DRAGON Grid: A Three-Dimensional Hybrid Grid Generation Code Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Meng-Sing

2000-01-01

Because grid generation can consume 70 percent of the total analysis time for a typical three-dimensional viscous flow simulation for a practical engineering device, payoffs from research and development could reduce costs and increase throughputs considerably. In this study, researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field developed a new hybrid grid approach with the advantages of flexibility, high-quality grids suitable for an accurate resolution of viscous regions, and a low memory requirement. These advantages will, in turn, reduce analysis time and increase accuracy. They result from an innovative combination of structured and unstructured grids to represent the geometry and the computation domain. The present approach makes use of the respective strengths of both the structured and unstructured grid methods, while minimizing their weaknesses. First, the Chimera grid generates high-quality, mostly orthogonal meshes around individual components. This process is flexible and can be done easily. Normally, these individual grids are required overlap each other so that the solution on one grid can communicate with another. However, when this communication is carried out via a nonconservative interpolation procedure, a spurious solution can result. Current research is aimed at entirely eliminating this undesired interpolation by directly replacing arbitrary grid overlapping with a nonstructured grid called a DRAGON grid, which uses the same set of conservation laws over the entire region, thus ensuring conservation everywhere. The DRAGON grid is shown for a typical film-cooled turbine vane with 33 holes and 3 plenum compartments. There are structured grids around each geometrical entity and unstructured grids connecting them. In fiscal year 1999, Glenn researchers developed and tested the three-dimensional DRAGON grid-generation tools. A flow solver suitable for the DRAGON grid has been developed, and a series of validation tests are underway.

Grid generation on trimmed Bezier and NURBS quilted surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woan, Chung-Jin; Clever, Willard C.; Tam, Clement K.

1995-01-01

This paper presents some recently added capabilities to RAGGS, Rockwell Automated Grid Generation System. Included are the trimmed surface handling and display capability and structures and unstructured grid generation on trimmed Bezier and NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline surfaces) quilted surfaces. Samples are given to demonstrate the new capabilities.

MESH2D Grid generator design and use

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flach, G. P.

Mesh2d is a Fortran90 program originally designed to generate two-dimensional structured grids of the form [x(i),y(i,j)] where [x,y] are grid coordinates identified by indices (i,j). x-coordinates depending only on index i implies strictly vertical x-grid lines, whereas the y-grid lines can undulate. Mesh2d also assigns an integer material type to each grid cell, mtyp(i,j), in a user-specified manner. The complete grid is specified through three separate input files defining the x(i), y(i,j), and mtyp(i,j) variations. Since the original development effort, Mesh2d has been extended to more general two-dimensional structured grids of the form [x(i,j),(i,j)].

Interactive grid generation for turbomachinery flow field simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K.; Eiseman, Peter R.; Reno, Charles

1988-01-01

The control point form of algebraic grid generation presented provides the means that are needed to generate well structured grids for turbomachinery flow simulations. It uses a sparse collection of control points distributed over the flow domain. The shape and position of coordinate curves can be adjusted from these control points while the grid conforms precisely to all boundaries. An interactive program called TURBO, which uses the control point form, is being developed. Basic features of the code are discussed and sample grids are presented. A finite volume LU implicit scheme is used to simulate flow in a turbine cascade on the grid generated by the program.

Interactive grid generation for turbomachinery flow field simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K.; Reno, Charles; Eiseman, Peter R.

1988-01-01

The control point form of algebraic grid generation presented provides the means that are needed to generate well structured grids of turbomachinery flow simulations. It uses a sparse collection of control points distributed over the flow domain. The shape and position of coordinate curves can be adjusted from these control points while the grid conforms precisely to all boundaries. An interactive program called TURBO, which uses the control point form, is being developed. Basic features of the code are discussed and sample grids are presented. A finite volume LU implicit scheme is used to simulate flow in a turbine cascade on the grid generated by the program.

Surface Modeling, Grid Generation, and Related Issues in Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Solutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K. (Compiler)

1995-01-01

The NASA Steering Committee for Surface Modeling and Grid Generation (SMAGG) sponsored a workshop on surface modeling, grid generation, and related issues in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions at Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, May 9-11, 1995. The workshop provided a forum to identify industry needs, strengths, and weaknesses of the five grid technologies (patched structured, overset structured, Cartesian, unstructured, and hybrid), and to exchange thoughts about where each technology will be in 2 to 5 years. The workshop also provided opportunities for engineers and scientists to present new methods, approaches, and applications in SMAGG for CFD. This Conference Publication (CP) consists of papers on industry overview, NASA overview, five grid technologies, new methods/ approaches/applications, and software systems.

Unstructured viscous grid generation by advancing-front method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar

1993-01-01

A new method of generating unstructured triangular/tetrahedral grids with high-aspect-ratio cells is proposed. The method is based on new grid-marching strategy referred to as 'advancing-layers' for construction of highly stretched cells in the boundary layer and the conventional advancing-front technique for generation of regular, equilateral cells in the inviscid-flow region. Unlike the existing semi-structured viscous grid generation techniques, the new procedure relies on a totally unstructured advancing-front grid strategy resulting in a substantially enhanced grid flexibility and efficiency. The method is conceptually simple but powerful, capable of producing high quality viscous grids for complex configurations with ease. A number of two-dimensional, triangular grids are presented to demonstrate the methodology. The basic elements of the method, however, have been primarily designed with three-dimensional problems in mind, making it extendible for tetrahedral, viscous grid generation.

Algorithms for the automatic generation of 2-D structured multi-block grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenfeld, Thilo; Weinerfelt, Per; Jenssen, Carl B.

1995-01-01

Two different approaches to the fully automatic generation of structured multi-block grids in two dimensions are presented. The work aims to simplify the user interactivity necessary for the definition of a multiple block grid topology. The first approach is based on an advancing front method commonly used for the generation of unstructured grids. The original algorithm has been modified toward the generation of large quadrilateral elements. The second method is based on the divide-and-conquer paradigm with the global domain recursively partitioned into sub-domains. For either method each of the resulting blocks is then meshed using transfinite interpolation and elliptic smoothing. The applicability of these methods to practical problems is demonstrated for typical geometries of fluid dynamics.

Development of Three-Dimensional DRAGON Grid Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zheng, Yao; Kiou, Meng-Sing; Civinskas, Kestutis C.

1999-01-01

For a typical three dimensional flow in a practical engineering device, the time spent in grid generation can take 70 percent of the total analysis effort, resulting in a serious bottleneck in the design/analysis cycle. The present research attempts to develop a procedure that can considerably reduce the grid generation effort. The DRAGON grid, as a hybrid grid, is created by means of a Direct Replacement of Arbitrary Grid Overlapping by Nonstructured grid. The DRAGON grid scheme is an adaptation to the Chimera thinking. The Chimera grid is a composite structured grid, composing a set of overlapped structured grids, which are independently generated and body-fitted. The grid is of high quality and amenable for efficient solution schemes. However, the interpolation used in the overlapped region between grids introduces error, especially when a sharp-gradient region is encountered. The DRAGON grid scheme is capable of completely eliminating the interpolation and preserving the conservation property. It maximizes the advantages of the Chimera scheme and adapts the strengths of the unstructured and while at the same time keeping its weaknesses minimal. In the present paper, we describe the progress towards extending the DRAGON grid technology into three dimensions. Essential and programming aspects of the extension, and new challenges for the three-dimensional cases, are addressed.

The Overgrid Interface for Computational Simulations on Overset Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Computational simulations using overset grids typically involve multiple steps and a variety of software modules. A graphical interface called OVERGRID has been specially designed for such purposes. Data required and created by the different steps include geometry, grids, domain connectivity information and flow solver input parameters. The interface provides a unified environment for the visualization, processing, generation and diagnosis of such data. General modules are available for the manipulation of structured grids and unstructured surface triangulations. Modules more specific for the overset approach include surface curve generators, hyperbolic and algebraic surface grid generators, a hyperbolic volume grid generator, Cartesian box grid generators, and domain connectivity: pre-processing tools. An interface provides automatic selection and viewing of flow solver boundary conditions, and various other flow solver inputs. For problems involving multiple components in relative motion, a module is available to build the component/grid relationships and to prescribe and animate the dynamics of the different components.

Adaptive EAGLE dynamic solution adaptation and grid quality enhancement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luong, Phu Vinh; Thompson, J. F.; Gatlin, B.; Mastin, C. W.; Kim, H. J.

1992-01-01

In the effort described here, the elliptic grid generation procedure in the EAGLE grid code was separated from the main code into a subroutine, and a new subroutine which evaluates several grid quality measures at each grid point was added. The elliptic grid routine can now be called, either by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to generate a new adaptive grid based on flow variables and quality measures through multiple adaptation, or by the EAGLE main code to generate a grid based on quality measure variables through static adaptation. Arrays of flow variables can be read into the EAGLE grid code for use in static adaptation as well. These major changes in the EAGLE adaptive grid system make it easier to convert any CFD code that operates on a block-structured grid (or single-block grid) into a multiple adaptive code.

Algebraic grid generation using tensor product B-splines. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, B. V.

1985-01-01

Finite difference methods are more successful if the accompanying grid has lines which are smooth and nearly orthogonal. The development of an algorithm which produces such a grid when given the boundary description. Topological considerations in structuring the grid generation mapping are discussed. The concept of the degree of a mapping and how it can be used to determine what requirements are necessary if a mapping is to produce a suitable grid is examined. The grid generation algorithm uses a mapping composed of bicubic B-splines. Boundary coefficients are chosen so that the splines produce Schoenberg's variation diminishing spline approximation to the boundary. Interior coefficients are initially chosen to give a variation diminishing approximation to the transfinite bilinear interpolant of the function mapping the boundary of the unit square onto the boundary grid. The practicality of optimizing the grid by minimizing a functional involving the Jacobian of the grid generation mapping at each interior grid point and the dot product of vectors tangent to the grid lines is investigated. Grids generated by using the algorithm are presented.

Strategies Toward Automation of Overset Structured Surface Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.

2017-01-01

An outline of a strategy for automation of overset structured surface grid generation on complex geometries is described. The starting point of the process consists of an unstructured surface triangulation representation of the geometry derived from a native CAD, STEP, or IGES definition, and a set of discretized surface curves that captures all geometric features of interest. The procedure for surface grid generation is decomposed into an algebraic meshing step, a hyperbolic meshing step, and a gap-filling step. This paper will focus primarily on the high-level plan with details on the algebraic step. The algorithmic procedure for the algebraic step involves analyzing the topology of the network of surface curves, distributing grid points appropriately on these curves, identifying domains bounded by four curves that can be meshed algebraically, concatenating the resulting grids into fewer patches, and extending appropriate boundaries of the concatenated grids to provide proper overlap. Results are presented for grids created on various aerospace vehicle components.

Advanced Methodology for Simulation of Complex Flows Using Structured Grid Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, Erlendur; Modiano, David

1995-01-01

Detailed simulations of viscous flows in complicated geometries pose a significant challenge to current capabilities of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). To enable routine application of CFD to this class of problems, advanced methodologies are required that employ (a) automated grid generation, (b) adaptivity, (c) accurate discretizations and efficient solvers, and (d) advanced software techniques. Each of these ingredients contributes to increased accuracy, efficiency (in terms of human effort and computer time), and/or reliability of CFD software. In the long run, methodologies employing structured grid systems will remain a viable choice for routine simulation of flows in complex geometries only if genuinely automatic grid generation techniques for structured grids can be developed and if adaptivity is employed more routinely. More research in both these areas is urgently needed.

Efficient Development of High Fidelity Structured Volume Grids for Hypersonic Flow Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

2003-01-01

A new technique for the control of grid line spacing and intersection angles of a structured volume grid, using elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) is presented. Existing structured grid generation algorithms make use of source term hybridization to provide control of grid lines, imposing orthogonality implicitly at the boundary and explicitly on the interior of the domain. A bridging function between the two types of grid line control is typically used to blend the different orthogonality formulations. It is shown that utilizing such a bridging function with source term hybridization can result in the excessive use of computational resources and diminishes robustness. A new approach, Anisotropic Lagrange Based Trans-Finite Interpolation (ALBTFI), is offered as a replacement to source term hybridization. The ALBTFI technique captures the essence of the desired grid controls while improving the convergence rate of the elliptic PDEs when compared with source term hybridization. Grid generation on a blunt cone and a Shuttle Orbiter is used to demonstrate and assess the ALBTFI technique, which is shown to be as much as 50% faster, more robust, and produces higher quality grids than source term hybridization.

The Proteome Folding Project: Proteome-scale prediction of structure and function

PubMed Central

Drew, Kevin; Winters, Patrick; Butterfoss, Glenn L.; Berstis, Viktors; Uplinger, Keith; Armstrong, Jonathan; Riffle, Michael; Schweighofer, Erik; Bovermann, Bill; Goodlett, David R.; Davis, Trisha N.; Shasha, Dennis; Malmström, Lars; Bonneau, Richard

2011-01-01

The incompleteness of proteome structure and function annotation is a critical problem for biologists and, in particular, severely limits interpretation of high-throughput and next-generation experiments. We have developed a proteome annotation pipeline based on structure prediction, where function and structure annotations are generated using an integration of sequence comparison, fold recognition, and grid-computing-enabled de novo structure prediction. We predict protein domain boundaries and three-dimensional (3D) structures for protein domains from 94 genomes (including human, Arabidopsis, rice, mouse, fly, yeast, Escherichia coli, and worm). De novo structure predictions were distributed on a grid of more than 1.5 million CPUs worldwide (World Community Grid). We generated significant numbers of new confident fold annotations (9% of domains that are otherwise unannotated in these genomes). We demonstrate that predicted structures can be combined with annotations from the Gene Ontology database to predict new and more specific molecular functions. PMID:21824995

Grid Stiffened Structure Analysis Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

The Grid Stiffened Analysis Tool contract is contract performed by Boeing under NASA purchase order H30249D. The contract calls for a "best effort" study comprised of two tasks: (1) Create documentation for a composite grid-stiffened structure analysis tool, in the form of a Microsoft EXCEL spread sheet, that was developed by originally at Stanford University and later further developed by the Air Force, and (2) Write a program that functions as a NASTRAN pre-processor to generate an FEM code for grid-stiffened structure. In performing this contract, Task 1 was given higher priority because it enables NASA to make efficient use of a unique tool they already have; Task 2 was proposed by Boeing because it also would be beneficial to the analysis of composite grid-stiffened structures, specifically in generating models for preliminary design studies. The contract is now complete, this package includes copies of the user's documentation for Task 1 and a CD ROM & diskette with an electronic copy of the user's documentation and an updated version of the "GRID 99" spreadsheet.

TIGER: A user-friendly interactive grid generation system for complicated turbomachinery and axis-symmetric configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Ming H.; Soni, Bharat K.

1993-01-01

The issue of time efficiency in grid generation is addressed by developing a user friendly graphical interface for interactive/automatic construction of structured grids around complex turbomachinery/axis-symmetric configurations. The accuracy of geometry modeling and its fidelity is accomplished by adapting the nonuniform rational b-spline (NURBS) representation. A customized interactive grid generation code, TIGER, has been developed to facilitate the grid generation process for complicated internal, external, and internal-external turbomachinery fields simulations. The FORMS Library is utilized to build user-friendly graphical interface. The algorithm allows a user to redistribute grid points interactively on curves/surfaces using NURBS formulation with accurate geometric definition. TIGER's features include multiblock, multiduct/shroud, multiblade row, uneven blade count, and patched/overlapping block interfaces. It has been applied to generate grids for various complicated turbomachinery geometries, as well as rocket and missile configurations.

Application of a lower-upper implicit scheme and an interactive grid generation for turbomachinery flow field simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K.; Soh, Woo-Yung; Yoon, Seokkwan

1989-01-01

A finite-volume lower-upper (LU) implicit scheme is used to simulate an inviscid flow in a tubine cascade. This approximate factorization scheme requires only the inversion of sparse lower and upper triangular matrices, which can be done efficiently without extensive storage. As an implicit scheme it allows a large time step to reach the steady state. An interactive grid generation program (TURBO), which is being developed, is used to generate grids. This program uses the control point form of algebraic grid generation which uses a sparse collection of control points from which the shape and position of coordinate curves can be adjusted. A distinct advantage of TURBO compared with other grid generation programs is that it allows the easy change of local mesh structure without affecting the grid outside the domain of independence. Sample grids are generated by TURBO for a compressor rotor blade and a turbine cascade. The turbine cascade flow is simulated by using the LU implicit scheme on the grid generated by TURBO.

Recent enhancements to the GRIDGEN structured grid generation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinbrenner, John P.; Chawner, John R.

1992-01-01

Significant enhancements are being implemented into the GRIDGEN3D, multiple block, structured grid generation software. Automatic, point-to-point, interblock connectivity will be possible through the addition of the domain entity to GRIDBLOCK's block construction process. Also, the unification of GRIDGEN2D and GRIDBLOCK has begun with the addition of edge grid point distribution capability to GRIDBLOCK. The geometric accuracy of surface grids and the ease with which databases may be obtained is being improved by adding support for standard computer-aided design formats (e.g., PATRAN Neutral and IGES files). Finally, volume grid quality was improved through addition of new SOR algorithm features and the new hybrid control function type to GRIDGEN3D.

Development of a Flexible Framework of Common Hypersonic Navier-Strokes Meshes for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.; Reuthler, James J.; McDaniel, Ryan D.

2003-01-01

A flexible framework for the development of block structured volume grids for hypersonic Navier-Stokes flow simulations was developed for analysis of the Shuttle Orbiter Columbia. The development of the flexible framework, resulted in an ability to quickly generate meshes to directly correlate solutions contributed by participating groups on a common surface mesh, providing confidence for the extension of the envelope of solutions and damage scenarios. The framework draws on the experience of NASA Langely and NASA Ames Research Centers in structured grid generation, and consists of a grid generation process that is implemented through a division of responsibilities. The nominal division of labor consisted of NASA Johnson Space Center coordinating the damage scenarios to be analyzed by the Aerothermodynamics Columbia Accident Investigation (CAI) team, Ames developing the surface grids that described the computational volume about the orbiter, and Langely improving grid quality of Ames generated data and constructing the final volume grids. Distributing the work among the participants in the Aerothermodynamic CIA team resulted in significantly less time required to construct complete meshes than possible by any individual participant. The approach demonstrated that the One-NASA grid generation team could sustain the demand for new meshes to explore new damage scenarios within a aggressive timeline.

Development of a Flexible Framework for Hypersonic Navier-Stoke Space Shuttle Orbiter Meshes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.; Reuthler, James J.; McDaniel, Ryan D.

2004-01-01

A flexible framework constructing block structured volume grids for hypersonic Navier-Strokes flow simulations was developed for the analysis of the Shuttle Orbiter Columbia. The development of the framework, which was partially basedon the requirements of the primary flow solvers used resulted in an ability to directly correlate solutions contributed by participating groups on a common surface mesh. A foundation was built through the assessment of differences between differnt solvers, which provided confidence for independent assessment of other damage scenarios by team members. The framework draws on the experience of NASA Langley and NASA Ames Research Centers in structured grid generation, and consists of a grid generation, and consist of a grid generation process implemented through a division of responsibilities. The nominal division of labor consisted of NASA Johnson Space Center coordinating the damage scenarios to be analyzed by the Aerothermodynamics Columbia Accident Investigation (ACAI) team, Ames developing the surface grids that described the computational volume about the Orbiter, and Langley improving grid quality of Ames generated data and constructing the final computational volume grids. Distributing the work among the participant in th ACAI team resulted in significantl less time required to construct complete meshes than possible by any individual participant. The approach demonstrated that the One-NASA grid generation team could sustain the demand of for five new meshes to explore new damage scenarios within an aggressive time-line.

TIGER: Turbomachinery interactive grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.; Shih, Ming-Hsin; Janus, J. Mark

1992-01-01

A three dimensional, interactive grid generation code, TIGER, is being developed for analysis of flows around ducted or unducted propellers. TIGER is a customized grid generator that combines new technology with methods from general grid generation codes. The code generates multiple block, structured grids around multiple blade rows with a hub and shroud for either C grid or H grid topologies. The code is intended for use with a Euler/Navier-Stokes solver also being developed, but is general enough for use with other flow solvers. TIGER features a silicon graphics interactive graphics environment that displays a pop-up window, graphics window, and text window. The geometry is read as a discrete set of points with options for several industrial standard formats and NASA standard formats. Various splines are available for defining the surface geometries. Grid generation is done either interactively or through a batch mode operation using history files from a previously generated grid. The batch mode operation can be done either with a graphical display of the interactive session or with no graphics so that the code can be run on another computer system. Run time can be significantly reduced by running on a Cray-YMP.

Numerical simulation of steady three-dimensional flows in axial turbomachinery bladerows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basson, Anton Herman

The formulation for and application of a numerical model for low Mach number steady three-dimensional flows in axial turbomachinery blade rows is presented. The formulation considered here includes an efficient grid generation scheme (particularly suited to computational grids for the analysis of turbulent turbomachinery flows) and a semi-implicit, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics scheme that directly includes artificial dissipation, applicable to viscous and inviscid flows. The grid generation technique uses a combination of algebraic and elliptic methods, in conjunction with the Minimal Residual Method, to economically generate smooth structured grids. For typical H-grids in turbomachinery bladerows, when compared to a purely elliptic grid generation scheme, the presented grid generation scheme produces grids with much improved smoothness near the leading and trailing edges, allows the use of small near wall grid spacing required by low Reynolds number turbulence models, and maintains orthogonality of the grid near the solid boundaries even for high flow angle cascades. A specialized embedded H-grid for application particularly to tip clearance flows is presented. This topology smoothly discretizes the domain without modifying the tip shape, while requiring only minor modifications to H-grid flow solvers. Better quantitative modeling of the tip clearance vortex structure than that obtained with a pinched tip approximation is demonstrated. The formulation of artificial dissipation terms for a semi-implicit, pressure-based (SIMPLE type) flow solver, is presented. It is applied to both the Euler and the Navier-Stokes equations, expressed in generalized coordinates using a non-staggered grid. This formulation is compared to some SIMPLE and time marching formulations, revealing the artificial dissipation inherent in some commonly used semi-implicit formulations. The effect of the amount of dissipation on the accuracy of the solution and the convergence rate is quantitatively demonstrated for a number of flow cases. The ability of the formulation to model complex steady turbomachinery flows is demonstrated, e.g. for pressure driven secondary flows, turbine nozzle wakes, turbulent boundary layers. The formulation's modeling of blade surface heat transfer is assessed. The numerical model is used to investigate the structure of phenomena associated with tip clearance flows in a turbine nozzle.

Grid generation for the solution of partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.; Erlebacher, Gordon

1989-01-01

A general survey of grid generators is presented with a concern for understanding why grids are necessary, how they are applied, and how they are generated. After an examination of the need for meshes, the overall applications setting is established with a categorization of the various connectivity patterns. This is split between structured grids and unstructured meshes. Altogether, the categorization establishes the foundation upon which grid generation techniques are developed. The two primary categories are algebraic techniques and partial differential equation techniques. These are each split into basic parts, and accordingly are individually examined in some detail. In the process, the interrelations between the various parts are accented. From the established background in the primary techniques, consideration is shifted to the topic of interactive grid generation and then to adaptive meshes. The setting for adaptivity is established with a suitable means to monitor severe solution behavior. Adaptive grids are considered first and are followed by adaptive triangular meshes. Then the consideration shifts to the temporal coupling between grid generators and PDE-solvers. To conclude, a reflection upon the discussion, herein, is given.

Grid generation for the solution of partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.; Erlebacher, Gordon

1987-01-01

A general survey of grid generators is presented with a concern for understanding why grids are necessary, how they are applied, and how they are generated. After an examination of the need for meshes, the overall applications setting is established with a categorization of the various connectivity patterns. This is split between structured grids and unstructured meshes. Altogether, the categorization establishes the foundation upon which grid generation techniques are developed. The two primary categories are algebraic techniques and partial differential equation techniques. These are each split into basic parts, and accordingly are individually examined in some detail. In the process, the interrelations between the various parts are accented. From the established background in the primary techniques, consideration is shifted to the topic of interactive grid generation and then to adaptive meshes. The setting for adaptivity is established with a suitable means to monitor severe solution behavior. Adaptive grids are considered first and are followed by adaptive triangular meshes. Then the consideration shifts to the temporal coupling between grid generators and PDE-solvers. To conclude, a reflection upon the discussion, herein, is given.

TopMaker: Technique Developed for Automatic Multiblock Topology Generation Using the Medial Axis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rigby, David L.

2004-01-01

The TopMaker technique was developed in an effort to reduce the time required for grid generation in complex numerical studies. Topology generation accounts for much of the man-hours required for structured multiblock grids. With regard to structured multiblock grids, topology refers to how the blocks are arranged and connected. A two-dimensional multiblock topology generation technique has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Very general configurations can be addressed by the technique. A configuration is defined by a collection of non-intersecting closed curves, which will be referred to as loops. More than a single loop implies that holes exist in the domain, which poses no problem. This technique requires only the medial vertices and the touch points that define each vertex. From the information about the medial vertices, the connectivity between medial vertices is generated. The physical shape of the medial edge is not required. By applying a few simple rules to each medial edge, a multiblock topology can be generated without user intervention. The resulting topologies contain only the level of complexity dictated by the configurations. Grid lines remain attached to the boundary except at sharp concave turns, where a change in index family is introduced as would be desired. Keeping grid lines attached to the boundary is especially important in computational fluid dynamics, where highly clustered grids are used near no-slip boundaries. This technique is simple and robust and can easily be incorporated into the overall grid-generation process.

Automatic Overset Grid Generation with Heuristic Feedback Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, Peter I.

2001-01-01

An advancing front grid generation system for structured Overset grids is presented which automatically modifies Overset structured surface grids and control lines until user-specified grid qualities are achieved. The system is demonstrated on two examples: the first refines a space shuttle fuselage control line until global truncation error is achieved; the second advances, from control lines, the space shuttle orbiter fuselage top and fuselage side surface grids until proper overlap is achieved. Surface grids are generated in minutes for complex geometries. The system is implemented as a heuristic feedback control (HFC) expert system which iteratively modifies the input specifications for Overset control line and surface grids. It is developed as an extension of modern control theory, production rules systems and subsumption architectures. The methodology provides benefits over the full knowledge lifecycle of an expert system for knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, and knowledge execution. The vector/matrix framework of modern control theory systematically acquires and represents expert system knowledge. Missing matrix elements imply missing expert knowledge. The execution of the expert system knowledge is performed through symbolic execution of the matrix algebra equations of modern control theory. The dot product operation of matrix algebra is generalized for heuristic symbolic terms. Constant time execution is guaranteed.

GRID: a high-resolution protein structure refinement algorithm.

PubMed

Chitsaz, Mohsen; Mayo, Stephen L

2013-03-05

The energy-based refinement of protein structures generated by fold prediction algorithms to atomic-level accuracy remains a major challenge in structural biology. Energy-based refinement is mainly dependent on two components: (1) sufficiently accurate force fields, and (2) efficient conformational space search algorithms. Focusing on the latter, we developed a high-resolution refinement algorithm called GRID. It takes a three-dimensional protein structure as input and, using an all-atom force field, attempts to improve the energy of the structure by systematically perturbing backbone dihedrals and side-chain rotamer conformations. We compare GRID to Backrub, a stochastic algorithm that has been shown to predict a significant fraction of the conformational changes that occur with point mutations. We applied GRID and Backrub to 10 high-resolution (≤ 2.8 Å) crystal structures from the Protein Data Bank and measured the energy improvements obtained and the computation times required to achieve them. GRID resulted in energy improvements that were significantly better than those attained by Backrub while expending about the same amount of computational resources. GRID resulted in relaxed structures that had slightly higher backbone RMSDs compared to Backrub relative to the starting crystal structures. The average RMSD was 0.25 ± 0.02 Å for GRID versus 0.14 ± 0.04 Å for Backrub. These relatively minor deviations indicate that both algorithms generate structures that retain their original topologies, as expected given the nature of the algorithms. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Program EAGLE User’s Manual. Volume 3. Grid Generation Code

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-01

15 1. ompps.te Grid Structure ..... .. .................. . 15 2. Block Interfaces ......... ...................... . 18 3. Fundmental ...in principle it is possible to establish a correspondence between any physical region and a single empty rectangular block for general three...differences. Since this second surrounding layer is not involved in the grid generation, no further account will be taken of its presence in the present

MAG3D and its application to internal flowfield analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, K. D.; Henderson, T. L.; Choo, Y. K.

1992-01-01

MAG3D (multiblock adaptive grid, 3D) is a 3D solution-adaptive grid generation code which redistributes grid points to improve the accuracy of a flow solution without increasing the number of grid points. The code is applicable to structured grids with a multiblock topology. It is independent of the original grid generator and the flow solver. The code uses the coordinates of an initial grid and the flow solution interpolated onto the new grid. MAG3D uses a numerical mapping and potential theory to modify the grid distribution based on properties of the flow solution on the initial grid. The adaptation technique is discussed, and the capability of MAG3D is demonstrated with several internal flow examples. Advantages of using solution-adaptive grids are also shown by comparing flow solutions on adaptive grids with those on initial grids.

Current Grid Generation Strategies and Future Requirements in Hypersonic Vehicle Design, Analysis and Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papadopoulos, Periklis; Venkatapathy, Ethiraj; Prabhu, Dinesh; Loomis, Mark P.; Olynick, Dave; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

Recent advances in computational power enable computational fluid dynamic modeling of increasingly complex configurations. A review of grid generation methodologies implemented in support of the computational work performed for the X-38 and X-33 are presented. In strategizing topological constructs and blocking structures factors considered are the geometric configuration, optimal grid size, numerical algorithms, accuracy requirements, physics of the problem at hand, computational expense, and the available computer hardware. Also addressed are grid refinement strategies, the effects of wall spacing, and convergence. The significance of grid is demonstrated through a comparison of computational and experimental results of the aeroheating environment experienced by the X-38 vehicle. Special topics on grid generation strategies are also addressed to model control surface deflections, and material mapping.

A Structured-Grid Quality Measure for Simulated Hypersonic Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

2004-01-01

A structured-grid quality measure is proposed, combining three traditional measurements: intersection angles, stretching, and curvature. Quality assesses whether the grid generated provides the best possible tradeoffs in grid stretching and skewness that enable accurate flow predictions, whereas the grid density is assumed to be a constraint imposed by the available computational resources and the desired resolution of the flow field. The usefulness of this quality measure is assessed by comparing heat transfer predictions from grid convergence studies for grids of varying quality in the range of [0.6-0.8] on an 8'half-angle sphere-cone, at laminar, perfect gas, Mach 10 wind tunnel conditions.

Impact of Considering 110 kV Grid Structures on the Congestion Management in the German Transmission Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffrichter, André; Barrios, Hans; Massmann, Janek; Venkataramanachar, Bhavasagar; Schnettler, Armin

2018-02-01

The structural changes in the European energy system lead to an increase of renewable energy sources that are primarily connected to the distribution grid. Hence the stationary analysis of the transmission grid and the regionalization of generation capacities are strongly influenced by subordinate grid structures. To quantify the impact on the congestion management in the German transmission grid, a 110 kV grid model is derived using publicly available data delivered by Open Street Map and integrated into an existing model of the European transmission grid. Power flow and redispatch simulations are performed for three different regionalization methods and grid configurations. The results show a significant impact of the 110 kV system and prove an overestimation of power flows in the transmission grid when neglecting subordinate grids. Thus, the redispatch volume in Germany to dissolve bottlenecks in case of N-1 contingencies decreases by 38 % when considering the 110 kV grid.

Structured background grids for generation of unstructured grids by advancing front method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar

1991-01-01

A new method of background grid construction is introduced for generation of unstructured tetrahedral grids using the advancing-front technique. Unlike the conventional triangular/tetrahedral background grids which are difficult to construct and usually inadequate in performance, the new method exploits the simplicity of uniform Cartesian meshes and provides grids of better quality. The approach is analogous to solving a steady-state heat conduction problem with discrete heat sources. The spacing parameters of grid points are distributed over the nodes of a Cartesian background grid by interpolating from a few prescribed sources and solving a Poisson equation. To increase the control over the grid point distribution, a directional clustering approach is used. The new method is convenient to use and provides better grid quality and flexibility. Sample results are presented to demonstrate the power of the method.

Grid Work

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Pointwise Inc.'s, Gridgen Software is a system for the generation of 3D (three dimensional) multiple block, structured grids. Gridgen is a visually-oriented, graphics-based interactive code used to decompose a 3D domain into blocks, distribute grid points on curves, initialize and refine grid points on surfaces and initialize volume grid points. Gridgen is available to U.S. citizens and American-owned companies by license.

An electrical betweenness approach for vulnerability assessment of power grids considering the capacity of generators and load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Zhang, Bu-han; Zhang, Zhe; Yin, Xiang-gen; Wang, Bo

2011-11-01

Most existing research on the vulnerability of power grids based on complex networks ignores the electrical characteristics and the capacity of generators and load. In this paper, the electrical betweenness is defined by considering the maximal demand of load and the capacity of generators in power grids. The loss of load, which reflects the ability of power grids to provide sufficient power to customers, is introduced to measure the vulnerability together with the size of the largest cluster. The simulation results of the IEEE-118 bus system and the Central China Power Grid show that the cumulative distributions of node electrical betweenness follow a power-law and that the nodes with high electrical betweenness play critical roles in both topological structure and power transmission of power grids. The results prove that the model proposed in this paper is effective for analyzing the vulnerability of power grids.

Automatic blocking for complex three-dimensional configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dannenhoffer, John F., III

1995-01-01

A new blocking technique for complex three-dimensional configurations is described. This new technique is based upon the concept of an abstraction, or squared-up representation, of the configuration and the associated grid. By allowing the user to describe blocking requirements in natural terms (such as 'wrap a grid around this leading edge' or 'make all grid lines emanating from this wall orthogonal to it'), users can quickly generate complex grids around complex configurations, while still maintaining a high level of control where desired. An added advantage of the abstraction concept is that once a blocking is defined for a class of configurations, it can be automatically applied to other configurations of the same class, making the new technique particularly well suited for the parametric variations which typically occur during design processes. Grids have been generated for a variety of real-world, two- and three-dimensional configurations. In all cases, the time required to generate the grid, given just an electronic form of the configuration, was at most a few days. Hence with this new technique, the generation of a block-structured grid is only slightly more expensive than the generation of an unstructured grid for the same configuration.

GENIE(++): A Multi-Block Structured Grid System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Tonya; Nadenthiran, Naren; Thornburg, Hugh; Soni, Bharat K.

1996-01-01

The computer code GENIE++ is a continuously evolving grid system containing a multitude of proven geometry/grid techniques. The generation process in GENIE++ is based on an earlier version. The process uses several techniques either separately or in combination to quickly and economically generate sculptured geometry descriptions and grids for arbitrary geometries. The computational mesh is formed by using an appropriate algebraic method. Grid clustering is accomplished with either exponential or hyperbolic tangent routines which allow the user to specify a desired point distribution. Grid smoothing can be accomplished by using an elliptic solver with proper forcing functions. B-spline and Non-Uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) algorithms are used for surface definition and redistribution. The built in sculptured geometry definition with desired distribution of points, automatic Bezier curve/surface generation for interior boundaries/surfaces, and surface redistribution is based on NURBS. Weighted Lagrance/Hermite transfinite interpolation methods, interactive geometry/grid manipulation modules, and on-line graphical visualization of the generation process are salient features of this system which result in a significant time savings for a given geometry/grid application.

ICEG2D (v2.0) - An Integrated Software Package for Automated Prediction of Flow Fields for Single-Element Airfoils With Ice Accretion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson David S.; Soni, Bharat K.

2001-01-01

An integrated geometry/grid/simulation software package, ICEG2D, is being developed to automate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for single- and multi-element airfoils with ice accretions. The current version, ICEG213 (v2.0), was designed to automatically perform four primary functions: (1) generate a grid-ready surface definition based on the geometrical characteristics of the iced airfoil surface, (2) generate high-quality structured and generalized grids starting from a defined surface definition, (3) generate the input and restart files needed to run the structured grid CFD solver NPARC or the generalized grid CFD solver HYBFL2D, and (4) using the flow solutions, generate solution-adaptive grids. ICEG2D (v2.0) can be operated in either a batch mode using a script file or in an interactive mode by entering directives from a command line within a Unix shell. This report summarizes activities completed in the first two years of a three-year research and development program to address automation issues related to CFD simulations for airfoils with ice accretions. As well as describing the technology employed in the software, this document serves as a users manual providing installation and operating instructions. An evaluation of the software is also presented.

