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At least 469 records · Page 26

Blast wave in a nozzle for propulsive applications

The reported investigation has been conducted in connection with studies concerning the development of a propulsion system based on the use of a detonating fluid propellant. Measurements have been made of the pressure and shock wave velocity in a conical nozzle at various ambient pressures and at an ambient temperature of 25 C. In the experiments a small amount of explosive was placed at the end wall of a conical aluminum nozzle and detonated by a microdetonator inside the nozzle. Differences regarding the characteristics of conventional chemical propulsion and detonation propulsion are illustrated with the aid of a graph. One- and two-dimensional numerical flow calculations were performed and compared with the experimental data.

Varsi, G.↗

On the interaction of stationary crossflow vortices and Tollmien-Schlichting waves in the boundary layer on a rotating disc

There are many fluid flows where the onset of transition can be caused by different instability mechanisms which compete among themselves. The interaction is considered of two types of instability mode (at an asymptotically large Reynolds number) which can occur in the flow above a rotating disc. In particular, the interaction is examined between lower branch Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves and the upper branch, stationary, inviscid crossflow vortex whose asymptotic structure has been described by Hall (1986). This problem is studied in the context of investigating the effect of the vortex on the stability characteristics of a small TS wave. Essentially, it is found that the primary effect is felt through the modification to the mean flow induced by the presence of the vortex. Initially, the TS wave is taken to be linear in character and it is shown (for the cases of both a linear and a nonlinear stationary vortex) that the vortex can exhibit both stabilizing and destabilizing effects on the TS wave and the nature of this influence is wholly dependent upon the orientation of this latter instability. Further, the problem is examined with a larger TS wave, whose size is chosen so as to ensure that this mode is nonlinear in its own right. An amplitude equation for the evolution of the TS wave is derived which admits solutions corresponding to finite amplitude, stable, traveling waves.

Bassom, Andrew P.↗

On the interaction of stationary crossflow vortices and Tollmien-Schlichting waves in the boundary layer on a rotating disc

There are many fluid flows where the onset of transition can be caused by different instability mechanisms which compete among themselves. The interaction is considered of two types of instability mode (at an asymptotically large Reynolds number) which can occur in the flow above a rotating disc. In particular, the interaction is examined between lower branch Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves and the upper branch, stationary, inviscid crossflow vortex whose asymptotic structure has been described by Hall (1986). This problem is studied in the context of investigating the effect of the vortex on the stability characteristics of a small TS wave. Essentially, it is found that the primary effect is felt through the modification to the mean flow induced by the presence of the vortex. Initially, the TS wave is taken to be linear in character and it is shown (for the cases of both a linear and a nonlinear stationary vortex) that the vortex can exhibit both stabilizing and destabilizing effects on the TS wave and the nature of this influence is wholly dependent upon the orientation of this latter instability. Further, the problem is examined with a larger TS wave, whose size is chosen so as to ensure that this mode is nonlinear in its own right. An amplitude equation for the evolution of the TS wave is derived which admits solutions corresponding to finite amplitude, stable, traveling waves.

Bassom, Andrew P.↗

Numerical experimentation on spherically symmetric one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic /MHD/ wave propagation

Radial propagation of one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves are analyzed numerically on the basis of the Implicit-Continuous-Fluid-Eulerian (ICE) scheme. Accuracy of the numerical method and other properties are tested through the study of MHD wave propagation. The three different modes of MHD waves (i.e., fast-, slow- and Alfven (transverse) mode) are generated by applying physically consistent boundary perturbations derived from MHD compatibility relations. It is shown that the resulting flow following these waves depend upon the relative configurations of the initial magnetic field and boundary perturbations.

Han, S. M.↗

Wave generation

There are three principal kinds of wave generation mechanisms, corresponding to each of the three conservation laws that govern fluid motions: a changing mass flux into a stable atmosphere; convective motion; and energy exchange between a wave and the surrounding atmosphere. These mechanisms are applied to three kinds of waves: acoustic, gravity, and Alfven waves. They are pure cases, distinguished by their different restoring forces pressure for acoustic waves, buoyancy for gravity waves, and magnetic tension for Alfven waves.

