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At least 127 records · Page 7

A numerical model for the thermo-elasto-plastic behaviour of a material

This paper presents a numerical model for the thermo-elasto-plastic behavior of an isotropic material. The model is based on the assumption that the yielding of the material obeys von Mises distortion energy theory and the material exhibits isotropic strain hardening. This unique model can be used both for isothermal and non-isothermal cases. The original formulation for the non-isothermal three-dimensional case has been specialized for plane stress conditions and the equations for the computation of warping and thickness change are provided. The finite element implementation of this model is also outlined.

Ray, Sujit K.↗

Remote sensing and numerical modeling of suspended sediment in Laguna de Terminos, Campeche, Mexico

It is necessary to understand the complex physical processes at work in coastal lagoons in order to manage them effectively. Improved methods of data collection and analysis must be found to provide synoptic, timely hydrodynamic information because of the sheer size of some lagoons and the difficulty of acquiring in situ data (particularly in the tropics). This paper summarizes research to model salinity and suspended sediment distributions in Laguna de Terminos, Mexico, using (1) a coupled hydrodynamic and dispersion model and (2) analysis of two Landsat Thematic Mapper images collected on November 25, 1984 and April 24, 1987. Atmospherically corrected chromaticity data derived from Thermatic Mapper data were significantly correlated with modeled total suspended sediment concentrations for the two dates. Comparison between numerically modeled and remotely sensed suspended sediment maps at 1.5 x 1.5 km resolution yielded a covariation map useful for identifying areas of discrepancy between the remotely sensed data and model output.

Jensen, John R.↗

Numerical Modeling of Nanoelectronic Devices

Nanoelectronic Modeling 3-D (NEMO 3-D) is a computer program for numerical modeling of the electronic structure properties of a semiconductor device that is embodied in a crystal containing as many as 16 million atoms in an arbitrary configuration and that has overall dimensions of the order of tens of nanometers. The underlying mathematical model represents the quantummechanical behavior of the device resolved to the atomistic level of granularity. The system of electrons in the device is represented by a sparse Hamiltonian matrix that contains hundreds of millions of terms. NEMO 3-D solves the matrix equation on a Beowulf-class cluster computer, by use of a parallel-processing matrix vector multiplication algorithm coupled to a Lanczos and/or Rayleigh-Ritz algorithm that solves for eigenvalues. In a recent update of NEMO 3-D, a new strain treatment, parameterized for bulk material properties of GaAs and InAs, was developed for two tight-binding submodels. The utility of the NEMO 3-D was demonstrated in an atomistic analysis of the effects of disorder in alloys and, in particular, in bulk In(x)Ga(l-x)As and in In0.6Ga0.4As quantum dots.

Klimeck, Gerhard↗

Microgravity Experiments and Numerical Modeling of Rotating Buoyant Convection in a Spherical Shell with Latitudinal Thermal Gradients

The results of numerical model calculations are compared with space laboratory experiments for rotating, thermally driven flow in a hemispherical shell, and various flow regimes are described. A spherically symmetric body force, analogous to gravity, is imposed in the radial direction through the use of a dielectric fluid and an electrostatic potential difference across the gap. The spherical boundaries are maintained at constant temperature profiles (with the pole and the inner sphere being the warmer surfaces), and the equatorial wall is an insulator. Typical parameter combinations result in highly nonlinear, but laminar, flow. For weak enough buoyant forcing, the flow is axisymmetric. It consists of a single meridional cell, rising in warm latitudes (in this case, near the pole) and sinking in cool latitudes, with prograde flow in the equatorial region and near the inner hemisphere for other latitudes, and retrograde motion elsewhere. For fast rotation, the first transition due to the instability of this simple flow is also axisymmetric, consisting of rings of convection in the polar region, which propagate poleward. The first nonaxisymmetric convection occurs at Rayleigh numbers which increase with rotation rate. The form of the convection near the transition also depends upon the rate of rotation. Selected flow patterns near the transition as well as those beyond it are studied numerically. For those cases where there exist laboratory experiments with which to compare, the numerical and experimental results agree very well.

