Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “dependence”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24

Time-dependent aerodynamic analysis of ducted and unducted propfans at angle of attack

A three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic analysis is described for predicting the time-dependent flow about ducted and unducted propfans operating at angle of attack. Although the freestream is assumed to be uniform, the flow relative to the rotating blades varies with circumferential position, resulting in an inherent unsteadiness due to the nonaxial inflow. The time-dependent Euler equations are solved utilizing a Runge-Kutta time-stepping scheme. The analysis is based on a finite-volume discretization employing a multiple-block grid network. To permit the use of large calculation time steps, an implicit residual smoothing scheme previously tested for unsteady flow calculations in two dimensions is extended to three spatial dimensions. For unducted propfans, a single H-type grid block is used for each blade passage to determine the time-periodic flowfield. For ducted propfans (ultra-high bypass fans) a body-centered C-type grid is wrapped about the cowl to improve the accuracy of the analysis in the high gradient flow region near the cowl leading edge. Numerical results are compared with available data for both ducted and unducted propfans operating at angle of attack.

Hall, Edward J.↗

Time dependency of temperature of a laser-irradiated infrared target pixel as a low-pass filter

The thermal response of a surface layer of a pixel on an infrared target simulator is discussed. This pixel is maintained at a constant temperature by a rapidly scanning laser beam. An analytical model has been developed to describe the exact temperature dependence of a pixel as a function of time for different pixel refresh rates. The top layer of the pixel surface that generates the gray-body radiation shows the temperature dependence on time that is characteristic of a low-pass filter. The experimental results agree with the analytical predictions. The application of a pulsed laser beam to a noncontact, nondestructive diagnostic technique of surface characterization for the presence of microdefects is discussed.

Scholl, Marija S.↗

Central difference TVD and TVB schemes for time dependent and steady state problems

We use central differences to solve the time dependent Euler equations. The schemes are all advanced using a Runge-Kutta formula in time. Near shocks, a second difference is added as an artificial viscosity. This reduces the scheme to a first order upwind scheme at shocks. The switch that is used guarantees that the scheme is locally total variation diminishing (TVD). For steady state problems it is usually advantageous to relax this condition. Then small oscillations do not activate the switches and the convergence to a steady state is improved. To sharpen the shocks, different coefficients are needed for different equations and so a matrix valued dissipation is introduced and compared with the scalar viscosity. The connection between this artificial viscosity and flux limiters is shown. Any flux limiter can be used as the basis of a shock detector for an artificial viscosity. We compare the use of the van Leer, van Albada, mimmod, superbee, and the 'average' flux limiters for this central difference scheme. For time dependent problems, we need to use a small enough time step so that the CFL was less than one even though the scheme was linearly stable for larger time steps. Using a total variation bounded (TVB) Runge-Kutta scheme yields minor improvements in the accuracy.

Jorgenson, P.↗

The simulated features of heliospheric cosmic-ray modulation with a time-dependent drift model. I - General effects of the changing neutral sheet over the period 1985-1990

A time-dependent drift model is used to simulate the heliospheric modulation of galactic cosmic rays, with emphasis on the effects of the wavy heliospheric neutral sheet (HNS) as a function of time during the period 1985-1990. The model predicted a clearly defined time difference between the time when minimum modulation occurred at earth and at radial distances farther away from the sun, indicating that the HNS plays an important part in establishing this observed time delay. The movements of the Voyager 1 and 2 and Pioneer 10 spacecraft were simulated in order to calculate instantaneous radial and latitudinal gradients. The time dependencies of these gradients were found to follow the observations well. The model study indicates that the HNS cannot be ignored, especially during periods of low to moderate solar activity, when the modulation of cosmic rays is described.

Potgieter, M. S.↗

Stress versus temperature dependence of activation energies for creep

The activation energy for creep at low stresses and elevated temperatures is associated with lattice diffusion, where the rate controlling mechanism for deformation is dislocation climb. At higher stresses and intermediate temperatures, the rate controlling mechanism changes from dislocation climb to obstacle-controlled dislocation glide. Along with this change in deformation mechanism occurs a change in the activation energy. When the rate controlling mechanism for deformation is obstacle-controlled dislocation glide, it is shown that a temperature-dependent Gibbs free energy does better than a stress-dependent Gibbs free energy in correlating steady-state creep data for both copper and LiF-22mol percent CaF2 hypereutectic salt.

Freed, A. D.↗

Energy dependence of normal branch quasi-periodic intensity oscillations in low-mass X-ray binaries

The properties of the approximately 6 Hz quasi-periodic X-ray intensity oscillations observed in the low-mass X-ray binary Cyg X-2 when it is on the normal spectral branch are shown to be consistent with a model in which photons from a central source with a fixed spectrum are Comptonized by an oscillating radial inflow. As the electron scattering optical depth of the flow varies, the spectrum of the escaping X-rays appears to rotate about a pivot energy that depends mainly on the electron temperature in the flow. The temperature derived from the observed energy dependence of the Cyg X-2 normal branch oscillations is approximately 1 keV, in good agreement with the estimated Compton temperature of its X-ray spectrum. The mean optical depth tau of the Comptonizing flow is inferred to be about 10, while the change in tau over an oscillation is estimated to be about 1; both values are in good agreement with radiation hydrodcode simulations of the radial flow.

