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At least 541 records · Page 30

Similitude requirements and scaling relationships as applied to model testing

The similitude requirements for the most general test conditions are presented. These similitude requirements are considered in relation to the scaling relationships, test technique, test conditions (including supersonic flow), and test objectives. Particular emphasis is placed on satisfying the various similitude requirements for incompressible and compressible flow conditions. For free flying models tests, the test velocities for incompressible flow are scaled from Froude number similitude requirements and those for compressible flow are scaled from Mach number similitude requirements. The limitations of various test techniques are indicated, with emphasis on the free flying model.

Wolowicz, C. H.↗

Development of iterative techniques for the solution of unsteady compressible viscous flows

Efficient iterative solution methods are being developed for the numerical solution of two- and three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Iterative time marching methods have several advantages over classical multi-step explicit time marching schemes, and non-iterative implicit time marching schemes. Iterative schemes have better stability characteristics than non-iterative explicit and implicit schemes. Thus, the extra work required by iterative schemes can also be designed to perform efficiently on current and future generation scalable, missively parallel machines. An obvious candidate for iteratively solving the system of coupled nonlinear algebraic equations arising in CFD applications is the Newton method. Newton's method was implemented in existing finite difference and finite volume methods. Depending on the complexity of the problem, the number of Newton iterations needed per step to solve the discretized system of equations can, however, vary dramatically from a few to several hundred. Another popular approach based on the classical conjugate gradient method, known as the GMRES (Generalized Minimum Residual) algorithm is investigated. The GMRES algorithm was used in the past by a number of researchers for solving steady viscous and inviscid flow problems with considerable success. Here, the suitability of this algorithm is investigated for solving the system of nonlinear equations that arise in unsteady Navier-Stokes solvers at each time step. Unlike the Newton method which attempts to drive the error in the solution at each and every node down to zero, the GMRES algorithm only seeks to minimize the L2 norm of the error. In the GMRES algorithm the changes in the flow properties from one time step to the next are assumed to be the sum of a set of orthogonal vectors. By choosing the number of vectors to a reasonably small value N (between 5 and 20) the work required for advancing the solution from one time step to the next may be kept to (N+1) times that of a noniterative scheme. Many of the operations required by the GMRES algorithm such as matrix-vector multiplies, matrix additions and subtractions can all be vectorized and parallelized efficiently.

Sankar, Lakshmi N.↗

Numerical Simulation of the Instability of an Inviscid Liquid Jet in a Coflowing Compressible Airstream

The nonlinear interfacial instability of a liquid jet in a coflowing compressible airstream is studied numerically. A high-resolution scheme which has second-order accuracy in space and time is coupled with a Lagrangian marker particle algorithm to visualize the large-scale motion of the interfaces in compressible flow. A numerical algorithm based on an approximate equation of state of a compressible liquid is developed to allow this two-fluid system to be governed by the nonlinear unsteady Euler equations in conservative form. The initial growth of small disturbances given by the simulations agrees well with linear theory. The process of jet disruption in compressible flow is demonstrated to consist of the formation of liquid spikes, interweaving of the gas and liquid and stretching and detachment of the liquid main center core.

Li, H. -S.↗

A finite element solver for 3-D compressible viscous flows

Computation of the flow field inside a space shuttle main engine (SSME) requires the application of state of the art computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technology. Several computer codes are under development to solve 3-D flow through the hot gas manifold. Some algorithms were designed to solve the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations, either by implicit or explicit factorization methods, using several hundred or thousands of time steps to reach a steady state solution. A new iterative algorithm is being developed for the solution of the implicit finite element equations without assembling global matrices. It is an efficient iteration scheme based on a modified nonlinear Gauss-Seidel iteration with symmetric sweeps. The algorithm is analyzed for a model equation and is shown to be unconditionally stable. Results from a series of test problems are presented. The finite element code was tested for couette flow, which is flow under a pressure gradient between two parallel plates in relative motion. Another problem that was solved is viscous laminar flow over a flat plate. The general 3-D finite element code was used to compute the flow in an axisymmetric turnaround duct at low Mach numbers.

Reddy, K. C.↗

Slip velocity method for three-dimensional compressible turbulent boundary layers

A slip velocity method for 2-D incompressible turbulent boundary layers was presented in AIAA Paper 88-0137. The inner part of the boundary layer was characterized by a law of the wall and a law of the wake, and the outer part was characterized by an arbitrary eddy viscosity model. In the present study for compressible flows, only a law of the wall is considered. The problem of 2-D compressible flow is treated first; then the extension to 3-D flow is addressed. A formulation for primitive variables is presented.

