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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.

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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

On the Local Convergence of Pattern Search

We examine the local convergence properties of pattern search methods, complementing the previously established global convergence properties for this class of algorithms. We show that the step-length control parameter which appears in the definition of pattern search algorithms provides a reliable asymptotic measure of first-order stationarity. This gives an analytical justification for a traditional stopping criterion for pattern search methods. Using this measure of first-order stationarity, we analyze the behavior of pattern search in the neighborhood of an isolated local minimizer. We show that a recognizable subsequence converges r-linearly to the minimizer.

Dolan, Elizabeth D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

On the Conservation and Convergence to Weak Solutions of Global Schemes

In this paper we discuss the issue of conservation and convergence to weak solutions of several global schemes, including the commonly used compact schemes and spectral collocation schemes, for solving hyperbolic conservation laws. It is shown that such schemes, if convergent boundedly almost everywhere, will converge to weak solutions. The results are extensions of the classical Lax-Wendroff theorem concerning conservative schemes.

Carpenter, Mark H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Three-dimensional echocardiographic planimetry of maximal regurgitant orifice area in myxomatous mitral regurgitation: intraoperative comparison with proximal flow convergence

OBJECTIVES: We sought to validate direct planimetry of mitral regurgitant orifice area from three-dimensional echocardiographic reconstructions. BACKGROUND: Regurgitant orifice area (ROA) is an important measure of the severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) that up to now has been calculated from hemodynamic data rather than measured directly. We hypothesized that improved spatial resolution of the mitral valve (MV) with three-dimensional (3D) echo might allow accurate planimetry of ROA. METHODS: We reconstructed the MV using 3D echo with 3 degrees rotational acquisitions (TomTec) using a transesophageal (TEE) multiplane probe in 15 patients undergoing MV repair (age 59 +/- 11 years). One observer reconstructed the prolapsing mitral leaflet in a left atrial plane parallel to the ROA and planimetered the two-dimensional (2D) projection of the maximal ROA. A second observer, blinded to the results of the first, calculated maximal ROA using the proximal convergence method defined as maximal flow rate (2pi(r2)va, where r is the radius of a color alias contour with velocity va) divided by regurgitant peak velocity (obtained by continuous wave [CW] Doppler) and corrected as necessary for proximal flow constraint. RESULTS: Maximal ROA was 0.79 +/- 0.39 (mean +/- SD) cm2 by 3D and 0.86 +/- 0.42 cm2 by proximal convergence (p = NS). Maximal ROA by 3D echo (y) was highly correlated with the corresponding flow measurement (x) (y = 0.87x + 0.03, r = 0.95, p < 0.001) with close agreement seen (AROA (y - x) = 0.07 +/- 0.12 cm2). CONCLUSIONS: 3D echo imaging of the MV allows direct visualization and planimetry of the ROA in patients with severe MR with good agreement to flow-based proximal convergence measurements.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗
NASA NTRS2008

An Initial Investigation of the Effects of Turbulence Models on the Convergence of the RK/Implicit Scheme

A three-stage Runge-Kutta (RK) scheme with multigrid and an implicit preconditioner has been shown to be an effective solver for the fluid dynamic equations. This scheme has been applied to both the compressible and essentially incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations using the algebraic turbulence model of Baldwin and Lomax (BL). In this paper we focus on the convergence of the RK/implicit scheme when the effects of turbulence are represented by either the Spalart-Allmaras model or the Wilcox k-! model, which are frequently used models in practical fluid dynamic applications. Convergence behavior of the scheme with these turbulence models and the BL model are directly compared. For this initial investigation we solve the flow equations and the partial differential equations of the turbulence models indirectly coupled. With this approach we examine the convergence behavior of each system. Both point and line symmetric Gauss-Seidel are considered for approximating the inverse of the implicit operator of the flow solver. To solve the turbulence equations we use a diagonally dominant alternating direction implicit (DDADI) scheme. Computational results are presented for three airfoil flow cases and comparisons are made with experimental data. We demonstrate that the two-dimensional RANS equations and transport-type equations for turbulence modeling can be efficiently solved with an indirectly coupled algorithm that uses the RK/implicit scheme for the flow equations.