Characterization of Slosh Damping for Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid Internal Tank Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westra, Douglas G.; Sansone, Marco D.; Eberhart, Chad J.; West, Jeffrey S.

2016-01-01

Grid stiffened tank structures such as Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid are widely used in cryogenic tanks for providing stiffening to the tank while reducing mass, compared to tank walls of constant cross-section. If the structure is internal to the tank, it will positively affect the fluid dynamic behavior of the liquid propellant, in regard to fluid slosh damping. As NASA and commercial companies endeavor to explore the solar system, vehicles will by necessity become more mass efficient, and design margin will be reduced where possible. Therefore, if the damping characteristics of the Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid structure is understood, their positive damping effect can be taken into account in the systems design process. Historically, damping by internal structures has been characterized by rules of thumb and for Ortho-Grid, empirical design tools intended for slosh baffles of much larger cross-section have been used. There is little or no information available to characterize the slosh behavior of Iso-Grid internal structure. Therefore, to take advantage of these structures for their positive damping effects, there is much need for obtaining additional data and tools to characterize them. Recently, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center conducted both sub-scale testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of slosh damping for Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid tanks for cylindrical tanks containing water. Enhanced grid meshing techniques were applied to the geometrically detailed and complex Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid structures. The Loci-STREAM CFD program with the Volume of Fluid Method module for tracking and locating the water-air fluid interface was used to conduct the simulations. The CFD simulations were validated with the test data and new empirical models for predicting damping and frequency of Ortho-Grid and Iso-Grid structures were generated.

Modeling and Grid Generation of Iced Airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vickerman, Mary B.; Baez, Marivell; Braun, Donald C.; Hackenberg, Anthony W.; Pennline, James A.; Schilling, Herbert W.

2007-01-01

SmaggIce Version 2.0 is a software toolkit for geometric modeling and grid generation for two-dimensional, singleand multi-element, clean and iced airfoils. A previous version of SmaggIce was described in Preparing and Analyzing Iced Airfoils, NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 28, No. 8 (August 2004), page 32. To recapitulate: Ice shapes make it difficult to generate quality grids around airfoils, yet these grids are essential for predicting ice-induced complex flow. This software efficiently creates high-quality structured grids with tools that are uniquely tailored for various ice shapes. SmaggIce Version 2.0 significantly enhances the previous version primarily by adding the capability to generate grids for multi-element airfoils. This version of the software is an important step in streamlining the aeronautical analysis of ice airfoils using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. The user may prepare the ice shape, define the flow domain, decompose it into blocks, generate grids, modify/divide/merge blocks, and control grid density and smoothness. All these steps may be performed efficiently even for the difficult glaze and rime ice shapes. Providing the means to generate highly controlled grids near rough ice, the software includes the creation of a wrap-around block (called the "viscous sublayer block"), which is a thin, C-type block around the wake line and iced airfoil. For multi-element airfoils, the software makes use of grids that wrap around and fill in the areas between the viscous sub-layer blocks for all elements that make up the airfoil. A scripting feature records the history of interactive steps, which can be edited and replayed later to produce other grids. Using this version of SmaggIce, ice shape handling and grid generation can become a practical engineering process, rather than a laborious research effort.

Coarsening of three-dimensional structured and unstructured grids for subsurface flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aarnes, Jørg Espen; Hauge, Vera Louise; Efendiev, Yalchin

2007-11-01

We present a generic, semi-automated algorithm for generating non-uniform coarse grids for modeling subsurface flow. The method is applicable to arbitrary grids and does not impose smoothness constraints on the coarse grid. One therefore avoids conventional smoothing procedures that are commonly used to ensure that the grids obtained with standard coarsening procedures are not too rough. The coarsening algorithm is very simple and essentially involves only two parameters that specify the level of coarsening. Consequently the algorithm allows the user to specify the simulation grid dynamically to fit available computer resources, and, e.g., use the original geomodel as input for flow simulations. This is of great importance since coarse grid-generation is normally the most time-consuming part of an upscaling phase, and therefore the main obstacle that has prevented simulation workflows with user-defined resolution. We apply the coarsening algorithm to a series of two-phase flow problems on both structured (Cartesian) and unstructured grids. The numerical results demonstrate that one consistently obtains significantly more accurate results using the proposed non-uniform coarsening strategy than with corresponding uniform coarse grids with roughly the same number of cells.

Aspects of Unstructured Grids and Finite-Volume Solvers for the Euler and Navier-Stokes Equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, Timothy J.

1992-01-01

One of the major achievements in engineering science has been the development of computer algorithms for solving nonlinear differential equations such as the Navier-Stokes equations. In the past, limited computer resources have motivated the development of efficient numerical schemes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) utilizing structured meshes. The use of structured meshes greatly simplifies the implementation of CFD algorithms on conventional computers. Unstructured grids on the other hand offer an alternative to modeling complex geometries. Unstructured meshes have irregular connectivity and usually contain combinations of triangles, quadrilaterals, tetrahedra, and hexahedra. The generation and use of unstructured grids poses new challenges in CFD. The purpose of this note is to present recent developments in the unstructured grid generation and flow solution technology.

Establishment of key grid-connected performance index system for integrated PV-ES system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Q.; Yuan, X. D.; Qi, Q.; Liu, H. M.

2016-08-01

In order to further promote integrated optimization operation of distributed new energy/ energy storage/ active load, this paper studies the integrated photovoltaic-energy storage (PV-ES) system which is connected with the distribution network, and analyzes typical structure and configuration selection for integrated PV-ES generation system. By combining practical grid- connected characteristics requirements and technology standard specification of photovoltaic generation system, this paper takes full account of energy storage system, and then proposes several new grid-connected performance indexes such as paralleled current sharing characteristic, parallel response consistency, adjusting characteristic, virtual moment of inertia characteristic, on- grid/off-grid switch characteristic, and so on. A comprehensive and feasible grid-connected performance index system is then established to support grid-connected performance testing on integrated PV-ES system.

Integrating DICOM structure reporting (SR) into the medical imaging informatics data grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jasper; Le, Anh; Liu, Brent

2008-03-01

The Medical Imaging Informatics (MI2) Data Grid developed at the USC Image Processing and Informatics Laboratory enables medical images to be shared securely between multiple imaging centers. Current applications include an imaging-based clinical trial setting where multiple field sites perform image acquisition and a centralized radiology core performs image analysis, often using computer-aided diagnosis tools (CAD) that generate a DICOM-SR to report their findings and measurements. As more and more CAD tools are being developed in the radiology field, the generated DICOM Structure Reports (SR) holding key radiological findings and measurements that are not part of the DICOM image need to be integrated into the existing Medical Imaging Informatics Data Grid with the corresponding imaging studies. We will discuss the significance and method involved in adapting DICOM-SR into the Medical Imaging Informatics Data Grid. The result is a MI2 Data Grid repository from which users can send and receive DICOM-SR objects based on the imaging-based clinical trial application. The services required to extract and categorize information from the structured reports will be discussed, and the workflow to store and retrieve a DICOM-SR file into the existing MI2 Data Grid will be shown.

SU-F-T-436: A Method to Evaluate Dosimetric Properties of SFGRT in Eclipse TPS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, M; Tobias, R; Pankuch, M

Purpose: The objective was to develop a method for dose distribution calculation of spatially-fractionated-GRID-radiotherapy (SFGRT) in Eclipse treatment-planning-system (TPS). Methods: Patient treatment-plans with SFGRT for bulky tumors were generated in Varian Eclipse version11. A virtual structure based on the GRID pattern was created and registered to a patient CT image dataset. The virtual GRID structure was positioned on the iso-center level together with matching beam geometries to simulate a commercially available GRID block made of brass. This method overcame the difficulty in treatment-planning and dose-calculation due to the lack o-the option to insert a GRID block add-on in Eclipse TPS.more » The patient treatment-planning displayed GRID effects on the target, critical structures, and dose distribution. The dose calculations were compared to the measurement results in phantom. Results: The GRID block structure was created to follow the beam divergence to the patient CT images. The inserted virtual GRID block made it possible to calculate the dose distributions and profiles at various depths in Eclipse. The virtual GRID block was added as an option to TPS. The 3D representation of the isodose distribution of the spatially-fractionated beam was generated in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Physics of GRID can be different from that for fields shaped by regular blocks because the charge-particle-equilibrium cannot be guaranteed for small field openings. Output factor (OF) measurement was required to calculate the MU to deliver the prescribed dose. The calculated OF based on the virtual GRID agreed well with the measured OF in phantom. Conclusion: The method to create the virtual GRID block has been proposed for the first time in Eclipse TPS. The dosedistributions, in-plane and cross-plane profiles in PTV can be displayed in 3D-space. The calculated OF’s based on the virtual GRID model compare well to the measured OF’s for SFGRT clinical use.« less

Application of the FUN3D Unstructured-Grid Navier-Stokes Solver to the 4th AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop Cases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee-Rausch, Elizabeth M.; Hammond, Dana P.; Nielsen, Eric J.; Pirzadeh, S. Z.; Rumsey, Christopher L.

2010-01-01

FUN3D Navier-Stokes solutions were computed for the 4th AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop grid convergence study, downwash study, and Reynolds number study on a set of node-based mixed-element grids. All of the baseline tetrahedral grids were generated with the VGRID (developmental) advancing-layer and advancing-front grid generation software package following the gridding guidelines developed for the workshop. With maximum grid sizes exceeding 100 million nodes, the grid convergence study was particularly challenging for the node-based unstructured grid generators and flow solvers. At the time of the workshop, the super-fine grid with 105 million nodes and 600 million elements was the largest grid known to have been generated using VGRID. FUN3D Version 11.0 has a completely new pre- and post-processing paradigm that has been incorporated directly into the solver and functions entirely in a parallel, distributed memory environment. This feature allowed for practical pre-processing and solution times on the largest unstructured-grid size requested for the workshop. For the constant-lift grid convergence case, the convergence of total drag is approximately second-order on the finest three grids. The variation in total drag between the finest two grids is only 2 counts. At the finest grid levels, only small variations in wing and tail pressure distributions are seen with grid refinement. Similarly, a small wing side-of-body separation also shows little variation at the finest grid levels. Overall, the FUN3D results compare well with the structured-grid code CFL3D. The FUN3D downwash study and Reynolds number study results compare well with the range of results shown in the workshop presentations.

Flow field topology of submerged jets with fractal generated turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cafiero, Gioacchino; Discetti, Stefano; Astarita, Tommaso

2015-11-01

Fractal grids (FGs) have been recently an object of numerous investigations due to the interesting capability of generating turbulence at multiple scales, thus paving the way to tune mixing and scalar transport. The flow field topology of a turbulent air jet equipped with a square FG is investigated by means of planar and volumetric particle image velocimetry. The comparison with the well-known features of a round jet without turbulence generators is also presented. The Reynolds number based on the nozzle exit section diameter for all the experiments is set to about 15 000. It is demonstrated that the presence of the grid enhances the entrainment rate and, as a consequence, the scalar transfer of the jet. Moreover, due to the effect of the jet external shear layer on the wake shed by the grid bars, the turbulence production region past the grid is significantly shortened with respect to the documented behavior of fractal grids in free-shear conditions. The organization of the large coherent structures in the FG case is also analyzed and discussed. Differently from the well-known generation of toroidal vortices due to the growth of azimuthal disturbances within the jet shear layer, the fractal grid introduces cross-wise disturbs which produce streamwise vortices; these structures, although characterized by a lower energy content, have a deeper streamwise penetration than the ring vortices, thus enhancing the entrainment process.

Stability assessment of a multi-port power electronic interface for hybrid micro-grid applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamsi, Pourya

Migration to an industrial society increases the demand for electrical energy. Meanwhile, social causes for preserving the environment and reducing pollutions seek cleaner forms of energy sources. Therefore, there has been a growth in distributed generation from renewable sources in the past decade. Existing regulations and power system coordination does not allow for massive integration of distributed generation throughout the grid. Moreover, the current infrastructures are not designed for interfacing distributed and deregulated generation. In order to remedy this problem, a hybrid micro-grid based on nano-grids is introduced. This system consists of a reliable micro-grid structure that provides a smooth transition from the current distribution networks to smart micro-grid systems. Multi-port power electronic interfaces are introduced to manage the local generation, storage, and consumption. Afterwards, a model for this micro-grid is derived. Using this model, the stability of the system under a variety of source and load induced disturbances is studied. Moreover, pole-zero study of the micro-grid is performed under various loading conditions. An experimental setup of this micro-grid is developed, and the validity of the model in emulating the dynamic behavior of the system is verified. This study provides a theory for a novel hybrid micro-grid as well as models for stability assessment of the proposed micro-grid.

Direct Replacement of Arbitrary Grid-Overlapping by Non-Structured Grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kao, Kai-Hsiung; Liou, Meng-Sing

1994-01-01

A new approach that uses nonstructured mesh to replace the arbitrarily overlapped structured regions of embedded grids is presented. The present methodology uses the Chimera composite overlapping mesh system so that the physical domain of the flowfield is subdivided into regions which can accommodate easily-generated grid for complex configuration. In addition, a Delaunay triangulation technique generates nonstructured triangular mesh which wraps over the interconnecting region of embedded grids. It is designed that the present approach, termed DRAGON grid, has three important advantages: eliminating some difficulties of the Chimera scheme, such as the orphan points and/or bad quality of interpolation stencils; making grid communication in a fully conservative way; and implementation into three dimensions is straightforward. A computer code based on a time accurate, finite volume, high resolution scheme for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations has been further developed to include both the Chimera overset grid and the nonstructured mesh schemes. For steady state problems, the local time stepping accelerates convergence based on a Courant - Friedrichs - Leury (CFL) number near the local stability limit. Numerical tests on representative steady and unsteady supersonic inviscid flows with strong shock waves are demonstrated.

An assessment of unstructured grid technology for timely CFD analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinard, Tom A.; Schabowski, Deanne M.

1995-01-01

An assessment of two unstructured methods is presented in this paper. A tetrahedral unstructured method USM3D, developed at NASA Langley Research Center is compared to a Cartesian unstructured method, SPLITFLOW, developed at Lockheed Fort Worth Company. USM3D is an upwind finite volume solver that accepts grids generated primarily from the Vgrid grid generator. SPLITFLOW combines an unstructured grid generator with an implicit flow solver in one package. Both methods are exercised on three test cases, a wing, and a wing body, and a fully expanded nozzle. The results for the first two runs are included here and compared to the structured grid method TEAM and to available test data. On each test case, the set up procedure are described, including any difficulties that were encountered. Detailed descriptions of the solvers are not included in this paper.

Numerical Solution of the Three-Dimensional Navier-Stokes Equation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

compressible, viscous fluid in an arbitrary geometry. We wish to use a grid generating scheme so we assume that the geometry of the physical problem given in...bian J of the mapping are provided. (For work on grid generating schemes see [4], [5] or [6).) Hence we must solve the following system of equations...these limitations the data structure used in the ILLIAC code is to partition the grid into 8 x 8 x 8 blocks. A row of these blocks in a given

A Theoretical Secure Enterprise Architecture for Multi Revenue Generating Smart Grid Sub Electric Infrastructure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaudhry, Hina

2013-01-01

This study is a part of the smart grid initiative providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It is a refueling structure, an energy generating photovoltaic system and charge point electric vehicle charging station. The system will utilize advanced design and technology allowing electricity to flow from the site's normal electric service…

CFD Methods and Tools for Multi-Element Airfoil Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Stuart E.; George, Michael W. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

This lecture will discuss the computational tools currently available for high-lift multi-element airfoil analysis. It will present an overview of a number of different numerical approaches, their current capabilities, short-comings, and computational costs. The lecture will be limited to viscous methods, including inviscid/boundary layer coupling methods, and incompressible and compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes methods. Both structured and unstructured grid generation approaches will be presented. Two different structured grid procedures are outlined, one which uses multi-block patched grids, the other uses overset chimera grids. Turbulence and transition modeling will be discussed.

Computing Aerodynamic Performance of a 2D Iced Airfoil: Blocking Topology and Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chi, X.; Zhu, B.; Shih, T. I.-P.; Slater, J. W.; Addy, H. E.; Choo, Yung K.; Lee, Chi-Ming (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The ice accrued on airfoils can have enormously complicated shapes with multiple protruded horns and feathers. In this paper, several blocking topologies are proposed and evaluated on their ability to produce high-quality structured multi-block grid systems. A transition layer grid is introduced to ensure that jaggedness on the ice-surface geometry do not to propagate into the domain. This is important for grid-generation methods based on hyperbolic PDEs (Partial Differential Equations) and algebraic transfinite interpolation. A 'thick' wrap-around grid is introduced to ensure that grid lines clustered next to solid walls do not propagate as streaks of tightly packed grid lines into the interior of the domain along block boundaries. For ice shapes that are not too complicated, a method is presented for generating high-quality single-block grids. To demonstrate the usefulness of the methods developed, grids and CFD solutions were generated for two iced airfoils: the NLF0414 airfoil with and without the 623-ice shape and the B575/767 airfoil with and without the 145m-ice shape. To validate the computations, the computed lift coefficients as a function of angle of attack were compared with available experimental data. The ice shapes and the blocking topologies were prepared by NASA Glenn's SmaggIce software. The grid systems were generated by using a four-boundary method based on Hermite interpolation with controls on clustering, orthogonality next to walls, and C continuity across block boundaries. The flow was modeled by the ensemble-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations, closed by the shear-stress transport turbulence model in which the integration is to the wall. All solutions were generated by using the NPARC WIND code.

Performance optimization of a hybrid micro-grid based on double-loop MPPT and SVC-MERS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Yewen; Hou, Xilun; Zhang, Xiang; Xiong, Shengnan; Peng, Fei

2018-02-01

With ever-increasing concerns on environmental pollution and energy shortage, the development of renewable resource has attracted a lot of attention. This paper first reviews both the wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation techniques and approaches of micro-grid voltage control. Then, a novel islanded micro-grid, which consists of wind & PV generation and hybrid-energy storage device, is built for application to remote and isolated areas. For the PV power generation branch, a double- maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is developed to trace the sunlight and regulate the tilt angle of PV panels. For wind-power generation branch, squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) is used as its simple structure, robustness and less cost. In order to stabilize the output voltage of SCIGs, a new Static Var Compensator named magnetic energy recovery switch (SVC-MERS) is applied. Finally, experimental results confirm that both of the proposed methods can improve the efficiency of PV power generation and voltage stability of the micro-grid, respectively.

Chimera grids in the simulation of three-dimensional flowfields in turbine-blade-coolant passages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephens, M. A.; Rimlinger, M. J.; Shih, T. I.-P.; Civinskas, K. C.

1993-01-01

When computing flows inside geometrically complex turbine-blade coolant passages, the structure of the grid system used can affect significantly the overall time and cost required to obtain solutions. This paper addresses this issue while evaluating and developing computational tools for the design and analysis of coolant-passages, and is divided into two parts. In the first part, the various types of structured and unstructured grids are compared in relation to their ability to provide solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner. This comparison shows that the overlapping structured grids, known as Chimera grids, can rival and in some instances exceed the cost-effectiveness of unstructured grids in terms of both the man hours needed to generate grids and the amount of computer memory and CPU time needed to obtain solutions. In the second part, a computational tool utilizing Chimera grids was used to compute the flow and heat transfer in two different turbine-blade coolant passages that contain baffles and numerous pin fins. These computations showed the versatility and flexibility offered by Chimera grids.

Intelligent Control of Micro Grid: A Big Data-Based Control Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lu; Wang, Yanping; Liu, Li; Wang, Zhiseng

2018-01-01

In this paper, a structure of micro grid system with big data-based control center is introduced. Energy data from distributed generation, storage and load are analized through the control center, and from the results new trends will be predicted and applied as a feedback to optimize the control. Therefore, each step proceeded in micro grid can be adjusted and orgnized in a form of comprehensive management. A framework of real-time data collection, data processing and data analysis will be proposed by employing big data technology. Consequently, a integrated distributed generation and a optimized energy storage and transmission process can be implemented in the micro grid system.

Integrating Renewable Generation into Grid Operations: Four International Experiences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weimar, Mark R.; Mylrea, Michael E.; Levin, Todd

International experiences with power sector restructuring and the resultant impacts on bulk power grid operations and planning may provide insight into policy questions for the evolving United States power grid as resource mixes are changing in response to fuel prices, an aging generation fleet and to meet climate goals. Australia, Germany, Japan and the UK were selected to represent a range in the level and attributes of electricity industry liberalization in order to draw comparisons across a variety of regions in the United States such as California, ERCOT, the Southwest Power Pool and the Southeast Reliability Region. The study drawsmore » conclusions through a literature review of the four case study countries with regards to the changing resource mix and the electricity industry sector structure and their impact on grid operations and planning. This paper derives lessons learned and synthesizes implications for the United States based on answers to the above questions and the challenges faced by the four selected countries. Each country was examined to determine the challenges to their bulk power sector based on their changing resource mix, market structure, policies driving the changing resource mix, and policies driving restructuring. Each countries’ approach to solving those changes was examined, as well as how each country’s market structure either exacerbated or mitigated the approaches to solving the challenges to their bulk power grid operations and planning. All countries’ policies encourage renewable energy generation. One significant finding included the low- to zero-marginal cost of intermittent renewables and its potential negative impact on long-term resource adequacy. No dominant solution has emerged although a capacity market was introduced in the UK and is being contemplated in Japan. Germany has proposed the Energy Market 2.0 to encourage flexible generation investment. The grid operator in Australia proposed several approaches to maintaining synchronous generation. Interconnections to other regions provides added opportunities for balancing that would not be available otherwise, and at this point, has allowed for integration of renewables.« less

A 3-D chimera grid embedding technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benek, J. A.; Buning, P. G.; Steger, J. L.

1985-01-01

A three-dimensional (3-D) chimera grid-embedding technique is described. The technique simplifies the construction of computational grids about complex geometries. The method subdivides the physical domain into regions which can accommodate easily generated grids. Communication among the grids is accomplished by interpolation of the dependent variables at grid boundaries. The procedures for constructing the composite mesh and the associated data structures are described. The method is demonstrated by solution of the Euler equations for the transonic flow about a wing/body, wing/body/tail, and a configuration of three ellipsoidal bodies.

An efficient predictor-corrector-based dynamic mesh method for multi-block structured grid with extremely large deformation and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Tongqing; Chen, Hao; Lu, Zhiliang

2018-05-01

Aiming at extremely large deformation, a novel predictor-corrector-based dynamic mesh method for multi-block structured grid is proposed. In this work, the dynamic mesh generation is completed in three steps. At first, some typical dynamic positions are selected and high-quality multi-block grids with the same topology are generated at those positions. Then, Lagrange interpolation method is adopted to predict the dynamic mesh at any dynamic position. Finally, a rapid elastic deforming technique is used to correct the small deviation between the interpolated geometric configuration and the actual instantaneous one. Compared with the traditional methods, the results demonstrate that the present method shows stronger deformation ability and higher dynamic mesh quality.

Parametric Geometry, Structured Grid Generation, and Initial Design Study for REST-Class Hypersonic Inlets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferlemann, Paul G.; Gollan, Rowan J.

2010-01-01

Computational design and analysis of three-dimensional hypersonic inlets with shape transition has been a significant challenge due to the complex geometry and grid required for three-dimensional viscous flow calculations. Currently, the design process utilizes an inviscid design tool to produce initial inlet shapes by streamline tracing through an axisymmetric compression field. However, the shape is defined by a large number of points rather than a continuous surface and lacks important features such as blunt leading edges. Therefore, a design system has been developed to parametrically construct true CAD geometry and link the topology of a structured grid to the geometry. The Adaptive Modeling Language (AML) constitutes the underlying framework that is used to build the geometry and grid topology. Parameterization of the CAD geometry allows the inlet shapes produced by the inviscid design tool to be generated, but also allows a great deal of flexibility to modify the shape to account for three-dimensional viscous effects. By linking the grid topology to the parametric geometry, the GridPro grid generation software can be used efficiently to produce a smooth hexahedral multiblock grid. To demonstrate the new capability, a matrix of inlets were designed by varying four geometry parameters in the inviscid design tool. The goals of the initial design study were to explore inviscid design tool geometry variations with a three-dimensional analysis approach, demonstrate a solution rate which would enable the use of high-fidelity viscous three-dimensional CFD in future design efforts, process the results for important performance parameters, and perform a sample optimization.

Comparative analysis of existing models for power-grid synchronization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishikawa, Takashi; Motter, Adilson E.

2015-01-01

The dynamics of power-grid networks is becoming an increasingly active area of research within the physics and network science communities. The results from such studies are typically insightful and illustrative, but are often based on simplifying assumptions that can be either difficult to assess or not fully justified for realistic applications. Here we perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of three leading models recently used to study synchronization dynamics in power-grid networks—a fundamental problem of practical significance given that frequency synchronization of all power generators in the same interconnection is a necessary condition for a power grid to operate. We show that each of these models can be derived from first principles within a common framework based on the classical model of a generator, thereby clarifying all assumptions involved. This framework allows us to view power grids as complex networks of coupled second-order phase oscillators with both forcing and damping terms. Using simple illustrative examples, test systems, and real power-grid datasets, we study the inherent frequencies of the oscillators as well as their coupling structure, comparing across the different models. We demonstrate, in particular, that if the network structure is not homogeneous, generators with identical parameters need to be modeled as non-identical oscillators in general. We also discuss an approach to estimate the required (dynamical) system parameters that are unavailable in typical power-grid datasets, their use for computing the constants of each of the three models, and an open-source MATLAB toolbox that we provide for these computations.

Spectral Topography Generation for Arbitrary Grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, T. J.

2015-12-01

A new topography generation tool utilizing spectral transformation technique for both structured and unstructured grids is presented. For the source global digital elevation data, the NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 15 arc-second dataset (gap-filling by Jonathan de Ferranti) is used and for land/water mask source, the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 30 arc-second land water mask dataset v5 is used. The original source data is coarsened to a intermediate global 2 minute lat-lon mesh. Then, spectral transformation to the wave space and inverse transformation with wavenumber truncation is performed for isotropic topography smoothness control. Target grid topography mapping is done by bivariate cubic spline interpolation from the truncated 2 minute lat-lon topography. Gibbs phenomenon in the water region can be removed by overwriting ocean masked target coordinate grids with interpolated values from the intermediate 2 minute grid. Finally, a weak smoothing operator is applied on the target grid to minimize the land/water surface height discontinuity that might have been introduced by the Gibbs oscillation removal procedure. Overall, the new topography generation approach provides spectrally-derived, smooth topography with isotropic resolution and minimum damping, enabling realistic topography forcing in the numerical model. Topography is generated for the cubed-sphere grid and tested on the KIAPS Integrated Model (KIM).

Research on Experiment of Islanding Protection Device of Grid-connected Photovoltaic System Based on RTDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ning; Yang, Jia; Cheng, Zheng; Chen, Bo; Su, Yong Chun; Shu, Zhan; Zou, Jin

2017-06-01

Solar photovoltaic power generation is the power generation using solar cell module converting sunlight into DC electric energy. In the paper an equivalent model of solar photovoltaic power generation system is built in RTDS. The main circuit structure of the two-stage PV grid-connected system consists of the DC-DC, DC-AC circuit. The MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control of the PV array is controlled by adjusting the duty ratio of the DC-DC circuit. The proposed control strategy of constant voltage/constant reactive power (V/Q) control is successfully implemented grid-connected control of the inverter when grid-connected operation. The closed-loop experiment of islanding protection device of photovoltaic power plant on RTDS, verifies the correctness of the simulation model, and the experimental verification can be applied to this type of device.

Streamline integration as a method for two-dimensional elliptic grid generation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wiesenberger, M., E-mail: Matthias.Wiesenberger@uibk.ac.at; Held, M.; Einkemmer, L.

We propose a new numerical algorithm to construct a structured numerical elliptic grid of a doubly connected domain. Our method is applicable to domains with boundaries defined by two contour lines of a two-dimensional function. Furthermore, we can adapt any analytically given boundary aligned structured grid, which specifically includes polar and Cartesian grids. The resulting coordinate lines are orthogonal to the boundary. Grid points as well as the elements of the Jacobian matrix can be computed efficiently and up to machine precision. In the simplest case we construct conformal grids, yet with the help of weight functions and monitor metricsmore » we can control the distribution of cells across the domain. Our algorithm is parallelizable and easy to implement with elementary numerical methods. We assess the quality of grids by considering both the distribution of cell sizes and the accuracy of the solution to elliptic problems. Among the tested grids these key properties are best fulfilled by the grid constructed with the monitor metric approach. - Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Construct structured, elliptic numerical grids with elementary numerical methods. • Align coordinate lines with or make them orthogonal to the domain boundary. • Compute grid points and metric elements up to machine precision. • Control cell distribution by adaption functions or monitor metrics.« less

Integrated Design Engineering Analysis (IDEA) Environment Automated Generation of Structured CFD Grids using Topology Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamhawi, Hilmi N.

2012-01-01

This report documents the work performed from March 2010 to March 2012. The Integrated Design and Engineering Analysis (IDEA) environment is a collaborative environment based on an object-oriented, multidisciplinary, distributed framework using the Adaptive Modeling Language (AML) as a framework and supporting the configuration design and parametric CFD grid generation. This report will focus on describing the work in the area of parametric CFD grid generation using novel concepts for defining the interaction between the mesh topology and the geometry in such a way as to separate the mesh topology from the geometric topology while maintaining the link between the mesh topology and the actual geometry.

3DGRAPE/AL User's Manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, Reese L.; Alter, Stephen J.

1995-01-01

This document is a users' manual for a new three-dimensional structured multiple-block volume g generator called 3DGRAPE/AL. It is a significantly improved version of the previously-released a widely-distributed programs 3DGRAPE and 3DMAGGS. It generates volume grids by iteratively solving the Poisson Equations in three-dimensions. The right-hand-side terms are designed so that user-specific; grid cell heights and user-specified grid cell skewness near boundary surfaces result automatically, with little user intervention. The code is written in Fortran-77, and can be installed with or without a simple graphical user interface which allows the user to watch as the grid is generated. An introduction describing the improvements over the antecedent 3DGRAPE code is presented first. Then follows a chapter on the basic grid generator program itself, and comments on installing it. The input is then described in detail. After that is a description of the Graphical User Interface. Five example cases are shown next, with plots of the results. Following that is a chapter on two input filters which allow use of input data generated elsewhere. Last is a treatment of the theory embodied in the code.

Slat Noise Predictions Using Higher-Order Finite-Difference Methods on Overset Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housman, Jeffrey A.; Kiris, Cetin

2016-01-01

Computational aeroacoustic simulations using the structured overset grid approach and higher-order finite difference methods within the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) solver framework are presented for slat noise predictions. The simulations are part of a collaborative study comparing noise generation mechanisms between a conventional slat and a Krueger leading edge flap. Simulation results are compared with experimental data acquired during an aeroacoustic test in the NASA Langley Quiet Flow Facility. Details of the structured overset grid, numerical discretization, and turbulence model are provided.

Aerodynamic simulation on massively parallel systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haeuser, Jochem; Simon, Horst D.

1992-01-01

This paper briefly addresses the computational requirements for the analysis of complete configurations of aircraft and spacecraft currently under design to be used for advanced transportation in commercial applications as well as in space flight. The discussion clearly shows that massively parallel systems are the only alternative which is both cost effective and on the other hand can provide the necessary TeraFlops, needed to satisfy the narrow design margins of modern vehicles. It is assumed that the solution of the governing physical equations, i.e., the Navier-Stokes equations which may be complemented by chemistry and turbulence models, is done on multiblock grids. This technique is situated between the fully structured approach of classical boundary fitted grids and the fully unstructured tetrahedra grids. A fully structured grid best represents the flow physics, while the unstructured grid gives best geometrical flexibility. The multiblock grid employed is structured within a block, but completely unstructured on the block level. While a completely unstructured grid is not straightforward to parallelize, the above mentioned multiblock grid is inherently parallel, in particular for multiple instruction multiple datastream (MIMD) machines. In this paper guidelines are provided for setting up or modifying an existing sequential code so that a direct parallelization on a massively parallel system is possible. Results are presented for three parallel systems, namely the Intel hypercube, the Ncube hypercube, and the FPS 500 system. Some preliminary results for an 8K CM2 machine will also be mentioned. The code run is the two dimensional grid generation module of Grid, which is a general two dimensional and three dimensional grid generation code for complex geometries. A system of nonlinear Poisson equations is solved. This code is also a good testcase for complex fluid dynamics codes, since the same datastructures are used. All systems provided good speedups, but message passing MIMD systems seem to be best suited for large miltiblock applications.

Advanced grid-stiffened composite shells for applications in heavy-lift helicopter rotor blade spars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan Nampy, Sreenivas

Modern rotor blades are constructed using composite materials to exploit their superior structural performance compared to metals. Helicopter rotor blade spars are conventionally designed as monocoque structures. Blades of the proposed Heavy Lift Helicopter are envisioned to be as heavy as 800 lbs when designed using the monocoque spar design. A new and innovative design is proposed to replace the conventional spar designs with light weight grid-stiffened composite shell. Composite stiffened shells have been known to provide excellent strength to weight ratio and damage tolerance with an excellent potential to reduce weight. Conventional stringer--rib stiffened construction is not suitable for rotor blade spars since they are limited in generating high torsion stiffness that is required for aeroelastic stability of the rotor. As a result, off-axis (helical) stiffeners must be provided. This is a new design space where innovative modeling techniques are needed. The structural behavior of grid-stiffened structures under axial, bending, and torsion loads, typically experienced by rotor blades need to be accurately predicted. The overall objective of the present research is to develop and integrate the necessary design analysis tools to conduct a feasibility study in employing grid-stiffened shells for heavy-lift rotor blade spars. Upon evaluating the limitations in state-of-the-art analytical models in predicting the axial, bending, and torsion stiffness coefficients of grid and grid-stiffened structures, a new analytical model was developed. The new analytical model based on the smeared stiffness approach was developed employing the stiffness matrices of the constituent members of the grid structure such as an arch, helical, or straight beam representing circumferential, helical, and longitudinal stiffeners. This analysis has the capability to model various stiffening configurations such as angle-grid, ortho-grid, and general-grid. Analyses were performed using an existing state-of-the-art and newly developed model to predict the torsion, bending, and axial stiffness of grid and grid-stiffened structures with various stiffening configurations. These predictions were compared to results generated using finite element analysis (FEA) to observe excellent correlation (within 6%) for a range of parameters for grid and grid-stiffened structures such as grid density, stiffener angle, and aspect ratio of the stiffener cross-section. Experimental results from cylindrical grid specimen testing were compared with analytical prediction using the new analysis. The new analysis predicted stiffness coefficients with nearly 7% error compared to FEA results. From the parametric studies conducted, it was observed that the previous state-of-the-art analysis on the other hand exhibited errors of the order of 39% for certain designs. Stability evaluations were also conducted by integrating the new analysis with established stability formulations. A design study was conducted to evaluate the potential weight savings of a simple grid-stiffened rotor blade spar structure compared to a baseline monocoque design. Various design constraints such as stiffness, strength, and stability were imposed. A manual search was conducted for design parameters such as stiffener density, stiffener angle, shell laminate, and stiffener aspect ratio that provide lightweight grid-stiffened designs compared to the baseline. It was found that a weight saving of 9.1% compared to the baseline is possible without violating any of the design constraints.

Enhancements to the GRIDGEN structured grid generation system for internal and external flow applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinbrenner, John P.; Chawner, John R.

