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At least 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

High order hybrid numerical simulations of two dimensional detonation waves

In order to study multi-dimensional unstable detonation waves, a high order numerical scheme suitable for calculating the detailed transverse wave structures of multidimensional detonation waves was developed. The numerical algorithm uses a multi-domain approach so different numerical techniques can be applied for different components of detonation waves. The detonation waves are assumed to undergo an irreversible, unimolecular reaction A yields B. Several cases of unstable two dimensional detonation waves are simulated and detailed transverse wave interactions are documented. The numerical results show the importance of resolving the detonation front without excessive numerical viscosity in order to obtain the correct cellular patterns.

Cai, Wei↗
NASA NTRS1985

Numerical simulation of comet nuclei. I - Water-ice comets

A one-dimensional numerical model of pure water-ice cometary nuclei is presented, and the influence of the nuclear interior as a heat reservoir on the behavior of the nuclear surface is examined. It is shown that a number of effects, including the thermal inertia due to heat stored in the core and the release of latent heat, which goes entirely into heating the adjacent layers or into sublimation on passing through a phase transition from amorphous to crystalline ice, can help to explain such characteristics as the asymmetrical lightcurve of Comet Halley. Results are given for the cases of Comet Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 and Comet Encke. Consideration is also given to the insulating effect of an evolving dust mantle. The role of this mantle in determining the surface temperature of the ice core is studied as a function of the mass fraction of the dust in the ice-dust mixture and the thermal conductivity of the nucleus. The loose-lattice model of Mendis and Brin (1977) indicates that both high dust to ice ratios and high-core conductivities inhibit mantle blowoff.

Herman, G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Numerical simulation of the viscous flow around a simplified F/A-18 at high angles of attack

A numerical method developed for solving the viscous flow around three-dimensional complex configurations is presently used to simulate the flow around a simplified F/A-18 configuration encompassing forebody, wing, leading-edge extension, faired-over inlet, and deflected wing leading-edge flaps, at Mach 0.243 and 30.3 deg angle of attack. The computational results show the details of the flowfield structure, including primary, secondary, and tertiary separation lines, the development of forebody and leading-edge extension vortex, and the burst of this vortex. A grid-refinement study is conducted to assess the effect of grid characteristics on solution accuracy. Substantial agreement is obtained between these results and flight data.

Rizk, Yehia M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Meso-beta scale numerical simulation studies of terrain-induced jet streak mass and momentum perturbations

An in-depth analysis of observed gravity waves and their relationship to precipitation bands over the Montana mesonetwork during the 11-12 July 1981 CCOPE case study indicated two episodes of coherent waves. While geostrophic adjustment, shearing instability, and terrain were all implicated separately or in combination as possible wave generation mechanisms, the lack of upper-air data within the wave genesis region made it difficult to define the genesis processes from observations alone. The first part of this paper, 3D Numerical Modeling Studies of Terrain-Induced Mass/Momentum Perturbations, employs a mesoscale numerical model to help diagnose the intricate early wave generation mechanisms during the first observed gravity wave episode. The meso-beta scale numerical model is used to study various simulations of the role of multiple geostrophic adjustment processes in focusing a region for gravity wave genesis. The second part of this paper, Linear Theory and Theoretical Modeling, investigates the response of non-resting rotating homogeneous and continuously stratified Boussinesq models of the terrestrial atmosphere to temporally impulsive and uniformly propagating three-dimensional localized zonal momentum sources representative of midlatitude jet streaks. The methods of linear perturbation theory applied to the potential vorticity (PV) and wave field equations are used to study the geostrophic adjustment dynamics. The total zonal and meridional wind perturbations are separated into geostrophic and ageostrophic components in order to define and follow the evolution of both the primary and secondary mesocirculations accompanying midlatitude jetogenesis forced by geostrophic adjustment processes. This problem is addressed to help fill the gap in understanding the dynamics and structure of mesoscale inertia-gravity waves forced by geostrophic adjustment processes in simple two-dimensional quiescent current systems and those produced by mesoscale numerical models simulating the orographic and diabatic perturbation of three-dimensional quasi-geostrophically balanced synoptic scale jet streaks associated with complex baroclinic severe storm producing environments.

Lin, Yuh-Lang↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical simulation of unsteady flow in a hypersonic shock tunnel facility

This paper describes the computational work performed on the simulation of a 16-in shock-tunnel facility. The numerical problems encountered during the computation of these flows are discussed along with the validity of some approximations used, notably concerning the reduction of the problem into problems of smaller dimensionality. Quasi-1D simulations can be used to help design experiments, or to better understanding the characteristics of the facility. An application to the design of a nonintrusive diagnostic is shown. The multidimensional flow transients computed include the shock reflection at the end of the driven tube, the shock propagation down the nozzle, and the breaking of the main diaphragm.