Stein, R. F.↗

Modeling the spectral modification of lower hybrid wave in the presence of drift-wave type density fluctuation in the scrape-off-layer of the EAST tokamak

In this work, the spectrum change of the lower hybrid (LH) waves caused by a low-frequency density fluctuation in the scrape-off-layer is studied by applying the wave scattering model developed by Bonoli and Ott [Phys. Fluids 25, 359 (1982)] via a Monte Carlo method. A ray-tracing model specific to this purpose is developed to evaluate the probability distribution of both the poloidal refractive index (N θ ) and the parallel refractive index (N ∥ ) of the LH wave at the last closed flux surface (LCFS).The probability distributions of N ∥ and N θ at the LCFS are studied using the EAST parameters as a function of wave frequency, the initial N ∥ , and the polar injection position, which may influence the lower hybrid current drive efficiency.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Flowfield-Dependent Mixed Explicit-Implicit (FDMEL) Algorithm for Computational Fluid Dynamics

Despite significant achievements in computational fluid dynamics, there still remain many fluid flow phenomena not well understood. For example, the prediction of temperature distributions is inaccurate when temperature gradients are high, particularly in shock wave turbulent boundary layer interactions close to the wall. Complexities of fluid flow phenomena include transition to turbulence, relaminarization separated flows, transition between viscous and inviscid incompressible and compressible flows, among others, in all speed regimes. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new approach, called the Flowfield-Dependent Mixed Explicit-Implicit (FDMEI) method, in an attempt to resolve these difficult issues in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In this process, a total of six implicitness parameters characteristic of the current flowfield are introduced. They are calculated from the current flowfield or changes of Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers, Peclet numbers, and Damkoehler numbers (if reacting) at each nodal point and time step. This implies that every nodal point or element is provided with different or unique numerical scheme according to their current flowfield situations, whether compressible, incompressible, viscous, inviscid, laminar, turbulent, reacting, or nonreacting. In this procedure, discontinuities or fluctuations of an variables between adjacent nodal points are determined accurately. If these implicitness parameters are fixed to certain numbers instead of being calculated from the flowfield information, then practically all currently available schemes of finite differences or finite elements arise as special cases. Some benchmark problems to be presented in this paper will show the validity, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed methodology.

Garcia, S. M.↗

Basic studies of baroclinic flows

A fully nonlinear 3-dimensional numerical model (GEOSIM), previously developed and validated for several cases of geophysical fluid flow, has been used to investigate the dynamical behavior of laboratory experiments of fluid flows similar to those of the Earth's atmosphere. The phenomena investigated are amplitude vacillation, and the response of the fluid system to uneven heating and cooling. The previous year's work included hysteresis in the transition between axisymmetric and wave flow. Investigation is also continuing of the flows in the Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell (GFFC), a low-gravity Spacelab experiment. Much of the effort in the past year has been spent in validation of the model under a wide range of external parameters including nonlinear flow regimes. With the implementation of a 3-dimensional upwind differencing scheme, higher spectral resolution, and a shorter time step, the model has been found capable of predicting the majority of flow regimes observed in one complete series of baroclinic annulus experiments of Pfeffer and co-workers. Detailed analysis of amplitude vacillation has revealed that the phase splitting described in the laboratory experiments occurs in some but not all cases. Through the use of animation of the models output, a vivid 3-dimensional view of the phase splitting was shown to the audience of the Southeastern Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Conference in March of this year. A study on interannual variability was made using GEOSIM with periodic variations in the thermal forcing. Thus far, the model has not predicted a chaotic behavior as observed in the experiments, although there is a sensitivity in the wavenumber selection to the initial conditions. Work on this subject, and on annulus experiments with non-axisymmetric thermal heating, will continue. The comparison of GEOSIM's predictions will result from the Spacelab 3 GFFC experiments continued over the past year, on a 'back-burner' basis. At this point, the study (in the form of a draft of a journal article) is nearly completed. The results from GEOSIM compared very well with the experiments, and the use of the model allows the demonstration of flow mechanics that were not possible with the experimental data. For example, animation of the model output shows that the forking of the spiral bands is a transient phenomenon, due to the differential east-west propagation of convection bands from different latitudes.

