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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2021

Inverse Design of Two-Dimensional Airfoils Using Conditional Generative Models and Surrogate Log-Likelihoods

Abstract This paper shows how to use conditional generative models in two-dimensional (2D) airfoil optimization to probabilistically predict good initialization points within the vicinity of the optima given the input boundary conditions, thus warm starting and accelerating further optimization. We accommodate the possibility of multiple optimal designs corresponding to the same input boundary condition and take this inversion ambiguity into account when designing our prediction framework. To this end, we first employ the conditional formulation of our previous work BézierGAN–Conditional BézierGAN (CBGAN)—as a baseline, then introduce its sibling conditional entropic BézierGAN (CEBGAN), which is based on optimal transport regularized with entropy. Compared with CBGAN, CEBGAN overcomes mode collapse plaguing conventional GANs, improves the average lift-drag (Cl/Cd) efficiency of airfoil predictions from 80.8% of the optimal value to 95.8%, and meanwhile accelerates the training process by 30.7%. Furthermore, we investigate the unique ability of CEBGAN to produce a log-likelihood lower bound that may help select generated samples of higher performance (e.g., aerodynamic performance). In addition, we provide insights into the performance differences between these two models with low-dimensional toy problems and visualizations. These results and the probabilistic formulation of this inverse problem justify the extension of our GAN-based inverse design paradigm to other inverse design problems or broader inverse problems.

Engineering↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Investigating the Feasibility and Stability for Modeling Broadband Acoustic Wave Scattering using a Time-Domain Boundary Integral Equation

Reducing aircraft noise is a major objective in the field of computational aeroacoustics. Acoustic liners are an effective tool for reducing aircraft noise and are characterized by a frequency-dependent impedance value. Converted into the time-domain using Fourier transforms, an impedance boundary condition can be used to simulate the acoustic wave scattering by geometric bodies treated with acoustic liners. A Broadband Impedance Model is discussed in which the liner impedance is specified along a wide range of frequencies. An impedance boundary condition is derived and coupled with a time-domain boundary integral equation to model acoustic scattering by a flat plate. It is assumed the flat plate has surfaces treated with acoustic liners. The stability of the numerical algorithm is assessed using eigenvalue analysis.

mathmatics↗

NASA NTRS1989

Convergence results for pseudospectral approximations of hyperbolic systems by a penalty type boundary treatment

A new method of imposing boundary conditions in the pseudospectral approximation of hyperbolic systems of equations is proposed. It is suggested to collocate the equations, not only at the inner grid points, but also at the boundary points and use the boundary conditions as penalty terms. In the pseudo-spectral Legrendre method with the new boundary treatment, a stability analysis for the case of a constant coefficient hyperbolic system is presented and error estimates are derived.

Funaro, Daniele↗

NASA NTRS1995

Transport phenomena in the micropores of plug-type phase separators

This study numerically investigates the transport phenomena within and across a porous-plug phase separator. The effect of temperature differential across a single pore and of the sidewall boundary conditions, i.e., isothermal or linear thermal gradient, are presented and discussed. The effects are quantified in terms of the evaporation mass flux across the boundary and the mean surface temperature. A two-dimensional finite element model is used to solve the continuity, momentum, and energy equations for the liquid. Temperature differentials across the pore interface of 1.0, and 1.5 K are examined and their effect on evaporation flux and mean surface temperature is shown. For isothermal side boundary conditions, the evaporation flux across the pore is directly proportional and linear with Delta T. For the case of an imposed linear thermal gradient on the side boundaries, Biot numbers of 0.0, 0.15, and 0.5 are examined. The most significant effect of Biot number is to lower the overall surface temperature and evaporation flux.

Fazah, M. M.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Analysis of the SBP-SAT Stabilization for Finite Element Methods Part II: Entropy Stability

In the hyperbolic research community, there exists the strong belief that a continuous Galerkin scheme is notoriously unstable and additional stabilization terms have to be added to guarantee stability. In the first part of the series, the application of simultaneous approximation terms for linear problems is investigated where the boundary conditions are imposed weakly. By applying this technique, the authors demonstrate that a pure continuous Galerkin scheme is indeed linearly stable if the boundary conditions are imposed in the correct way. In this work, we extend this investigation to the nonlinear case and focus on entropy conservation. Here, by switching to entropy variables, we provide an estimation of the boundary operators also for nonlinear problems, that guarantee conservation. In numerical simulations, we verify our theoretical analysis.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Discrete dislocation dynamics for crystal RVEs. Part 1: Periodic network kinematics