1992-01-01

GRIDGEN is a government domain software package for interactive generation of multiple block grids around general configurations. Though it has been freely available since 1989, it has not been widely embraced by the internal flow community due to a misconception that it was designed for external flow use only. In reality GRIDGEN has always worked for internal flow applications, and GRIDGEN ongoing enhancements are increasing the quality of and efficiency with which grids for external and internal flow problems may be constructed. The software consists of four codes used to perform the four steps of the grid generation process. GRIDBLOCK is first used to decompose the flow domain into a collection of component blocks and then to establish interblock connections and flow solver boundary conditions. GRIDGEN2D is then used to generate surface grids on the outer shell of each component block. GRIDGEN3D generates grid points on the interior of each block, and finally GRIDVUE3D is used to inspect the resulting multiple block grid. Three of these codes (GRIDBLOCK, GRIDGEN2D, and GRIDVUE3D) are highly interactive and graphical in nature, and currently run on Silicon Graphics, Inc., and IBM RS/6000 workstations. The lone batch code (GRIDGEN3D) may be run on any of several Unix based platforms. Surface grid generation in GRIDGEN2D is being improved with the addition of higher order surface definitions (NURBS and parametric surfaces input in IGES format and bicubic surfaces input in PATRAN Neutral File format) and double precision mathematics. In addition, two types of automation have been added to GRIDGEN2D that reduce the learning curve slope for new users and eliminate work for experienced users. Volume grid generation using GRIDGEN3D has been improved via the addition of an advanced hybrid control function formulation that provides both orthogonality and clustering control at the block faces and clustering control on the block interior.

Research on Ultrasonic Flaw Detection of Steel Weld in Spatial Grid Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Tao; Sun, Jiandong; Fu, Shengguang; Zhang, Changquan; Gao, Qing

2017-06-01

The welding quality of spatial grid member is an important link in quality control of steel structure. The paper analyzed the reasons that the welding seam of small-bore pipe with thin wall grid structure is difficult to be detected by ultrasonic wave from the theoretical and practical aspects. A series of feasible detection methods was also proposed by improving probe and operation approaches in this paper, and the detection methods were verified by project cases. Over the years, the spatial grid structure is widely used the engineering by virtue of its several outstanding characteristics such as reasonable structure type, standard member, excellent space integrity and quick installation. The wide application of spatial grid structure brings higher requirements on nondestructive test of grid structure. The implementation of new Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Steel Structure Work GB50205-2001 strengthens the site inspection of steel structure, especially the site inspection of ultrasonic flaw detection in steel weld. The detection for spatial grid member structured by small-bore and thin-walled pipes is difficult due to the irregular influence of sound pressure in near-field region of sound field, sound beam diffusion generated by small bore pipe and reduction of sensitivity. Therefore, it is quite significant to select correct detecting conditions. The spatial grid structure of welding ball and bolt ball is statically determinate structure with high-order axial force which is connected by member bars and joints. It is welded by shrouding or conehead of member bars and of member bar and bolt-node sphere. It is obvious that to ensure the quality of these welding positions is critical to the quality of overall grid structure. However, the complexity of weld structure and limitation of ultrasonic detection method cause many difficulties in detection. No satisfactory results will be obtained by the conventional detection technology, so some special approaches must be used.

Euler Technology Assessment program for preliminary aircraft design employing SPLITFLOW code with Cartesian unstructured grid method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finley, Dennis B.

1995-01-01

This report documents results from the Euler Technology Assessment program. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of Euler computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes for use in preliminary aircraft design. Both the accuracy of the predictions and the rapidity of calculations were to be assessed. This portion of the study was conducted by Lockheed Fort Worth Company, using a recently developed in-house Cartesian-grid code called SPLITFLOW. The Cartesian grid technique offers several advantages for this study, including ease of volume grid generation and reduced number of cells compared to other grid schemes. SPLITFLOW also includes grid adaptation of the volume grid during the solution convergence to resolve high-gradient flow regions. This proved beneficial in resolving the large vortical structures in the flow for several configurations examined in the present study. The SPLITFLOW code predictions of the configuration forces and moments are shown to be adequate for preliminary design analysis, including predictions of sideslip effects and the effects of geometry variations at low and high angles of attack. The time required to generate the results from initial surface definition is on the order of several hours, including grid generation, which is compatible with the needs of the design environment.

Wildfire spread, hazard and exposure metric raster grids for central Catalonia.

PubMed

Alcasena, Fermín J; Ager, Alan A; Salis, Michele; Day, Michelle A; Vega-Garcia, Cristina

2018-04-01

We provide 40 m resolution wildfire spread, hazard and exposure metric raster grids for the 0.13 million ha fire-prone Bages County in central Catalonia (northeastern Spain) corresponding to node influence grid (NIG), crown fraction burned (CFB) and fire transmission to residential houses (TR). Fire spread and behavior data (NIG, CFB and fire perimeters) were generated with fire simulation modeling considering wildfire season extreme fire weather conditions (97 th percentile). Moreover, CFB was also generated for prescribed fire (Rx) mild weather conditions. The TR smoothed grid was obtained with a geospatial analysis considering large fire perimeters and individual residential structures located within the study area. We made these raster grids available to assist in the optimization of wildfire risk management plans within the study area and to help mitigate potential losses from catastrophic events.

3D Measurements of coupled freestream turbulence and secondary flow effects on film cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ching, David S.; Xu, Haosen H. A.; Elkins, Christopher J.; Eaton, John K.

2018-06-01

The effect of freestream turbulence on a single round film cooling hole is examined at two turbulence levels of 5 and 8% and compared to a baseline low freestream turbulence case. The hole is inclined at 30° and has length to diameter ratio L/D=4 and unity blowing ratio. Turbulence is generated with grid upstream of the hole in the main channel. The three-dimensional, three-component mean velocity field is acquired with magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) and the three-dimensional temperature field is acquired with magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT). The 8% turbulence grid produces weak mean secondary flows in the mainstream (peak crossflow velocities are 7% of U_bulk) which push the jet close to the wall and significantly change the adiabatic effectiveness distribution. By contrast, the 5% grid has a simpler structure and does not produce a measurable secondary flow structure. The grid turbulence causes little change to the temperature field, indicating that the turbulence generated in the shear layers around the jet dominates the freestream turbulence. The results suggest that secondary flows induced by complex turbulence generators may have caused some of the contradictory results in previous works.

OVERSMART Reporting Tool for Flow Computations Over Large Grid Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kao, David L.; Chan, William M.

2012-01-01

Structured grid solvers such as NASA's OVERFLOW compressible Navier-Stokes flow solver can generate large data files that contain convergence histories for flow equation residuals, turbulence model equation residuals, component forces and moments, and component relative motion dynamics variables. Most of today's large-scale problems can extend to hundreds of grids, and over 100 million grid points. However, due to the lack of efficient tools, only a small fraction of information contained in these files is analyzed. OVERSMART (OVERFLOW Solution Monitoring And Reporting Tool) provides a comprehensive report of solution convergence of flow computations over large, complex grid systems. It produces a one-page executive summary of the behavior of flow equation residuals, turbulence model equation residuals, and component forces and moments. Under the automatic option, a matrix of commonly viewed plots such as residual histograms, composite residuals, sub-iteration bar graphs, and component forces and moments is automatically generated. Specific plots required by the user can also be prescribed via a command file or a graphical user interface. Output is directed to the user s computer screen and/or to an html file for archival purposes. The current implementation has been targeted for the OVERFLOW flow solver, which is used to obtain a flow solution on structured overset grids. The OVERSMART framework allows easy extension to other flow solvers.

Grid generation methodology and CFD simulations in sliding vane compressors and expanders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchi, Giuseppe; Rane, Sham; Kovacevic, Ahmed; Cipollone, Roberto; Murgia, Stefano; Contaldi, Giulio

2017-08-01

The limiting factor for the employment of advanced 3D CFD tools in the analysis and design of rotary vane machines is the unavailability of methods for generation of computational grids suitable for fast and reliable numerical analysis. The paper addresses this challenge presenting the development of an analytical grid generation for vane machines that is based on the user defined nodal displacement. In particular, mesh boundaries are defined as parametric curves generated using trigonometrical modelling of the axial cross section of the machine while the distribution of computational nodes is performed using algebraic algorithms with transfinite interpolation, post orthogonalisation and smoothing. Algebraic control functions are introduced for distribution of nodes on the rotor and casing boundaries in order to achieve good grid quality in terms of cell size and expansion. In this way, the moving and deforming fluid domain of the sliding vane machine is discretized and the conservation of intrinsic quantities in ensured by maintaining the cell connectivity and structure. For validation of generated grids, a mid-size air compressor and a small-scale expander for Organic Rankine Cycle applications have been investigated in this paper. Remarks on implementation of the mesh motion algorithm, stability and robustness experienced with the ANSYS CFX solver as well as the obtained flow results are presented.

A three-dimensional application with the numerical grid generation code: EAGLE (utilizing an externally generated surface)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houston, Johnny L.

1990-01-01

Program EAGLE (Eglin Arbitrary Geometry Implicit Euler) is a multiblock grid generation and steady-state flow solver system. This system combines a boundary conforming surface generation, a composite block structure grid generation scheme, and a multiblock implicit Euler flow solver algorithm. The three codes are intended to be used sequentially from the definition of the configuration under study to the flow solution about the configuration. EAGLE was specifically designed to aid in the analysis of both freestream and interference flow field configurations. These configurations can be comprised of single or multiple bodies ranging from simple axisymmetric airframes to complex aircraft shapes with external weapons. Each body can be arbitrarily shaped with or without multiple lifting surfaces. Program EAGLE is written to compile and execute efficiently on any CRAY machine with or without Solid State Disk (SSD) devices. Also, the code uses namelist inputs which are supported by all CRAY machines using the FORTRAN Compiler CF177. The use of namelist inputs makes it easier for the user to understand the inputs and to operate Program EAGLE. Recently, the Code was modified to operate on other computers, especially the Sun Spare4 Workstation. Several two-dimensional grid configurations were completely and successfully developed using EAGLE. Currently, EAGLE is being used for three-dimension grid applications.

New multigrid approach for three-dimensional unstructured, adaptive grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parthasarathy, Vijayan; Kallinderis, Y.

1994-01-01

A new multigrid method with adaptive unstructured grids is presented. The three-dimensional Euler equations are solved on tetrahedral grids that are adaptively refined or coarsened locally. The multigrid method is employed to propagate the fine grid corrections more rapidly by redistributing the changes-in-time of the solution from the fine grid to the coarser grids to accelerate convergence. A new approach is employed that uses the parent cells of the fine grid cells in an adapted mesh to generate successively coaser levels of multigrid. This obviates the need for the generation of a sequence of independent, nonoverlapping grids as well as the relatively complicated operations that need to be performed to interpolate the solution and the residuals between the independent grids. The solver is an explicit, vertex-based, finite volume scheme that employs edge-based data structures and operations. Spatial discretization is of central-differencing type combined with a special upwind-like smoothing operators. Application cases include adaptive solutions obtained with multigrid acceleration for supersonic and subsonic flow over a bump in a channel, as well as transonic flow around the ONERA M6 wing. Two levels of multigrid resulted in reduction in the number of iterations by a factor of 5.

TIGGERC: Turbomachinery Interactive Grid Generator for 2-D Grid Applications and Users Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, David P.

1994-01-01

A two-dimensional multi-block grid generator has been developed for a new design and analysis system for studying multiple blade-row turbomachinery problems. TIGGERC is a mouse driven, interactive grid generation program which can be used to modify boundary coordinates and grid packing and generates surface grids using a hyperbolic tangent or algebraic distribution of grid points on the block boundaries. The interior points of each block grid are distributed using a transfinite interpolation approach. TIGGERC can generate a blocked axisymmetric H-grid, C-grid, I-grid or O-grid for studying turbomachinery flow problems. TIGGERC was developed for operation on Silicon Graphics workstations. Detailed discussion of the grid generation methodology, menu options, operational features and sample grid geometries are presented.

Structured Overlapping Grid Simulations of Contra-rotating Open Rotor Noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Housman, Jeffrey A.; Kiris, Cetin C.

2015-01-01

Computational simulations using structured overlapping grids with the Launch Ascent and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) solver framework are presented for predicting tonal noise generated by a contra-rotating open rotor (CROR) propulsion system. A coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational AeroAcoustics (CAA) numerical approach is applied. Three-dimensional time-accurate hybrid Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes/Large Eddy Simulation (RANS/LES) CFD simulations are performed in the inertial frame, including dynamic moving grids, using a higher-order accurate finite difference discretization on structured overlapping grids. A higher-order accurate free-stream preserving metric discretization with discrete enforcement of the Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) on moving curvilinear grids is used to create an accurate, efficient, and stable numerical scheme. The aeroacoustic analysis is based on a permeable surface Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) approach, evaluated in the frequency domain. A time-step sensitivity study was performed using only the forward row of blades to determine an adequate time-step. The numerical approach is validated against existing wind tunnel measurements.

A Geometry Based Infra-structure for Computational Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haimes, Robert

1997-01-01

The computational steps traditionally taken for most engineering analysis (CFD, structural analysis, and etc.) are: Surface Generation - usually by employing a CAD system; Grid Generation - preparing the volume for the simulation; Flow Solver - producing the results at the specified operational point; and Post-processing Visualization - interactively attempting to understand the results For structural analysis, integrated systems can be obtained from a number of commercial vendors. For CFD, these steps have worked well in the past for simple steady-state simulations at the expense of much user interaction. The data was transmitted between phases via files. Specifically the problems with this procedure are: (1) File based. Information flows from one step to the next via data files with formats specified for that procedure. (2) 'Good' Geometry. A bottleneck in getting results from a solver is the construction of proper geometry to be fed to the grid generator. With 'good' geometry a grid can be constructed in tens of minutes (even with a complex configuration) using unstructured techniques. (3) One-Way communication. All information travels on from one phase to the next. Until this process can be automated, more complex problems such as multi-disciplinary analysis or using the above procedure for design becomes prohibitive.

An Efficient Means of Adaptive Refinement Within Systems of Overset Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meakin, Robert L.

1996-01-01

An efficient means of adaptive refinement within systems of overset grids is presented. Problem domains are segregated into near-body and off-body fields. Near-body fields are discretized via overlapping body-fitted grids that extend only a short distance from body surfaces. Off-body fields are discretized via systems of overlapping uniform Cartesian grids of varying levels of refinement. a novel off-body grid generation and management scheme provides the mechanism for carrying out adaptive refinement of off-body flow dynamics and solid body motion. The scheme allows for very efficient use of memory resources, and flow solvers and domain connectivity routines that can exploit the structure inherent to uniform Cartesian grids.

Grid Transmission Expansion Planning Model Based on Grid Vulnerability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Quan; Wang, Xi; Li, Ting; Zhang, Quanming; Zhang, Hongli; Li, Huaqiang

2018-03-01

Based on grid vulnerability and uniformity theory, proposed global network structure and state vulnerability factor model used to measure different grid models. established a multi-objective power grid planning model which considering the global power network vulnerability, economy and grid security constraint. Using improved chaos crossover and mutation genetic algorithm to optimize the optimal plan. For the problem of multi-objective optimization, dimension is not uniform, the weight is not easy given. Using principal component analysis (PCA) method to comprehensive assessment of the population every generation, make the results more objective and credible assessment. the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model are validated by simulation results of Garver-6 bus system and Garver-18 bus.

An interactive multi-block grid generation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kao, T. J.; Su, T. Y.; Appleby, Ruth

1992-01-01

A grid generation procedure combining interactive and batch grid generation programs was put together to generate multi-block grids for complex aircraft configurations. The interactive section provides the tools for 3D geometry manipulation, surface grid extraction, boundary domain construction for 3D volume grid generation, and block-block relationships and boundary conditions for flow solvers. The procedure improves the flexibility and quality of grid generation to meet the design/analysis requirements.

An Adaptively-Refined, Cartesian, Cell-Based Scheme for the Euler and Navier-Stokes Equations. Ph.D. Thesis - Michigan Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coirier, William John

1994-01-01

A Cartesian, cell-based scheme for solving the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations in two dimensions is developed and tested. Grids about geometrically complicated bodies are generated automatically, by recursive subdivision of a single Cartesian cell encompassing the entire flow domain. Where the resulting cells intersect bodies, polygonal 'cut' cells are created. The geometry of the cut cells is computed using polygon-clipping algorithms. The grid is stored in a binary-tree data structure which provides a natural means of obtaining cell-to-cell connectivity and of carrying out solution-adaptive refinement. The Euler and Navier-Stokes equations are solved on the resulting grids using a finite-volume formulation. The convective terms are upwinded, with a limited linear reconstruction of the primitive variables used to provide input states to an approximate Riemann solver for computing the fluxes between neighboring cells. A multi-stage time-stepping scheme is used to reach a steady-state solution. Validation of the Euler solver with benchmark numerical and exact solutions is presented. An assessment of the accuracy of the approach is made by uniform and adaptive grid refinements for a steady, transonic, exact solution to the Euler equations. The error of the approach is directly compared to a structured solver formulation. A non smooth flow is also assessed for grid convergence, comparing uniform and adaptively refined results. Several formulations of the viscous terms are assessed analytically, both for accuracy and positivity. The two best formulations are used to compute adaptively refined solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations. These solutions are compared to each other, to experimental results and/or theory for a series of low and moderate Reynolds numbers flow fields. The most suitable viscous discretization is demonstrated for geometrically-complicated internal flows. For flows at high Reynolds numbers, both an altered grid-generation procedure and a different formulation of the viscous terms are shown to be necessary. A hybrid Cartesian/body-fitted grid generation approach is demonstrated. In addition, a grid-generation procedure based on body-aligned cell cutting coupled with a viscous stensil-construction procedure based on quadratic programming is presented.

Generation Algorithm of Discrete Line in Multi-Dimensional Grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, L.; Ben, J.; Li, Y.; Wang, R.

2017-09-01

Discrete Global Grids System (DGGS) is a kind of digital multi-resolution earth reference model, in terms of structure, it is conducive to the geographical spatial big data integration and mining. Vector is one of the important types of spatial data, only by discretization, can it be applied in grids system to make process and analysis. Based on the some constraint conditions, this paper put forward a strict definition of discrete lines, building a mathematic model of the discrete lines by base vectors combination method. Transforming mesh discrete lines issue in n-dimensional grids into the issue of optimal deviated path in n-minus-one dimension using hyperplane, which, therefore realizing dimension reduction process in the expression of mesh discrete lines. On this basis, we designed a simple and efficient algorithm for dimension reduction and generation of the discrete lines. The experimental results show that our algorithm not only can be applied in the two-dimensional rectangular grid, also can be applied in the two-dimensional hexagonal grid and the three-dimensional cubic grid. Meanwhile, when our algorithm is applied in two-dimensional rectangular grid, it can get a discrete line which is more similar to the line in the Euclidean space.

OVERGRID: A Unified Overset Grid Generation Graphical Interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Akien, Edwin W. (Technical Monitor)

1999-01-01

This paper presents a unified graphical interface and gridding strategy for performing overset grid generation. The interface called OVERGRID has been specifically designed to follow an efficient overset gridding strategy, and contains general grid manipulation capabilities as well as modules that are specifically suited for overset grids. General grid utilities include functions for grid redistribution, smoothing, concatenation, extraction, extrapolation, projection, and many others. Modules specially tailored for overset grids include a seam curve extractor, hyperbolic and algebraic surface grid generators, a hyperbolic volume grid generator, and a Cartesian box grid generator, Grid visualization is achieved using OpenGL while widgets are constructed with Tcl/Tk. The software is portable between various platforms from UNIX workstations to personal computers.

Constraining earthquake source inversions with GPS data: 1. Resolution-based removal of artifacts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Page, M.T.; Custodio, S.; Archuleta, R.J.; Carlson, J.M.

2009-01-01

We present a resolution analysis of an inversion of GPS data from the 2004 Mw 6.0 Parkfield earthquake. This earthquake was recorded at thirteen 1-Hz GPS receivers, which provides for a truly coseismic data set that can be used to infer the static slip field. We find that the resolution of our inverted slip model is poor at depth and near the edges of the modeled fault plane that are far from GPS receivers. The spatial heterogeneity of the model resolution in the static field inversion leads to artifacts in poorly resolved areas of the fault plane. These artifacts look qualitatively similar to asperities commonly seen in the final slip models of earthquake source inversions, but in this inversion they are caused by a surplus of free parameters. The location of the artifacts depends on the station geometry and the assumed velocity structure. We demonstrate that a nonuniform gridding of model parameters on the fault can remove these artifacts from the inversion. We generate a nonuniform grid with a grid spacing that matches the local resolution length on the fault and show that it outperforms uniform grids, which either generate spurious structure in poorly resolved regions or lose recoverable information in well-resolved areas of the fault. In a synthetic test, the nonuniform grid correctly averages slip in poorly resolved areas of the fault while recovering small-scale structure near the surface. Finally, we present an inversion of the Parkfield GPS data set on the nonuniform grid and analyze the errors in the final model. Copyright 2009 by the American Geophysical Union.

Multigrid finite element method in stress analysis of three-dimensional elastic bodies of heterogeneous structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matveev, A. D.

2016-11-01

To calculate the three-dimensional elastic body of heterogeneous structure under static loading, a method of multigrid finite element is provided, when implemented on the basis of algorithms of finite element method (FEM), using homogeneous and composite threedimensional multigrid finite elements (MFE). Peculiarities and differences of MFE from the currently available finite elements (FE) are to develop composite MFE (without increasing their dimensions), arbitrarily small basic partition of composite solids consisting of single-grid homogeneous FE of the first order can be used, i.e. in fact, to use micro approach in finite element form. These small partitions allow one to take into account in MFE, i.e. in the basic discrete models of composite solids, complex heterogeneous and microscopically inhomogeneous structure, shape, the complex nature of the loading and fixation and describe arbitrarily closely the stress and stain state by the equations of three-dimensional elastic theory without any additional simplifying hypotheses. When building the m grid FE, m of nested grids is used. The fine grid is generated by a basic partition of MFE, the other m —1 large grids are applied to reduce MFE dimensionality, when m is increased, MFE dimensionality becomes smaller. The procedures of developing MFE of rectangular parallelepiped, irregular shape, plate and beam types are given. MFE generate the small dimensional discrete models and numerical solutions with a high accuracy. An example of calculating the laminated plate, using three-dimensional 3-grid FE and the reference discrete model is given, with that having 2.2 milliards of FEM nodal unknowns.

Integrated geometry and grid generation system for complex configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akdag, Vedat; Wulf, Armin

1992-01-01

A grid generation system was developed that enables grid generation for complex configurations. The system called ICEM/CFD is described and its role in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications is presented. The capabilities of the system include full computer aided design (CAD), grid generation on the actual CAD geometry definition using robust surface projection algorithms, interfacing easily with known CAD packages through common file formats for geometry transfer, grid quality evaluation of the volume grid, coupling boundary condition set-up for block faces with grid topology generation, multi-block grid generation with or without point continuity and block to block interface requirement, and generating grid files directly compatible with known flow solvers. The interactive and integrated approach to the problem of computational grid generation not only substantially reduces manpower time but also increases the flexibility of later grid modifications and enhancements which is required in an environment where CFD is integrated into a product design cycle.

Influence of grid resolution in fluid-model simulation of nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Weizhuo; Fukagata, Koji

2018-04-01

Two-dimensional numerical simulation of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuator, driven by a nanosecond voltage pulse, is conducted. A special focus is laid upon the influence of grid resolution on the computational result. It is found that the computational result is not very sensitive to the streamwise grid spacing, whereas the wall-normal grid spacing has a critical influence. In particular, the computed propagation velocity changes discontinuously around the wall-normal grid spacing about 2 μm due to a qualitative change of discharge structure. The present result suggests that a computational grid finer than that was used in most of previous studies is required to correctly capture the structure and dynamics of streamer: when a positive nanosecond voltage pulse is applied to the upper electrode, a streamer forms in the vicinity of upper electrode and propagates along the dielectric surface with a maximum propagation velocity of 2 × 108 cm/s, and a gap with low electron and ion density (i.e., plasma sheath) exists between the streamer and dielectric surface. Difference between the results obtained using the finer and the coarser grid is discussed in detail in terms of the electron transport at a position near the surface. When the finer grid is used, the low electron density near the surface is caused by the absence of ionization avalanche: in that region, the electrons generated by ionization is compensated by drift-diffusion flux. In contrast, when the coarser grid is used, underestimated drift-diffusion flux cannot compensate the electrons generated by ionization, and it leads to an incorrect increase of electron density.

Numerical grid generation in computational field simulations. Volume 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soni, B.K.; Thompson, J.F.; Haeuser, J.

1996-12-31

To enhance the CFS technology to its next level of applicability (i.e., to create acceptance of CFS in an integrated product and process development involving multidisciplinary optimization) the basic requirements are: rapid turn-around time, reliable and accurate simulation, affordability and appropriate linkage to other engineering disciplines. In response to this demand, there has been a considerable growth in the grid generation related research activities involving automization, parallel processing, linkage with the CAD-CAM systems, CFS with dynamic motion and moving boundaries, strategies and algorithms associated with multi-block structured, unstructured, hybrid, hexahedral, and Cartesian grids, along with its applicability to various disciplinesmore » including biomedical, semiconductor, geophysical, ocean modeling, and multidisciplinary optimization.« less

The Volume Grid Manipulator (VGM): A Grid Reusability Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

1997-01-01

This document is a manual describing how to use the Volume Grid Manipulation (VGM) software. The code is specifically designed to alter or manipulate existing surface and volume structured grids to improve grid quality through the reduction of grid line skewness, removal of negative volumes, and adaption of surface and volume grids to flow field gradients. The software uses a command language to perform all manipulations thereby offering the capability of executing multiple manipulations on a single grid during an execution of the code. The command language can be input to the VGM code by a UNIX style redirected file, or interactively while the code is executing. The manual consists of 14 sections. The first is an introduction to grid manipulation; where it is most applicable and where the strengths of such software can be utilized. The next two sections describe the memory management and the manipulation command language. The following 8 sections describe simple and complex manipulations that can be used in conjunction with one another to smooth, adapt, and reuse existing grids for various computations. These are accompanied by a tutorial section that describes how to use the commands and manipulations to solve actual grid generation problems. The last two sections are a command reference guide and trouble shooting sections to aid in the use of the code as well as describe problems associated with generated scripts for manipulation control.

Surface Modeling and Grid Generation of Orbital Sciences X34 Vehicle. Phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

1997-01-01

The surface modeling and grid generation requirements, motivations, and methods used to develop Computational Fluid Dynamic volume grids for the X34-Phase 1 are presented. The requirements set forth by the Aerothermodynamics Branch at the NASA Langley Research Center serve as the basis for the final techniques used in the construction of all volume grids, including grids for parametric studies of the X34. The Integrated Computer Engineering and Manufacturing code for Computational Fluid Dynamics (ICEM/CFD), the Grid Generation code (GRIDGEN), the Three-Dimensional Multi-block Advanced Grid Generation System (3DMAGGS) code, and Volume Grid Manipulator (VGM) code are used to enable the necessary surface modeling, surface grid generation, volume grid generation, and grid alterations, respectively. All volume grids generated for the X34, as outlined in this paper, were used for CFD simulations within the Aerothermodynamics Branch.

GRID2D/3D: A computer program for generating grid systems in complex-shaped two- and three-dimensional spatial domains. Part 2: User's manual and program listing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, R. T.; Shih, T. I.-P.; Nguyen, H. L.; Roelke, R. J.

1990-01-01

An efficient computer program, called GRID2D/3D, was developed to generate single and composite grid systems within geometrically complex two- and three-dimensional (2- and 3-D) spatial domains that can deform with time. GRID2D/3D generates single grid systems by using algebraic grid generation methods based on transfinite interpolation in which the distribution of grid points within the spatial domain is controlled by stretching functions. All single grid systems generated by GRID2D/3D can have grid lines that are continuous and differentiable everywhere up to the second-order. Also, grid lines can intersect boundaries of the spatial domain orthogonally. GRID2D/3D generates composite grid systems by patching together two or more single grid systems. The patching can be discontinuous or continuous. For continuous composite grid systems, the grid lines are continuous and differentiable everywhere up to the second-order except at interfaces where different single grid systems meet. At interfaces where different single grid systems meet, the grid lines are only differentiable up to the first-order. For 2-D spatial domains, the boundary curves are described by using either cubic or tension spline interpolation. For 3-D spatial domains, the boundary surfaces are described by using either linear Coon's interpolation, bi-hyperbolic spline interpolation, or a new technique referred to as 3-D bi-directional Hermite interpolation. Since grid systems generated by algebraic methods can have grid lines that overlap one another, GRID2D/3D contains a graphics package for evaluating the grid systems generated. With the graphics package, the user can generate grid systems in an interactive manner with the grid generation part of GRID2D/3D. GRID2D/3D is written in FORTRAN 77 and can be run on any IBM PC, XT, or AT compatible computer. In order to use GRID2D/3D on workstations or mainframe computers, some minor modifications must be made in the graphics part of the program; no modifications are needed in the grid generation part of the program. The theory and method used in GRID2D/3D is described.

GRID2D/3D: A computer program for generating grid systems in complex-shaped two- and three-dimensional spatial domains. Part 1: Theory and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, T. I.-P.; Bailey, R. T.; Nguyen, H. L.; Roelke, R. J.

1990-01-01

An efficient computer program, called GRID2D/3D was developed to generate single and composite grid systems within geometrically complex two- and three-dimensional (2- and 3-D) spatial domains that can deform with time. GRID2D/3D generates single grid systems by using algebraic grid generation methods based on transfinite interpolation in which the distribution of grid points within the spatial domain is controlled by stretching functions. All single grid systems generated by GRID2D/3D can have grid lines that are continuous and differentiable everywhere up to the second-order. Also, grid lines can intersect boundaries of the spatial domain orthogonally. GRID2D/3D generates composite grid systems by patching together two or more single grid systems. The patching can be discontinuous or continuous. For continuous composite grid systems, the grid lines are continuous and differentiable everywhere up to the second-order except at interfaces where different single grid systems meet. At interfaces where different single grid systems meet, the grid lines are only differentiable up to the first-order. For 2-D spatial domains, the boundary curves are described by using either cubic or tension spline interpolation. For 3-D spatial domains, the boundary surfaces are described by using either linear Coon's interpolation, bi-hyperbolic spline interpolation, or a new technique referred to as 3-D bi-directional Hermite interpolation. Since grid systems generated by algebraic methods can have grid lines that overlap one another, GRID2D/3D contains a graphics package for evaluating the grid systems generated. With the graphics package, the user can generate grid systems in an interactive manner with the grid generation part of GRID2D/3D. GRID2D/3D is written in FORTRAN 77 and can be run on any IBM PC, XT, or AT compatible computer. In order to use GRID2D/3D on workstations or mainframe computers, some minor modifications must be made in the graphics part of the program; no modifications are needed in the grid generation part of the program. This technical memorandum describes the theory and method used in GRID2D/3D.

An overview of controls research on the NASA Langley Research Center grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, Raymond C.

1987-01-01

The NASA Langley Research Center has assembled a flexible grid on which control systems research can be accomplished on a two-dimensional structure that has many physically distributed sensors and actuators. The grid is a rectangular planar structure that is suspended by two cables attached to one edge so that out of plane vibrations are normal to gravity. There are six torque wheel actuators mounted to it so that torque is produced in the grid plane. Also, there are six rate gyros mounted to sense angular motion in the grid plane and eight accelerometers that measure linear acceleration normal to the grid plane. All components can be relocated to meet specific control system test requirements. Digital, analog, and hybrid control systems capability is provided in the apparatus. To date, research on this grid has been conducted in the areas of system and parameter identification, model estimation, distributed modal control, hierarchical adaptive control, and advanced redundancy management algorithms. The presentation overviews each technique and presents the most significant results generated for each area.

Assessment of Hybrid RANS/LES Turbulence Models for Aeroacoustics Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vatsa, Veer N.; Lockard, David P.

2010-01-01

Predicting the noise from aircraft with exposed landing gear remains a challenging problem for the aeroacoustics community. Although computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has shown promise as a technique that could produce high-fidelity flow solutions, generating grids that can resolve the pertinent physics around complex configurations can be very challenging. Structured grids are often impractical for such configurations. Unstructured grids offer a path forward for simulating complex configurations. However, few unstructured grid codes have been thoroughly tested for unsteady flow problems in the manner needed for aeroacoustic prediction. A widely used unstructured grid code, FUN3D, is examined for resolving the near field in unsteady flow problems. Although the ultimate goal is to compute the flow around complex geometries such as the landing gear, simpler problems that include some of the relevant physics, and are easily amenable to the structured grid approaches are used for testing the unstructured grid approach. The test cases chosen for this study correspond to the experimental work on single and tandem cylinders conducted in the Basic Aerodynamic Research Tunnel (BART) and the Quiet Flow Facility (QFF) at NASA Langley Research Center. These configurations offer an excellent opportunity to assess the performance of hybrid RANS/LES turbulence models that transition from RANS in unresolved regions near solid bodies to LES in the outer flow field. Several of these models have been implemented and tested in both structured and unstructured grid codes to evaluate their dependence on the solver and mesh type. Comparison of FUN3D solutions with experimental data and numerical solutions from a structured grid flow solver are found to be encouraging.

Load Balancing Strategies for Multi-Block Overset Grid Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Djomehri, M. Jahed; Biswas, Rupak; Lopez-Benitez, Noe; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The multi-block overset grid method is a powerful technique for high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations about complex aerospace configurations. The solution process uses a grid system that discretizes the problem domain by using separately generated but overlapping structured grids that periodically update and exchange boundary information through interpolation. For efficient high performance computations of large-scale realistic applications using this methodology, the individual grids must be properly partitioned among the parallel processors. Overall performance, therefore, largely depends on the quality of load balancing. In this paper, we present three different load balancing strategies far overset grids and analyze their effects on the parallel efficiency of a Navier-Stokes CFD application running on an SGI Origin2000 machine.

An Approach for Dynamic Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slater, John W.; Liou, Meng-Sing; Hindman, Richard G.

1994-01-01

An approach is presented for the generation of two-dimensional, structured, dynamic grids. The grid motion may be due to the motion of the boundaries of the computational domain or to the adaptation of the grid to the transient, physical solution. A time-dependent grid is computed through the time integration of the grid speeds which are computed from a system of grid speed equations. The grid speed equations are derived from the time-differentiation of the grid equations so as to ensure that the dynamic grid maintains the desired qualities of the static grid. The grid equations are the Euler-Lagrange equations derived from a variational statement for the grid. The dynamic grid method is demonstrated for a model problem involving boundary motion, an inviscid flow in a converging-diverging nozzle during startup, and a viscous flow over a flat plate with an impinging shock wave. It is shown that the approach is more accurate for transient flows than an approach in which the grid speeds are computed using a finite difference with respect to time of the grid. However, the approach requires significantly more computational effort.

Method of grid generation

DOEpatents

Barnette, Daniel W.

2002-01-01

The present invention provides a method of grid generation that uses the geometry of the problem space and the governing relations to generate a grid. The method can generate a grid with minimized discretization errors, and with minimal user interaction. The method of the present invention comprises assigning grid cell locations so that, when the governing relations are discretized using the grid, at least some of the discretization errors are substantially zero. Conventional grid generation is driven by the problem space geometry; grid generation according to the present invention is driven by problem space geometry and by governing relations. The present invention accordingly can provide two significant benefits: more efficient and accurate modeling since discretization errors are minimized, and reduced cost grid generation since less human interaction is required.

Computation at a coordinate singularity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prusa, Joseph M.

2018-05-01

Coordinate singularities are sometimes encountered in computational problems. An important example involves global atmospheric models used for climate and weather prediction. Classical spherical coordinates can be used to parameterize the manifold - that is, generate a grid for the computational spherical shell domain. This particular parameterization offers significant benefits such as orthogonality and exact representation of curvature and connection (Christoffel) coefficients. But it also exhibits two polar singularities and at or near these points typical continuity/integral constraints on dependent fields and their derivatives are generally inadequate and lead to poor model performance and erroneous results. Other parameterizations have been developed that eliminate polar singularities, but problems of weaker singularities and enhanced grid noise compared to spherical coordinates (away from the poles) persist. In this study reparameterization invariance of geometric objects (scalars, vectors and the forms generated by their covariant derivatives) is utilized to generate asymptotic forms for dependent fields of interest valid in the neighborhood of a pole. The central concept is that such objects cannot be altered by the metric structure of a parameterization. The new boundary conditions enforce symmetries that are required for transformations of geometric objects. They are implemented in an implicit polar filter of a structured grid, nonhydrostatic global atmospheric model that is simulating idealized Held-Suarez flows. A series of test simulations using different configurations of the asymptotic boundary conditions are made, along with control simulations that use the default model numerics with no absorber, at three different grid sizes. Typically the test simulations are ∼ 20% faster in wall clock time than the control-resulting from a decrease in noise at the poles in all cases. In the control simulations adverse numerical effects from the polar singularity are observed to increase with grid resolution. In contrast, test simulations demonstrate robust polar behavior independent of grid resolution.

