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At least 703 records · Page 39

CAD Services: an Industry Standard Interface for Mechanical CAD Interoperability

Most organizations seek to design and develop new products in increasingly shorter time periods. At the same time, increased performance demands require a team-based multidisciplinary design process that may span several organizations. One approach to meet these demands is to use 'Geometry Centric' design. In this approach, design engineers team their efforts through one united representation of the design that is usually captured in a CAD system. Standards-based interfaces are critical to provide uniform, simple, distributed services that enable the 'Geometry Centric' design approach. This paper describes an industry-wide effort, under the Object Management Group's (OMG) Manufacturing Domain Task Force, to define interfaces that enable the interoperability of CAD, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools. This critical link to enable 'Geometry Centric' design is called: Cad Services V1.0. This paper discusses the features of this standard and proposed application.

Claus, Russell↗

Ordered fast Fourier transforms on a massively parallel hypercube multiprocessor

The present evaluation of alternative, massively parallel hypercube processor-applicable designs for ordered radix-2 decimation-in-frequency FFT algorithms gives attention to the reduction of computation time-dominating communication. A combination of the order and computational phases of the FFT is accordingly employed, in conjunction with sequence-to-processor maps which reduce communication. Two orderings, 'standard' and 'cyclic', in which the order of the transform is the same as that of the input sequence, can be implemented with ease on the Connection Machine (where orderings are determined by geometries and priorities. A parallel method for trigonometric coefficient computation is presented which does not employ trigonometric functions or interprocessor communication.

Tong, Charles↗

Transonic Flow Field Analysis for Wing-Fuselage Configurations

A computational method for simulating the aerodynamics of wing-fuselage configurations at transonic speeds is developed. The finite difference scheme is characterized by a multiple embedded mesh system coupled with a modified or extended small disturbance flow equation. This approach permits a high degree of computational resolution in addition to coordinate system flexibility for treating complex realistic aircraft shapes. To augment the analysis method and permit applications to a wide range of practical engineering design problems, an arbitrary fuselage geometry modeling system is incorporated as well as methodology for computing wing viscous effects. Configuration drag is broken down into its friction, wave, and lift induced components. Typical computed results for isolated bodies, isolated wings, and wing-body combinations are presented. The results are correlated with experimental data. A computer code which employs this methodology is described.

Boppe, C. W.↗

Flowfield computation of entry vehicles

The equations governing the multidimensional flow of a reacting mixture of thermally perfect gasses were derived. The modeling procedures for the various terms of the conservation laws are discussed. A numerical algorithm, based on the finite-volume approach, to solve these conservation equations was developed. The advantages and disadvantages of the present numerical scheme are discussed from the point of view of accuracy, computer time, and memory requirements. A simple one-dimensional model problem was solved to prove the feasibility and accuracy of the algorithm. A computer code implementing the above algorithm was developed and is presently being applied to simple geometries and conditions. Once the code is completely debugged and validated, it will be used to compute the complete unsteady flow field around the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) body.

Prabhu, Dinesh K.↗

Euler technology assessment for preliminary aircraft design employing OVERFLOW code with multiblock structured-grid method

The viability of applying a state-of-the-art Euler code to calculate the aerodynamic forces and moments through maximum lift coefficient for a generic sharp-edge configuration is assessed. The OVERFLOW code, a method employing overset (Chimera) grids, was used to conduct mesh refinement studies, a wind-tunnel wall sensitivity study, and a 22-run computational matrix of flow conditions, including sideslip runs and geometry variations. The subject configuration was a generic wing-body-tail geometry with chined forebody, swept wing leading-edge, and deflected part-span leading-edge flap. The analysis showed that the Euler method is adequate for capturing some of the non-linear aerodynamic effects resulting from leading-edge and forebody vortices produced at high angle-of-attack through C(sub Lmax). Computed forces and moments, as well as surface pressures, match well enough useful preliminary design information to be extracted. Vortex burst effects and vortex interactions with the configuration are also investigated.

Treiber, David A.↗

Radiative Instabilities in Three-Dimensional Astrophysical Masers

Inherent instabilities in the radiative transfer for astrophysical masers have been recognized and calculated in the linear maser idealization in our previous investigations. The same instabilities are now shown to occur in the more realistic, three-dimensional geometries. Fluctuations in the emergent flux result and may be related to the observed fluctuations in the radiative flux from the 1665 MHz OH masers that have been reported to occur on timescales as short as 1000 s. The time-dependent differential equations of radiative transfer are solved numerically for three-dimensional astrophysical masers. Computations are performed for spherical and elongated (rectangular parallelepiped) geometries.