Leslie, Fred W.↗

Low-level circulations induced by an upper-level jet in a fine mesh numerical model

Attention is given to varying the initial conditions in the Penn State three-dimensional numerical model in the development of the low-level jet over the Ohio Valley during the 10 May 1973 severe weather event. The results of two forecasts are summarized: (1) the control forecast which interpolated the National Meteorological Center's operational analysis to the mesoscale model grid; and (2) modifying the control forecast by inserting artificial soundings and surface observations. Enhancements are made on the basis of subsynoptic scale analyses by Uccellini and surface data. The results indicate that the low-level jet was in part induced by pressure changes associated with deceleration and horizontal divergence of air in the exit region of the upper-level jet. The enhancement of the initial moisture field using surface reports of clouds and precipitation has a substantial effect on precipitation.

Burkhart, R. P.↗

Numerical Modeling of Pressurization of Cryogenic Propellant Tank for Integrated Vehicle Fluid System

This paper presents a numerical model of pressurization of a cryogenic propellant tank for the Integrated Vehicle Fluid (IVF) system using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). The IVF propulsion system, being developed by United Launch Alliance, uses boiloff propellants to drive thrusters for the reaction control system as well as to run internal combustion engines to develop power and drive compressors to pressurize propellant tanks. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been running tests to verify the functioning of the IVF system using a flight tank. GFSSP, a finite volume based flow network analysis software developed at MSFC, has been used to develop an integrated model of the tank and the pressurization system. This paper presents an iterative algorithm for converging the interface boundary conditions between different component models of a large system model. The model results have been compared with test data.

Majumdar, Alok K.↗

Numerical Modeling of an Integrated Vehicle Fluids System Loop for Pressurizing a Cryogenic Tank

This paper presents a numerical model of the pressurization loop of the Integrated Vehicle Fluids (IVF) system using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). The IVF propulsion system, being developed by United Launch Alliance to reduce system weight and enhance reliability, uses boiloff propellants to drive thrusters for the reaction control system as well as to run internal combustion engines to develop power and drive compressors to pressurize propellant tanks. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) conducted tests to verify the functioning of the IVF system using a flight-like tank. GFSSP, a finite volume based flow network analysis software developed at MSFC, has been used to support the test program. This paper presents the simulation of three different test series, comparison of numerical prediction and test data and a novel method of presenting data in a dimensionless form. The paper also presents a methodology of implementing a compressor map in a system level code.

LeClair, A. C.↗

Numerical modelling of impact seismic sources using the stress glut theory

SUMMARY Meteorite impacts have proved to be a significant source of seismic signal on the Moon, and have now been recorded on Mars by InSight seismometers. Understanding how impacts produce seismic signal is key to the interpretation of this unique data, and to improve their identification in continuous seismic records. Here, we use the seismic Representation Theorem, and particularly the stress glut theory, to model the seismic motion resulting from impact cratering. The source is described by equivalent forces, some resulting from the impactor momentum transfer, and others from the stress glut, which represents the mechanical effect of plasticity and non linear processes in the source region. We condense these equivalent forces into a point-source with a time-varying single force and nine-component moment tensor. This analytical representation bridges the gap between the complex dynamics of crater formation, and the linear point-source representation classically used in seismology. Using the multiphysics modelling software HOSS, we develop a method to compute the stress glut of an impact, and the associated point-source from hypervelocity impact simulations. For a vertical and an oblique impact at 1000 m s−1, we show that the moment tensor presents a significant deviatoric component. Hence, the source is not an ideal isotropic explosion contrary to previous assumptions, and draws closer to a double couple for the oblique impact. The contribution of the point force to the seismic signal appears negligible. We verify this model by comparing two signals: (1) HOSS is coupled to SPECFEM3D to propagate the near-source signal elastically to remote seismic stations; (2) the point-source model derived from the stress-glut theory is used to generate displacements at the same distance. The comparison shows that the point-source model is accurately simulating the low-frequency impact seismic waveform, and its seismic moment is in trend with Lunar and Martian impact data. High-frequencies discrepancies exist, which are partly related to finite-source effects, but might be further explained by the difference in mathematical framework between classical seismology and HOSS’ numerical modelling.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Sensitivity Analysis of Numerical Modeling Input Parameters on Wind Turbine Loads in Deterministic Transient Load Cases

