main engine components. This technique provides flexibility and modularity for individual domain and also simplifies the grid generation task for each domain. A two-way coupling procedure is adopted for exchanging interface boundary conditions. This algorithm which requires that the adjacent domains share an overlapping grid slab, is fully conservative and implicit. For non-matching grid systems and for non-overlapping interfaces, an interpolation and/or extrapolation procedure is used when transferring the interface boundary conditions at the adjacent domains. To maintain overall conservation, a flux correction method is subsequently used. The coupling procedure was verified by modeling several geometries with features similar to SSME components. Satisfactory results for all test cases were obtained. Finally, this algorithm has been applied to the SSME flow simulation.

Tam, L. T.↗

Applications and Improvement of a Coupled, Global and Cloud-Resolving Modeling System

Recently Grabowski (2001) and Khairoutdinov and Randall (2001) have proposed the use of 2D CFWs as a "super parameterization" [or multi-scale modeling framework (MMF)] to represent cloud processes within atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs). In the MMF, a fine-resolution 2D CRM takes the place of the single-column parameterization used in conventional GCMs. A prototype Goddard MMF based on the 2D Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model and the Goddard finite volume general circulation model (fvGCM) is now being developed. The prototype includes the fvGCM run at 2.50 x 20 horizontal resolution with 32 vertical layers from the surface to 1 mb and the 2D (x-z) GCE using 64 horizontal and 32 vertical grid points with 4 km horizontal resolution and a cyclic lateral boundary. The time step for the 2D GCE would be 15 seconds, and the fvGCM-GCE coupling frequency would be 30 minutes (i.e. the fvGCM physical time step). We have successfully developed an fvGCM-GCE coupler for this prototype. Because the vertical coordinate of the fvGCM (a terrain-following floating Lagrangian coordinate) is different from that of the GCE (a z coordinate), vertical interpolations between the two coordinates are needed in the coupler. In interpolating fields from the GCE to fvGCM, we use an existing fvGCM finite- volume piecewise parabolic mapping (PPM) algorithm, which conserves the mass, momentum, and total energy. A new finite-volume PPM algorithm, which conserves the mass, momentum and moist static energy in the z coordinate, is being developed for interpolating fields from the fvGCM to the GCE. In the meeting, we will discuss the major differences between the two MMFs (i.e., the CSU MMF and the Goddard MMF). We will also present performance and critical issues related to the MMFs. In addition, we will present multi-dimensional cloud datasets (i.e., a cloud data library) generated by the Goddard MMF that will be provided to the global modeling community to help improve the representation and performance of moist processes in climate models and to improve our understanding of cloud processes globally (the software tools needed to produce cloud statistics and to identify various types of clouds and cloud systems from both high-resolution satellite and model data will be also presented).

Tao, W.-K.↗

Progress in Grid Generation: From Chimera to DRAGON Grids

Hybrid grids, composed of structured and unstructured grids, combines the best features of both. The chimera method is a major stepstone toward a hybrid grid from which the present approach is evolved. The chimera grid composes a set of overlapped structured grids which are independently generated and body-fitted, yielding a high quality grid readily accessible for efficient solution schemes. The chimera method has been shown to be efficient to generate a grid about complex geometries and has been demonstrated to deliver accurate aerodynamic prediction of complex flows. While its geometrical flexibility is attractive, interpolation of data in the overlapped regions - which in today's practice in 3D is done in a nonconservative fashion, is not. In the present paper we propose a hybrid grid scheme that maximizes the advantages of the chimera scheme and adapts the strengths of the unstructured grid while at the same time keeps its weaknesses minimal. Like the chimera method, we first divide up the physical domain by a set of structured body-fitted grids which are separately generated and overlaid throughout a complex configuration. To eliminate any pure data manipulation which does not necessarily follow governing equations, we use non-structured grids only to directly replace the region of the arbitrarily overlapped grids. This new adaptation to the chimera thinking is coined the DRAGON grid. The nonstructured grid region sandwiched between the structured grids is limited in size, resulting in only a small increase in memory and computational effort. The DRAGON method has three important advantages: (1) preserving strengths of the chimera grid; (2) eliminating difficulties sometimes encountered in the chimera scheme, such as the orphan points and bad quality of interpolation stencils; and (3) making grid communication in a fully conservative and consistent manner insofar as the governing equations are concerned. To demonstrate its use, the governing equations are discretized using the newly proposed flux scheme, AUSM+, which will be briefly described herein. Numerical tests on representative 2D inviscid flows are given for demonstration. Finally, extension to 3D is underway, only paced by the availability of the 3D unstructured grid generator.