Miller, Guy S.↗

Structure/load dependent vectors for linear structural dynamic analysis

The dynamic solution vectors yielded by the present structure/load dependent-vectors method for large-scale linear structural dynamic analyses involving complex loadings can be used as starting vectors, so that both structure and load characteristics are encompassed by the basis vectors. The method is shown to entail fewer vectors than current alternatives for a given level of accuracy, especially in the cases of structures that have external concentrated masses. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the advantages of this dependent-vectors method relative to other reduction methods.

Qin, Jiangning↗

The beta dependence of the collisionless tearing instability at the dayside magnetopause

The beta dependence (where beta is the ratio between plasma pressure to magnetic pressure) of the collisionless tearing instability at the dayside magnetopause current sheet was investigated analytically for several current sheet models. The results show that, when the asymmetry of the dayside magnetopause current sheet is taken into account, the beta dependence of the collisionless tearing instability at the dayside magnetopause is controlled by the magnetic field profile across the magnetopause current sheet.

Ding, D. Q.↗

Reynolds number dependence of the freestream turbulence effects on turbulent boundary layers

Published experimental data on the influence of freestream turbulence on turbulent boundary layers were examined to determine the effect of Reynolds number on such influence. Two manifestations of the effect of low Reynolds numbers on the outer layer were observed: (1) the dependence of Clauser's shape parameter G on Reynolds number at very low Reynolds numbers and (2) the reduction in the wake component due to freestream turbulence undergoing a reversal in the Reynolds number dependence. These observations were used to modify Hancock's (1980) freestream turbulence parameter.

Bandyopadhyay, Promode R.↗

Temperature dependence of the electrode kinetics of oxygen reduction at the platinum/Nafion interface - A microelectrode investigation

Results of a study of the temperature dependence of the oxygen reduction kinetics at the Pt/Nafion interface are presented. This study was carried out in the temperature range of 30-80 C and at 5 atm of oxygen pressure. The results showed a linear increase of the Tafel slope with temperature in the low current density region, but the Tafel slope was found to be independent of temperature in the high current density region. The values of the activation energy for oxygen reduction at the platinum/Nafion interface are nearly the same as those obtained at the platinum/trifluoromethane sulfonic acid interface but less than values obtained at the Pt/H3PO4 and Pt/HClO4 interfaces. The diffusion coefficient of oxygen in Nafion increases with temperature while its solubility decreases with temperature. These temperatures also depend on the water content of the membrane.

Parthasarathy, Arvind↗

Methods and principles for determining task dependent interface content

Computer generated information displays provide a promising technology for offsetting the increasing complexity of the National Airspace System. To realize this promise, however, we must extend and adapt the domain-dependent knowledge that informally guides the design of traditional dedicated displays. In our view, the successful exploitation of computer generated displays revolves around the idea of information management, that is, the identification, organization, and presentation of relevant and timely information in a complex task environment. The program of research that is described leads to methods and principles for information management in the domain of commercial aviation. The multi-year objective of the proposed program of research is to develop methods and principles for determining task dependent interface content.

Shalin, Valerie L.↗

Fully energy-dependent HZETRN (a galactic cosmic-ray transport code)

For extended manned space missions, the radiation shielding design requires efficient and accurate cosmic-ray transport codes that can handle the physics processes in detail. The Langley Research Center galactic cosmic-ray transport code (HZETRN) is currently under development for such design use. The cross sections for the production of secondary nucleons in the existing HZETRN code are energy dependent only for nucleon collisions. The approximation of energy-independent, heavy-ion fragmentation cross section is now removed by implementing a mathematically simplified energy-dependent stepping formalism for heavy ions. The cross section at each computational grid is obtained by linear interpolation from a few tabulated data to minimize computing time. Test runs were made for galactic cosmic-ray transport through a liquid hydrogen shield and a water shield at solar minimum. The results show no appreciable change in total fluxes or computing time compared with energy-independent calculations. Differences in high LET (linear energy transfer) spectra are noted, however, because of the large variation in cross sections at the low-energy region. The high LET components are significantly higher in the new code and have important implications on biological risk estimates for heavy-ion exposure.

