Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Approximate boundary”

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.

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

At least 793 records · Page 44

Experimental investigation of a three dimensional turbulent boundary layer with a non disappearing pressure gradient

The results of measuring profiles of temporally determined velocities and Reynolds tension, wall shear stresses and pressure distribution in a three dimensional, turbulent boundary layer with pressure gradients in both tangential directions are reported. For determining the velocities X wire probes were used whose cooling was gauged according to magnitude and direction of the flow and was described with an effective cooling speed. In the evaluation consideration is given to the directional sensitivity of the hot wire. The ratio of the turbulence viscosities is calculated for both tangential directions and is found to be approximately N equals 1.2. Further, the profiles of the mixing path lengths for the flow direction are found to vary only slightly with increasing X-coordinates, while the boundary layer thickness increases substantially. The relationships of turbulent shear stress to turbulent, kinetic fluctuation energy is approximately constant over a large part of the boundary layer.

Mueller, U.↗

Simulation and Modeling of Cold-Wall Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layers on Flat Plate

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of flat-plate, zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers are presented for nominal freestream Mach numbers of 11 and 14 and a highly cooled wall (wall-to-recovery temperature of approximately 0.2). The flow conditions of the DNS are representative of the experimental data for a Mach 11.1 turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate that was tested at Calspan–University of Buffalo Research Center (CUBRC) and the operational conditions of the AEDC Hypervelocity Tunnel No. 9 at Mach 14. The wall shear stress and turbulent heat flux predicted by DNS show good comparisons with those measured at CUBRC and those modeled with a Baldwin-Lomax model. The generated DNS database extends the range of Reynolds numbers from those typical of previous DNS studies for hypersonic boundary-layer flows and confirms the validity of Morkovin’s hypothesis within the relatively broader range of Reynolds numbers considered in this study. A priori assessment of turbulent heat flux models with DNS data shows that the algebraic energy flux (AEF) formulation gives better predictions of the streamwise turbulent heat flux than the commonly used constant turbulent Prandtl number model while both models give similarly good predictions of the wall-normal turbulent heat flux. A posteriori assessment shows that the AEF model improves the prediction of the temperature profiles while keeping a good prediction of the velocity field.

Junji Huang↗

Finite element large-amplitude free and forced vibrations of rectangular thin composite plates

A finite element formulation is presented for determining the large-amplitude free and steady-state forced vibration response of arbitrarily laminated anisotropic composite rectangular thin plates. The nonlinear stiffness and harmonic force matrices of an arbitrarily laminated composite rectangular plate element are developed for nonlinear free and forced vibration analyses. The linearized updated-mode method with nonlinear time function approximation is employed for the solution of the system nonlinear eigenvalue equations. The amplitude-frequency relations for convergence with gridwork refinement, different boundary conditions, aspect ratios, lamination angles and number of plies are presented. The finite element results are compared with available approximate continuum solutions.

Chiang, C. K.↗

Modifying PASVART to solve singular nonlinear 2-point boundary problems

To study the buckling and post-buckling behavior of shells and various other structures, one must solve a nonlinear 2-point boundary problem. Since closed-form analytic solutions for such problems are virtually nonexistent, numerical approximations are inevitable. This makes the availability of accurate and reliable software indispensable. In a series of papers Lentini and Pereyra, expanding on the work of Keller, developed PASVART: an adaptive finite difference solver for nonlinear 2-point boundary problems. While the program does produce extremely accurate solutions with great efficiency, it is hindered by a major limitation. PASVART will only locate isolated solutions of the problem. In buckling problems, the solution set is not unique. It will contain singular or bifurcation points, where different branches of the solution set may intersect. Thus, PASVART is useless precisely when the problem becomes interesting. To resolve this deficiency we propose a modification of PASVART that will enable the user to perform a more complete bifurcation analysis. PASVART would be combined with the Thurston bifurcation solution: as adaptation of Newton's method that was motivated by the work of Koiter 3 are reinterpreted in terms of an iterative computational method by Thurston.

Fulton, James P.↗

An evaluation of nozzle relaminarization using Low Reynolds Number k-epsilon turbulence models

Two nozzle flowfields are evaluated numerically using a Low Reynolds k-epsilon turbulence model to examine possible boundary layer relaminarization. Flow enters the scramjet-like nozzles at a Mach Number of approximately 4.5 and is expanded around smooth shoulders to an exit Mach number of about 6.5. The strong streamwise acceleration and large favorable pressure gradients act with the convex curvature to form small regions of laminar-like boundary layer behavior along the expansion surface. Two relaminarization criteria are evaluated and they both predict relaminarization to be occurring, with the trends accurately modeled by the Low-Reynolds Number turbulence model that is used. The Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model cannot model the near-wall changes that take place in the rapidly accelerating boundary layer, but it proves to be useful in providing the acceleration parameters used in predicting the potential for relaminarization.

