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At least 721 records · Page 40

Simplifying silicon burning: Application of quasi-equilibrium to (alpha) network nucleosynthesis

While the need for accurate calculation of nucleosynthesis and the resulting rate of thermonuclear energy release within hydrodynamic models of stars and supernovae is clear, the computational expense of these nucleosynthesis calculations often force a compromise in accuracy to reduce the computational cost. To redress this trade-off of accuracy for speed, the authors present an improved nuclear network which takes advantage of quasi- equilibrium in order to reduce the number of independent nuclei, and hence the computational cost of nucleosynthesis, without significant reduction in accuracy. In this paper they will discuss the first application of this method, the further reduction in size of the minimal alpha network. The resultant QSE- reduced alpha network is twice as fast as the conventional alpha network it replaces and requires the tracking of half as many abundance variables, while accurately estimating the rate of energy generation. Such reduction in cost is particularly necessary for future generation of multi-dimensional models for supernovae.

Hix, W. R.↗

Dynamics and structure of turbulent premixed flames

In earlier work (Mantel & Bilger, 1994) the structure of the turbulent premixed flame was investigated using statistics based on conditional averaging with the reaction progress variable as the conditioning variable. The DNS data base of Trouve and Poinsot (1994) was used in this investigation. Attention was focused on the conditional dissipation and conditional axial velocity in the flame with a view to modeling these quantities for use in the conditional moment closure (CMC) approach to analysis of kinetics in premixed flames (Bilger, 1993). Two remarkable findings were made: there was almost no acceleration of the axial velocity in the flame front itself; and the conditional scalar dissipation remained as high, or higher, than that found in laminar premixed flames. The first finding was surprising since in laminar flames all the fluid acceleration occurs through the flame front, and this could be expected also for turbulent premixed flames at the flamelet limit. The finding gave hope of inventing a new approach to the dynamics of turbulent premixed flames through use of rapid distortion theory or an unsteady Bernoulli equation. This could lead to a new second order closure for turbulent premixed flames. The second finding was contrary to our measurements with laser diagnostics in lean hydrocarbon flames where it is found that conditional scalar dissipation drops dramatically below that for laminar flamelets when the turbulence intensity becomes high. Such behavior was not explainable with a one-step kinetic model, even at non-unity Lewis number. It could be due to depletion of H2 from the reaction zone by preferential diffusion. The capacity of the flame to generate radicals is critically dependent on the levels of H2 present (Bilger, et al., 1991). It seemed that a DNS computation with a multistep reduced mechanism would be worthwhile if a way could be found to make this feasible. Truly innovative approaches to complex problems often come only when there is the opportunity to work close at hand with the (in this case numerical) experimental data. Not only can one spot patterns and relationships in the data which could be important, but one can also get to know the limitations of the technique being used, so that when the next experiment is being designed it will address resolvable questions. A three-year grant from the Australian Research Council has enabled us to develop a small capability at the University of Sydney to work on DNS of turbulent reacting flow, and to analyze data bases generated at CTR. Collaboration between the University of Sydney and CTR is essential to this project and finding a workable modus operandum for this collaboration, given the constraints involved, has been a major objective of the past year's effort. The overall objectives of the project are: (1) to obtain a quantitative understanding of the dynamics of turbulent premixed flames at high turbulence levels with a view to developing improved second order closure models; and (2) to carry out new DNS experiments on turbulent premixed flames using a carefully chosen multistep reduced mechanism for the chemical kinetics, with a view to elucidating the laser diagnostic findings that are contrary to the findings for DNS using one-step kinetics. In this first year the objectives have been to make the existing CTR data base more accessible to coworkers at the University of Sydney, to make progress on understanding the dynamics of the flame in this existing CTR data base, and to carefully construct a suitable multistep reduced mechanism for use in a new set of DNS experiments on turbulent premixed flames.

