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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Orion Service Module Reaction Control System Plume Impingement Analysis Using PLIMP/RAMP2

The Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle Service Module Reaction Control System engine plume impingement was computed using the plume impingement program (PLIMP). PLIMP uses the plume solution from RAMP2, which is the refined version of the reacting and multiphase program (RAMP) code. The heating rate and pressure (force and moment) on surfaces or components of the Service Module were computed. The RAMP2 solution of the flow field inside the engine and the plume was compared with those computed using GASP, a computational fluid dynamics code, showing reasonable agreement. The computed heating rate and pressure using PLIMP were compared with the Reaction Control System plume model (RPM) solution and the plume impingement dynamics (PIDYN) solution. RPM uses the GASP-based plume solution, whereas PIDYN uses the SCARF plume solution. Three sets of the heating rate and pressure solutions agree well. Further thermal analysis on the avionic ring of the Service Module was performed using MSC Patran/Pthermal. The obtained temperature results showed that thermal protection is necessary because of significant heating from the plume.

Wang, Xiao-Yen↗

Scientific and economic potential of the SEASAT Program

The SEASAT satellite system is planned as a user-oriented system for timely monitoring of global ocean dynamics and mapping the global ocean geoid. The satellite instrumentation and modular concept are discussed. Operational data capabilities will include oceanographic data services, direct satellite read-out to users, and conversational retrieval and analysis of stored data. A case-study technique, generalized through physical and econometric modeling, indicates potential economic benefit from SEASAT to users in the following areas: ship routing, iceberg reconnaissance, arctic operations, Alaska pipeline ship link, and off-shore oil production.

Mccandless, S. W.↗

Computer program for analysis of split-Stirling-cycle cryogenic coolers

A computer program for predicting the detailed thermodynamic performance of split-Stirling-cycle refrigerators has been developed. The mathematical model includes the refrigerator cold head, free-displacer/regenerator, gas transfer line, and provision for modeling a mechanical or thermal compressor. To allow for dynamic processes (such as aerodynamic friction and heat transfer) temperature, pressure, and mass flow rate are varied by sub-dividing the refrigerator into an appropriate number of fluid and structural control volumes. Of special importance to modeling of cryogenic coolers is the inclusion of real gas properties, and allowance for variation of thermo-physical properties such as thermal conductivities, specific heats and viscosities, with temperature and/or pressure. The resulting model, therefore, comprehensively simulates the split-cycle cooler both spatially and temporally by reflecting the effects of dynamic processes and real material properties.

Brown, M. T.↗

Multistage Schemes with Multigrid for Euler and Navier-Strokes Equations: Components and Analysis

A class of explicit multistage time-stepping schemes with centered spatial differencing and multigrids are considered for the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. These schemes are the basis for a family of computer programs (flow codes with multigrid (FLOMG) series) currently used to solve a wide range of fluid dynamics problems, including internal and external flows. In this paper, the components of these multistage time-stepping schemes are defined, discussed, and in many cases analyzed to provide additional insight into their behavior. Special emphasis is given to numerical dissipation, stability of Runge-Kutta schemes, and the convergence acceleration techniques of multigrid and implicit residual smoothing. Both the Baldwin and Lomax algebraic equilibrium model and the Johnson and King one-half equation nonequilibrium model are used to establish turbulence closure. Implementation of these models is described.

Swanson, R. C.↗

Constraint Force Equation Methodology for Modeling Multi-Body Stage Separation Dynamics

This paper discusses a generalized approach to the multi-body separation problems in a launch vehicle staging environment based on constraint force methodology and its implementation into the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2), a widely used trajectory design and optimization tool. This development facilitates the inclusion of stage separation analysis into POST2 for seamless end-to-end simulations of launch vehicle trajectories, thus simplifying the overall implementation and providing a range of modeling and optimization capabilities that are standard features in POST2. Analysis and results are presented for two test cases that validate the constraint force equation methodology in a stand-alone mode and its implementation in POST2.

