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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

Overset grids in compressible flow

Numerical experiments have been performed to investigate the importance of boundary data handling with overset grids in computational fluid dynamics. Experience in using embedded grid techniques in compressible flow has shown that shock waves which cross grid boundaries become ill defined and convergence is generally degraded. Numerical boundary schemes were studied to investigate the cause of these problems and a viable solution was generated using the method of characteristics to define a boundary scheme. The model test problem investigated consisted of a detached shock wave on a 2-dimensional Mach 2 blunt, cylindrical body.

Eberhardt, S.↗

An investigation of turbulence structure in a low-Reynolds-number incompressible turbulent boundary

An existing high turbulence intensity level (5%) atmospheric boundary-layer wind tunnel has been successfully converted to a relatively low level turbulence (0.3%) wind tunnel through extensive modification, testing, and calibration. A splitter plate was designed, built, and installed into the wind-tunnel facility to create thick, mature, two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer flow at zero pressure gradient. Single and cross hot-wire measurements show turbulent boundary layer characteristics of good quality with unusually large physical size, i.e., viscous sublayer of the order of 1 mm high. These confirm the potential ability of the tunnel to be utilized for future high-quality near-wall turbulent boundary layer measurements. It compares very favorably with many low turbulence research tunnels.

White, B. R.↗

Spanwise structures in transitional flow around circular cylinders

An experimental investigation of the flow around a smooth circular cylinder at the beginning of the critical transition, where the drag coefficient starts to decrease, was carried out. The measurements disclosed the presence of spanwise structures occurring symmetrically on both sides of the cylinder, associated with large amplitude, low frequency flow components. Mean pressure maps and spanwise cross correlations of pressures and velocities are presented.

Kim, H. J.↗

The distortion of the magnetotail equilibrium structure by a net cross-tail magnetic field

Explicit solutions are presented for quiet, quasi-static magnetotail configurations in the presence of a net cross-tail magnetic field component in addition to field components associated with tail flaring. The solutions are derived using the general three-dimensional equilibrium theory of Birn (1987). It is found that the net By(N) field varies only weakly along field lines and across the tail. The presence of the net By(N) in the neutral sheet implies that a part of the cross-tail current becomes field-aligned, flowing from the southern to the northern hemisphere for By(N) larger than zero and from north to south for By(n) less than zero. The deformations of magnetic flux surfaces suggest that there may be a class of field lines extending from the earth into the magnetosheath region through the low-latitude flanks of the tail. A topological connection is found of the low-latitude region near the magnetopause with the plasma sheet boundary layer, separating closed plasma sheet and open lobe field lines.

Birn, J.↗

Structure Identification Within a Transitioning Swept-Wing Boundary Layer

Extensive measurements are made in a transitioning swept-wing boundary layer using hot-film, hot-wire and cross-wire anemometry. The crossflow-dominated flow contains stationary vortices that breakdown near mid-chord. The most amplified vortex wavelength is forced by the use of artificial roughness elements near the leading edge. Two-component velocity and spanwise surface shear-stress correlation measurements are made at two constant chord locations, before and after transition. Streamwise surface shear stresses are also measured through the entire transition region. Correlation techniques are used to identify stationary structures in the laminar regime and coherent structures in the turbulent regime. Basic techniques include observation of the spatial correlations and the spatially distributed auto-spectra. The primary and secondary instability mechanisms are identified in the spectra in all measured fields. The primary mechanism is seen to grow, cause transition and produce large-scale turbulence. The secondary mechanism grows through the entire transition region and produces the small-scale turbulence. Advanced techniques use Linear Stochastic Estimation (LSE) and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) to identify the spatio-temporal evolutions of structures in the boundary layer. LSE is used to estimate the instantaneous velocity fields using temporal data from just two spatial locations and the spatial correlations. Reference locations are selected using maximum RMS values to provide the best available estimates. POD is used to objectively determine modes characteristic of the measured flow based on energy. The stationary vortices are identified in the first laminar modes of each velocity component and shear component. Experimental evidence suggests that neighboring vortices interact and produce large coherent structures with spanwise periodicity at double the stationary vortex wavelength. An objective transition region detection method is developed using streamwise spatial POD solutions which isolate the growth of the primary and secondary instability mechanisms in the first and second modes, respectively. Temporal evolutions of dominant POD modes in all measured fields are calculated. These scalar POD coefficients contain the integrated characteristics of the entire field, greatly reducing the amount of data to characterize the instantaneous field. These modes may then be used to train future flow control algorithms based on neural networks.

