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At least 487 records · Page 27

Simulation of probabilistic wind loads and building analysis

Probabilistic wind loads likely to occur on a structure during its design life are predicted. Described here is a suitable multifactor interactive equation (MFIE) model and its use in the Composite Load Spectra (CLS) computer program to simulate the wind pressure cumulative distribution functions on four sides of a building. The simulated probabilistic wind pressure load was applied to a building frame, and cumulative distribution functions of sway displacements and reliability against overturning were obtained using NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structure Under Stress), a stochastic finite element computer code. The geometry of the building and the properties of building members were also considered as random in the NESSUS analysis. The uncertainties of wind pressure, building geometry, and member section property were qualified in terms of their respective sensitivities on the structural response.

Shah, Ashwin R.↗

Analytical solution for the cumulative wake of wind turbines in wind farms

This paper solves an approximate form of conservation of mass and momentum for a turbine in a wind farm array. The solution is a fairly simple explicit relationship that predicts the streamwise velocity distribution within a wind farm with an arbitrary layout. As this model is obtained by solving flow-governing equations directly for a turbine that is subject to upwind turbine wakes, no ad hoc superposition technique is needed to predict wind farm flows. A suite of large-eddy simulations (LES) of wind farm arrays is used to examine self-similarity as well as validity of the so-called conservation of momentum deficit for turbine wakes in wind farms. The simulations are performed with and without the presence of some specific turbines in the wind farm. This allows us to systematically study some of the assumptions made to develop the analytical model. A modified version of the conservation of momentum deficit is also proposed to provide slightly better results at short downwind distances, as well as in the far wake of turbines deep inside a wind farm. Model predictions are validated against the LES data for turbines in both full-wake and partial-wake conditions. While our results highlight the limitation in capturing the flow speed-up between adjacent turbine columns, the model is overall able to acceptably predict flow distributions for a moderately sized wind farm. Finally, the paper employs the new model to provide insights on the accuracy of common wake superposition methods.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Solar wind helium ions - Observations of the Helios solar probes between 0.3 and 1 AU

A Helios solar probe survey of solar wind helium ion velocity distributions and derived parameters between 0.3 and 1 AU is presented. Distributions in high-speed wind are found to generally have small total anisotropies, with some indication that, in the core part, the temperatures are greater parallel rather than perpendicular to the magnetic field. The anisotropy tends to increase with heliocentric radial distance, and the average dependence of helium ion temperatures on radial distance from the sun is described by a power law. Differential ion speeds with values of more than 150 km/sec are observed near perihelion, or 0.3 AU. The role of Coulomb collisions in limiting differential ion speeds and the ion temperature ratio is investigated, and it is found that collisions play a distinct role in low-speed wind, by limiting both differential ion velocity and temperature.

Marsch, E.↗

Preliminary Results of an Altitude-Wind-Tunnel Investigation of a TG-100A Gas Turbine-Propeller Engine: Pressure and Temperature Distributions - 3

An altitude-wind-tunnel investigation of a TG-100A gas turbine-propeller engine was performed. Pressure and temperature data were obtained at altitudes from 5000 to 35000 feet, compressor inlet ram-pressure ratios from 1.00 to 1.17, and engine speeds from 800 to 13000 rpm. The effect of engine speed, shaft horsepower, and compressor-inlet ram-pressure ratio on pressure and temperature distribution at each measuring station are presented graphically.

Geisenheyner, Robert M.↗

Derivation of satellite wind model functions using operational surface wind analyses - An altimeter example

One year of global surface wind products from multiple operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecast/analysis systems are used as comparison data to derive an empirical wind speed model function for the Geosat altimeter. The resulting model function is nearly identical to the modified Chelton-Wentz model for wind speeds from 4.5 to 15 m/s. Highly skewed distributions at low wind speeds are consistent with specular reflections and antenna mispointing errors hypothesized by others on the basis of extremely limited data. Mesoscale variability in the wind field and synoptic scale errors in the NWP products are shown to account for about 30 percent of the observed scatter of sigma(0) at each wind speed. The remaining scatter is largest at low winds, and decreases to a nearly constant value of about 12 percent at speeds greater than 7 m/s. Model function uncertainty expressed more traditionally in units of wind speed is examined for historical model functions as well as the present NWP-based model. The historical models have significant biases at high wind speeds owing to the lack of comparison in situ data used in their construction. The present study demonstrates that modern operational NWP surface wind products are sufficiently accurate to allow development of fully empirical model functions and associated error analyses.

Freilich, Michael H.↗

Eight-moment approximation solar wind models

Heat conduction from the corona is important in the solar wind energy budget. Until now all hydrodynamic solar wind models have been using the collisionally dominated gas approximation for the heat conductive flux. Observations of the solar wind show particle distribution functions which deviate significantly from a Maxwellian, and it is clear that the solar wind plasma is far from collisionally dominated. We have developed a numerical model for the solar wind which solves the full equation for the heat conductive flux together with the conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy. The equations are obtained by taking moments of the Boltzmann equation, using an 8-moment approximation for the distribution function. For low-density solar winds the 8-moment approximation models give results which differ significantly from the results obtained in models assuming the gas to be collisionally dominated. The two models give more or less the same results in high density solar winds.

