SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Finite Volume”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 631 records · Page 35

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1991

Supersonic quasi-axisymmetric vortex breakdown

An extensive computational study of supersonic quasi-axisymmetric vortex breakdown in a configured circular duct is presented. The unsteady, compressible, full Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are used for the present computational study. The NS equations are solved for quasi-axisymmetric flow using an implicit, upwind, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. The quasi-axisymmetric solutions are time accurate and are obtained by forcing the components of the flowfield vector to be equal on two axial planes, which are in close proximity of each other. The computational study addresses the effect of the Reynolds number, for laminar flows, on the evolution and persistence of vortex breakdown. The effect of boundary conditions at the duct exit on vortex breakdown is also studied. Finally, the effect of swirl ratio at the duct inlet is investigated.

Kandil, Osama A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Characteristics of 3D turbulent jets in crossflow

Three dimensional turbulent jets in crossflow at low to medium jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios are computed with a finite volume numerical procedure which utilizes a second-moment closure model to approximate the Reynolds stresses. A multigrid method is used to accelerate the convergence rate of the procedure. Comparison of the computations to measured data show good qualitative agreement. All trends are correctly predicted, though there is some uncertainty on the height of penetration of the jet. The evolution of the vorticity field is used to explore the jet-crossflow interaction.

Demuren, A. O.↗

NASA NTRS1992

CFD Simulations Of Sonic Booms In Near And Mid Fields

Report discusses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate generation and propagation of sonic booms in near- and mid-field regions of supersonic flows about simplified bodies representative of advanced airplanes. Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations integrated by implicit, approximate-factorization, finite-volume algorithm in which crossflow inviscid fluxes evaluated by Roe's flux-difference-splitting scheme. Near-field solutions obtained by applying algorithm to flows immediately surrounding bodies. Solutions transferred to computer codes based on Whitham"s F-function theory for extrapolation to far-field.

Cheung, Samson H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Two Algorithms For Hypersonic Computations

Two new algorithms developed containing several desirable features for computation of viscous, hypersonic flows about three-dimensional geometries. Employ upwind-differencing methods, having unsurpassed abiltiy to capture flow-field discontinuities without need for any user-specified smoothing terms. Particularly important in hypersonic computations where many complicated wave structures exist. Both algorithms based on finite-volume formulation to ensure schemes, including boundary conditions, fully conservative.

Molvik, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

More About Generating Three-Dimensional Grids About Anything

Report presents additional details of mathematical basis and potential applications of method of generating three-dimensional grids fitted to bodies having arbitrary, complicated shapes. Grids used in finite-difference or finite-volume computations of flows around bodies. Grid-generation method involves numerical solutions of Poisson's equations described in "Generating Three-Dimensional Grids About Anything" (ARC-12620).

Sorenson, Reese L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Transonic and supersonic Euler computations of vortex-dominated flow fields about a generic fighter

Flow fields about a generic flighter model were computed using FL057, a 3-D, finite volume Euler code. Computed pressure coefficients, forces, and moments at several Mach numbers (0.6, 0.8, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6) are compared with wind tunnel data over a wide range of angles of attack in order to determine the applicability of the code for the analysis of fighter configurations. Two configurations were studied, a wing-body and a wing-body-chine. FL057 predicted pressure distributions, forces, and moments well at low angles of attack, at which the flow was fully attached. The FL057 predictions were also accurate for some test conditions once the leading edge vortex became well established. At the subsonic speeds, FL057 predicted vortex breakdown earlier than that seen in the experimental results. Placing the chine on the forebody delayed the onset of bursting and improved the correlation between numerical and experimental data at the subsonic conditions.

Goodsell, Aga M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Viscous computations of cold air/air flow around scramjet nozzle afterbody

The flow field in and around the nozzle afterbody section of a hypersonic vehicle was computationally simulated. The compressible, Reynolds averaged, Navier Stokes equations were solved by an implicit, finite volume, characteristic based method. The computational grids were adapted to the flow as the solutions were developing in order to improve the accuracy. The exhaust gases were assumed to be cold. The computational results were obtained for the two dimensional longitudinal plane located at the half span of the internal portion of the nozzle for over expanded and under expanded conditions. Another set of results were obtained, where the three dimensional simulations were performed for a half span nozzle. The surface pressures were successfully compared with the data obtained from the wind tunnel tests. The results help in understanding this complex flow field and, in turn, should help the design of the nozzle afterbody section.

