Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Boundary Layer Profiles”

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 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

A Numerical Modeling Framework for Flocculation and Cohesive Sediment Transport in the Wave Bottom Boundary Layer

Flocculation, a critical process in coastal and estuarine systems, plays a significant role in sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and ecological health. This study develops a cohesive sediment transport modeling framework tailored to the wave bottom boundary layer under dilute and equilibrium conditions, explicitly incorporating flocculation effects via a Population Balance Equation (PBE). Using Direct Numerical Simulation, six baseline cases, each with a distinct sediment concentration profile resulting from a constant settling velocity and critical erosion shear stress, are generated to drive the PBE flocculation model for given floc yield strength and stickiness. Results reveal that flocculation significantly influences sediment concentration profiles promoting three distinct stages, well‐mixed, transition to lutocline, and well‐developed lutocline. At low concentrations with well‐mixed profiles, cohesive floc properties are less significant, and turbulence is a main flocculation driver. In contrast, as concentration increases, cohesive floc properties become crucial, facilitating lutocline formation. Here, the analysis also highlights limitations of depth‐averaged settling velocity as a parameterization. It is suitable for well‐mixed and transitional profiles but fails in well‐developed lutoclines, where empirical formulations that explicitly incorporate turbulent shear rate and sediment concentration better capture variability. This study underscores the necessity of incorporating flocculation effects into sediment transport models to enhance predictions of sediment dynamics in wave bottom boundary layers.

Penaloza‐Giraldo, Jorge A. [Oak Ridge National Lab↗
NASA NTRS1981

Dynamic behavior of an unsteady turbulent boundary layer

Experiments on an unsteady turbulent boundary layer are reported in which the upstream portion of the flow is steady (in the mean) and in the downstream region, the boundary layer sees a linearly decreasing free stream velocity. This velocity gradient oscillates in time, at frequencies ranging from zero to approximately the bursting frequency. For the small amplitude, the mean velocity and mean turbulence intensity profiles are unaffected by the oscillations. The amplitude of the periodic velocity component, although as much as 70 percent greater than that in the free stream for very low frequencies, becomes equal to that in the free stream at higher frequencies. At high frequencies, both the boundary layer thickness and the Reynolds stress distribution across the boundary layer become frozen. The behavior at higher amplitude is quite similar. At sufficiently high frequencies, the boundary layer thickness remains frozen at the mean value over the oscillation cycle, even though flow reverses near the wall during a part of the cycle. Previously announced in STAR as N81-28392

Parikh, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Overview and Statistical Analysis of Boundary Layer Clouds and Precipitation Over the Western North Atlantic Ocean

Due to their fast evolution and large natural variability in macro- and microphysical properties, the accurate representation of boundary layer clouds in current climate models remains a challenge. One of the regions with large intermodel spread in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 ensemble is the western North Atlantic Ocean. Here, statistically representative in situ measurements can help to develop and constrain the parameterization of clouds in global models. To this end, we performed comprehensive measurements of boundary layer clouds, aerosol, trace gases, and radiation in the western North Atlantic Ocean during the NASA Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE) mission. In total, 174 research flights with 574 flight hours for cloud and precipitation measurements were performed with the HU-25 Falcon during three winter (February–March 2020, January–April 2021, and November 2021–March 2022) and three summer seasons (August–September 2020, May–June 2021, and May–June 2022). Here we present a statistical evaluation of 16 140 individual cloud events probed by the fast cloud droplet probe and the two-dimensional stereo cloud probe during 155 research flights in a representative and repetitive flight strategy allowing for robust statistical data analyses. We show that the vertical profiles of distributions of the liquid water content and the cloud droplet effective diameter (ED) increase with altitude in the marine boundary layer. Due to higher updraft speeds, higher cloud droplet number concentrations (N liquid ) were measured in winter compared to summer despite lower cloud condensation nucleus abundance. Flight cloud cover derived from statistical analysis of in situ data is reduced in summer and shows large variability. This seasonal contrast in cloud coverage is consistent with a dominance of a synoptic pattern in winter that favors conditions for the formation of stratiform clouds at the western edge of cyclones (post-cyclonic). In contrast, a dominant summer anticyclone is concomitant with the occurrence of shallow cumulus clouds and lower cloud coverage. The evaluation of boundary layer clouds and precipitation in the N liquid ED phase space sheds light on liquid, mixed-phase, and ice cloud properties and helps to categorize the cloud data. Ice and liquid precipitation, often masked in cloud statistics by a high abundance of liquid clouds, is often observed throughout the cloud. The ACTIVATE in situ cloud measurements provide a wealth of cloud information useful for assessing airborne and satellite remote-sensing products, for global climate and weather model evaluations, and for dedicated process studies that address precipitation and aerosol–cloud interactions.

