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At least 1,171 records · Page 65

Analytical and experimental investigations of the oblique detonation wave engine concept

Wave combustors, which include the oblique detonation wave engine (ODWE), are attractive propulsion concepts for hypersonic flight. These engines utilize oblique shock or detonation waves to rapidly mix, ignite, and combust the air-fuel mixture in thin zones in the combustion chamber. Benefits of these combustion systems include shorter and lighter engines which require less cooling and can provide thrust at higher Mach numbers than conventional scramjets. The wave combustor's ability to operate at lower combustor inlet pressures may allow the vehicle to operate at lower dynamic pressures which could lessen the heating loads on the airframe. The research program at NASA-Ames includes analytical studies of the ODWE combustor using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes which fully couple finite rate chemistry with fluid dynamics. In addition, experimental proof-of-concept studies are being performed in an arc heated hypersonic wind tunnel. Several fuel injection design were studied analytically and experimentally. In-stream strut fuel injectors were chosen to provide good mixing with minimal stagnation pressure losses. Measurements of flow field properties behind the oblique wave are compared to analytical predictions.

Menees, Gene P.↗

Navier-Stokes calculation of transonic flow past the NTF 65 deg delta wing

Models of four delta wings were built and tested in the 8 x 8 ft Transonic Wind Tunnel at LaRC. The wings are identical in planform shape with a swept-back angle of 65 degrees, but bear different leading edge profiles. The models were tested under pressurized and cryogenic conditions to simulate true flight Reynolds numbers. Data on the aerodynamic forces and pressure distributions at various locations on the wings were taken at various flight Mach numbers and angles of attack. Effects of high Reynolds number and leading edge radius on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wings are being accessed. To thoroughly understand the turbulent, vortical flow around the wings, an effort to perform computational aerodynamic analysis is being made. The objective of the analysis is to supplement and validate the experimental data and explain the high Reynolds number and leading edge effects. GRIDGEN, a software developed by General Dynamics, is being used to generate the grid topology for the flow field around the wings. The flow solver to be used is CFL3D, a computation fluid dynamics code developed at LaRC. Based on the geometric description of the wings, a FORTRAN program called WINGSURF was written to generate the databases defining the surface geometry of the wings. To match the true geometry of the models in the wind tunnel for realistic comparison with experimental results, databases defining the sting support for the wing models were also created by two other FORTRAN programs, STINJOIN and STINREAR. Listing of the programs are attached and the geometry of a typical wing model with the sting support is shown. Other aspects of the investigation are discussed.

Wu, Chivey C.↗

Rotor design optimization using a free wake analysis

The aim of this effort was to develop a comprehensive performance optimization capability for tiltrotor and helicopter blades. The analysis incorporates the validated EHPIC (Evaluation of Hover Performance using Influence Coefficients) model of helicopter rotor aerodynamics within a general linear/quadratic programming algorithm that allows optimization using a variety of objective functions involving the performance. The resulting computer code, EHPIC/HERO (HElicopter Rotor Optimization), improves upon several features of the previous EHPIC performance model and allows optimization utilizing a wide spectrum of design variables, including twist, chord, anhedral, and sweep. The new analysis supports optimization of a variety of objective functions, including weighted measures of rotor thrust, power, and propulsive efficiency. The fundamental strength of the approach is that an efficient search for improved versions of the baseline design can be carried out while retaining the demonstrated accuracy inherent in the EHPIC free wake/vortex lattice performance analysis. Sample problems are described that demonstrate the success of this approach for several representative rotor configurations in hover and axial flight. Features that were introduced to convert earlier demonstration versions of this analysis into a generally applicable tool for researchers and designers is also discussed.

Quackenbush, Todd R.↗

Physical properties of the benchmark models program supercritical wing

The goal of the Benchmark Models Program is to provide data useful in the development and evaluation of aeroelastic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. To that end, a series of three similar wing models are being flutter tested in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. These models are designed to simultaneously acquire model response data and unsteady surface pressure data during wing flutter conditions. The supercritical wing is the second model of this series. It is a rigid semispan model with a rectangular planform and a NASA SC(2)-0414 supercritical airfoil shape. The supercritical wing model was flutter tested on a flexible mount, called the Pitch and Plunge Apparatus, that provides a well-defined, two-degree-of-freedom dynamic system. The supercritical wing model and associated flutter test apparatus is described and experimentally determined wind-off structural dynamic characteristics of the combined rigid model and flexible mount system are included.

