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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 127 records · Page 7

Computational aerodynamic design methodology

The transonic wing design process has been vastly improved at Lockheed-Georgia. The revised design procedure enhances useability and reliability by combining numerical optimization and inverse design into a single wing design code with transonic analysis provided by a modified version of FLO22. A more versatile set of geometric decision variables has been integrated into the optimization portion for geometry perturbations. An automatic restart feature permits the interchangeability of solutions between optimization and inverse design as the design progresses. In combination, these improvements enable practical utilization of a VAX 11/780 computer and significantly reduce the elapsed time required to complete a transonic wing design.

Burris, C. B.↗

Base-Bleed Effect on X-33 Aerospike Plume Induced Base-Heating Environment During Power-Pack Out

A computational heat transfer methodology was developed to study the dual-engine linear aerospike plume induced base-heating environment during one power-pack out, in ascent flight. One power-pack out results in reduction of power levels for both engines. That, in turn, reduces the amount of base-bleed and changes the distribution of base-bleed on the two pillows. Hence, the concern of increased base-heating during power-pack out. The thermo-flowfield of the entire vehicle was computed. The computational methodology for the convective heating is based on a three-dimensional, finite-volume, viscous, chemically reacting, and pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation. The computational methodology for the radiative heating is based on a three-dimensional, finite-volume, and spectral-line-based weighted-sum-of-gray-gases absorption computational radiation heat transfer formulation. A separate radiation model was used for diagnostic purposes. The computational methodology was systematically benchmarked. In this study, near-base radiative heat fluxes were computed and they compared well with those measured from an installed linear aerospike engine tests. The base-heating environment of 18 trajectory points selected from three power-pack out ascent scenarios was computed and is presented here. The power-pack out condition has the most impact on convective base-heating when it happens early in flight. The some of its impact comes from the asymmetric and reduced base-bleed.

Wang, Tee-See↗

Methodology for matching experimental and computational aerodynamic data

Correction factor methodologies have been developed which use steady experimental or analytical pressure or force data to correct steady and unsteady aerodynamic calculations. Three methods of calculating correction factors have been developed to match steady surface pressure distributions, to match airfoil section forces and moments. Data for a rectangular supercritical wing that was previously tested in the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel have been used to determine correction factors to match surface pressure distributions for a range of Mach numbers.

Wieseman, Carol D.↗

Applicability and evaluation of an implicit self-starting unconditionally stable methodology for the dynamics of structures

The applicability and evaluation of a new self-starting, unconditionally stable, implicit methodology of computation for the dynamics of structures is described. The methodology offers different perspectives and architecture for structural dynamics compared with the traditional (widely advocated and commonly used) time integration methods. It is based on velocity representations and architecture and uses finite elements as the principal analysis tool for structural dynamic modeling/analysis. In particular, the dynamics of beam-type flexural models are considered, and comparative results validate and support the proposed use of the self-starting methodology of computation for the dynamics of linear/nonlinear structures. The overall effectiveness and elegance strongly support its use in most existing commercial codes.

Tamma, Kumar K.↗

A combined Eulerian-Lagrangian two-phase flow analysis of SSME HPOTP nozzle plug trajectories. I - Methodology

A computer code has been developed for the analysis of SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) HPOTP (High Pressure Oxidizer Turbo Pump) nozzle plug trajectories in the turnaround duct downstream of the turbine. The algorithm is based on a combined Eulerian-Lagrangian analysis originally developed for the study of two-phase flows. The Lagrangian part of this analysis has been enhanced to include three-dimensional particle motion and the effect of particle-wall collisions in complex geometries (with a large number of boundaries). The sensitivity of the nozzle plug trajectories to a variety of parameters has been determined, via the qualitative analysis of a select number of computed trajectories. The results of extensive parametric studies have been reported in a companion paper.

De Jong, Frederik J.↗

Galerkin/least-squares procedures in computational fluid dynamics

The application of Galerkin/least-squares methodology to computational fluid dynamics is reviewed. Applications to advective-diffusive systems of equations and incompressible and compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations are described. Space-time finite-element methodology for time-dependent problems is emphasized and the status and role of so-called 'discontinuity-capturing operators' is reviewed.