Aerosol↗
NASA NTRS1975

Experimental and analytical study of an inlet forebody for an airframe-integrated scramjet concept

Preliminary analytical and experimental inlet forebody investigations have been conducted at Mach numbers of 6.0 and 8.5. The forebody design concept consisted of a sharp-nosed right circular cone followed by elliptical cross sections. This concept resulted in swept isentropic compression which would allow swept cowl leading edges. Measurements were made to define the condition of the inviscid flow field developed by the forebody, including flow profiles in the vicinity of cowl leading-edge stations, and the three-dimensional boundary-layer effects. The investigation verified some of the expected differences between the predicted and the experimental results.

Andrews, E. H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Numerical calculation of finite amplitude effects in unstable laminar boundary layers

A numerical study of one stage of the transition region from laminar to turbulent flow of the boundary layer over a flat plate is performed. Benney-Lin theory is applied to the laminar profile, which is closer to that of the experiment, i.e., the Blasius profile. Several laminar profiles are studied, all belonging to the Falkner-Skan family. The flow is found to depend principally upon the disturbance spanwise wavenumber, beta, whose variation results, in some instances, in a system of counter-rotating vortices, one on top of the other, for the mean secondary flow.

Antar, B. N.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Measured wake-vortex characteristics of aircraft in ground effect

In support of the NASA wake vortex alleviation program, measurements were made of the influences of a ground plane on vortex trajectories and velocity profiles within lift-generated wakes. The wakes were generated by towing 0.61-m (2-ft) span models of two jumbo jets under water in a ship model basin. The models were configured with landing flaps and flight spoilers to investigate the wake characteristics of these aircraft in ground effect at simulated full-scale distances of 19 m (62 ft) to 116 m (380 ft) above the ground. The ground plane caused modifications in the vortex trajectories but did not alter vortex interactions and merging patterns in these multiple vortex wakes. Some distortions in vortex vertical (tangential) velocity profiles were recorded as a result of vortex lateral motions and vortex interactions with the viscous boundary layer on the ground plane; however, maximum tangential velocities remained unchanged.

Ciffone, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Convex curvature effects on the heated turbulent boundary layer

A convexly curved and isothermally heated wall with a 45-cm radius of curvature is subjected to turbulent boundary layer flow measurements in order to determine wall heat transfer rates and mean velocity and temperature profiles. Significant curvature effects are noted, with Stanton number and skin friction coefficient reductions of 35-40 percent by comparison with flat plate values for the same momentum or enthalpy thickness Reynolds numbers. Profiles of mean velocity and temperature show a more rapid growth of the wake regions, and a shortening of the log-linear region, as a result of curvature. Turbulent Prandtl numbers deduced from the mean temperature profiles under the assumption of a wall thermal law were found to be increased by 40-50 percent by this strong convex curvature.

Simon, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Airfoil design for Reynolds numbers between 50,000 and 500,000

The design of airfoils for flows with Re of 50,000-500,000 requires consideration of laminar separation bubbles. A design approach is discussed which specifies the angle of attack at which the potential flow velocity is to be constant at each segment of the airfoil. The velocity gradient is controlled by introducing a pressure recovery function at the trailing edge. Boundary layer stability decreases with rising Re, although an upper Re value can be identified, below which the boundary layer will be stable. Adverse pressure gradients are associated with the shape parameter of the velocity profile, whose rise in value decreases stability. Transition displays similar relationships to the shape parameter. The most frequent feature of separation is the appearance of a separation bubble.

R Eppler↗
NASA NTRS1987

Meteorological context for fall experiments including distributions of water vapor, ozone, and carbon monoxide

Meteorological contexts for the NASA GTE/CITE 1 fall 1983 flight series are presented and discussed. The large-scale wind, cold cloud, and moisture patterns are illustrated by composite diagrams based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 700-, 500-, and 250-mbar analyses and the GOES-West broadband and 6.7-micron (water vapor) infrared photographs. Detailed flight path diagrams are included for seven maritime flights and one continental flight in the free troposphere and boundary layer. For three flights from Hickam Field, in Honolulu, HI, to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, vertical profiles of temperature, dew/frost point departures, wind velocity, and ozone, and carbon monoxide mixing ratios are also presented and discussed. Excellent agreement is demonstrated between the in situ and remote measurements. In particular, the predictive and diagnostic value of the 6.7-micron water vapor photographs is demonstrated.

