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At least 451 records · Page 25

Incompressible Navier-Stokes Computations in Aerospace and Beyond

Challenges in applying CFD to real world problems will be discussed using incompressible flow examples. Despite the remarkable progress made in CFD technology during the past two decades, new challenges are ahead of us. Some of these will be discussed in conjunction with the incompressible Navier-Stokes solver development and their applications. Computed examples include wing tip vortex formation and propagation, flow simulation of an advanced rocket pump, and an extension of the similar technology to biofluid analysis and design. Numerical issues dealing with these applications will be discussed both from algorithm development and from application point of view. The material will be printed in a bound volume after the symposium.

Kwak, Dochan↗

On the theory of oscillating airfoils of finite span in subsonic compressible flow

The problem of oscillating lifting surface of finite span in subsonic compressible flow is reduced to an integral equation. The kernel of the integral equation is approximated by a simpler expression, on the basis of the assumption of sufficiently large aspect ratio. With this approximation the double integral occurring in the formulation of the problem is reduced to two single integrals, one of which is taken over the chord and the other over the span of the lifting surface. On the basis of this reduction the three-dimensional problem appears separated into two two-dimensional problems, one of them being effectively the problem of two-dimensional flow and the other being the problem of spanwise circulation distribution. Earlier results concerning the oscillating lifting surface of finite span in incompressible flow are contained in the present more general results.

Reissner, Eric↗

General Fluid System Simulation Program to Model Secondary Flows in Turbomachinery

The complexity and variety of turbomachinery flow circuits created a need for a general fluid system simulation program for test data anomaly resolution as well as design review. The objective of the paper is to present a computer program that has been developed to support Marshall Space Flight Center's turbomachinery internal flow analysis efforts. The computer program solves for the mass. energy and species conservation equation at each node and flow rate equation at each branch of the network by a novel numerical procedure which is a combination of both Newton-Ralphson and successive substitution method and uses a thermodynamic property program for computing real gas properties. A generalized, robust, modular, and 'user-friendly' computer program has been developed to model internal flow rates, pressures, temperatures, concentrations of gas mixtures and axial thrusts. The program can be used for any network for compressible and incompressible flows, choked flow, change of phase and gaseous mixturecs. The code has been validated by comparing the predictions with Space Shuttle Main Engine test data.

Majumdar, Alok K.↗

Consistent boundary conditions for reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) scheme applied to three-dimensional internal viscous flows

Three-dimensional internal viscous flow problems are presently addressed by a consistent and efficient set of boundary conditions for the multisweep space-marching, pressure-elliptic Reduced Navier-Stokes scheme. Since continuity is by this means directly satisfied at all points in the flow domain, the first-order momentum equations are directly solvable for pressure without the requirement for a Poisson pressure-correction equation. Incompressible flow solutions are obtained for straight and curved ducts of square cross section, in order to validate the procedure. Usefulness is demonstrated for internal flows with strong interactions, as would be found in turbomachine geometries.

Reddy, D. R.↗

Global pressure relaxation for laminar two-dimensional internal flow

This study extends the reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) global pressure relaxation procedure developed by Rubin and co-workers for external flow to internal flow applications. The streamwise pressure gradient is split into a backward-differenced or initial value component, as in boundary layer marching, and a forward-differenced or boundary value component that represents the elliptic downstream effects. The streamwise convection terms are upwind-differenced and all other streamwise derivatives are backward-differenced. A standard boundary layer marching technique imbedded in a conventional line relaxation technique is obtained. For compressible flow the pressure iteration determines the interior flow interaction as well as the inlet mass flux that is consistent with the outflow pressure boundary condition. Results have been computed for incompressible flow in both rectangular and curved channels, and for subsonic compressible flow in the simulation of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel. Converged solutions were obtained over a range of Reynolds numbers generating small to moderately large separation bubbles.

