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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Unified SHOC-MF Boundary Layer Parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model

We present results from a novel extension of the boundary layer parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model. An Eddy Diffusivity-Mass Flux (EDMF) multi-plume updraft scheme was previously implemented in GEOS. Here we replace the K-profile eddy diffusivity scheme of Lock et. al. (2000) with the Simplified Higher Order Closure (SHOC; Bogenschutz and Krueger, 2013). The scheme prognoses turbulent kinetic energy, and derives buoyancy flux, cloud fraction and condensate from a trivariate double-gaussian joint PDF. The original SHOC scheme is modified in two significant respects: (i) contributions from the EDMF updrafts are included in estimates of all higher order moments used to determine the PDF; and (ii) the second and third moments of total water are made prognostic variables, with source terms associated with EDMF updrafts. The predicted higher order moments as well as updraft and environmental properties are compared with large eddy simulations in several case studies. Results indicate that many higher order moments are underestimated when the mass flux contribution is neglected.

Nathan Arnold↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Unified SHOC-MF Boundary Layer Parameterization in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model

Nathan Arnold↗

NASA NTRS2003

A Novel Strategy for Numerical Simulation of High-speed Turbulent Reacting Flows

The objective of this research is to improve and implement the filtered mass density function (FDF) methodology for large eddy simulation (LES) of high-speed reacting turbulent flows. We have just completed Year 1 of this research. This is the Final Report on our activities during the period: January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. 2002. In the efforts during the past year, LES is conducted of the Sandia Flame D, which is a turbulent piloted nonpremixed methane jet flame. The subgrid scale (SGS) closure is based on the scalar filtered mass density function (SFMDF) methodology. The SFMDF is basically the mass weighted probability density function (PDF) of the SGS scalar quantities. For this flame (which exhibits little local extinction), a simple flamelet model is used to relate the instantaneous composition to the mixture fraction. The modelled SFMDF transport equation is solved by a hybrid finite-difference/Monte Carlo scheme.

Sheikhi, M. R. H.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Lyophilization for Water Recovery From Solid Waste

This abstract describes the development of a solid waste treatment system designed for a near term human exploration mission. The technology being developed is an energy- efficient lyophilization technique that recovers water from spacecraft solid waste. In the lyophilization process water in an aqueous waste is frozen and then sublimed, resulting in the separation of the waste into a dried solid material and liquid water. This technology is ideally suited to applications where water recovery rates approaching 100% are desirable but production of CO, is not. Water contained within solid wastes accounts for approximately 3% of the total water balance. If 100% closure of the water loop is desired the water contained within this waste would need to be recovered. To facilitate operation in microgravity thermoelectric heat pumps have be used in place of traditional fluid cycle heat pumps. A mathematical model of a thermoelectric lyophilizer has been developed and used to generate energy use and processing rate parameters. The results of laboratory investigations and discussions with ALS program management have been used to iteratively arrive at a prototype design. This design address operational limitations which were identified in the laboratory studies and handling and health concerns raised by ALS program management. The current prototype design is capable of integration into the ISS Waste Collection System.

Flynn, Michael↗

NASA NTRS2012

Development and Application of Benchmark Examples for Mixed-Mode I/II Quasi-Static Delamination Propagation Predictions

The development of benchmark examples for quasi-static delamination propagation prediction is presented and demonstrated for a commercial code. The examples are based on finite element models of the Mixed-Mode Bending (MMB) specimen. The examples are independent of the analysis software used and allow the assessment of the automated delamination propagation prediction capability in commercial finite element codes based on the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). First, quasi-static benchmark examples were created for the specimen. Second, starting from an initially straight front, the delamination was allowed to propagate under quasi-static loading. Third, the load-displacement relationship from a propagation analysis and the benchmark results were compared, and good agreement could be achieved by selecting the appropriate input parameters. Good agreement between the results obtained from the automated propagation analysis and the benchmark results could be achieved by selecting input parameters that had previously been determined during analyses of mode I Double Cantilever Beam and mode II End Notched Flexure specimens. The benchmarking procedure proved valuable by highlighting the issues associated with choosing the input parameters of the particular implementation. Overall the results are encouraging, but further assessment for mixed-mode delamination fatigue onset and growth is required.