Chapman, Keith↗

Advances in Modeling Solar System Internet Structures and their Data Flows

With an ever-increasing presence in space, there is also an increasing burden on existing communications infrastructure. We are heading towards an inflection point where the traditional approach of scheduled, single-path communications for space will no longer be viable. One answer is Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), which takes the once disparate system of point-to-point links and unifies them in a networked architecture, thereby making communications more scalable. However, much work remains for discovering and harnessing the underlying theory of DTN. For example, in the terrestrial setting the interplay between routing domains is well-understood, however this is not the case in DTNs. In this paper, we build up the fundamental foundations of DTN, with an emphasis on modeling time varying networks and data flows across them, with examples of cross-domain routing in a DTN. A lofty goal of DTN is to enable the so-called Solar System Internet (SSI), which implies a standardized and robust suite of protocols. These protocols include routing across disconnected networks using store, carry, and forward mechanisms, which is necessary due to the disconnections, delays, and mobility intrinsic to space networks. Due to these factors, each of which generalize traditional networking, there is a deep and rich theory of DTNs. Here we build off of past successes to broaden this theory while striving to keep actionable results a goal for future implementations and operations. The approach includes modeling the unicast, broadcast, and multicast communications using the language of hypergraphs, which capture the geometric properties of such networked communications algebraically. Also inherent to these networks is their time-varying nature, particularly given mobility, and hence we also cultivate modeling techniques that respect this time dependence. This leads us to develop models using tools from category theory and algebraic geometry, which provide a language well-suited to describing synchronization and optimization over such networks. We also introduce and study a novel generalization of curvature applicable to time-evolving networks, which provides quantitative controls on diffusion processes on the network. Because an interplanetary network would feature links with propagation delays the preclude discovery (feedback) mechanisms, they will always feature a scheduled component. However, it is beneficial to support discovery where possible. While DTNs do not yet have strong definitions for their analogues of autonomous systems or network areas, we show how to join dynamic and schedule-based routing domains, using the language of sheaves, which marks progress towards such definitions. We conclude with a discussion of the progress made, as well as suggestions for future work.

Delay Tolerant Networking↗

Opportunities to Implement Solutions to Achieve Remedial Action Objectives in Consideration of Stakeholder Interests - 20365