Swanson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Diurnal Waves Forced By Horizontal Convergence of Near-Surface Winds on Mars

Boundary-layer winds near steeply sloped topography excite a distinct type of atmospheric wave. Basic properties of the waves were determined through analysis of 7 Mars years of temperature profiles from the Mars Climate Sounder on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. A more complete understanding of the waves was derived from a simulation with the NASA Ames Mars General Circulation Model. This type of wave appears in the tropics in the vicinity of conspicuous surface features, such as large volcanoes and the rim of Isidis Planitia. The amplitude is typically 5–10 K, the vertical wavelength is about 40 km, the zonal wavelength is about 1400 km, and the zonal phase speed relative to the surface is about 25 m s−1. The wave forcing comes from horizontal convergence of the near-surface winds, which generates a daily surge in the vertical winds. These convergence zones were not previously recognized as an important source of atmospheric waves on Mars. Strong forcing occurs only within a limited range of local time, producing wave packets (diurnal pulses) rather than steady oscillations. Waves are present throughout the year and their properties vary with season. Near the solstices, the wave amplitude is largest in the tropics of the summer hemisphere, where the convergence zones are stronger than in the winter hemisphere. The diurnal-mean zonal winds, which vary with latitude and season, control the direction of propagation of the predominant waves through filtering by critical levels.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2024

San Joaquin Valley Health & Air Quality II: Assessing Urban Heat Island Distribution and its Intersections with Air Quality to Understand Converging Vulnerabilities

The city of Stockton, California, located within the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), is a major hub for agricultural production and has endured the continuous threat to community health from nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) and increasing temperatures. The convergence of these issues occurs within historically segregated communities that are disproportionately facing health risks related to heat and air quality. Little Manila Rising (LMR), a social and environmental justice (EJ) advocacy non-profit, partnered with NASA DEVELOP for a second term project to evaluate county wide urban heat islands, sociodemographic vulnerability, landcover classification, and the convergence of these variables. We utilized Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) data to produce a land surface temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index map. They added Centers for Disease Control (CDC) socioeconomic data from 2020 to identify which communities in Stockton were more susceptible to these environmental factors. Additionally, we used NAIP imagery to create a landcover map differentiating developed infrastructure from tree canopy cover. We discovered that south Stockton, where LMR resides, had the worst convergence of heat, air pollution, low canopy coverage and sociodemographic vulnerability compared to northern and rural parts of the city. This was further substantiated by statistical analysis showing a strong positive relationship between areas of high LST and low vegetation. The results provided LMR with compelling evidence to use in their EJ advocacy, and in their efforts to inform state officials of the discriminatory issues they face.

Urban Heat Islands↗
NASA NTRS1971

Plate convergence, transcurrent faults and internal deformation adjacent to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific

A model for oblique convergence between plates of lithosphere is proposed in which at least a fraction of slip parallel to the plate margin results in transcurrent movements on a nearly vertical fault which is located on the continental side of a zone of plate consumption. In an extreme case of complete decoupling only the component of slip normal to the plate margin can be inferred from underthrusting. Recent movements in the western Sunda region provide the most convincing evidence for decoupling of slip, which in this region is thought to be oblique to the plate margin. A speculative model for convergence along the margins of the Philippine Sea is constructed from an inferred direction of oblique slip in the Philippine region. This model requires that the triple point formed by the junction of the Japanese and Izu-Bonin trenches and the Nankai trough migrate along the Sagami trough.

Fitch, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Effects of voluntary eye movement and convergence on the binocular appreciation of depth.

Scaling techniques were employed to establish the relation between perceived distance ratio and physical distance ratio. Measurements were made both with and without free eye movement and under two states of convergence. The results were confirmed using a matching technique. With free eye movement, the perceived ratio is a monotonic increasing function of the physical ratio. Without eye movement, the perceived ratio generally increases, then decreases, as the physical ratio increases. For a given physical ratio, perceived distance ratio is less in the absence of voluntary eye movements. Convergence produces depth micropsia when eye movements are permitted, but not in their absence.

Foley, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Performance comparison of a lobed-daisy mixer nozzle with a convergent nozzle at subsonic speeds

An investigation to determine the performance, in terms of thrust minus nozzle axial force, of a lobed-daisy mixer nozzle has been conducted in a 16-foot transonic tunnel at static conditions and at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 0.90 at angles of attack from 4 minus to 8. Jet-total-pressure ratio was varied from about 1.2 to 2.0. The performance of a reference convergent nozzle with a similar nozzle throat area and length was used as a base line to evaluate the performance of the lobed-daisy mixer nozzle. The results of this investigation indicate that with no external airflow (Mach number M of 0), and at values of jet-total-pressure ratio between 1.2 and 2.0, the static thrust exerted by the lobed-daisy mixer nozzle is less than that of the convergent nozzle by about 10 percent of ideal gross thrust. About 3.4 percent of the thrust loss was attributed to an unintentional internal area expansion in the fan passage.