Krueger, Ronald↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hyperspectral Sounder Products: SiFSAP and ClimFiSP

Infrared hyperspectral sounders have demonstrated to provide very high value information for a range of weather and climate applications. Traditional retrieval algorithms of hyperspectral sounders use the ‘cloud clearing’ methodology in the retrieval process due to the lack of means to account for cloud scattering effect. The corresponding Level-2 data products are therefore limited by two major factors: the degradation of spatial resolution as compared with the native resolution of the instruments and the lack of ‘radiance closure’ that is critically needed for climate trend studies. The single field-of-view (FOV) sounder atmospheric products (SiFSAP) algorithm has been developed to supplement existing operational products. The SiFSAP algorithm uses the principal component based radiative transfer model (PCRTM) that is ultra-fast and has been extensively validated for the cloud scattering simulation capability. The cloud properties are physically retrieved along with profiles of temperature, moisture, and trace gases of interest, surface properties simultaneously by fitting single FOV spectral measurements. Therefore, SiFSAP ensure the radiometric consistency between the retrieved geophysical properties and the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) spectral measurements. This presentation provides a general introduction of SiFSAP and details about the physical retrieval algorithm. Also introduced here is a derivative data product of SiFSAP, the climate fingerprinting Sounder Products (ClimFiSP). ClimFiSP include the space-time averaged properties of key climate variables that are derived from the space-time averaged radiances via the spectral fingerprinting scheme. The spectral fingerprinting method allows a low latency data update on ClimFiSP following any potential calibration update on satellite measurements. ClimFiSP also include the rigorously defined uncertainty characterization for trends or anomalies of climate variables, being critical for the construction of long-term climate data record. Both SiFSAP and ClimFiSP will be available to users through NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Wan Wu↗

NASA NTRS2005

The SMART Theory and Modeling Team: An Integrated Element of Mission Development and Science Analysis

When targeting physical understanding of space plasmas, our focus is gradually shifting away from discovery-type investigations to missions and studies that address our basic understanding of processes we know to be important. For these studies, theory and models provide physical predictions that need to be verified or falsified by empirical evidence. Within this paradigm, a tight integration between theory, modeling, and space flight mission design and execution is essential. NASA's Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission is a pathfinder in this new era of space research. The prime objective of MMS is to understand magnetic reconnection, arguably the most fundamental of plasma processes. In particular, MMS targets the microphysical processes, which permit magnetic reconnection to operate in the collisionless plasmas that permeate space and astrophysical systems. More specifically, MMS will provide closure to such elemental questions as how particles become demagnetized in the reconnection diffusion region, which effects determine the reconnection rate, and how reconnection is coupled to environmental conditions such as magnetic shear angles. Solutions to these problems have remained elusive in past and present spacecraft missions primarily due to instrumental limitations - yet they are fundamental to the large-scale dynamics of collisionless plasmas. Owing to the lack of measurements, most of our present knowledge of these processes is based on results from modern theory and modeling studies of the reconnection process. Proper design and execution of a mission targeting magnetic reconnection should include this knowledge and have to ensure that all relevant scales and effects can be resolved by mission measurements. The SMART mission has responded to this need through a tight integration between instrument and theory and modeling teams. Input from theory and modeling is fed into all aspects of science mission design, and theory and modeling activities are tailored to SMART needs during mission development and science analysis. In this presentation, we will present an overview of SMART theory and modeling team activities. In particular, we will provide examples of science objectives derived from state-of-the art models, and of recent research results that continue to be utilized in SMART mission development.