A case study in the implementation of a soils excavation and removal project conducted at a Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Maywood Superfund Site (FMSS) vicinity property; an active commercial business, in a densely populated area, with significant operational, technical and, logistical constraints that were expected to limit areas that could be remediated. The United States Army Corps of Engineers-led (USACE) team successfully navigated complex overlapping stakeholder interests to achieve a more efficient and complete removal of contaminated soils and debris while minimizing unnecessary excess costs to the Government. This paper centers on FUSRAP activities at the FMSS vicinity property located at 149-151 Maywood Avenue, Maywood, Bergen County, New Jersey. For most of its FUSRAP history, this ∼109,000 square meter (27-acre) property housed a now-demolished ∼26,000 square meter (6.5-acre) warehouse operated by Sears Logistics Services, a unit of the Sears Roebuck Company (Figure 2). Sears ended its property lease and vacated the warehouse in December 2016. Given that long history and for the purposes of this paper, the property will be referred to as the 'Sears property' or simply 'the property.' The Sears property is approximately 109,000 square meters (27-acres) and is currently zoned for commercial use. The property is bound to the north and northwest by 100 West Hunter Avenue (the Stepan Company), to the northeast by 205 Maywood Avenue, to the east by Maywood Avenue, to the south by 23 West Howcroft Road, and to the west by businesses on NJ Route 17 and the NJ Route 17 roadway. Until December 2016, the property housed a warehouse and distribution center operated by Sears Logistical Services. On-site structures were demolished by the property owner in 2017. The warehouse covered the north section of the property along the Stepan Company property line. A railroad spur from the adjacent property now known as the Maywood Interim Storage Site (MISS) ended at the northeast corner of the warehouse. Wetlands were located east of the warehouse; the rest of the property was covered with paved parking lots and grassed areas. During remediation at the property, opportunities frequently arose where the project team was able to coordinate effectively with stakeholders to sequence remediation activities to facilitate removal of otherwise inaccessible soils and identify opportunities for materials reuse when supported by residual radiological and chemical levels. Some specific opportunities include: - remediating individual truck loading dock bays to maintain tenant operations; - working along a busy highway and in a utility corridor containing a 30-inch high pressure gas main; - remediating Lodi Brook and associated wetlands requiring bypass pumping and other diversionary structures to maintain local community stormwater drainage; - protecting during remediation and supporting access to facilitate tenant/owner maintenance of critical fire protection and water supply system service lines buried in contaminated soils and necessary for safe warehouse operations; and - coordinating with stakeholders to ensure non-radiological contaminants of concern for the site (unaffiliated with FUSRAP) were addressed by the responsible party in a manner that maximized benefit to all parties while supporting an efficient overall site remediation program. Once the property was vacant and the warehouse structure and radiologically non-impacted above-grade structures were demolished, the project identified an opportunity to significantly reduce the volume of waste associated with the foundation of the former warehouse, a foundation suspected of being partially constructed in radiologically contaminated soils. The project developed and implemented supplemental radiological verification survey and sampling strategies based on radiological cross-contamination risk potential with process flow-charts and screening-level based decision points; a program that classified saw-cut sections of concrete based on observed residual surface radioactivity conditions using a combination of gamma sensitive sodium-iodide scans and beta sensitive Geiger-Muller direct measurements. The proposed approach was reviewed with stakeholders with feedback, including consideration of applicable State of New Jersey Site Remediation Program criteria and guidance before implementation. Once classified, additional sampling was performed at frequencies driven by screening. The sampling methods, stockpile sampling frequencies, criteria and, approach to data evaluation were developed in consideration of existing site cleanup standards, regional background ranges, State of New Jersey radiological remediation program guidance, and specific stakeholder input With the property remediation and survey efforts nearly completed, it is relevant to examine retrospectively the objectives, assumptions and limitations in the remedial design (i.e., what was planned) versus what was able to be accomplished through effective teaming. Benefits to other environmental remediation site programs include better understanding of how to work effectively with stakeholders to achieve win-win outcomes, and approaches to site remediation, waste minimization and materials reuse that were successful in their overall outcomes. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Flow visualization study of a two-dimensional representation of the Space Shuttle launch pad configuration

The loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger was caused by the failure of the aft joint O-ring seals in its right solid rocket booster. It has been suggested by several sources that wind conditions through a reduction in temperature of the right solid rocket booster caused by the wind blowing across the cold external tank, played a role in the O-ring failure. To check the plausibility of the wind theory, an experiment was carried out in a water towing tank to visualize the flow past a two-dimensional model representing a cross section of the Space Shuttle launch configuration. The periodic formation of vortices was found to characterize the wake generated by the model. It is suggested that this organized motion in the flow is the dominant mechanism that accomplishes heat transfer from the external tank to the right solid rocket booster. Flow visualization results consisting of photographs that show instantaneous streamline patterns of the flow are presented.

Mclachland, B. G.↗

Flow in sigmoid diffusers of moderate curvature

Developing laminar and turbulent flows have been measured in two diffusers with S- and C-shaped center-lines, small divergence angle and moderate curvature. The square inlet cross-section expanded in the plane of curvature to a rectangle with an exit-to-inlet area ratio of 1.5. Laser-Doppler anemometry was used to measure three velocity components and, in turbulent flow, the associated fluctuations and cross-correlations. Wall static pressure measurements are also reported. Flow visualization did not reveal the presence of any recirculation regions. Pressure-driven secondary flows are present in both ducts, but are generally smaller than those measured in similar ducts of uniform cross-section area.

Rojas, J.↗

Plateaus and Sinuous Ridges as the Fingerprints of Lava Flow Inflation in the Eastern Tharsis Plains of Mars