Rosenbaum, D.↗

A three-dimensional viscous/potential flow interaction analysis method for multi-element wings

An analysis method and computer program were developed for the calculation of the viscosity dependent aerodynamic characteristics of multi-element, finite wings in incompressible flow. A fully-three dimensional potential flow program is used to determine the inviscid pressure distribution about the configuration. The potential flow program uses surface source and vortex singularities to represent the inviscid flow. The method is capable of analysing configurations having at most one slat, a main element, and two slotted flaps. Configurations are limited to full span slats or flaps. The configuration wake is allowed to relax as a force free wake, although roll up is not allowed at this time. Once the inviscid pressure distribution is calculated, a series of boundary layer computations are made along streamwise strips.

Dvorak, F. A.↗

An adaptive, data-driven multiscale approach for dense granular flows

The accuracy of coarse-grained continuum models of dense granular flows is limited by the lack of high-fidelity closure models for granular rheology. One approach to addressing this issue, referred to as the hierarchical multiscale method, is to use a high-fidelity fine-grained model to compute the closure terms needed by the coarse-grained model. The difficulty with this approach is that the overall model can become computationally intractable due to the high computational cost of the high-fidelity model. In this work, we describe a multiscale modeling approach for dense granular flows that utilizes neural networks trained using high-fidelity discrete element method (DEM) simulations to approximate the constitutive granular rheology for a continuum incompressible flow model. Our approach leverages an ensemble of neural networks to estimate predictive uncertainty that allows us to determine whether the rheology at a given point is accurately represented by the neural network model. Additional DEM simulations are only performed when needed, minimizing the number of additional DEM simulations required when updating the rheology. This adaptive coupling significantly reduces the overall computational cost of the approach while controlling the error. In addition, the neural networks are customized to learn regularized rheological behavior to ensure well-posedness of the continuum solution. We first validate the approach using two-dimensional steady-state and decelerating inclined flows. We then demonstrate the efficiency of our approach by modeling three-dimensional sub-aerial granular column collapse for varying initial column aspect ratios, where our multiscale method compares well with the computationally expensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-DEM simulation.

Dense granular flows↗

A two dimensional model of viscous slot flow

The effects of viscosity on flows through slots are investigated. Using Briley's formulation of the Alternating Direction Implicit method together with the Thompson transformation, numerical solution of viscous incompressible flow through a slot is simulated, for Reynolds number 1000 and openness ratio one tenth. The problem is formulated in terms of stream function and vorticity. A wall iteration of Israeli type is employed to iteratively induce the no slip condition on velocity.

Cooke, C. H.↗

Theory and calibration of non-nulling seven-hole cone probes for use in complex flow measurement

A seven-hole conical pressure probe capable of measuring flow conditions at angles up to 75 deg relative to its axis is described. The theoretical rationale of the seven-hole probe is developed and the calibration procedure outlined. Three-variable third order polynomials are used to represent local values of total pressure, static pressure, Mach number and relative flow angles. These flow conditions can be determined explicitly from measured probe pressures. Flow angles may be determined within 2.5 deg and Mach number within 0.05 with 95% certainty. The probe was calibrated in subsonic compressible and incompressible flows. Results of a calibration of four seven-hole probes are presented.

Everett, K. N.↗

Experimental investigation of the effect of aspect ratio and Mach number on the flutter of cantilever wings

The results of some wind-tunnel experiments to investigate the effects of aspect ratio and Mach number on the flutter of uniform, unswept, cantilever wings are reported. Models having aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 13 were tested at Mach numbers up to 0.92. No general attempt is made to correlate the data with three-dimensional-flow theory, but an examination of the data is made on the basis of reference theoretical values obtained from the two-dimensional incompressible-flow theory. On this basis a reduction in aspect ratio, in general, increased the ratio of the experimental flutter speed to the calculated flutter speed. The analysis also indicated that for a given aspect ratio, this ratio decreased slightly as the Mach number is increased.

