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At least 991 records · Page 55

Navier-Stokes computation of compressible turbulent flows with a second order closure

The objective was the development of a complete second order closure for wall bounded flows, including all components of the dissipation rate tensor and a numerical solution procedure for the resulting system of equations. The main topics discussed are the closure of the pressure correlations and the viscous destruction terms in the dissipation rate equations and the numerical solution scheme based on a block-tridiagonal solver for the nine equations required for the prediction of plane or axisymmetric flows.

Dingus, C.↗

Methodology for the Design of Streamline-Traced External-Compression Supersonic Inlets

A design methodology based on streamline-tracing is discussed for the design of external-compression, supersonic inlets for flight below Mach 2.0. The methodology establishes a supersonic compression surface and capture cross-section by tracing streamlines through an axisymmetric Busemann flowfield. The compression system of shock and Mach waves is altered through modifications to the leading edge and shoulder of the compression surface. An external terminal shock is established to create subsonic flow which is diffused in the subsonic diffuser. The design methodology was implemented into the SUPIN inlet design tool. SUPIN uses specified design factors to design the inlets and computes the inlet performance, which includes the flow rates, total pressure recovery, and wave drag. A design study was conducted using SUPIN and the Wind-US computational fluid dynamics code to design and analyze the properties of two streamline-traced, external-compression (STEX) supersonic inlets for Mach 1.6 freestream conditions. The STEX inlets were compared to axisymmetric pitot, two-dimensional, and axisymmetric spike inlets. The STEX inlets had slightly lower total pressure recovery and higher levels of total pressure distortion than the axisymmetric spike inlet. The cowl wave drag coefficients of the STEX inlets were 20% of those for the axisymmetric spike inlet. The STEX inlets had external sound pressures that were 37% of those of the axisymmetric spike inlet, which may result in lower adverse sonic boom characteristics. The flexibility of the shape of the capture cross-section may result in benefits for the integration of STEX inlets with aircraft.

Metholdology↗

Oxidation Behavior of Binary Niobium Alloys

This investigation concludes a study to determine the effects of up to 25 atomic percent of 55 alloying additions on the oxidation characteristics of niobium. The alloys were evaluated by oxidizing in an air atmosphere for 4 hours at 1000 C and 2 hours at 1200 C. Titanium and chromium improved oxidation resistance at both evaluation conditions. Vanadium and aluminum improved oxidation resistance at 1000 C, even though the V scale tended to liquefy and the Al specimens became brittle and the scale powdery. Copper, cobalt, iron, and iridium improved oxidation resistance at 1200 C. Other investigations report tungsten and molybdenum are protective up to about 1000 C, and tantalum at 1100 C. The most important factor influencing the rate of oxidation was the ion size of the alloy additions. Ions slightly smaller than the Nb(5+) ion are soluble in the oxide lattice and tend to lower the compressive stresses in the bulk scale that lead to cracking. The solubility of the alloying addition also depends on the valence to some extent. All of the elements mentioned that improve the oxidation resistance of Nb fit this size criterion with the possible exception of Al, whose extremely small size in large concentrations would probably lead to the formation of a powdery scale. Maintenance of a crack-free bulk scale for as long as possible may contribute to the formation of a dark subscale that ultimately is rate- controlling in the oxidation process. The platinum-group metals, especially Ir, appear to protect by entrapment of the finely dispersed alloying element by the incoming Nb2O5 metal-oxide interface. This inert metallic Ir when alloyed in a sufficient amount with Yb appears to give a ductile phase dispersed in the brittle oxide. This scale would then flow more easily to relieve the large compressive stresses to delay cracking. Complex oxide formation (which both Ti and Zr tend to initiate) and valence effects, which probably change the vacancy concentration in the scale, are masked by the overriding tendency for a porous scale.

Barrett, Charles A.↗

Splanchnic Compression Improves the Efficacy of Compression Stockings to Prevent Orthostatic Intolerance

