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At least 505 records · Page 28

Advanced Turbulence Models for Large-Scale Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flows

We present high-fidelity large-eddy-simulation (LES) modeling approaches for the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows. Wind energy is a prime example of an application driven by ABL. Generation of electrical energy from farms of wind turbines at night in the stable ABL is a particularly interesting situation. In this report, we consider the well-known GEWEX (Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment) Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study (GABLS) stably stratified benchmark LES case. We use a high-order spectral element code Nek5000/RS, which is supported under the DOE's Exascale Computing Project (ECP) Center for Efficient Exascale Discretizations (CEED) project, targeting application simulations on various acceleration-device based exascale computing platforms. In our earlier ANL report, we demonstrated our newly developed subgrid-scale (SGS) models based on high-pass filter (HPF), mean-field eddy viscosity (MFEV), and Smagorinsky (SMG) with no-slip and traction boundary conditions, provided with low-order statistics, convergence and turbulent structure analysis. In this report, we extend the range of our SGS modeling approaches in the context of the mean-field eddy viscosity (MFEV), to include the solution of an SGS turbulent kinetic energy equation (TKE). We demonstrate the model fidelity of Nek5000/RS in comparison to that of AMR-Wind, a block-structured second-order finite-volume code with adaptive-mesh-refinement capabilities, with which we studied scaling performance for both codes in comparison on DOE's leadership computing platforms.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Nonequilibrium flow calculations for the hydrogen constricted arc

A nonequilibrium flow model has been formulated and solved numerically for conditions in an atomic hydrogen cascade arc. Solutions show that although thermal nonequilibrium effects are minor, the departure from chemical equilibrium is significant. Comparisons with results obtained from an equilibrium flow model reveal the deficiencies associated with such a model and parametric calculations reveal the effect of current, pressure, and radius on arc behavior.

Scott, R. K.↗

Small Engine Technology. Task 4: Advanced Small Turboshaft Compressor (ASTC) Performance and Range Investigation

This contact had two main objectives involving both numerical and experimental investigations of a small highly loaded two-stage axial compressor designated Advanced Small Turboshaft Compressor (ASTC) winch had a design pressure ratio goal of 5:1 at a flowrate of 10.53 lbm/s. The first objective was to conduct 3-D Navier Stokes multistage analyses of the ASTC using several different flow modelling schemes. The second main objective was to complete a numerical/experimental investigation into stall range enhancement of the ASTC. This compressor was designed wider a cooperative Space Act Agreement and all testing was completed at NASA Lewis Research Center. For the multistage analyses, four different flow model schemes were used, namely: (1) steady-state ADPAC analysis, (2) unsteady ADPAC analysis, (3) steady-state APNASA analysis, and (4) steady state OCOM3D analysis. The results of all the predictions were compared to the experimental data. The steady-state ADPAC and APNASA codes predicted similar overall performance and produced good agreement with data, however the blade row performance and flowfield details were quite different. In general, it can be concluded that the APNASA average-passage code does a better job of predicting the performance and flowfield details of the highly loaded ASTC compressor.

Hansen, Jeff L.↗

Evaluation of a nonlinear variational multiscale method for fluid transport problems

Diverse transport problems, especially those based on fluid flow models, are intrinsically multiscale and nonlinear, characteristics that often lead to intricate dynamics such as the development of instabilities and turbulence. Computational simulations that resolve all scales in these problems are often unfeasible, prompting to coarse-grained simulation strategies in which small-scale features are modeled instead of resolved. Variational Multiscale (VMS) methods, and particularly residual-based Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) approaches, have proven effective and robust for the coarse-grained simulation of complex transport problems. VMS methods avoid the assumption of separable nonlinearity and the reliance on empirical small-scale models by using a variational decomposition of scales together with a residual-based approximation of the small-scales. Evaluation of a nonlinear VMS approach, denoted as VMS n , is presented for the coarse-grained simulation of transient-advective-diffusive-reactive (TADR) transport problems arising from fluid flow models. In contrast to classical VMS approaches that neglect the effect of the small scales on the transport operator, VMS n treats the inter-dependence between large- and small-scales upfront. The treatment of inter-scale coupling involves the solution of a local algebraic nonlinear system describing the evolution of the small-scales. The VMS n approach is complemented with two algebraic approximations of the small-scales: one based on the main diagonal of the transport matrices and another that preserves transport fluxes and is suitable for generic TADR systems. The suitability of the VMS n approach for handling general TADR problems and regimes is evaluated with benchmark incompressible, compressible, and magnetohydrodynamic laminar flow problems, the incompressible Taylor-Green vortex flow, the turbulent free jet, and the two-temperature arc in crossflow. Furthermore, simulation results show that VMS n leads to minor improvements in accuracy with respect to the classical VMS for the laminar flow problems, but to significantly greater accuracy for the turbulent flows and the unsteady plasma flow problems, while using the same cohesive numerical formulation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