Parameterized Finite Element Modeling and Buckling Analysis of Six Typical Composite Grid Cylindrical Shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Changliang; Wang, Junbiao; Liu, Chuang

2014-10-01

Six typical composite grid cylindrical shells are constructed by superimposing three basic types of ribs. Then buckling behavior and structural efficiency of these shells are analyzed under axial compression, pure bending, torsion and transverse bending by finite element (FE) models. The FE models are created by a parametrical FE modeling approach that defines FE models with original natural twisted geometry and orients cross-sections of beam elements exactly. And the approach is parameterized and coded by Patran Command Language (PCL). The demonstrations of FE modeling indicate the program enables efficient generation of FE models and facilitates parametric studies and design of grid shells. Using the program, the effects of helical angles on the buckling behavior of six typical grid cylindrical shells are determined. The results of these studies indicate that the triangle grid and rotated triangle grid cylindrical shell are more efficient than others under axial compression and pure bending, whereas under torsion and transverse bending, the hexagon grid cylindrical shell is most efficient. Additionally, buckling mode shapes are compared and provide an understanding of composite grid cylindrical shells that is useful in preliminary design of such structures.

Evaluation of the UnTRIM model for 3-D tidal circulation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cheng, R.T.; Casulli, V.; ,

2001-01-01

A family of numerical models, known as the TRIM models, shares the same modeling philosophy for solving the shallow water equations. A characteristic analysis of the shallow water equations points out that the numerical instability is controlled by the gravity wave terms in the momentum equations and by the transport terms in the continuity equation. A semi-implicit finite-difference scheme has been formulated so that these terms and the vertical diffusion terms are treated implicitly and the remaining terms explicitly to control the numerical stability and the computations are carried out over a uniform finite-difference computational mesh without invoking horizontal or vertical coordinate transformations. An unstructured grid version of TRIM model is introduced, or UnTRIM (pronounces as "you trim"), which preserves these basic numerical properties and modeling philosophy, only the computations are carried out over an unstructured orthogonal grid. The unstructured grid offers the flexibilities in representing complex study areas so that fine grid resolution can be placed in regions of interest, and coarse grids are used to cover the remaining domain. Thus, the computational efforts are concentrated in areas of importance, and an overall computational saving can be achieved because the total number of grid-points is dramatically reduced. To use this modeling approach, an unstructured grid mesh must be generated to properly reflect the properties of the domain of the investigation. The new modeling flexibility in grid structure is accompanied by new challenges associated with issues of grid generation. To take full advantage of this new model flexibility, the model grid generation should be guided by insights into the physics of the problems; and the insights needed may require a higher degree of modeling skill.

A Geometry Based Infra-Structure for Computational Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haimes, Robert

1998-01-01

The computational steps traditionally taken for most engineering analysis suites (computational fluid dynamics (CFD), structural analysis, heat transfer and etc.) are: (1) Surface Generation -- usually by employing a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) system; (2) Grid Generation -- preparing the volume for the simulation; (3) Flow Solver -- producing the results at the specified operational point; (4) Post-processing Visualization -- interactively attempting to understand the results. For structural analysis, integrated systems can be obtained from a number of commercial vendors. These vendors couple directly to a number of CAD systems and are executed from within the CAD Graphical User Interface (GUI). It should be noted that the structural analysis problem is more tractable than CFD; there are fewer mesh topologies used and the grids are not as fine (this problem space does not have the length scaling issues of fluids). For CFD, these steps have worked well in the past for simple steady-state simulations at the expense of much user interaction. The data was transmitted between phases via files. In most cases, the output from a CAD system could go to Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) or Standard Exchange Program (STEP) files. The output from Grid Generators and Solvers do not really have standards though there are a couple of file formats that can be used for a subset of the gridding (i.e. PLOT3D data formats). The user would have to patch up the data or translate from one format to another to move to the next step. Sometimes this could take days. Specifically the problems with this procedure are:(1) File based -- Information flows from one step to the next via data files with formats specified for that procedure. File standards, when they exist, are wholly inadequate. For example, geometry from CAD systems (transmitted via IGES files) is defined as disjoint surfaces and curves (as well as masses of other information of no interest for the Grid Generator). This is particularly onerous for modern CAD systems based on solid modeling. The part was a proper solid and in the translation to IGES has lost this important characteristic. STEP is another standard for CAD data that exists and supports the concept of a solid. The problem with STEP is that a solid modeling geometry kernel is required to query and manipulate the data within this type of file. (2) 'Good' Geometry. A bottleneck in getting results from a solver is the construction of proper geometry to be fed to the grid generator. With 'good' geometry a grid can be constructed in tens of minutes (even with a complex configuration) using unstructured techniques. Adroit multi-block methods are not far behind. This means that a million node steady-state solution can be computed on the order of hours (using current high performance computers) starting from this 'good' geometry. Unfortunately, the geometry usually transmitted from the CAD system is not 'good' in the grid generator sense. The grid generator needs smooth closed solid geometry. It can take a week (or more) of interaction with the CAD output (sometimes by hand) before the process can begin. One way Communication. (3) One-way Communication -- All information travels on from one phase to the next. This makes procedures like node adaptation difficult when attempting to add or move nodes that sit on bounding surfaces (when the actual surface data has been lost after the grid generation phase). Until this process can be automated, more complex problems such as multi-disciplinary analysis or using the above procedure for design becomes prohibitive. There is also no way to easily deal with this system in a modular manner. One can only replace the grid generator, for example, if the software reads and writes the same files. Instead of the serial approach to analysis as described above, CAPRI takes a geometry centric approach. This makes the actual geometry (not a discretized version) accessible to all phases of the analysis. The connection to the geometry is made through an Application Programming Interface (API) and NOT a file system. This API isolates the top-level applications (grid generators, solvers and visualization components) from the geometry engine. Also this allows the replacement of one geometry kernel with another, without effecting these top-level applications. For example, if UniGraphics is used as the CAD package then Parasolid (UG's own geometry engine) can be used for all geometric queries so that no solid geometry information is lost in a translation. This is much better than STEP because when the data is queried, the same software is executed as used in the CAD system. Therefore, one analyzes the exact part that is in the CAD system. CAPRI uses the same idea as the commercial structural analysis codes but does not specify control. Software components of the CAD system are used, but the analysis suite, not the CAD operator, specifies the control of the software session. This also means that the license issues (may be) minimized and individuals need not have to know how to operate a CAD system in order to run the suite.

Structural analysis and design for the development of floating photovoltaic energy generation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, S. J.; Joo, H. J.; Kim, S. H.

2018-06-01

In this paper, we discussed the structural analysis and design for the development of floating photovoltaic energy generation system. Series of research conducted to develop the system from the analysis and design of the structural system to the installation of the system discussed. In the structural system supporting solar panels PFRP materials and SMC FRP materials used. A unit module structure is fabricated and then the unit module structures are connected each other to assemble whole PV energy generation complex. This system connected directly to the power grid system. In addition, extensive monitoring for the efficiency of electricity generation and the soundness of the structural system is in progress for the further system enhancement.

Unstructured Cartesian/prismatic grid generation for complex geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karman, Steve L., Jr.

1995-01-01

The generation of a hybrid grid system for discretizing complex three dimensional (3D) geometries is described. The primary grid system is an unstructured Cartesian grid automatically generated using recursive cell subdivision. This grid system is sufficient for computing Euler solutions about extremely complex 3D geometries. A secondary grid system, using triangular-prismatic elements, may be added for resolving the boundary layer region of viscous flows near surfaces of solid bodies. This paper describes the grid generation processes used to generate each grid type. Several example grids are shown, demonstrating the ability of the method to discretize complex geometries, with very little pre-processing required by the user.

Grid sensitivity capability for large scale structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagendra, Gopal K.; Wallerstein, David V.

1989-01-01

The considerations and the resultant approach used to implement design sensitivity capability for grids into a large scale, general purpose finite element system (MSC/NASTRAN) are presented. The design variables are grid perturbations with a rather general linking capability. Moreover, shape and sizing variables may be linked together. The design is general enough to facilitate geometric modeling techniques for generating design variable linking schemes in an easy and straightforward manner. Test cases have been run and validated by comparison with the overall finite difference method. The linking of a design sensitivity capability for shape variables in MSC/NASTRAN with an optimizer would give designers a powerful, automated tool to carry out practical optimization design of real life, complicated structures.

Inviscid and viscous flow modelling of complex aircraft configurations using the CFD simulation system sauna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peace, Andrew J.; May, Nicholas E.; Pocock, Mark F.; Shaw, Jonathon A.

1994-04-01

This paper is concerned with the flow modelling capabilities of an advanced CFD simulation system known by the acronym SAUNA. This system is aimed primarily at complex aircraft configurations and possesses a unique grid generation strategy in its use of block-structured, unstructured or hybrid grids, depending on the geometric complexity of the addressed configuration. The main focus of the paper is in demonstrating the recently developed multi-grid, block-structured grid, viscous flow capability of SAUNA, through its evaluation on a number of configurations. Inviscid predictions are also presented, both as a means of interpreting the viscous results and with a view to showing more completely the capabilities of SAUNA. It is shown that accuracy and flexibility are combined in an efficient manner, thus demonstrating the value of SAUNA in aerodynamic design.

Lagrangian displacement tracking using a polar grid between endocardial and epicardial contours for cardiac strain imaging.

PubMed

Ma, Chi; Varghese, Tomy

2012-04-01

Accurate cardiac deformation analysis for cardiac displacement and strain imaging over time requires Lagrangian description of deformation of myocardial tissue structures. Failure to couple the estimated displacement and strain information with the correct myocardial tissue structures will lead to erroneous result in the displacement and strain distribution over time. Lagrangian based tracking in this paper divides the tissue structure into a fixed number of pixels whose deformation is tracked over the cardiac cycle. An algorithm that utilizes a polar-grid generated between the estimated endocardial and epicardial contours for cardiac short axis images is proposed to ensure Lagrangian description of the pixels. Displacement estimates from consecutive radiofrequency frames were then mapped onto the polar grid to obtain a distribution of the actual displacement that is mapped to the polar grid over time. A finite element based canine heart model coupled with an ultrasound simulation program was used to verify this approach. Segmental analysis of the accumulated displacement and strain over a cardiac cycle demonstrate excellent agreement between the ideal result obtained directly from the finite element model and our Lagrangian approach to strain estimation. Traditional Eulerian based estimation results, on the other hand, show significant deviation from the ideal result. An in vivo comparison of the displacement and strain estimated using parasternal short axis views is also presented. Lagrangian displacement tracking using a polar grid provides accurate tracking of myocardial deformation demonstrated using both finite element and in vivo radiofrequency data acquired on a volunteer. In addition to the cardiac application, this approach can also be utilized for transverse scans of arteries, where a polar grid can be generated between the contours delineating the outer and inner wall of the vessels from the blood flowing though the vessel.

GRIDGEN Version 1.0: a computer program for generating unstructured finite-volume grids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lien, Jyh-Ming; Liu, Gaisheng; Langevin, Christian D.

2015-01-01

GRIDGEN is a computer program for creating layered quadtree grids for use with numerical models, such as the MODFLOW–USG program for simulation of groundwater flow. The program begins by reading a three-dimensional base grid, which can have variable row and column widths and spatially variable cell top and bottom elevations. From this base grid, GRIDGEN will continuously divide into four any cell intersecting user-provided refinement features (points, lines, and polygons) until the desired level of refinement is reached. GRIDGEN will then smooth, or balance, the grid so that no two adjacent cells, including overlying and underlying cells, differ by more than a user-specified level tolerance. Once these gridding processes are completed, GRIDGEN saves a tree structure file so that the layered quadtree grid can be quickly reconstructed as needed. Once a tree structure file has been created, GRIDGEN can then be used to (1) export the layered quadtree grid as a shapefile, (2) export grid connectivity and cell information as ASCII text files for use with MODFLOW–USG or other numerical models, and (3) intersect the grid with shapefiles of points, lines, or polygons, and save intersection output as ASCII text files and shapefiles. The GRIDGEN program is demonstrated by creating a layered quadtree grid for the Biscayne aquifer in Miami-Dade County, Florida, using hydrologic features to control where refinement is added.

Software Surface Modeling and Grid Generation Steering Committee

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Robert E. (Editor)

1992-01-01

It is a NASA objective to promote improvements in the capability and efficiency of computational fluid dynamics. Grid generation, the creation of a discrete representation of the solution domain, is an essential part of computational fluid dynamics. However, grid generation about complex boundaries requires sophisticated surface-model descriptions of the boundaries. The surface modeling and the associated computation of surface grids consume an extremely large percentage of the total time required for volume grid generation. Efficient and user friendly software systems for surface modeling and grid generation are critical for computational fluid dynamics to reach its potential. The papers presented here represent the state-of-the-art in software systems for surface modeling and grid generation. Several papers describe improved techniques for grid generation.

MSTB 2 x 6-Inch Low Speed Tunnel Turbulence Generator Grid/Honeycomb PIV Measurements and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackshire, James L.

1997-01-01

An assessment of the turbulence levels present in the Measurement Science and Technology (MSTB) branch's 2 x 6-inch low speed wind tunnel was made using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), and a turbulence generator consisting of a grid/honeycomb structure. Approximately 3000 digital PIV images were captured and analyzed covering an approximate 2 x 6-inch area along the centerline of the tunnel just beyond the turbulence generator system. Custom software for analysis and acquisition was developed for semi-automated digital PIV image acquisition and analysis. Comparisons between previously obtained LTA and LV turbulence measurements taken in the tunnel are presented.

Algebraic grid generation for coolant passages of turbine blades with serpentine channels and pin fins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, T. I.-P.; Roelke, R. J.; Steinthorsson, E.

1991-01-01

In order to study numerically details of the flow and heat transfer within coolant passages of turbine blades, a method must first be developed to generate grid systems within the very complicated geometries involved. In this study, a grid generation package was developed that is capable of generating the required grid systems. The package developed is based on an algebraic grid generation technique that permits the user considerable control over how grid points are to be distributed in a very explicit way. These controls include orthogonality of grid lines next to boundary surfaces and ability to cluster about arbitrary points, lines, and surfaces. This paper describes that grid generation package and shows how it can be used to generate grid systems within complicated-shaped coolant passages via an example.

Adaptive grid methods for RLV environment assessment and nozzle analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornburg, Hugh J.

1996-01-01

Rapid access to highly accurate data about complex configurations is needed for multi-disciplinary optimization and design. In order to efficiently meet these requirements a closer coupling between the analysis algorithms and the discretization process is needed. In some cases, such as free surface, temporally varying geometries, and fluid structure interaction, the need is unavoidable. In other cases the need is to rapidly generate and modify high quality grids. Techniques such as unstructured and/or solution-adaptive methods can be used to speed the grid generation process and to automatically cluster mesh points in regions of interest. Global features of the flow can be significantly affected by isolated regions of inadequately resolved flow. These regions may not exhibit high gradients and can be difficult to detect. Thus excessive resolution in certain regions does not necessarily increase the accuracy of the overall solution. Several approaches have been employed for both structured and unstructured grid adaption. The most widely used involve grid point redistribution, local grid point enrichment/derefinement or local modification of the actual flow solver. However, the success of any one of these methods ultimately depends on the feature detection algorithm used to determine solution domain regions which require a fine mesh for their accurate representation. Typically, weight functions are constructed to mimic the local truncation error and may require substantial user input. Most problems of engineering interest involve multi-block grids and widely disparate length scales. Hence, it is desirable that the adaptive grid feature detection algorithm be developed to recognize flow structures of different type as well as differing intensity, and adequately address scaling and normalization across blocks. These weight functions can then be used to construct blending functions for algebraic redistribution, interpolation functions for unstructured grid generation, forcing functions to attract/repel points in an elliptic system, or to trigger local refinement, based upon application of an equidistribution principle. The popularity of solution-adaptive techniques is growing in tandem with unstructured methods. The difficultly of precisely controlling mesh densities and orientations with current unstructured grid generation systems has driven the use of solution-adaptive meshing. Use of derivatives of density or pressure are widely used for construction of such weight functions, and have been proven very successful for inviscid flows with shocks. However, less success has been realized for flowfields with viscous layers, vortices or shocks of disparate strength. It is difficult to maintain the appropriate mesh point spacing in the various regions which require a fine spacing for adequate resolution. Mesh points often migrate from important regions due to refinement of dominant features. An example of this is the well know tendency of adaptive methods to increase the resolution of shocks in the flowfield around airfoils, but in the incorrect location due to inadequate resolution of the stagnation region. This problem has been the motivation for this research.

A procedure for automating CFD simulations of an inlet-bleed problem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chyu, Wei J.; Rimlinger, Mark J.; Shih, Tom I.-P.

1995-01-01

A procedure was developed to improve the turn-around time for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of an inlet-bleed problem involving oblique shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions on a flat plate with bleed into a plenum through one or more circular holes. This procedure is embodied in a preprocessor called AUTOMAT. With AUTOMAT, once data for the geometry and flow conditions have been specified (either interactively or via a namelist), it will automatically generate all input files needed to perform a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes simulation of the prescribed inlet-bleed problem by using the PEGASUS and OVERFLOW codes. The input files automatically generated by AUTOMAT include those for the grid system and those for the initial and boundary conditions. The grid systems automatically generated by AUTOMAT are multi-block structured grids of the overlapping type. Results obtained by using AUTOMAT are presented to illustrate its capability.

Chimera Grid Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Rogers, Stuart E.; Nash, Steven M.; Buning, Pieter G.; Meakin, Robert

2005-01-01

Chimera Grid Tools (CGT) is a software package for performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis utilizing the Chimera-overset-grid method. For modeling flows with viscosity about geometrically complex bodies in relative motion, the Chimera-overset-grid method is among the most computationally cost-effective methods for obtaining accurate aerodynamic results. CGT contains a large collection of tools for generating overset grids, preparing inputs for computer programs that solve equations of flow on the grids, and post-processing of flow-solution data. The tools in CGT include grid editing tools, surface-grid-generation tools, volume-grid-generation tools, utility scripts, configuration scripts, and tools for post-processing (including generation of animated images of flows and calculating forces and moments exerted on affected bodies). One of the tools, denoted OVERGRID, is a graphical user interface (GUI) that serves to visualize the grids and flow solutions and provides central access to many other tools. The GUI facilitates the generation of grids for a new flow-field configuration. Scripts that follow the grid generation process can then be constructed to mostly automate grid generation for similar configurations. CGT is designed for use in conjunction with a computer-aided-design program that provides the geometry description of the bodies, and a flow-solver program.

elsA-Hybrid: an all-in-one structured/unstructured solver for the simulation of internal and external flows. Application to turbomachinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de la Llave Plata, M.; Couaillier, V.; Le Pape, M.-C.; Marmignon, C.; Gazaix, M.

2013-03-01

This paper reports recent work on the extension of the multiblock structured solver elsA to deal with hybrid grids. The new hybrid-grid solver is called elsA-H (elsA-Hybrid), is based on the investigation of a new unstructured-grid module has been built within the original elsA CFD (computational fluid dynamics) system. The implementation benefits from the flexibility of the object-oriented design. The aim of elsA-H is to take advantage of the full potential of structured solvers and unstructured mesh generation by allowing any type of grid to be used within the same simulation process. The main challenge lies in the numerical treatment of the hybrid-grid interfaces where blocks of different type meet. In particular, one must pay attention to the transfer of information across these boundaries, so that the accuracy of the numerical scheme is preserved and flux conservation is guaranteed. In this paper, the numerical approach allowing to achieve this is presented. A comparison between the hybrid and the structured-grid methods is also carried out by considering a fully hexahedral multiblock mesh for which a few blocks have been transformed into unstructured. The performance of elsA-H for the simulation of internal flows will be demonstrated on a number of turbomachinery configurations.

Adaptively-refined overlapping grids for the numerical solution of systems of hyperbolic conservation laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brislawn, Kristi D.; Brown, David L.; Chesshire, Geoffrey S.; Saltzman, Jeffrey S.

1995-01-01

Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) in conjunction with higher-order upwind finite-difference methods have been used effectively on a variety of problems in two and three dimensions. In this paper we introduce an approach for resolving problems that involve complex geometries in which resolution of boundary geometry is important. The complex geometry is represented by using the method of overlapping grids, while local resolution is obtained by refining each component grid with the AMR algorithm, appropriately generalized for this situation. The CMPGRD algorithm introduced by Chesshire and Henshaw is used to automatically generate the overlapping grid structure for the underlying mesh.

Robustness analysis of complex networks with power decentralization strategy via flow-sensitive centrality against cascading failures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wenzhang; Wang, Hao; Wu, Zhengping

2018-03-01

Most existing cascading failure mitigation strategy of power grids based on complex network ignores the impact of electrical characteristics on dynamic performance. In this paper, the robustness of the power grid under a power decentralization strategy is analysed through cascading failure simulation based on AC flow theory. The flow-sensitive (FS) centrality is introduced by integrating topological features and electrical properties to help determine the siting of the generation nodes. The simulation results of the IEEE-bus systems show that the flow-sensitive centrality method is a more stable and accurate approach and can enhance the robustness of the network remarkably. Through the study of the optimal flow-sensitive centrality selection for different networks, we find that the robustness of the network with obvious small-world effect depends more on contribution of the generation nodes detected by community structure, otherwise, contribution of the generation nodes with important influence on power flow is more critical. In addition, community structure plays a significant role in balancing the power flow distribution and further slowing the propagation of failures. These results are useful in power grid planning and cascading failure prevention.

Grid point extraction and coding for structured light system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Zhan; Chung, Ronald

2011-09-01

A structured light system simplifies three-dimensional reconstruction by illuminating a specially designed pattern to the target object, thereby generating a distinct texture on it for imaging and further processing. Success of the system hinges upon what features are to be coded in the projected pattern, extracted in the captured image, and matched between the projector's display panel and the camera's image plane. The codes have to be such that they are largely preserved in the image data upon illumination from the projector, reflection from the target object, and projective distortion in the imaging process. The features also need to be reliably extracted in the image domain. In this article, a two-dimensional pseudorandom pattern consisting of rhombic color elements is proposed, and the grid points between the pattern elements are chosen as the feature points. We describe how a type classification of the grid points plus the pseudorandomness of the projected pattern can equip each grid point with a unique label that is preserved in the captured image. We also present a grid point detector that extracts the grid points without the need of segmenting the pattern elements, and that localizes the grid points in subpixel accuracy. Extensive experiments are presented to illustrate that, with the proposed pattern feature definition and feature detector, more features points in higher accuracy can be reconstructed in comparison with the existing pseudorandomly encoded structured light systems.

Fully Automated Single-Zone Elliptic Grid Generation for Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Aeroshell and Canopy Geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

kaul, Upender K.

2008-01-01

A procedure for generating smooth uniformly clustered single-zone grids using enhanced elliptic grid generation has been demonstrated here for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) geometries such as aeroshell and canopy. The procedure obviates the need for generating multizone grids for such geometries, as reported in the literature. This has been possible because the enhanced elliptic grid generator automatically generates clustered grids without manual prescription of decay parameters needed with the conventional approach. In fact, these decay parameters are calculated as decay functions as part of the solution, and they are not constant over a given boundary. Since these decay functions vary over a given boundary, orthogonal grids near any arbitrary boundary can be clustered automatically without having to break up the boundaries and the corresponding interior domains into various zones for grid generation.

Issues regarding the usage of MPPT techniques in micro grid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szeidert, I.; Filip, I.; Dragan, F.; Gal, A.

2018-01-01

The main objective of the control strategies applied at hybrid micro grid systems (wind/hydro/solar), that function based on maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques is to improve the conversion system’s efficiency and to preserve the quality of the generated electrical energy (voltage and power factor). One of the main goals of maximum power point tracking strategy is to achieve the harvesting of the maximal possible energy within a certain time period. In order to implement the control strategies for micro grid, there are typically required specific transducers (sensor for wind speed, optical rotational transducers, etc.). In the technical literature, several variants of the MPPT techniques are presented and particularized at some applications (wind energy conversion systems, solar systems, hydro plants, micro grid hybrid systems). The maximum power point tracking implementations are mainly based on two-level architecture. The lower level controls the main variable and the superior level represents the MPPT control structure. The paper presents micro grid structures developed at Politehnica University Timisoara (PUT) within the frame of a research grant. The paper is focused on the application of MPPT strategies on hybrid micro grid systems. There are presented several structures and control strategies and are highlighted their advantages and disadvantages, together with practical implementation guidelines.

GRID3D-v2: An updated version of the GRID2D/3D computer program for generating grid systems in complex-shaped three-dimensional spatial domains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, E.; Shih, T. I-P.; Roelke, R. J.

1991-01-01

In order to generate good quality systems for complicated three-dimensional spatial domains, the grid-generation method used must be able to exert rather precise controls over grid-point distributions. Several techniques are presented that enhance control of grid-point distribution for a class of algebraic grid-generation methods known as the two-, four-, and six-boundary methods. These techniques include variable stretching functions from bilinear interpolation, interpolating functions based on tension splines, and normalized K-factors. The techniques developed in this study were incorporated into a new version of GRID3D called GRID3D-v2. The usefulness of GRID3D-v2 was demonstrated by using it to generate a three-dimensional grid system in the coolent passage of a radial turbine blade with serpentine channels and pin fins.

Elliptic surface grid generation on minimal and parmetrized surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spekreijse, S. P.; Nijhuis, G. H.; Boerstoel, J. W.

1995-01-01

An elliptic grid generation method is presented which generates excellent boundary conforming grids in domains in 2D physical space. The method is based on the composition of an algebraic and elliptic transformation. The composite mapping obeys the familiar Poisson grid generation system with control functions specified by the algebraic transformation. New expressions are given for the control functions. Grid orthogonality at the boundary is achieved by modification of the algebraic transformation. It is shown that grid generation on a minimal surface in 3D physical space is in fact equivalent to grid generation in a domain in 2D physical space. A second elliptic grid generation method is presented which generates excellent boundary conforming grids on smooth surfaces. It is assumed that the surfaces are parametrized and that the grid only depends on the shape of the surface and is independent of the parametrization. Concerning surface modeling, it is shown that bicubic Hermite interpolation is an excellent method to generate a smooth surface which is passing through a given discrete set of control points. In contrast to bicubic spline interpolation, there is extra freedom to model the tangent and twist vectors such that spurious oscillations are prevented.

Performance Enhancement Strategies for Multi-Block Overset Grid CFD Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Djomehri, M. Jahed; Biswas, Rupak

2003-01-01

The overset grid methodology has significantly reduced time-to-solution of highfidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations about complex aerospace configurations. The solution process resolves the geometrical complexity of the problem domain by using separately generated but overlapping structured discretization grids that periodically exchange information through interpolation. However, high performance computations of such large-scale realistic applications must be handled efficiently on state-of-the-art parallel supercomputers. This paper analyzes the effects of various performance enhancement strategies on the parallel efficiency of an overset grid Navier-Stokes CFD application running on an SGI Origin2000 machinc. Specifically, the role of asynchronous communication, grid splitting, and grid grouping strategies are presented and discussed. Details of a sophisticated graph partitioning technique for grid grouping are also provided. Results indicate that performance depends critically on the level of latency hiding and the quality of load balancing across the processors.

Stability assessment of structures under earthquake hazard through GRID technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prieto Castrillo, F.; Boton Fernandez, M.

2009-04-01

This work presents a GRID framework to estimate the vulnerability of structures under earthquake hazard. The tool has been designed to cover the needs of a typical earthquake engineering stability analysis; preparation of input data (pre-processing), response computation and stability analysis (post-processing). In order to validate the application over GRID, a simplified model of structure under artificially generated earthquake records has been implemented. To achieve this goal, the proposed scheme exploits the GRID technology and its main advantages (parallel intensive computing, huge storage capacity and collaboration analysis among institutions) through intensive interaction among the GRID elements (Computing Element, Storage Element, LHC File Catalogue, federated database etc.) The dynamical model is described by a set of ordinary differential equations (ODE's) and by a set of parameters. Both elements, along with the integration engine, are encapsulated into Java classes. With this high level design, subsequent improvements/changes of the model can be addressed with little effort. In the procedure, an earthquake record database is prepared and stored (pre-processing) in the GRID Storage Element (SE). The Metadata of these records is also stored in the GRID federated database. This Metadata contains both relevant information about the earthquake (as it is usual in a seismic repository) and also the Logical File Name (LFN) of the record for its later retrieval. Then, from the available set of accelerograms in the SE, the user can specify a range of earthquake parameters to carry out a dynamic analysis. This way, a GRID job is created for each selected accelerogram in the database. At the GRID Computing Element (CE), displacements are then obtained by numerical integration of the ODE's over time. The resulting response for that configuration is stored in the GRID Storage Element (SE) and the maximum structure displacement is computed. Then, the corresponding Metadata containing the response LFN, earthquake magnitude and maximum structure displacement is also stored. Finally, the displacements are post-processed through a statistically-based algorithm from the available Metadata to obtain the probability of collapse of the structure for different earthquake magnitudes. From this study, it is possible to build a vulnerability report for the structure type and seismic data. The proposed methodology can be combined with the on-going initiatives to build a European earthquake record database. In this context, Grid enables collaboration analysis over shared seismic data and results among different institutions.

3D Voronoi grid dedicated software for modeling gas migration in deep layered sedimentary formations with TOUGH2-TMGAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonduà, Stefano; Battistelli, Alfredo; Berry, Paolo; Bortolotti, Villiam; Consonni, Alberto; Cormio, Carlo; Geloni, Claudio; Vasini, Ester Maria

2017-11-01

As is known, a full three-dimensional (3D) unstructured grid permits a great degree of flexibility when performing accurate numerical reservoir simulations. However, when the Integral Finite Difference Method (IFDM) is used for spatial discretization, constraints (arising from the required orthogonality between the segment connecting the blocks nodes and the interface area between blocks) pose difficulties in the creation of grids with irregular shaped blocks. The full 3D Voronoi approach guarantees the respect of IFDM constraints and allows generation of grids conforming to geological formations and structural objects and at the same time higher grid resolution in volumes of interest. In this work, we present dedicated pre- and post-processing gridding software tools for the TOUGH family of numerical reservoir simulators, developed by the Geothermal Research Group of the DICAM Department, University of Bologna. VORO2MESH is a new software coded in C++, based on the voro++ library, allowing computation of the 3D Voronoi tessellation for a given domain and the creation of a ready to use TOUGH2 MESH file. If a set of geological surfaces is available, the software can directly generate the set of Voronoi seed points used for tessellation. In order to reduce the number of connections and so to decrease computation time, VORO2MESH can produce a mixed grid with regular blocks (orthogonal prisms) and irregular blocks (polyhedron Voronoi blocks) at the point of contact between different geological formations. In order to visualize 3D Voronoi grids together with the results of numerical simulations, the functionality of the TOUGH2Viewer post-processor has been extended. We describe an application of VORO2MESH and TOUGH2Viewer to validate the two tools. The case study deals with the simulation of the migration of gases in deep layered sedimentary formations at basin scale using TOUGH2-TMGAS. A comparison between the simulation performances of unstructured and structured grids is presented.

An Analysis of Performance Enhancement Techniques for Overset Grid Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Djomehri, J. J.; Biswas, R.; Potsdam, M.; Strawn, R. C.; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The overset grid methodology has significantly reduced time-to-solution of high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations about complex aerospace configurations. The solution process resolves the geometrical complexity of the problem domain by using separately generated but overlapping structured discretization grids that periodically exchange information through interpolation. However, high performance computations of such large-scale realistic applications must be handled efficiently on state-of-the-art parallel supercomputers. This paper analyzes the effects of various performance enhancement techniques on the parallel efficiency of an overset grid Navier-Stokes CFD application running on an SGI Origin2000 machine. Specifically, the role of asynchronous communication, grid splitting, and grid grouping strategies are presented and discussed. Results indicate that performance depends critically on the level of latency hiding and the quality of load balancing across the processors.

Efficient grid-based techniques for density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Hernandez, Juan Ignacio

Understanding the chemical and physical properties of molecules and materials at a fundamental level often requires quantum-mechanical models for these substance's electronic structure. This type of many body quantum mechanics calculation is computationally demanding, hindering its application to substances with more than a few hundreds atoms. The supreme goal of many researches in quantum chemistry---and the topic of this dissertation---is to develop more efficient computational algorithms for electronic structure calculations. In particular, this dissertation develops two new numerical integration techniques for computing molecular and atomic properties within conventional Kohn-Sham-Density Functional Theory (KS-DFT) of molecular electronic structure. The first of these grid-based techniques is based on the transformed sparse grid construction. In this construction, a sparse grid is generated in the unit cube and then mapped to real space according to the pro-molecular density using the conditional distribution transformation. The transformed sparse grid was implemented in program deMon2k, where it is used as the numerical integrator for the exchange-correlation energy and potential in the KS-DFT procedure. We tested our grid by computing ground state energies, equilibrium geometries, and atomization energies. The accuracy on these test calculations shows that our grid is more efficient than some previous integration methods: our grids use fewer points to obtain the same accuracy. The transformed sparse grids were also tested for integrating, interpolating and differentiating in different dimensions (n = 1,2,3,6). The second technique is a grid-based method for computing atomic properties within QTAIM. It was also implemented in deMon2k. The performance of the method was tested by computing QTAIM atomic energies, charges, dipole moments, and quadrupole moments. For medium accuracy, our method is the fastest one we know of.

Emission & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is an integrated source of data on environmental characteristics of electric power generation. Twelve federal databases are represented by eGRID, which provides air emission and resource mix information for thousands of power plants and generating companies. eGRID allows direct comparison of the environmental attributes of electricity from different plants, companies, States, or regions of the power grid.

On the use of Schwarz-Christoffel conformal mappings to the grid generation for global ocean models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S.; Wang, B.; Liu, J.

2015-10-01

In this article we propose two grid generation methods for global ocean general circulation models. Contrary to conventional dipolar or tripolar grids, the proposed methods are based on Schwarz-Christoffel conformal mappings that map areas with user-prescribed, irregular boundaries to those with regular boundaries (i.e., disks, slits, etc.). The first method aims at improving existing dipolar grids. Compared with existing grids, the sample grid achieves a better trade-off between the enlargement of the latitudinal-longitudinal portion and the overall smooth grid cell size transition. The second method addresses more modern and advanced grid design requirements arising from high-resolution and multi-scale ocean modeling. The generated grids could potentially achieve the alignment of grid lines to the large-scale coastlines, enhanced spatial resolution in coastal regions, and easier computational load balance. Since the grids are orthogonal curvilinear, they can be easily utilized by the majority of ocean general circulation models that are based on finite difference and require grid orthogonality. The proposed grid generation algorithms can also be applied to the grid generation for regional ocean modeling where complex land-sea distribution is present.

NASTRAN data generation and management using interactive graphics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smootkatow, M.; Cooper, B. M.

1972-01-01

A method of using an interactive graphics device to generate a large portion of the input bulk data with visual checks of the structure and the card images is described. The generation starts from GRID and PBAR cards. The visual checks result from a three-dimensional display of the model in any rotated position. By detailing the steps, the time saving and cost effectiveness of this method may be judged, and its potential as a useful tool for the structural analyst may be established.

Noniterative three-dimensional grid generation using parabolic partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, T. A.

1985-01-01

A new algorithm for generating three-dimensional grids has been developed and implemented which numerically solves a parabolic partial differential equation (PDE). The solution procedure marches outward in two coordinate directions, and requires inversion of a scalar tridiagonal system in the third. Source terms have been introduced to control the spacing and angle of grid lines near the grid boundaries, and to control the outer boundary point distribution. The method has been found to generate grids about 100 times faster than comparable grids generated via solution of elliptic PDEs, and produces smooth grids for finite-difference flow calculations.