Purpose: Post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance (OI) is observed in 20-30% of astronauts. Previous data from our laboratory suggests that this is largely a result of decreased venous return. Currently, NASA astronauts wear an anti-gravity suit (AGS) which consists of inflatable air bladders over the calves, thighs and abdomen, typically pressurized from 26 to 78 mmHg. We recently determined that, thigh-high graded compression stockings (JOBST , 55 mmHg at ankle, 6 mmHg at top of thigh) were effective, though to a lesser degree than the AGS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the addition of splanchnic compression to prevent orthostatic intolerance. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers (6M, 4F) participated in three 80 head-up tilts on separate days while (1) normovolemic (2) hypovolemic w/ breast-high compression stockings (BS)(JOBST(R), 55 mmHg at the ankle, 6 mmHg at top of thigh, 12 mmHg over abdomen) (3) hypovolemic w/o stockings. Hypovolemia was induced by IV infusion of furosemide (0.5 mg/kg) and 48 hrs of a low salt diet to simulate plasma volume loss following space flight. Hypovolemic testing occurred 24 and 48 hrs after furosemide. One-way repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni corrections, was used to test for differences in blood pressure and heart rate responses to head-up tilt, stand times were compared using a Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis. Results: BS were effective in preventing OI and presyncope in hypovolemic test subjects ( p = 0.015). BS prevented the decrease in systolic blood pressure seen during tilt in normovolemia (p < 0.001) and hypovolemia w/o countermeasure (p = 0.005). BS also prevented the decrease in diastolic blood pressure seen during tilt in normovolemia (p = 0.006) and hypovolemia w/o countermeasure (p = 0.041). Hypovolemia w/o countermeasure showed a higher tilt-induced heart rate increase (p = 0.022) than seen in normovolemia; heart rate while wearing BS was not different than normovolemia (p = 0.353). Conclusion: BS may be an effective countermeasure to post-space flight OI. The addition of splanchnic compression is more effective than the previous thigh-high garments. These stockings are readily available, inexpensive, and can be worn for days following landing as astronauts re-adapt to Earth gravity.

Platts, Steven H.↗

Effect of local structure and stoichiometry on the dynamic behavior of bi-metal interfaces

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the failure behavior of Al/Al, Al/Fe, and Al/AlFe bi-layers under high strain-rate shock loading. Additional simulations are performed to invesigate solely the tensile response of these systems and to isolate the effects of loading history on damage and failure. Specifically, the compression stage of the shock is excluded from the tensile simulations. This study shows that local structure variation, including the introduction of serrations, plays different roles in controlling damage nucleation depending on the specific loading condition. Under shock loading, the stress for void nucleation and the resulting void distribution is insensitive to an interface structure, whereas under pure tensile loading, the opposite is true, even though the strain rate is comparable. The above difference can be explained based on the corresponding change in the total deformation prior to damage nucleation under shock loading, which is missing from the pure tensile loading. Therefore, it is concluded that whether local interface structure matters under high strain-rate loading depends on the specific loading history and the stress state: the local structure variation matters only when it alters the deformation behavior, and subsequently, damage nucleation and evolution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Noiseless coding for the magnetometer

Future unmanned space missions will continue to seek a full understanding of magnetic fields throughout the solar system. Severely constrained data rates during certain portions of these missions could limit the possible science return. This publication investigates the application of universal noiseless coding techniques to more efficiently represent magnetometer data without any loss in data integrity. Performance results indicated that compression factors of 2:1 to 6:1 can be expected. Feasibility for general deep space application was demonstrated by implementing a microprocessor breadboard coder/decoder using the Intel 8086 processor. The Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby mission will incorporate these techniques in a buffer feedback, rate-controlled configuration. The characteristics of this system are discussed.

Rice, Robert F.↗

Self-Similar Compressible Free Vortices

Lie group methods are used to find both exact and numerical similarity solutions for compressible perturbations to all incompressible, two-dimensional, axisymmetric vortex reference flow. The reference flow vorticity satisfies an eigenvalue problem for which the solutions are a set of two-dimensional, self-similar, incompressible vortices. These solutions are augmented by deriving a conserved quantity for each eigenvalue, and identifying a Lie group which leaves the reference flow equations invariant. The partial differential equations governing the compressible perturbations to these reference flows are also invariant under the action of the same group. The similarity variables found with this group are used to determine the decay rates of the velocities and thermodynamic variables in the self-similar flows, and to reduce the governing partial differential equations to a set of ordinary differential equations. The ODE's are solved analytically and numerically for a Taylor vortex reference flow, and numerically for an Oseen vortex reference flow. The solutions are used to examine the dependencies of the temperature, density, entropy, dissipation and radial velocity on the Prandtl number. Also, experimental data on compressible free vortex flow are compared to the analytical results, the evolution of vortices from initial states which are not self-similar is discussed, and the energy transfer in a slightly-compressible vortex is considered.

vonEllenrieder, Karl↗

An image assessment study of image acceptability of the Galileo low gain antenna mission