Shinn, Judy L.↗

Time dependent heat transfer rates in high Reynolds number hypersonic flowfields

Time dependent heat transfer rates have been calculated from time dependent temperature measurements in the vicinity of shock-wave boundary-layer interactions due to conical compression ramps on an axisymmetric body. The basic model is a cylindrical body with a 10 degree conical nose. Four conical ramps, 20, 25, 30, and 35 degrees serve as shock wave generators. Flowfield surveys have been made in the vicinity of the conical ramp vertex, the separation point, and the reattachment point. A significant effort was made to characterize the natural frequencies and relative powers of the resulting fluctuations in heat transfer rates. This research effort, sponsored jointly by NASA and the Air Force, was conducted in the Air Force Flight Dynamics Directorate High Reynolds Facility. The nominal freestream Mach number was 6, and the freestream Reynolds numbers ranged from 2.2 million/ft to 30.0 million/ft. Experimental results quantify temperature response and the resulting heat transfer rates as a function of ramp angle and Reynolds number. The temperature response within the flowfield appears to be steady-state for all compression ramp angles and all Reynolds numbers, and hence, the heat transfer rates appear to be steady-state.

Flanagan, Michael J.↗

'Self-consistent' production of ion conics on return current region auroral field lines - A time-dependent, semi-kinetic model

We describe initial results from a time-dependent, semi-kinetic model of plasma outflow incorporating wave-particle interactions along current-carrying auroral field lines. Electrostatic waves are generated by the current driven ion cyclotron instability (CDICI), causing perpendicular velocity diffusion of ions plus electron heating via anomalous resistivity when and where the relative drift between electrons and ions exceeds certain critical velocities. Using the local bulk parameters we calculate these critical velocities, and so are able to self-consistently switch on and off the heating of the various particle species. Due to the dependence of these critical velocities on the bulk parameters of the species the heating effects exhibit quite complex spatial and temporal variations. A wide range of ion distribution functions are observed in these simulations, including conics with energies of a few electron volts and 'ring' distributions. The rings are seen to be a natural result of transverse heating and velocity filter effects and do not require coherent acceleration processes. We also observe the formation of a density depletion in hydrogen and enhanced oxygen densities at high altitudes.

Brown, David G.↗

A semi-empirical model for the complete orientation dependence of the growth rate for vapor phase epitaxy - Chloride VPE of GaAs

A semi-empirical model has been developed to determine the complete crystallographic orientation dependence of the growth rate for vapor phase epitaxy (VPE). Previous researchers have been able to determine this dependence for a limited range of orientations; however, our model yields relative growth rate information for any orientation. This model for diamond and zincblende structure materials is based on experimental growth rate data, gas phase diffusion, and surface reactions. Data for GaAs chloride VPE is used to illustrate the model. The resulting growth rate polar diagrams are used in conjunction with Wulff constructions to simulate epitaxial layer shapes as grown on patterned substrates. In general, this model can be applied to a variety of materials and vapor phase epitaxy systems.

Seidel-Salinas, L. K.↗

Martian global dust storms - Zonally symmetric numerical simulations including size-dependent particle transport

A zonally symmetric primitive-equation grid-point model of the Martian atmosphere is coupled with an aerosol transport/microphysical model in order to numerically investigate the size-dependent transport of dust particles in the Martian atmosphere. The coupled model accounts for diabatic heating due to a radiatively active evolving dust field, but neglects feedbacks between atmosphere-surface interactions and surface dust lifting. The differing suspension lifetimes of dust particles of various sizes (radius = 1-80 microns), in conjunction with spatially varying atmospheric dynamics, result in latitudinal differences in several measurements of the column integrated particle concentration. This work indicates the importance of considering the full range of particle sizes (and shapes) of the suspended dust during Martian global dust storms and their impact upon the spatial extent and wavelength-dependent radiative influence of such storms.

Murphy, James R.↗

Frequency-dependent FDTD methods using Z transforms

While the frequency-dependent finite-difference time-domain, or (FD)2TD, method can correctly calculate EM propagation through media whose dielectric properties are frequency-dependent, more elaborate applications lead to greater (FD)2TD complexity. Z-transform theory is presently used to develop the mathematical bases of the (FD)2TD method, simultaneously obtaining a clearer formulation and allowing researchers to draw on the existing literature of systems analysis and signal-processing.

Sullivan, Dennis M.↗

Improved dynamic analysis method using load-dependent Ritz vectors

The dynamic analysis of large space structures is important in order to predict their behavior under operating conditions. Computer models of large space structures are characterized by having a large number of degrees of freedom, and the computational effort required to carry out the analysis is very large. Conventional methods of solution utilize a subset of the eigenvectors of the system, but for systems with many degrees of freedom, the solution of the eigenproblem is in many cases the most costly phase of the analysis. For this reason, alternate solution methods need to be considered. It is important that the method chosen for the analysis be efficient and that accurate results be obtainable. It is important that the method chosen for the analysis be efficient and that accurate results be obtainable. The load dependent Ritz vector method is presented as an alternative to the classical normal mode methods for obtaining dynamic responses of large space structures. A simplified model of a space station is used to compare results. Results show that the load dependent Ritz vector method predicts the dynamic response better than the classical normal mode method. Even though this alternate method is very promising, further studies are necessary to fully understand its attributes and limitations.

Escobedo-Torres, J.↗