Hughes, Thomas J. R.↗

Space station data management system assessment methodology

A computer-aided modeling tool and methodology was developed and is currently being used to assess candidate designs for the Space Station Data Management System (DMS). The DMS will be a complex distributed computer system including processors, storage devices, local area networks, and software that will support all processing functions on board the Space Station. The methodology produces assessments of the performance, reliability, cost, and physical attributes of the candidate designs. This paper describes the architecture and design of the modeling tool and presents the modeling methodology.

Jones, W. R.↗

Predicting Fractures In Fiber/Matrix Composites

NASA technical memorandum discusses status of emerging methodology of computational simulation of fractures in fiber/matrix composite structural components. Part of methodology consists of step-by-step procedures to simulate fractures in individual and mixed models in variety of generic composite-material components. Another part of methodology embodied in computer program CODSTRAN, which incorporates mathematical models of mechanical properties of composites and of fracture mechanics. Authors assert methodology ready for widespread application.

Chamis, C. C.↗

DSMC analysis in a heterogeneous parallel computing environment

A methodology for implementing parallel DSMC codes in a heterogeneous computing environment is described. The methodology involves the use of a common message-passing software library together with recently developed software that handles the actual interprocessor communications in a standard manner across a variety of computing platforms. Benchmark tests using a simple DSMC model problem were performed on an Intel iPSC/860, a Cray-YMP and a group of Sun workstations. The approach was found to give speedups that scaled linearly with problem size on all the computing platforms tested. This methodology was then incorporated into a production-type DSMC code to allow the simulation of problems that would not otherwise have been practical. The application of this production code to simulations of hypersonic shear flows and shock-lip interactions under near-continuum conditions is described. Synchronous and asynchronous models for implementing parallelism into DSMC simulations are also described and both models are shown to produce the same steady-state result.

Wilmoth, R. G.↗

New frontiers in design synthesis

The Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE), which is one of the major strategic technologies under development at NASA centers and the University of Virginia, is described. One of the major objectives of ISE is to significantly enhance the rapid creation of innovative affordable products and missions. ISE uses a synergistic combination of leading-edge technologies, including high performance computing, high capacity communications and networking, human-centered computing, knowledge-based engineering, computational intelligence, virtual product development, and product information management. The environment will link scientists, design teams, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants who participate in the mission synthesis as well as in the creation and operation of the aerospace system. It will radically advance the process by which complex science missions are synthesized, and high-tech engineering Systems are designed, manufactured and operated. The five major components critical to ISE are human-centered computing, infrastructure for distributed collaboration, rapid synthesis and simulation tools, life cycle integration and validation, and cultural change in both the engineering and science creative process. The five components and their subelements are described. Related U.S. government programs are outlined and the future impact of ISE on engineering research and education is discussed.

User-Computer Interface↗

Tomography Analysis of Orion Artemis 1 Heatshield Sample

The Orion spacecraft, under NASA's Artemis program, is an integral step in humanity's ambitions of deep space exploration, including our return to the Moon and subsequent mission to Mars. The performance of Orion's heatshield is central to ensuring the safety and success of such missions. This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the process used in and findings derived from tomography scans of an Artemis 1 heatshield sample executed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source. These tomography scans captured high-resolution X-Ray images of the heatshield's microstructure, allowing advanced imaging to be employed for 3D image segmentation and visualization of the sample. The Porous Media Analysis (PuMA) software stands central to our analysis, offering robust computational algorithms and methodologies to digitally compute properties of the heatshield material. The presentation discusses the following derived metrics: - Volume fractions, representing the spatial distribution and amounts of various components throughout the heatshield’s depth. - Porosity and crack distributions, offering insights into the void space within the material, critical for understanding the heatshield's structural integrity. - Fiber orientation, detailing the alignment and arrangement of fibers, significant for material orthotropy. - Permeability estimates, quantifying the passage of gas through the material, relevant for re-entry conditions and pyrolysis gasses. One distinctive feature of this study is the comparative evaluation against data obtained from tomography scans of the Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) heatshield. Such a comparison offers multiple insights, including evaluation of the consistency and repeatability of manufacturing processes as well as understanding of any evolutionary changes in heatshield design or material properties.