Widmayer, E , Jr↗

Analysis of internal flows relative to the space shuttle main engine

Cooperative efforts between the Lockheed-Huntsville Computational Mechanics Group and the NASA-MSFC Computational Fluid Dynamics staff has resulted in improved capabilities for numerically simulating incompressible flows generic to the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). A well established and documented CFD code was obtained, modified, and applied to laminar and turbulent flows of the type occurring in the SSME Hot Gas Manifold. The INS3D code was installed on the NASA-MSFC CRAY-XMP computer system and is currently being used by NASA engineers. Studies to perform a transient analysis of the FPB were conducted. The COBRA/TRAC code is recommended for simulating the transient flow of oxygen into the LOX manifold. Property data for modifying the code to represent LOX/GOX flow was collected. The ALFA code was developed and recommended for representing the transient combustion in the preburner. These two codes will couple through the transient boundary conditions to simulate the startup and/or shutdown of the fuel preburner. A study, NAS8-37461, is currently being conducted to implement this modeling effort.

Source record↗

Flow structure generated by perpendicular blade-vortex interaction and implications for helicopter noise prediction. Volume 1: Measurements

The perpendicular interaction of a streamwise vortex with an infinite span helicopter blade was modeled experimentally in incompressible flow. Three-component velocity and turbulence measurements were made using a sub-miniature four sensor hot-wire probe. Vortex core parameters (radius, peak tangential velocity, circulation, and centerline axial velocity deficit) were determined as functions of blade-vortex separation, streamwise position, blade angle of attack, vortex strength, and vortex size. The downstream development of the flow shows that the interaction of the vortex with the blade wake is the primary cause of the changes in the core parameters. The blade sheds negative vorticity into its wake as a result of the induced angle of attack generated by the passing vortex. Instability in the vortex core due to its interaction with this negative vorticity region appears to be the catalyst for the magnification of the size and intensity of the turbulent flowfield downstream of the interaction. In general, the core radius increases while peak tangential velocity decreases with the effect being greater for smaller separations. These effects are largely independent of blade angle of attack; and if these parameters are normalized on their undisturbed values, then the effects of the vortex strength appear much weaker. Two theoretical models were developed to aid in extending the results to other flow conditions. An empirical model was developed for core parameter prediction which has some rudimentary physical basis, implying usefulness beyond a simple curve fit. An inviscid flow model was also created to estimate the vorticity shed by the interaction blade, and to predict the early stages of its incorporation into the interacting vortex.

Wittmer, Kenneth S.↗

An Active Model Split for Hybrid RANS/LES of Compressible Flows

Hybrid RANS/LES models have consistently shown superior accuracy over RANS in predictions of massively separated flows. However, these models have experienced difficulties with modeled stress depletion, smooth-wall separated flow, and shock-separated flows. The Active Model Split (AMS) hybridization was created to address some of the fundamental shortcomings of traditional hybrid RANS/LES models. While previous work considered incompressible flows, this paper demonstrates how the AMS framework can be extended to address compressible flows. AMS-based hybrid models for the turbulent heat flux and turbulent transport terms in the total energy equation are presented. This compressible hybrid RANS/LES framework is demonstrated on a subsonic channel, a supersonic channel, and a transonic shock-boundary layer interaction. Record includes video of presentation, to view download the mp4 video attached run time of 10 mins 18 secs.

hybrid RANS/LES↗

A Three-Dimensional Solution of Flows over Wings with Leading-Edge Vortex Separation. Part 1: Engineering Document

A method of predicting forces, moments, and detailed surface pressures on thin, sharp-edged wings with leading-edge vortex separation in incompressible flow is presented. The method employs an inviscid flow model in which the wing and the rolled-up vortex sheets are represented by piecewise, continuous quadratic doublet sheet distributions. The Kutta condition is imposed on all wing edges. Computed results are compared with experimental data and with the predictions of the leading-edge suction analogy for a selected number of wing planforms over a wide range of angle of attack. These comparisons show the method to be very promising, capable of producing not only force predictions, but also accurate predictions of detailed surface pressure distributions, loads, and moments.