Three-dimensional elliptic grid generation for an F-16

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, Reese L.

1988-01-01

A case history depicting the effort to generate a computational grid for the simulation of transonic flow about an F-16 aircraft at realistic flight conditions is presented. The flow solver for which this grid is designed is a zonal one, using the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations near the surface of the aircraft, and the Euler equations in regions removed from the aircraft. A body conforming global grid, suitable for the Euler equation, is first generated using 3-D Poisson equations having inhomogeneous terms modeled after the 2-D GRAPE code. Regions of the global grid are then designated for zonal refinement as appropriate to accurately model the flow physics. Grid spacing suitable for solution of the Navier-Stokes equations is generated in the refinement zones by simple subdivision of the given coarse grid intervals. That grid generation project is described, with particular emphasis on the global coarse grid.

Schwarz-Christoffel Conformal Mapping based Grid Generation for Global Oceanic Circulation Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Shiming

2015-04-01

We propose new grid generation algorithms for global ocean general circulation models (OGCMs). Contrary to conventional, analytical forms based dipolar or tripolar grids, the new algorithm are based on Schwarz-Christoffel (SC) conformal mapping with prescribed boundary information. While dealing with the conventional grid design problem of pole relocation, it also addresses more advanced issues of computational efficiency and the new requirements on OGCM grids arisen from the recent trend of high-resolution and multi-scale modeling. The proposed grid generation algorithm could potentially achieve the alignment of grid lines to coastlines, enhanced spatial resolution in coastal regions, and easier computational load balance. Since the generated grids are still orthogonal curvilinear, they can be readily 10 utilized in existing Bryan-Cox-Semtner type ocean models. The proposed methodology can also be applied to the grid generation task for regional ocean modeling when complex land-ocean distribution is present.

A Unified Overset Grid Generation Graphical Interface and New Concepts on Automatic Gridding Around Surface Discontinuities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Akien, Edwin (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

For many years, generation of overset grids for complex configurations has required the use of a number of different independently developed software utilities. Results created by each step were then visualized using a separate visualization tool before moving on to the next. A new software tool called OVERGRID was developed which allows the user to perform all the grid generation steps and visualization under one environment. OVERGRID provides grid diagnostic functions such as surface tangent and normal checks as well as grid manipulation functions such as extraction, extrapolation, concatenation, redistribution, smoothing, and projection. Moreover, it also contains hyperbolic surface and volume grid generation modules that are specifically suited for overset grid generation. It is the first time that such a unified interface existed for the creation of overset grids for complex geometries. New concepts on automatic overset surface grid generation around surface discontinuities will also be briefly presented. Special control curves on the surface such as intersection curves, sharp edges, open boundaries, are called seam curves. The seam curves are first automatically extracted from a multiple panel network description of the surface. Points where three or more seam curves meet are automatically identified and are called seam corners. Seam corner surface grids are automatically generated using a singular axis topology. Hyperbolic surface grids are then grown from the seam curves that are automatically trimmed away from the seam corners.

Smagglce: Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils: Phase 1 Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vickerman, Mary B.; Choo, Yung K.; Braun, Donald C.; Baez, Marivell; Gnepp, Steven

1999-01-01

SmaggIce (Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils) is a software toolkit used in the process of aerodynamic performance prediction of iced airfoils with grid-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). It includes tools for data probing, boundary smoothing, domain decomposition, and structured grid generation and refinement. SmaggIce provides the underlying computations to perform these functions, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to control and interact with those functions, and graphical displays of results, it is being developed at NASA Glenn Research Center. This paper discusses the overall design of SmaggIce as well as what has been implemented in Phase 1. Phase 1 results provide two types of software tools: interactive ice shape probing and interactive ice shape control. The ice shape probing tools will provide aircraft icing engineers and scientists with an interactive means to measure the physical characteristics of ice shapes. On the other hand, the ice shape control features of SmaggIce will allow engineers to examine input geometry data, correct or modify any deficiencies in the geometry, and perform controlled systematic smoothing to a level that will make the CFD process manageable.

Development of an Automatic Grid Generator for Multi-Element High-Lift Wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eberhardt, Scott; Wibowo, Pratomo; Tu, Eugene

1996-01-01

The procedure to generate the grid around a complex wing configuration is presented in this report. The automatic grid generation utilizes the Modified Advancing Front Method as a predictor and an elliptic scheme as a corrector. The scheme will advance the surface grid one cell outward and the newly obtained grid is corrected using the Laplace equation. The predictor-corrector step ensures that the grid produced will be smooth for every configuration. The predictor-corrector scheme is extended for a complex wing configuration. A new technique is developed to deal with the grid generation in the wing-gaps and on the flaps. It will create the grids that fill the gap on the wing surface and the gap created by the flaps. The scheme recognizes these configurations automatically so that minimal user input is required. By utilizing an appropriate sequence in advancing the grid points on a wing surface, the automatic grid generation for complex wing configurations is achieved.

Vortex Generators in a Two-Dimensional, External-Compression Supersonic Inlet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baydar, Ezgihan; Lu, Frank K.; Slater, John W.

2016-01-01

Vortex generators within a two-dimensional, external-compression supersonic inlet for Mach 1.6 were investigated to determine their ability to increase total pressure recovery, reduce total pressure distortion, and improve the boundary layer. The vortex generators studied included vanes and ramps. The geometric factors of the vortex generators studied included height, length, spacing, and positions upstream and downstream of the inlet terminal shock. The flow through the inlet was simulated through the computational solution of the steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations on multi-block, structured grids. The vortex generators were simulated by either gridding the geometry of the vortex generators or modeling the vortices generated by the vortex generators. The inlet performance was characterized by the inlet total pressure recovery, total pressure distortion, and incompressible shape factor of the boundary-layer at the engine face. The results suggested that downstream vanes reduced the distortion and improved the boundary layer. The height of the vortex generators had the greatest effect of the geometric factors.

Effects of mesh style and grid convergence on particle deposition in bifurcating airway models with comparisons to experimental data.

PubMed

Longest, P Worth; Vinchurkar, Samir

2007-04-01

A number of research studies have employed a wide variety of mesh styles and levels of grid convergence to assess velocity fields and particle deposition patterns in models of branching biological systems. Generating structured meshes based on hexahedral elements requires significant time and effort; however, these meshes are often associated with high quality solutions. Unstructured meshes that employ tetrahedral elements can be constructed much faster but may increase levels of numerical diffusion, especially in tubular flow systems with a primary flow direction. The objective of this study is to better establish the effects of mesh generation techniques and grid convergence on velocity fields and particle deposition patterns in bifurcating respiratory models. In order to achieve this objective, four widely used mesh styles including structured hexahedral, unstructured tetrahedral, flow adaptive tetrahedral, and hybrid grids have been considered for two respiratory airway configurations. Initial particle conditions tested are based on the inlet velocity profile or the local inlet mass flow rate. Accuracy of the simulations has been assessed by comparisons to experimental in vitro data available in the literature for the steady-state velocity field in a single bifurcation model as well as the local particle deposition fraction in a double bifurcation model. Quantitative grid convergence was assessed based on a grid convergence index (GCI), which accounts for the degree of grid refinement. The hexahedral mesh was observed to have GCI values that were an order of magnitude below the unstructured tetrahedral mesh values for all resolutions considered. Moreover, the hexahedral mesh style provided GCI values of approximately 1% and reduced run times by a factor of 3. Based on comparisons to empirical data, it was shown that inlet particle seedings should be consistent with the local inlet mass flow rate. Furthermore, the mesh style was found to have an observable effect on cumulative particle depositions with the hexahedral solution most closely matching empirical results. Future studies are needed to assess other mesh generation options including various forms of the hybrid configuration and unstructured hexahedral meshes.

Examples of grid generation with implicitly specified surfaces using GridPro (TM)/az3000. 1: Filleted multi-tube configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, Zheming; Eiseman, Peter R.

1995-01-01

With examples, we illustrate how implicitly specified surfaces can be used for grid generation with GridPro/az3000. The particular examples address two questions: (1) How do you model intersecting tubes with fillets? and (2) How do you generate grids inside the intersected tubes? The implication is much more general. With the results in a forthcoming paper which develops an easy-to-follow procedure for implicit surface modeling, we provide a powerful means for rapid prototyping in grid generation.

Review of Strategies and Technologies for Demand-Side Management on Isolated Mini-Grids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harper, Meg

This review provides an overview of strategies and currently available technologies used for demandside management (DSM) on mini-grids throughout the world. For the purposes of this review, mini-grids are defined as village-scale electricity distribution systems powered by small local generation sources and not connected to a main grid.1 Mini-grids range in size from less than 1 kW to several hundred kW of installed generation capacity and may utilize different generation technologies, such as micro-hydro, biomass gasification, solar, wind, diesel generators, or a hybrid combination of any of these. This review will primarily refer to AC mini-grids, though much of themore » discussion could apply to DC grids as well. Many mini-grids include energy storage, though some rely solely on real-time generation.« less

A Corner-Point-Grid-Based Voxelization Method for Complex Geological Structure Model with Folds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qiyu; Mariethoz, Gregoire; Liu, Gang

2017-04-01

3D voxelization is the foundation of geological property modeling, and is also an effective approach to realize the 3D visualization of the heterogeneous attributes in geological structures. The corner-point grid is a representative data model among all voxel models, and is a structured grid type that is widely applied at present. When carrying out subdivision for complex geological structure model with folds, we should fully consider its structural morphology and bedding features to make the generated voxels keep its original morphology. And on the basis of which, they can depict the detailed bedding features and the spatial heterogeneity of the internal attributes. In order to solve the shortage of the existing technologies, this work puts forward a corner-point-grid-based voxelization method for complex geological structure model with folds. We have realized the fast conversion from the 3D geological structure model to the fine voxel model according to the rule of isocline in Ramsay's fold classification. In addition, the voxel model conforms to the spatial features of folds, pinch-out and other complex geological structures, and the voxels of the laminas inside a fold accords with the result of geological sedimentation and tectonic movement. This will provide a carrier and model foundation for the subsequent attribute assignment as well as the quantitative analysis and evaluation based on the spatial voxels. Ultimately, we use examples and the contrastive analysis between the examples and the Ramsay's description of isoclines to discuss the effectiveness and advantages of the method proposed in this work when dealing with the voxelization of 3D geologic structural model with folds based on corner-point grids.

A grid spacing control technique for algebraic grid generation methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. E.; Kudlinski, R. A.; Everton, E. L.

1982-01-01

A technique which controls the spacing of grid points in algebraically defined coordinate transformations is described. The technique is based on the generation of control functions which map a uniformly distributed computational grid onto parametric variables defining the physical grid. The control functions are smoothed cubic splines. Sets of control points are input for each coordinate directions to outline the control functions. Smoothed cubic spline functions are then generated to approximate the input data. The technique works best in an interactive graphics environment where control inputs and grid displays are nearly instantaneous. The technique is illustrated with the two-boundary grid generation algorithm.

Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID), eGRID2012

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States. These environmental characteristics include air emissions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide; emissions rates; net generation; resource mix; and many other attributes. eGRID2012 Version 1.0 is the eighth edition of eGRID, which contains the complete release of year 2009 data, as well as year 2007, 2005, and 2004 data. For year 2009 data, all the data are contained in a single Microsoft Excel workbook, which contains boiler, generator, plant, state, power control area, eGRID subregion, NERC region, U.S. total and grid gross loss factor tabs. Full documentation, summary data, eGRID subregion and NERC region representational maps, and GHG emission factors are also released in this edition. The fourth edition of eGRID, eGRID2002 Version 2.01, containing year 1996 through 2000 data is located on the eGRID Archive page (http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/egrid/archive.html). The current edition of eGRID and the archived edition of eGRID contain the following years of data: 1996 - 2000, 2004, 2005, and 2007. eGRID has no other years of data.

Numerical computation of complex multi-body Navier-Stokes flows with applications for the integrated Space Shuttle launch vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.

1993-01-01

An enhanced grid system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter was built by integrating CAD definitions from several sources and then generating the surface and volume grids. The new grid system contains geometric components not modeled previously plus significant enhancements on geometry that has been modeled in the old grid system. The new orbiter grids were then integrated with new grids for the rest of the launch vehicle. Enhancements were made to the hyperbolic grid generator HYPGEN and new tools for grid projection, manipulation, and modification, Cartesian box grid and far field grid generation and post-processing of flow solver data were developed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaunak, S.K.; Soni, B.K.

With research interests shifting away from primarily military or industrial applications to more environmental applications, the area of ocean modelling has become an increasingly popular and exciting area of research. This paper presents a CIPS (Computation Field Simulation) system customized for the solution of oceanographic problems. This system deals primarily with the generation of simple, yet efficient grids for coastal areas. The two primary grid approaches are both structured in methodology. The first approach is a standard approach which is used in such popular grid generation softwares as GE-NIE++, EAGLEVIEW, and TIGER, where the user defines boundaries via points, lines,more » or curves, varies the distribution of points along these boundaries and then creates the interior grid. The second approach is to allow the user to interactively select points on the screen to form the boundary curves and then create the interior grid from these spline curves. The program has been designed with the needs of the ocean modeller in mind so that the modeller can obtain results in a timely yet elegant manner. The modeller performs four basic steps in using the program. First, he selects a region of interest from a popular database. Then, he creates a grid for that region. Next, he sets up boundary and input conditions and runs a circulation model. Finally, the modeller visualizes the output.« less

Evaluation of the Dornier Gmbh interactive grid generation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Robert L.

1989-01-01

An interactive grid generation program, INGRID, is investigated and evaluated. A description of the task and work performed, a description and evaluation of INGRID, and a discussion of the possibilities for bringing INGRID into the NASA and Numerical Aerodynamic Simulator (NAS) computing environments is included. The interactive grid generation program was found to be a viable approach for grid generation and determined that it could be converted to work in the NAS environment but that INGRID does not solve the fundamentally hard problems associated with grid generation, specifically, domain decomposition.

Best Practices In Overset Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Gomez, Reynaldo J., III; Rogers, Stuart E.; Buning, Pieter G.; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Grid generation for overset grids on complex geometry can be divided into four main steps: geometry processing, surface grid generation, volume grid generation and domain connectivity. For each of these steps, the procedures currently practiced by experienced users are described. Typical problems encountered are also highlighted and discussed. Most of the guidelines are derived from experience on a variety of problems including space launch and return vehicles, subsonic transports with propulsion and high lift devices, supersonic vehicles, rotorcraft vehicles, and turbomachinery.

Grid sensitivity for aerodynamic optimization and flow analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadrehaghighi, I.; Tiwari, S. N.

1993-01-01

After reviewing relevant literature, it is apparent that one aspect of aerodynamic sensitivity analysis, namely grid sensitivity, has not been investigated extensively. The grid sensitivity algorithms in most of these studies are based on structural design models. Such models, although sufficient for preliminary or conceptional design, are not acceptable for detailed design analysis. Careless grid sensitivity evaluations, would introduce gradient errors within the sensitivity module, therefore, infecting the overall optimization process. Development of an efficient and reliable grid sensitivity module with special emphasis on aerodynamic applications appear essential. The organization of this study is as follows. The physical and geometric representations of a typical model are derived in chapter 2. The grid generation algorithm and boundary grid distribution are developed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 discusses the theoretical formulation and aerodynamic sensitivity equation. The method of solution is provided in chapter 5. The results are presented and discussed in chapter 6. Finally, some concluding remarks are provided in chapter 7.

An algebraic homotopy method for generating quasi-three-dimensional grids for high-speed configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moitra, Anutosh

1989-01-01

A fast and versatile procedure for algebraically generating boundary conforming computational grids for use with finite-volume Euler flow solvers is presented. A semi-analytic homotopic procedure is used to generate the grids. Grids generated in two-dimensional planes are stacked to produce quasi-three-dimensional grid systems. The body surface and outer boundary are described in terms of surface parameters. An interpolation scheme is used to blend between the body surface and the outer boundary in order to determine the field points. The method, albeit developed for analytically generated body geometries is equally applicable to other classes of geometries. The method can be used for both internal and external flow configurations, the only constraint being that the body geometries be specified in two-dimensional cross-sections stationed along the longitudinal axis of the configuration. Techniques for controlling various grid parameters, e.g., clustering and orthogonality are described. Techniques for treating problems arising in algebraic grid generation for geometries with sharp corners are addressed. A set of representative grid systems generated by this method is included. Results of flow computations using these grids are presented for validation of the effectiveness of the method.

Time-domain analysis of planar microstrip devices using a generalized Yee-algorithm based on unstructured grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gedney, Stephen D.; Lansing, Faiza

1993-01-01

The generalized Yee-algorithm is presented for the temporal full-wave analysis of planar microstrip devices. This algorithm has the significant advantage over the traditional Yee-algorithm in that it is based on unstructured and irregular grids. The robustness of the generalized Yee-algorithm is that structures that contain curved conductors or complex three-dimensional geometries can be more accurately, and much more conveniently modeled using standard automatic grid generation techniques. This generalized Yee-algorithm is based on the the time-marching solution of the discrete form of Maxwell's equations in their integral form. To this end, the electric and magnetic fields are discretized over a dual, irregular, and unstructured grid. The primary grid is assumed to be composed of general fitted polyhedra distributed throughout the volume. The secondary grid (or dual grid) is built up of the closed polyhedra whose edges connect the centroid's of adjacent primary cells, penetrating shared faces. Faraday's law and Ampere's law are used to update the fields normal to the primary and secondary grid faces, respectively. Subsequently, a correction scheme is introduced to project the normal fields onto the grid edges. It is shown that this scheme is stable, maintains second-order accuracy, and preserves the divergenceless nature of the flux densities. Finally, for computational efficiency the algorithm is structured as a series of sparse matrix-vector multiplications. Based on this scheme, the generalized Yee-algorithm has been implemented on vector and parallel high performance computers in a highly efficient manner.

Domain decomposition by the advancing-partition method for parallel unstructured grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banihashemi, legal representative, Soheila (Inventor); Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

In a method for domain decomposition for generating unstructured grids, a surface mesh is generated for a spatial domain. A location of a partition plane dividing the domain into two sections is determined. Triangular faces on the surface mesh that intersect the partition plane are identified. A partition grid of tetrahedral cells, dividing the domain into two sub-domains, is generated using a marching process in which a front comprises only faces of new cells which intersect the partition plane. The partition grid is generated until no active faces remain on the front. Triangular faces on each side of the partition plane are collected into two separate subsets. Each subset of triangular faces is renumbered locally and a local/global mapping is created for each sub-domain. A volume grid is generated for each sub-domain. The partition grid and volume grids are then merged using the local-global mapping.

On the use of Schwarz-Christoffel conformal mappings to the grid generation for global ocean models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S.; Wang, B.; Liu, J.

2015-02-01

In this article we propose two conformal mapping based grid generation algorithms for global ocean general circulation models (OGCMs). Contrary to conventional, analytical forms based dipolar or tripolar grids, the new algorithms are based on Schwarz-Christoffel (SC) conformal mapping with prescribed boundary information. While dealing with the basic grid design problem of pole relocation, these new algorithms also address more advanced issues such as smoothed scaling factor, or the new requirements on OGCM grids arisen from the recent trend of high-resolution and multi-scale modeling. The proposed grid generation algorithm could potentially achieve the alignment of grid lines to coastlines, enhanced spatial resolution in coastal regions, and easier computational load balance. Since the generated grids are still orthogonal curvilinear, they can be readily utilized in existing Bryan-Cox-Semtner type ocean models. The proposed methodology can also be applied to the grid generation task for regional ocean modeling where complex land-ocean distribution is present.

HOMAR: A computer code for generating homotopic grids using algebraic relations: User's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moitra, Anutosh

1989-01-01

A computer code for fast automatic generation of quasi-three-dimensional grid systems for aerospace configurations is described. The code employs a homotopic method to algebraically generate two-dimensional grids in cross-sectional planes, which are stacked to produce a three-dimensional grid system. Implementation of the algebraic equivalents of the homotopic relations for generating body geometries and grids are explained. Procedures for controlling grid orthogonality and distortion are described. Test cases with description and specification of inputs are presented in detail. The FORTRAN computer program and notes on implementation and use are included.

GSHR-Tree: a spatial index tree based on dynamic spatial slot and hash table in grid environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhanlong; Wu, Xin-cai; Wu, Liang

2008-12-01

Computation Grids enable the coordinated sharing of large-scale distributed heterogeneous computing resources that can be used to solve computationally intensive problems in science, engineering, and commerce. Grid spatial applications are made possible by high-speed networks and a new generation of Grid middleware that resides between networks and traditional GIS applications. The integration of the multi-sources and heterogeneous spatial information and the management of the distributed spatial resources and the sharing and cooperative of the spatial data and Grid services are the key problems to resolve in the development of the Grid GIS. The performance of the spatial index mechanism is the key technology of the Grid GIS and spatial database affects the holistic performance of the GIS in Grid Environments. In order to improve the efficiency of parallel processing of a spatial mass data under the distributed parallel computing grid environment, this paper presents a new grid slot hash parallel spatial index GSHR-Tree structure established in the parallel spatial indexing mechanism. Based on the hash table and dynamic spatial slot, this paper has improved the structure of the classical parallel R tree index. The GSHR-Tree index makes full use of the good qualities of R-Tree and hash data structure. This paper has constructed a new parallel spatial index that can meet the needs of parallel grid computing about the magnanimous spatial data in the distributed network. This arithmetic splits space in to multi-slots by multiplying and reverting and maps these slots to sites in distributed and parallel system. Each sites constructs the spatial objects in its spatial slot into an R tree. On the basis of this tree structure, the index data was distributed among multiple nodes in the grid networks by using large node R-tree method. The unbalance during process can be quickly adjusted by means of a dynamical adjusting algorithm. This tree structure has considered the distributed operation, reduplication operation transfer operation of spatial index in the grid environment. The design of GSHR-Tree has ensured the performance of the load balance in the parallel computation. This tree structure is fit for the parallel process of the spatial information in the distributed network environments. Instead of spatial object's recursive comparison where original R tree has been used, the algorithm builds the spatial index by applying binary code operation in which computer runs more efficiently, and extended dynamic hash code for bit comparison. In GSHR-Tree, a new server is assigned to the network whenever a split of a full node is required. We describe a more flexible allocation protocol which copes with a temporary shortage of storage resources. It uses a distributed balanced binary spatial tree that scales with insertions to potentially any number of storage servers through splits of the overloaded ones. The application manipulates the GSHR-Tree structure from a node in the grid environment. The node addresses the tree through its image that the splits can make outdated. This may generate addressing errors, solved by the forwarding among the servers. In this paper, a spatial index data distribution algorithm that limits the number of servers has been proposed. We improve the storage utilization at the cost of additional messages. The structure of GSHR-Tree is believed that the scheme of this grid spatial index should fit the needs of new applications using endlessly larger sets of spatial data. Our proposal constitutes a flexible storage allocation method for a distributed spatial index. The insertion policy can be tuned dynamically to cope with periods of storage shortage. In such cases storage balancing should be favored for better space utilization, at the price of extra message exchanges between servers. This structure makes a compromise in the updating of the duplicated index and the transformation of the spatial index data. Meeting the needs of the grid computing, GSHRTree has a flexible structure in order to satisfy new needs in the future. The GSHR-Tree provides the R-tree capabilities for large spatial datasets stored over interconnected servers. The analysis, including the experiments, confirmed the efficiency of our design choices. The scheme should fit the needs of new applications of spatial data, using endlessly larger datasets. Using the system response time of the parallel processing of spatial scope query algorithm as the performance evaluation factor, According to the result of the simulated the experiments, GSHR-Tree is performed to prove the reasonable design and the high performance of the indexing structure that the paper presented.

Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID), eGRID2002 (with years 1996 - 2000 data)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States. These environmental characteristics include air emissions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and mercury; emissions rates; net generation; resource mix; and many other attributes. eGRID2002 (years 1996 through 2000 data) contains 16 Excel spreadsheets and the Technical Support Document, as well as the eGRID Data Browser, User's Manual, and Readme file. Archived eGRID data can be viewed as spreadsheets or by using the eGRID Data Browser. The eGRID spreadsheets can be manipulated by data users and enables users to view all the data underlying eGRID. The eGRID Data Browser enables users to view key data using powerful search features. Note that the eGRID Data Browser will not run on a Mac-based machine without Windows emulation.

Geometry Modeling and Grid Generation for Design and Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samareh, Jamshid A.

1998-01-01

Geometry modeling and grid generation (GMGG) have played and will continue to play an important role in computational aerosciences. During the past two decades, tremendous progress has occurred in GMGG; however, GMGG is still the biggest bottleneck to routine applications for complicated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computational Structures Mechanics (CSM) models for analysis, design, and optimization. We are still far from incorporating GMGG tools in a design and optimization environment for complicated configurations. It is still a challenging task to parameterize an existing model in today's Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems, and the models created are not always good enough for automatic grid generation tools. Designers may believe their models are complete and accurate, but unseen imperfections (e.g., gaps, unwanted wiggles, free edges, slivers, and transition cracks) often cause problems in gridding for CSM and CFD. Despite many advances in grid generation, the process is still the most labor-intensive and time-consuming part of the computational aerosciences for analysis, design, and optimization. In an ideal design environment, a design engineer would use a parametric model to evaluate alternative designs effortlessly and optimize an existing design for a new set of design objectives and constraints. For this ideal environment to be realized, the GMGG tools must have the following characteristics: (1) be automated, (2) provide consistent geometry across all disciplines, (3) be parametric, and (4) provide sensitivity derivatives. This paper will review the status of GMGG for analysis, design, and optimization processes, and it will focus on some emerging ideas that will advance the GMGG toward the ideal design environment.

Transient Control of Synchronous Machine Active and Reactive Power in Micro-grid Power Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Luke G.

There are two main topics associated with this dissertation. The first is to investigate phase-to-neutral fault current magnitude occurring in generators with multiple zero-sequence current sources. The second is to design, model, and tune a linear control system for operating a micro-grid in the event of a separation from the electric power system. In the former case, detailed generator, AC8B excitation system, and four-wire electric power system models are constructed. Where available, manufacturers data is used to validate the generator and exciter models. A gain-delay with frequency droop control is used to model an internal combustion engine and governor. The four wire system is connected through a transformer impedance to an infinite bus. Phase-to-neutral faults are imposed on the system, and fault magnitudes analyzed against three-phase faults to gauge their severity. In the latter case, a balanced three-phase system is assumed. The model structure from the former case - but using data for a different generator - is incorporated with a model for an energy storage device and a net load model to form a micro-grid. The primary control model for the energy storage device has a high level of detail, as does the energy storage device plant model in describing the LC filter and transformer. A gain-delay battery and inverter model is used at the front end. The net load model is intended to be the difference between renewable energy sources and load within a micro-grid system that has separated from the grid. Given the variability of both renewable generation and load, frequency and voltage stability are not guaranteed. This work is an attempt to model components of a proposed micro-grid system at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, and design, model, and tune a linear control system for operation in the event of a separation from the electric power system. The control module is responsible for management of frequency and active power, and voltage and reactive power. The scope of this work is to • develop a mathematical model for a salient pole, 2 damper winding synchronous generator with d axis saturation suitable for transient analysis, • develop a mathematical model for a voltage regulator and excitation system using the IEEE AC8B voltage regulator and excitation system template, • develop mathematical models for an energy storage primary control system, LC filter and transformer suitable for transient analysis, • combine the generator and energy storage models in a micro-grid context, • develop mathematical models for electric system components in the stationary abc frame and rotating dq reference frame, • develop a secondary control network for dispatch of micro-grid assets, • establish micro-grid limits of stable operation for step changes in load and power commands based on simulations of model data assuming net load on the micro-grid, and • use generator and electric system models to assess the generator current magnitude during phase-to-ground faults.

Domain Decomposition By the Advancing-Partition Method for Parallel Unstructured Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.; Zagaris, George

2009-01-01

A new method of domain decomposition has been developed for generating unstructured grids in subdomains either sequentially or using multiple computers in parallel. Domain decomposition is a crucial and challenging step for parallel grid generation. Prior methods are generally based on auxiliary, complex, and computationally intensive operations for defining partition interfaces and usually produce grids of lower quality than those generated in single domains. The new technique, referred to as "Advancing Partition," is based on the Advancing-Front method, which partitions a domain as part of the volume mesh generation in a consistent and "natural" way. The benefits of this approach are: 1) the process of domain decomposition is highly automated, 2) partitioning of domain does not compromise the quality of the generated grids, and 3) the computational overhead for domain decomposition is minimal. The new method has been implemented in NASA's unstructured grid generation code VGRID.

Sonora: A New Generation Model Atmosphere Grid for Brown Dwarfs and Young Extrasolar Giant Planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marley, Mark S.; Saumon, Didier; Fortney, Jonathan J.; Morley, Caroline; Lupu, Roxana E.; Freedman, Richard; Visscher, Channon

2017-06-01

Brown dwarf and giant planet atmospheric structure and composition has been studied both by forward models and, increasingly so, by retrieval methods. While indisputably informative, retrieval methods are of greatest value when judged in the context of grid model predictions. Meanwhile retrieval models can test the assumptions inherent in the forward modeling procedure.In order to provide a new, systematic survey of brown dwarf atmospheric structure, emergent spectra, and evolution, we have constructed a new grid of brown dwarf model atmospheres. We ultimately aim for our grid to span substantial ranges of atmospheric metallilcity, C/O ratios, cloud properties, atmospheric mixing, and other parameters. Spectra predicted by our modeling grid can be compared to both observations and retrieval results to aid in the interpretation and planning of future telescopic observations.We thus present Sonora, a new generation of substellar atmosphere models, appropriate for application to studies of L, T, and Y-type brown dwarfs and young extrasolar giant planets. The models describe the expected temperature-pressure profile and emergent spectra of an atmosphere in radiative-convective equilibrium for ranges of effective temperatures and gravities encompassing 200 ≤ Teff ≤ 2400 K and 2.5 ≤ log g ≤ 5.5. In our poster we briefly describe our modeling methodology, enumerate various updates since our group's previous models, and present our initial tranche of models for cloudless, solar metallicity, and solar carbon-to-oxygen ratio, chemical equilibrium atmospheres. These models will be available online and will be updated as opacities and cloud modeling methods continue to improve.

GRID3O- FAST GENERATION OF MULTILEVEL, THREE-DIMENSIONAL BOUNDARY-CONFORMING O-TYPE COMPUTATIONAL GRIDS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dulikravich, D. S.

1994-01-01

A fast algorithm has been developed for accurately generating boundary-conforming, three-dimensional consecutively refined computational grids applicable to arbitrary wing-body and axial turbomachinery geometries. This algorithm has been incorporated into the GRID3O computer program. The method employed in GRID3O is based on using an analytic function to generate two-dimensional grids on a number of coaxial axisymmetric surfaces positioned between the centerbody and the outer radial boundary. These grids are of the O-type and are characterized by quasi-orthogonality, geometric periodicity, and an adequate resolution throughout the flow field. Because the built-in nonorthogonal coordinate stretching and shearing cause the grid lines leaving the blade or wing trailing-edge to end at downstream infinity, use of the generated grid simplifies the numerical treatment of three-dimensional trailing vortex sheets. The GRID3O program is written in FORTRAN IV for batch execution and has been implemented on an IBM 370 series computer with a central memory requirement of approximately 450K of 8 bit bytes. The GRID3O program was developed in 1981.

LES-based generation of high-frequency fluctuation in wind turbulence obtained by meteorological model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Tetsuro; Kawaguchi, Masaharu; Kawai, Hidenori; Tao, Tao

2017-11-01

The connection between a meso-scale model and a micro-scale large eddy simulation (LES) is significant to simulate the micro-scale meteorological problem such as strong convective events due to the typhoon or the tornado using LES. In these problems the mean velocity profiles and the mean wind directions change with time according to the movement of the typhoons or tornadoes. Although, a fine grid micro-scale LES could not be connected to a coarse grid meso-scale WRF directly. In LES when the grid is suddenly refined at the interface of nested grids which is normal to the mean advection the resolved shear stresses decrease due to the interpolation errors and the delay of the generation of smaller scale turbulence that can be resolved on the finer mesh. For the estimation of wind gust disaster the peak wind acting on buildings and structures has to be correctly predicted. In the case of meteorological model the velocity fluctuations have a tendency of diffusive variation without the high frequency component due to the numerically filtering effects. In order to predict the peak value of wind velocity with good accuracy, this paper proposes a LES-based method for generating the higher frequency components of velocity and temperature fields obtained by meteorological model.

Smart grid as a service: a discussion on design issues.

PubMed

Chao, Hung-Lin; Tsai, Chen-Chou; Hsiung, Pao-Ann; Chou, I-Hsin

2014-01-01

Smart grid allows the integration of distributed renewable energy resources into the conventional electricity distribution power grid such that the goals of reduction in power cost and in environment pollution can be met through an intelligent and efficient matching between power generators and power loads. Currently, this rapidly developing infrastructure is not as "smart" as it should be because of the lack of a flexible, scalable, and adaptive structure. As a solution, this work proposes smart grid as a service (SGaaS), which not only allows a smart grid to be composed out of basic services, but also allows power users to choose between different services based on their own requirements. The two important issues of service-level agreements and composition of services are also addressed in this work. Finally, we give the details of how SGaaS can be implemented using a FIPA-compliant JADE multiagent system.

Smart Grid as a Service: A Discussion on Design Issues

PubMed Central

Tsai, Chen-Chou; Chou, I-Hsin

2014-01-01

Smart grid allows the integration of distributed renewable energy resources into the conventional electricity distribution power grid such that the goals of reduction in power cost and in environment pollution can be met through an intelligent and efficient matching between power generators and power loads. Currently, this rapidly developing infrastructure is not as “smart” as it should be because of the lack of a flexible, scalable, and adaptive structure. As a solution, this work proposes smart grid as a service (SGaaS), which not only allows a smart grid to be composed out of basic services, but also allows power users to choose between different services based on their own requirements. The two important issues of service-level agreements and composition of services are also addressed in this work. Finally, we give the details of how SGaaS can be implemented using a FIPA-compliant JADE multiagent system. PMID:25243214

Workshop on Grid Generation and Related Areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

A collection of papers given at the Workshop on Grid Generation and Related Areas is presented. The purpose of this workshop was to assemble engineers and scientists who are currently working on grid generation for computational fluid dynamics (CFD), surface modeling, and related areas. The objectives were to provide an informal forum on grid generation and related topics, to assess user experience, to identify needs, and to help promote synergy among engineers and scientists working in this area. The workshop consisted of four sessions representative of grid generation and surface modeling research and application within NASA LeRC. Each session contained presentations and an open discussion period.

Numerical simulation of rough-surface aerodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Xingkai

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of flow over surfaces with roughness in which the details of the surface geometry must be resolved pose major challenges. The objective of this study is to address these challenges through two important engineering problems, where roughness play a critical role---flow over airfoils with accrued ice and flow and heat transfer over turbine blade surfaces roughened by erosion and/or deposition. CFD simulations of iced airfoils face two major challenges. The first is how to generate high-quality single- and multi-block structured grids for highly convoluted convex and concave surface geometries with multiple scales. In this study, two methods were developed for the generation of high-quality grids for such geometries. The method developed for single-block grids involves generating a grid about the clean airfoil, carving out a portion of that grid about the airfoil, replacing that portion with a grid that accounts for the accrued ice geometry, and performing elliptic smoothing. The method developed for multi-block grids involves a transition-layer grid to ensure jaggedness in the ice geometry does not propagate into the domain. It also involves a "thick" wrap-around grid about the ice to ensure grid lines clustered next to solid surfaces do not propagate as streaks of tightly packed grid lines into the domain along block boundaries. For multi-block grids, this study also developed blocking topologies that ensure solutions to multi-block grids converge to steady state as quickly as single-block grids. The second major challenge in CFD simulations of iced airfoils is not knowing when it will predict reliably because of uncertainties in the turbulence modeling. In this study, the effects of turbulence models in predicting lift, drag, and moment coefficients were examined for airfoils with rime ice (i.e., ice with jaggedness only) and with glaze ice (i.e., ice with multiple protruding horns and surface jaggedness) as a function of angle of attack. In this examination, three different CFD codes---WIND, FLUENT, and PowerFLOW were used to examine a variety of turbulence models, including Spalart-Allmaras, RNG k-epsilon, shear-stress transport, v2-f, and differential Reynolds stress with and without non-equilibrium wall functions. The accuracy of the CFD predictions was evaluated by comparing grid-independent solutions with measured experimental data. Results obtained show CFD with WIND and FLUENT to predict the aerodynamics of airfoils with rime ice reliably up to near stall for all turbulence models investigated. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Quadtree of TIN: a new algorithm of dynamic LOD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Junfeng; Fei, Lifan; Chen, Zhen

2009-10-01

Currently, Real-time visualization of large-scale digital elevation model mainly employs the regular structure of GRID based on quadtree and triangle simplification methods based on irregular triangulated network (TIN). TIN is a refined means to express the terrain surface in the computer science, compared with GRID. However, the data structure of TIN model is complex, and is difficult to realize view-dependence representation of level of detail (LOD) quickly. GRID is a simple method to realize the LOD of terrain, but contains more triangle count. A new algorithm, which takes full advantage of the two methods' merit, is presented in this paper. This algorithm combines TIN with quadtree structure to realize the view-dependence LOD controlling over the irregular sampling point sets, and holds the details through the distance of viewpoint and the geometric error of terrain. Experiments indicate that this approach can generate an efficient quadtree triangulation hierarchy over any irregular sampling point sets and achieve dynamic and visual multi-resolution performance of large-scale terrain at real-time.