The Tharsis Montes rift aprons are composed of outpourings of lava from chaotic terrains to the northeast and southwest flank of each volcano. Sinuous and branching channel networks that are present on the rift aprons suggest the possibility of fluvial processes in their development, or erosion by rapidly emplaced lavas, but the style of lava flow emplacement throughout rift apron development is not clearly understood. To better characterize the style of lava emplacement and role of fluvial processes in rift apron development, we conducted morphological mapping of the Pavonis Mons southwest rift apron and the eastern Tharsis plains using images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), Context Camera (CTX), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) along with the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) Precision Experiment Data Records (PEDRs) and gridded data. Our approach was to: (1) search for depositional fans at the slope break between the rift apron and adjacent low slope plains; (2) determine if there is evidence that previously formed deposits might have been buried by plains units; (3) characterize the Tharsis plains morphologies east of Pavonis Mons; and (4) assess their relationship to the rift apron units. We have not identified topographically significant depositional fans, nor did we observe evidence to suggest that plains units have buried older rift apron units. Flow features associated with the rift apron are observed to continue across the slope break onto the plains. In this area, the plains are composed of a variety of small fissures and low shield vents around which broad channel-fed and tube-fed flows have been identified. We also find broad, flat-topped plateaus and sinuous ridges mixed among the channels, tubes and vents. Flat-topped plateaus and sinuous ridges are morphologies that are analogous to those observed on the coastal plain of Hawai'i, where lava flows have advanced from the volcano's several degree flank onto the nearly zero degree coastal plain. When local volumetric flow rates are low, flow fronts tend to spread laterally and often thicken via endogenous growth, or inflation, of the sheet-like flow units. If flow advance is restricted by existing topography into narrow pathways, inflation can be focused into sinuous, elongate ridges. The presence of plateaus and ridges-emplaced from the rift zones, across the plains to the east of Pavonis Mons-and a lack of fan-like features, or evidence for their burial, are consistent with rift apron lavas crossing a slope break with low local volumetric flow rates that led to inflation of sheet-like and tube-fed lava flows.

Bleacher, Jacob E.↗

Aero-thermal Calibration of the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (2000 Tests)

Aerothermal calibration measurements and flow quality surveys were made in the test section of the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center. These surveys were made following major facility modifications including widening of the heat exchanger tunnel section, replacement of the heat exchanger, installation of new turning vanes, and installation of new fan exit guide vanes. Standard practice at NASA Glenn requires that test section calibration and flow quality surveys be performed following such major facility modifications. A single horizontally oriented rake was used to survey the flow field at several vertical positions within a single cross-sectional plane of the test section. These surveys provided a detailed mapping of the total and static pressure, total temperature, Mach number, velocity, flow angle and turbulence intensity. Data were acquired over the entire velocity and total temperature range of the facility. No icing conditions were tested; however, the effects of air sprayed through the water injecting spray bars were assessed. All data indicate good flow quality. Mach number standard deviations were less than 0.0017, flow angle standard deviations were between 0.3 deg and 0.8 deg, total temperature standard deviations were between 0.5 and 1.8 F for subfreezing conditions, axial turbulence intensities varied between 0.3 and 1.0 percent, and transverse turbulence intensities varied between 0.3 and 1.5 percent. Measurement uncertainties were also quantified.

Gonsalez, Jose C.↗

Consistent boundary conditions for Reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) scheme applied to 3-dimensional internal viscous flows

A consistent and efficient set of boundary conditions is developed for the multi-sweep space-marching pressure-elliptic Reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) scheme as applied for 3-D internal viscous flow problems. No-slip boundary conditions are directly imposed on the solid walls. There is no iteration procedure required in the cross plane to ensure mass conservation across each marching plane. The finite difference equations forming the coefficient matrix are ordered such that the surface normal velocity is specified on all the solid walls; unlike external flows, a pressure boundary condition in the cross plane is not required. Since continuity is directly satisfied at all points in the flow domain, the first order momentum equations can be solved directly for the pressure without the need for a Poisson pressure correction equation. The procedure developed herein can also be applied with periodic boundary conditions. The analysis is given for general compressible flows. Incompressible flow solutions are obtained, for straight and curved ducts of square cross section, to validate the procedure. These solutions are used to demonstrate the applicability of the RNS scheme, with the improved boundary conditions for internal flows with strong interaction, as would be encountered in ducts and turbomachinery geometries.