Dansberry, Bryan E.↗

Investigation of water droplet trajectories within the NASA icing research tunnel

Water droplet trajectories within the NASA Lewis Research Center's Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) were studied through computer analysis. Of interest was the influence of the wind tunnel contraction and wind tunnel model blockage on the water droplet trajectories. The computer analysis was carried out with a program package consisting of a three-dimensional potential panel code and a three-dimensional droplet trajectory code. The wind tunnel contraction was found to influence the droplet size distribution and liquid water content distribution across the test section from that at the inlet. The wind tunnel walls were found to have negligible influence upon the impingement of water droplets upon a wing model.

Reehorst, Andrew↗

Development of a Computer Program for Analyzing Preliminary Aircraft Configurations in Relationship to Emerging Agility Metrics

This paper discusses the development of a FORTRAN computer code to perform agility analysis on aircraft configurations. This code is to be part of the NASA-Ames ACSYNT (AirCraft SYNThesis) design code. This paper begins with a discussion of contemporary agility research in the aircraft industry and a survey of a few agility metrics. The methodology, techniques and models developed for the code are then presented. Finally, example trade studies using the agility module along with ACSYNT are illustrated. These trade studies were conducted using a Northrop F-20 Tigershark aircraft model. The studies show that the agility module is effective in analyzing the influence of common parameters such as thrust-to-weight ratio and wing loading on agility criteria. The module can compare the agility potential between different configurations. In addition, one study illustrates the module's ability to optimize a configuration's agility performance.

Bauer, Brent↗

An X-Ray Analysis Database of Photoionization Cross Sections Including Variable Ionization

Results of research efforts in the following areas are discussed: review of the major theoretical and experimental data of subshell photoionization cross sections and ionization edges of atomic ions to assess the accuracy of the data, and to compile the most reliable of these data in our own database; detailed atomic physics calculations to complement the database for all ions of 17 cosmically abundant elements; reconciling the data from various sources and our own calculations; and fitting cross sections with functional approximations and incorporating these functions into a compact computer code.Also, efforts included adapting an ionization equilibrium code, tabulating results, and incorporating them into the overall program and testing the code (both ionization equilibrium and opacity codes) with existing observational data. The background and scientific applications of this work are discussed. Atomic physics cross section models and calculations are described. Calculation results are compared with available experimental data and other theoretical data. The functional approximations used for fitting cross sections are outlined and applications of the database are discussed.

Wang, Ping↗

The Use of Kirchhoff's Method in Jet Aeroacoustics

Supersonic jet aeroacoustics will be studied using computational techniques. In the study, a Kirchhoff method is used to predict flow generated noise in the mid- and far-fields. This type of method shows promise because it is based on surface integrals and not the volume integrals found in traditional acoustic prediction methods. The Kirchhoff method is dependent on accurate prediction of flow variables in the near-field. Here, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programs are used for these predictions. Specifically, an existing large eddy simulation (LES) code will be modified for aeroacoustic applications. Issues involved in the implementation of the Kirchhoff method as well as the coupling with the CFD code will be discussed. Important physical noise parameters will be identified and investigated in the study.

Lyrintzis, Anastasios S.↗

Passive Safety Feature of KIPT Neutron Source Facility

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) of the United States and Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) of Ukraine have cooperated on the development, design, and construction of a neutron source facility. The facility was constructed at Kharkov, Ukraine and its commissioning process is underway. The facility has an electron accelerator driven subcritical assembly. The electron beam power is 100 kW using 100 MeV electrons. Tungsten or natural uranium is the target material for generating neutrons driving the subcritical assembly. The subcritical assembly is composed of WWR-M2 Russian fuel assemblies with U-235 enrichment of 19.7 wt%, surrounded by beryllium reflector assembles and graphite blocks. The water coolant operates at room temperature during normal operation, when the facility is operating at full power using 100-KW electron beam power. The passive safety features of the facility are discussed in in this study. Monte Carlo computer code MCNPX was utilized in the analyses with ENDF/B VII.0 nuclear data library.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Performance Assessment of OpenMP Compilers Targeting NVIDIA V100 GPUs

Heterogeneous systems are becoming increasingly prevalent. In order to exploit the rich compute resources of such systems, robust programming models are needed for application developers to seamlessly migrate legacy code from today’s systems to tomorrow’s. Over the past decade and more, directives have been established as one of the promising paths to tackle programmatic challenges on emerging systems. This work focuses on applying and demonstrating OpenMP offloading directives on five proxy applications. We observe that the performance varies widely from one compiler to the other; a crucial aspect of our work is reporting best practices to application developers who use OpenMP offloading compilers. While some issues can be worked around by the developer, there are other issues that must be reported to the compiler vendors. By restructuring OpenMP offloading directives, we gain an 18x speedup for the su3 proxy application on NERSC’s Cori system when using the Clang compiler, and a 15.7x speedup by switching max reductions to add reductions in the laplace mini-app when using the Cray-llvm compiler on Cori.