Scappaticci, Gerardo A.↗

How to Quickly Import CAD Geometry into Thermal Desktop

There are several groups at JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) that are committed to concurrent design efforts, two are featured here. Center for Space Mission Architecture and Design (CSMAD) enables the practical application of advanced process technologies in JPL's mission architecture process. Team I functions as an incubator for projects that are in the Discovery, and even pre-Discovery proposal stages. JPL's concurrent design environment is to a large extent centered on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. During concurrent design sessions CAD geometry is ported to other more specialized engineering design packages.

Wright, Shonte↗

Mixing of multiple jets with a confined subsonic crossflow

An account is given of experimental and computational results on the mixing of single, double, and opposed rows of jets characterized by an either isothermal or variable temperature mainstream in a confined subsonic crossflow; these flow configurations are typical of gas turbine combustor dilution chambers. It is established that the momentum-flux ratio is the most significant flow variable. Combinations of flow and geometry yielding optimum mixing were identified from experimental and computational results. The orifice spacing and momentum-flux relationships affected jet structure, which was significantly different between jets injected from the inner wall of a turn and those injected from the outer wall.

Holdeman, James D.↗

Testing of Mars Retropropulsion Concepts in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Future Mars human lander missions will require using retrorockets beginning at supersonic conditions, something which has never been done before at Mars. Significant aerosciences challenges exist due to interactions between the retrorocket exhaust plumes, the freestream flow, and the vehicle that alter the aerodynamic behavior. Historical retropropulsion ground and flight data do not provide a basis for calibrating the computational uncertainties for aerodynamic interference forces and moments on proposed Mars descent vehicles, either because of insufficient data or dissimilar vehicles geometries and/or conditions. A new retropropulsion wind tunnel test was conducted in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel in order to address some of the deficiencies of previous tests and to provide a basis for computational model comparisons on relevant geometries. The test included improvements in model design and measured data. Two sub-scale model geometries derived from full-scale vehicle concepts were tested: a blunt low lift-to-drag vehicle and a more slender geometry. The first model includes variations in nozzle parameters that were estimated to have first-order effects on the measurements: location, pointing direction, size, and exit-to-throat area ratio. Both models were instrumented with discrete steady and unsteady pressure sensors on the aerodynamic and interior flow path surfaces. The heats shields of both models also were covered with pressure sensitive paint that effectively measures a steady pressure distribution in an otherwise unsteady flow field. This pressure distribution was integrated over the surface geometry in order to estimate the steady aerodynamic force and moment coefficient contribution from the painted surfaces; this approach was used as a replacement for using a flow-through balance. This paper will cover the test objectives, model design, test matrix, and available test results for each model configuration at different freestream Mach numbers, model attitude, and non-dimensional thrust magnitude. A subsequent publication will cover uncertainty quantification of the test data and comparisons to computational fluid dynamics model results.

Powered Descent↗

Study of effects of injector geometry on fuel-air mixing and combustion

An implicit finite-difference method has been developed for computing the flow in the near field of a fuel injector as part of a broader study of the effects of fuel injector geometry on fuel-air mixing and combustion. Detailed numerical results have been obtained for cases of laminar and turbulent flow without base injection, corresponding to the supersonic base flow problem. These numerical results indicated that the method is stable and convergent, and that significant savings in computer time can be achieved, compared with explicit methods.

Bangert, L. H.↗

Computational Hemodynamics Involving Artificial Devices

This paper reports the progress being made towards developing complete blood flow simulation capability in human, especially, in the presence of artificial devices such as valves and ventricular assist devices. Devices modeling poses unique challenges different from computing the blood flow in natural hearts and arteries. There are many elements needed such as flow solvers, geometry modeling including flexible walls, moving boundary procedures and physiological characterization of blood. As a first step, computational technology developed for aerospace applications was extended in the recent past to the analysis and development of mechanical devices. The blood flow in these devices is practically incompressible and Newtonian, and thus various incompressible Navier-Stokes solution procedures can be selected depending on the choice of formulations, variables and numerical schemes. Two primitive variable formulations used are discussed as well as the overset grid approach to handle complex moving geometry. This procedure has been applied to several artificial devices. Among these, recent progress made in developing DeBakey axial flow blood pump will be presented from computational point of view. Computational and clinical issues will be discussed in detail as well as additional work needed.