Barnwell, Richard W.↗

Comparison of laser models

Progress on the comparison of laser models is reported. Equations for an oscillatory model and a nonoscillatory model for the simulation of iodine laser operation are solved. Reaction rate coefficients used in both models are listed. Currently there are four models for the simulation of iodine laser operation are solved. Reaction rate coefficients used in both models are listed. Currently there are four models for the simulation of an iodine laser. They are: (1) a time dependent model; (2) a quasi-steady state model; (3) a noncompressible model; and (4) a compressible flow laser model. Current research is being directed toward: (1) parameter studies using the compressible flow laser model; (2) development of a two-pass amplifier model; and (3) solving a system of equations describing operation of the high powered iodine MOPA (master oscillator power amplifier).

Heinbockel, John H.↗

A study of turbulence on compression ramps with k-epsilon and Reynolds stress models

A theoretical study was conducted to determine the effects of adverse pressure gradient and compressibility in modeling turbulent compressible flows. The kinetic energy/dissipation and Reynolds stress model predictions are presented and compared with experimental data. The effects of compressibility, which include the mass averaged fluctuation term, the pressure dilatation term, and the dilatation dissipation, are important in modeling the turbulent compressible flows. The normal stresses and longitudinal strain rates also have an effect in the prediction of turbulent energy productions on the curved surfaces. A new compressible formulation of the pressure strain term, which includes the dilatation effects, in the Reynolds stress equation is presented.

Lee, J.↗

Development of computational methods for heavy lift launch vehicles

The research effort has been focused on the development of an advanced flow solver for complex viscous turbulent flows with shock waves. The three-dimensional Euler and full/thin-layer Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for compressible flows are solved on structured hexahedral grids. The Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model is used for closure. The space discretization is based on a cell-centered finite-volume method augmented by a variety of numerical dissipation models with optional total variation diminishing limiters. The governing equations are integrated in time by an implicit method based on lower-upper factorization and symmetric Gauss-Seidel relaxation. The algorithm is vectorized on diagonal planes of sweep using two-dimensional indices in three dimensions. A new computer program named CENS3D has been developed for viscous turbulent flows with discontinuities. Details of the code are described in Appendix A and Appendix B. With the developments of the numerical algorithm and dissipation model, the simulation of three-dimensional viscous compressible flows has become more efficient and accurate. The results of the research are expected to yield a direct impact on the design process of future liquid fueled launch systems.

Yoon, Seokkwan↗

Some Effects of Compressibility on the Flow Through Fans and Turbines

The laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy are applied to the compressible flow through a two-dimensional cascade of airfoils. A fundamental relation between the ultimate upstream and downstream flow angles, the inlet Mach number, and the pressure ratio across the cascade is derived. Comparison with the corresponding relation for incompressible flow shows large differences. The fundamental relation reveals two ranges of flow angles and inlet Mach numbers, for which no ideal pressure ratio exists. One of these nonideal operating ranges is analogous to a similar type in incompressible flow. The other is characteristic only of compressible flow. The effect of variable axial-flow area is treated. Some implications of the basic conservation laws in the case of nonideal flow through cascades are discussed.

Perl, W.↗

Computational fluid dynamics application to hypersonic flow over a Martian entry vehicle (MEV) - A correlation with experiment

A class of vehicles for a mission to Mars are analyzed for aerodynamic characteristics using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The general configuration is a modified cone-conical-frustum geometry where the nose radius has a large influence on the flowfield. Inviscid-compressible flow using the Euler equations and viscous-compressible flow using the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations is applied to the configuration. The surface modeling, grid generation and application of state-of-the-art CFD software are described. The effects of nose radius, angle of attack, and hypersonic velocity on the flight characteristics of the vehicle are discussed. The numerical simulations demonstrate the merits of the inviscid and viscous software. Results are compared with wind tunnel experiments.

Stewart, John E.↗

Quasi One-Dimensional Unsteady Modeling of External Compression Supersonic Inlets

The AeroServoElasticity task under the NASA Supersonics Project is developing dynamic models of the propulsion system and the vehicle in order to conduct research for integrated vehicle dynamic performance. As part of this effort, a nonlinear quasi 1-dimensional model of an axisymmetric external compression supersonic inlet is being developed. The model utilizes compressible flow computational fluid dynamics to model the internal inlet segment as well as the external inlet portion between the cowl lip and normal shock, and compressible flow relations with flow propagation delay to model the oblique shocks upstream of the normal shock. The external compression portion between the cowl-lip and the normal shock is also modeled with leaking fluxes crossing the sonic boundary, with a moving CFD domain at the normal shock boundary. This model has been verified in steady state against tunnel inlet test data and it s a first attempt towards developing a more comprehensive model for inlet dynamics.

Kopasakis, George↗

Heat transfer in 3D flow regions generated by intersecting surfaces

The objective is to validate code capabilities to model and predict the critical physics associated with heat transfer in highly 3-D flows. Various aspects of this study are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: LeRC 3-D viscous codes; the 3-D compressible flow tunnel; RVC3D laminar horseshoe vortex calculation; the 3-D heat transfer code validation experiment; and measurements in 3-D compressible flow tunnel.