Bilger, R. W.↗

Reducing the Effect of Transducer Mount Induced Noise on Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel Testing Data with a New Transducer Mount Design

Flight vehicle aeroacoustic environments induced during transonic and supersonic flight are usually predicted by subscale wind tunnel testing utilizing high frequency miniature pressure transducers. In order to minimize noise induced by the measurement itself, transducer flush mounting with the model surface is very important. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has accomplished flushness in recent testing campaigns via use of a transducer holder that can be machined and sanded. A single hole in the holder allows the flow medium to interact with the transducer diaphragm. Noise is induced by the resulting cavity however, and is a challenge to remove in post-processing. A new holder design has been developed that minimizes the effects of this transducer mount induced noise (XMIN) by reducing the resonance amplitude or increasing its resonance frequency beyond the range of interest. This paper describes a test conducted at the NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Trisonic Wind Tunnel intended to verify the effectiveness of this design. The results from this test show that this new transducer holder design does significantly reduce the influence of XMIN on measured fluctuating pressure levels without degrading a transducer's ability to accurately measure the noise external to the model.

Herron, Andrew J.↗

Advanced Vibration Analysis Tool Developed for Robust Engine Rotor Designs

The primary objective of this research program is to develop vibration analysis tools, design tools, and design strategies to significantly improve the safety and robustness of turbine engine rotors. Bladed disks in turbine engines always feature small, random blade-to-blade differences, or mistuning. Mistuning can lead to a dramatic increase in blade forced-response amplitudes and stresses. Ultimately, this results in high-cycle fatigue, which is a major safety and cost concern. In this research program, the necessary steps will be taken to transform a state-of-the-art vibration analysis tool, the Turbo- Reduce forced-response prediction code, into an effective design tool by enhancing and extending the underlying modeling and analysis methods. Furthermore, novel techniques will be developed to assess the safety of a given design. In particular, a procedure will be established for using natural-frequency curve veerings to identify ranges of operating conditions (rotational speeds and engine orders) in which there is a great risk that the rotor blades will suffer high stresses. This work also will aid statistical studies of the forced response by reducing the necessary number of simulations. Finally, new strategies for improving the design of rotors will be pursued.

Min, James B.↗

Model reduction for the dynamics and control of large structural systems via neutral network processing direct numerical optimization

Three neural network processing approaches in a direct numerical optimization model reduction scheme are proposed and investigated. Large structural systems, such as large space structures, offer new challenges to both structural dynamicists and control engineers. One such challenge is that of dimensionality. Indeed these distributed parameter systems can be modeled either by infinite dimensional mathematical models (typically partial differential equations) or by high dimensional discrete models (typically finite element models) often exhibiting thousands of vibrational modes usually closely spaced and with little, if any, damping. Clearly, some form of model reduction is in order, especially for the control engineer who can actively control but a few of the modes using system identification based on a limited number of sensors. Inasmuch as the amount of 'control spillover' (in which the control inputs excite the neglected dynamics) and/or 'observation spillover' (where neglected dynamics affect system identification) is to a large extent determined by the choice of particular reduced model (RM), the way in which this model reduction is carried out is often critical.

Becus, Georges A.↗

Quantifying the benefits of improved satellite remote-sensing observations for inverse modeling of NOx and NMVOC emissions

This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of using novel high spatiotemporal retrieval products from newer satellites for top-down emission estimates of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) for the summer of 2019 over the contiguous United States. Recent satellite retrievals have not only advanced spatiotemporal resolution but also greatly reduced error and uncertainty due to reduced noise in the retrievals compared to spaceborne sensors launched in the past. We applied inverse modeling techniques using tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and formaldehyde (H-CHO) column retrieval products from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) in conjunction with the Weather Research Forecast and Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling system (WRF-CMAQ). In order to provide a better representation of background chemical composition and avoid misalignment of emission adjustment, we applied monthly scaling factors for ozone (O 3 ) and CO boundary concentrations in addition to the inclusion of lightning and aviation emissions. Satellite-constrained NO x and NMVOCs posterior emissions showed a mitigated discrepancy between observed and modeled columns. The improvement in the model performance was greater when using TROPOMI, primarily benefiting from reduced errors/biases of the satellite retrievals that enabled us to explore corresponding changes in O 3 concentrations and production sensitivity regimes using the ratio of H-CHO and NO 2 .

remote sensing↗

A fast, reliable algorithm for computing frequency responses of state space models

Computation of frequency responses for large order systems described by time invariant state space systems often provides a bottleneck in control system analysis. It is shown that banding the A-matrix in the state space model can effectively reduce the computation time for such systems while maintaining reliability in the results produced.