TIGER: A graphically interactive grid system for turbomachinery applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Ming-Hsin; Soni, Bharat K.

1992-01-01

Numerical grid generation algorithm associated with the flow field about turbomachinery geometries is presented. Graphical user interface is developed with FORMS Library to create an interactive, user-friendly working environment. This customized algorithm reduces the man-hours required to generate a grid associated with turbomachinery geometry, as compared to the use of general-purpose grid generation softwares. Bezier curves are utilized both interactively and automatically to accomplish grid line smoothness and orthogonality. Graphical User Interactions are provided in the algorithm, allowing the user to design and manipulate the grid lines with a mouse.

Different Solutions for the Generator-accelerator Module

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savin, E. A.; Matsievskiy, S. V.; Sobenin, N. P.; Zavadtsev, A. A.; Zavadtsev, D. A.

The most important part of the particle accelerators [1] - is the power generator together with the whole feeding system [2]. All types of generators, such as klystrons, magnetrons, solid state generators cover their own field of power and pulse length values. For the last couple of year the Inductive Output Tubes (IOT) becomes very popular because of their comparative construction simplicity: it represents the klystron output cavity with the grid modulated electron beam injected in it. Now such IOTs are used with the superconductive particle accelerators at 700 MHz operating frequency with around 1MW output power. Higher frequencies problem - is the inability to apply high frequency modulated voltage to the grid. Thus we need to figure out some kind of RF gun. But this article is about the first steps of the geometry and beam dynamics simulation in the six beam S-band IOT, which will be used with the compact biperiodic accelerating structure.

Power in the loop real time simulation platform for renewable energy generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Shi, Wenhui; Zhang, Xing; He, Guoqing

2018-02-01

Nowadays, a large scale of renewable energy sources has been connecting to power system and the real time simulation platform is widely used to carry out research on integration control algorithm, power system stability etc. Compared to traditional pure digital simulation and hardware in the loop simulation, power in the loop simulation has higher accuracy and degree of reliability. In this paper, a power in the loop analog digital hybrid simulation platform has been built and it can be used not only for the single generation unit connecting to grid, but also for multiple new energy generation units connecting to grid. A wind generator inertia control experiment was carried out on the platform. The structure of the inertia control platform was researched and the results verify that the platform is up to need for renewable power in the loop real time simulation.

3DGRAPE - THREE DIMENSIONAL GRIDS ABOUT ANYTHING BY POISSON'S EQUATION

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, R. L.

1994-01-01

The ability to treat arbitrary boundary shapes is one of the most desirable characteristics of a method for generating grids. 3DGRAPE is designed to make computational grids in or about almost any shape. These grids are generated by the solution of Poisson's differential equations in three dimensions. The program automatically finds its own values for inhomogeneous terms which give near-orthogonality and controlled grid cell height at boundaries. Grids generated by 3DGRAPE have been applied to both viscous and inviscid aerodynamic problems, and to problems in other fluid-dynamic areas. 3DGRAPE uses zones to solve the problem of warping one cube into the physical domain in real-world computational fluid dynamics problems. In a zonal approach, a physical domain is divided into regions, each of which maps into its own computational cube. It is believed that even the most complicated physical region can be divided into zones, and since it is possible to warp a cube into each zone, a grid generator which is oriented to zones and allows communication across zonal boundaries (where appropriate) solves the problem of topological complexity. 3DGRAPE expects to read in already-distributed x,y,z coordinates on the bodies of interest, coordinates which will remain fixed during the entire grid-generation process. The 3DGRAPE code makes no attempt to fit given body shapes and redistribute points thereon. Body-fitting is a formidable problem in itself. The user must either be working with some simple analytical body shape, upon which a simple analytical distribution can be easily effected, or must have available some sophisticated stand-alone body-fitting software. 3DGRAPE does not require the user to supply the block-to-block boundaries nor the shapes of the distribution of points. 3DGRAPE will typically supply those block-to-block boundaries simply as surfaces in the elliptic grid. Thus at block-to-block boundaries the following conditions are obtained: (1) grids lines will match up as they approach the block-to-block boundary from either side, (2) grid lines will cross the boundary with no slope discontinuity, (3) the spacing of points along the line piercing the boundary will be continuous, (4) the shape of the boundary will be consistent with the surrounding grid, and (5) the distribution of points on the boundary will be reasonable in view of the surrounding grid. 3DGRAPE offers a powerful building-block approach to complex 3-D grid generation, but is a low-level tool. Users may build each face of each block as they wish, from a wide variety of resources. 3DGRAPE uses point-successive-over-relaxation (point-SOR) to solve the Poisson equations. This method is slow, although it does vectorize nicely. Any number of sophisticated graphics programs may be used on the stored output file of 3DGRAPE though it lacks interactive graphics. Versatility was a prominent consideration in developing the code. The block structure allows a great latitude in the problems it can treat. As the acronym implies, this program should be able to handle just about any physical region into which a computational cube or cubes can be warped. 3DGRAPE was written in FORTRAN 77 and should be machine independent. It was originally developed on a Cray under COS and tested on a MicroVAX 3200 under VMS 5.1.

An immersed-boundary method for flow–structure interaction in biological systems with application to phonation

PubMed Central

Luo, Haoxiang; Mittal, Rajat; Zheng, Xudong; Bielamowicz, Steven A.; Walsh, Raymond J.; Hahn, James K.

2008-01-01

A new numerical approach for modeling a class of flow–structure interaction problems typically encountered in biological systems is presented. In this approach, a previously developed, sharp-interface, immersed-boundary method for incompressible flows is used to model the fluid flow and a new, sharp-interface Cartesian grid, immersed boundary method is devised to solve the equations of linear viscoelasticity that governs the solid. The two solvers are coupled to model flow–structure interaction. This coupled solver has the advantage of simple grid generation and efficient computation on simple, single-block structured grids. The accuracy of the solid-mechanics solver is examined by applying it to a canonical problem. The solution methodology is then applied to the problem of laryngeal aerodynamics and vocal fold vibration during human phonation. This includes a three-dimensional eigen analysis for a multi-layered vocal fold prototype as well as two-dimensional, flow-induced vocal fold vibration in a modeled larynx. Several salient features of the aerodynamics as well as vocal-fold dynamics are presented. PMID:19936017

Intelligent automated surface grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, Ke-Thia; Gelsey, Andrew

1995-01-01

The goal of our research is to produce a flexible, general grid generator for automated use by other programs, such as numerical optimizers. The current trend in the gridding field is toward interactive gridding. Interactive gridding more readily taps into the spatial reasoning abilities of the human user through the use of a graphical interface with a mouse. However, a sometimes fruitful approach to generating new designs is to apply an optimizer with shape modification operators to improve an initial design. In order for this approach to be useful, the optimizer must be able to automatically grid and evaluate the candidate designs. This paper describes and intelligent gridder that is capable of analyzing the topology of the spatial domain and predicting approximate physical behaviors based on the geometry of the spatial domain to automatically generate grids for computational fluid dynamics simulators. Typically gridding programs are given a partitioning of the spatial domain to assist the gridder. Our gridder is capable of performing this partitioning. This enables the gridder to automatically grid spatial domains of wide range of configurations.

Unstructured Grids for Sonic Boom Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Richard L.; Nayani, Sudheer N.

2015-01-01

An evaluation of two methods for improving the process for generating unstructured CFD grids for sonic boom analysis and design has been conducted. The process involves two steps: the generation of an inner core grid using a conventional unstructured grid generator such as VGRID, followed by the extrusion of a sheared and stretched collar grid through the outer boundary of the core grid. The first method evaluated, known as COB, automatically creates a cylindrical outer boundary definition for use in VGRID that makes the extrusion process more robust. The second method, BG, generates the collar grid by extrusion in a very efficient manner. Parametric studies have been carried out and new options evaluated for each of these codes with the goal of establishing guidelines for best practices for maintaining boom signature accuracy with as small a grid as possible. In addition, a preliminary investigation examining the use of the CDISC design method for reducing sonic boom utilizing these grids was conducted, with initial results confirming the feasibility of a new remote design approach.

Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation for grid-connected performance of integrated distributed PV-ES systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Z. H.; Li, Q.; Huang, R. W.; Liu, H. M.; Liu, D.

2016-08-01

Based on the discussion about topology structure of integrated distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation system and energy storage (ES) in single or mixed type, this paper focuses on analyzing grid-connected performance of integrated distributed photovoltaic and energy storage (PV-ES) systems, and proposes a comprehensive evaluation index system. Then a multi-level fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method based on grey correlation degree is proposed, and the calculations for weight matrix and fuzzy matrix are presented step by step. Finally, a distributed integrated PV-ES power generation system connected to a 380 V low voltage distribution network is taken as the example, and some suggestions are made based on the evaluation results.

Research on unit commitment with large-scale wind power connected power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ran; Zhang, Baoqun; Chi, Zhongjun; Gong, Cheng; Ma, Longfei; Yang, Bing

2017-01-01

Large-scale integration of wind power generators into power grid brings severe challenges to power system economic dispatch due to its stochastic volatility. Unit commitment including wind farm is analyzed from the two parts of modeling and solving methods. The structures and characteristics can be summarized after classification has been done according to different objective function and constraints. Finally, the issues to be solved and possible directions of research and development in the future are discussed, which can adapt to the requirements of the electricity market, energy-saving power generation dispatching and smart grid, even providing reference for research and practice of researchers and workers in this field.

User Manual for the PROTEUS Mesh Tools

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Micheal A.; Shemon, Emily R

2016-09-19

PROTEUS is built around a finite element representation of the geometry for visualization. In addition, the PROTEUS-SN solver was built to solve the even-parity transport equation on a finite element mesh provided as input. Similarly, PROTEUS-MOC and PROTEUS-NEMO were built to apply the method of characteristics on unstructured finite element meshes. Given the complexity of real world problems, experience has shown that using commercial mesh generator to create rather simple input geometries is overly complex and slow. As a consequence, significant effort has been put into place to create multiple codes that help assist in the mesh generation and manipulation.more » There are three input means to create a mesh in PROTEUS: UFMESH, GRID, and NEMESH. At present, the UFMESH is a simple way to generate two-dimensional Cartesian and hexagonal fuel assembly geometries. The UFmesh input allows for simple assembly mesh generation while the GRID input allows the generation of Cartesian, hexagonal, and regular triangular structured grid geometry options. The NEMESH is a way for the user to create their own mesh or convert another mesh file format into a PROTEUS input format. Given that one has an input mesh format acceptable for PROTEUS, we have constructed several tools which allow further mesh and geometry construction (i.e. mesh extrusion and merging). This report describes the various mesh tools that are provided with the PROTEUS code giving both descriptions of the input and output. In many cases the examples are provided with a regression test of the mesh tools. The most important mesh tools for any user to consider using are the MT_MeshToMesh.x and the MT_RadialLattice.x codes. The former allows the conversion between most mesh types handled by PROTEUS while the second allows the merging of multiple (assembly) meshes into a radial structured grid. Note that the mesh generation process is recursive in nature and that each input specific for a given mesh tool (such as .axial or .merge) can be used as “mesh” input for any of the mesh tools discussed in this manual.« less

Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID), eGRID2010

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) is a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States. These environmental characteristics include air emissions for nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide; emissions rates; net generation; resource mix; and many other attributes.eGRID2010 contains the complete release of year 2007 data, as well as years 2005 and 2004 data. Excel spreadsheets, full documentation, summary data, eGRID subregion and NERC region representational maps, and GHG emission factors are included in this data set. The Archived data in eGRID2002 contain years 1996 through 2000 data.For year 2007 data, the first Microsoft Excel workbook, Plant, contains boiler, generator, and plant spreadsheets. The second Microsoft Excel workbook, Aggregation, contains aggregated data by state, electric generating company, parent company, power control area, eGRID subregion, NERC region, and U.S. total levels. The third Microsoft Excel workbook, ImportExport, contains state import-export data, as well as U.S. generation and consumption data for years 2007, 2005, and 2004. For eGRID data for years 2005 and 2004, a user friendly web application, eGRIDweb, is available to select, view, print, and export specified data.

Generation of three-dimensional body-fitted coordinates using hyperbolic partial differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steger, J. L.; Rizk, Y. M.

1985-01-01

An efficient numerical mesh generation scheme capable of creating orthogonal or nearly orthogonal grids about moderately complex three dimensional configurations is described. The mesh is obtained by marching outward from a user specified grid on the body surface. Using spherical grid topology, grids have been generated about full span rectangular wings and a simplified space shuttle orbiter.

Interaction of side-by-side fluidic harvesters in fractal grid-generated turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferko, Kevin; Lachendro, David; Chiappazzi, Nick; Danesh-Yazdi, Amir H.

2018-03-01

While the vast majority of the literature in energy harvesting is dedicated to resonant harvesters, non-resonant harvesters, especially those that use turbulence-induced vibration to generate energy, have not been studied in as much detail. This is especially true for grid-generated turbulence. In this paper, the interaction of two side-by-side fluidic harvesters from a passive fractal grid-generated turbulent flow is considered. The fractal grid has been shown to significantly increase the turbulence generated in the flow which is the source of the vibration of the piezoelectric beams. In this experimental study, the influence of four parameters has been investigated: Beam lengths and configurations, mean flow velocity, distance from the grid and gap between the two beams. Experimental results show that the piezoelectric harvesters in fractal grid turbulence are capable of producing at least the same amount of power as those placed in passive rectangular grids with a larger pressure loss, allowing for a potentially significant increase in the efficiency of the energy conversion process, even though more experiments are required to study the behavior of the beams in homogeneous, fractal grid-generated turbulence.

A grid generation system for multi-disciplinary design optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, William T.; Samareh-Abolhassani, Jamshid

1995-01-01

A general multi-block three-dimensional volume grid generator is presented which is suitable for Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization. The code is timely, robust, highly automated, and written in ANSI 'C' for platform independence. Algebraic techniques are used to generate and/or modify block face and volume grids to reflect geometric changes resulting from design optimization. Volume grids are generated/modified in a batch environment and controlled via an ASCII user input deck. This allows the code to be incorporated directly into the design loop. Generated volume grids are presented for a High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) Wing/Body geometry as well a complex HSCT configuration including horizontal and vertical tails, engine nacelles and pylons, and canard surfaces.

SU-E-P-30: Clinical Applications of Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (GRID) Using Helical Tomotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, X; Liang, X; Penagaricano, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To present the first clinical applications of Helical Tomotherapy-based spatially fractionated radiotherapy (HT-GRID) for deep seated tumors and associated dosimetric study. Methods: Ten previously treated GRID patients were selected (5 HT-GRID and 5 LINAC-GRID using a commercially available GRID block). Each case was re-planned either in HT-GRID or LINAC-GRID for a total of 10 plans for both techniques using same prescribed dose of 20 Gy to maximum point dose of GRID GTV. For TOMO-GRID, a programmable virtual TOMOGRID template mimicking a GRID pattern was generated. Dosimetric parameters compared included: GRID GTV mean dose (Dmean) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD),more » GRID GTV dose inhomogeneity (Ratio(valley/peak)), normal tissue Dmean and EUD, and other organs-at-risk(OARs) doses. Results: The median tumor volume was 634 cc, ranging from 182 to 4646 cc. Median distance from skin to the deepest part of tumor was 22cm, ranging from 8.9 to 38cm. The median GRID GTV Dmean and EUD was 10.65Gy (9.8–12.5Gy) and 7.62Gy (4.31–11.06Gy) for HT-GRID and was 6.73Gy (4.44–8.44Gy) and 3.95Gy (0.14–4.2Gy) for LINAC-GRID. The median Ratio(valley/peak) was 0.144(0.05–0.29) for HT-GRID and was 0.055(0.0001–0.14) for LINAC-GRID. For normal tissue in HT-GRID, the median Dmean and EUD was 1.24Gy (0.34–2.54Gy) and 5.45 Gy(3.45–6.89Gy) and was 0.61 Gy(0.11–1.52Gy) and 6Gy(4.45–6.82Gy) for LINAC-GRID. The OAR doses were comparable between the HT-GRID and LINAC-GRID. However, in some cases it was not possible to avoid a critical structure in LINAC-GRID; while HT-GRID can spare more tissue doses for certain critical structures. Conclusion: HT-GRID delivers higher GRID GTV Dmean, EUD and Ratio(valley/peak) compared to LINAC-GRID. HT-GRID delivers higher Dmean and lower EUD for normal tissue compared to LINAC-GRID. TOMOGRID template can be highly patient-specific and allows adjustment of the GRID pattern to different tumor sizes and shapes when they are deeply-seated and cannot be safely treated with LINAC-GRID.« less

Elliptic generation of composite three-dimensional grids about realistic aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, R. L.

1986-01-01

An elliptic method for generating composite grids about realistic aircraft is presented. A body-conforming grid is first generated about the entire aircraft by the solution of Poisson's differential equation. This grid has relatively coarse spacing, and it covers the entire physical domain. At boundary surfaces, cell size is controlled and cell skewness is nearly eliminated by inhomogeneous terms, which are found automatically by the program. Certain regions of the grid in which high gradients are expected, and which map into rectangular solids in the computational domain, are then designated for zonal refinement. Spacing in the zonal grids is reduced by adding points with a simple, algebraic scheme. Details of the grid generation method are presented along with results of the present application, a wing-body configuration based on the F-16 fighter aircraft.

CAPRI: Using a Geometric Foundation for Computational Analysis and Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haimes, Robert

2002-01-01

CAPRI (Computational Analysis Programming Interface) is a software development tool intended to make computerized design, simulation and analysis faster and more efficient. The computational steps traditionally taken for most engineering analysis (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), structural analysis, etc.) are: Surface Generation, usually by employing a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system; Grid Generation, preparing the volume for the simulation; Flow Solver, producing the results at the specified operational point; Post-processing Visualization, interactively attempting to understand the results. It should be noted that the structures problem is more tractable than CFD; there are fewer mesh topologies used and the grids are not as fine (this problem space does not have the length scaling issues of fluids). For CFD, these steps have worked well in the past for simple steady-state simulations at the expense of much user interaction. The data was transmitted between phases via files. In most cases, the output from a CAD system could go IGES files. The output from Grid Generators and Solvers do not really have standards though there are a couple of file formats that can be used for a subset of the gridding (i.e. PLOT3D) data formats and the upcoming CGNS). The user would have to patch up the data or translate from one format to another to move to the next step. Sometimes this could take days. Instead of the serial approach to analysis, CAPRI takes a geometry centric approach. CAPRI is a software building tool-kit that refers to two ideas: (1) A simplified, object-oriented, hierarchical view of a solid part integrating both geometry and topology definitions, and (2) programming access to this part or assembly and any attached data. The connection to the geometry is made through an Application Programming Interface (API) and not a file system.

Survey of Volumetric Grid Generators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woo, Alex; Volakis, John; Hulbert, Greg; Case, Jeff; Presley, Leroy L. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

This document is the result of an Internet Survey of Volumetric grid generators. As such we have included information from only the responses which were sent to us. After the initial publication and posting of this survey, we would encourage authors and users of grid generators to send further information. Here is the initial query posted to SIGGRID@nas and the USENET group sci.physics.computational.fluid-dynamics. Date: Sun, 30 Jan 94 11:37:52 -0800 From: woo (Alex Woo x6010 227-6 rm 315) Subject: Info Sought for Survey of Grid Generators I am collecting information and reviews of both government sponsored and commercial mesh generators for large scientific calculations, both block structured and unstructured. If you send me a review of a mesh generator, please indicate its availability and cost. If you are a commercial concern with information on a product, please also include references for possible reviewers. Please email to woo@ra-next.arc.nasa.gov. I will post a summary and probably write a short note for the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine. Alex Woo, MS 227-6 woo@ames.arc.nasa.gov NASA Ames Research Center NASAMAIL ACWOO Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 SPANET 24582::W00 (415) 604-6010 (FAX) 604-4357 fhplabs,decwrl,uunet)!ames!woo Disclaimer: These are not official statements of NASA or EMCC. We did not include all the submitted text here. Instead we have created a database entry in the freely available and widely used BIBTeX format which has an Uniform Resource Locator (URL) field pointing to more details. The BIBTeX database is modeled after those available from the BIBNET project at University of Utah.

Exploring Hypersonic, Unstructured-Grid Issues through Structured Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazaheri, Ali R.; Kleb, Bill

2007-01-01

Pure-tetrahedral unstructured grids have been shown to produce asymmetric heat transfer rates for symmetric problems. Meanwhile, two-dimensional structured grids produce symmetric solutions and as documented here, introducing a spanwise degree of freedom to these structured grids also yields symmetric solutions. The effects of grid skewness and other perturbations of structured-grids are investigated to uncover possible mechanisms behind the unstructured-grid solution asymmetries. By using controlled experiments around a known, good solution, the effects of particular grid pathologies are uncovered. These structured-grid experiments reveal that similar solution degradation occurs as for unstructured grids, especially for heat transfer rates. Non-smooth grids within the boundary layer is also shown to produce large local errors in heat flux but do not affect surface pressures.

TDIGG - TWO-DIMENSIONAL, INTERACTIVE GRID GENERATION CODE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vu, B. T.

1994-01-01

TDIGG is a fast and versatile program for generating two-dimensional computational grids for use with finite-difference flow-solvers. Both algebraic and elliptic grid generation systems are included. The method for grid generation by algebraic transformation is based on an interpolation algorithm and the elliptic grid generation is established by solving the partial differential equation (PDE). Non-uniform grid distributions are carried out using a hyperbolic tangent stretching function. For algebraic grid systems, interpolations in one direction (univariate) and two directions (bivariate) are considered. These interpolations are associated with linear or cubic Lagrangian/Hermite/Bezier polynomial functions. The algebraic grids can subsequently be smoothed using an elliptic solver. For elliptic grid systems, the PDE can be in the form of Laplace (zero forcing function) or Poisson. The forcing functions in the Poisson equation come from the boundary or the entire domain of the initial algebraic grids. A graphics interface procedure using the Silicon Graphics (GL) Library is included to allow users to visualize the grid variations at each iteration. This will allow users to interactively modify the grid to match their applications. TDIGG is written in FORTRAN 77 for Silicon Graphics IRIS series computers running IRIX. This package requires either MIT's X Window System, Version 11 Revision 4 or SGI (Motif) Window System. A sample executable is provided on the distribution medium. It requires 148K of RAM for execution. The standard distribution medium is a .25 inch streaming magnetic IRIX tape cartridge in UNIX tar format. This program was developed in 1992.

Future Roles of Milli-, Micro-, and Nano- Grids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marnay, Chris; Nordman, Bruce; Lai, Judy

Although it has slowed considerably, consumption of electricity continues to grow in developed economies. Further, there are some unknowns which might accelerate this growth, such as electrification of vehicle fleets and geothermal heat pump space and water heating. Most analysts anticipate that distributed energy resources (DER) will provide a large share of the expanded generation capacity required to meet this seemingly inexorably increasing electricity demand. Further, given the urgency of tackling the climate change problem, most of the added assets must be carbonfree renewables or nuclear, end-use efficiency improvements, or highly efficient fossil-fired technologies. In developed economies worldwide, the currentmore » power delivery paradigm has been in place for more than a century, i.e. since the emergence of polyphase AC systems around the turn of the last century. A key feature of this structure is that, in principle, universal service is delivered at a consistent level of power quality and reliability (PQR) throughout large regions. This paper describes a future possible structure for the electricity generation and delivery system that leaves the existing high voltage meshed grid paradigm in place, but involves radical reorganization of parts of the distribution network and customer sites. Managing a much more diverse dispersed system poses major challenges to the current centralized grid paradigm, particularly since many of these assets are small to tiny by macrogrid standards and they may ultimately number in the millions. They are also not ones that centralized control can rely upon to function in traditionally dependable ways, e.g. renewable generation can be highly variable and changes in output of generators are not independent. Although most involved in the industry agree that a paradigm shift is both necessary and desirable to manage the new system, the nature of the future system remains quite unclear. In the possible structure described here, the traditional grid, or macrogrid, remains similar at the high voltage meshed level. Three new entities are added more locally: community grids or milligrids that operate a segment of the existing distribution system, microgrids which are akin to current customer sites but which have automonous control, and nanogrids, such as telecom or Ethernet networks that currently distribute power to many low-power devices. The latter exist currently in the local electrical systems but are not typically considered a part of the traditional electricity supply system. Because all these new entities exhibit some localized control, providing appropriate local heterogeneous PQR becomes a possibility. These new grid concepts enable a more"bottom-up" approach to electricity distribution, in contrast to the historic 'top-down' model. The future will almost certainly include a mix of the two, but the balance among them and the interface (if any) between them is unclear.« less

Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) Questions and Answers

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

eGRID is a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of almost all electric power generated in the United States. eGRID is based on available plant-specific data for all U.S. electricity generating plants that report data.

Advanced Unstructured Grid Generation for Complex Aerodynamic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.

2008-01-01

A new approach for distribution of grid points on the surface and in the volume has been developed and implemented in the NASA unstructured grid generation code VGRID. In addition to the point and line sources of prior work, the new approach utilizes surface and volume sources for automatic curvature-based grid sizing and convenient point distribution in the volume. A new exponential growth function produces smoother and more efficient grids and provides superior control over distribution of grid points in the field. All types of sources support anisotropic grid stretching which not only improves the grid economy but also provides more accurate solutions for certain aerodynamic applications. The new approach does not require a three-dimensional background grid as in the previous methods. Instead, it makes use of an efficient bounding-box auxiliary medium for storing grid parameters defined by surface sources. The new approach is less memory-intensive and more efficient computationally. The grids generated with the new method either eliminate the need for adaptive grid refinement for certain class of problems or provide high quality initial grids that would enhance the performance of many adaptation methods.

A Semantic Grid Oriented to E-Tourism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao Ming

With increasing complexity of tourism business models and tasks, there is a clear need of the next generation e-Tourism infrastructure to support flexible automation, integration, computation, storage, and collaboration. Currently several enabling technologies such as semantic Web, Web service, agent and grid computing have been applied in the different e-Tourism applications, however there is no a unified framework to be able to integrate all of them. So this paper presents a promising e-Tourism framework based on emerging semantic grid, in which a number of key design issues are discussed including architecture, ontologies structure, semantic reconciliation, service and resource discovery, role based authorization and intelligent agent. The paper finally provides the implementation of the framework.

CAGI: Computer Aided Grid Interface. A work in progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.; Yu, Tzu-Yi; Vaughn, David

1992-01-01

Progress realized in the development of a Computer Aided Grid Interface (CAGI) software system in integrating CAD/CAM geometric system output and/or Interactive Graphics Exchange Standard (IGES) files, geometry manipulations associated with grid generation, and robust grid generation methodologies is presented. CAGI is being developed in a modular fashion and will offer fast, efficient and economical response to geometry/grid preparation, allowing the ability to upgrade basic geometry in a step-by-step fashion interactively and under permanent visual control along with minimizing the differences between the actual hardware surface descriptions and corresponding numerical analog. The computer code GENIE is used as a basis. The Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) representation of sculptured surfaces is utilized for surface grid redistribution. The computer aided analysis system, PATRAN, is adapted as a CAD/CAM system. The progress realized in NURBS surface grid generation, the development of IGES transformer, and geometry adaption using PATRAN will be presented along with their applicability to grid generation associated with rocket propulsion applications.

Multi-Resolution Unstructured Grid-Generation for Geophysical Applications on the Sphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engwirda, Darren

2015-01-01

An algorithm for the generation of non-uniform unstructured grids on ellipsoidal geometries is described. This technique is designed to generate high quality triangular and polygonal meshes appropriate for general circulation modelling on the sphere, including applications to atmospheric and ocean simulation, and numerical weather predication. Using a recently developed Frontal-Delaunay-refinement technique, a method for the construction of high-quality unstructured ellipsoidal Delaunay triangulations is introduced. A dual polygonal grid, derived from the associated Voronoi diagram, is also optionally generated as a by-product. Compared to existing techniques, it is shown that the Frontal-Delaunay approach typically produces grids with near-optimal element quality and smooth grading characteristics, while imposing relatively low computational expense. Initial results are presented for a selection of uniform and non-uniform ellipsoidal grids appropriate for large-scale geophysical applications. The use of user-defined mesh-sizing functions to generate smoothly graded, non-uniform grids is discussed.

Power management and frequency regulation for microgrid and smart grid: A real-time demand response approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pourmousavi Kani, Seyyed Ali

Future power systems (known as smart grid) will experience a high penetration level of variable distributed energy resources to bring abundant, affordable, clean, efficient, and reliable electric power to all consumers. However, it might suffer from the uncertain and variable nature of these generations in terms of reliability and especially providing required balancing reserves. In the current power system structure, balancing reserves (provided by spinning and non-spinning power generation units) usually are provided by conventional fossil-fueled power plants. However, such power plants are not the favorite option for the smart grid because of their low efficiency, high amount of emissions, and expensive capital investments on transmission and distribution facilities, to name a few. Providing regulation services in the presence of variable distributed energy resources would be even more difficult for islanded microgrids. The impact and effectiveness of demand response are still not clear at the distribution and transmission levels. In other words, there is no solid research reported in the literature on the evaluation of the impact of DR on power system dynamic performance. In order to address these issues, a real-time demand response approach along with real-time power management (specifically for microgrids) is proposed in this research. The real-time demand response solution is utilized at the transmission (through load-frequency control model) and distribution level (both in the islanded and grid-tied modes) to provide effective and fast regulation services for the stable operation of the power system. Then, multiple real-time power management algorithms for grid-tied and islanded microgrids are proposed to economically and effectively operate microgrids. Extensive dynamic modeling of generation, storage, and load as well as different controller design are considered and developed throughout this research to provide appropriate models and simulation environment to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies. Simulation results revealed the effectiveness of the proposed methods in providing balancing reserves and microgrids' economic and stable operation. The proposed tools and approaches can significantly enhance the application of microgrids and demand response in the smart grid era. They will also help to increase the penetration level of variable distributed generation resources in the smart grid.

User Manual for Beta Version of TURBO-GRD: A Software System for Interactive Two-Dimensional Boundary/ Field Grid Generation, Modification, and Refinement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K.; Slater, John W.; Henderson, Todd L.; Bidwell, Colin S.; Braun, Donald C.; Chung, Joongkee

1998-01-01

TURBO-GRD is a software system for interactive two-dimensional boundary/field grid generation. modification, and refinement. Its features allow users to explicitly control grid quality locally and globally. The grid control can be achieved interactively by using control points that the user picks and moves on the workstation monitor or by direct stretching and refining. The techniques used in the code are the control point form of algebraic grid generation, a damped cubic spline for edge meshing and parametric mapping between physical and computational domains. It also performs elliptic grid smoothing and free-form boundary control for boundary geometry manipulation. Internal block boundaries are constructed and shaped by using Bezier curve. Because TURBO-GRD is a highly interactive code, users can read in an initial solution, display its solution contour in the background of the grid and control net, and exercise grid modification using the solution contour as a guide. This process can be called an interactive solution-adaptive grid generation.

Geometry definition and grid generation for a complete fighter aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, T. A.

1986-01-01

Recent advances in computing power and numerical solution procedures have enabled computational fluid dynamicists to attempt increasingly difficult problems. In particular, efforts are focusing on computations of complex three-dimensional flow fields about realistic aerodynamic bodies. To perform such computations, a very accurate and detailed description of the surface geometry must be provided, and a three-dimensional grid must be generated in the space around the body. The geometry must be supplied in a format compatible with the grid generation requirements, and must be verified to be free of inconsistencies. This paper presents a procedure for performing the geometry definition of a fighter aircraft that makes use of a commercial computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system. Furthermore, visual representations of the geometry are generated using a computer graphics system for verification of the body definition. Finally, the three-dimensional grids for fighter-like aircraft are generated by means of an efficient new parabolic grid generation method. This method exhibits good control of grid quality.

Geometry definition and grid generation for a complete fighter aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, Thomas A.

1986-01-01

Recent advances in computing power and numerical solution procedures have enabled computational fluid dynamicists to attempt increasingly difficult problems. In particular, efforts are focusing on computations of complex three-dimensional flow fields about realistic aerodynamic bodies. To perform such computations, a very accurate and detailed description of the surface geometry must be provided, and a three-dimensional grid must be generated in the space around the body. The geometry must be supplied in a format compatible with the grid generation requirements, and must be verified to be free of inconsistencies. A procedure for performing the geometry definition of a fighter aircraft that makes use of a commercial computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing system is presented. Furthermore, visual representations of the geometry are generated using a computer graphics system for verification of the body definition. Finally, the three-dimensional grids for fighter-like aircraft are generated by means of an efficient new parabolic grid generation method. This method exhibits good control of grid quality.

Sonora: A New Generation Model Atmosphere Grid for Brown Dwarfs and Young Extrasolar Giant Planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marley, Mark S.; Saumon, Didier; Fortney, Jonathan J.; Morley, Caroline; Lupu, Roxana Elena; Freedman, Richard; Visscher, Channon

2017-01-01

Brown dwarf and giant planet atmospheric structure and composition has been studied both by forward models and, increasingly so, by retrieval methods. While indisputably informative, retrieval methods are of greatest value when judged in the context of grid model predictions. Meanwhile retrieval models can test the assumptions inherent in the forward modeling procedure. In order to provide a new, systematic survey of brown dwarf atmospheric structure, emergent spectra, and evolution, we have constructed a new grid of brown dwarf model atmospheres. We ultimately aim for our grid to span substantial ranges of atmospheric metallilcity, C/O ratios, cloud properties, atmospheric mixing, and other parameters. Spectra predicted by our modeling grid can be compared to both observations and retrieval results to aid in the interpretation and planning of future telescopic observations. We thus present Sonora, a new generation of substellar atmosphere models, appropriate for application to studies of L, T, and Y-type brown dwarfs and young extrasolar giant planets. The models describe the expected temperature-pressure profile and emergent spectra of an atmosphere in radiative-convective equilibrium for ranges of effective temperatures and gravities encompassing 200 less than or equal to T(sub eff) less than or equal to 2400 K and 2.5 less than or equal to log g less than or equal to 5.5. In our poster we briefly describe our modeling methodology, enumerate various updates since our group's previous models, and present our initial tranche of models for cloudless, solar metallicity, and solar carbon-to-oxygen ratio, chemical equilibrium atmospheres. These models will be available online and will be updated as opacities and cloud modeling methods continue to improve.

Specialized CFD Grid Generation Methods for Near-Field Sonic Boom Prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Michael A.; Campbell, Richard L.; Elmiligui, Alaa; Cliff, Susan E.; Nayani, Sudheer N.

2014-01-01

Ongoing interest in analysis and design of low sonic boom supersonic transports re- quires accurate and ecient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools. Specialized grid generation techniques are employed to predict near- eld acoustic signatures of these con- gurations. A fundamental examination of grid properties is performed including grid alignment with ow characteristics and element type. The issues a ecting the robustness of cylindrical surface extrusion are illustrated. This study will compare three methods in the extrusion family of grid generation methods that produce grids aligned with the freestream Mach angle. These methods are applied to con gurations from the First AIAA Sonic Boom Prediction Workshop.