Simoneau, Robert J.↗

Large-Eddy Simulation of Axisymmetric Compression Corner Flow

The Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES) approach is used to study the interaction of a shock wave with a high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layer. Since the near wall region is modeled, high Reynolds number turbulent flows can be simulated at a moderate computational cost. The case considered is that of an axisymmetric Mach 2.85 turbulent boundary layer over a 30 compression corner. The Reynolds number of the boundary layer upstream of the interaction based on momentum thickness (Re theta = u sub infinity theta/v sub infinity) is ~12,000. The geometry and flow conditions match the experiments of Dunagan et al. (NASA TM 88227, 1986). The simulations were performed using equilibrium and non-equilibrium wall models. The agreement with experiment is encouraging for the finest grid with respect to the separation bubble length, unsteady shock structure and wall pressure distribution. Sensitivity ofWMLES results to grid, wall model, and blockage effects in the tunnel are reported.

Iyer, Prahladh S.↗

Compressibility Effects in Aeronautical Engineering

Compressible-flow research, while a relatively new field in aeronautics, is very old, dating back almost to the development of the first firearm. Over the last hundred years, researches have been conducted in the ballistics field, but these results have been of practically no use in aeronautical engineering because the phenomena that have been studied have been the more or less steady supersonic condition of flow. Some work that has been done in connection with steam turbines, particularly nozzle studies, has been of value, In general, however, understanding of compressible-flow phenomena has been very incomplete and permitted no real basis for the solution of aeronautical engineering problems in which.the flow is likely to be unsteady because regions of both subsonic and supersonic speeds may occur. In the early phases of the development of the airplane, speeds were so low that the effects of compressibility could be justifiably ignored. During the last war and immediately after, however, propellers exhibited losses in efficiency as the tip speeds approached the speed of sound, and the first experiments of an aeronautical nature were therefore conducted with propellers. Results of these experiments indicated serious losses of efficiency, but aeronautical engineers were not seriously concerned at the time became it was generally possible. to design propellers with quite low tip. speeds. With the development of new engines having increased power and rotational speeds, however, the problems became of increasing importance.

Stack, John↗

Use of a generalized Stokes number to determine the aerodynamic capture efficiency of non-Stokesian particles from a compressible gas flow

The aerodynamic capture efficiency of small but nondiffusing particles suspended in a high-speed stream flowing past a target is known to be influenced by parameters governing small particle inertia, departures from the Stokes drag law, and carrier fluid compressibility. By defining an effective Stokes number in terms of the actual (prevailing) particle stopping distance, local fluid viscosity, and inviscid fluid velocity gradient at the target nose, it is shown that these effects are well correlated in terms of a 'standard' (cylindrical collector, Stokes drag, incompressible flow, sq rt Re much greater than 1) capture efficiency curve. Thus, a correlation follows that simplifies aerosol capture calculations in the parameter range already included in previous numerical solutions, allows rational engineering predictions of deposition in situations not previously specifically calculated, and should facilitate the presentation of performance data for gas cleaning equipment and aerosol instruments.

Israel, R.↗

Turbulence measurements in a Mach 2.9 boundary layer using laser velocimetry

Measurements taken in a Mach-2.9 turbulent boundary layer are shown to demonstrate the ability of a laser velocimeter to measure the turbulence transport properties of high-speed compressible flows. This demonstrated ability, combined with the nonperturbing quality and relative insensitivity to environmental conditions of the laser velocimeter, opens the way to compressible flow measurements never considered possible with more conventional measurement techniques.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Evaluation of hydrogen as a cryogenic wind tunnel test gas

The nondimensional ratios used to describe various flow situations in hydrogen were determined and compared with the corresponding ideal diatomic gas ratios. The results were used to examine different inviscid flow configurations. The relatively high value of the characteristic rotational temperature causes the behavior of hydrogen, under cryogenic conditions, to deviate substantially from the behavior of an ideal diatomic gas in the compressible flow regime. Therefore, if an idea diatomic gas is to be modeled, cryogenic hydrogen is unacceptable as a wind tunnel test gas in a compressible flow situation.

Haut, R. C.↗

Simulation of three-dimensional compressible viscous flow on the Illiac IV computer

Complicated three-dimensional viscous transonic flows about bodies at high angles of attack are solved on the Illiac IV computer. It is shown that certain approximate forms of the compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations can be computed about realistic three-dimensional geometries with relative ease on the Illiac IV. The ease and efficiency with which this can be done depend on the approximations made in the basic equations, the choice of the numerical algorithm used for the solution, and the data-base system that controls the data management and identifies and manipulates the vectors. A pencil data-base system is found to be particularly suitable for the approximations and numerical method chosen to produce the results presented. In addition, some comparisons are made of computer predictions with experimental results for various lows about hemisphere-cylinders in both subsonic and supersonic free streams. The same viscous model and numerical model are used, showing good qualitative agreement in the location of separation lines and pressure distributions.

Pulliam, T. H.↗