Toniolo, Matthew D.↗

Operational Modal Analysis of the Artemis I Dynamic Rollout Test and Wet Dress Rehearsal

NASA has developed an expendable heavy lift launch vehicle capability, the Space Launch System (SLS), to support lunar and deep space exploration. The uncrewed Artemis I was the first flight of this new launch vehicle and tested critical systems for the upcoming crewed Artemis II flight to the moon. Accelerations were recorded at a multitude of locations on Artemis, the Mobile Launcher (ML), and the Crawler Transporter (CT)during the rollout of Artemis I from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Pad 39B March 2022 and is referred to as the Artemis I Dynamic Rollout Test (DRT). While Artemis I was at Launch Pad 39B, the Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) was performed to demonstrate launch readiness and acceleration measurements were also recorded. Finally, Artemis I rolled back from Launch Pad 39B to the VAB in April 2022, where acceleration measurements were also recorded and is referred to as the rollback portion of DRT. Because the forces during rollout and at the launch pad acting on Artemis I, the ML, and the CT are not directly measurable, Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) techniques, instead of traditional Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) techniques, were used to identify modal characteristics. The OMA analysis of DRT and WDR directly builds upon the lessons learned from the OMA analysis of an earlier rollout of the ML from the VAB. DRT and WDR dynamic characteristics will be used to support SLS Integrated Modal Test finite element model correlation efforts and Exploration Ground System ML and CT finite element model verification and validation, which are part of the Building Block approach the Space Launch System program has implemented. The dynamic characteristics extracted from DRT as well as the rollout acceleration time histories themselves will be used in the development of generic rollout forcing functions that will provide refined estimates of the Artemis IV rollout forces, which will have the heavier and larger SLS Block 1B launch vehicle and Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2). This paper briefly describes Artemis I, the ML, and the CT physical characteristics, DRT rollout/rollback and WDR data collection, the challenges in implementing OMA techniques due in part to the CT harmonics, and how these challenges were overcome to obtain the Artemis I DRT configuration and WDR configuration modal characteristics.

Apollo↗

New experimental methodology, setup and LabView program for accurate absolute thermoelectric power and electrical resistivity measurements between 25 and 1600 K: Application to pure copper, platinum, tungsten, and nickel at very high temperatures

In this paper we describe an experimental setup designed to measure simultaneously and very accurately the resistivity and the absolute thermoelectric power, also called absolute thermopower or absolute Seebeck coefficient, of solid and liquid conductors/semiconductors over a wide range of temperatures (room temperature to 1600 K in present work). A careful analysis of the existing experimental data allowed us to extend the absolute thermoelectric power scale of platinum to the range 0-1800 K with two new polynomial expressions. The experimental device is controlled by a LabView program. A detailed description of the accurate dynamic measurement methodology is given in this paper. We measure the absolute thermoelectric power and the electrical resistivity and deduce with a good accuracy the thermal conductivity using the relations between the three electronic transport coefficients, going beyond the classical Wiedemann-Franz law. We use this experimental setup and methodology to give new very accurate results for pure copper, platinum, and nickel especially at very high temperatures. But resistivity and absolute thermopower measurement can be more than an objective in itself. Resistivity characterizes the bulk of a material while absolute thermoelectric power characterizes the material at the point where the electrical contact is established with a couple of metallic elements (forming a thermocouple). In a forthcoming paper we will show that the measurement of resistivity and absolute thermoelectric power characterizes advantageously the (change of) phase, probably as well as DSC (if not better), since the change of phases can be easily followed during several hours/days at constant temperature.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A HPC “Cyber Wind Facility” Incorporating Fully-Coupled CFD/CSD for Turbine-Platform-Wake Interactions with the Atmosphere and Ocean