Using the NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer to simulate a flight scientific instrument package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, H.-P.; Jackson, C. E., Jr.

1974-01-01

The NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer has proven to be a unique and useful tool for thermal analyses involving large and complex structures where small, thermally induced deformations are critical. Among its major advantages are direct grid point-to-grid point compatibility with large structural models; plots of the model that may be generated for both conduction and boundary elements; versatility of applying transient thermal loads especially to repeat orbital cycles; on-line printer plotting of temperatures and rate of temperature changes as a function of time; and direct matrix input to solve linear differential equations on-line. These features provide a flexibility far beyond that available in most finite-difference thermal analysis computer programs.

Reduced-Order Structure-Preserving Model for Parallel-Connected Three-Phase Grid-Tied Inverters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Brian B; Purba, Victor; Jafarpour, Saber

Next-generation power networks will contain large numbers of grid-connected inverters satisfying a significant fraction of system load. Since each inverter model has a relatively large number of dynamic states, it is impractical to analyze complex system models where the full dynamics of each inverter are retained. To address this challenge, we derive a reduced-order structure-preserving model for parallel-connected grid-tied three-phase inverters. Here, each inverter in the system is assumed to have a full-bridge topology, LCL filter at the point of common coupling, and the control architecture for each inverter includes a current controller, a power controller, and a phase-locked loopmore » for grid synchronization. We outline a structure-preserving reduced-order inverter model with lumped parameters for the setting where the parallel inverters are each designed such that the filter components and controller gains scale linearly with the power rating. By structure preserving, we mean that the reduced-order three-phase inverter model is also composed of an LCL filter, a power controller, current controller, and PLL. We show that the system of parallel inverters can be modeled exactly as one aggregated inverter unit and this equivalent model has the same number of dynamical states as any individual inverter in the system. Numerical simulations validate the reduced-order model.« less

High Performance Fortran for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehrotra, Piyush; Zima, Hans; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This paper focuses on the use of High Performance Fortran (HPF) for important classes of algorithms employed in aerospace applications. HPF is a set of Fortran extensions designed to provide users with a high-level interface for programming data parallel scientific applications, while delegating to the compiler/runtime system the task of generating explicitly parallel message-passing programs. We begin by providing a short overview of the HPF language. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the efficient use of HPF for applications involving multiple structured grids such as multiblock and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) codes as well as unstructured grid codes. We focus on the data structures and computational structures used in these codes and on the high-level strategies that can be expressed in HPF to optimally exploit the parallelism in these algorithms.

Online Optimization Method for Operation of Generators in a Micro Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Yasuhiro; Miyamoto, Hideki; Matsuki, Junya; Iizuka, Toshio; Azuma, Hitoshi

Recently a lot of studies and developments about distributed generator such as photovoltaic generation system, wind turbine generation system and fuel cell have been performed under the background of the global environment issues and deregulation of the electricity market, and the technique of these distributed generators have progressed. Especially, micro grid which consists of several distributed generators, loads and storage battery is expected as one of the new operation system of distributed generator. However, since precipitous load fluctuation occurs in micro grid for the reason of its smaller capacity compared with conventional power system, high-accuracy load forecasting and control scheme to balance of supply and demand are needed. Namely, it is necessary to improve the precision of operation in micro grid by observing load fluctuation and correcting start-stop schedule and output of generators online. But it is not easy to determine the operation schedule of each generator in short time, because the problem to determine start-up, shut-down and output of each generator in micro grid is a mixed integer programming problem. In this paper, the authors propose an online optimization method for the optimal operation schedule of generators in micro grid. The proposed method is based on enumeration method and particle swarm optimization (PSO). In the proposed method, after picking up all unit commitment patterns of each generators satisfied with minimum up time and minimum down time constraint by using enumeration method, optimal schedule and output of generators are determined under the other operational constraints by using PSO. Numerical simulation is carried out for a micro grid model with five generators and photovoltaic generation system in order to examine the validity of the proposed method.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dalimunthe, Amty Ma’rufah Ardhiyah; Mindara, Jajat Yuda; Panatarani, Camellia

Smart grid and distributed generation should be the solution of the global climate change and the crisis energy of the main source of electrical power generation which is fossil fuel. In order to meet the rising electrical power demand and increasing service quality demands, as well as reduce pollution, the existing power grid infrastructure should be developed into a smart grid and distributed power generation which provide a great opportunity to address issues related to energy efficiency, energy security, power quality and aging infrastructure systems. The conventional of the existing distributed generation system is an AC grid while for amore » renewable resources requires a DC grid system. This paper explores the model of smart DC grid by introducing a model of smart DC grid with the stable power generation give a minimal and compressed circuitry that can be implemented very cost-effectively with simple components. The PC based application software for controlling was developed to show the condition of the grid and to control the grid become ‘smart’. The model is then subjected to a severe system perturbation, such as incremental change in loads to test the performance of the system again stability. It is concluded that the system able to detect and controlled the voltage stability which indicating the ability of power system to maintain steady voltage within permissible rangers in normal condition.« less

Application of numerical grid generation for improved CFD analysis of multiphase screw machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rane, S.; Kovačević, A.

2017-08-01

Algebraic grid generation is widely used for discretization of the working domain of twin screw machines. Algebraic grid generation is fast and has good control over the placement of grid nodes. However, the desired qualities of grid which should be able to handle multiphase flows such as oil injection, may be difficult to achieve at times. In order to obtain fast solution of multiphase screw machines, it is important to further improve the quality and robustness of the computational grid. In this paper, a deforming grid of a twin screw machine is generated using algebraic transfinite interpolation to produce initial mesh upon which an elliptic partial differential equations (PDE) of the Poisson’s form is solved numerically to produce smooth final computational mesh. The quality of numerical cells and their distribution obtained by the differential method is greatly improved. In addition, a similar procedure was introduced to fully smoothen the transition of the partitioning rack curve between the rotors thus improving continuous movement of grid nodes and in turn improve robustness and speed of the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) solver. Analysis of an oil injected twin screw compressor is presented to compare the improvements in grid quality factors in the regions of importance such as interlobe space, radial tip and the core of the rotor. The proposed method that combines algebraic and differential grid generation offer significant improvement in grid quality and robustness of numerical solution.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lawrence, Thomas M.; Boudreau, Marie-Claude; Helsen, Lieve

Recent advances in information and communications technology (ICT) have initiated development of a smart electrical grid and smart buildings. Buildings consume a large portion of the total electricity production worldwide, and to fully develop a smart grid they must be integrated with that grid. Buildings can now be 'prosumers' on the grid (both producers and consumers), and the continued growth of distributed renewable energy generation is raising new challenges in terms of grid stability over various time scales. Buildings can contribute to grid stability by managing their overall electrical demand in response to current conditions. Facility managers must balance demandmore » response requests by grid operators with energy needed to maintain smooth building operations. For example, maintaining thermal comfort within an occupied building requires energy and, thus an optimized solution balancing energy use with indoor environmental quality (adequate thermal comfort, lighting, etc.) is needed. Successful integration of buildings and their systems with the grid also requires interoperable data exchange. However, the adoption and integration of newer control and communication technologies into buildings can be problematic with older legacy HVAC and building control systems. Public policy and economic structures have not kept up with the technical developments that have given rise to the budding smart grid, and further developments are needed in both technical and non-technical areas.« less

Grid flexibility: The quiet revolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsieh, Eric; Anderson, Robert

The concept of flexibility describes the capability of the power system to maintain balance between generation and load under uncertainty. While the grid has historically incorporated flexibility-specific resources such as pumped hydro to complement nuclear generators, modern trends and the increased deployment of variable energy resources (VERs) are increasing the need for a transparent market value of flexibility. A review of analyses, docket filings, tariffs, and business practice manuals from the past several years finds substantial flexibility-related activity. These activities are categorized as market and financial structures; incorporation of new operations or technology; and legal or procedural reforms. The cumulativemore » outcome of these incremental changes will be a major transformation to power systems that can rapidly adapt to new needs, technologies, and conditions.« less

Grid flexibility: The quiet revolution

DOE PAGES

Hsieh, Eric; Anderson, Robert

2017-02-16

The concept of flexibility describes the capability of the power system to maintain balance between generation and load under uncertainty. While the grid has historically incorporated flexibility-specific resources such as pumped hydro to complement nuclear generators, modern trends and the increased deployment of variable energy resources (VERs) are increasing the need for a transparent market value of flexibility. A review of analyses, docket filings, tariffs, and business practice manuals from the past several years finds substantial flexibility-related activity. These activities are categorized as market and financial structures; incorporation of new operations or technology; and legal or procedural reforms. The cumulativemore » outcome of these incremental changes will be a major transformation to power systems that can rapidly adapt to new needs, technologies, and conditions.« less

Towards a Comprehensive Computational Simulation System for Turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Ming-Hsin

1994-01-01

The objective of this work is to develop algorithms associated with a comprehensive computational simulation system for turbomachinery flow fields. This development is accomplished in a modular fashion. These modules includes grid generation, visualization, network, simulation, toolbox, and flow modules. An interactive grid generation module is customized to facilitate the grid generation process associated with complicated turbomachinery configurations. With its user-friendly graphical user interface, the user may interactively manipulate the default settings to obtain a quality grid within a fraction of time that is usually required for building a grid about the same geometry with a general-purpose grid generation code. Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline formulations are utilized in the algorithm to maintain geometry fidelity while redistributing grid points on the solid surfaces. Bezier curve formulation is used to allow interactive construction of inner boundaries. It is also utilized to allow interactive point distribution. Cascade surfaces are transformed from three-dimensional surfaces of revolution into two-dimensional parametric planes for easy manipulation. Such a transformation allows these manipulated plane grids to be mapped to surfaces of revolution by any generatrix definition. A sophisticated visualization module is developed to al-low visualization for both grid and flow solution, steady or unsteady. A network module is built to allow data transferring in the heterogeneous environment. A flow module is integrated into this system, using an existing turbomachinery flow code. A simulation module is developed to combine the network, flow, and visualization module to achieve near real-time flow simulation about turbomachinery geometries. A toolbox module is developed to support the overall task. A batch version of the grid generation module is developed to allow portability and has been extended to allow dynamic grid generation for pitch changing turbomachinery configurations. Various applications with different characteristics are presented to demonstrate the success of this system.

Parallel architectures for iterative methods on adaptive, block structured grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gannon, D.; Vanrosendale, J.

1983-01-01

A parallel computer architecture well suited to the solution of partial differential equations in complicated geometries is proposed. Algorithms for partial differential equations contain a great deal of parallelism. But this parallelism can be difficult to exploit, particularly on complex problems. One approach to extraction of this parallelism is the use of special purpose architectures tuned to a given problem class. The architecture proposed here is tuned to boundary value problems on complex domains. An adaptive elliptic algorithm which maps effectively onto the proposed architecture is considered in detail. Two levels of parallelism are exploited by the proposed architecture. First, by making use of the freedom one has in grid generation, one can construct grids which are locally regular, permitting a one to one mapping of grids to systolic style processor arrays, at least over small regions. All local parallelism can be extracted by this approach. Second, though there may be a regular global structure to the grids constructed, there will be parallelism at this level. One approach to finding and exploiting this parallelism is to use an architecture having a number of processor clusters connected by a switching network. The use of such a network creates a highly flexible architecture which automatically configures to the problem being solved.

Unlocking the potential of the smart grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konopko, Joanna

2015-12-01

The smart grid refers to describe a next-generation electrical power system that is typified by the increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the whole delivery electrical energy process. The generation, delivery and consumption energy, all the steps for power transmission and distribution make the smart grid a complex system. The question is if the amount, diversity, and uses of such data put the smart grid in the category of Big Data applications, followed by the natural question of what is the true value of such data. In this paper an initial answer to this question is provided, the current state of data generation of the Polish grid is analyzed, and a future realistic scenario is illustrated. The analysis shows that the amount of data generated in smart grid is comparable to some of Big Data system examples.

A New Control Method to Mitigate Power Fluctuations for Grid Integrated PV/Wind Hybrid Power System Using Ultracapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayalakshmi, N. S.; Gaonkar, D. N.

2016-08-01

The output power obtained from solar-wind hybrid system fluctuates with changes in weather conditions. These power fluctuations cause adverse effects on the voltage, frequency and transient stability of the utility grid. In this paper, a control method is presented for power smoothing of grid integrated PV/wind hybrid system using ultracapacitors in a DC coupled structure. The power fluctuations of hybrid system are mitigated and smoothed power is supplied to the utility grid. In this work both photovoltaic (PV) panels and the wind generator are controlled to operate at their maximum power point. The grid side inverter control strategy presented in this paper maintains DC link voltage constant while injecting power to the grid at unity power factor considering different operating conditions. Actual solar irradiation and wind speed data are used in this study to evaluate the performance of the developed system using MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulation results show that output power fluctuations of solar-wind hybrid system can be significantly mitigated using the ultracapacitor based storage system.

Domain Decomposition By the Advancing-Partition Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.

2008-01-01

A new method of domain decomposition has been developed for generating unstructured grids in subdomains either sequentially or using multiple computers in parallel. Domain decomposition is a crucial and challenging step for parallel grid generation. Prior methods are generally based on auxiliary, complex, and computationally intensive operations for defining partition interfaces and usually produce grids of lower quality than those generated in single domains. The new technique, referred to as "Advancing Partition," is based on the Advancing-Front method, which partitions a domain as part of the volume mesh generation in a consistent and "natural" way. The benefits of this approach are: 1) the process of domain decomposition is highly automated, 2) partitioning of domain does not compromise the quality of the generated grids, and 3) the computational overhead for domain decomposition is minimal. The new method has been implemented in NASA's unstructured grid generation code VGRID.

Methods for prismatic/tetrahedral grid generation and adaptation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallinderis, Y.

1995-01-01

The present work involves generation of hybrid prismatic/tetrahedral grids for complex 3-D geometries including multi-body domains. The prisms cover the region close to each body's surface, while tetrahedra are created elsewhere. Two developments are presented for hybrid grid generation around complex 3-D geometries. The first is a new octree/advancing front type of method for generation of the tetrahedra of the hybrid mesh. The main feature of the present advancing front tetrahedra generator that is different from previous such methods is that it does not require the creation of a background mesh by the user for the determination of the grid-spacing and stretching parameters. These are determined via an automatically generated octree. The second development is a method for treating the narrow gaps in between different bodies in a multiply-connected domain. This method is applied to a two-element wing case. A High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) type of aircraft geometry is considered. The generated hybrid grid required only 170 K tetrahedra instead of an estimated two million had a tetrahedral mesh been used in the prisms region as well. A solution adaptive scheme for viscous computations on hybrid grids is also presented. A hybrid grid adaptation scheme that employs both h-refinement and redistribution strategies is developed to provide optimum meshes for viscous flow computations. Grid refinement is a dual adaptation scheme that couples 3-D, isotropic division of tetrahedra and 2-D, directional division of prisms.

Dynamic Braking System of a Tidal Generator: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muljadi, Eduard; Wright, Alan; Gevorgian, Vahan

Renewable energy generation has experienced significant cost reductions during the past decades, and it has become more accepted by the global population. In the beginning, wind generation dominated the development and deployment of renewable energy; however, during recent decades, photovoltaic (PV) generation has grown at a very significant pace due to the tremendous decrease in the cost of PV modules. The focus on renewable energy generation has now expanded to include new types with promising future applications, such as river and tidal generation. The input water flow to these types of resources is more predictable than wind or solar generation.more » The data used in this paper is representative of a typical river or tidal generator. The analysis is based on a generator with a power rating of 40 kW. The tidal generator under consideration is driven by two sets of helical turbines connected to each side of the generator located in between the turbines. The generator is operated in variable speed, and it is controlled to maximize the energy harvested as well as the operation of the turbine generator. The electrical system consists of a three-phase permanent magnet generator connected to a three-phase passive rectifier. The output of the rectifier is connected to a DC-DC converter to match the rectifier output to the DC bus voltage of the DC-AC inverter. The three-phase inverter is connected to the grid, and it is controlled to provide a good interface with the grid. One important aspect of river and tidal generation is the braking mechanism. In a tidal generator, the braking mechanism is important to avoid a runaway condition in case the connection to the grid is lost when there is a fault in the lines. A runaway condition may lead to an overspeed condition and cause extreme stresses on the turbine blade structure and eventual disintegration of the mechanical structure. In this paper, the concept of the dynamic braking system is developed and investigated for normal and abnormal operations. The main objective is to optimize the performance under emergency braking while designing the system to be as simple as possible to avoid overdesigning the power electronics or exceeding the target budget.« less

An adaptive method for a model of two-phase reactive flow on overlapping grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwendeman, D. W.

2008-11-01

A two-phase model of heterogeneous explosives is handled computationally by a new numerical approach that is a modification of the standard Godunov scheme. The approach generates well-resolved and accurate solutions using adaptive mesh refinement on overlapping grids, and treats rationally the nozzling terms that render the otherwise hyperbolic model incapable of a conservative representation. The evolution and structure of detonation waves for a variety of one and two-dimensional configurations will be discussed with a focus given to problems of detonation diffraction and failure.

Generation of unstructured grids and Euler solutions for complex geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loehner, Rainald; Parikh, Paresh; Salas, Manuel D.

1989-01-01

Algorithms are described for the generation and adaptation of unstructured grids in two and three dimensions, as well as Euler solvers for unstructured grids. The main purpose is to demonstrate how unstructured grids may be employed advantageously for the economic simulation of both geometrically as well as physically complex flow fields.

Rotor Current Control of DFIG for Improving Fault Ride - Through Using a Novel Sliding Mode Control Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Guowei; Liu, Cheng; Yang, Deyou

2013-11-01

The doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) have been recognized as the dominant technology used in wind power generation systems with the rapid development of wind power. However, continuous operation of DFIG may cause a serious wind turbine generators tripping accident, due to destructive over-current in the rotor winding which is caused by the power system fault or inefficient fault ride-through (FRT) strategy. A new rotor current control scheme in the rotor-side converter (RSC) ispresented to enhance FRT capacities of grid-connected DFIG. Due to the strongly nonlinear nature of DFIG and insensitive to DFIG parameter's variations, a novel sliding mode controller was designed. The controller combines extended state observer (ESO) with sliding model variable structure control theory. The simulation is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approach under various types of grid disturbances. It is shown that the proposed controller provides enhanced transient features than the classic proportional-integral control. The proposed control method can effectively reduce over-current in the RSC, and the transient pulse value of electromagnetic torque is too large under power grid fault.

A MATLAB based 3D modeling and inversion code for MT data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Arun; Dehiya, Rahul; Gupta, Pravin K.; Israil, M.

2017-07-01

The development of a MATLAB based computer code, AP3DMT, for modeling and inversion of 3D Magnetotelluric (MT) data is presented. The code comprises two independent components: grid generator code and modeling/inversion code. The grid generator code performs model discretization and acts as an interface by generating various I/O files. The inversion code performs core computations in modular form - forward modeling, data functionals, sensitivity computations and regularization. These modules can be readily extended to other similar inverse problems like Controlled-Source EM (CSEM). The modular structure of the code provides a framework useful for implementation of new applications and inversion algorithms. The use of MATLAB and its libraries makes it more compact and user friendly. The code has been validated on several published models. To demonstrate its versatility and capabilities the results of inversion for two complex models are presented.

A package for 3-D unstructured grid generation, finite-element flow solution and flow field visualization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parikh, Paresh; Pirzadeh, Shahyar; Loehner, Rainald

1990-01-01

A set of computer programs for 3-D unstructured grid generation, fluid flow calculations, and flow field visualization was developed. The grid generation program, called VGRID3D, generates grids over complex configurations using the advancing front method. In this method, the point and element generation is accomplished simultaneously, VPLOT3D is an interactive, menudriven pre- and post-processor graphics program for interpolation and display of unstructured grid data. The flow solver, VFLOW3D, is an Euler equation solver based on an explicit, two-step, Taylor-Galerkin algorithm which uses the Flux Corrected Transport (FCT) concept for a wriggle-free solution. Using these programs, increasingly complex 3-D configurations of interest to aerospace community were gridded including a complete Space Transportation System comprised of the space-shuttle orbitor, the solid-rocket boosters, and the external tank. Flow solutions were obtained on various configurations in subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flow regimes.

Grid Generation Techniques Utilizing the Volume Grid Manipulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

1998-01-01

This paper presents grid generation techniques available in the Volume Grid Manipulation (VGM) code. The VGM code is designed to manipulate existing line, surface and volume grids to improve the quality of the data. It embodies an easy to read rich language of commands that enables such alterations as topology changes, grid adaption and smoothing. Additionally, the VGM code can be used to construct simplified straight lines, splines, and conic sections which are common curves used in the generation and manipulation of points, lines, surfaces and volumes (i.e., grid data). These simple geometric curves are essential in the construction of domain discretizations for computational fluid dynamic simulations. By comparison to previously established methods of generating these curves interactively, the VGM code provides control of slope continuity and grid point-to-point stretchings as well as quick changes in the controlling parameters. The VGM code offers the capability to couple the generation of these geometries with an extensive manipulation methodology in a scripting language. The scripting language allows parametric studies of a vehicle geometry to be efficiently performed to evaluate favorable trends in the design process. As examples of the powerful capabilities of the VGM code, a wake flow field domain will be appended to an existing X33 Venturestar volume grid; negative volumes resulting from grid expansions to enable flow field capture on a simple geometry, will be corrected; and geometrical changes to a vehicle component of the X33 Venturestar will be shown.

Passive Transport Disrupts Grid Signals in the Parahippocampal Cortex.

PubMed

Winter, Shawn S; Mehlman, Max L; Clark, Benjamin J; Taube, Jeffrey S

2015-10-05

Navigation is usually thought of relative to landmarks, but neural signals representing space also use information generated by an animal's movements. These signals include grid cells, which fire at multiple locations, forming a repeating grid pattern. Grid cell generation depends upon theta rhythm, a 6-10 Hz electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillation that is modulated by the animals' movement velocity. We passively moved rats in a clear cart to eliminate motor related self-movement cues that drive moment-to-moment changes in theta rhythmicity. We found that passive movement maintained theta power and frequency at levels equivalent to low active movement velocity, spared overall head-direction (HD) cell characteristics, but abolished both velocity modulation of theta rhythmicity and grid cell firing patterns. These results indicate that self-movement motor cues are necessary for generating grid-specific firing patterns, possibly by driving velocity modulation of theta rhythmicity, which may be used as a speed signal to generate the repeating pattern of grid cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Passive Transport Disrupts Grid Signals in the Parahippocampal Cortex

PubMed Central

Winter, Shawn S.; Mehlman, Max L.; Clark, Benjamin J.; Taube, Jeffrey S.

2015-01-01

Summary Navigation is usually thought of relative to landmarks, but neural signals representing space also use information generated by an animal’s movements. These signals include grid cells, which fire at multiple locations forming a repeating grid pattern. Grid cell generation depends upon theta rhythm, a 6-10 Hz EEG oscillation that is modulated by the animals’ movement velocity. We passively moved rats in a clear cart to eliminate motor related self-movement cues that drive moment-to-moment changes in theta rhythmicity. We found that passive movement maintained theta power and frequency at levels equivalent to low active movement velocity, spared overall HD cell characteristics, and abolished velocity modulation of theta rhythmicity and grid cell firing patterns. These results indicate that self-movement motor cues are necessary for generating grid-specific firing patterns, possibly by driving velocity modulation of theta rhythmicity. Velocity modulation of theta may be used as a speed signal to generate the repeating pattern of grid cells. PMID:26387719

Enhanced Elliptic Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Upender K.

2007-01-01

An enhanced method of elliptic grid generation has been invented. Whereas prior methods require user input of certain grid parameters, this method provides for these parameters to be determined automatically. "Elliptic grid generation" signifies generation of generalized curvilinear coordinate grids through solution of elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). Usually, such grids are fitted to bounding bodies and used in numerical solution of other PDEs like those of fluid flow, heat flow, and electromagnetics. Such a grid is smooth and has continuous first and second derivatives (and possibly also continuous higher-order derivatives), grid lines are appropriately stretched or clustered, and grid lines are orthogonal or nearly so over most of the grid domain. The source terms in the grid-generating PDEs (hereafter called "defining" PDEs) make it possible for the grid to satisfy requirements for clustering and orthogonality properties in the vicinity of specific surfaces in three dimensions or in the vicinity of specific lines in two dimensions. The grid parameters in question are decay parameters that appear in the source terms of the inhomogeneous defining PDEs. The decay parameters are characteristic lengths in exponential- decay factors that express how the influences of the boundaries decrease with distance from the boundaries. These terms govern the rates at which distance between adjacent grid lines change with distance from nearby boundaries. Heretofore, users have arbitrarily specified decay parameters. However, the characteristic lengths are coupled with the strengths of the source terms, such that arbitrary specification could lead to conflicts among parameter values. Moreover, the manual insertion of decay parameters is cumbersome for static grids and infeasible for dynamically changing grids. In the present method, manual insertion and user specification of decay parameters are neither required nor allowed. Instead, the decay parameters are determined automatically as part of the solution of the defining PDEs. Depending on the shape of the boundary segments and the physical nature of the problem to be solved on the grid, the solution of the defining PDEs may provide for rates of decay to vary along and among the boundary segments and may lend itself to interpretation in terms of one or more physical quantities associated with the problem.

JIGSAW-GEO (1.0): Locally Orthogonal Staggered Unstructured Grid Generation for General Circulation Modelling on the Sphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engwirda, Darren

2017-01-01

An algorithm for the generation of non-uniform, locally orthogonal staggered unstructured spheroidal grids is described. This technique is designed to generate very high-quality staggered VoronoiDelaunay meshes appropriate for general circulation modelling on the sphere, including applications to atmospheric simulation, ocean-modelling and numerical weather prediction. Using a recently developed Frontal-Delaunay refinement technique, a method for the construction of high-quality unstructured spheroidal Delaunay triangulations is introduced. A locally orthogonal polygonal grid, derived from the associated Voronoi diagram, is computed as the staggered dual. It is shown that use of the Frontal-Delaunay refinement technique allows for the generation of very high-quality unstructured triangulations, satisfying a priori bounds on element size and shape. Grid quality is further improved through the application of hill-climbing-type optimisation techniques. Overall, the algorithm is shown to produce grids with very high element quality and smooth grading characteristics, while imposing relatively low computational expense. A selection of uniform and non-uniform spheroidal grids appropriate for high-resolution, multi-scale general circulation modelling are presented. These grids are shown to satisfy the geometric constraints associated with contemporary unstructured C-grid-type finite-volume models, including the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-O). The use of user-defined mesh-spacing functions to generate smoothly graded, non-uniform grids for multi-resolution-type studies is discussed in detail.

JIGSAW-GEO (1.0): locally orthogonal staggered unstructured grid generation for general circulation modelling on the sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engwirda, Darren

2017-06-01

An algorithm for the generation of non-uniform, locally orthogonal staggered unstructured spheroidal grids is described. This technique is designed to generate very high-quality staggered Voronoi-Delaunay meshes appropriate for general circulation modelling on the sphere, including applications to atmospheric simulation, ocean-modelling and numerical weather prediction. Using a recently developed Frontal-Delaunay refinement technique, a method for the construction of high-quality unstructured spheroidal Delaunay triangulations is introduced. A locally orthogonal polygonal grid, derived from the associated Voronoi diagram, is computed as the staggered dual. It is shown that use of the Frontal-Delaunay refinement technique allows for the generation of very high-quality unstructured triangulations, satisfying a priori bounds on element size and shape. Grid quality is further improved through the application of hill-climbing-type optimisation techniques. Overall, the algorithm is shown to produce grids with very high element quality and smooth grading characteristics, while imposing relatively low computational expense. A selection of uniform and non-uniform spheroidal grids appropriate for high-resolution, multi-scale general circulation modelling are presented. These grids are shown to satisfy the geometric constraints associated with contemporary unstructured C-grid-type finite-volume models, including the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-O). The use of user-defined mesh-spacing functions to generate smoothly graded, non-uniform grids for multi-resolution-type studies is discussed in detail.

Progress in Unsteady Turbopump Flow Simulations Using Overset Grid Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiris, Cetin C.; Chan, William; Kwak, Dochan

2002-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides information on unsteady flow simulations for the Second Generation RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicle) baseline turbopump. Three impeller rotations were simulated by using a 34.3 million grid points model. MPI/OpenMP hybrid parallelism and MLP shared memory parallelism has been implemented and benchmarked in INS3D, an incompressible Navier-Stokes solver. For RLV turbopump simulations a speed up of more than 30 times has been obtained. Moving boundary capability is obtained by using the DCF module. Scripting capability from CAD geometry to solution is developed. Unsteady flow simulations for advanced consortium impeller/diffuser by using a 39 million grid points model are currently underway. 1.2 impeller rotations are completed. The fluid/structure coupling is initiated.

Modeling complex aquifer systems: a case study in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Hai V.; Tsai, Frank T.-C.

2017-05-01

This study targets two challenges in groundwater model development: grid generation and model calibration for aquifer systems that are fluvial in origin. Realistic hydrostratigraphy can be developed using a large quantity of well log data to capture the complexity of an aquifer system. However, generating valid groundwater model grids to be consistent with the complex hydrostratigraphy is non-trivial. Model calibration can also become intractable for groundwater models that intend to match the complex hydrostratigraphy. This study uses the Baton Rouge aquifer system, Louisiana (USA), to illustrate a technical need to cope with grid generation and model calibration issues. A grid generation technique is introduced based on indicator kriging to interpolate 583 wireline well logs in the Baton Rouge area to derive a hydrostratigraphic architecture with fine vertical discretization. Then, an upscaling procedure is developed to determine a groundwater model structure with 162 layers that captures facies geometry in the hydrostratigraphic architecture. To handle model calibration for such a large model, this study utilizes a derivative-free optimization method in parallel computing to complete parameter estimation in a few months. The constructed hydrostratigraphy indicates the Baton Rouge aquifer system is fluvial in origin. The calibration result indicates hydraulic conductivity for Miocene sands is higher than that for Pliocene to Holocene sands and indicates the Baton Rouge fault and the Denham Springs-Scotlandville fault to be low-permeability leaky aquifers. The modeling result shows significantly low groundwater level in the "2,000-foot" sand due to heavy pumping, indicating potential groundwater upward flow from the "2,400-foot" sand.

The eGo grid model: An open-source and open-data based synthetic medium-voltage grid model for distribution power supply systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amme, J.; Pleßmann, G.; Bühler, J.; Hülk, L.; Kötter, E.; Schwaegerl, P.

2018-02-01

The increasing integration of renewable energy into the electricity supply system creates new challenges for distribution grids. The planning and operation of distribution systems requires appropriate grid models that consider the heterogeneity of existing grids. In this paper, we describe a novel method to generate synthetic medium-voltage (MV) grids, which we applied in our DIstribution Network GeneratOr (DINGO). DINGO is open-source software and uses freely available data. Medium-voltage grid topologies are synthesized based on location and electricity demand in defined demand areas. For this purpose, we use GIS data containing demand areas with high-resolution spatial data on physical properties, land use, energy, and demography. The grid topology is treated as a capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) combined with a local search metaheuristics. We also consider the current planning principles for MV distribution networks, paying special attention to line congestion and voltage limit violations. In the modelling process, we included power flow calculations for validation. The resulting grid model datasets contain 3608 synthetic MV grids in high resolution, covering all of Germany and taking local characteristics into account. We compared the modelled networks with real network data. In terms of number of transformers and total cable length, we conclude that the method presented in this paper generates realistic grids that could be used to implement a cost-optimised electrical energy system.

A CFD study of complex missile and store configurations in relative motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baysal, Oktay

1995-01-01

An investigation was conducted from May 16, 1990 to August 31, 1994 on the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodologies for complex missiles and the store separation problem. These flowfields involved multiple-component configurations, where at least one of the objects was engaged in relative motion. The two most important issues that had to be addressed were: (1) the unsteadiness of the flowfields (time-accurate and efficient CFD algorithms for the unsteady equations), and (2) the generation of grid systems which would permit multiple and moving bodies in the computational domain (dynamic domain decomposition). The study produced two competing and promising methodologies, and their proof-of-concept cases, which have been reported in the open literature: (1) Unsteady solutions on dynamic, overlapped grids, which may also be perceived as moving, locally-structured grids, and (2) Unsteady solutions on dynamic, unstructured grids.

Navier-Stokes calculations on multi-element airfoils using a chimera-based solver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jasper, Donald W.; Agrawal, Shreekant; Robinson, Brian A.

1993-01-01

A study of Navier-Stokes calculations of flows about multielement airfoils using a chimera grid approach is presented. The chimera approach utilizes structured, overlapped grids which allow great flexibility of grid arrangement and simplifies grid generation. Calculations are made for two-, three-, and four-element airfoils, and modeling of the effect of gap distance between elements is demonstrated for a two element case. Solutions are obtained using the thin-layer form of the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence closure provided by the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model or the Baldwin-Barth one equation model. The Baldwin-Barth turbulence model is shown to provide better agreement with experimental data and to dramatically improve convergence rates for some cases. Recently developed, improved farfield boundary conditions are incorporated into the solver for greater efficiency. Computed results show good comparison with experimental data which include aerodynamic forces, surface pressures, and boundary layer velocity profiles.

Computing Axisymmetric Jet Screech Tones Using Unstructured Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jorgenson, Philip C. E.; Loh, Ching Y.

2002-01-01

The space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) method is used to solve the conservation law form of the compressible axisymmetric Navier-Stokes equations. The equations are time marched to predict the unsteady flow and the near-field screech tone noise issuing from an underexpanded circular jet. The CE/SE method uses an unstructured grid based data structure. The unstructured grids for these calculations are generated based on the method of Delaunay triangulation. The purpose of this paper is to show that an acoustics solution with a feedback loop can be obtained using truly unstructured grid technology. Numerical results are presented for two different nozzle geometries. The first is considered to have a thin nozzle lip and the second has a thick nozzle lip. Comparisons with available experimental data are shown for flows corresponding to several different jet Mach numbers. Generally good agreement is obtained in terms of flow physics, screech tone frequency, and sound pressure level.

AESOP: A Python Library for Investigating Electrostatics in Protein Interactions.

PubMed

Harrison, Reed E S; Mohan, Rohith R; Gorham, Ronald D; Kieslich, Chris A; Morikis, Dimitrios

2017-05-09

Electric fields often play a role in guiding the association of protein complexes. Such interactions can be further engineered to accelerate complex association, resulting in protein systems with increased productivity. This is especially true for enzymes where reaction rates are typically diffusion limited. To facilitate quantitative comparisons of electrostatics in protein families and to describe electrostatic contributions of individual amino acids, we previously developed a computational framework called AESOP. We now implement this computational tool in Python with increased usability and the capability of performing calculations in parallel. AESOP utilizes PDB2PQR and Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver to generate grid-based electrostatic potential files for protein structures provided by the end user. There are methods within AESOP for quantitatively comparing sets of grid-based electrostatic potentials in terms of similarity or generating ensembles of electrostatic potential files for a library of mutants to quantify the effects of perturbations in protein structure and protein-protein association. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adaptively Parameterized Tomography of the Western Hellenic Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, S. E.; Papadopoulos, G. A.

2017-12-01

The Hellenic subduction zone (HSZ) is the most seismically active region in Europe and plays a major role in the active tectonics of the eastern Mediterranean. This complicated environment has the potential to generate both large magnitude (M > 8) earthquakes and tsunamis. Situated above the western end of the HSZ, Greece faces a high risk from these geologic hazards, and characterizing this risk requires detailed understanding of the geodynamic processes occurring in this area. However, despite previous investigations, the kinematics of the HSZ are still controversial. Regional tomographic studies have yielded important information about the shallow seismic structure of the HSZ, but these models only image down to 150 km depth within small geographic areas. Deeper structure is constrained by global tomographic models but with coarser resolution ( 200-300 km). Additionally, current tomographic models focused on the HSZ were generated with regularly-spaced gridding, and this type of parameterization often over-emphasizes poorly sampled regions of the model or under-represents small-scale structure. Therefore, we are developing a new, high-resolution image of the mantle structure beneath the western HSZ using an adaptively parameterized seismic tomography approach. By combining multiple, regional travel-time datasets in the context of a global model, with adaptable gridding based on the sampling density of high-frequency data, this method generates a composite model of mantle structure that is being used to better characterize geodynamic processes within the HSZ, thereby allowing for improved hazard assessment. Preliminary results will be shown.