Cambier, Jean-Luc↗
NASA NTRS1986

Numerical simulation of spacecraft charging by impact-induced plasmas during a cometary flyby

A numerical model is developed for the interaction of a cometary probe, such as Giotto, with its environment, i.e., dust particles and gas. The spacecraft was set on a course to pass the comet at a velocity of 69 km/sec, so a chance existed that a potential field would form around the spacecraft and block lower energy particles from reaching the spacecraft instruments. The motion of electrons and ions is traced as a function of time to examine the evolution of the electric field, electric potential and the total space charge distributions on the surface of the spacecraft and its environment. Account is taken of the density of the particles and gas molecules at various distances from the comet, the collision energies involved, and the Giotto geometry. A solution is defined for the Poisson equation to describe the evolution of the plasma around Giotto, including the effects of ion collisions with the Al bumper protecting the spacecraft. The simulation predicts formation of an ion wake behind Giotto and the evolution of a positive potential on the order of 10 V around the spacecraft, i.e., sufficient for a positive potential barrier near the surface of the spacecraft.

Thiemann, H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Numerical simulation of tropical cumulus clouds and their interaction with the subcloud layer

A two-dimensional numerical model, with an emphasis on turbulent processes in the boundary layer and in clouds, was developed for simulating an ensemble of cumulus clouds. The model was used to investigate the response of tropical cumulus clouds to imposed large-scale vertical advection by performing two simulations which were identical except that one was with upward large-scale vertical velocity (the 'disturbed' case) and the other was without any advection (the 'undisturbed' case). The results showed that deep cumulus clouds formed in the disturbed case, while only shallow clouds formed in the undisturbed case. The subcloud layer (SCL) in the disturbed case was strongly affected by cumulus circulations and rain evaporation, with both cumulus updrafts and downdrafts being important contributors to the SCL sensible and latent heat fluxes. Cumulus-scale circulation in the disturbed SCL determined where new clouds formed by creating convergence zones and moisture anomalies.

Krueger, Steven K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Comparison of ice-phase microphysical parameterization schemes using numerical simulations of tropical convection

The performance of several ice parameterizations has been evaluated through a numerical cloud model. Ice effects using different schemes are contrasted with each other and with an ice-free control by incorporating them into the cloud model and by applying them to simulations of tropical squall systems. The latter are simulated in 2D so that a large domain can be used to incorporate a complete anvil. Nonsquall-type convective lines are simulated in 3D owing to their smaller horizontal scale. It is concluded that inclusion of ice microphysics in the cloud model enhanced the agreement of the simulated convection with some features of observed convection, including the proportion of surface rainfall in the anvil region and the intensity and structure of the radar brightband near the melting level in the anvil. In the experiments with bulk microphysics, three ice categories produced much better results than two ice categories, which in turn was better than no ice. For the tropical squall-type and nonsquall-type systems the optimal mix was ice, snow, and graupel.

Mccumber, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1986

Numerical simulation of flare energy build-up and release via Joule dissipation

A new numerical MHD model is developed to study the evolution of an active region due to photospheric converging motion, which leads to magnetic-energy buildup in the form of electric current. Because this new MHD model has incorporated finite conductivity, the energy conversion occurs from magnetic mode to thermal mode through Joule dissipation. In order to test the causality relationship between the occurrence of flare and photospheric motion, a multiple-pole configuration with neutral point is used. Using these results it is found that in addition to the converging motion, the initial magnetic-field configuration and the redistribution of the magnetic flux at photospheric level enhance the possibility for the development of a flare.

Wu, S. T.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Numerical simulation of thermocapillary bubble migration under microgravity for large Reynolds and Marangoni numbers

A numerical procedure in which the Navier-Stokes equations are discretized using tightly coupled discretizations of pressure derivatives and continuity equations is used here to extend the range of known terminal velocities of gaseous bubbles in liquids well beyond that in previous investigations. Computations performed for Reynolds numbers up to 2000 and Marangoni numbers up to 1000 show only a modest variation of the scaled bubble velocity between 0.16 and 0.5. The bubble velocity is influenced more by the Marangoni number than by the Reynolds number.

Balasubramaniam, R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Numerical simulation of thermocapillary flow under zero and low gravity conditions

This paper discusses the numerical solution methods and results of steady and unsteady thermocapillary (surface-tension) and buoyancy driven flows in 2D cavities and liquid columns. The 2D cavity was assumed to be square with one free surface with a zero Capillary number (i.e., the free surface was constrained to be flat). A pseudospectral method was used to solve steady and unsteady surface tension-driven and mixed buoyancy-surface tension flows in a square cavity. For the liquid column a finite-difference scheme based on a Picard iteration was used to solve for the flow, temperature and free surface shape. The surface of the liquid column was allowed to deform and, as for the 2D cavity, the surface tension was assumed to depend on temperature.