Hesse, Michael↗

NASA NTRS1992

Comments on the present state and future directions of PDF methods

The one point probability density function (PDF) method is examined in light of its use in actual engineering problems. The PDF method, although relatively complicated, appears to be the only format available to handle the nonlinear stochastic difficulties caused by typical reaction kinetics. Turbulence modeling, if it is to play a central role in combustion modeling, has to be integrated with the chemistry in a way which produces accurate numerical solutions to combustion problems. It is questionable whether the development of turbulent models in isolation from the peculiar statistics of reactant concentrations is a fruitful line of development as far as propulsion is concerned. There are three issues for which additional viewgraphs are prepared: the one point pdf method; the amplitude mapping closure; and a hybrid strategy for replacing a full two point pdf treatment of reacting flows by a single point pdf and correlation functions. An appeal is made for the establishment of an adequate data base for compressible flow with reactions for Mach numbers of unity or higher.

Obrien, E. E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Comparison of full 3-D, thin-film 3-D, and thin-film plate analyses of a postbuckled embedded delamination

Strain-energy release rates are often used to predict when delamination growth will occur in laminates under compression. Because of the inherently high computational cost of performing such analyses, less rigorous analyses such as thin-film plate analysis were used. The assumptions imposed by plate theory restrict the analysis to the calculation of total strain energy, G(sub t). The objective is to determine the accuracy of thin-film plate analysis by comparing the distribution of G(sub t) calculated using fully three dimensional (3D), thin-film 3D, and thin-film plate analyses. Thin-film 3D analysis is the same as thin-film plate analysis, except 3D analysis is used to model the sublaminate. The 3D stress analyses were performed using the finite element program NONLIN3D. The plate analysis results were obtained from published data, which used STAGS. Strain-energy release rates were calculated using variations of the virtual crack closure technique. The results demonstrate that thin-film plate analysis can predict the distribution of G(sub t) quite well, at least for the configurations considered. Also, these results verify the accuracy of the strain-energy release rate procedure for plate analysis.

Whitcomb, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Dilatation-dissipation corrections for advanced turbulence models

This paper analyzes dilatation-dissipation based compressibility corrections for advanced turbulence models. Numerical computations verify that the dilatation-dissipation corrections devised by Sarkar and Zeman greatly improve both the k-omega and k-epsilon model predicted effect of Mach number on spreading rate. However, computations with the k-gamma model also show that the Sarkar/Zeman terms cause an undesired reduction in skin friction for the compressible flat-plate boundary layer. A perturbation solution for the compressible wall layer shows that the Sarkar and Zeman terms reduce the effective von Karman constant in the law of the wall. This is the source of the inaccurate k-gamma model skin-friction predictions for the flat-plate boundary layer. The perturbation solution also shows that the k-epsilon model has an inherent flaw for compressible boundary layers that is not compensated for by the dilatation-dissipation corrections. A compressibility modification for k-gamma and k-epsilon models is proposed that is similar to those of Sarkar and Zeman. The new compressibility term permits accurate predictions for the compressible mixing layer, flat-plate boundary layer, and a shock separated flow with the same values for all closure coefficients.

Wilcox, David C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Radial profiles of quiet time magnetospheric parameters

The quiet time magnetosphere is studied using ion measurements covering energies from about 1 keV to about 4 MeV from selected passes of the Charge Composition Explorer during low geomagnetic activity. The quiet time plasma pressure in the midnight sector was found to be comparable to that deduced by Spence et al. (1989) and Kan et al. (1992) from inverting the magnetic field models of Tsyganenko and Usmanov (1982) and Tsyganenko (1987). The radial profile of the total plasma pressure exhibited a peak at L = 3-4 and decreased monotonically from L = 4 and L = 9. Contrary to theoretical expectations for the magnetospheric closure of the region 2 field-aligned current system, no large-scale earthward decrease in plasma pressure was found to occur in these outer L shells.