Olsen, Espen Lyngdal↗

Curled-Skewed Wakes behind Yawed Wind Turbines Subject to Veered Inflow

This work presents a new engineering analytical model that predicts the effect of both the turbine yaw misalignment and the inflow wind veer on the wake flow distribution downwind of a wind turbine. To consider the veered inflow, two methods were examined. In the first method, the curled shape of the wake due to the yaw offset is initially modelled. The wake shape is then laterally skewed at each height due to the wind veer based on the assumption that the turbine wake is transported downstream by the incoming flow. The second method is a more realistic approach that accounts for the effect of wind veer on the wind velocity direction and the yaw angle seen by the wind turbine. This models the wake region in a local coordinate system defined based on the wind direction at each height. A coordinate transformation is then performed to represent the wake flow distribution in the global coordinate system attached to the ground. The results show that while the two methods provide similar outputs for small variations in the wind direction across the rotor, the difference becomes more evident with an increase in wind veer. High-fidelity simulations for a turbine subject to a neutral atmospheric boundary layer were employed to validate model predictions for different operating conditions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Interpretive Tools for Analysis of Coronal Images

Contents include list of publications resulting from grant: Magneto-Hydrodynamic Model of the Solar Corona and Interplanetary Medium. Coronal magnetic field topology and source of fast solar wind. Geophysical Importance of Global Magnetic Field Geometry and Density Distribution in Solar Wind Modeling. Empirical Model of the Corona-Solar Wind with Multiple Current Sheets. Model of the Solar Wind and its Comparison with ULYSSES. Physical properties of a coronal hole from a coronal diagnostic spectrometer, Mauna Loa Coronagraph, and LASCO observations during the Whole Sun Month. Semi-Empirical 2-D MHD Model of the Solar corona and Solar Wind: Energy Flow in the Corona. Source Region of High and Low Speed Wind during the Spartan. Three-dimensional coronal density structure. Cone Model for Halo CME's: Application to Space Weather Forecasting.

Ofman, Leon↗

Recent Monitoring of Suspended Sediment Patterns along Louisiana's Coastal Zone using ER-2 based MAS Data and Terra Based MODIS Data

The University nf Wisconsin and Louisiana State University have teamed to study the forcing of winter season cold frontal wind systems on sediment distribution patterns and geomorphology in the Louisiana coastal zone. Wind systems associated with cold fronts have been shown to model coastal circulation and resuspend sediments along the micro tidal Louisiana coast (Roberts et at. 1987, Moeller et al. 1993). Remote sensing data is being used to map and track sediment distribution patterns for various wind conditions. Suspended sediment is a building material for coastal progradation and wetlands renewal, but also restricts access to marine nursery environments and impacts oyster bed health. Transferring a suspended sediment concentration (SSC) algorithm to EOS MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS; Barnes et al. 1998) observations may enable estimates of SSC globally.

Moeller, Christopher C.↗

2020 Awardee of Two Small Wind Turbine Certification and Listing Awards: QED

With support from the Competitiveness Improvement Project's Small Wind Turbine Certification and Listing awards, QED Wind Power LLC will expand their ability to manufacture and distribute their 20-kilowatt, small wind turbine model to larger national markets. QED Wind Power aims to achieve this by conducting and completing testing of their small wind turbine and achieve safety and performance certification and listing with support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This fact sheet provides an overview of QEDWind Power's project, how the company will achieve the goals of the two awards, and how the project fits within the overall Competitiveness Improvement Project.

CIP↗

Application of Remote Sensing to Assess the Impact of Short Term Climate Variability on Coastal Sedimentation

The University of Wisconsin and Louisiana State University have teamed to study the forcing of winter season cold frontal wind systems on sediment distribution patterns and geomorphology in the Louisiana coastal zone. Wind systems associated with cold fronts have been shown to modify coastal circulation and resuspend sediments along the microtidal Louisiana coast. The assessment includes quantifying the influence of cumulative winter season atmospheric forcing (through surface wind observations) from year to year in response to short term climate variability, such as El Nino events. A correlation between winter cyclone frequency and the strength of El Nino events has been suggested. The atmospheric forcing data are being correlated to geomorphic measurements along western Louisiana's prograding muddy coast. Remote sensing data is being used to map and track sediment distribution patterns for various wind conditions. Transferring a suspended sediment concentration (SSC) algorithm to EOS MODIS observations will enable estimates of SSC in case 2 waters over the global domain. Progress in Year 1 of this study has included data collection and analysis of wind observations for atmospheric forcing characterization, a field activity (TX-2001) to collect in situ water samples with co-incident remote sensing measurements from the NASA ER-2 based MODIS Airborne Simulator (MAS) and the EOS Terra based MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments, aerial photography and of sediment burial pipe field measurements along the prograding muddy Chenier Plain coast of western Louisiana for documenting coastal change in that dynamic region, and routine collection of MODIS 250 in resolution data for monitoring coastal sediment patterns. The data sets are being used in a process to transfer an SSC estimation algorithm to the MODIS platform. Work is underway on assessing coastal transport for the winter 2000-01 season. Water level data for use in a Geomorphic Impact Index, which relates wind energy, water level conditions, and geomorphic change along the microtidal western Louisiana coastline is being assembled.

