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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Computer modeling of electromagnetic problems using the geometrical theory of diffraction

Some applications of the geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD), a high frequency ray optical solution to electromagnetic problems, are presented. GTD extends geometric optics, which does not take into account the diffractions occurring at edges, vertices, and various other discontinuities. Diffraction solutions, analysis of basic structures, construction of more complex structures, and coupling using GTD are discussed.

Burnside, W. D.↗

Application of a full potential method for computation of three-dimensional supersonic flows

A nonlinear aerodynamic analysis technique based on the full potential equation in conservative form has been modified to permit treatment of supersonic flows with embedded subsonic regions (typically near the fuselage-canopy juncture and the wing leading edge). Solution procedures for the equations do not require any specific form of geometry or physical grid system. This results in the capability to analyze easily very complex geometries provided the posed problem lies within the isentropic restrictions of the full potential theory. Characteristic signal propagation theory is used to monitor the type dependent flow and a conservative switching scheme is employed to transition from the supersonic marching algorithm to a subsonic relaxation procedure and vice versa. An implicit approximate factorization scheme is used to solve the finite-difference equations. These modifications now permit analysis of fully three-dimensional flowfields including the interference effects due to lifting surface wakes. Improved grid generation capability allows analysis of complete complex aircraft geometries (fuselage, wing, tail, wing wake, and tail wake). Results are presented showing very good correlations with experimental surface pressure data and aerodynamic force data at both design and off-design operating points. Configurations examined include several waverider concepts, an arrow wing-body with wake, an advanced tactical fighter concept, and a fighter forebody-canard configuration.

Jones, K. M.↗

Transport of infrared radiation in cuboidal clouds

The transport of infrared radiation in a single cuboidal cloud is modeled using a variable azimuth two-stream approximation. Computations are made at 10 microns for a Deirmendjian (1969) C-1 water cloud where the single scattering albedo is equal to 0.638 and the asymmetry parameter is 0.865. The results indicate that the emittance of the top face of the model cloud is always less than that for a plane parallel cloud of the same optical depth. The hemispheric flux escaping from the cloud top possesses a gradient from the center to the edges which are warmer when the cloud is over warmer ground. Cooling rate calculations in the 8-13.6 micron region demonstrate that there is cooling out of the sides of the cloud at all levels even when there is heating of the core from the ground below. The radiances exiting from model cuboidal clouds are computed by path integration over the source function obtained with the two-stream approximation. Results indicate that the brightness temperature measured from finite clouds will overestimate the cloud-top temperature.

Harshvardhan, MR.↗

Heat Transfer on a Film-Cooled Rotating Blade Using Different Turbulence Models

A three-dimensional Navier Stokes code has been used to compute the heat transfer coefficient on a film-cooled, rotating turbine blade. The blade chosen is the ACE rotor with five rows containing 93 film cooling holes covering the entire span. This is the only film-cooled rotating blade over which experimental data is available for comparison. Over 2.278 million grid points are used to compute the flow over the blade including the tip clearance region. using Wilcox's k-omega model, Coakley's q-omega model, and the zero-equation Baldwin-Lomax (B-L) model. A reasonably good comparison with the experimental data is obtained on the suction surface for all the turbulence models. At the leading edge, the B-L model yields a better comparison than tile two-equation models. On the pressure surface however the comparison between the experimental data and the prediction from the k-omega model is much better than from the other two models. Overall, the k-omega model provides the best comparison with the experimental data. However, the two-equation models require at least 40% more computational resources than the B-L model.