Liou, Meng-Sing↗

Entropy Stable h/p-Nonconforming Discretization with the Summation-by-Parts Property for the Compressible Euler and Navier–Stokes Equations

In this paper, we extend the entropy conservative/stable algorithms presented by Del Rey Fernandez and coauthors for the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations on nonconforming p-refined/coarsened curvilinear grids to h/p refinement/coarsening. The main difficulty in developing nonconforming algorithms is the construction of appropriate coupling procedures across nonconforming interfaces. Here, we utilize a computationally simple and efficient approach based upon using decoupled interpolation operators. The resulting scheme is entropy conservative/stable and elementwise conservative. Numerical simulations of the isentropic vortex and viscous shock propagation con firm the entropy conservation/stability and accuracy properties of the method (achieving ~ p + 1 convergence), which are comparable to those of the original conforming scheme. Simulations of the Taylor{Green vortex at R(e) = 1,600 and turbulent flow past a sphere at R(e(infinity)) = 2,000 show the robustness and stability properties of the overall spatial discretization for unstructured grids. Finally, to demonstrate the entropy conservation property of a fully-discrete explicit entropy stable algorithm with h=p refinement/coarsening, we present the time evolution of the entropy function obtained by simulating the propagation of the isentropic vortex using a relaxation Runge-Kutta scheme.

Nonconforming interfaces↗

Adiabatic Shock Capturing in Perfect Gas Hypersonic Flows

This paper considers the streamline-upwind Petrov/Galerkin (SUPG) method applied to the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations in conservation-variable form. The spatial discretization, including a modified approach for interpolating the inviscid flux terms in the SUPG finite element formulation, is briefly reviewed. Of particular interest is the behavior of the shock capturing operator, which is required to regularize the scheme in the presence of strong, shock-induced gradients. A standard shock capturing operator which has been widely used in previous studies by several authors is presented and discussed. Specific modifications are then made to this standard operator which are designed to produce a more physically consistent discretization in the presence of strong shock waves. The actual implementation of the term in a finite dimensional approximation is also discussed. The behavior of the standard and modified scheme is then compared for several supersonic/hypersonic flows. The modified shock capturing operator is found to preserve enthalpy in the inviscid portion of the flowfield substantially better than the standard operator.

Kirk, Benjamin S.↗

Volume 2: Explicit, multistage upwind schemes for Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

The objective of this study was to develop a high-resolution-explicit-multi-block numerical algorithm, suitable for efficient computation of the three-dimensional, time-dependent Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The resulting algorithm has employed a finite volume approach, using monotonic upstream schemes for conservation laws (MUSCL)-type differencing to obtain state variables at cell interface. Variable interpolations were written in the k-scheme formulation. Inviscid fluxes were calculated via Roe's flux-difference splitting, and van Leer's flux-vector splitting techniques, which are considered state of the art. The viscous terms were discretized using a second-order, central-difference operator. Two classes of explicit time integration has been investigated for solving the compressible inviscid/viscous flow problems--two-state predictor-corrector schemes, and multistage time-stepping schemes. The coefficients of the multistage time-stepping schemes have been modified successfully to achieve better performance with upwind differencing. A technique was developed to optimize the coefficients for good high-frequency damping at relatively high CFL numbers. Local time-stepping, implicit residual smoothing, and multigrid procedure were added to the explicit time stepping scheme to accelerate convergence to steady-state. The developed algorithm was implemented successfully in a multi-block code, which provides complete topological and geometric flexibility. The only requirement is C degree continuity of the grid across the block interface. The algorithm has been validated on a diverse set of three-dimensional test cases of increasing complexity. The cases studied were: (1) supersonic corner flow; (2) supersonic plume flow; (3) laminar and turbulent flow over a flat plate; (4) transonic flow over an ONERA M6 wing; and (5) unsteady flow of a compressible jet impinging on a ground plane (with and without cross flow). The emphasis of the test cases was validation of code, and assessment of performance, as well as demonstration of flexibility.