Wette, Matt↗

Optimal fixed-finite-dimensional compensator for Burgers' equation with unbounded input/output operators

The problem of using reduced order dynamic compensators to control a class of nonlinear parabolic distributed parameter systems was considered. Concentration was on a system with unbounded input and output operators governed by Burgers' equation. A linearized model was used to compute low-order-finite-dimensional control laws by minimizing certain energy functionals. Then these laws were applied to the nonlinear model. Standard approaches to this problem employ model/controller reduction techniques in conjunction with linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) theory. The approach used is based on the finite dimensional Bernstein/Hyland optimal projection theory which yields a fixed-finite-order controller.

Burns, John A.↗

Bayes Analysis and Reliability Implications of Stress-Rupture Testing a Kevlar/Epoxy COPV Using Temperature and Pressure Acceleration

Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) that have survived a long service time under pressure generally must be recertified before service is extended. Flight certification is dependent on the reliability analysis to quantify the risk of stress rupture failure in existing flight vessels. Full certification of this reliability model would require a statistically significant number of lifetime tests to be performed and is impractical given the cost and limited flight hardware for certification testing purposes. One approach to confirm the reliability model is to perform a stress rupture test on a flight COPV. Currently, testing of such a Kevlar49 (Dupont)/epoxy COPV is nearing completion. The present paper focuses on a Bayesian statistical approach to analyze the possible failure time results of this test and to assess the implications in choosing between possible model parameter values that in the past have had significant uncertainty. The key uncertain parameters in this case are the actual fiber stress ratio at operating pressure, and the Weibull shape parameter for lifetime; the former has been uncertain due to ambiguities in interpreting the original and a duplicate burst test. The latter has been uncertain due to major differences between COPVs in the database and the actual COPVs in service. Any information obtained that clarifies and eliminates uncertainty in these parameters will have a major effect on the predicted reliability of the service COPVs going forward. The key result is that the longer the vessel survives, the more likely the more optimistic stress ratio model is correct. At the time of writing, the resulting effect on predicted future reliability is dramatic, increasing it by about one "nine," that is, reducing the predicted probability of failure by an order of magnitude. However, testing one vessel does not change the uncertainty on the Weibull shape parameter for lifetime since testing several vessels would be necessary.

Phoenix, S. Leigh↗

Base Flow Model Validation

A method was developed of obtaining propulsive base flow data in both hot and cold jet environments, at Mach numbers and altitude of relevance to NASA launcher designs. The base flow data was used to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) turbulence model assessments of base flow predictive capabilities in order to provide increased confidence in base thermal and pressure load predictions obtained from computational modeling efforts. Predictive CFD analyses were used in the design of the experiments, available propulsive models were used to reduce program costs and increase success, and a wind tunnel facility was used. The data obtained allowed assessment of CFD/turbulence models in a complex flow environment, working within a building-block procedure to validation, where cold, non-reacting test data was first used for validation, followed by more complex reacting base flow validation.

Sinha, Neeraj↗

NASTRAN hydroelastic modal studies. Volume 1: Introduction, theory, and results

The implementation of a general three-dimensional hydroelastic capability in the NASTRAN computer program is described. A method for analyzing the combined mode shapes of arbitrary fluid and structure finite element models was developed. The fluid was modeled with three-dimensional solid elements with options for tetrahedron, wedge, and hexahedron shapes. The elements were then connected to fluid grid points which defined the pressure in the fluid at the specified location. Matrices were formulated to provide efficient solutions for large-order problems. The structure matrices were processed separately and could be reduced using matrix condensation procedures or through a modal formulation using the normal modes of the empty structure as solution coordinates. The fluid/structure interface and the free surface were defined by the user with special NASTRAN boundary elements. A special purpose mesh generator program was provided to generate the actual NASTRAN data cards for the fluid, the structure, and the boundary elements for typical tank-type models.