Aero-hydro-elastic-servo numerical models used to design and analyze wind turbines are based on thousands of variable input parameters that dictate the inflow, aerodynamic, structural, and control characteristics of the system as well as sea state, hydrodynamic, and mooring characteristics for fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind turbines. Each of these parameters has some level of uncertainty, which can significantly impact the predicted loads. Understanding the uncertainty in the inputs is critical to understanding the uncertainty in the outputs. This work demonstrates a screening technique to identify which parameters ultimate loads are most sensitive to so that more focus can be given to quantifying the possible range of those parameters. This technique has been demonstrated previously for different turbine and load case types and is extended here for a floating offshore wind turbine in design load cases with transient events both in the inflow and operations. Each load case features a deterministic gust, including variations in wind speed, direction, and shear. Load cases are considered with an operating turbine as well as with prescribed fault, startup, and shutdown procedures. The study found that key input parameters with a large impact on loads include the length of the gust, the magnitude of direction change and speed in the gust, the initial wind speed, and the shape of the gust profile.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Numerical Modeling of Transport of Biomass Burning Emissions on South America

Our research efforts have addressed theoretical and numerical modeling of sources emissions and transport processes of trace gases and aerosols emitted by biomass burning on the central of Brazil and Amazon basin. For this effort we coupled all Eulerian transport model with the mesoscale atmospheric model RAMS (Regional Atmospheric Modeling System).

RibeirodeFreitas, Saulo↗

Numerical Modeling of Self-Pressurization and Pressure Control by Thermodynamic Vent System in a Cryogenic Tank

This paper presents a numerical model of a system-level test bed - the multipurpose hydrogen test bed (MHTB) using Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). MHTB is representative in size and shape of a fully integrated space transportation vehicle liquid hydrogen (LH2) propellant tank and was tested at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to generate data for cryogenic storage. GFSSP is a finite volume based network flow analysis software developed at MSFC and used for thermo-fluid analysis of propulsion systems. GFSSP has been used to model the self-pressurization and ullage pressure control by Thermodynamic Vent System (TVS). A TVS typically includes a Joule-Thompson (J-T) expansion device, a two-phase heat exchanger, and a mixing pump and spray to extract thermal energy from the tank without significant loss of liquid propellant. Two GFSSP models (Self-Pressurization & TVS) were separately developed and tested and then integrated to simulate the entire system. Self-Pressurization model consists of multiple ullage nodes, propellant node and solid nodes; it computes the heat transfer through Multi-Layer Insulation blankets and calculates heat and mass transfer between ullage and liquid propellant and ullage and tank wall. TVS model calculates the flow through J-T valve, heat exchanger and spray and vent systems. Two models are integrated by exchanging data through User Subroutines of both models. The integrated models results have been compared with MHTB test data of 50% fill level. Satisfactory comparison was observed between test and numerical predictions.

Majumdar, Alok↗

Tracking the environmental impacts of ecological engineering on coastal wetlands with numerical modeling and remote sensing

Coastal wetlands are the most valuable ecosystems on the earth but facing severe degradation and losses owing to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Many ecological engineering projects (EEP) have been conducted to mitigate the degradation of coastal wetlands. However, the geomorphological impacts of EEP on coastal wetlands have not been well documented. In this study, a method employed a process-based hydrodynamic model and remote sensing (RS) was developed to evaluate the impacts of EEP on the geomorphological change of a prototype Ramsar site. Results demonstrated that RS has great potential in improving the quality of bathymetry data for the numerical model with a decrease of RMSE from 0.52 m to 0.3 m. It also showed good capacity in trend detection of geomorphological change spatially. Results showed the Chongming Dongtan wetland experienced erosion with an annual rate of -0.035 m/yr from 2013 to 2016 after the implementation of EEP. The deposition rate changed significantly in the area within 200 m of the EEP. It is found that the EEP modified the composition of vegetation, sediment transportation, as well as substrate stability, affecting the geomorphological change of coastal wetlands. It is suggested that the EEP with moderate anthropogenic disturbance is a direct and effective way to recover the coastal habitats for waterbirds. However, the modification of the coastal wetland ecosystem by EEP will lead to the potential vulnerability to global climate change. Therefore, how to mitigate the advantages and disadvantages of the EEP is needed to be further studied to find a more sustainable way for coastal management.