Garg, Vijay K.↗

PLUM: Parallel Load Balancing for Unstructured Adaptive Meshes

Dynamic mesh adaption on unstructured grids is a powerful tool for computing large-scale problems that require grid modifications to efficiently resolve solution features. Unfortunately, an efficient parallel implementation is difficult to achieve, primarily due to the load imbalance created by the dynamically-changing nonuniform grid. To address this problem, we have developed PLUM, an automatic portable framework for performing adaptive large-scale numerical computations in a message-passing environment. First, we present an efficient parallel implementation of a tetrahedral mesh adaption scheme. Extremely promising parallel performance is achieved for various refinement and coarsening strategies on a realistic-sized domain. Next we describe PLUM, a novel method for dynamically balancing the processor workloads in adaptive grid computations. This research includes interfacing the parallel mesh adaption procedure based on actual flow solutions to a data remapping module, and incorporating an efficient parallel mesh repartitioner. A significant runtime improvement is achieved by observing that data movement for a refinement step should be performed after the edge-marking phase but before the actual subdivision. We also present optimal and heuristic remapping cost metrics that can accurately predict the total overhead for data redistribution. Several experiments are performed to verify the effectiveness of PLUM on sequences of dynamically adapted unstructured grids. Portability is demonstrated by presenting results on the two vastly different architectures of the SP2 and the Origin2OOO. Additionally, we evaluate the performance of five state-of-the-art partitioning algorithms that can be used within PLUM. It is shown that for certain classes of unsteady adaption, globally repartitioning the computational mesh produces higher quality results than diffusive repartitioning schemes. We also demonstrate that a coarse starting mesh produces high quality load balancing, at a fraction of the cost required a fine initial mesh. Results indicate that our parallel load balancing strategy will remain viable on large numbers of processors.

Oliker, Leonid↗

Euler solvers for transonic applications

The 1980s may well be called the Euler era of applied aerodynamics. Computer codes based on discrete approximations of the Euler equations are now routinely used to obtain solutions of transonic flow problems in which the effects of entropy and vorticity production are significant. Such codes can even predict separation from a sharp edge, owing to the inclusion of artificial dissipation, intended to lend numerical stability to the calculation but at the same time enforcing the Kutta condition. One effect not correctly predictable by Euler codes is the separation from a smooth surface, and neither is viscous drag; for these some form of the Navier-Stokes equation is needed. It, therefore, comes as no surprise to observe that the Navier-Stokes has already begun before Euler solutions were fully exploited. Moreover, most numerical developments for the Euler equations are now constrained by the requirement that the techniques introduced, notably artificial dissipation, must not interfere with the new physics added when going from an Euler to a full Navier-Stokes approximation. In order to appreciate the contributions of Euler solvers to the understanding of transonic aerodynamics, it is useful to review the components of these computational tools. Space discretization, time- or pseudo-time marching and boundary procedures, the essential constituents are discussed. The subject of grid generation and grid adaptation to the solution are touched upon only where relevant. A list of unanswered questions and an outlook for the future are covered.

Vanleer, Bram↗

Study of the vortex conditions of wings with large sweepback by extrapolation of the Jones method

The pockets of separation originating on the leading edges are surrounded by vortex sheets. Their configuration and intensity were determined by four conditions with the JONES approximation, which is itself corrected by a simple logic. Field pressures and stresses were computed for different cases and are compared with test results (pure deltas, swallow tails, truncations, strakes, ducks, fuselage).

Hirsch, P.↗

A vortex-lattice method for calculating lifting-surface interference

The interference effect of closely coupled lifting surfaces was investigated. A nonsteady vortex-lattice method was applied to calculate the steady-state and nonsteady lift characteristics of configurations having interference effects. The configurations consist of low-aspect-ratio delta wings, at low and high angles of attack. Leading-edge separation and wake roll-up are simulated by a time-dependent wake-shedding procedure. For steady-state flow conditions, this numerical procedure saves a considerable amount of computer time, compared with iterative methods, and yields the same results. A better understanding of the interference effect can be gained by using the method to study the transient behavior. The nonsteady approach also offers the capability of calculating various nonsteady motions, as is demonstrated in the calculation of the longitudinal damping.