Jentink, Thomas N.↗

A second harmonic geomagnetic field line resonance at the inner edge of the plasma sheet - GEOS 1, ISEE 1, and ISEE 2 observations

A description is provided of observations made by GEOS 1, ISEE 1, and ISEE 2 of a hydromagnetic wave with a period approximately 90 s observed near 0200 LT between L = 9 and L = 6, close to the measured inner boundary of the plasma sheet. The wave magnetic oscillations perpendicular to and along the ambient field had similar amplitudes. Using primarily the transverse magnetic components, it is shown that the wave is a second harmonic resonance of the local geomagnetic field lines. ISEE 1 and 2 observed the opposite sense of polarization for about 30 min, although the spacecraft were separated by only 9 min in their orbit; this remarkable feature cannot be explained by either a stationary spatial boundary or a simple temporal boundary but could result from a rapid movement of the resonant region. It is argued that the most likely energy source is bounce resonance with medium energy (approximately 5 keV) ions. Calculations of the wave Poynting vector at ISEE 1 support this conclusion.

Hughes, W. J.↗

Heat transfer investigation in the junction region of circular cylinder normal to a flat plate at 90 deg location

External heat-transfer rates were measured on a flat plate in the junction region of a circular cylinder mounted normal to the plate at a location 90 deg from the stagnation point. This configuration simulates the junction of the shroud with gas-turbine vanes. Heat-transfer results are presented for laminar, transition, and turbulent boundary layers for a Mach number of 0.14 with gas temperatures of approximately 750 deg R over a flat plate at room temperature. The measurements were made in air for a unit Reynolds number, Re/cm, range of 11,000 to 58,000. Heat-transfer measurements were conducted in the 70-ft long, 4-in. diameter shock tube. A shock-wave reflection technique was used to produce a flow Mach number of 0.14. Thin-film platinum heat gages were mounted on the flat plate and along the line of the stagnation point of the cylinder to measure the local heat flux in the junction region. The experimental heat-transfer data were correlated with the laminar and turbulent boundary-layer theories for the flat plate. With the cylinder the heat fluxes on the flat plate were greatly increased in the junction region compared to the heat flux for the plate alone.

Nagamatsu, H. T.↗

The morningside low-latitude boundary layer as determined from electric and magnetic field measurements on Geotail

On October 17, 1992, the Geotail satellite crossed the dawnside magnetopause approximately 41 times. At the majority of these crossings, the magnetic field and the normal component of the electric field were larger and the plasma density was smaller in a low-latitude boundary layer than they were in either the nearby magnetosheath or in the magnetosphere. These results are intepreted in terms of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability associated with velocity shear at the magnetopause. Consistent with this interpretation, it is shown that the low-latitude boundary layer was the region where the flow decreased from its magnetosheath to magnetospheric value. Evidence is presented that the magnetopause was locally oriented within less than 20 deg of its nominal geometry on these crossings and that it moved with an amplitude of 1500-6000 kilometers. The thickness of the low-latitude boundary layer averaged 800 kilometers and the electric potential across it averaged 4 kilovolts with a spread of a factor of 2. Thus, the viscous interaction and similar processes are not significant contributors to magnetospheric convection.

Mozer, F. S.↗

Algebraic grid generation about wing-fuselage bodies

An algebraic procedure for generating boundary-fitted grids about wing-fuselage configurations is presented. A wing-fuselage configuration consists of two aircraft components specified by cross sections and mathematically represented by Coons' patches. Several grid blocks are constructed to cover the entire region surrounding the configuration, and each grid block maps into a computational cube. Grid points are first determined on the six boundary surfaces of a block and then in the interior. Grid points on the surface of the configuration are derived from the intersection of planes with the Coons' patch definition. Approximate arc length distributions along the resulting grid curves concentrate and disperse grid points. The two-boundary technique and transfinite interpolation are used to determine grid points on the remaining boundary surfaces and block interiors.

Smith, R.E.↗

Application of matched asymptotic expansions to lunar and interplanetary trajectories. Volume 1: Technical discussion

Previously published asymptotic solutions for lunar and interplanetary trajectories have been modified and combined to formulate a general analytical solution to the problem on N-bodies. The earlier first-order solutions, derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, have been extended to second order for the purpose of obtaining increased accuracy. The derivation of the second-order solution is summarized by showing the essential steps, some in functional form. The general asymptotic solution has been used as a basis for formulating a number of analytical two-point boundary value solutions. These include earth-to-moon, one- and two-impulse moon-to-earth, and interplanetary solutions. The results show that the accuracies of the asymptotic solutions range from an order of magnitude better than conic approximations to that of numerical integration itself. Also, since no iterations are required, the asymptotic boundary value solutions are obtained in a fraction of the time required for comparable numerically integrated solutions. The subject of minimizing the second-order error is discussed, and recommendations made for further work directed toward achieving a uniform accuracy in all applications.

Lancaster, J. E.↗

Coronal magnetic structure at a solar sector boundary

The persistent large-scale coronal magnetic structure associated with a sector boundary appears to consist of a magnetic arcade loop structure extending from one solar polar region to the other in approximately the North-South direction. This structure was inferred from computer coronal magnetic field maps for days on which a stable magnetic sector boundary was near central meridian, based on an interplanetary sector boundary observed to recur during much of 1968 and 1969.