Reddy, D. R.↗

Characterizing NWP Model Errors Using Doppler-Lidar Measurements of Recurrent Regional Diurnal Flows: Marine-Air Intrusions into the Columbia-River Basin

Ground-based Doppler-lidar instrumentation provides atmospheric wind data at dramatically improved accuracies and spatial/temporal resolutions. These capabilities have provided new insights into atmospheric flow phenomena, but they also should have a strong role in NWP model improvement. Insight into the nature of model errors can be gained by studying recurrent atmospheric flows, here a regional summertime diurnal sea breeze and subsequent marine-air intrusion into the arid interior of Oregon-Washington, where these winds are an important windenergy resource. These marine intrusions were sampled by three scanning Doppler lidars in the Columbia-River Basin as part of the Second Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP2), using data from summer 2016. Lidar time-height cross sections of wind speed identified eight days when the diurnal-flow cycle, (peak wind speeds at midnight, afternoon minima) was obvious and strong. Eight-day composite time-height cross sections of lidar wind speeds are used to validate those generated by the operational NCEP-HRRR model. HRRR simulated the diurnal wind cycle, but produced errors in the timing of onset and significant errors due to a premature nighttime demise of the intrusion flow, producing low-bias errors of 6 m s-1 . Day-to-day and in the composite, whenever a marine intrusion occurred, HRRR made these same errors. The errors occurred under a range of gradient wind conditions indicating that they resulted from the misrepresentation of physical processes within a limited region around the measurement locations. Because of their generation within a limited geographical area, field-measurement programs can be designed to find and address the sources of these NWP errors.

Banta, Robert M.↗

Intensity variations in plasma flow at the dawn magnetopause

Observations of plasma flows in the region of the dawn magnetopause obtained by the outbound Voyager 1 spacecraft, at a velocity of 11 km/sec, are discussed. Magnetic field and ion data obtained for the period surrounding four magnetopause crossings are presented which reveal energetic anti-sunward flowing ions outside the boundary with a time variability on the order of 400 millisec. These particle intensity variations, observed to vary with frequency, are most likely associated with the particle energization process or with the leakage of magnetospheric protons. The ion flows are considered to have originated sunward of the dawn meridian and were observed to penetrate approximately an ion gyroradius inside the dawn magnetopause.

Lanzerotti, L. J.↗

Atomic hydrogen rocket engine

A rocket using atomic hydrogen propellant is discussed. An essential feature of the proposed engine is that the atomic hydrogen fuel is used as it is produced, thus eliminating the necessity of storage. The atomic hydrogen flows into a combustion chamber and recombines, producing high velocity molecular hydrogen which flows out an exhaust port. Standard thermodynamics, kinetic theory and wall recombination cross-sections are used to predict a thrust of approximately 1.4 N for a RF hydrogen flow rate of 4 x 10 to the 22nd/sec. Specific impulses are nominally from 1000 to 2000 sec. It is predicted that thrusts on the order of one Newton and specific impulses of up to 2200 sec are attainable with nominal RF discharge fluxes on the order of 10 to the 22nd atoms/sec; further refinements will probably not alter these predictions by more than a factor of two.

Etters, R. D.↗

Test flow calibration study of the Langley Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility

The test flow at the exits of two square cross-section contoured nozzles with nominal exit Mach numbers of 4.7 and 6 has been studied as calibration data for the NASA-Langley Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility over simulated flight conditions from Mach 5.5 (at altitudes from 98,600-128,000 ft) to Mach 7 (at altitudes from 108,000-149,000 ft). Nozzle exit contour maps of measured thermodynamic properties, calculated Mach number, and calculated mass flow are used to determine the mass flow approaching the inlets of various scramjet engines. Good agreement is found between experimentally measured facility total mass flow and facility total mass flow determined by integration of the nozzle exit mass flow contours.

Thomas, Scott R.↗

Stacked-Disk Combustor

Materials chosen for strength rather than thermal conductivity. Stacked washerlike disks accommodate built-in coolant passages while providing combustion zone of ideal shape. Fuel flows through coolant passages where preheated before entering combustion zone through passages in disks. Eight coolant passages in cross section, although number in particular application determined by required rate of flow of fuel and pressure drop. Combustion chamber operates for greater efficiency at pressures and temperatures higher than those of conventional tube-wall combustion chamber.

Ingle, Walter B.↗

Conversion of energy in cross-sectional divergences under different conditions of inflow

This investigation treats the conversion of energy in conically divergent channels with constant opening ratio and half included angle of from 2.6 to 90 degrees, the velocity distribution in the entrance section being varied from rectangular distribution to fully developed turbulence by changing the length of the approach. The energy conversion is not completed in the exit section of the diffuser; complete conversion requires a discharge length which depends upon the included angle and the velocity distribution in the entrance section. Lastly, a spiral fan was mounted in the extreme length and the effect of the spiral flow on the energy conversion in the cross-sectional divergence explored.

Peters, H↗