Source record↗

Influence of Triply-Charged Ions and Ionization Cross-Sections in a Hybrid-PIC Model of a Hall Thruster Discharge

The sensitivity of xenon ionization rates to collision cross-sections is studied within the framework of a hybrid-PIC model of a Hall thruster discharge. A revised curve fit based on the Drawin form is proposed and is shown to better reproduce the measured crosssections at high electron energies, with differences in the integrated rate coefficients being on the order of 10% for electron temperatures between 20 eV and 30 eV. The revised fit is implemented into HPHall and the updated model is used to simulate NASA's HiVHAc EDU2 Hall thruster at discharge voltages of 300, 400, and 500 V. For all three operating points, the revised cross-sections result in an increase in the predicted thrust and anode efficiency, reducing the error relative to experimental performance measurements. Electron temperature and ionization reaction rates are shown to follow the trends expected based on the integrated rate coefficients. The effects of triply-charged xenon are also assessed. The predicted thruster performance is found to have little or no dependence on the presence of triply-charged ions. The fraction of ion current carried by triply-charged ions is found to be on the order of 1% and increases slightly with increasing discharge voltage. The reaction rates for the 0→III, I→III, and II→III ionization reactions are found to be of similar order of magnitude and are about one order of magnitude smaller than the rate of 0→II ionization in the discharge channel.

Hall Thrusters↗

Magnetic drifts at Io - Depletion of 10-MeV electrons at Voyager 1 encounter due to a forbidden zone

A model for magnetic field lines is used to track the Voyager spacecraft trajectory past Io back to the equatorial plane in order to determine the cause of an observed depletion of 10 MeV electrons in Io's orbit. The field lines are in the vicinity of an Alfven wing, a noncompressive field perturbation. It is suggested that the Jovian magnetospheric drift features influence the behavior of particles around Io, which also has a zone of reduced convection velocity. An analytical model is developed that demonstrates that a forbidden zone may exist around Io due to the gradient drifts and reduced convection velocity, and projections of particles convecting to the Io surface agree well with the Voyager data for particle concentrations. Discrepancies in the measured 9 MeV fluxes with respect to Pioneer data indicate that a possible change in the Io conductance in the interval between the passages of the two spacecraft.

Goldstein, B. E.↗

Implicit Numerical Methods in Meteorology

The development of a fully implicit finite-difference model, whose time step is chosen solely to resolve accurately the physical flow of interest is discussed. The method is based on an operator factorization which reduces the dimensionality of the implicit approach: at each time step only (spatially) one-dimensional block-tridiagonal linear systems must be solved. The scheme uses two time levels and is second-order accurate in time. Compact implicit spatial differences are used, yielding fourth-order accuracy both vertically and horizontally. In addition, the development of a fully interactive computer code is discussed. With this code the user will have a choice of models, with various levels of accuracy and sophistication, which are imbedded, as subsets of the fully implicit 3D code.