A novel implementation of the dislocation flux boundary condition in discrete dislocation dynamics is presented. The continuity of the individual dislocation loops in a periodic representative crystal volume (RVE) is enforced across the boundary of the RVE with the help of a dual topological description for representing dislocation line kinematics in two equivalent spaces representing the deforming crystal, the RVE and the unbounded crystal spaces. The former describes the motion of the dislocations in the simulated crystal RVE whereas the latter represents the motion of dislocations in an infinite space containing all replicas of the RVE. A mapping between the two spaces forms the basis of the implementation of flux boundary condition. The implementation details are discussed in the context of statistical homogeneity of bulk crystals undergoing macroscopically homogeneous plastic deformation. In this case, the boundary nodes associated with dislocation segments bear no relevance in the motion of the dislocations. Finally, some test cases are presented and discussed to establish the proposed approach.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS2019

Adjoint-Based Mesh Adaptation and Shape Optimization for Simulations with Propulsion

We demonstrate a well-posed formulation of permeable boundary conditions and mass- flow-rate functionals for adjoint-based mesh refinement and shape optimization governed by the steady Euler equations. The boundary conditions are used to model propulsion- system effects of inlets and nozzles. A two-shock diffuser with an analytic solution is used to verify the implementation. Numerical examples show that the adjoint solution is smooth at the boundary, indicating that the discretization is adjoint consistent when exit pressure is specified at subsonic outflow, and stagnation temperature and pressure at subsonic inflow. The results focus on improving simulation techniques for low-boom aircraft analysis and design. By including mass-flow-rate outputs, we obtain reliable estimates of engine flow rates concurrently with nearfield pressure signatures without increasing simulation cost. We also demonstrate the importance of mass-flow-rate constraints in shape optimization by examining trade-offs between maximizing performance of a shrouded supersonic nozzle and minimizing shocks in its nearfield.

Nemec, Marian↗

DOE OSTI2020

Composite Structured Surfaces for Durable Dropwise Condensation

Dropwise condensation of steam on hydrophobic substrates has a 10X higher heat transfer coefficient compared to filmwise condensation. To promote dropwise condensation, low surface energy hydrophobic coatings (polymers) are typically utilized. The low intrinsic thermal conductivity (k < 1 W/(m · K)) of polymers, coupled with high heat transfer coefficient of dropwise condensation (100 kW/(m 2 · K)), necessitates that the coating be thin (< 1µm) in order to avoid reducing the overall heat exchanger conductance. However, thin polymeric films easily degrade. The two opposing requirements result in the need for optimization between the durability (thick coating) and the heat transfer (thin coating). To enable high thermal conductivity in thicker coatings, we develop metal-polymer structured surfaces. By using porous structures as inter-connected heat-conducting backbones that are filled with hydrophobic materials, we enable tuning of the coating effective thermal conductivity and surface energy. Three metal structures were studied; micro/nanowires, inverse opals, and sintered spheres. Heat transfer performance was calculated using three-dimensional finite element method simulations with two distinct boundary conditions; convection at the walls and isothermal walls. Interestingly, the overall conductance shows up to 40% difference depending on the boundary condition used in calculating the composite coating effective thermal conductivity. We use our model to predict the heat transfer performance as a function of metal fraction by volume and by surface area for condensation. By coupling our thermal simulations with a previously verified analytical model for predicting wetting behavior on heterogeneous surfaces, we propose a regime map to predict dropwise-to-filmwise transition. Furthermore, our work not only forms a starting point for the development of durable dropwise condensing surfaces, it identifies important considerations needed for computing effective thermal conductivity of composites.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Modeling and optimization of steady flow of natural gas and hydrogen mixtures in pipeline networks

Here, we extend the canonical problems of simulation and optimization of steady-state gas flows in pipeline networks with compressors to the transport of mixtures of highly heterogeneous gases injected throughout a network. Our study is motivated by proposed projects to blend hydrogen generated using clean energy into existing natural gas pipeline systems as part of efforts to reduce the reliance of energy systems on fossil fuels. Flow in a pipe is related to endpoint pressures by a basic Weymouth equation model, with an ideal gas equation of state, where the wave speed depends on the hydrogen concentration. At vertices, in addition to mass balance, we also consider mixing of incoming flows of varying hydrogen concentrations. The problems of interest are the heterogeneous gas flow simulation (HGFS), which determines system pressures and flows given fixed boundary conditions and compressor settings, as well as the heterogeneous gas flow optimization (HGFO), which extremizes an objective by determining optimal boundary conditions and compressor settings. We examine conditions for uniqueness of solutions to the HGFS, as well as compare and contrast mixed-integer and continuous nonlinear programming formulations for the HGFO. We develop computational methods to solve both problems, and examine their performance using four test networks of increasing complexity.