Brune, G. W.↗

Large-eddy simulation of flow past a circular cylinder

Some of the most challenging applications of large-eddy simulation are those in complex geometries where spectral methods are of limited use. For such applications more conventional methods such as finite difference or finite element have to be used. However, it has become clear in recent years that dissipative numerical schemes which are routinely used in viscous flow simulations are not good candidates for use in LES of turbulent flows. Except in cases where the flow is extremely well resolved, it has been found that upwind schemes tend to damp out a significant portion of the small scales that can be resolved on the grid. Furthermore, it has been found that even specially designed higher-order upwind schemes that have been used successfully in the direct numerical simulation of turbulent flows produce too much dissipation when used in conjunction with large-eddy simulation. The objective of the current study is to perform a LES of incompressible flow past a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 3900 using a solver which employs an energy-conservative second-order central difference scheme for spatial discretization and compare the results obtained with those of Beaudan & Moin (1994) and with the experiments in order to assess the performance of the central scheme for this relatively complex geometry.

Mittal, R.↗

Factors Influencing Pitot Probe Centerline Displacement in a Turbulent Supersonic Boundary Layer

When a total pressure probe is used for measuring flows with transverse total pressure gradients, a displacement of the effective center of the probe is observed (designated Delta). While this phenomenon is well documented in incompressible flow and supersonic laminar flow, there is insufficient information concerning supersonic turbulent flow. In this study, three NASA Lewis Research Center Supersonic Wind Tunnels (SWT's) were used to investigate pitot probe centerline displacement in supersonic turbulent boundary layers. The relationship between test conditions and pitot probe centerline displacement error was to be determined. For this investigation, ten circular probes with diameter-to-boundary layer ratios (D/delta) ranging from 0.015 to 0.256 were tested in the 10 ft x 10 ft SWT, the 15 cm x 15 cm SWT, and the 1 ft x 1 ft SWT. Reynolds numbers of 4.27 x 10(exp 6)/m, 6.00 x 10(exp 6)/in, 10.33 x 10(exp 6)/in, and 16.9 x 10(exp 6)/m were tested at nominal Mach numbers of 2.0 and 2.5. Boundary layer thicknesses for the three tunnels were approximately 200 mm, 13 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. Initial results indicate that boundary layer thickness, delta, and probe diameter, D/delta play a minimal role in pitot probe centerline offset error, Delta/D. It appears that the Mach gradient, dM/dy, is an important factor, though the exact relationship has not yet been determined. More data is needed to fill the map before a conclusion can be drawn with any certainty. This research provides valuable supersonic, turbulent boundary layer data from three supersonic wind tunnels with three very different boundary layers. It will prove a valuable stepping stone for future research into the factors influencing pitot probe centerline offset error.

Grosser, Wendy I.↗

An implicit finite-difference code for a two-equation turbulence model for three-dimensional flows

An implicit finite difference code was developed which solves the transport equations for the turbulence kinetic energy and its dissipation rate in generalized coordinates in three dimensions. The finite difference equations are solved using the Beam-Warming algorithm. The kinetic energy-dissipation code, KEM, provides the closure; i.e., the turbulent viscosity for calculation of either compressible or incompressible flows. Turbulent internal flow over a backward-facing step has been calculated using the present code in conjunction with the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Code, INS3D. The results are in good agreement with experiments and two dimensional computations of other researchers.

Kaul, U. K.↗

The effects of trailing vorticity on the flow through highly loaded cascades

This paper presents a procedure whereby three-dimensional inviscid flow through a highly loaded turbomachinery cascade of lifting lines can be treated by methods corresponding to classical aerodynamic theory. In contrast to earlier linearized (thin airfoil) three-dimensional theory, the present study allows analysis of the flow corresponding to the large turning and/or large pressure ratios induced by practical rotors or stators. For the sake of simplicity, the present paper is limited to incompressible flow through a highly loaded rectilinear cascade and to the design problem; i.e., given blade loading. Formulas are derived for both the mean and the three-dimensional components of the flow; in particular, the velocities at the blades induced by the trailing vorticity associated with nonuniform blade circulation are determined.

Mccune, J. E.↗