Levin, D.↗

An optimized cubic interpolator for image resampling

It is noted that the cubic resampling function is only one member of a family of functions, defined by the single parameter of the slope of the cubic function at its first zero crossing, whose other members are in some cases superior to the standard cubic. This superiority is especially noteworthy with respect to the extent of gray level overshoot induced by the resampling process at high contrast edges. It is shown that there is an optimum member of this 'parametric cubic convolution' family which minimizes the mean-squared radiometric error arising from interpolation. This interpolator requires no additional computation time over the conventional cubic one. These conclusions are supported and illustrated by resampling simulations with both a high resolution digitized aerial image and a Landsat Multispectral Scanner image.

Schowengerdt, R. A.↗

Applications of Euler equations to sharp edge delta wings with leading edge vortices

Studies on the solution of discrete Euler equations past swept delta wing configurations with sharp leding edges are presented. Freestream Mach numbers range from zero to supersonic, although the Mach number normal to the leading edge is subsonic for all cases discussed. A few examples are given to show the application of the numerical methods to representative problems. The major dicussion is directed at the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics to the understanding of the fundamental fluid mechanic mechanisms of this class of flows.

Murman, Earll M.↗

A user's manual for the Electromagnetic Surface Patch code: ESP version 3

This report serves as a user's manual for Version III of the Electromagnetic Surface Patch Code or ESP code. ESP is user-oriented, based on the method of moments (MM) for treating geometries consisting of an interconnection of thin wires and perfectly conducting polygonal plates. Wire/plate junctions must be about 0.1 lambda or more from any plate edge. Several plates may intersect along a common edge. Excitation may be by either a delta-gap voltage generator or by a plane wave. The thin wires may have finite conductivity and also may contain lumped loads. The code computes most of the usual quantities of interest such as current distribution, input impedance, radiation efficiency, mutual coupling, far zone gain patterns (both polarizations) and radar-cross-section (both/cross polarizations).

Newman, E. H.↗

Control of supersonic intersection flowfields through filleting and sweep

The problem of supersonic flow control using fillets and sweep for a wing/body junction has been investigated numerically using a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code which employs the MacCormack time-split finite-volume technique. An elliptic grid generation technique with direct control over spacing has been incorporated for constructing the grid at a filleted wing/body junction. The computed results for pressure distribution, particle paths, and limiting streamlines on the flat plate and fin surface for a swept fin show a decrease in the peak pressure on the fin leading edge and in the extent of the separated flow region. Moreover, the results for the filleted juncture clearly show that the flow streamline patterns lose much of their vortical character with proper filleting. It is demonstrated that fillets with a radius of 3.5 times the fin leading edge diameter are required to weaken the usual necklace vortex interaction.

Lakshmanan, B.↗

A study of ice shape prediction methodologies and comparison with experimental data

Current analytical ice shape prediction methods are described and evaluated. The analyses of Gray (1958), Wilder (1969), and Bragg (1982) are compared with the prediction of the LEWICE computer analysis. The effects of time stepping and initial surface roughness on analysis predictions are studied utilizing the prediction methods and flight data. Rime, mixed, and glazed ice shapes at the leading edge of an airfoil are analyzed. It is observed that there is no change in ice shape prediction if ice accumulation is less than 0.01, a minimum of 2 time steps is need to incorporate time dependent behavior into the analysis, and the LEWICE analysis provided the most accurate predictions.

Korkan, K. D.↗

The use of a Navier-Stokes code in the wing design process

The feasibility was determined of incorporating the Navier-Stokes computational code, CFL3D, into the supersonic wing design process. The approach taken is of two steps. The first step was to calibrate CFL3D against existing experimental data sets obtained on thin sharp edged delta wings. The experimental data identified six flow types which are dependent on the similarity parameters of Mach number and angle of attack normal to the leading edge. The calibration showed CFL3D capable of simulating these various separated and attached flow conditions. The second step was to use CFL3D to study the initial formation of leading edge separation over delta wings at supersonic speeds. This consisted of examining solutions obtained on a 65 deg delta wing at Mach number of 1.6 with varying cross sectional shapes. Reynolds number was held constant at 1000000 and the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model was used. The study showed that through the use of leading edge radius and/or camber, the onset of leading edge separation can be delayed to a higher angle of attack than observed on a flat sharp edged wing. Based on the geometries studied, three wind tunnel models are being designed to verify these results.