Davis, Josh↗

Towards a Robust System-of-Systems Control Architecture for Robotics - 18359

This paper presents the methodology and results of developing and implementing a system-of-systems architecture for controlling many robotic systems within the context of industrial facilities, where the life of the facility will be far longer than the life of the robotics, due to software updates and accelerated digital obsolescence. The use cases are the JET and ITER fusion research reactors. Remote maintenance is both device defining and mission critical for a future fusion reactor and we foresee the need to utilise a considerable number of robotic devices within an overall digital control architecture. The paper will explore the challenges of long term management of digital complexity using the real experience of JET over the last 20 years. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Flow aerodynamics modeling of an MHD swirl combustor - Calculations and experimental verification

This paper describes a computer code for calculating the flow dynamics of constant density flow in the second stage trumpet shaped nozzle section of a two stage MHD swirl combustor for application to a disk generator. The primitive pressure-velocity variable, finite difference computer code has been developed to allow the computation of inert nonreacting turbulent swirling flows in an axisymmetric MHD model swirl combustor. The method and program involve a staggered grid system for axial and radial velocities, and a line relaxation technique for efficient solution of the equations. Turbulence simulation is by way of a two-equation Kappa-epsilon model. The code produces as output the flowfield map of the nondimensional stream function, axial, and swirl velocity. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretical predictions and the qualitative experimental results. The best seed injector location for uniform seed distribution at combustor exit is with injector located centrally on the combustor axis at entrance to the second stage combustor.

Gupta, A. K.↗

High Performance Object-Oriented Scientific Programming in Fortran 90

We illustrate how Fortran 90 supports object-oriented concepts by example of plasma particle computations on the IBM SP. Our experience shows that Fortran 90 and object-oriented methodology give high performance while providing a bridge from Fortran 77 legacy codes to modern programming principles. All of our object-oriented Fortran 90 codes execute more quickly thatn the equeivalent C++ versions, yet the abstraction modelling capabilities used for scentific programming are comparably powereful.

Scientific Programming↗

Automatic energy calibration algorithm for an RBS setup

This work describes a computer algorithm for automatic extraction of the energy calibration parameters from a Rutherford Back-Scattering Spectroscopy (RBS) spectrum. Parameters like the electronic gain, electronic offset and detection resolution (FWHM) of a RBS setup are usually determined using a standard sample. In our case, the standard sample comprises of a multi-elemental thin film made of a mixture of Ti-Al-Ta that is analyzed at the beginning of each run at defined beam energy. A computer program has been developed to extract automatically the calibration parameters from the spectrum of the standard sample. The code evaluates the first derivative of the energy spectrum, locates the trailing edges of the Al, Ti and Ta peaks and fits a first order polynomial for the energy-channel relation. The detection resolution is determined fitting the convolution of a pre-calculated theoretical spectrum. To test the code, data of two years have been analyzed and the results compared with the manual calculations done previously, obtaining good agreement.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics Program at NASA Ames Research Center

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Program at NASA Ames Research Center is reviewed and discussed. The technical elements of the CFD Program are listed and briefly discussed. These elements include algorithm research, research and pilot code development, scientific visualization, advanced surface representation, volume grid generation, and numerical optimization. Next, the discipline of CFD is briefly discussed and related to other areas of research at NASA Ames including experimental fluid dynamics, computer science research, computational chemistry, and numerical aerodynamic simulation. These areas combine with CFD to form a larger area of research, which might collectively be called computational technology. The ultimate goal of computational technology research at NASA Ames is to increase the physical understanding of the world in which we live, solve problems of national importance, and increase the technical capabilities of the aerospace community. Next, the major programs at NASA Ames that either use CFD technology or perform research in CFD are listed and discussed. Briefly, this list includes turbulent/transition physics and modeling, high-speed real gas flows, interdisciplinary research, turbomachinery demonstration computations, complete aircraft aerodynamics, rotorcraft applications, powered lift flows, high alpha flows, multiple body aerodynamics, and incompressible flow applications. Some of the individual problems actively being worked in each of these areas is listed to help define the breadth or extent of CFD involvement in each of these major programs. State-of-the-art examples of various CFD applications are presented to highlight most of these areas. The main emphasis of this portion of the presentation is on examples which will not otherwise be treated at this conference by the individual presentations. Finally, a list of principal current limitations and expected future directions is given.