08 HYDROGEN↗

DOE OSTI2025

The Influence of African Easterly Waves on Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Tracks and Landfall in Large Ensembles

African easterly waves (AEWs) are an important precursor or “seed” for Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs), with 60%–80% of major hurricanes observed to originate from AEWs. However, climate model simulations indicate that AEWs are not necessary to maintain annual Atlantic TC frequency. Furthermore, small ensembles suggest that AEWs may impact the spatial distribution and landfall of Atlantic TCs. Here, we investigated the influence of AEWs on the spatial distribution of Atlantic TC tracks and landfall using 50-member ensembles of TC-permitting regional model simulations for five hurricane seasons characterized by different levels of TC activity. The control simulations are seasonal hindcasts in which AEWs were prescribed through the eastern lateral boundary condition using reanalysis. In the experiments, we suppressed AEWs by applying a 2–10 day filter to the eastern lateral boundary condition. In response to AEW suppression, we discovered statistically significant increases in Atlantic TC frequency (10%–26%) and landfall (16%–44%), a westward shift in TC genesis location and tracks with increased landfall over the Caribbean Islands, southwestern Gulf Coast, and southeastern US coast, and increases in mid-tropospheric relative humidity in the main development region. In addition, we evaluated TC genesis mechanisms in the absence of AEWs and found evidence that the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) intensified and extended northward, resulting in ITCZ wave-breaking that shed vortices which served as TC seeds. By uncovering the connections between TC seed types and the likelihood of TC landfall, this research can provide Atlantic coastal and island communities with useful information to prepare for TC impacts.

African easterly waves↗

DOE OSTI2020

Cathode Modeling and Diode Performance in a Planar Geometry using Space-charge-limited Emission

Space-charge-limited (SCL) emission parameters are varied to study the performance effects in a planar diode using an electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation software suite, EMPIRE. Oscillations in the simulations are found and linked to the emission parameters, namely the breakdown threshold, the emission delay time, and the current density ramp time. The oscillations are suggested to be a transverse oscillator due to the perfect magnetic conductor boundary condition in steady-state operation and the formation of a virtual cathode in the diode driven by the SCL boundary condition.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NASA NTRS1981

Scattering of Pruppacher-Pitter raindrops at 30 GHz

Optimum design of modern ground-satellite communication systems requires the knowledge of rain-induced differential attenuation, differential phase shift, and cross polarization factors. Different available analytical techniques for raindrop scattering problems were assessed. These include: (1) geometrical theory of diffraction; (2) method of moment; (3) perturbation method; (4) point matching methods; (5) extended boundary condition method; and (6) global-local finite element method. The advantages and disadvantages of each are listed. The extended boundary condition method, which was determined to yield the most scattering results, is summarized. The scattered fields for Pruppacher-Pitter raindrops with sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm at 20 C and at 30 GHz for several incidence angles are tabulated.

Yeh, C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Validation of large space structures by ground tests

The paper presents concepts designed to validate, through the use of ground tests, mathematical models of continuous type structures and structures comprised of interconnecting subsystems. For continuous-type structures, a multiple boundary condition test approach is considered in which the basic idea is to perform a large number of tests using artificial boundary conditions from which good ground test data can be obtained. The test ensures an arbitrarily large number of test data for use in the validation and updating of the mathematical model. Another approach, applicable to structures comprised of subsystems, involves the identification of significant structural elements for the system dynamic model which are not validated by standard modal tests of the subsystems.