Moeller, Christopher C.↗

Reynolds Number Effects at High Angles of Attack

Lessons learned from comparisons between ground-based tests and flight measurements for the high-angle-of-attack programs on the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV), the X-29 forward-swept wing aircraft, and the X-31 enhanced fighter maneuverability aircraft are presented. On all three vehicles, Reynolds number effects were evident on the forebodies at high angles of attack. The correlation between flight and wind tunnel forebody pressure distributions for the F-18 HARV were improved by using twin longitudinal grit strips on the forebody of the wind-tunnel model. Pressure distributions obtained on the X-29 wind-tunnel model at flight Reynolds numbers showed excellent correlation with the flight data up to alpha = 50 deg. Above (alpha = 50 deg. the pressure distributions for both flight and wind tunnel became asymmetric and showed poorer agreement, possibly because of the different surface finish of the model and aircraft. The detrimental effect of a very sharp nose apex was demonstrated on the X-31 aircraft. Grit strips on the forebody of the X-31 reduced the randomness but increased the magnitude of the asymmetry. Nose strakes were required to reduce the forebody yawing moment asymmetries and the grit strips on the flight test noseboom improved the aircraft handling qualities.

Fisher, David F.↗

Strake-generated vortex interactions for a fighter-like configuration

A combination of the Euler, and thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations were solved for the flowfield around a wing-strake-fuselage configuration similar to the F-16A aircraft. The flowfield was divided into multiple blocks using a zoning program, and the TNSWF solution program, based on an implicit solution algorithm, updates each subregion of the flowfield sequentially. The total grid contained approximately 300,000 grid points, and clustering was effected normal to all aircraft surfaces. The computed solutions agreed well quantitatively with wind-tunnel pressure distribution data, and they agreed well qualitatively with flow visualization from wind- and water-tunnel tests.

Reznick, Steven G.↗

On the mechanics of filament winding. I - A generalized model

In this paper the filament winding process was analyzed to relate process variables to structural parameters. An analytical model has been developed for a filament wound preform by determining the necessary geometric and kinematic conditions. An equation of motion of winding was developed to predict layer by layer geometry using the mandrel shape as the initial boundary condition. This model provides the laws of motion of the traverse stroke relative to the mandrel to ensure that the filament laydown is of the predetermined geodesic path over the mandrel, that the winding density is distributed over the mandrel in the prearranged manner, and that the winding build is being formed to reproduce the preassigned shape or contour of the preform. From this analysis, the winding process parameters can be controlled accordingly to produce any given shape. The analytical model was used to produce computer simulation of the winding process. The dynamic simulation of the winding process visualizes and inspects the layer by layer path of the tow and provides process variables required to produce preforms of optimum structural parameters.

Hamouda, Hechmi↗

UV Spectropolarimetry with Polstar: Massive Star Binary Colliding Winds

The winds of massive stars are important for their direct impact on the interstellar medium, and for their influence on the final state of a star prior to it exploding as a supernova. However, the dynamics of these winds is understood primarily via their illumination from a single central source. The Doppler shift seen in resonance lines is a useful tool for inferring these dynamics, but the mapping from that Doppler shift to the radial distance from the source is ambiguous. Binary systems can reduce this ambiguity by providing a second light source at a known radius in the wind, seen from orbitally modulated directions. From the nature of the collision between the winds, a massive companion also provides unique additional information about wind momentum fluxes. Since massive stars are strong ultraviolet (UV) sources, and UV resonance line opacity in the wind is strong, UV instruments with a high resolution spectroscopic capability are essential for extracting this dynamical information. Polarimetric capability also helps to further resolve ambiguities in aspects of the wind geometry that are not axisymmetric about the line of sight, because of its unique access to scattering direction information. We review how the proposed MIDEX-scale mission Polstar can use UV spectropolarimetric observations to critically constrain the physics of colliding winds, and hence radiatively-driven winds in general. We propose a sample of 20 binary targets, capitalizing on this unique combination of illumination by companion starlight, and collision with a companion wind, to probe wind attributes over a range in wind strengths. Of particular interest is the hypothesis that the radial distribution of the wind acceleration is altered significantly, when the radiative transfer within the winds becomes optically thick to resonance scattering in multiple overlapping UV lines.

Ultraviolet Astronomy↗