Lui, A. T. Y.↗

NASA NTRS2015

The Observed State of the Water Cycle in the Early Twenty-First Century

This study quantifies mean annual and monthly fluxes of Earth's water cycle over continents and ocean basins during the first decade of the millennium. To the extent possible, the flux estimates are based on satellite measurements first and data-integrating models second. A careful accounting of uncertainty in the estimates is included. It is applied within a routine that enforces multiple water and energy budget constraints simultaneously in a variational framework in order to produce objectively determined optimized flux estimates. In the majority of cases, the observed annual surface and atmospheric water budgets over the continents and oceans close with much less than 10% residual. Observed residuals and optimized uncertainty estimates are considerably larger for monthly surface and atmospheric water budget closure, often nearing or exceeding 20% in North America, Eurasia, Australia and neighboring islands, and the Arctic and South Atlantic Oceans. The residuals in South America and Africa tend to be smaller, possibly because cold land processes are negligible. Fluxes were poorly observed over the Arctic Ocean, certain seas, Antarctica, and the Australasian and Indonesian islands, leading to reliance on atmospheric analysis estimates. Many of the satellite systems that contributed data have been or will soon be lost or replaced. Models that integrate ground-based and remote observations will be critical for ameliorating gaps and discontinuities in the data records caused by these transitions. Continued development of such models is essential for maximizing the value of the observations. Next-generation observing systems are the best hope for significantly improving global water budget accounting.

Numerical analysis/modeling↗

NASA NTRS1978

Kinetic model of turbulence in an incompressible fluid

A statistical description of turbulence in an incompressible fluid obeying the Navier-Stokes equations is proposed, where pressure is regarded as a potential for the interaction between fluid elements. A scaling procedure divides a fluctuation into three ranks representing the three transport processes of macroscopic evolution, transport property, and relaxation. Closure is obtained by relaxation, and a kinetic equation is obtained for the fluctuation of the macroscopic rank of the distribution function. The solution gives the transfer function and eddy viscosity. When applied to the inertia subrange of the energy spectrum the analysis recovers the Kolmogorov law and its numerical coefficient.

Tchen, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Numerical Modeling of Fluid Transient in Cryogenic Fluid Network of Rocket Propulsion System

Fluid transients, also known as water hammer, can have a significant impact on the design and operation of both spacecraft and launch vehicles propulsion systems. These transients often occur at system activation and shut down. For ground safety reasons, many spacecrafts are launched with the propellant lines dry. These lines are often evacuated by the time the spacecraft reaches orbit. When the propellant isolation valve opens during propulsion system activation, propellant rushes into lines creating a pressure surge. During propellant system shutdown, a pressure surge is created due to sudden closure of a valve. During both activation and shutdown, pressure surges must be predicted accurately to ensure structural integrity of the propulsion system fluid network. The method of characteristics is the most widely used method of calculating fluid transients in pipeline [ 1,2]. The method of characteristics, however, has limited applications in calculating flow distribution in complex flow circuits with phase change, heat transfer and rotational effects. A robust cryogenic propulsion system analyzer must have the capability to handle phase change, heat transfer, chemical reaction, rotational effects and fluid transients in conjunction with subsystem flow model for pumps, valves and various pipe fittings. In recent years, such a task has been undertaken at Marshall Space Flight Center with the development of the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), which is based on finite volume method in fluid network [3]. GFSSP has been extensively verified and validated by comparing its predictions with test data and other numerical methods for various applications such as internal flow of turbo-pump [4], propellant tank pressurization [5,6], chilldown of cryogenic transfer line [7] and squeeze film damper rotordynamics [8]. The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the applicability of the finite volume method to predict fluid transient in cryogenic flow circuits.

Majumdar, Alok↗

NASA NTRS1995

Optically thick winds: How is the mass flux determined?

Expanding envelopes of compact objects that possess a buring region at the base of the envelope are commonly observed and modeled. In many cases, such as the late stages of classical nova, the expanding envelope develops into a stationary, optically thick wind of matter escaping from the star. In the usual theoretical formalism there is one more unknown than equations, with closure being obtained by the requirement that the solution pass through the singularity at the sonic point. It is shown analytically that the mass flux, which is one of the unknowns, is almost completely determined by the physical conditions near the base of the envelope just above the burning zone. The sonic point closure relation determines whether the expanding solution can develop into a wind solution. For a given core mass the range of possible wind solutions is an outcome of the great sensitivity of the mass flux to the inner luminosity. Solutions determined through numerical integrations are shown to lie entirely within the narrow analytic boundaries.