KINEROS2-AGWA: Model Use, Calibration, and Validation

KINEROS (KINematic runoff and EROSion) originated in the 1960s as a distributed event-based model that conceptualizes a watershed as a cascade of overland flow model elements that flow into trapezoidal channel model elements. KINEROS was one of the first widely available watershed models that interactively coupled a finite difference approximation of the kinematic overland flow equations to a physically based infiltration model. Development and improvement of KINEROS continued from the 1960s on a variety of projects for a range of purposes, which has resulted in a suite of KINEROS-based modeling tools. This article focuses on KINEROS2 (K2), a spatially distributed, event-based watershed rainfall-runoff and erosion model, and the companion ArcGIS-based Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment (AGWA) tool. AGWA automates the time-consuming tasks of watershed delineation into distributed model elements and initial parameterization of these elements using commonly available, national GIS data layers. A variety of approaches have been used to calibrate and validate K2 successfully across a relatively broad range of applications (e.g., urbanization, pre- and post-fire, hillslope erosion, erosion from roads, runoff and recharge, and manure transport). The case studies presented in this article (1) compare lumped to stepwise calibration and validation of runoff and sediment at plot, hillslope, and small watershed scales; and (2) demonstrate an uncalibrated application to address relative change in watershed response to wildfire.

Erosion↗

Effect of Notches on Creep-Fatigue Behavior of a P/M Nickel-Based Superalloy

A study was performed to determine and model the effect of high temperature dwells on notched low cycle fatigue (NLCF) and notch stress rupture behavior of a fine grain LSHR powder metallurgy (PM) nickel-based superalloy. It was shown that a 90 second dwell applied at the minimum stress (min dwell) was considerably more detrimental to the NLCF lives than similar dwell applied at the maximum stress (max dwell). The short min dwell NLCF lives were shown to be caused by growth of small oxide blisters which caused preferential cracking when coupled with high concentrated notch root stresses. The cyclic max dwell notch tests failed mostly by a creep accumulation, not by fatigue, with the crack origin shifting internally to a substantial distance away from the notch root. The classical von Mises plastic flow model was unable to match the experimental results while the hydrostatic stress profile generated using the Drucker-Prager plasticity flow model was consistent with the experimental findings. The max dwell NLCF and notch stress rupture tests exhibited substantial creep notch strengthening. The triaxial Bridgman effective stress parameter was able to account for the notch strengthening by collapsing the notched and uniform gage geometry test data into a singular grouping.

Dwell Notch Fatigue↗

Measurements of He-Ar, He-N 2 , and He-air thermal creep slip and accommodation coefficients at high temperatures

Understanding gas flows in capillaries has many applications in modeling the transport of gases in nano-structured, porous, or fractured media. A network of capillaries can often approximate these media, and also information on gas-surface interactions obtained from capillary experiments can be used for modeling flows in these media. Experimental data on flows of different mixtures of He-Ar, He-N 2 , and He-air in the slip regime and in stainless steel capillaries at high temperatures were obtained by using a two-bulb apparatus. An accurate expression for the thermal creep slip coefficients with the Lennard-Jones potential parameters and diffuse-specular reflection gas-surface interaction conditions were then used to obtain the accommodation coefficients for the different gases. The experimental data are best described with values of accommodation coefficients in the range of 0.1–0.3 for He and 0.5–1.0 for Ar, N 2 , and air. Further, the use of values in this range is suggested for modeling gaseous flows in capillaries and nano-structured, porous, or fractured media if other direct measured values for a particular medium are unavailable.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Mass and momentum turbulent transport experiments with confined swirling coaxial jets. I

An experimental study of mixing downstream of swirling coaxial jets discharging into an expanded duct was conducted to obtain data for the evaluation and improvement of turbulent transport models currently used in a variety of computational procedures throughout the combustion community. A combination of laser velocimeter and laser induced fluorescence techniques was employed to obtain mean and fluctuating velocity and concentration distributions which were used to derive mass and momentum turbulent transport parameters currently incorporated into various combustor flow models. Flow visualization techniques were also employed to determine qualitatively the time dependent characteristics of the flow and the scale of turbulence. Mean and fluctuating velocity profiles and probability density functions were obtained at selected axial and radial locations throughout the flow field. Mixing occurred in several steps of axial and radial mass transport and was coupled with a large radial mean convective flux. Major mixing regions were observed to occur (1) at the interface between the inner stream and the centerline recirculation zone, and (2) at the interface between the inner jet and the annular jet streams. Mixing for swirling flow was completed in one-third the length required for nonswirling flow.