The central aims of the DOE-supported “Cyber Wind Facility” project center on the recognition that wind turbines over land and ocean generate power from atmospheric winds that are inherently turbulent and strongly varying, both spatially over the rotor disk and in temporally as the rotating blades pass through atmospheric eddies embedded within the mean wind. The daytime unstable atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is particularly variable in space time as solar heating generates buoyancy-driven motions that interact with strong mean shear in the ABL “surface layer,” the lowest 200 - 300 m where wind turbines reside in farms. With the “Cyber Wind Facility” (CWF) program we initiate a research and technology direction in which “cyber data” are generated from “computational experiments” within a “facility” akin to a wind tunnel, but with true space-time atmospheric turbulence that drive utility-scale wind turbines at full-scale Reynolds numbers. With DOE support we generated the key “modules” within a computational framework to create a first generation Cyber Wind Facility (CWF) for single wind turbines in the daytime ABL---both over land where the ABL globally unstable and over water with closer-to-neutral atmospheric conditions but with time response strongly affected by wave-induced forcing of the wind turbine platform (here a buoy configuration). The CWF program has significantly improved the accuracy of actuator line models, evaluated with the Cyber Wind Facility in full blade-boundary-layer-resolved mode. The application of the CWF made in this program showed the existence of important ramp-like response events that likely contribute to bearing fatigue failure on the main shaft and that the advanced ALM method developed here captures the primary nonsteady response characteristics. Long-time analysis uncovered distinctive key dynamics that explain primary mechanisms that underlie potentially deleterious load transients. We also showed that blade bend-twist coupling plays a central role in the elastic responses of the blades to atmospheric turbulence, impacting turbine power.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Optimization of thermal protection systems for the space shuttle vehicle. Volume 1: Final report

A study performed to continue development of computational techniques for the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System is reported. The resulting computer code was used to perform some additional optimization studies on several TPS configurations. The program was developed in Fortran 4 for the CDC 6400, and it was converted to Fortran 5 to be used for the Univac 1108. The computational methodology is developed in modular fashion to facilitate changes and updating of the techniques and to allow overlaying the computer code to fit into approximately 131,000 octal words of core storage. The program logic involves subroutines which handle input and output of information between computer and user, thermodynamic stress, dynamic, and weight/estimate analyses of a variety of panel configurations. These include metallic, ablative, RSI (with and without an underlying phase change material), and a thermodynamic analysis only of carbon-carbon systems applied to the leading edge and flat cover panels. Two different thermodynamic analyses are used. The first is a two-dimensional, explicit precedure with variable time steps which is used to describe the behavior of metallic and carbon-carbon leading edges. The second is a one-dimensional implicity technique used to predict temperature in the charring ablator and the noncharring RSI. The latter analysis is performed simply by suppressing the chemical reactions and pyrolysis of the TPS material.

Source record↗

Hypersonic aerothermodynamics status report

This survey paper gives an overview of NASA's Aerothermodynamics program. The purpose is to present the elements of, example results from, and projected technology needs for hypersonic fluid and thermal physics. The NASA program is focused on improving the fundamental understanding of aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic flow phenomena over hypersonic vehicles operating in the continuum, transitional, and free molecule flow regime. Vehicle design capabilities, computational fluid dynamics, computational chemistry, turbulence modeling, aerothermal loading, Shuttle Orbiter flight data analysis, and aerothermal facilities are discussed.

Graves, R. A., Jr.↗

Vibration environment - Acceleration mapping strategy and microgravity requirements for Spacelab and Space Station

In order to define the acceleration requirements for future Shuttle and Space Station Freedom payloads, methods and hardware characterizing accelerations on microgravity experiment carriers are discussed. The different aspects of the acceleration environment and the acceptable disturbance levels are identified. The space acceleration measurement system features an adjustable bandwidth, wide dynamic range, data storage, and ability to be easily reconfigured and is expected to fly on the Spacelab Life Sciences-1. The acceleration characterization and analysis project describes the Shuttle acceleration environment and disturbance mechanisms, and facilitates the implementation of the microgravity research program.

