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At least 739 records · Page 41

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NASA NTRS1991

Mixing transition and the cascade to small scales in a plane mixing layer

Direct numerical simulations of time-developing plane mixing layers have been performed using a variety of initial conditions. Up to two pairings of the dominant spanwise rollers have been simulated. When the flow is sufficiently three-dimensional, a pairing can cause the mixing layer to undergo a transition to small-scale turbulence. This small-scale transition is accompanied by increased mixing of a passive scalar, similar to observations of the mixing transition in experiments. As part of the transition process, thin vortex sheets are generated by vortex stretching and roll up in a two-dimensional mixing layer. This higher-order rollup is part of the cascade to small-scale turbulence. Estimates are obtained for the degree of three-dimensionality required for the pairing to initiate the transition.

Moser, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Boundary-layer stability analysis of flight-measured transition data

Correlation of in-flight boundary-layer transition experiments with linear boundary-layer stability theory contributes both to the validation of the numerical methods as well as the analysis of the measured transition process. Transition results obtained in a recent flight experiment, in which the extent of laminar flow and the transition process on the wing of a business-jet fitted with an instrumented glove section were determined, are analyzed. The experiment was conducted at freestream Mach numbers from 0.55 to 0.82, chord Reynolds numbers from 10 to 20 x 10 to the 6th, and leading-edge sweep angles 17 deg to 20 deg. The growth of both Tollmien-Schlichting and crossflow instabilities are predicted using the e exp n method for several flight conditions and the calculated n-factors at transition onset are correlated. Comparison of the measured dominant boundary-layer disturbance frequencies and the predicted unstable frequencies shows fair agreement for several of the flight conditions studied.

Obara, Clifford J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The use of transition heights for the representation of ion composition

Several characteristic transition heights can be found in ionospheric ion-composition profiles. These are the boundaries between the regions dominated by light ions, atomic oxygen ions, molecular ions, and cluster ions, respectively. Ion-composition modeling can benefit from the use of these transition heights. Special emphasis is given to the 'upper' transition height H sub T (light ions to atomic oxygen) and to the 'lower' transition height h sub t (atomic oxygen to molecular ions). Transition-height models deduced from rocket and satellite measurements are compared with the heights predicted by the International Reference Ionosphere. Considerable discrepancies are found between the different models as well as between the models and independent measurements.

Bilitza, Dieter↗

NASA NTRS1992

The effects of Venusian mantle convection with multiple phase transitions

Recently there was a flurry of activities in studying the effects of phase transitions in the Earth's mantle. From petrological and geophysical considerations, phase-transitions would also play an important role in venusian dynamics. The basic differences between the two planets are the surface boundary conditions, both thermally and mechanically. In this vein we have studied time-dependent mantle convection with multiple phase transitions and depth-dependent thermal expansivity (alpha is approximately rho(exp -6)), based on high-pressure and temperature measurements. Both the olivine-spinel and spinel-perovskite transitions were simulated by introducing an effective thermal expansivity, as described. Used together with the extended Boussinesq Approximation this method serves as a powerful tool to examine the effects of phase transitions on convection at relatively low computational costs.

Steinbach, V.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modeling of near wall turbulence and modeling of bypass transition

The objectives for this project are as follows: (1) Modeling of the near wall turbulence: We aim to develop a second order closure for the near wall turbulence. As a first step of this project, we try to develop a kappa-epsilon model for near wall turbulence. We require the resulting model to be able to handle both near wall turbulence and turbulent flows away from the wall, computationally robust, and applicable for complex flow situations, flow with separation, for example, and (2) Modeling of the bypass transition: We aim to develop a bypass transition model which contains the effect of intermittency. Thus, the model can be used for both the transitional boundary layers and the turbulent boundary layers. We require the resulting model to give a good prediction of momentum and heat transfer within the transitional boundary and a good prediction of the effect of freestream turbulence on transitional boundary layers.

Yang, Z.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Modeling the transition region

The current status of transition-region models is reviewed in this report. To understand modeling problems, various flow features that influence the transition process are discussed first. Then an overview of the different approaches to transition-region modeling is given. This is followed by a detailed discussion of turbulence models and the specific modifications that are needed to predict flows undergoing laminar-turbulent transition. Methods for determining the usefulness of the models are presented, and an outlook for the future of transition-region modeling is suggested.

Singer, Bart A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A high-frequency, secondary instability of crossflow vortices that leads to transition

Three-dimensional boundary-layer transition experiments are currently being conducted on a 45 deg swept wing in the Arizona State University Unsteady Wind Tunnel. Crossflow-dominated transition is produced via a model with contoured end liners to simulate infinite swept-wing flow. Fixed-wavelength, stationary and travelling crossflow vortices are observed. The frequencies of the most amplified travelling waves are in agreement with linear-stability theory; however travelling waves at frequencies an order of magnitude higher than predicted are also observed near transition. Near the transition location, the distorted boundary layer is due to the stationary crossflow vortex and is subject to a Rayleigh-type instability in the stream direction. As a result, a high-frequency secondary instability is detected in the transition region and spatial relations of the process are well documented by coupled use of flow visualization and hot-wire measurements.