Elmiligui, Alaa↗

Numerical simulation of axisymmetric turbulent flow in combustors and diffusors

A method for predicting turbulent flow in combustors and diffusers is developed. The Navier-Stokes equations, incorporating a turbulence kappa-epsilon model equation, were solved in a nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. The solution applied the finite volume method to discretize the differential equations and utilized the SIMPLE algorithm iteratively to solve the differenced equations. A zonal grid method, wherein 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. However, treatment of the zonal boundaries required special handling. Boundary overlap and interpolating techniques were used and an adjustment of the flow variables was required to assure conservation of mass, momentum and energy fluxes. The numerical accuracy was assessed using different finite differencing methods, i.e., hybrid, quadratic upwind and skew upwind, to represent the convection terms. Flows in different geometries of combustors and diffusers were simulated and results compared with experimental data and good agreement was obtained.

Yung, Chain Nan↗

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↗

Computational methods for ideal compressible flow

Conservative dissipative difference schemes for computing one dimensional flow are introduced, and the recognition and representation of flow discontinuities are discussed. Multidimensional methods are outlined. Second order finite volume schemes are introduced. Conversion of difference schemes for a single linear convection equation into schemes for the hyperbolic system of the nonlinear conservation laws of ideal compressible flow is explained. Approximate Riemann solvers are presented. Monotone initial value interpolation; and limiters, switches, and artificial dissipation are considered.

Vanleer, B.↗

Positivity-preserving numerical schemes for multidimensional advection

This report describes the construction of an explicit, single time-step, conservative, finite-volume method for multidimensional advective flow, based on a uniformly third-order polynomial interpolation algorithm (UTOPIA). Particular attention is paid to the problem of flow-to-grid angle-dependent, anisotropic distortion typical of one-dimensional schemes used component-wise. The third-order multidimensional scheme automatically includes certain cross-difference terms that guarantee good isotropy (and stability). However, above first-order, polynomial-based advection schemes do not preserve positivity (the multidimensional analogue of monotonicity). For this reason, a multidimensional generalization of the first author's universal flux-limiter is sought. This is a very challenging problem. A simple flux-limiter can be found; but this introduces strong anisotropic distortion. A more sophisticated technique, limiting part of the flux and then restoring the isotropy-maintaining cross-terms afterwards, gives more satisfactory results. Test cases are confined to two dimensions; three-dimensional extensions are briefly discussed.

Leonard, B. P.↗

Interface procedures for overlapping grids

Interpolation at grid boundaries is studied for the purpose of solving partial differential equations using either implicit or conservative explicit finite-difference methods on multi-component overlapping grid systems.

Mastin, C. W.↗

Development of the general interpolants method for the CYBER 200 series of supercomputers

The General Interpolants Method (GIM) is a 3-D, time-dependent, hybrid procedure for generating numerical analogs of the conservation laws. This study is directed toward the development and application of the GIM computer code for fluid dynamic research applications as implemented for the Cyber 200 series of supercomputers. An elliptic and quasi-parabolic version of the GIM code are discussed. Turbulence models, algebraic and differential equations, were added to the basic viscous code. An equilibrium reacting chemistry model and an implicit finite difference scheme are also included.

Stalnaker, J. F.↗

Entropy Stable Nonconforming Discretizations with the Summation-By-Parts Property for Curvilinear Coordinates

The entropy conservative/stable algorithm of Friedrichet al.(2018) for hyperbolic conservation laws on nonconforming p-refined/coarsened Cartesian grids, is extended to curvilinear grids for the compressible Euler equations. The primary focus is on constructing appropriate coupling procedures across the curvilinear nonconforming interfaces. A simple and flexible approach is proposed that uses interpolation operators from one element to the other. On the element faces,the analytic metrics are used to construct coupling terms, while metric terms in the volume are approximated to satisfy a discretization of the geometric conservation laws. The resulting scheme is entropy conservative/stable, elementwise conservative, and freestream preserving. The accuracy and stability properties of the resulting numerical algorithm are shown to be comparable to those ofthe original conforming scheme (∼p+ 1 convergence) in the context of the isentropic Euler vortex and the inviscid Taylor–Green vortex problems on manufactured high order grids.

David Del Rey Fernandez↗

De-Dopplerization of aircraft acoustic signals

A de-Dopplerization scheme is devised and applied to both a tonal noise source, a XV-15 aircraft, and a broadband noise source, a F-18 aircraft. The procedure is developed from the conservation equations of fluid mechanics and is described in the paper. The corrected time history is constructed by using linear interpolation in the measured time history. This was made possible by knowing the position history of the aircraft provided by radar and/or laser tracking. The XV-15 data established that the scheme can accurately account for Doppler frequency shifts. The F-18 data confirms what has been noted in prediction models and static tests pertaining to broadband shock associated noise. That is, the peak frequency increases and the peaks broaden toward the jet axis. Another issue addressed in the study is the influence of correcting for spherical spreading and Doppler amplitude on the spectral shape and overall sound pressure levels of the source. Results from this investigation confirm that the dominant noise source in high-speed jets is due to turbulent mixing.