Martin, Gary L.↗

Interplanetary program to optimize simulated trajectories (IPOST). Volume 4: Sample cases

The Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST) is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence of trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the cost function. Targeting and optimization are performed using the Standard NPSOL algorithm. The IPOST structure allows sub-problems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.↗

Interplanetary Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (IPOST). Volume 2: Analytic manual

The Interplanetary Program to Optimize Space Trajectories (IPOST) is intended to support many analysis phases, from early interplanetary feasibility studies through spacecraft development and operations. The IPOST output provides information for sizing and understanding mission impacts related to propulsion, guidance, communications, sensor/actuators, payload, and other dynamic and geometric environments. IPOST models three degree of freedom trajectory events, such as launch/ascent, orbital coast, propulsive maneuvering (impulsive and finite burn), gravity assist, and atmospheric entry. Trajectory propagation is performed using a choice of Cowell, Encke, Multiconic, Onestep, or Conic methods. The user identifies a desired sequence of trajectory events, and selects which parameters are independent (controls) and dependent (targets), as well as other constraints and the cost function. Targeting and optimization is performed using the Stanford NPSOL algorithm. IPOST structure allows subproblems within a master optimization problem to aid in the general constrained parameter optimization solution. An alternate optimization method uses implicit simulation and collocation techniques.

Hong, P. E.↗

Grand challenge scientific questions in coupled modeling

Most convective field experiments in the past (e.g., SESAME, CCOPE, CINDE) have attempted to resolve only the immediate scales of moist convection using network arrays that spanned two or three atmospheric scales at most. Furthermore, these scales have been defined more on practical considerations (cost, manpower, etc.) than on a clear understanding of their theoretical significance. Unfortunately, this has precluded a description of the entire life cycle of MCS's and their interaction with larger scale systems, the land surface, and trace species. Fortunately, the following factors now make it possible to attempt to simulate scale contraction processes from the synoptic scale down to the cloud scale, as well as interactions between complex meteorological, land surface, precipitation, chemical, and hydrologic processes with coupled, multiscale models: the availability of new technology to sample meteorological fields at high temporal and spatial resolution over a broad region made possible by the weather observing modernization program; increased computer power and improved numerical approaches to run limited area models with nonhydrostatic precipitation physics so as to explicitly resolve MCS (Mesoscale Convective System) processes; and four dimensional assimilation of non-conventional data to provide dynamically consistent datasets for diagnostic analysis of nonlinear scale-interactive dynamics. Several examples of scale-interactive processes which present grand challenges for coupled, multiscale modeling were presented.

Koch, Steven↗

Nocturnal Observations of the Semidiurnal Tide at a Midlatitude Site

Fabry-Perot interferometer observations of the mesospheric hydroxyl emission and the lower thermospheric OI (5577A) emission have been conducted from an airglow observatory at a dark field site in southeastern Michigan for the past several years. The primary functions of the observatory are to provide a database for correlative observations with the UARS satellite and to provide a synoptic measurement program for the coupling energetics and dynamics of atmospheric regions effort, An intensive operational effort between May 1993 and July 1994 has resulted in a substantial data set from which neutral winds have been determined from the bifilter acquisition sequence. A 'best fit' analysis in the least squares sense of the simultaneous measurements of the neutral winds to a 12-hour periodicity has provided amplitude and phase parameters for the semidiurnal tide as well as a measure of the mean wind. The measured tidal amplitude is greater at the higher altitude, though the seasonal behavior at both altitudes is similar with greater amplitudes during August/September and April/May. Both meridional and zonal wind components are consistent with a semidiurnal tidal description during the entire observational sequence except for the May to July 1993 period. The mean winds show annual variation in the meridional flow, being equatorward from May to October and poleward during the winter. The zonal flow is primarily eastward during the entire observational window with higher speed flows during May/June at the higher attitude and June/July at the lower altitude. A comparison with a semidiurnal tidal model indicates that the measured tidal amplitudes are a factor of 2 times greater, while the phases show similar equinoctial transitions.

