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At least 757 records · Page 42

Refactoring the elastic–viscous–plastic solver from the sea ice model CICE v6.5.1 for improved performance

This study focuses on the performance of the elastic–viscous–plastic (EVP) dynamical solver within the sea ice model, CICE v6.5.1. The study has been conducted in two steps. First, the standard EVP solver was extracted from CICE for experiments with refactored versions, which are used for performance testing. Second, one refactored version was integrated and tested in the full CICE model to demonstrate that the new algorithms do not significantly impact the physical results. The study reveals two dominant bottlenecks, namely (1) the number of Message Parsing Interface (MPI) and Open Multi-Processing (OpenMP) synchronization points required for halo exchanges during each time step combined with the irregular domain of active sea ice points and (2) the lack of single-instruction, multiple-data (SIMD) code generation. The standard EVP solver has been refactored based on two generic patterns. The first pattern exposes how general finite differences on masked multi-dimensional arrays can be expressed in order to produce significantly better code generation by changing the memory access pattern from random access to direct access. The second pattern takes an alternative approach to handle static grid properties. The measured single-core performance improvement is more than a factor of 5 compared to the standard implementation. The refactored implementation of strong scales on the Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors series node until the available bandwidth of the node is used. For the Intel® Xeon® CPU Max series, there is sufficient bandwidth to allow the strong scaling to continue for all the cores on the node, resulting in a single-node improvement factor of 35 over the standard implementation. This study also demonstrates improved performance on GPU processors.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Application of a substructuring technique to the problem of crack extension and closure

A substructuring technique, originally developed for the efficient reanalysis of structures, is incorporated into the methodology associated with the plastic analysis of structures. An existing finite-element computer program that accounts for elastic-plastic material behavior under cyclic loading was modified to account for changing kinematic constraint conditions - crack growth and intermittent contact of crack surfaces in two dimensional regions. Application of the analysis is presented for a problem of a centercrack panel to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the technique.

Armen, H., Jr.↗

Evaluation of low cost/high temperature fiber and blanket insulation

Twelve fiber materials comprising water-felted fiber cakes and blanket insulation were subjected to furnace exposures at 1000, 1200, 1400, and 1600 C for up to 500 hours to establish the time-temperature limits below which these insulation materials can withstand repeated thermal cycles without detrimental shrinkage, thermal conductivity increase, or physical changes. Test samples were inspected periodically during the exposure cycles and weight loss and dimensional shrinkage were measured. Density, fiber crystallography, and thermal conductivity were measured after exposure and properties were compared with those of unexposed controls.

Strauss, E. L.↗

Additional application of the NASCAP code. Volume 1: NASCAP extension

The NASCAP computer program comprehensively analyzes problems of spacecraft charging. Using a fully three dimensional approach, it can accurately predict spacecraft potentials under a variety of conditions. Several changes were made to NASCAP, and a new code, NASCAP/LEO, was developed. In addition, detailed studies of several spacecraft-environmental interactions and of the SCATHA spacecraft were performed. The NASCAP/LEO program handles situations of relatively short Debye length encountered by large space structures or by any satellite in low earth orbit (LEO).

Katz, I.↗

Full potential solution of a transonic quasi-3-D flow through a cascade using artificial compressibility

A reliable method is presented for calculating the flowfield about a cascade of arbitrary 2-D airfoils. The method approximates the three-dimensional flow in a turbomachinery blade row by correcting for streamtube convergence and radius change in the throughflow direction. The method is a fully conservative solution of the full potential equation incorporating the finite volume technique on a body-fitted periodic mesh, with an artificial density imposed in the transonic region to ensure stability and the capture of shock waves. Comparison of results for several supercritical blades shows good agreement with their hodograph solutions. Other calculations for these profiles as well as standard NACA blade sections indicate that this is a useful scheme for analyzing both the design and off-design performance of turbomachinery blading.

Farrell, C.↗

Electric field mill network products to improve detection of the lightning hazard

An electric field mill network has been used at Kennedy Space Center for over 10 years as part of the thunderstorm detection system. Several algorithms are currently available to improve the informational output of the electric field mill data. The charge distributions of roughly 50 percent of all lightning can be modeled as if they reduced the charged cloud by a point charge or a point dipole. Using these models, the spatial differences in the lightning induced electric field changes, and a least squares algorithm to obtain an optimum solution, the three-dimensional locations of the lightning charge centers can be located. During the lifetime of a thunderstorm, dynamically induced charging, modeled as a current source, can be located spatially with measurements of Maxwell current density. The electric field mills can be used to calculate the Maxwell current density at times when it is equal to the displacement current density. These improvements will produce more accurate assessments of the potential electrical activity, identify active cells, and forecast thunderstorm termination.