Miller, Timothy L.↗

Exploring the Use of Alfven Waves in Magnetometer Calibration at Geosynchronous Orbit

An Alfven wave is a type magnetohydrodynamicwave that travels through a conducting fluid under the influence of a magnetic field. Researchers have successfully calculated offset vectors of magnetometers in interplanetary space by optimizing the offset to maximize certain Alfvenic properties of observed waves (Leinweber, Belcher). If suitable Alfven waves can be found in the magnetosphere at geosynchronous altitude then these techniques could be used to augment the overall calibration plan for magnetometers in this region such as on the GOES spacecraft, possibly increasing the time between regular maneuvers. Calibration maneuvers may be undesirable because they disrupt the activities of other instruments. Various algorithms to calculate an offset using Alfven waves were considered. A new variation of the Davis-Smith method was derived because it can be mathematically shown that the Davis-Smith method tolerates filtered data, which expands potential applications. The variant developed was designed to find only the offset in the plane normal to the main field because the overall direction of Earth's magnetic field rarely changes, and theory suggests the Alfvenic disturbances occur transverse to the main field. Other variations of the Davis-Smith method encounter problems with data containing waves that propagate in mostly the same direction. A searching algorithm was then designed to look for periods of time with potential Alfven waves in GOES 15 data based on parameters requiring that disturbances be normal to the main field and not change field magnitude. Final waves for calculation were hand-selected. These waves produced credible two-dimensional offset vectors when input to the Davis-Smith method. Multiple two-dimensional solutions in different planes can be combined to get a measurement of the complete offset. The resulting three dimensional offset did not show sufficient precision over several years to be used as a primary calibration method, but reflected changes in the offset fairly well, suggesting that the method could be helpful in monitoring trends of the offset vector when maneuvers cannot be used.

calibration↗

Variably Premixed Rotating Detonation Engine for Evaluation of Detonation Cycle Dynamics

A variably premixed rotating detonation engine using gaseous hydrogen and air reactants is introduced to enable investigation of key cycle processes while varying the homogeneity of the reactant inlet conditions. Two chamber configurations are investigated, the first with reactants filling the entire span of a straight annular channel and the second with a slightly larger channel and a backward-facing step. The first configuration permits both premixed and non-premixed fuel injection, enabling mixing quality modulation. The second configuration is operated only at fully premixed conditions. Operating modes and detonation wave speeds are characterized using exhaust-plume imaging, while the chamber heat release field is captured by transverse imaging through a transparent outer body. Tests using the first configuration were characterized by unstable counterpropagating modes with low detonation wave speeds regardless of the state of premixing, while the second configuration rendered single-wave behavior with wave speeds up to 86% of the Chapman–Jouguet velocity. Comparisons with a simple computational fluid dynamics model of the second configuration indicate that reactant preheating significantly influences the detonation wave topology, highlighting the potential utility of the test platform for isolating key physics associated with the effects of reactant premixing, preheating, and chamber geometry on rotating detonation engine operation.

Detonation↗

Seismic monitoring of well integrity

Seismic tube waves, produced by flexure of the well boundary, pressure changes in the fluid in the well, and deformation of the material immediately surrounding the well, are particularly sensitive to variations in the state of the well. In this work, we evaluate a direct approach for generating and observing tube waves as a means of detecting well damage. While we find that it can be difficult to reliably excite observable tube waves without a very strong surface source, time-frequency techniques can be employed to increase the detectability of tube wave reflections. New technologies, particularly distributed acoustic sensing, hold great promise for evaluating well integrity by monitoring tube waves, temperature changes, and seismic noise due to well deformation and fluid leakage.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Using second-sound shock waves to probe the intrinsic critical velocity of liquid helium II

A critical velocity truly intrinsic to liquid helium II is experimentally sought in the bulk fluid far from the apparatus walls. Termed the 'fundamental critical velocity,' it necessarily is caused by mutual interactions which operate between the two fluid components and which are activated at large relative velocities. It is argued that flow induced by second-sound shock waves provides the ideal means by which to activate and isolate the fundamental critical velocity from other extraneous fluid-wall interactions. Experimentally it is found that large-amplitude second-sound shock waves initiate a breakdown in the superfluidity of helium II, which is dramatically manifested as a limit to the maximum attainable shock strength. This breakdown is shown to be caused by a fundamental critical velocity. Secondary effects include boiling for ambient pressures near the saturated vapor pressure or the formation of helium I boundary layers at higher ambient pressures. When compared to the intrinsic critical velocity discovered in highly restricted geometries, the shock-induced critical velocity displays a similar temperature dependence and is the same order of magnitude.