Johnson, B. V.↗

Mass and momentum turbulent transport experiments with confined swirling coaxial jets

Swirling coaxial jets mixing downstream, discharging into an expanded duct was conducted to obtain data for the evaluation and improvement of turbulent transport models currently used in a variety of computational procedures throughout the combustion community. A combination of laser velocimeter (LV) and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques was employed to obtain mean and fluctuating velocity and concentration distributions which were used to derive mass and momentum turbulent transport parameters currently incorporated into various combustor flow models. Flow visualization techniques were also employed to determine qualitatively the time dependent characteristics of the flow and the scale of turbulence. The results of these measurements indicated that the largest momentum turbulent transport was in the r-z plane. Peak momentum turbulent transport rates were approximately the same as those for the nonswirling flow condition. The mass turbulent transport process for swirling flow was complicated. Mixing occurred in several steps of axial and radial mass transport and was coupled with a large radial mean convective flux. Mixing for swirling flow was completed in one-third the length required for nonswirling flow.

Roback, R.↗

Simple models of fluid flow at the core surface derived from geomagnetic field models

The fluid flow at the core surface is determined for a given model of temporal magnetic field variation, assuming steady flow and adopting the frozen-flux approximation. Evidence is presented for ageostrophic flow in the form of flow across the geographical equator. A simple pattern of the large-scale toroidal part of the flow is found. The pattern is nearly symmetric about the equator. Changes in the flow pattern are obtained from flow maps covering 5-year intervals beginning in 1915.

Bloxham, Jeremy↗

Subduction, back-arc spreading and global mantle flow

It is pointed out that the subducted lithosphere associated with Benioff zones provides the only direct evidence about the flow in the earth's interior associated with plate motions. It is the primary objective of the present investigation to study the relation between the orientation of subducting lithosphere and the flow patterns (both local and global) near subduction zones. Most of the calculations conducted are based on simple flow models for radially symmetric, Newtonian viscous spheres. The investigation is concerned with the possibility that a simple model of global mantle flow could account for some features of subduction zones. It is found that such a model can account for the orientation of the seismic zones, and, in addition, also for features related to back-arc spreading and perhaps the maximum earthquake size.

Hager, B. H.↗

Two Types of Soft X-ray Spectra in Cataclysmic Variables

We present results of analyses of Chandra HETG soft X-ray spectra (Lambda = 1.5-25 A) of seven cataclysmic variables. We find that these spectra divide unambiguously into two distinct types. Spectra of the first type, consisting of EX Hya, V603 Aql, U Gem, and SS Cyg, are remarkably well fit by a simple cooling flow model, which assumes only steady-state isobaric radiative cooling. This model has only two free parameters, the maximum temperature, kT(sub max), which provides a rough measurement of the depth of the potential well, and the overall normalization, which provides a highly precise measurement of the total accretion rate. Spectra of the second type, consisting of V1223 Sgr, A Psc, and GK Per, are grossly inconsistent with a simple cooling flow model. They instead exhibit a hard continuum, and, in addition, show strong H-like and He-like ion emission but little Fe L-shell emission, which is consistent with expectations for line emission from a photoionized plasma. Using a simple photoionization model, we argue that the observed line emission for these sources can be driven entirely by the hard continuum. The physical significance of these two distinct types of X-ray spectra is also explored.

White, Nicholas E.↗

Shock to detonation transition of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) initially pressed to 1.65 g/cm 3

A novel set of experiments and reactive flow modeling of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is presented. In this work, the specific phenomenon of shock to detonation transition is examined, where an initial, relatively weak shock is propagated into pressed PETN powder at 1.65 g/cm 3 and the subsequent buildup to detonation is observed experimentally. These experiments, in conjunction with reactant and products’ equations of state, are utilized for building reactive flow models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A revised catalog of CfA galaxy groups in the Virgo/Great Attractor flow field

A new identification of groups and clusters in the CfAl Catalog of Huchra, et al. (1983) is presented, using a percolation algorithm to identify density enhancements. The procedure differs from that of the original Geller and Huchra (1983; GH) catalog in several important respects; galaxy distances are calculated from the Virgo-Great Attractor flow model of Faber and Burnstein (1988), the adopted distance linkage criteria is only approx. 1/4 as large as in the Geller and Huchra catalog, the sky link relation is taken from Nolthenius and White (1987), correction for interstellar extinction is included, and 'by-hand' adjustments to group memberships are made in the complex regions of Virgo/Coma I/Ursa Major and Coma/A1367 (to allow for varying group velocity dispersions and to trim unphysical 'spider arms'). Since flow model distances are poorly determined in these same regions, available distances from the IR Tully-Fisher planetary nebula luminosity function and surface brightness resolution methods are adopted if possible.