Alexander, J. I. D.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Numerical simulation of scattering of acoustic waves by inelastic bodies using hypersingular boundary integral equation

A numerical method for solving a problem of diffraction of acoustic waves by system of solid and thin objects based on the reduction the problem to a boundary integral equation in which the integral is understood in the sense of finite Hadamard value is proposed. To solve this equation we applied piecewise constant approximations and collocation methods numerical scheme. The difference between the constructed scheme and earlier known is in obtaining approximate analytical expressions to appearing system of linear equations coefficients by separating the main part of the kernel integral operator. The proposed numerical scheme is tested on the solution of the model problem of diffraction of an acoustic wave by inelastic sphere.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1988

Numerical simulations of an isolated microburst. I - Dynamics and structure

Isolated and stationary microbursts are simulated using a time-dependent, high-resolution, axisymmetric numerical model. A microburst downdraft is initiated by specifying a distribution of precipitation at the top boundary of the model and allowing it to fall into the domain. Two case studies of a hazardous wet (high reflectivity) microburst are presented. The initial and boundary specifications, evolution, microphysics, ring vortex, burst front, vorticity, and structure of the microbursts are discussed.

Proctor, Fred H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The use of transition region characteristics to improve the numerical simulation of heat transfer in bypass transitional flows

A method is presented for improving the numerical prediction of bypass transition heat transfer on a flat plate in a high-disturbance environment with zero or favorable pressure gradient. The method utilizes low Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence models in combination with the characteristic parameters of the transition region. The parameters representing the characteristics of the transition region used are the intermittency, transition length and turbulent spot properties. An analysis is made of the transition length in terms of turbulent spot variables. The nondimensional spot formation rate, required for the prediction of the transition length, is shown by the analysis to be a function of the spot spreading angle, the dimensionless spot velocity ratio and the dimensionless spot area ratio. The intermittency form of the k-epsilon equations were derived from conditionally averaged equations which have been shown to be an improvement over global-time-averaged equations for the numerical calculation of the transition region. The numerical predictions are in general good agreement with the experimental data and indicate the potential use of the method in accelerating flows. Turbulence models of the k-epsilon type are known to underpredict the transition length. The present work demonstrates how incorporating transition region characteristics improves the ability of two-equation turbulence models to simulate bypass transition for flat plates with potential application to turbine vanes and blades.

Simon, Frederick F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Numerical simulation of topographically forced mesoscale variability in a well-mixed marine layer

A simple nonlinear numerical model of a well-mixed marine layer is employed to examine topographically forced mesoscale variability off coastal California. This model is utilized to simulate a persistent wind maximum observed near Point Conception during northwesterly winds. The model solves for the two horizontal components of the marine-layer height and the marine-layer wind.

Eddington, Lee W.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Three-dimensional numerical simulation of current collection by a probe in a magnetized plasma

A three-dimensional numerical model for current collection in a magnetized plasma is reported. The model is based on an electrostatic particle-in-cell code. The model yields self-consistent sheath structure including distributions of plasma and the electric potential around the body and the collection of electrons. The analytical theory of current collection by a body in a magnetized plasma yields an upper bound for the collected current determined by the conservation of energy and canonical angular momentum. The theory shows that the collected charged particles come from a cylindrical volume aligned with the magnetic shadow of the body; the maximum radius r(sub o) of this volume is determined by the body size, body potential, and the ambient magnetic field. This theory does not deal with the sheath structure around the body. The condition for the actual current to approach the upper-bound value has been a matter of debate. Our simulations reveal when and why the collected current becomes equal to its upper-bound value. Sheath size in the radial direction perpendicular to the axial ambient magnetic field is determined by the current-limiting radius r(sub o). Our simulation yields time-average current in good agreement with its upper bound. This feature of the current collection is explained as follows: Once electrons enter the sheath, some of them are freely accelerated perpendicular to the magnetic field because they are demagnetized by the large gradients in the perpendicular electric fields. Simulations show a large perpendicular acceleration, producing perpendicular energy as large as that determined by the potential on the body, especially in the region where perpendicular electric fields (E perpendicular) are the strongest. An analysis shows that the demagnetization of electrons occurs above a threshold potential on the body. This threshold condition follows from the breakdown of the adiabaticity of the electron dynamics inside the sheath.

Singh, Nagendra↗