This paper describes a study conducted by NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, California on the image acceptability of the Galileo Low Gain Antenna mission. The primary objective of the study is to determine the impact of the Integer Cosine Transform (ICT) compression algorithm on Galilean images of atmospheric bodies, moons, asteroids and Jupiter's rings. The approach involved fifteen volunteer subjects representing twelve institutions involved with the Galileo Solid State Imaging (SSI) experiment. Four different experiment specific quantization tables (q-table) and various compression stepsizes (q-factor) to achieve different compression ratios were used. It then determined the acceptability of the compressed monochromatic astronomical images as evaluated by Galileo SSI mission scientists. Fourteen different images were evaluated. Each observer viewed two versions of the same image side by side on a high resolution monitor, each was compressed using a different quantization stepsize. They were requested to select which image had the highest overall quality to support them in carrying out their visual evaluations of image content. Then they rated both images using a scale from one to five on its judged degree of usefulness. Up to four pre-selected types of images were presented with and without noise to each subject based upon results of a previously administered survey of their image preferences. Fourteen different images in seven image groups were studied. The results showed that: (1) acceptable compression ratios vary widely with the type of images; (2) noisy images detract greatly from image acceptability and acceptable compression ratios; and (3) atmospheric images of Jupiter seem to have higher compression ratios of 4 to 5 times that of some clear surface satellite images.

Chuang, S. L.↗

Mechanical Modeling and Testing of Pouch Cells under Various Loading Conditions

Understanding the mechanical behaviors of batteries is critical to improve battery safety since mechanical failure may directly lead to short-circuits. Nevertheless, mechanical modeling of batteries is challenging since a cell usually contains multiple thin layers with drastically different material properties, and they exhibit different responses under different loading conditions. In this work, we developed a mechanical model for a large-format pouch cell, where the cell is represented by thick shell elements that are not only computationally efficient but also account for different thickness and material properties of individual components. Moreover, the mechanical properties of active materials in electrodes are described by a continuous surface cap model that can capture both compaction and shear deformation modes and can include strain rate effect and damage. Furthermore, to evaluate the model capabilities, we conducted abuse tests under various loading conditions (quasi-static compression, shear and impact). It is shown that the model prediction of load-displacement relationship and failure condition agree with experimental results, which demonstrates that the developed model can capture the mechanical behaviors of a cell in different abuse events. Details of element formulation, material parameters evaluation and test setup are presented. Capabilities, limitations and future directions of model development are also discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Utilization of Existing Pipelines in Hydrogen Transport: Literature Review Report

This report critically reviews the flow behavior of hydrogen-natural gas (H 2 -NG) mixtures in pipelines and examines the critical factors of hydrogen integration into existing natural gas infrastructure. It addresses the choking behavior characterized by velocity increase and pressure drop, as well as the effects of flow restrictions and pressure losses during hydrogen transport. Computational and analytical models are used to investigate these effects, and their effects on thermodynamic properties and system performance are evaluated. The study also reviews the energy efficiency and flow dynamics of hydrogen and methane-hydrogen mixtures and optimizes the hydrogen flow rate. In addition, the effects of these mixtures on the flow characteristics are discussed in detail, with special emphasis on the compressibility factor (z factor) and fluid properties based on equations of state for hydrogen-natural gas mixtures. The study also analyzes the mixture ratios and highlights the thermophysical properties, flow dynamics, and hydrogen-blended natural gas application potential. These investigations assess flow stability, material interactions, and operational feasibility of transporting hydrogen mixtures through natural gas pipelines, which contribute to developing sustainable and efficient energy systems.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Creep of CoO single crystals.

The crystals were creep tested in compression over ranges of temperature, stress, and oxygen pressure. The creep curves were S-shaped, and only the inflection creep rate was analyzed. A formula is presented for the inflection creep rate in the range from 1000 to 1200 C, 850 to 1700 psi, and 0.001 to 1 atm oxygen. Slip was found to occur on two orthogonal slip systems. The presence of subboundaries was observed by optical and transmission electron microscopy. It is suggested that the creep rate is controlled by oxygen diffusion.

Clauer, A. H.↗

Determination of normal points for the relativity test of the celestial mechanics experiment

The relativity test is based on Mariner 9 tracking data acquired by the Deep Space Network. These data consist of two types of measurements: (1) two-way frequency difference (Doppler) measurements that are proportional to the tracking station-spacecraft range rate, and (2) signal round trip time-delay measurements that are proportional to the station-spacecraft range. A data compression scheme has been employed to alleviate accuracy and cost difficulties by (1) using the Doppler data to solve for the spacecraft orbit and to relate spacecraft position to the center of mass of Mars; and (2) combining this result with the station-spacecraft range measurements to obtain measurements of the Earth-Mars distance, called normal points, that contain all of the information pertinent to a detailed knowledge of the Earth-Mars motion.