Niciejewski, R. J.↗

Computational Aeroscience at NAS and Future Trends in High Performance Computing

NASA's Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) program provides a unique world class supercomputing capability which is readily accessed by the U.S. aeronautics community and offers them the opportunity to perform high speed computations and simulations for a broad range of aerospace research applications. In addition, the NAS program performs on-going research and advanced technology development to ensure the innovative application of newly emerging technologies to computational fluid dynamics and other important aeroscience disciplines. The NAS system and its interaction with industry are described. Furthermore, the results of an analysis of current and future technologies and their potential impact on high performance computing are also presented.

Cooper, David M.↗

NASA Giovanni Tool for Visualization and Analysis Support for the YOTC Program

The fundamental challenges to overcoming our shortcomings in understanding and modeling/predicting tropical convection have been two folds: I) the need to represent the broad range of scales applicable to the tropical organization problem (i.e. cumulus to planetary), and II) the lack of observations that adequately and simultaneously characterize this broad range of scales and that also provide three-dimensional information on thermodynamic, radiative and dynamical interactions, including cloud microphysical processes. Because the goal of Overview of Year Of Tropical Convection (YOTC) involves examining a scientifically complex, multi-scale "process", rather than documenting the characteristics of a single parameter (e.g., SST, cloud cover), YOTC has an IOP perspective that targets a period, May 2008 - April 2010, long enough to encompass many cases of tropical convection activity in many of its most challenging yet influential forms. This includes mesoscale and synoptic variability, easterly waves and hurricanes, convectively coupled waves, the MJO, and the culmination of these in terms of the monsoon, their interactions with the extra-tropics, and mean characteristics such as tropical-to-subtropical transitions. The YOTC time period and length are driven in part by the following: 1) keeping the multi-sensor/multi-platform and model-analyses data sets and associated infrastructure manageable, 2) facilitating a focused effort by the research and operational communities on a specific scientific problem, and 3) capitalizing on the recent key additions to the armada of satellites (e.g., CloudSat and CALIPSO).

Ostrenga, Dana↗

Space Launch System Liftoff and Separation Dynamics Analysis Tool Chain

A flexible, hierarchical tool chain that is being applied to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) for critical dynamics phenomena is described. This tool chain, called CLVTOPS, is used to investigate lateral liftoff movement of the vehicle as it departs and clears the mobile launch tower and separation of the two solid rocket boosters without collision with the core stage and payload. The toolset’s architecture was configured to take advantage of a modern software-engineering approach for maximum flexibility and utilization of open-source simulations and associated tools. As opposed to a “monolithic” approach, scripting languages were used to “bind” together a tool chain to configure and organize input data, execute and produce analysis results, and post-process these results to facilitate a rapid iterative analysis process to quickly address issues and pursue alternatives with emphasis on analysis automation. Key capabilities in the tool chain include processing and mining of very large data sets, a wide range of graphical depictions, and high-fidelity, physics-based simulations. The paper begins with a problem description and the motivation for liftoff and separation dynamics analysis followed by a historical survey of dynamics analyses for previous NASA human-rated launch vehicles. Details of the tool chain and its components are then introduced divided, first, into description of the scripting language architecture used to “bind” the simulation tools, programs, and scripts together and, second, the physics models and simulations. Representative analyses and data products are shown for liftoff and booster separation dynamics that provide in-depth insight to the tool chain’s capabilities. Supporting activities such as simulation tool chain verification, version archiving and data management, and training are addressed. The paper concludes with case examples on how the tool chain can be tailored to related aerospace dynamics analyses, both large and small. These patterns and techniques for SLS dynamics tool construction can be applied for other aerospace simulations.

6DOF↗