Kelly, Jeffrey J.↗

Development of a Robust and Efficient Parallel Solver for Unsteady Turbomachinery Flows

The traditional design and analysis practice for advanced propulsion systems relies heavily on expensive full-scale prototype development and testing. Over the past decade, use of high-fidelity analysis and design tools such as CFD early in the product development cycle has been identified as one way to alleviate testing costs and to develop these devices better, faster and cheaper. In the design of advanced propulsion systems, CFD plays a major role in defining the required performance over the entire flight regime, as well as in testing the sensitivity of the design to the different modes of operation. Increased emphasis is being placed on developing and applying CFD models to simulate the flow field environments and performance of advanced propulsion systems. This necessitates the development of next generation computational tools which can be used effectively and reliably in a design environment. The turbomachinery simulation capability presented here is being developed in a computational tool called Loci-STREAM [1]. It integrates proven numerical methods for generalized grids and state-of-the-art physical models in a novel rule-based programming framework called Loci [2] which allows: (a) seamless integration of multidisciplinary physics in a unified manner, and (b) automatic handling of massively parallel computing. The objective is to be able to routinely simulate problems involving complex geometries requiring large unstructured grids and complex multidisciplinary physics. An immediate application of interest is simulation of unsteady flows in rocket turbopumps, particularly in cryogenic liquid rocket engines. The key components of the overall methodology presented in this paper are the following: (a) high fidelity unsteady simulation capability based on Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) in conjunction with second-order temporal discretization, (b) compliance with Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) in order to maintain conservative property on moving meshes for second-order time-stepping scheme, (c) a novel cloud-of-points interpolation method (based on a fast parallel kd-tree search algorithm) for interfaces between turbomachinery components in relative motion which is demonstrated to be highly scalable, and (d) demonstrated accuracy and parallel scalability on large grids (approx 250 million cells) in full turbomachinery geometries.

West, Jeff↗

DRAGON Grid: A Three-Dimensional Hybrid Grid Generation Code Developed

Because grid generation can consume 70 percent of the total analysis time for a typical three-dimensional viscous flow simulation for a practical engineering device, payoffs from research and development could reduce costs and increase throughputs considerably. In this study, researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field developed a new hybrid grid approach with the advantages of flexibility, high-quality grids suitable for an accurate resolution of viscous regions, and a low memory requirement. These advantages will, in turn, reduce analysis time and increase accuracy. They result from an innovative combination of structured and unstructured grids to represent the geometry and the computation domain. The present approach makes use of the respective strengths of both the structured and unstructured grid methods, while minimizing their weaknesses. First, the Chimera grid generates high-quality, mostly orthogonal meshes around individual components. This process is flexible and can be done easily. Normally, these individual grids are required overlap each other so that the solution on one grid can communicate with another. However, when this communication is carried out via a nonconservative interpolation procedure, a spurious solution can result. Current research is aimed at entirely eliminating this undesired interpolation by directly replacing arbitrary grid overlapping with a nonstructured grid called a DRAGON grid, which uses the same set of conservation laws over the entire region, thus ensuring conservation everywhere. The DRAGON grid is shown for a typical film-cooled turbine vane with 33 holes and 3 plenum compartments. There are structured grids around each geometrical entity and unstructured grids connecting them. In fiscal year 1999, Glenn researchers developed and tested the three-dimensional DRAGON grid-generation tools. A flow solver suitable for the DRAGON grid has been developed, and a series of validation tests are underway.

Liou, Meng-Sing↗

Interface procedures for overlapping grids

The solution of partial differential equations by means of either implicit or conservative explicit finite-difference methods, on the one hand, or multicomponent overlapping grid schemes on the other, is presently subjected to interpolation at grid boundaries in an attempt to eliminate the time lag. The accuracy of the transient solution of a hyperbolic or parabolic partial differential equation is dependent on the procedures used to transfer information between grids in a composite grid system. The present techniques reduce numerical solution errors.

Mastin, C. Wayne↗