Wada, B. K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Postbuckling of laminated anisotropic panels

A two-part study of the buckling and postbuckling of laminated anisotropic plates with bending-extensional coupling is presented. The first part involves the development and application of a modified Rayleigh-Ritz analysis technique. Modifications made to the classical technique can be grouped into three areas. First, known symmetries of anisotropic panels are exploited in the selection of approximation functions. Second, a reduced basis technique based on these same symmetries is applied in the linear range. Finally, geometric boundary conditions are enforced via an exterior penalty function approach, rather than relying on choice of approximation functions to satisfy these boundary conditions. Numerical results are presented for both the linear and nonlinear range, with additional studies made to determine the effect of variation in penalty parameter and number of basis vectors. In the second part, six panels possessing anisotropy and bending-extensional coupling are tested. Detailed comparisons are made between experiment and finite element results in order to gain insight into the postbuckling and failure characteristics of such panels. The panels are constructed using two different lamination sequences, and panels with three different aspect ratios were constructed for each lamination sequence.

Jeffrey, Glenda L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

PAN AIR: A computer program for predicting subsonic or supersonic linear potential flows about arbitrary configurations using a higher order panel method. Volume 1: Theory document (version 3.0)

An outline of the derivation of the differential equation governing linear subsonic and supersonic potential flow is given. The use of Green's Theorem to obtain an integral equation over the boundary surface is discussed. The engineering techniques incorporated in the Panel Aerodynamics (PAN AIR) program (a discretization method which solves the integral equation for arbitrary first order boundary conditions) are then discussed in detail. Items discussed include the construction of the compressibility transformation, splining techniques, imposition of the boundary conditions, influence coefficient computation (including the concept of the finite part of an integral), computation of pressure coefficients, and computation of forces and moments. Principal revisions to version 3.0 are the following: (1) appendices H and K more fully describe the Aerodynamic Influence Coefficient (AIC) construction; (2) appendix L now provides a complete description of the AIC solution process; (3) appendix P is new and discusses the theory for the new FDP module (which calculates streamlines and offbody points); and (4) numerous small corrections and revisions reflecting the MAG module rewrite.

Epton, Michael A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Advanced turbulence models for turbomachinery

Development and assessment of the single-time-scale k-epsilon turbulence model with different near-wall treatments and the multi-scale turbulence model for rotating flows are presented. These turbulence models are coded as self contained module decks that can be interfaced with a number of CFD main flow solvers. For each model, a stand-alone module deck with its own formulation, discretization scheme, solver and boundary condition implementations is presented. These satellite decks will take as input (from a main flow solver) the velocity field, grid, boundary condition specifications and will deliver turbulent quantities as output. These modules were tested as separate entities and, although many logical and programming problems were overcome, only wider use and further testing can render the modules sufficiently 'fool proof'.

Hadid, Ali H.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Magnetohydrodynamic simulations of outflows from accretion disks

Magnetohydrodynamic simulations have been made of the formation of outflows from a Keplerian disk threaded by a magnetic field. The disk is treated as a boundary condition, where matter is ejected with Keplerian azimuthal speed and poloidal speed less than the slow magnetosonic velocity, and where boundary conditions on the magnetic field correspond to a highly conducting disk. Initially, the space above the disk, the corona, is filled with high specific entropy plasma in thermal equilibrium in the gravitational potential of the central object. The initial magnetic field is poloidal and is represented by a superposition of monopoles located below the plane of the disk. The rotation of the disk twists the initial poloidal magnetic field, and this twist propagates into the corona pushing and collimating matter into jetlike outflow in a cylindrical region. Matter outflowing from the disk flows and accelerates in the z-direction owing to both the magnetic and pressure gradient forces. The flow accelerates through the slow magnetosonic and Alfven surfaces and at larger distances through the fast magnetosonic surface. The flow velocity of the jet is approximately parallel to the z-axis, and the collimation results from the pinching force of the toroidal magnetic field. For a nonrotating disk no collimation is observed.

Ustyugova, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The Schwinger Variational Method

Variational methods have proven invaluable in theoretical physics and chemistry, both for bound state problems and for the study of collision phenomena. The application of the Schwinger variational (SV) method to e-molecule collisions and molecular photoionization has been reviewed previously. The present chapter discusses the implementation of the SV method as applied to e-molecule collisions. Since this is not a review of cross section data, cross sections are presented only to server as illustrative examples. In the SV method, the correct boundary condition is automatically incorporated through the use of Green's function. Thus SV calculations can employ basis functions with arbitrary boundary conditions. The iterative Schwinger method has been used extensively to study molecular photoionization. For e-molecule collisions, it is used at the static exchange level to study elastic scattering and coupled with the distorted wave approximation to study electronically inelastic scattering.

Huo, Winifred M.↗