Wilcox, J. M.↗

The growth of the tearing mode - Boundary and scaling effects

A numerical model of resistive magnetic tearing is developed in order to verify and relate the results of the principal approximations used in analytic analyses and to investigate the solutions and their growth-rate scalings over a large range of primary parameters which include parametric values applicable to the solar atmosphere. The computations cover the linear behavior for a variety of boundary conditions, emphasizing effects which differentiate magnetic tearing in astrophysical situations from that in laboratory devices. Eigenfunction profiles for long and short wavelengths are computed and the applicability of the 'constant psi' approximation is investigated. The growth rate is computed for values of the magnetic Reynolds number up to a trillion and of the dimensionless wavelength parameter down to 0.001. The analysis predicts significant effects due to differing values of the magnetic Reynolds number.

Steinolfson, R. S.↗

Computational methods for studying acoustic propagation in nonuniform waveguides.

A variational technique is used to model sound transmission through a nonuniform duct segment consisting of an axial variation in wall admittance or cross sectional area. The method involves the Ritz minimization of functionals which have the governing equations as stationary conditions. The variational method is verified by application to segments of variables-separable geometry for which eigenfunction expansion techniques offer an alternative solution procedure, and by comparison with the results of stepped duct approximations to the nonuniformity. Quantitative data are presented which indicate the boundary condition matching to be a suitable measure of the accuracy of the transmitted field.

Beckemeyer, R. J.↗

Polar symmetric flow of a viscous compressible atmosphere; an application to Mars

The atmosphere is assumed to be driven by a polar symmetric temperature field and the equations of motion in pressure ratio coordinates are linearized by considering the zero order in terms of a thermal Rossby number R delta I/(2a omega) sq where delta T is a measure of the latitudinal temperature gradient. When the eddy viscosity is greater than 1 million sq cm/sec, the boundary layer extends far up into the atmosphere, making the geostrophic approximation invalid for the bulk of the atmosphere. A temperature model for Mars was used which was based on Mariner 9 infrared spectral data with a 30% increase in the depth averaged temperature from the winter pole to the subsolar point. The results obtained for the increase in surface pressure from the subsolar point to the winter pole, as a function of eddy viscosity and with no-slip conditions imposed at the surface, are given.

Pirraglia, J. A.↗

Experiments with a self-correcting wind tunnel

The feasibility of controlling the flow actively through the walls of a transonic, porous wall wind tunnel in order to minimize wall interference effects on a test model is demonstrated. The method is based upon measuring the components of the disturbance velocity at discrete points along an imaginary surface in the flow field within the tunnel. A mathematical formulation of the flow field exterior to the surface including the boundary condition for unconfined flow, i.e., that all disturbance vanish at infinite, is used to determine if these measured velocity components are consistent with that boundary condition. If they are not, the theory provides a better approximation to the velocity component for unconfined flow, and the flow through the tunnel walls is readjusted iteratively until the measured quantities are consistent with unconfined flow. A brief review of theoretical methods is followed by a description of the Calspan self correcting wind tunnel design and operation, calibration with and without active wall control. Typical results obtained by approximating a conventional porous wall wind tunnel for an 0012 airfoil show that active wall control largely reproduces the correct shock wave position, eliminates wall interference of lift and drag, and reduces the interference effects on pitching moment to 10%.

Vidal, R. J.↗

Turbulent flow in a square-to-round transition

Measurements of turbulent flow in a duct with a cross sectional transition from square to round are presented. Laser Doppler velocimetry was used to measure the mean velocity components, turbulence levels and shear stresses. The boundary layers at the inlet and exit of the transition were approximately 13 percent and 20 percent of the hydraulic diameter respectively, becoming thicker near the corner fillets. The development of secondary flow, of magnitudes up to 7 percent of the bulk velocity is shown. This flow is directed away from the corner fillets and along the periphery of the duct and is associated with the longitudinal curvature of the wall and the related pressure gradients.

Taylor, A. M. K. P.↗

On various treatments of potential equations at shocks

The potential equation that governs transonic inviscid flowfields is elliptic in subsonic regions and hyperbolic in supersonic regions. The transition from supersonic to subsonic flow may occur either continuously or across a surface of discontinuity known as a shock. Because of the changing type of governing equation and the presence of the surfaces of discontinuity, special treatments of the governing equations are needed at shocks to preserve mass conservation and to ensure satisfaction of the governing equation. In the so-called shock-capturing techniques, shocks are captured by smearing the discontinuity over several mesh cells in the computational domain. Most existing conservative schemes conserve mass flux throughout the flowfield, including shock boundaries; however, they also introduce zero-order errors in the approximation to the governing equation. It is shown that the zero-order errors, which do not diminish as the mesh spacing approaches zero, can cause discrepancies in the prediction of shock strength and location. These parameters are extremely sensitive features of transonic inviscid flowfield calculations. It is also shown that the zero-order errors can be avoided by developing higher-order schemes that properly model the governing equation at shocks.

Chen, L. T.↗