Augenbaum, J.↗

A Computational and Experimental Study of Nonlinear Aspects of Induced Drag

Despite the 80-year history of classical wing theory, considerable research has recently been directed toward planform and wake effects on induced drag. Nonlinear interactions between the trailing wake and the wing offer the possibility of reducing drag. The nonlinear effect of compressibility on induced drag characteristics may also influence wing design. This thesis deals with the prediction of these nonlinear aspects of induced drag and ways to exploit them. A potential benefit of only a few percent of the drag represents a large fuel savings for the world's commercial transport fleet. Computational methods must be applied carefully to obtain accurate induced drag predictions. Trefftz-plane drag integration is far more reliable than surface pressure integration, but is very sensitive to the accuracy of the force-free wake model. The practical use of Trefftz plane drag integration was extended to transonic flow with the Tranair full-potential code. The induced drag characteristics of a typical transport wing were studied with Tranair, a full-potential method, and A502, a high-order linear panel method to investigate changes in lift distribution and span efficiency due to compressibility. Modeling the force-free wake is a nonlinear problem, even when the flow governing equation is linear. A novel method was developed for computing the force-free wake shape. This hybrid wake-relaxation scheme couples the well-behaved nature of the discrete vortex wake with viscous-core modeling and the high-accuracy velocity prediction of the high-order panel method. The hybrid scheme produced converged wake shapes that allowed accurate Trefftz-plane integration. An unusual split-tip wing concept was studied for exploiting nonlinear wake interaction to reduced induced drag. This design exhibits significant nonlinear interactions between the wing and wake that produced a 12% reduction in induced drag compared to an equivalent elliptical wing at a lift coefficient of 0.7. The performance of the split-tip wing was also investigated by wing tunnel experiments. Induced drag was determined from force measurements by subtracting the estimated viscous drag, and from an analytical drag-decomposition method using a wake survey. The experimental results confirm the computational prediction.

Smith, Stephen C.↗

Acoustic duct liner optimization using finite elements

Determination of a mathematical model which may be used for obtaining optimum acoustic liners in aeroengine ducts was the goal of this study. Starting with a baseline finite element model which consumed too much computer time to permit optimum liner evaluation for realistic ducts and source frequencies, a survey was conducted of candidate methods for reducing computational effort. A highly effective boundary exclusive decomposition method was developed which enables L-U decomposition of a major partition of the global matrix to be performed once only. Timing experiments using the technique in duct liner optimization show a reduction of between one and two orders of magnitude in the central processor unit (CPU) time of the baseline model.

Abrahamson, A. L.↗

Structure and evolutionary history of the solar system. III.

Analysis of the plasma processes and the hydromagnetic aspects involved in the evolution of the solar system. In order to reduce the speculative element as far as possible, the present analysis tries to connect the cosmogonic processes as directly as possible to laboratory plasma physics and to space phenomena actually observed today. Models of the Laplacian type have been made obsolete by magnetohydrodynamics. Furthermore they are in conflict with observations. A new model is suggested. A plasma surrounding a rotating central body may attain a state of partial corotation which is determined by the balance between gravitation and the centrifugal force acting on a plasma in a dipole field. Condensation from a partially corotating plasma results in grains orbiting in ellipses with e = 1/3 and finally accreting to bodies at 2/3 of the central distance of the point of condensation. An application of the theory of the Saturnian rings and to the asteroidal belt shows that the fall-down ratio 2/3 (derived from the geometry of a dipole field) is essential for the understanding of their structure. The structure of the groups of planets and satellites is also discussed, but only in a preliminary way.

Alfven, H.↗

The rheology of icy satellites

High-temperature creep in orthoenstatite under conditions of controlled oxygen fugacity was studied. It was found that creep was conttrolled by the extremely thin layer of SiO2 which wetted the grain boundaries. Slight reduction of the (Mg, Fe)SiO3 enstatite during hot pressing produced microscopic particles of Fe and the thin film of intergranular SiO2. This result highlights another complication in determining the flow properties of iron bearing silicates which constitute the bulk of terrestrial planets and moons. The Phenomenon may be important in the ductile formation of any extraterrestrial body which is formed in a reducing environment. The rheology of dirty ice was studied. This involves micromechanical modeling of hardening phenomena due to contamination by a cosmic distribution of silicate particles. The larger particles are modeled by suspension theory. In order to handle the distribution of particles sizes, the hardening is readed as a critical phenomenon, and real space renormalization group techniques are used. Smaller particles interact directly with the dislocations. The particulate hardening effect was studied in metals. The magnitude of such hardening in ice and the defect chemistry of ice are studied to assess the effects of chemical contamination by methane, ammonia, or other likely contaminants.

Sammis, C. G.↗