geomorphological change, coastal wetlands, Ecologi↗

A Fully Nonlinear, Dynamically Consistent Numerical Model for Solid-Body Ship Motion. I. Ship Motion with Fixed Heading

In this paper, we describe the details of our numerical model for simulating ship solidbody motion in a given environment. In this model, the fully nonlinear dynamical equations governing the time-varying solid-body ship motion under the forces arising from ship wave interactions are solved with given initial conditions. The net force and moment (torque) on the ship body are directly calculated via integration of the hydrodynamic pressure over the wetted surface and the buoyancy effect from the underwater volume of the actual ship hull with a hybrid finite-difference/finite-element method. Neither empirical nor free parametrization is introduced in this model, i.e. no a priori experimental data are needed for modelling. This model is benchmarked with many experiments of various ship hulls for heave, roll and pitch motion. In addition to the benchmark cases, numerical experiments are also carried out for strongly nonlinear ship motion with a fixed heading. These new cases demonstrate clearly the importance of nonlinearities in ship motion modelling.

Lin, Ray-Quing↗

Retrieval of wind temperature and pressure from single Doppler radar and a numerical model

A 4D data assimilation algorithm to obtain 3D wind and thermodynamic fields from radial velocities and a numerical model is derived. It is a blend of the continuous updating technique of Charney et al. (1969) and a diagnostic pressure and temperature retrieval technique suggested by Gal-Chen (1978). This model is tested only against model-generated data which are viewed as 'data observed from a real atmosphere'. A thermal bubble developing in a dry, neutral environment is simulated. The thermal recovery technique is found to be a necessary procedure to obtain successful data assimilation results. The present assimilation method is found to be capable of reducing the 'observational error' and making the assimilation run converge toward the control run. Without data insertion, errors in the nonobserved wind component are large.

Liou, Yu-Chieng↗

Project Fog Drops 5. Task 1: A numerical model of advection fog. Task 2: Recommendations for simplified individual zero-gravity cloud physics experiments

A two-dimensional numerical model was used to investigate the formation of marine advection fog. The model predicts the evolution of potential temperature, horizontal wind, water vapor content, and liquid water content in a vertical cross section of the atmosphere as determined by vertical turbulent transfer and horizontal advection, as well as radiative cooling and drop sedimentation. The model is designed to simulate the formation, development, or dissipation of advection fog in response to transfer of heat and moisture between the atmosphere and the surface as driven by advection over horizontal discontinuities in the surface temperature. Results from numerical simulations of advection fog formation are discussed with reference to observations of marine fog. A survey of candidate fog or cloud microphysics experiments which might be performed in the low gravity environment of a shuttle-type spacecraft in presented. Recommendations are given for relatively simple experiments which are relevent to fog modification problems.

Rogers, C. W.↗

Numerical models of two complex hypersonic flowfields

Numerical solutions of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations assuming a perfect gas and laminar flow are applied to two hypersonic experiments conducted at NASA Langley Research Center. The first is cooling by injection of a gas jet through the nose of an ogive-cone, and the second is the aerothermal environment in the gap formed by the wing and elevon section of a test model of the Space Shuttle. The simulations demonstrate that the model predicts accurate pressures and shock stand-off for the gas jet and accurate pressures for the wing-elevon cove. Experimental heating rates for the gas jet indicate turbulent mixing to be occurring, an effect not modeled in the numerical solution.

Macaraeg, M. G.↗

The multiple nesting of mesoscale, submesoscale, and nonhydrostatic microscale numerical models for a case of mesocyclogenesis and severe storm development

A fundamental approach involving the integration of two different numerical models over several different spatial mesh lengths is considered. Model I is a hydrostatic, incompressible, and adiabatic primitive (Newtonian) equation set with no boundary layer forcing, i.e., surface heat or moisture flux or external frictional stresses. Typically this model is initialized from conventional radiosonde data and run for a 12-15 hour forecast period over a 40 km horizontal mesh. If phase I of the tornado developmental processes develops, the data is 'frozen' in space and time, interpolated to a 20 km mesh, and integrated for a shorter time period (3 hours) with a shorter time step. Model II is a nonhydrostatic compressible 18-level complement of model I. If model II indicates the development of the intensification of phase V dynamical processes, the data is frozen and interpolated to finer mesh lengths until the tornadic circulation system is approximated

Kaplan, M. L.↗