Maiden, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Acoustic tests of a 15.2 centimeter-diameter potential flow convergent nozzle

An experimental investigation of the jet noise radiated to the far field from a 15.2-cm-diam potential flow convergent nozzle has been conducted. Tests were made with unheated airflow over a range of subsonic nozzle exhaust velocities from 62 to 310m/sec. Mean and turbulent velocity measurements in the flow field of the nozzle exhaust indicated no apparent flow anomalies. Acoustic measurements yielded data uncontaminated by internal and/or background noise to velocities as low as 152m/sec. Finally, no significantly different acoustic characteristics between the potential flow nozzle and simple convergent nozzles were found.

Karchmer, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

On the convergence of certain finite-difference schemes by an inverse-matrix method

The inverse-matrix method of analyzing the convergence of the solution of a given system of finite-difference equations to the solution of the corresponding system of partial-differential equations is discussed and generalized. The convergence properties of a time- and space-centered differencing of the diffusion equation are analyzed as well as a staggered grid differencing of the Cauchy-Riemann equations. These two schemes are significant since they serve as simplified model algorithms for two recently developed methods used to calculate nonlinear aerodynamic flows.

Steger, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

New convergence criteria for the vortex-lattice models of the leading-edge separation

The convergence criterion for the vortex-lattice technique which deals with delta wings exhibiting significant leading-edge separation was studied. It was shown that one can predict pressure distributions without irregularities which agree fairly well with experimental data (which show some irregularities of their own) by replacing the system of discrete vortex lines with a single concentrated core. This core has a circulation equal to the algebraic sum of the circulations around the discrete lines and is located at the centroid of these lines. Moreover, there is a requirement that the position and strength of the core must converge as the number of elements increases. Because the calculation of the position and strength of the core is much less involved than the calculation of the loads, this approach has the additional desirable feature of requiring less computational time.

Kandil, O. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Convergence of an iterative procedure for large-scale static analysis of structural components

The paper proves convergence of an iterative procedure for calculating the deflections of built-up component structures which can be represented as consisting of a dominant, relatively stiff primary structure and a less stiff secondary structure, which may be composed of one or more substructures that are not connected to one another but are all connected to the primary structure. The iteration consists in estimating the deformation of the primary structure in the absence of the secondary structure on the assumption that all mechanical loads are applied directly to the primary structure. The j-th iterate primary structure deflections at the interface are imposed on the secondary structure, and the boundary loads required to produce these deflections are computed. The cycle is completed by applying the interface reaction to the primary structure and computing its updated deflections. It is shown that the mathematical condition for convergence of this procedure is that the maximum eigenvalue of the equation relating primary-structure deflection to imposed secondary-structure deflection be less than unity, which is shown to correspond with the physical requirement that the secondary structure be more flexible at the interface boundary.

Austin, F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Relaxed controls and the convergence of optimal control algorithms

This paper presents a framework for the study of the convergence properties of optimal control algorithms and illustrates its use by means of two examples. The framework consists of an algorithm prototype with a convergence theorem, together with some results in relaxed controls theory.

Williamson, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Interpolation and extrapolation of creep rupture data by the minimum commitment method. I - Focal-point convergence

The minimum commitment method has been applied to the analysis of creep-rupture data. The method is based on a parameter representing the focal point of convergence of all isothermals when extended to the long or short times necessary for such convergence to occur. The technique may be applied by manual-graphic analysis on computer code. It is illustrated for the nickel-base alloy Astroloy.

Manson, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

On the accuracy and convergence of implicit numerical integration of finite element generated ordinary differential equations

A study of accuracy and convergence of linear functional finite element solution to linear parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations is presented. A variable-implicit integration procedure is employed for the resultant system of ordinary differential equations. Accuracy and convergence is compared for the consistent and two lumped assembly procedures for the identified initial-value matrix structure. Truncation error estimation is accomplished using Richardson extrapolation.

Baker, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The effect of throat contouring on two-dimensional converging-diverging nozzles at static conditions

An experiment was conducted at static conditions to determine the internal performance effects of nozzle throat contouring, the result of increasing the circular-arc throat radius. Five nonaxisymmetric converging-diverging nozzles were tested at nozzle pressure ratios up to 9.0. Data are presented as internal thrust ratios, discharge coefficients, and static-pressure distributions. Comparisons of internal performance data for the five nozzles show that throat contouring increases the value of discharge coefficient but has no significant effect on internal thrust ratio except in cases of internal flow separation. To illustrate the use of the two dimensional converging-diverging (2-D C-D) nozzle data base, a two dimensional inviscid theory was applied to the five configurations. The generally good agreement of data with theoretical results indicates that two-dimensional inviscid theory can be successfully applied to the prediction of 2-D C-D nozzle internal flow.

Mason, M. L.↗