Danielsen, Edwin F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Transverse liquid fuel jet breakup, burning, and ignition

An analytical study of the breakup, burning, and ignition of liquid fuels injected transversely into a hot air stream is conducted. The non-reacting liquid jet breakup location is determined by the local sonic point criterion. Two models, one employing analysis of an elliptical jet cross-section and the other employing a two-dimensional blunt body to represent the transverse jet, were used for sonic point calculations. An auxiliary criterion based on surface tension stability is used as a separate means of determining the breakup location. For the reacting liquid jet problem, a diffusion flame supported by a one-step chemical reaction within the gaseous boundary layer is solved along the ellipse surface in subsonic cross flow. Typical flame structures and concentration profiles were calculated for various locations along the jet cross-section as a function of upstream Mach numbers. The integration reaction rate along the jet cross-section is used to predict ignition position, which is found to be situated near the stagnation point. While a multi-step reaction is needed to represent the ignition process more accurately, the present calculation does yield reasonable predictions concerning ignition along a curved surface.

Li, Hsi-Shang↗
NASA NTRS1994

Magnetospheric accretion models for T Tauri stars. 1: Balmer line profiles without rotation

We argue that the strong emission lines of T Tauri stars are generally produced in infalling envelopes. Simple models of infall constrained to a dipolar magnetic field geometry explain many peculiarities of observed line profiles that are difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce with wind models. Radiative transfer effects explain why certain lines can appear quite symmetric while other lines simultaneously exhibit inverse P Cygni profiles, without recourse to complicated velocity fields. The success of the infall models in accounting for qualitative features of observed line profiles supports the proposal that stellar magnetospheres disrupt disk accretion in T Tauri stars, that true boundary layers are not usually present in T Tauri stars, and that the observed 'blue veiling' emission arises from the base of the magnetospheric accretion column.

Hartmann, Lee↗
NASA NTRS2003

Vertical Profiles of Light Scattering, Light Absorption, and Single Scattering Albedo during the Dry, Biomass Burning Season in Southern Africa and Comparisons of In Situ and Remote Sensing Measurements of Aerosol Optical Depths

Airborne in situ measurements of vertical profiles of aerosol light scattering, light absorption, and single scattering albedo (omega (sub 0)) are presented for a number of locations in southern Africa during the dry, biomass burning season. Features of the profiles include haze layers, clean air slots, and marked decreases in light scattering in passing from the boundary layer into the free troposphere. Frequency distributions of omega (sub 0) reflect the strong influence of smoke from biomass burning. For example, during a period when heavy smoke was advected into the region from the north, the mean value of omega (sub 0) in the boundary layer was 0.81 +/- 0.02 compared to 0.89 +/- 0.03 prior to this intrusion. Comparisons of layer aerosol optical depths derived from the in situ measurements with those measured by a Sun photometer aboard the aircraft show excellent agreement.

Magi, Brian I.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Tracking Smoke from a Prescribed Fire and its Impacts on Local Air Quality using Temporally Resolved GOES-16 ABI Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved from the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) was used to track a smoke plume from a prescribed fire in northeastern Virginia on 8 March 2020. Weather and atmospheric conditions created a favorable environment to transport the plume through the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, metro areas in the afternoon and concentrate smoke near the surface, degrading air quality for several hours. ABI AOD with 5-min temporal resolution and 2-km spatial resolution definitively identified the timing and geographic extent of the plume during daylight hours. Comparison to AERONET AOD indicates that ABI AOD captured the relative change in AOD due to passage of the smoke, with a mean absolute error of 0.047. Ground-based measurements of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) confirm deteriorations in air quality coincident with the progression of the smoke. Ceilometer aerosol backscatter profiles verify plume transport timing and indicate that smoke aerosols were well mixed in a shallow boundary layer. This event illustrates the advantages of using multiple datasets to analyze the impacts of aerosols on ambient air quality. Given the quickly evolving nature of the event over several hours, ABI AOD provided information for the public and decision-makers that was not available from any other source, including polar-orbiting satellite sensors. This study suggests that PM2.5 concentrations estimated from ABI AOD can be used to fill in the gaps in nationwide regulatory PM2.5 monitor networks and may be a valuable addition to EPA’s PM2.5 NowCast of current air quality conditions.