Maier, Launa M.↗

Ozone reduction in the 1980's - A model simulation of anthropogenic and solar perturbations

An interpretation of global ozone changes deduced from satellite data obtained since 1979 is presented, based on two-dimensional model simulations. The study shows that a depletion in total ozone of the order of 2 percent and a reduction in ozone density near 40 km of 7 to 12 percent over the 1979-1986 period are consistent with the observed increase in trace gas densities (chlorofluorocarbons, methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide) and the simultaneous decrease in solar activity during this period. The model also suggests that ozone variations of solar and anthropogenic origins between 1979 and 1986 were of similar magnitude but that the ozone response to trace gas emissions increases substantially with latitude while the solar signal in ozone is present lower in the atmosphere and is nearly independent of latitude.

Brasseur, Guy↗

Hydrodynamic interactions in directional solidification

A binary liquid undergoes unidirectional solidification. The one-dimensional steady state is susceptible to morphological instability that causes the solid/liquid interface to change from a planar state to a cellular pattern. This paper examines the effects on this transition of volume-change convection, buoyancy-driven convection or forced flows. It emphasizes how flows alter stability limits, create scale and pattern changes in morphology, and create, through coupling, new instabilities. Emphasis is placed on the physical mechanisms of the interactions.

Davis, Stephen H.↗

Observations on thermospheric and mesospheric density disturbances caused by typhoons and convective storms

Atmospheric parameter observations have been conducted during the passage of typhoons and tropical storms, from the troposphere to the middle atmosphere, and thence to the thermosphere, using the VHF radar and HF Doppler sounder at an observation site in Taiwan. The density perturbations caused by the propagation of gravity waves due to the typhoons and tropical storms were calculated on the basis of these observations. The short-term middle atmospheric and thermospheric density changes are significant factors in spacecraft launches. The successful remote measurement of three-dimensional winds, gravity waves, and density perturbations is demonstrated for this subtropical site.

Hung, R. J.↗

Alternative representations of visual space

This paper discusses a method for delineating and testing hypotheses about the relationship between the retinal images and the three-dimensional visual space they serve. The method may be used under the conditions of changing eye position, occlusion by structures that are part of or are mounted on the observer, occlusions by environmental objects, defects of the visual field, and variables that alter the focus of environmental imagery on the retinas.

Arditi, Aries↗

The changing stratosphere

The current status of stratospheric research on stratospheric ozone is reviewed. Special attention is given to ozone chemistries in the upper and the lower stratosphere at the Antarctic, Arctic, and tropical latitudes, as well as at midlatitudes. The consequences these changes have on global climate are discussed in the framework of a one-dimensional radiative-convective model.

Mcelroy, Michael B.↗

Enabler operator station

The objective of this project was to design an onboard operator station for the conceptual Lunar Work Vehicle (LWV). This LWV would be used in the colonization of a lunar outpost. The details that follow, however, are for an earth-bound model. Several recommendations are made in the appendix as to the changes needed in material selection for the lunar environment. The operator station is designed dimensionally correct for an astronaut wearing the current space shuttle EVA suit (which includes life support). The proposed operator station will support and restrain an astronaut as well as provide protection from the hazards of vehicle rollover. The threat of suit puncture is eliminated by rounding all corners and edges. A step-plate, located at the front of the vehicle, provides excellent ease of entry and exit. The operator station weight requirements are met by making efficient use of grid members, semi-rigid members and woven fabrics.

Bailey, Andrea↗

Residual mode filters and adaptive control in large space structures

One of the most difficult problems in controlling large systems and structures is compensating for the destructive interaction which can occur between the reduced-order model (ROM) of the plant, which is used by the controller, and the unmodeled dynamics of the plant, often called the residual modes. The problem is more significant in the case of large space structures because their naturally light damping and high performance requirements lead to more frequent, destructive residual mode interaction (RMI). Using the design/compensation technique of residual mode filters (RMF's), effective compensation of RMI can be accomplished in a straightforward manner when using linear controllers. The use of RMF's has been shown to be effective for a variety of large structures, including a space-based laser and infinite dimensional systems. However, the dynamics of space structures is often uncertain and may even change over time due to on-orbit erosion from space debris and corrosive chemicals in the upper atmosphere. In this case, adaptive control can be extremely beneficial in meeting the performance requirements of the structure. Adaptive control for large structures is also based on ROM's and so destructive RMI may occur. Unfortunately, adaptive control is inherently nonlinear, and therefore the known results of RMF's cannot be applied. The purpose is to present the results of new research showing the effects of RMI when using adaptive control and the work which will hopefully lead to RMF compensation of this problem.