Kwak, Dochan↗

Computation of Supersonic Jet Mixing Noise Using PARC Code With a kappa-epsilon Turbulence Model

A number of modifications have been proposed in order to improve the jet noise prediction capabilities of the MGB code. This code which was developed at General Electric, employees the concept of acoustic analogy for the prediction of turbulent mixing noise. The source convection and also refraction of sound due to the shrouding effect of the mean flow are accounted for by incorporating the high frequency solution to Lilley's equation for cylindrical jets (Balsa and Mani). The broadband shock-associated noise is estimated using Harper-Bourne and Fisher's shock noise theory. The proposed modifications are aimed at improving the aerodynamic predictions (source/spectrum computations) and allowing for the non- axisymmetric effects in the jet plume and nozzle geometry (sound/flow interaction). In addition, recent advances in shock noise prediction as proposed by Tam can be employed to predict the shock-associated noise as an addition to the jet mixing noise when the flow is not perfectly expanded. Here we concentrate on the aerodynamic predictions using the PARC code with a k-E turbulence model and the ensuing turbulent mixing noise. The geometry under consideration is an axisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzle at its design operating conditions. Aerodynamic and acoustic computations are compared with data as well as predictions due to the original MGB model using Reichardt's aerodynamic theory.

Khavaran, A.↗

Commercialization of NESSUS: Status

A plan was initiated in 1988 to commercialize the Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress (NESSUS) probabilistic structural analysis software. The goal of the on-going commercialization effort is to begin the transfer of Probabilistic Structural Analysis Method (PSAM) developed technology into industry and to develop additional funding resources in the general area of structural reliability. The commercialization effort is summarized. The SwRI NESSUS Software System is a general purpose probabilistic finite element computer program using state of the art methods for predicting stochastic structural response due to random loads, material properties, part geometry, and boundary conditions. NESSUS can be used to assess structural reliability, to compute probability of failure, to rank the input random variables by importance, and to provide a more cost effective design than traditional methods. The goal is to develop a general probabilistic structural analysis methodology to assist in the certification of critical components in the next generation Space Shuttle Main Engine.

Thacker, Ben H.↗

Flight test and numerical simulation of transonic flow around YAV-8B Harrier II wing

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used to study the aerodynamics of the YAV-8B Harrier II wing in the transonic region. A numerical procedure is developed to compute the flow field around the complicated wing-pylon-fairing geometry. The surface definition of the wing and pylons were obtained from direct measurement using theodolite triangulation. A thin-layer Navier-Stokes code with the Chimera technique is used to compute flow solutions. The computed pressure distributions at several span stations are compared with flight test data and show good agreement. Computed results are correlated with flight test data that show the flow is severely separated in the vicinity of the wing-pylon junction. Analysis shows that shock waves are induced by pylon swaybrace fairings, that the flow separation is much stronger at the outboard pylon and that the separation is caused mainly by the crossflow passing the geometry of wing-pylon junction.

Gea, Lie-Mine↗

An implicit, transonic, full-potential code for cascade flow on H-grid topology

A transonic, full-potential code is developed for computing the flow through two-dimensional cascades using an H-type grid topology that employs an implicit approximate-factorization scheme. The body-conforming H-grid is generated numerically by solving Poisson's equation. The flow-solution algorithm at the coordinate mapping singularity associated with this grid is investigated using two different types of finite-difference schemes. The grid-geometry effect on these schemes is also studied by noting free-stream capturing properties. It is found that by implementing a consistent spatial differencing scheme, the mapping singularities can be resolved numerically, and the grid-geometry-induced error minimized. The code is verified by computing model cascade flow problems.

Kwak, D.↗

Phased array antenna matching: Simulation and optimization of a planar phased array of circular waveguide elements

A computerized simulation of a planar phased array of circular waveguide elements is reported using mutual coupling and wide angle impedance matching in phased arrays. Special emphasis is given to circular polarization. The aforementioned computer program has as variable inputs: frequency, polarization, grid geometry, element size, dielectric waveguide fill, dielectric plugs in the waveguide for impedance matching, and dielectric sheets covering the array surface for the purpose of wide angle impedance matching. Parameter combinations are found which produce reflection peaks interior to grating lobes, while dielectric cover sheets are successfully employed to extend the usable scan range of a phased array. The most exciting results came from the application of computer aided optimization techniques to the design of this type of array.

Dudgeon, J. E.↗

Navier-Stokes Solutions about the F/A-18 Forebody-LEX Configuration

Three-dimensional viscous flow computations are presented for the F/A-18 forebody-LEX geometry. Solutions are obtained from an algorithm for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations which incorporates an upwind-biased, flux-difference-splitting approach along with longitudinally-patched grids. Results are presented for both laminar and fully turbulent flow assumptions and include correlations with wind tunnel as well as flight-test results. A good quantitative agreement for the forebody surface pressure distribution is achieved between the turbulent computations and wind tunnel measurements at Mach number of 0.6. The computed turbulent surface flow patterns on the forebody qualitatively agree well with in-flight surface flow patterns obtained on an F/A-fS aircraft at Mach number of 0.34.

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