Micro-tomography↗

Computational Nanotechnology Program

The objectives are: (1) development of methodological and computational tool for the quantum chemistry study of carbon nanostructures and (2) development of the fundamental understanding of the bonding, reactivity, and electronic structure of carbon nanostructures. Our calculations have continued to play a central role in understanding the outcome of the carbon nanotube macroscopic production experiment. The calculations on buckyonions offer the resolution of a long controversy between experiment and theory. Our new tight binding method offers increased speed for realistic simulations of large carbon nanostructures.

Scuseria, Gustavo E.↗

Analysis of Material Sample Heated by Impinging Hot Hydrogen Jet in a Non-Nuclear Tester

A computational conjugate heat transfer methodology was developed and anchored with data obtained from a hot-hydrogen jet heated, non-nuclear materials tester, as a first step towards developing an efficient and accurate multiphysics, thermo-fluid computational methodology to predict environments for hypothetical solid-core, nuclear thermal engine thrust chamber. The computational methodology is based on a multidimensional, finite-volume, turbulent, chemically reacting, thermally radiating, unstructured-grid, and pressure-based formulation. The multiphysics invoked in this study include hydrogen dissociation kinetics and thermodynamics, turbulent flow, convective and thermal radiative, and conjugate heat transfers. Predicted hot hydrogen jet and material surface temperatures were compared with those of measurement. Predicted solid temperatures were compared with those obtained with a standard heat transfer code. The interrogation of physics revealed that reactions of hydrogen dissociation and recombination are highly correlated with local temperature and are necessary for accurate prediction of the hot-hydrogen jet temperature.

Wang, Ten-See↗

A view toward future fluid dynamics computing

Advances in computational fluid dynamics are paced by simulation methodology and computer resources. Examples of three-dimensional fluid dynamic simulations are presented to illustrate recent developments in equation modeling and numerical methods and to point out the need for increased computer power. Electronic technology dictates that to fill this need, computers will be based on parallel processing principles. The identification of parallelism in three dimensions is illustrated by examining an implicit, approximate-factorization approach to the Navier-Stokes equations. Finally, two computer concepts aimed at satisfying the demands of the three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are discussed.

Bailey, F. R.↗

Multiphysics Computational Analysis of a Solid-Core Nuclear Thermal Engine Thrust Chamber

The objective of this effort is to develop an efficient and accurate computational heat transfer methodology to predict thermal, fluid, and hydrogen environments for a hypothetical solid-core, nuclear thermal engine - the Small Engine. In addition, the effects of power profile and hydrogen conversion on heat transfer efficiency and thrust performance were also investigated. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based, all speeds, chemically reacting, computational fluid dynamics platform, while formulations of conjugate heat transfer were implemented to describe the heat transfer from solid to hydrogen inside the solid-core reactor. The computational domain covers the entire thrust chamber so that the afore-mentioned heat transfer effects impact the thrust performance directly. The result shows that the computed core-exit gas temperature, specific impulse, and core pressure drop agree well with those of design data for the Small Engine. Finite-rate chemistry is very important in predicting the proper energy balance as naturally occurring hydrogen decomposition is endothermic. Locally strong hydrogen conversion associated with centralized power profile gives poor heat transfer efficiency and lower thrust performance. On the other hand, uniform hydrogen conversion associated with a more uniform radial power profile achieves higher heat transfer efficiency, and higher thrust performance.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Vertical wind estimation from horizontal wind measurements

This presentation begins with a brief description of the downdraft measurement problem for airborne Doppler based systems and the importance of the downdraft in assessing the hazard posed by a microburst wind shear. This is followed by a review of research on the feasibility of using simple microburst models to compute the downdraft from horizontal wind measurements. The current methodologies for computing the vertical wind are then discussed. A summary of the results and the plan for future research are also presented.

Vicroy, Dan D.↗

Methodology of modeling and measuring computer architectures for plasma simulations

A brief introduction to plasma simulation using computers and the difficulties on currently available computers is given. Through the use of an analyzing and measuring methodology - SARA, the control flow and data flow of a particle simulation model REM2-1/2D are exemplified. After recursive refinements the total execution time may be greatly shortened and a fully parallel data flow can be obtained. From this data flow, a matched computer architecture or organization could be configured to achieve the computation bound of an application problem. A sequential type simulation model, an array/pipeline type simulation model, and a fully parallel simulation model of a code REM2-1/2D are proposed and analyzed. This methodology can be applied to other application problems which have implicitly parallel nature.

Wang, L. P. T.↗