Turner, T. N.↗

Three-dimensional spacecraft angular momentum fluctuations due to gravity jitter excited slosh waves in liquid propellant system

The paper investigates the dynamical behavior of fluids affected by asymmetric gravity jitter oscillations, in particular the effect of surface tension on partially filled rotating fluids (cryogenic liquid helium and helium vapor) in a subscale Gravity Probe-B spacecraft propellant dewar tank imposed by time-dependent variation in the direction of the background gravity environment. It is shown that lower frequency gravity jitter imposed on the time-dependent variation in the direction of background gravity induced a greater amplitude of oscillations and a stronger degree of asymmetry in liquid-vapor interface geometry than that made by the higher frequency gravity jitter. Fluctuations of angular momentum and spacecraft moment caused by slosh wave excitation are also studied. Slosh-wave-induced fluctuations in angular momentum and moment are important factors in spacecraft dynamics, guidance, and attitude controls.

Hung, R. J.↗

Fluid dynamic aspects of jet noise generation

The propagation of sound waves inside a jet (single or multiple) was studied with particular attention to refraction of ray trajectories and distortion of wave profile due to nonlinear effects. An experimental method is used in studying this phenomenon which consists of injecting from outside the jet, at one or various points near the mixing zone, a set of pressure signals, and detecting them with one or more microphones placed inside the jet. The signals are detected in the presence of the background noise of the jet itself. Signal processing and instrumentation are discussed along with noise detection.

Source record↗

Impact on a Compressible Fluid

Upon impact of a solid body on the plane surface of a fluid, there occurs on the vetted surface of the body an abrupt pressure rise which propagates into both media with the speed of sound. Below, we assume the case where the speed of propagation of sound in the body which falls on the surface of the fluid may be regarded as infinitely large in comparison with the speed of propagation of sound in the fluid; that is, we shall assume that the falling body is absolutely rigid. IN this case, the entire relative speed of the motion which takes place at the beginning of the impact is absorbed by the fluid. The hydrodynamic pressures arising thereby are propagated from the contact surface within the fluid with the speed of sound in the form of compression and expansion waves and are gradually damped. After this, they are dispersed like impact pressures, reach ever larger regions of the fluid remote fran the body and became equal to zero; in the fluid there remain hydrodynamic pressures corresponding to the motion of the body after the impact. Neglecting the forces of viscosity and taking into account, furthermore, that the motion of the fluid begins from a state of rest, according to Thomson's theorem, we may consider the motion of an ideal compressible fluid in the process of impact to be potential. We examine the case of impact upon the surface of a ccmpressible fluid of a flat plate of infinite extent or of a body, the immersed part of the surface of which may be called approximately flat. In this report we discuss the first phase of the impact pressure on the surface of a fluid, prior to the appearance of a cavity, since at this stage the hydrodynamic pressures reach their maximum values. Observations, after the fall of the bodies on the surface of the fluid, show that the free surface of the fluid at this stage is almost completely at rest if one does not take into account the small rise in the neighborhood of the boundaries of the impact surface.

Egorov, L. T.↗

Magnetized laser–plasma interactions in high-energy-density systems: Parallel propagation

In this study, we investigate parametric processes in magnetized plasmas, driven by a large-amplitude pump light wave. Our focus is on laser–plasma interactions relevant to high-energy-density (HED) systems, such as the National Ignition Facility and the Sandia MagLIF concept. We present a self-contained derivation of a “parametric” dispersion relation for magnetized three-wave interactions, meaning the pump wave is included in the equilibrium, similar to the unmagnetized work of Drake et al., Phys. Fluids 17, 778 (1974). For this, we use a multi-species plasma fluid model and Maxwell's equations. The application of an external B field causes right- and left-polarized light waves to propagate with differing phase velocities. This leads to Faraday rotation of the polarization, which can be significant in HED conditions. Phase-matching and linear wave dispersion relations show that Raman and Brillouin scattering have modified spectra due to the background B field, though this effect is usually small in systems of current practical interest. We study a scattering process we call stimulated whistler scattering, where a light wave decays to an electromagnetic whistler wave (ω≲ω ce ) and a Langmuir wave. This only occurs in the presence of an external B field, which is required for the whistler wave to exist.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Shock-compressed silicon: Hugoniot and sound speed up to 2100 GPa

In this work, the high-pressure equation of state and isentropic sound speed of fluid silicon were studied using laser-driven shock waves. Principal Hugoniot measurements to 2100 GPa were performed using impedance matching to an α-quartz reference. Sound speed was determined by time correlating imposed shock-velocity perturbations in both the sample (Si) and reference material (α-quartz). A change in shock velocity versus particle velocity (u s –u p ) slope on the fluid silicon principal Hugoniot was detected at 200 GPa. Density functional theory-based quantum molecular dynamics simulations suggest that an increase in ionic coordination and 50% increase in average ionization is coincident with the experimentally observed change in slope.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