Glasner, S. Ami↗

NASA NTRS2012

Development of Benchmark Examples for Quasi-Static Delamination Propagation and Fatigue Growth Predictions

The development of benchmark examples for quasi-static delamination propagation and cyclic delamination onset and growth prediction is presented and demonstrated for Abaqus/Standard. The example is based on a finite element model of a Double-Cantilever Beam specimen. The example is independent of the analysis software used and allows the assessment of the automated delamination propagation, onset and growth prediction capabilities in commercial finite element codes based on the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). First, a quasi-static benchmark example was created for the specimen. Second, based on the static results, benchmark examples for cyclic delamination growth were created. Third, the load-displacement relationship from a propagation analysis and the benchmark results were compared, and good agreement could be achieved by selecting the appropriate input parameters. Fourth, starting from an initially straight front, the delamination was allowed to grow under cyclic loading. The number of cycles to delamination onset and the number of cycles during delamination growth for each growth increment were obtained from the automated analysis and compared to the benchmark examples. Again, good agreement between the results obtained from the growth analysis and the benchmark results could be achieved by selecting the appropriate input parameters. The benchmarking procedure proved valuable by highlighting the issues associated with choosing the input parameters of the particular implementation. Selecting the appropriate input parameters, however, was not straightforward and often required an iterative procedure. Overall the results are encouraging, but further assessment for mixed-mode delamination is required.

Krueger, Ronald↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Radiometric Consistent Spectral Fingerprinting Algorithm for Continuity Products of Hyperspectral Sounders

A radiometric consistent climate fingerprinting methodology has been developed to derive long-term temperature, water vapor, cloud, trace gases, and surface skin temperature anomaly time series from the hyper-spectral sounder measurements of multiple platforms. The spectral fingerprinting methodology requires the use of radiative kernels that are radiometrically consistent with observations. Radiative kernels are built using space-time averaged Jacobians that are physically retrieved from observations under all sky conditions. The physical retrieval algorithm uses the Principal Component based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM) for the forward simulation. The incorporation of multiple scattering simulation in PCRTM allows the direct radiative relationship between single field-of-view (FOV) radiance observations and corresponding thermal dynamic variables including cloud properties to be established. Therefore, radiance ?closure? can be achieved under all-sky conditions by the fingerprinting scheme. This methodology has been used to derive climate anomalies from the space-time averaged spectra of AIRS/AMSU and CrIS/ATMS. The use of a consistent fingerprinting scheme provides an effective mean of generating continuity product by merging observations from different platforms and therefore facilitating the long-term climate trend study.

Wan Wu↗

NASA NTRS2005

A Regional, Integrated Monitoring System for the Hydrology of the Pan-Arctic Land Mass

Work under this NASA contract developed a system for monitoring and historical analysis of the major components of the pan-Arctic terrestrial water cycle. It is known as Arctic-RIMS (Regional Integrated Hydrological Monitoring System for the Pan-Arctic Landmass). The system uses products from EOS-era satellites, numerical weather prediction models, station records and other data sets in conjunction with an atmosphere-land surface water budgeting scheme. The intent was to compile operational (at 1-2 month time lags) gridded fields of precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), P-ET, soil moisture, soil freeze/thaw state, active layer thickness, snow extent and its water equivalent, soil water storage, runoff and simulated discharge along with estimates of non-closure in the water budget. Using "baseline" water budgeting schemes in conjunction with atmospheric reanalyses and pre-EOS satellite data, water budget fields were conjunction with atmospheric reanalyses and pre-EOS satellite data, water budget fields were compiled to provide historical time series. The goals as outlined in the original proposal can be summarized as follows: 1) Use EOS data to compile hydrologic products for the pan-Arctic terrestrial regions including snowcover/snow water equivalent (SSM/A MODIS, AMSR) and near-surface freeze/thaw dynamics (Sea Winds on QuikSCAT and ADEOS I4 SSMI and AMSR). 2) Implement Arctic-RIMS to use EOS data streams, allied fields and hydrologic models to produce allied outputs that fully characterize pan-Arctic terrestrial and aerological water budgets. 3) Compile hydrologically-based historical products providing a long-term baseline of spatial and temporal variability in the water cycle.

Serreze, Mark↗