Kohama, Yasuaki↗

NASA NTRS1993

Effects of free-stream turbulence on boundary-layer transition

Traditional methods for the prediction of the transition location rest either on lump parameters like the momentum thickness or on N factors obtained from the approximate linear stability characteristics of the flow. These methods account for the effects of the disturbance environment by empirical correlation with observed transition locations. We have developed a highly efficient and accurate approach to stability analysis and transition simulation based on parabolized stability equations (PSE). Here we present a first application of this approach to realistic problems of practical interest. We study the effects of the turbulence level on transition and heat transfer in flows over flat plates, curved plates, and the stator blade of a gas-turbine model. We discuss the formulation of an input model for the PSE analysis in the light of the present knowledge of receptivity mechanisms. The input model is used to compute transition locations for various configurations and flow conditions. The results compare favorably with experimental data.

Herbert, TH.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Boundary-layer transition extent measurements on a cone and flat plate at Mach 3.5

Wide excursions of the boundary-layer transition region are expected to occur on the X-30 National Aerospace Plane (NASP) due to the high Mach number, high temperature, and low density environment experienced during flight. Undesirable features of the transition region, such as the peak heat transfer rate, make it important to understand transition region physics. The current study investigates transition extent in 2D and axisymmetric bounday-layer flows. Surface-pitot and recovery temperature data obtained on a cone and flat plate at Mach 3.5 in the Supersonic Low-Disturbance Pilot Tunnel at NASA Langley are presented. Results show the effects of the unit Reynolds number, freestream disturbances, and nose/leading-edge bluntness on the extent of transition.

Chen, Fang-Jenq↗

NASA NTRS1993

The three-dimensional evolution of a plane mixing layer - Pairing and transition to turbulence

The evolution of three-dimensional temporally evolving plane mixing layers through as many as three pairings has been simulated numerically. All simulations were begun from a few low-wavenumber disturbances, usually derived from linear stability theory, in addition to the mean velocity. Three-dimensional perturbations were used with amplitudes ranging from infinitesimal to large enough to trigger a rapid transition to turbulence. Pairing is found to inhibit the growth of infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances, and to trigger the transition to turbulence in highly three-dimensional flows. The mechanisms responsible for the growth of three-dimensionality and onset of transition to turbulence are described. The transition to turbulence is accompanied by the formation of thin sheets of spanwise vorticity, which undergo secondary rollups. The post-transitional simulated flow fields exhibit many properties characteristic of turbulent flows.

Moser, Robert D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Radiative lifetimes, branching rations, and absolute transition probabilities in Cr II and Zn II

New absolute atomic transition probability measurements are reported for 12 transitions in Cr II and two transitions in Zn II. These transition probabilities are determined by combining branching ratios measured by classical techniques and radiative lifetimes measured by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence. The measurements are compared with branching fractions, radiative lifetimes, and transition probabilities in the literature. The 206 nm resonance multiplets in Cr II and Zn II are included in this work. These multiplets are very useful in determining the distribution of the elements in the gas versus grain phases in the interstellar medium.

Bergeson, S. D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The bubbly-slug transition in a boiling two-phase flow under microgravity

A theory is presented to describe, in reduced gravity flow boiling, the transition from bubbly two-phase flow to slug flow. It is shown that characteristics of the bubbly flow and the transition were controlled by the mechanism of vapor bubble growth dynamics. By considering in nucleate boiling, behavior of vapor bubbles at departure from a heated surface a condition required for transition was determined. Although required, this condition alone could not ensure coalescence of bubbles to cause the transition to slug two-phase flow. The condition leading to coalescence, therefore, was obtained by examining oscillations of vapor bubbles following their departure from the heated surface. The predicted transition conditions were compared with the prediction and test data reported for adiabatic reduced gravity two-phase flow, and good qualitative agreement was found.

Kiper, Ali M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Infrared spectra of transition objects and the composition and evolution of carbon dust

We obtained IR (5-23 microns) spectra of five carbon-rich objects in transition from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to the planetary nebula stage of evolution. These spectra show a variety of IR emission features due to circumstellar materials. In particular, all sources show the 6.2 and '7.7' micron bands, commonly observed in PNs and ascribed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs). Some transition nebulae also show a strong 6-9 micron plateau characteristic for larger PAH clusters (about 400 C-atoms). A new broad feature at about 8.8 microns is present in some sources. This feature is distinctly different from the 8.6-micron PAH feature. This 8.8-micron feature may be present in the spectra of C-rich giants as well, but is not evident in PN spectra. We suggest that large amorphous carbon grains are responsible for the 8.8-micron feature. The transition objects show large spectral variations from source to source. This contrasts with C-rich PNs, which all show very similar IR spectra dominated by PAHs. These spectral variations between transition objects of similar effective temperatures cannot be due to excitation variations but imply compositional variations of the dust. Moreover, this result suggests that circumstellar dust evolves during the transition phase from red giant to PN, perhaps as a result of grain-grain collisions and shattering in the fast winds.