Baysal, Oktay↗

NASA NTRS1990

Numerical prediction of turbulent flame stability in premixed/prevaporized (HSCT) combustors

A numerical analysis of combustion instabilities that induce flashback in a lean, premixed, prevaporized dump combustor is performed. KIVA-II, a finite volume CFD code for the modeling of transient, multidimensional, chemically reactive flows, serves as the principal analytical tool. The experiment of Proctor and T'ien is used as a reference for developing the computational model. An experimentally derived combustion instability mechanism is presented on the basis of the observations of Proctor and T'ien and other investigators of instabilities in low speed (M less than 0.1) dump combustors. The analysis comprises two independent procedures that begin from a calculated stable flame: The first is a linear increase of the equivalence ratio and the second is the linear decrease of the inflow velocity. The objective is to observe changes in the aerothermochemical features of the flow field prior to flashback. It was found that only the linear increase of the equivalence ratio elicits a calculated flashback result. Though this result did not exhibit large scale coherent vortices in the turbulent shear layer coincident with a flame flickering mode as was observed experimentally, there were interesting acoustic effects which were resolved quite well in the calculation. A discussion of the k-e turbulence model used by KIVA-II is prompted by the absence of combustion instabilities in the model as the inflow velocity is linearly decreased. Finally, recommendations are made for further numerical analysis that may improve correlation with experimentally observed combustion instabilities.

Winowich, Nicholas S.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Convection in vertical Bridgman configurations

We are interested in tracing the convective profiles of vertical Bridgman growth in two configurations, the pure Rayleigh convective mode and the combined Rayleigh-Marangoni mode. In order to do so, we conducted a numerical investigation that involved a finite volume calculation. The governing equations were integrated about a cell volume, using the Gauss Theorem and the volume variables like temperature and velocity were related to the surface variables. In order to solve for the pressure field, we employed the continuity equation and the residuals resulted in a Poisson equation. Results and comments for the Rayleigh and Marangoni problems in a vertical cylinder or Bridgman configuration are given.

Narayanan, Ranga↗

NASA NTRS1991

Low thrust viscous nozzle flow fields prediction

A Navier-Stokes code was developed for low thrust viscous nozzle flow field prediction. An implicit finite volume in an arbitrary curvilinear coordinate system lower-upper (LU) scheme is used to solve the governing Navier-Stokes equations and species transportation equations. Sample calculations of carbon dioxide nozzle flow are presented to verify the validity and efficiency of this code. The computer results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.

Liaw, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Numerical simulation of transient hypervelocity flow in an expansion tube

Several numerical simulations of the transient flow of helium in an expansion tube are presented. The aim of the exercise is to provide further information on the operational problems of the NASA Langley expansion tube. The calculations were performed with an axisymmetric Navier-Stokes code based on a finite-volume formulation and upwinding techniques. Although laminar flow and ideal bursting of the diaphragms was assumed, the simulations showed some of the important features seen in the experiments. In particular, the discontinuity in the tube diameter at the primary diaphragm station introduced a transverse perturbation to the expanding driver gas, and this perturbation was seen to propagate into the test gas under some flow conditions. The disturbances seen in the test flow can be characterized as either 'small-amplitude' noise possibly introduced during shock compression or 'large-amplitude' noise associated with the passage of the reflected head of the unsteady expansion.

Jacobs, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Numerical simulation of transient hypervelocity flow in an expansion tube

Several numerical simulations of the transient flow of helium in an expansion tube are presented in an effort to identify some of the basic mechanisms which cause the noisy test flows seen in experiments. The calculations were performed with an axisymmetric Navier-Stokes code based on a finite volume formulation and upwinding techniques. Although laminar flow and ideal bursting of the diaphragms was assumed, the simulations showed some of the important features seen in experiments. In particular, the discontinuity in tube diameter of the primary diaphragm station introduced a transverse perturbation to the expanding driver gas and this perturbation was seen to propagate into the test gas under some flow conditions. The disturbances seen in the test flow can be characterized as either small amplitude, low frequency noise possibly introduced during shock compression or large amplitude, high frequency noise associated with the passage of the reflected head of the unsteady expansion.

Jacobs, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Three-dimensional calculations of supersonic reacting flows using an LU scheme

A 3-D numerical program that incorporates comprehensive real gas property models was developed to simulate supersonic reacting flows. The code employs an implicit, finite volume, Lower-Upper (LU), time-marching method to solve the complete Navier-Stokes and species equations in a fully-coupled and efficient manner. A chemistry model with 9 species and 18 reaction steps is adopted in the program to represent the chemical reactions of H2 and air. To demonstrate the capability of the program, flow fields of underexpanded hydrogen jets transversely injected into the supersonic airstream inside the combustors of scramjets are calculated. Results clearly depict the flow characteristics, including the shock structure, the separated flow regions around the injector, and the distribution of the combustion products.