satellite observations↗
NASA NTRS1987

The fully nonlinear development of Goertler vortices in growing boundary layers

The fully nonlinear development of small wavelength Goertler vortices in a growing boundary layer is investigated using a combination of asymptotic and numerical methods. The starting point for the analysis is the weakly nonlinear theory of Hall (1982b) who discussed the initial development of small amplitude vortices in a neighborhood of the location where they first become linearly unstable. That development is unusual in the context of nonlinear stability theory in that it is not described by the Stuart-Watson approach. In fact the development is governed by a pair of coupled nonlinear partial differential evolution equations for the vortex flow and the mean flow correction. Here the further development of this interaction is considered for vortices so large that the mean flow correction driven by them is as large as the basic state. Surprisingly it is found that such a nonlinear interaction can still be described by asymptotic means. It is shown that the vortices spread out across the boundary layer and effectively drive the boundary layer. In fact the system obtained by writing down the equations for the fundamental component of the vortex generate a differential equation for the basic state. Thus the mean flow adjusts so as to make these large amplitude vortices locally neutral. Moreover in the region where the vortices exist the mean flow has a square-root profile and the vortex velocity field can be written down in closed form. The upper and lower boundaries of the region of vortex activity are determined by a free-boundary problem involving the boundary layer equations. In general it is found that this region ultimately includes almost all of the original boundary layer and much of the free-stream. In this situation the mean flow has essentially no relationship to the flow which exists in the absence of the vortices.

Hall, Philip↗
NASA NTRS1993

Ultraviolet line diagnostics of accretion disk winds in cataclysmic variables

The IUE data base is used to analyze the UV line shapes of the cataclysmic variables RW Sex, RW Tri, and V Sge. Observed lines are compared to synthetic line profiles computed using a model of rotating biconical winds from accretion disks. The wind model calculates the wind ionization structure self-consistently including photoionization from the disk and boundary layer and treats 3D line radiation transfer in the Sobolev approximation. It is found that winds from accretion disks provide a good fit for reasonable parameters to the observed UV lines which include the P Cygni profiles for low-inclination systems and pure emission at large inclination. Disk winds are preferable to spherical winds which originate on the white dwarf because they: (1) require a much lower ratio of mass-loss rate to accretion rate and are therefore more plausible energetically; (2) provide a natural source for a biconical distribution of mass outflow which produces strong scattering far above the disk leading to P Cygni profiles for low-inclination systems and pure line emission profiles at high inclination with the absence of eclipses in UV lines; and (3) produce rotation-broadened pure emission lines at high inclination.

Vitello, Peter↗
DOE OSTI2026

Wind lidar operations and observations from Tundra Pigeon

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory brought a ZX-300 profiling lidar to the Tundra Pigeon experiment for the purpose of collecting wind measurements in the lower atmospheric boundary layer. The ZX-300 lidar is a portable Doppler lidar which uses light to track naturally occurring aerosols across a measurement cone, thereby deriving wind speed (horizontal and vertical) and wind direction. The ZX-300 is programable between the heights of 10 m and 300 m above ground level and additionally has a 1 m onboard meteorological sensor for collecting measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and wind at 1 m height. We programmed the ZX-300 to target altitudes of most interest to the tracer experiment. These heights were 10, 15, 20, 30, 38, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 m. Note that the 38 m level is a fixed calibration height and cannot be changed. This measurement strategy prioritized winds close to the surface while ensuring that we’d also collect information about the winds aloft. The wind measurements are collected directly over the lidar instrument and represent a vertical profile of the winds over that location. However, given that there were minimal terrain and vegetation differences in the area, we’d expect these wind conditions to be representative of a larger volume area, discussed in more detail below.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1994

The velocity field created by a shallow bump in a boundary layer

We report the results of measurements of the disturbance velocity field generated in a boundary layer by a shallow three-dimensional bump oscillating at a very low frequency on the surface of a flat plate. Profiles of the mean velocity, the disturbance velocity at the fundamental frequency and at the first harmonic are presented. These profiles were measured both upstream and downstream of the oscillating bump. Measurements of the disturbance velocity were also made at various spanwise and downstream locations at a fixed distance from the boundary of one displacement thickness. Finally, the spanwise spectrum of the disturbances at three locations downstream of the bump are presented.

Gaster, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1953

Comparison of secondary flows and boundary-layer accumulations in several turbine nozzles

An investigation was made of losses and secondary flows in three different turbine nozzle configurations in annular cascade. Appreciable outer shroud loss cores (passage vortices) were found to exist at the discharge of blades which had thickened suction surface boundary layers near the outer shroud. Blade designs having thinner boundary layers did not show such outer shroud loss cores, but indicated greater inward radial flow of low momentum air, in the wake loss is to this extent an indication of the presence or absence of radial flow. The blade wake was a combination of profile loss and low momentum air from the outer shroud, and the magnitude of the wake loss is to this extent an indication of the presence or absence of radial flow. At a high Mach number, shock-boundary-layer thickening on the blade suction surfaces provided an additional radial flow path for low momentum air, which resulted in large inner shroud loss regions accompanied by large deviations from design values of discharge angle. (author)

Kofskey, Milton G↗