Buss, R. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1956

Contributions on the mechanics of boundary-layer transition

The manner in which flow in a boundary layer becomes turbulent was investigated on a flat plate at wind speeds generally below 100 feet per second. Hot-wire techniques were used, and many of the results are derived from oscillograms of velocity fluctuations in the transition region. Following a presentation of the more familiar aspects of transition, there are presented the very revealing facts discovered while studying the characteristics of artificially produced turbulent spots. These are: (1) oscillograms of natural transition are identical to oscillograms of spot passage; (2) transition starts from perturbations in the laminar flow as spots which then grow in accordance with the general concept proposed by Emmons. (3) Turbulence always moves downstream followed by laminar flow; (4) the following flow is in a state of calm for a period during which transition will not occur.

Schubauer, G B↗

NASA NTRS1993

Relationship between transition and modes of instability in supersonic boundary layers

The relationship between the predicted transition location and the first and second modes of instability in two-dimensional supersonic boundary-layer flow on a flat plate is examined. Linear stability theory and the N-factor criterion are used to predict transition location. The effect of heat transfer is also studied; the results demonstrate that the transition reversal phenomenon can be explained by the opposite effect of cooling on the first and second modes of instability. Compressibility of destabilizing at free-stream Mach numbers of 2 to 3.5. The predicted transition location is due to the oblique first modes of instability, up to free-stream Mach numbers between 6 and 6.5. At higher Mach numbers, the predicted transition location is due to a combination of two-dimensional first and second modes of instability.

Masad, Jamal A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of leading-edge transition and relaminarization phenomena on a subsonic multi-element high-lift system

Boundary-layer transition and relaminarization may have a critical effect on the flow development about multi-element high-lift systems of subsonic transport jets with swept wings. The purpose of the research is to study these transition phenomena in the leading-edge region of the various elements of a high-lift system. The flow phenomena studied include transition to the attachment-line flow, relaminarization, and crossflow instability, and transition. The calculations are based on pressure distributions measured in flight on the NASA Transport Systems Research Vehicle (Boeing 737-100) at a wing station where the flow approximated infinite swept wing conditions. The results indicate that significant regions of laminar flow can exist on all flap elements in flight. In future flight experiments (planned for January-February, 1994) the extent of these regions, the transition mechanisms and the effect of laminar flow on the high-lift characteristics of the multi-element system will be further explored.

Vandam, C. P.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Electron excitation cross sections for the 2s(2)2p(3)4S(O) -- 2s(2)2p(3)2D(O) (forbidden) and 4S(O) -- 2s2p(4) 4P (resonance) transitions in O II

Experimental and theoretical excitation cross sections are reported for the first forbidden transition 4S(O) -- 2S(2)2p(3) 2D(O) (lambda-lambda 3726, 3729) and the first allowed (resonance) transition 4S(O) -- 2s2p(4) 4P(lambda-833) in O II. Use is made of electron energy loss and merged-beams methods. The electron energy range covered is 3.33 (threshold) to 15 eV for the S -- D transition, and 14.9 (threshold) to 40 eV for the S -- P transition. Care was taken to assess and minimize the metastable fraction of the O II beam. An electron mirror was designed and tested to reflect inelastically backscattered electrons into the forward direction to account for the full range of polar scattering angles. Comparisons are made between present experiments and 11-state R-matrix calculations. Calculations are also presented for the 4S(O) -- 2s(2)2p(3)2P(O) (lambda-2470) transition.

Zuo, M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Theoretical investigation of wave-vector-dependent analytical and numerical formulations of the interband impact-ionization transition rate for electrons in bulk silicon and GaAs

The electron interband impact-ionization rate for both silicon and gallium arsenide is calculated using an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation with the expressed purpose of comparing different formulations of the interband ionization transition rate. Specifically, three different treatments of the transition rate are examined: the traditional Keldysh formula, a new k-dependent analytical formulation first derived by W. Quade, E. Scholl, and M. Rudan (1993), and a more exact, numerical method of Y. Wang and K. F. Brennan (1994). Although the completely numerical formulation contains no adjustable parameters and as such provides a very reliable result, it is highly computationally intensive. Alternatively, the Keldysh formular, although inherently simple and computationally efficient, fails to include the k dependence as well as the details of the energy band structure. The k-dependent analytical formulation of Quade and co-workers overcomes the limitations of both of these models but at the expense of some new parameterization. It is found that the k-dependent analytical method of Quade and co-workers produces very similar results to those obtained with the completely numerical model for some quantities. Specifically, both models predict that the effective threshold for impact ionization in GaAs and silicon is quite soft, that the majority of ionization events originate from the second conduction band in both materials, and that the transition rate is k dependent. Therefore, it is concluded that the k-dependent analytical model can qualitatively reproduce results similar to those obtained with the numerical model yet with far greater computational efficiency. Nevertheless, there exist some important drawbacks to the k-dependent analytical model of Quade and co-workers: These are that it does not accurately reproduce the quantum yield data for bulk silicon, it requires determination of a new parameter, related physically to the overlap intergrals of the Bloch state which can only be adjusted by comparison to experiment, and fails to account for any wave-vector dependence of the overlap integrals. As such the transition rate may be overestimated at those points for which 'near vertical,' small change in k, transitions occur.

Kolnik, Jan↗