Yu, Sheng-Tao↗

NASA NTRS1992

The present state and future directions of PDF methods

The objectives of the workshop are presented in viewgraph format, as is this entire article. The objectives are to discuss the present status and the future direction of various levels of engineering turbulence modeling related to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computations for propulsion; to assure that combustion is an essential part of propulsion; and to discuss Probability Density Function (PDF) methods for turbulent combustion. Essential to the integration of turbulent combustion models is the development of turbulent model, chemical kinetics, and numerical method. Some turbulent combustion models typically used in industry are the k-epsilon turbulent model, the equilibrium/mixing limited combustion, and the finite volume codes.

Pope, S. B.↗

NASA NTRS1992

An incremental strategy for calculating consistent discrete CFD sensitivity derivatives

In this preliminary study involving advanced computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes, an incremental formulation, also known as the 'delta' or 'correction' form, is presented for solving the very large sparse systems of linear equations which are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. For typical problems in 2D, a direct solution method can be applied to these linear equations which are associated with aerodynamic sensitivity analysis. For typical problems in 2D, a direct solution method can be applied to these linear equations in either the standard or the incremental form, in which case the two are equivalent. Iterative methods appear to be needed for future 3D applications; however, because direct solver methods require much more computer memory than is currently available. Iterative methods for solving these equations in the standard form result in certain difficulties, such as ill-conditioning of the coefficient matrix, which can be overcome when these equations are cast in the incremental form; these and other benefits are discussed. The methodology is successfully implemented and tested in 2D using an upwind, cell-centered, finite volume formulation applied to the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented for two laminar sample problems: (1) transonic flow through a double-throat nozzle; and (2) flow over an isolated airfoil.

Korivi, Vamshi Mohan↗

NASA NTRS1992

Cartesian based grid generation/adaptive mesh refinement

Grid adaptation has recently received attention in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) community as a means to capture the salient features of a flowfield by either moving grid points of a structured or by adding cells in an unstructured manner. An approach based on a background cartesian mesh is investigated from which the geometry is 'cut' out of the mesh. Once the mesh is obtained, a solution on this coarse grid is found, that indicates which cells need to be refined. This process of refining/solving continues until the flow is grid refined in terms of a user specified global parameter (such as drag coefficient etc.). The advantages of this approach are twofold: the generation of the base grid is independent of the topology of the bodies or surfaces around/through which the flow is to be computed, and the resulting grid (in uncut regions) is highly isotropic, so that the truncation error is low. The flow solver (which, along with the grid generation is still under development) uses a completely unstructured data base, and is a finite volume, upwinding scheme. Current and future work will address generating Navier-Stokes suitable grids by using locally aligned and normal face/cell refining. The attached plot shows a simple grid about two turbine blades.

Coirier, William J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A high angle of attack inviscid shuttle orbiter computation

As a preliminary step toward predicting the leeside thermal environment for winged reentry vehicles at flight conditions, a computational solution for the flow about the Shuttle Orbiter at wind tunnel conditions was made using a point-implicit, finite volume scheme known as the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA). The surface pressures resulting from the computational solution are compared with wind tunnel data. The results indicate that the dominant inviscid flow features are being accurately predicted on the leeside of the Shuttle Orbiter at a moderately high angle of attack.

Kleb, William L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Mapping unstructured grid computations to massively parallel computers

Investigated here is this mapping problem: assign the tasks of a parallel program to the processors of a parallel computer such that the execution time is minimized. First, a taxonomy of objective functions and heuristics used to solve the mapping problem is presented. Next, we develop a highly parallel heuristic mapping algorithm, called Cyclic Pairwise Exchange (CPE), and discuss its place in the taxonomy. CPE uses local pairwise exchanges of processor assignments to iteratively improve an initial mapping. A variety of initial mapping schemes are tested and recursive spectral bipartitioning (RSB) followed by CPE is shown to result in the best mappings. For the test cases studied here, problems arising in computational fluid dynamics and structural mechanics on unstructured triangular and tetrahedral meshes, RSB and CPE outperform methods based on simulated annealing. Much less time is required to do the mapping and the results obtained are better. Compared with random and naive mappings, RSB and CPE reduce the communication time two fold for the test problems used. Finally, we use CPE in two applications on a CM-2. The first application is a data parallel mesh-vertex upwind finite volume scheme for solving the Euler equations on 2-D triangular unstructured meshes. CPE is used to map grid points to processors. The performance of this code is compared with a similar code on a Cray-YMP and an Intel iPSC/860. The second application is parallel sparse matrix-vector multiplication used in the iterative solution of large sparse linear systems of equations. We map rows of the matrix to processors and use an inner-product based matrix-vector multiplication. We demonstrate that this method is an order of magnitude faster than methods based on scan operations for our test cases.

Hammond, Steven Warren↗