Jordan, J. F.↗

Mixing and combustion of an underexpanded H2 jet in supersonic flow

Theoretical calculations are compared with experimental data in an investigation of the injection, mixing, and combustion of an underexpanded hydrogen jet in a supersonic test stream. The experimental tests in reacting and nonreacting flows were conducted by use of air and nitrogen as test media. Tests were conducted in a free jet and a ducted mode. Theoretical calculations were performed with a modified viscous characteristics analysis. The computer program employs finite rate chemistry and a turbulent viscosity model which varies radially and axially; it handles exit shock waves, expansion fans, and thermal compressions generated in the reacting flow fields. Comparison of the theory and experimental data indicates good agreement for the near flow field; this agreement is directly related to the explicit handling of the near-field shock and expansion waves. Less satisfactory agreement at downstream locations for both free jet and ducted flows is attributed to the lack of continued computation of the shocks and expansions in the far field.

Jenkins, R. V.↗

On the effect of boundary layer growth on the stability of compressible flows

The method of multiple scales is used to describe a formally correct method based on the nonparallel linear stability theory, that examines the two and three dimensional stability of compressible boundary layer flows. The method is applied to the supersonic flat plate layer at Mach number 4.5. The theoretical growth rates are in good agreement with experimental results. The method is also applied to the infinite-span swept wing transonic boundary layer with suction to evaluate the effect of the nonparallel flow on the development of crossflow disturbances.

El-Hady, N. M.↗

The earthquake cycle in subduction zones

A simplified model of a subduction zone is presented, which incorporates the mechanical asymmetry induced by the subducted slab to anchor the subducting plate during post-seismic rebound and thus throw most of the coseismic stream release into the overthrust plate. The model predicts that the trench moves with respect to the deep mantle toward the subducting plate at a velocity equal to one-half of the convergence rate. A strong extensional pulse is propagated into the overthrust plate shortly after the earthquake, and although this extension changes into compression before the next earthquake in the cycle, the period of strong extension following the earthquake may be responsible for extensional tectonic features in the back-arc region.

Melosh, H. J.↗

A fast, programmable hardware architecture for spaceborne SAR processing

The launch of spaceborne SARs during the 1980's is discussed. The satellite SARs require high quality and high throughput ground processors. Compression ratios in range and azimuth of greater than 500 and 150 respectively lead to frequency domain processing and data computation rates in excess of 2000 million real operations per second for C-band SARs under consideration. Various hardware architectures are examined and two promising candidates and proceeds to recommend a fast, programmable hardware architecture for spaceborne SAR processing are selected. Modularity and programmability are introduced as desirable attributes for the purpose of HTSP hardware selection.

Bennett, J. R.↗

A review of aerothermal problems associated with hypersonic flight

A review is presented of some important aerothermal problems associated with hypersonic flight with emphasis on those involved with viscous/inviscid interaction. The flow regimes of importance to hypersonic vehicles of current interest are discussed and the performance of experimental facilities currently available to study real gas phenomena associated with hypervelocity flight are briefly reviewed. Viscous interaction and real gas effects in hypervelocity flight at high altitudes are discussed with reference to measurements which are required to support the development of improved prediction capabilities in this regime. Theoretical and experimental research on 2D and 3D shock wave/laminar boundary layer interaction relevant to the performance of control surfaces and inlets in hypersonic flight at high altitudes is reviewed. The characteristics of transition regions in hypersonic flows are discussed with particular reference to transitional flows over nosetips and swept leading edges. Studies of shock interaction phenomena on indented nosetips are discussed, followed by a review of the surface roughness and blowing effects. Research to describe the characteristics of 2D and 3D regions of shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction in hypersonic flow is reviewed with particular reference to intrinsic unsteadiness and potential compressibility effects in these flows. This review is concluded with a brief discussion of observations suggesting a decrease in the spreading rate in shear layer mixing in hypersonic flow.

Holden, M. S.↗

Stability of a compressible swirling jet

Temporal linear stability of a compressible swirling axisymmetric jet is considered. It is found that with the addition of a modest amount of swirl, instability growth rates are substantially increased. Additionally, rotating jets are found to be highly unstable for disturbances with high aximuthal wave numbers. Such disturbances are absent for the case of non-swirling jets. Most importantly, it is found that the stabilizing influence of increasing Mach number is diminished with the introduction of swirl to the jet flow.

Khorrami, Mehdi R.↗