Davidson, Roger A.↗

Qualitative study of the behavior of minor species during a stratospheric warming with a 3-D model

It is well-known that the behavior of the ozone layer depends upon the coupling between several processes in the atmosphere. Natural or anthropogenic pollutants emitted from the surface or injected directly at high altitude may affect this layer. Assessment studies for long-term changes of the ozone layer are conducted with the aid of various two-dimensional models. These models describe the long-term and seasonal evolution of minor constituents and take into account the interaction between all processes. However, many limitations affect the self-consistency of these models e.g., the circulation in these models is only meridional and vertical and is not able to represent all types of motion in the atmosphere. During a perturbed winter in the north polar regions, the vortex is displaced from the pole to lower latitude so that wind may be reversed at a given location. Perturbed air masses are transported outside the darkened regions and may mix with local air masses. Three-dimensional models are the only tools which can describe correctly these sporadic phenomena.

Ramaroson, R.↗

Thermostructural Behavior of a Hypersonic Aircraft Sandwich Panel Subjected to Heating on One Side

Thermostructural analysis was performed on a heated titanium honeycomb-core sandwich panel. The sandwich panel was supported at its four edges with spar-like substructures that acted as heat sinks, which are generally not considered in the classical analysis. One side of the panel was heated to high temperature to simulate aerodynamic heating during hypersonic flight. Two types of surface heating were considered: (1) flat-temperature profile, which ignores the effect of edge heat sinks, and (2) dome-shaped-temperature profile, which approximates the actual surface temperature distribution associated with the existence of edge heat sinks. The finite-element method was used to calculate the deformation field and thermal stress distributions in the face sheets and core of the sandwich panel. The detailed thermal stress distributions in the sandwich panel are presented, and critical stress regions are identified. The study shows how the magnitudes of those critical stresses and their locations change with different heating and edge conditions. This technical report presents comprehensive, three-dimensional graphical displays of thermal stress distributions in every part of a titanium honeycomb-core sandwich panel subjected to hypersonic heating on one side. The plots offer quick visualization of the structural response of the panel and are very useful for hot structures designers to identify the critical stress regions.

Ko, William L.↗

Dynamic Simulation of a Wave Rotor Topped Turboshaft Engine

The dynamic behavior of a wave rotor topped turboshaft engine is examined using a numerical simulation. The simulation utilizes an explicit, one-dimensional, multi-passage, CFD based wave rotor code in combination with an implicit, one-dimensional, component level dynamic engine simulation code. Transient responses to rapid fuel flow rate changes and compressor inlet pressure changes are simulated and compared with those of a similarly sized, untopped, turboshaft engine. Results indicate that the wave rotor topped engine responds in a stable, and rapid manner. Furthermore, during certain transient operations, the wave rotor actually tends to enhance engine stability. In particular, there is no tendency toward surge in the compressor of the wave rotor topped engine during rapid acceleration. In fact, the compressor actually moves slightly away from the surge line during this transient. This behavior is precisely the opposite to that of an untopped engine. The simulation is described. Issues associated with integrating CFD and component level codes are discussed. Results from several transient simulations are presented and discussed.

Greendyke, R. B.↗

Post STS-135 Evaluation of Main Flame Deflector Witness Materials

NASA and USA design engineers submitted witness materials from the solid rocket booster (SRB) main flame deflector for evaluation after the launch of STS-135. The following items were submitted for analysis: HY-80 steel witnes rods, 304 sta inles steel caps, and tungsten pistons. All of the items were photographed in order to document their condition after the launch of STS-135. The submitted samples were dimensionally measured in order to determine the amount of material lost during launch. Microstructural changes were observed in the HY-80 witness rod metallographic samples due to the heat of the launch.

Long, Victoria↗

Post STS-133 Evaluation of Main Flame Deflector Witness Materials

NASA and USA Structures engineers submitted main flame deflector witness materials for evaluation after the launch of STS-133. The following items were submitted for analysis: HY-80 steel witness rods, 304 stainless steel caps, tungsten pistons, 17-4 precipitation hardened (PH) stainless steel and A-286 piston sleeves, Medtherm Corporation calorimeters, and Nanmac Corporation thermocouples. All of the items were photographed in order to document their condition after the launch of STS-133, and before they were reinstalled at the launch pad for future launches. The HY -80 witness rods, 304 stainless steel caps, and the piston sleeves were dimensionally measured in order to determine the amount of material lost during launch. Microstructural changes were observed in the HY-80 witness rod and 304 stainless steel cap metallographic samples due to the heat of the launch.

Long, Victoria↗