Holst, Terry L.↗

VENTSAR V3.0: A Python GUI for Estimating Contaminant Concentrations on or Near Buildings Due to Building Effects and Plume Rise and For Calculating Inhalation and Plume Shine Doses

VENTSAR: Originated as VENTAX (Smith and Weber 1983) on the IBM Mainframe at the Savannah River Site (SRS) as a Fortran program. Updated to VENTSAR XL V1.0 (Simpkins 1997) as a spreadsheet version using macros created in Microsoft Excel. Later updated to VENTSAR XL V2.0 (Dixon 2018) as a spreadsheet executing a modified version of the original VENTAX Fortran code. Estimates contaminant concentrations on or near a building from a release at a nearby location. Calculates concentrations for a given meteorological exceedance probability or for a given stability and wind speed combination. Can model a single building with or without a penthouse on top or a ground location from either a stack or ground release. Plume rise can be considered. Contaminant releases can be chemical or radioactive with downwind concentrations determined at user-specified distances. Wind passing over and around buildings creates a complicated dispersion pattern. Air-intake vents may be located on building roofs or near the ground downwind of a release source. An estimation of pollutant concentrations on or near a structure is important in determining expected pollutant levels. Meteorological data are selected based on a specific area of the site. Fortran-based VENTAX able to make fast, complex mathematical calculations. Not user-friendly VENTSAR XL V1.0 no longer supported due to obsolete Excel macros. VENTSAR XL V2.0 an interim solution using an Excel spreadsheet to interface with the modified VENTAX Fortran code. Requires user to have Microsoft Excel. Not an intuitive interface for someone unfamiliar with VENTSAR. Does not perform dose calculations. VENTSAR V3.0 goal to combine the strengths of previous versions of VENTSAR into a single, powerful yet user-friendly program with a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Not dependent upon a specific program or plug-ins. Self-contained package to be used on any computer running Microsoft Windows. User-friendly, intuitive GUI created in Python for parameter input. Executes same modified VENTAX Fortran code as VENTSAR XL V2.0. Outputs formatted text file of completed calculations for easy review and dissemination. Performs inhalation and plume shine dose calculations for up to 11 user-selected nuclides from a nuclide dose factor library of almost 500 nuclides. 12 test cases were created for verification of V1.0 and V2.0. Same test cases run in V3.0 to verify correct performance. V3.0 produced similar results to V1.0. Confirmed GUI did not alter calculations in any way. Comparisons of the test case results confirm the V3.0 GUI does not influence the VENTSAR calculations. Simply passes same input parameters to VENTAX Fortran code for execution. Provides end user an easy-to-use, intuitive tool to quickly make building effect and plume rise calculations, as well as, inhalation and plume shine dose calculations. No experience with or working knowledge of Fortran, Excel, command line, or macros required. Self-contained package allows VENTSAR be deployed to any Windows computer without the need for specific programs or plug-ins.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

How numerical simulations helped to achieve breakeven on the NIF

The inertial confinement fusion program relies upon detailed simulations with inertial confinement fusion (ICF) codes to design targets and to interpret the experimental results. These simulations treat as much physics from essential principles as is practical, including laser deposition, cross beam energy transfer, x-ray production and transport, nonlocal thermal equilibrium kinetics, thermal transport, hydrodynamic instabilities, thermonuclear burn, and transport of reaction products. Improvements in radiation hydrodynamic code capabilities and vast increases in computing power have enabled more realistic, accurate 3D simulations that treat all known asymmetry sources. We describe how numerical simulations helped to guide the program, assess the impediments to breakeven, and optimize every aspect of target design. A preshot simulation of the first National Ignition Facility experiment that surpassed breakeven predicted an increased yield that matches the experimental result, within the preshot predicted uncertainty, with a target gain of 1.5. We will cover the key developments in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory ICF codes that enabled these simulations and give specific examples of how they helped to guide the program.

Marinak, M. M. (ORCID:0009000331127696)↗