Mcmillin, S. Naomi↗

Numerical simulation of swept-wing flows

The transition process characteristics of flows over swept wings were computationally modelled. The crossflow instability and crossflow/T-S wave interaction are analyzed through the numerical solution of the full three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations including unsteadiness, curvature, and sweep. The leading-edge region of a swept wing is considered in a three-dimensional spatial simulation with random disturbances as the initial conditions.

Reed, Helen L.↗

Delaminations in composite plates under impact loads

A method is presented for calculating the locations, shapes, and sizes of delaminations which occur in a fiber reinforced composite plate subjected to non-penetrating (low velocity) impact of a solid object. The plate may be simply supported, clamped, or free along its edges. A failure model of the delamination formation was developed. This model was then coupled with a finite element analysis. The model and the finite element analysis were then implemented by a computer code (IMPACT-ST) which can be used to estimate the damage initiation load and the locations, shapes, and sizes of the delaminations. Tests were performed measuring the geometries of the delaminations in graphite-epoxy, graphite-toughened epoxy, and graphite-PEEK plates impacted by a projectile with a spherical tip having masses ranging from 0.355 lbm to 0.963 lbm and velocities from 50 in/sec to 225 in/sec. The data were compared to the results of the model, and good agreements were found between the measured and the calculated delamination lengths and widths.

Finn, Scott R.↗

Study of supersonic intersection flowfield at modified wing-body junctions

The problem of supersonic flow control using fillets and sweep for a wing-body junction has been investigated numerically using a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code, which employs the MacCormack's time-split finite volume technique. An elliptic grid generation technique with direct control over spacing has been developed for constructing the grid at a filleted wing-body junction. The computed results for pressure distribution, particle paths, and limiting streamlines on the flat plate and fin surface for a swept fin show a decrease in the peak pressure on the fin leading edge and in the extent of the separated flow region. Moreover, the results for filleted juncture clearly show that the flow streamline patterns lose much of their vortical character with proper filleting. It has been demonstrated that fillets with a radius of three-and-one-half times the fin leading-edge diameter are required to weaken the vorticity in the horseshoe vortex by a factor of three for the Mach number and Reynolds number considered in the present study.

Lakshmanan, B.↗

Wing-section optimization for supersonic viscous flows

The recent interest in High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) has resulted in renewed research studies of optimized supersonic cruise transport configurations. Incorporation of flow viscosity effects in the design process of such a supersonic wing is currently under investigation. This may lead to more accurate problem formulations and, in turn, greater aerodynamic efficiency than can be obtained by the traditional, inviscid, linear theories. In this context, for a design code to be a candidate for a complex optimization problem, such as three-dimensional viscous supersonic wing design, it should be validated using simpler building-block shapes. To optimize the shape of a supersonic wing, an automated method that also includes higher fidelity to the flow physics is desirable. With this impetus, an aerodynamic optimization methodology incorporating Navier-Stokes equations and sensitivity analysis had been previously developed. Prior to embarking upon the wing design task, the present investigation concentrated on testing the flexibility of the methodology, and the identification of adequate problem formulations, by defining two-dimensional, cost-effective test cases. Starting with two distinctly different initial airfoils, two independent shape optimizations resulted in shapes with very similar features. Secondly, the normal section to the subsonic portion of the leading edge, which had a high normal angle-of-attack, was considered. The optimization resulted in a shape with twist and camber, which eliminated the adverse pressure gradient, hence, exploiting the leading-edge thrust. The wing section shapes obtained in all the test cases had the features predicted by previous studies. Therefore, it was concluded that the flowfield analyses and the sensitivity coefficients were computed and fed to the present gradient-based optimizer correctly. Also, as a result of the present two-dimensional study, suggestions were made for problem formulations which should contribute to an effective wing shape optimization.

Item, Cem C.↗