Nolthenius, Richard↗

Predictive Simulation of Gas Adsorption in Fixed-Beds and Limitations due to the Ill-Posed Danckwerts Boundary Condition

The 1-D axially dispersed plug flow model is a mathematical model widely used for the simulation of adsorption processes. Lumped mass transfer coefficients such as the Glueckauf linear driving force (LDF) term and the axial dispersion coefficient are generally obtained by fitting simulation results to the experimental breakthrough test data. An approach is introduced where these parameters, along with the only free parameter in the energy balance equations, are individually fit to specific test data that isolates the appropriate physics. It is shown that with this approach this model provides excellent simulation results for the C02 on zeolite SA sorbent/sorbate system; however, for the H20 on zeolite SA system, non-physical deviations from constant pattern behavior occur when fitting dispersive experimental results with a large axial dispersion coefficient. A method has also been developed that determines a priori what values of the LDF and axial dispersion terms will result in non-physical simulation results for a specific sorbent/sorbate system when using the one-dimensional axially dispersed plug flow model. A relationship between the steepness of the adsorption equilibrium isotherm as indicated by the distribution factor, the magnitude of the axial dispersion and mass transfer coefficient, and the resulting non-physical behavior is derived. This relationship is intended to provide a guide for avoiding non-physical behavior by limiting the magnitude of the axial dispersion term on the basis of the mass transfer coefficient and distribution factor.

Knox, James Clinton↗

Impact of Rheology Models on Horizontal Well Polymer Flooding in a Heavy Oil Reservoir on Alaska North Slope: A Simulation Study

Polymer rheology can have either a positive or a negative effect on polymer flooding performance under varied circumstances. Many researchers have studied the effect of polymer rheology in a vertical well, but no field scale studies have been conducted to investigate whether polymer rheology is beneficial to polymer flooding in heavy oil reservoirs developed by horizontal wells. In this paper, we conducted a numerical simulation study to examine the effect of HPAM polymer rheology on a polymer flooding pilot, which is the first-ever project conducted on a heavy oil reservoir from Alaska North Slope (ANS) developed by horizontal wells. Three rheology types were considered in the study including the apparent viscosity measured during coreflooding of using a HPAM polymer, the bulk viscosity measured with a viscometer, and a Newtonian flow model. The results suggest that using the bulk viscosity in simulation underestimates the conformance control and the water-oil-ratio reduction capability of the HPAM polymer solution. When the apparent viscosity is used, the incremental oil and sweep were largely increased, and the optimal recovery period of polymer flooding was extended greatly, especially for the heterogeneous formations. Therefore, the rheology type of polymer plays a significant role in the incremental oil recovery and injection profile of the horizontal well system given the pilot test conditions. This study has provided practical guidance to field operators for the ongoing polymer flooding pilot on ANS and will also provide valuable information for other polymer projects conducted in similar conditions.

Leng, Jianqiao↗

Study of cluster formation and its effects on Rayleigh and Raman scattering measurements in a Mach 6 wind tunnel

Using a frequency-doubled Nd-YAG pulsed laser and a single-intensified CCD camera, Rayleigh scattering measurements have been performed to study the cluster formation in a Mach 6 wind tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. These studies were conducted both in the free stream and in a model flow field for various flow conditions to gain an understanding of the dependence of the Rayleigh scattering (by clusters) on the local pressures and temperatures in the facility. Using the same laser system, simultaneous measurements of the local temperature have also been performed using the rotational Raman scattering of molecular nitrogen and determined the densities of molecular oxygen and nitrogen by using the vibrational Raman scattering from these species. Quantitative results are presented in detail with emphasis on the applicability of the Rayleigh scattering for obtaining quantitative measurements of molecular densities both in the free stream and in the model flow field.

Shirinzadeh, B.↗

Study of Cluster Formation and its Effects on Rayleigh and Raman Scattering Measurements in a Mach 6 Wind Tunnel

Using a frequency-doubled Nd-YAG pulsed laser and a single-intensified CCD camera, Rayleigh scattering measurements have been performed to study the cluster formation in a Mach 6 wind tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. These studies were conducted both in the free stream and in a model flow field for various flow conditions to gain an understanding of the dependence of the Rayleigh scattering (by clusters) on the local pressures and temperatures in the facility. Using the same laser system, we have also performed simultaneous measurements of the local temperature using the rotational Raman scattering of molecular nitrogen and determined the densities of molecular oxygen and nitrogen by using the vibrational Raman scattering from these species. Quantitative results will be presented in detail with emphasis on the applicability of the Rayleigh scattering for obtaining quantitative measurements of molecular densities both in the free stream and in the model flow field.

Shirinzadeh, B.↗