System and method for islanding detection and prevention in distributed generation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bhowmik, Shibashis; Mazhari, Iman; Parkhideh, Babak

Various examples are directed to systems and methods for detecting an islanding condition at an inverter configured to couple a distributed generation system to an electrical grid network. A controller may determine a command frequency and a command frequency variation. The controller may determine that the command frequency variation indicates a potential islanding condition and send to the inverter an instruction to disconnect the distributed generation system from the electrical grid network. When the distributed generation system is disconnected from the electrical grid network, the controller may determine whether the grid network is valid.

Animating Wall-Bounded Turbulent Smoke via Filament-Mesh Particle-Particle Method.

PubMed

Liao, Xiangyun; Si, Weixin; Yuan, Zhiyong; Sun, Hanqiu; Qin, Jing; Wang, Qiong; Heng, Pheng-Ann; Xiangyun Liao; Weixin Si; Zhiyong Yuan; Hanqiu Sun; Jing Qin; Qiong Wang; Pheng-Ann Heng

2018-03-01

Turbulent vortices in smoke flows are crucial for a visually interesting appearance. Unfortunately, it is challenging to efficiently simulate these appealing effects in the framework of vortex filament methods. The vortex filaments in grids scheme allows to efficiently generate turbulent smoke with macroscopic vortical structures, but suffers from the projection-related dissipation, and thus the small-scale vortical structures under grid resolution are hard to capture. In addition, this scheme cannot be applied in wall-bounded turbulent smoke simulation, which requires efficiently handling smoke-obstacle interaction and creating vorticity at the obstacle boundary. To tackle above issues, we propose an effective filament-mesh particle-particle (FMPP) method for fast wall-bounded turbulent smoke simulation with ample details. The Filament-Mesh component approximates the smooth long-range interactions by splatting vortex filaments on grid, solving the Poisson problem with a fast solver, and then interpolating back to smoke particles. The Particle-Particle component introduces smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) turbulence model for particles in the same grid, where interactions between particles cannot be properly captured under grid resolution. Then, we sample the surface of obstacles with boundary particles, allowing the interaction between smoke and obstacle being treated as pressure forces in SPH. Besides, the vortex formation region is defined at the back of obstacles, providing smoke particles flowing by the separation particles with a vorticity force to simulate the subsequent vortex shedding phenomenon. The proposed approach can synthesize the lost small-scale vortical structures and also achieve the smoke-obstacle interaction with vortex shedding at obstacle boundaries in a lightweight manner. The experimental results demonstrate that our FMPP method can achieve more appealing visual effects than vortex filaments in grids scheme by efficiently simulating more vivid thin turbulent features.

A search for sources of drug resistance by the 4D-QSAR analysis of a set of antimalarial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos-Filho, Osvaldo Andrade; Hopfinger, Anton J.

2001-01-01

A set of 18 structurally diverse antifolates including pyrimethamine, cycloguanil, methotrexate, aminopterin and trimethoprim, and 13 pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were studied using four-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (4D-QSAR) analysis. The corresponding biological activities of these compounds include IC50 inhibition constants for both the wild type, and a specific mutant type of Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Two thousand conformations of each analog were sampled to generate a conformational ensemble profile (CEP) from a molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) of 100,000 conformer trajectory states. Each sampled conformation was placed in a 1 Å cubic grid cell lattice for each of five trial alignments. The frequency of occupation of each grid cell was computed for each of six types of pharmacophore groups of atoms of each compound. These grid cell occupancy descriptors (GCODs) were then used as a descriptor pool to construct 4D-QSAR models. Models for inhibition of both the `wild' type and the mutant enzyme were generated which provide detailed spatial pharmacophore requirements for inhibition in terms of atom types and their corresponding relative locations in space. The 4D-QSAR models indicate some structural features perhaps relevant to the mechanism of resistance of the Plasmodium falciparum DHFR to current antimalarials. One feature identified is a slightly different binding alignment of the ligands to the mutant form of the enzyme as compared to the wild type.

Matrix Converter Interface for a Wind Energy Conversion System: Issues and Limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patki, Chetan; Agarwal, Vivek

2009-08-01

Variable speed grid connected wind energy systems sometimes involve AC-AC power electronic interface between the generator and the grid. Matrix converter is an attractive option for such applications. Variable speed of the wind generator demands variable voltage variable frequency at the generator terminal. Matrix converter is used in this work to generate such a supply. Also, matrix converter can be appropriately controlled to compensate the grid for non-linear, reactive loads. However, any change of power factor on the grid side reflects on the voltage magnitude on the wind generator side. It is highlighted that this may contradict the maximum power point tracking control requirements. All the results of this work are presented.

Recent Developments in Grid Generation and Force Integration Technology for Overset Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; VanDalsem, William R. (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Recent developments in algorithms and software tools for generating overset grids for complex configurations are described. These include the overset surface grid generation code SURGRD and version 2.0 of the hyperbolic volume grid generation code HYPGEN. The SURGRD code is in beta test mode where the new features include the capability to march over a collection of panel networks, a variety of ways to control the side boundaries and the marching step sizes and distance, a more robust projection scheme and an interpolation option. New features in version 2.0 of HYPGEN include a wider range of boundary condition types. The code also allows the user to specify different marching step sizes and distance for each point on the surface grid. A scheme that takes into account of the overlapped zones on the body surface for the purpose of forces and moments computation is also briefly described, The process involves the following two software modules: MIXSUR - a composite grid generation module to produce a collection of quadrilaterals and triangles on which pressure and viscous stresses are to be integrated, and OVERINT - a forces and moments integration module.

Recent Progress in Iron-Based Electrode Materials for Grid-Scale Sodium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Fang, Yongjin; Chen, Zhongxue; Xiao, Lifen; Ai, Xinping; Cao, Yuliang; Yang, Hanxi

2018-03-01

Grid-scale energy storage batteries with electrode materials made from low-cost, earth-abundant elements are needed to meet the requirements of sustainable energy systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with iron-based electrodes offer an attractive combination of low cost, plentiful structural diversity and high stability, making them ideal candidates for grid-scale energy storage systems. Although various iron-based cathode and anode materials have been synthesized and evaluated for sodium storage, further improvements are still required in terms of energy/power density and long cyclic stability for commercialization. In this Review, progress in iron-based electrode materials for SIBs, including oxides, polyanions, ferrocyanides, and sulfides, is briefly summarized. In addition, the reaction mechanisms, electrochemical performance enhancements, structure-composition-performance relationships, merits and drawbacks of iron-based electrode materials for SIBs are discussed. Such iron-based electrode materials will be competitive and attractive electrodes for next-generation energy storage devices. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Realisation Of Polarisation Sensitive And Frequency Selective Surfaces On Microwave Reflectors By Laser Evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halm, R.; Kupper, Th.; Fischer, A.

1987-01-01

Gridded reflectors are used on communication satellites antennas to provide frequency reuse in dual linear polarisation mode of operation. The polarisation sensitive surface consists of metallic strips, forming a grid with width and spacings of the order of 0.1 mm. The use of frequency-selective surface (FSS) subreflectors allows the simultaneous generation of different microwave beams with the same main reflector. Such a reflector will require a structure of conductive arrays of either dipoles, rings, squares or square loops with typical dimensions of the order of 3-6 mm. Optimisation of the electrical design leads to critical dimensioning of these structures. By direct ablation of an aluminium surface coating by means of laser evaporation, high accuracies can be achieved. The major requirements were to minimize thermal damage of the substrate material and to produce dimensionally accurate grids. Experiments were carried out using a pulsed TEA-CO2 laser and a Q-switched Alexandrite laser. Details of the experimental set-up and conditions are described.

Parallel Grid Manipulations in Earth Science Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawyer, W.; Lucchesi, R.; daSilva, A.; Takacs, L. L.

1999-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Data Assimilation Office (DAO) at the Goddard Space Flight Center is moving its data assimilation system to massively parallel computing platforms. This parallel implementation of GEOS DAS will be used in the DAO's normal activities, which include reanalysis of data, and operational support for flight missions. Key components of GEOS DAS, including the gridpoint-based general circulation model and a data analysis system, are currently being parallelized. The parallelization of GEOS DAS is also one of the HPCC Grand Challenge Projects. The GEOS-DAS software employs several distinct grids. Some examples are: an observation grid- an unstructured grid of points at which observed or measured physical quantities from instruments or satellites are associated- a highly-structured latitude-longitude grid of points spanning the earth at given latitude-longitude coordinates at which prognostic quantities are determined, and a computational lat-lon grid in which the pole has been moved to a different location to avoid computational instabilities. Each of these grids has a different structure and number of constituent points. In spite of that, there are numerous interactions between the grids, e.g., values on one grid must be interpolated to another, or, in other cases, grids need to be redistributed on the underlying parallel platform. The DAO has designed a parallel integrated library for grid manipulations (PILGRIM) to support the needed grid interactions with maximum efficiency. It offers a flexible interface to generate new grids, define transformations between grids and apply them. Basic communication is currently MPI, however the interfaces defined here could conceivably be implemented with other message-passing libraries, e.g., Cray SHMEM, or with shared-memory constructs. The library is written in Fortran 90. First performance results indicate that even difficult problems, such as above-mentioned pole rotation- a sparse interpolation with little data locality between the physical lat-lon grid and a pole rotated computational grid- can be solved efficiently and at the GFlop/s rates needed to solve tomorrow's high resolution earth science models. In the subsequent presentation we will discuss the design and implementation of PILGRIM as well as a number of the problems it is required to solve. Some conclusions will be drawn about the potential performance of the overall earth science models on the supercomputer platforms foreseen for these problems.

S3D: An interactive surface grid generation tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luh, Raymond Ching-Chung; Pierce, Lawrence E.; Yip, David

1992-01-01

S3D, an interactive software tool for surface grid generation, is described. S3D provides the means with which a geometry definition based either on a discretized curve set or a rectangular set can be quickly processed towards the generation of a surface grid for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications. This is made possible as a result of implementing commonly encountered surface gridding tasks in an environment with a highly efficient and user friendly graphical interface. Some of the more advanced features of S3D include surface-surface intersections, optimized surface domain decomposition and recomposition, and automated propagation of edge distributions to surrounding grids.

System-of-Systems Approach for Integrated Energy Systems Modeling and Simulation: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mittal, Saurabh; Ruth, Mark; Pratt, Annabelle

Today’s electricity grid is the most complex system ever built—and the future grid is likely to be even more complex because it will incorporate distributed energy resources (DERs) such as wind, solar, and various other sources of generation and energy storage. The complexity is further augmented by the possible evolution to new retail market structures that provide incentives to owners of DERs to support the grid. To understand and test new retail market structures and technologies such as DERs, demand-response equipment, and energy management systems while providing reliable electricity to all customers, an Integrated Energy System Model (IESM) is beingmore » developed at NREL. The IESM is composed of a power flow simulator (GridLAB-D), home energy management systems implemented using GAMS/Pyomo, a market layer, and hardware-in-the-loop simulation (testing appliances such as HVAC, dishwasher, etc.). The IESM is a system-of-systems (SoS) simulator wherein the constituent systems are brought together in a virtual testbed. We will describe an SoS approach for developing a distributed simulation environment. We will elaborate on the methodology and the control mechanisms used in the co-simulation illustrated by a case study.« less

Mesh Generation via Local Bisection Refinement of Triangulated Grids

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

Science and Technology Organisation DSTO–TR–3095 ABSTRACT This report provides a comprehensive implementation of an unstructured mesh generation method...and Technology Organisation 506 Lorimer St, Fishermans Bend, Victoria 3207, Australia Telephone: 1300 333 362 Facsimile: (03) 9626 7999 c© Commonwealth...their behaviour is critically linked to Maubach’s method and the data structures N and T . The top- level mesh refinement algorithm is also presented

Three-dimensional elliptic grid generation technique with application to turbomachinery cascades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, S. C.; Schwab, J. R.

1988-01-01

Described is a numerical method for generating 3-D grids for turbomachinery computational fluid dynamic codes. The basic method is general and involves the solution of a quasi-linear elliptic partial differential equation via pointwise relaxation with a local relaxation factor. It allows specification of the grid point distribution on the boundary surfaces, the grid spacing off the boundary surfaces, and the grid orthogonality at the boundary surfaces. A geometry preprocessor constructs the grid point distributions on the boundary surfaces for general turbomachinery cascades. Representative results are shown for a C-grid and an H-grid for a turbine rotor. Two appendices serve as user's manuals for the basic solver and the geometry preprocessor.

Three dimensional investigation of the shock train structure in a convergent-divergent nozzle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousavi, Seyed Mahmood; Roohi, Ehsan

2014-12-01

Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics analyses have been employed to study the compressible and turbulent flow of the shock train in a convergent-divergent nozzle. The primary goal is to determine the behavior, location, and number of shocks. In this context, full multi-grid initialization, Reynolds stress turbulence model (RSM), and the grid adaption techniques in the Fluent software are utilized under the 3D investigation. The results showed that RSM solution matches with the experimental data suitably. The effects of applying heat generation sources and changing inlet flow total temperature have been investigated. Our simulations showed that changes in the heat generation rate and total temperature of the intake flow influence on the starting point of shock, shock strength, minimum pressure, as well as the maximum flow Mach number.

Reduced-Order Structure-Preserving Model for Parallel-Connected Three-Phase Grid-Tied Inverters: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Brian B; Purba, Victor; Jafarpour, Saber

Given that next-generation infrastructures will contain large numbers of grid-connected inverters and these interfaces will be satisfying a growing fraction of system load, it is imperative to analyze the impacts of power electronics on such systems. However, since each inverter model has a relatively large number of dynamic states, it would be impractical to execute complex system models where the full dynamics of each inverter are retained. To address this challenge, we derive a reduced-order structure-preserving model for parallel-connected grid-tied three-phase inverters. Here, each inverter in the system is assumed to have a full-bridge topology, LCL filter at the pointmore » of common coupling, and the control architecture for each inverter includes a current controller, a power controller, and a phase-locked loop for grid synchronization. We outline a structure-preserving reduced-order inverter model for the setting where the parallel inverters are each designed such that the filter components and controller gains scale linearly with the power rating. By structure preserving, we mean that the reduced-order three-phase inverter model is also composed of an LCL filter, a power controller, current controller, and PLL. That is, we show that the system of parallel inverters can be modeled exactly as one aggregated inverter unit and this equivalent model has the same number of dynamical states as an individual inverter in the paralleled system. Numerical simulations validate the reduced-order models.« less

Preprocessor that Enables the Use of GridProTM Grids for Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes Code TURBO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shyam, Vikram

2010-01-01

A preprocessor for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code TURBO has been developed and tested. The preprocessor converts grids produced by GridPro (Program Development Company (PDC)) into a format readable by TURBO and generates the necessary input files associated with the grid. The preprocessor also generates information that enables the user to decide how to allocate the computational load in a multiple block per processor scenario.

Generating grids directly on CAD database surfaces using a parametric evaluator approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatzhe, Timothy D.; Melson, Thomas G.

1995-01-01

A very important, but often overlooked step in grid generation is acquiring a suitable geometry definition of the vehicle to be analyzed. In the past, geometry was usually obtained by generating a number of cross-sections of each component. A number of recent efforts have focussed on non-uniform rational B-spline surfaces (NURBS) to provide as single type of analytic surface to deal with inside the grid generator. This approach has required the development of tools to read other types of surfaces and convert them, either exactly or by approximation, into a NURBS surface. This paper describes a more generic parametric evaluator approach, which does not rely on a particular surface type internal to the grid generation system and is less restrictive in the number of surface types that can be represented exactly. This approach has been implemented in the McDonnell Douglas grid generation system, MACGS, and offers direct access to all types of surfaces from a Unigraphics part file.

Methods and apparatus for rotor load control in wind turbines

DOEpatents

Moroz, Emilian Mieczyslaw

2006-08-22

A wind turbine having a rotor, at least one rotor blade, and a plurality of generators, of which a first generator is configured to provide power to an electric grid and a second generator is configured to provide power to the wind turbine during times of grid loss. The wind turbine is configured to utilize power provided by the second generator to reduce loads on the wind turbine during times of grid loss.

On unstructured grids and solvers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barth, T. J.

1990-01-01

The fundamentals and the state-of-the-art technology for unstructured grids and solvers are highlighted. Algorithms and techniques pertinent to mesh generation are discussed. It is shown that grid generation and grid manipulation schemes rely on fast multidimensional searching. Flow solution techniques for the Euler equations, which can be derived from the integral form of the equations are discussed. Sample calculations are also provided.

SubductionGenerator: A program to build three-dimensional plate configurations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadamec, M. A.; Kreylos, O.; Billen, M. I.; Turcotte, D. L.; Knepley, M.

2016-12-01

Geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data from subduction zones indicate that a two-dimensional paradigm for plate tectonic boundaries is no longer adequate to explain the observations. Many open source software packages exist to simulate the viscous flow of the Earth, such as the dynamics of subduction. However, there are few open source programs that generate the three-dimensional model input. We present an open source software program, SubductionGenerator, that constructs the three-dimensional initial thermal structure and plate boundary structure. A 3D model mesh and tectonic configuration are constructed based on a user specified model domain, slab surface, seafloor age grid file, and shear zone surface. The initial 3D thermal structure for the plates and mantle within the model domain is then constructed using a series of libraries within the code that use a half-space cooling model, plate cooling model, and smoothing functions. The code maps the initial 3D thermal structure and the 3D plate interface onto the mesh nodes using a series of libraries including a k-d tree to increase efficiency. In this way, complicated geometries and multiple plates with variable thickness can be built onto a multi-resolution finite element mesh with a 3D thermal structure and 3D isotropic shear zones oriented at any angle with respect to the grid. SubductionGenerator is aimed at model set-ups more representative of the earth, which can be particularly challenging to construct. Examples include subduction zones where the physical attributes vary in space, such as slab dip and temperature, and overriding plate temperature and thickness. Thus, the program can been used to construct initial tectonic configurations for triple junctions and plate boundary corners.

Two-boundary grid generation for the solution of the three dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Ph.D. Thesis - Old Dominion Univ.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. E.

1981-01-01

A grid generation technique called the two boundary technique is developed and applied for the solution of the three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The Navier-Stokes equations are transformed from a cartesian coordinate system to a computational coordinate system, and the grid generation technique provides the Jacobian matrix describing the transformation. The two boundary technique is based on algebraically defining two distinct boundaries of a flow domain and the distribution of the grid is achieved by applying functions to the uniform computational grid which redistribute the computational independent variables and consequently concentrate or disperse the grid points in the physical domain. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a MacCormack time-split technique. Grids and supersonic laminar flow solutions are obtained for a family of three dimensional corners and two spike-nosed bodies.

Geometry modeling and grid generation using 3D NURBS control volume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Tzu-Yi; Soni, Bharat K.; Shih, Ming-Hsin

1995-01-01

The algorithms for volume grid generation using NURBS geometric representation are presented. The parameterization algorithm is enhanced to yield a desired physical distribution on the curve, surface and volume. This approach bridges the gap between CAD surface/volume definition and surface/volume grid generation. Computational examples associated with practical configurations have shown the utilization of these algorithms.

40 CFR 761.308 - Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... generation on any two-dimensional square grid. 761.308 Section 761.308 Protection of Environment... § 761.79(b)(3) § 761.308 Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid. (a) Divide the surface area of the non-porous surface into rectangular or square areas having a...

40 CFR 761.308 - Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... generation on any two-dimensional square grid. 761.308 Section 761.308 Protection of Environment... § 761.79(b)(3) § 761.308 Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid. (a) Divide the surface area of the non-porous surface into rectangular or square areas having a...

40 CFR 761.308 - Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... generation on any two-dimensional square grid. 761.308 Section 761.308 Protection of Environment... § 761.79(b)(3) § 761.308 Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid. (a) Divide the surface area of the non-porous surface into rectangular or square areas having a...

40 CFR 761.308 - Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... generation on any two-dimensional square grid. 761.308 Section 761.308 Protection of Environment... § 761.79(b)(3) § 761.308 Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid. (a) Divide the surface area of the non-porous surface into rectangular or square areas having a...

40 CFR 761.308 - Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... generation on any two-dimensional square grid. 761.308 Section 761.308 Protection of Environment... § 761.79(b)(3) § 761.308 Sample selection by random number generation on any two-dimensional square grid. (a) Divide the surface area of the non-porous surface into rectangular or square areas having a...

A chimera grid scheme. [multiple overset body-conforming mesh system for finite difference adaptation to complex aircraft configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steger, J. L.; Dougherty, F. C.; Benek, J. A.

1983-01-01

A mesh system composed of multiple overset body-conforming grids is described for adapting finite-difference procedures to complex aircraft configurations. In this so-called 'chimera mesh,' a major grid is generated about a main component of the configuration and overset minor grids are used to resolve all other features. Methods for connecting overset multiple grids and modifications of flow-simulation algorithms are discussed. Computational tests in two dimensions indicate that the use of multiple overset grids can simplify the task of grid generation without an adverse effect on flow-field algorithms and computer code complexity.

The three-dimensional Multi-Block Advanced Grid Generation System (3DMAGGS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.; Weilmuenster, Kenneth J.

1993-01-01

As the size and complexity of three dimensional volume grids increases, there is a growing need for fast and efficient 3D volumetric elliptic grid solvers. Present day solvers are limited by computational speed and do not have all the capabilities such as interior volume grid clustering control, viscous grid clustering at the wall of a configuration, truncation error limiters, and convergence optimization residing in one code. A new volume grid generator, 3DMAGGS (Three-Dimensional Multi-Block Advanced Grid Generation System), which is based on the 3DGRAPE code, has evolved to meet these needs. This is a manual for the usage of 3DMAGGS and contains five sections, including the motivations and usage, a GRIDGEN interface, a grid quality analysis tool, a sample case for verifying correct operation of the code, and a comparison to both 3DGRAPE and GRIDGEN3D. Since it was derived from 3DGRAPE, this technical memorandum should be used in conjunction with the 3DGRAPE manual (NASA TM-102224).

An interactive grid generation procedure for axial and radial flow turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beach, Timothy A.

1989-01-01

A combination algebraic/elliptic technique is presented for the generation of three dimensional grids about turbo-machinery blade rows for both axial and radial flow machinery. The technique is built around use of an advanced engineering workstation to construct several two dimensional grids interactively on predetermined blade-to-blade surfaces. A three dimensional grid is generated by interpolating these surface grids onto an axisymmetric grid. On each blade-to-blade surface, a grid is created using algebraic techniques near the blade to control orthogonality within the boundary layer region and elliptic techniques in the mid-passage to achieve smoothness. The interactive definition of bezier curves as internal boundaries is the key to simple construction. This procedure lends itself well to zonal grid construction, an important example being the tip clearance region. Calculations done to date include a space shuttle main engine turbopump blade, a radial inflow turbine blade, and the first stator of the United Technologies Research Center large scale rotating rig. A finite Navier-Stokes solver was used in each case.

Single block three-dimensional volume grids about complex aerodynamic vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.; Weilmuenster, K. James

1993-01-01

This paper presents an alternate approach for the generation of volumetric grids for supersonic and hypersonic flows about complex configurations. The method uses parametric two dimensional block face grid definition within the framework of GRIDGEN2D. The incorporation of face decomposition reduces complex surfaces to simple shapes. These simple shapes are combined to obtain the final face definition. The advantages of this method include the reduction of overall grid generation time through the use of vectorized computer code, the elimination of the need to generate matching block faces, and the implementation of simplified boundary conditions. A simple axisymmetric grid is used to illustrate this method. In addition, volume grids for two complex configurations, the Langley Lifting Body (HL-20) and the Space Shuttle Orbiter, are shown.

Smart grid technologies in local electric grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lezhniuk, Petro D.; Pijarski, Paweł; Buslavets, Olga A.

2017-08-01

The research is devoted to the creation of favorable conditions for the integration of renewable sources of energy into electric grids, which were designed to be supplied from centralized generation at large electric power stations. Development of distributed generation in electric grids influences the conditions of their operation - conflict of interests arises. The possibility of optimal functioning of electric grids and renewable sources of energy, when complex criterion of the optimality is balance reliability of electric energy in local electric system and minimum losses of electric energy in it. Multilevel automated system for power flows control in electric grids by means of change of distributed generation of power is developed. Optimization of power flows is performed by local systems of automatic control of small hydropower stations and, if possible, solar power plants.

Fast generation of three-dimensional computational boundary-conforming periodic grids of C-type. [for turbine blades and propellers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dulikravich, D. S.

1982-01-01

A fast computer program, GRID3C, was developed to generate multilevel three dimensional, C type, periodic, boundary conforming grids for the calculation of realistic turbomachinery and propeller flow fields. The technique is based on two analytic functions that conformally map a cascade of semi-infinite slits to a cascade of doubly infinite strips on different Riemann sheets. Up to four consecutively refined three dimensional grids are automatically generated and permanently stored on four different computer tapes. Grid nonorthogonality is introduced by a separate coordinate shearing and stretching performed in each of three coordinate directions. The grids are easily clustered closer to the blade surface, the trailing and leading edges and the hub or shroud regions by changing appropriate input parameters. Hub and duct (or outer free boundary) have different axisymmetric shapes. A vortex sheet of arbitrary thickness emanating smoothly from the blade trailing edge is generated automatically by GRID3C. Blade cross sectional shape, chord length, twist angle, sweep angle, and dihedral angle can vary in an arbitrary smooth fashion in the spanwise direction.

New Boundary Constraints for Elliptic Systems used in Grid Generation Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Upender K.; Clancy, Daniel (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This paper discusses new boundary constraints for elliptic partial differential equations as used in grid generation problems in generalized curvilinear coordinate systems. These constraints, based on the principle of local conservation of thermal energy in the vicinity of the boundaries, are derived using the Green's Theorem. They uniquely determine the so called decay parameters in the source terms of these elliptic systems. These constraints' are designed for boundary clustered grids where large gradients in physical quantities need to be resolved adequately. It is observed that the present formulation also works satisfactorily for mild clustering. Therefore, a closure for the decay parameter specification for elliptic grid generation problems has been provided resulting in a fully automated elliptic grid generation technique. Thus, there is no need for a parametric study of these decay parameters since the new constraints fix them uniquely. It is also shown that for Neumann type boundary conditions, these boundary constraints uniquely determine the solution to the internal elliptic problem thus eliminating the non-uniqueness of the solution of an internal Neumann boundary value grid generation problem.

A grid generation and flow solution method for the Euler equations on unstructured grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, W. Kyle

1994-01-01

A grid generation and flow solution algorithm for the Euler equations on unstructured grids is presented. The grid generation scheme utilizes Delaunay triangulation and self-generates the field points for the mesh based on cell aspect ratios and allows for clustering near solid surfaces. The flow solution method is an implicit algorithm in which the linear set of equations arising at each time step is solved using a Gauss Seidel procedure which is completely vectorizable. In addition, a study is conducted to examine the number of subiterations required for good convergence of the overall algorithm. Grid generation results are shown in two dimensions for a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 airfoil as well as a two-element configuration. Flow solution results are shown for two-dimensional flow over the NACA 0012 airfoil and for a two-element configuration in which the solution has been obtained through an adaptation procedure and compared to an exact solution. Preliminary three-dimensional results are also shown in which subsonic flow over a business jet is computed.

Scalability of grid- and subbasin-based land surface modeling approaches for hydrologic simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tesfa, Teklu K.; Ruby Leung, L.; Huang, Maoyi

2014-03-27

This paper investigates the relative merits of grid- and subbasin-based land surface modeling approaches for hydrologic simulations, with a focus on their scalability (i.e., abilities to perform consistently across a range of spatial resolutions) in simulating runoff generation. Simulations produced by the grid- and subbasin-based configurations of the Community Land Model (CLM) are compared at four spatial resolutions (0.125o, 0.25o, 0.5o and 1o) over the topographically diverse region of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Using the 0.125o resolution simulation as the “reference”, statistical skill metrics are calculated and compared across simulations at 0.25o, 0.5o and 1o spatial resolutions of each modelingmore » approach at basin and topographic region levels. Results suggest significant scalability advantage for the subbasin-based approach compared to the grid-based approach for runoff generation. Basin level annual average relative errors of surface runoff at 0.25o, 0.5o, and 1o compared to 0.125o are 3%, 4%, and 6% for the subbasin-based configuration and 4%, 7%, and 11% for the grid-based configuration, respectively. The scalability advantages of the subbasin-based approach are more pronounced during winter/spring and over mountainous regions. The source of runoff scalability is found to be related to the scalability of major meteorological and land surface parameters of runoff generation. More specifically, the subbasin-based approach is more consistent across spatial scales than the grid-based approach in snowfall/rainfall partitioning, which is related to air temperature and surface elevation. Scalability of a topographic parameter used in the runoff parameterization also contributes to improved scalability of the rain driven saturated surface runoff component, particularly during winter. Hence this study demonstrates the importance of spatial structure for multi-scale modeling of hydrological processes, with implications to surface heat fluxes in coupled land-atmosphere modeling.« less

A Discrete Global Grid System Programming Language Using MapReduce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, P.; Shatz, I.

2016-12-01

A discrete global grid system (DGGS) is a powerful mechanism for storing and integrating geospatial information. As a "pixelization" of the Earth, many image processing techniques lend themselves to the transformation of data values referenced to the DGGS cells. It has been shown that image algebra, as an example, and advanced algebra, like Fast Fourier Transformation, can be used on the DGGS tiling structure for geoprocessing and spatial analysis. MapReduce has been shown to provide advantages for processing and generating large data sets within distributed and parallel computing. The DGGS structure is ideally suited for big distributed Earth data. We proposed that basic expressions could be created to form the atoms of a generalized DGGS language using the MapReduce programming model. We created three very efficient expressions: Selectors (aka filter) - A selection function that generate a set of cells, cell collections, or geometries; Calculators (aka map) - A computational function (including quantization of raw measurements and data sources) that generate values in a DGGS cell; and Aggregators (aka reduce) - A function that generate spatial statistics from cell values within a cell. We found that these three basic MapReduce operations along with a forth function, the Iterator, for horizontal and vertical traversing of any DGGS structure, provided simple building block resulting in very efficient operations and processes that could be used with any DGGS. We provide examples and a demonstration of their effectiveness using the ISEA3H DGGS on the PYXIS Studio.

Advances in Parallelization for Large Scale Oct-Tree Mesh Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'Connell, Matthew; Karman, Steve L.

2015-01-01

Despite great advancements in the parallelization of numerical simulation codes over the last 20 years, it is still common to perform grid generation in serial. Generating large scale grids in serial often requires using special "grid generation" compute machines that can have more than ten times the memory of average machines. While some parallel mesh generation techniques have been proposed, generating very large meshes for LES or aeroacoustic simulations is still a challenging problem. An automated method for the parallel generation of very large scale off-body hierarchical meshes is presented here. This work enables large scale parallel generation of off-body meshes by using a novel combination of parallel grid generation techniques and a hybrid "top down" and "bottom up" oct-tree method. Meshes are generated using hardware commonly found in parallel compute clusters. The capability to generate very large meshes is demonstrated by the generation of off-body meshes surrounding complex aerospace geometries. Results are shown including a one billion cell mesh generated around a Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle geometry, which was generated on 64 processors in under 45 minutes.

SmaggIce User Guide. 1.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baez, Marivell; Vickerman, Mary; Choo, Yung

2000-01-01

SmaggIce (Surface Modeling And Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils) is one of NASNs aircraft icing research codes developed at the Glenn Research Center. It is a software toolkit used in the process of aerodynamic performance prediction of iced airfoils. It includes tools which complement the 2D grid-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) process: geometry probing; surface preparation for gridding: smoothing and re-discretization of geometry. Future releases will also include support for all aspects of gridding: domain decomposition; perimeter discretization; grid generation and modification.

Smart Grid Maturity Model: SGMM Model Definition. Version 1.2

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

electricity (e.g., solar power and wind) to be connected to the grid. If this were the case, any excess generated electricity would flow onto the grid, and... solar panels to the grid or electric vehicles to the grid. CUST-4.7 A common residential customer experience has been integrated. This experience is...individual devices (e.g., appliances) has been deployed. CUST-5.3 Plug-and-play customer-based generation (e.g., wind and solar ) is supported. This

Predict Dem Bones!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, John S.

1994-01-01

A detailed analysis and computer-based solution to a puzzle addressing the arrangement of dominoes on a grid is presented. The problem is one used in a college-level data structures or algorithms course. The solution uses backtracking to generate all possible answers. Details of the use of backtracking and techniques for mapping abstract problems…

Exploration into technical procedures for vertical integration. [information systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michel, R. J.; Maw, K. D.

1979-01-01

Issues in the design and use of a digital geographic information system incorporating landuse, zoning, hazard, LANDSAT, and other data are discussed. An eleven layer database was generated. Issues in spatial resolution, registration, grid versus polygonal structures, and comparison of photointerpreted landuse to LANDSAT land cover are examined.

Transformation of two and three-dimensional regions by elliptic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mastin, C. Wayne

1991-01-01

A reliable linear system is presented for grid generation in 2-D and 3-D. The method is robust in the sense that convergence is guaranteed but is not as reliable as other nonlinear elliptic methods in generating nonfolding grids. The construction of nonfolding grids depends on having reasonable approximations of cell aspect ratios and an appropriate distribution of grid points on the boundary of the region. Some guidelines are included on approximating the aspect ratios, but little help is offered on setting up the boundary grid other than to say that in 2-D the boundary correspondence should be close to that generated by a conformal mapping. It is assumed that the functions which control the grid distribution depend only on the computational variables and not on the physical variables. Whether this is actually the case depends on how the grid is constructed. In a dynamic adaptive procedure where the grid is constructed in the process of solving a fluid flow problem, the grid is usually updated at fixed iteration counts using the current value of the control function. Since the control function is not being updated during the iteration of the grid equations, the grid construction is a linear procedure. However, in the case of a static adaptive procedure where a trial solution is computed and used to construct an adaptive grid, the control functions may be recomputed at every step of the grid iteration.

High efficiency H6 single-phase transformerless grid-tied PV inverter with proposed modulation for reactive power generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almasoudi, Fahad M.; Alatawi, Khaled S.; Matin, Mohammad

2017-08-01

Implementation of transformerless inverters in PV grid-tied system offer great benefits such as high efficiency, light weight, low cost, etc. Most of the proposed transformerless inverters in literature are verified for only real power application. Currently, international standards such as VDE-AR-N 4105 has demanded that PV grid-tied inverters should have the ability of controlling a specific amount of reactive power. Generation of reactive power cannot be accomplished in single phase transformerless inverter topologies because the existing modulation techniques are not adopted for a freewheeling path in the negative power region. This paper enhances a previous high efficiency proposed H6 trnasformerless inverter with SiC MOSFETs and demonstrates new operating modes for the generation of reactive power. A proposed pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is applied to achieve bidirectional current flow through freewheeling state. A comparison of the proposed H6 transformerless inverter using SiC MOSFETs and Si MOSFTEs is presented in terms of power losses and efficiency. The results show that reactive power control is attained without adding any additional active devices or modification to the inverter structure. Also, the proposed modulation maintains a constant common mode voltage (CM) during every operating mode and has low leakage current. The performance of the proposed system verifies its effectiveness in the next generation PV system.

Grid generation in three dimensions by Poisson equations with control of cell size and skewness at boundary surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, R. L.; Steger, J. L.

1983-01-01

An algorithm for generating computational grids about arbitrary three-dimensional bodies is developed. The elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) approach developed by Steger and Sorenson and used in the NASA computer program GRAPE is extended from two to three dimensions. Forcing functions which are found automatically by the algorithm give the user the ability to control mesh cell size and skewness at boundary surfaces. This algorithm, as is typical of PDE grid generators, gives smooth grid lines and spacing in the interior of the grid. The method is applied to a rectilinear wind-tunnel case and to two body shapes in spherical coordinates.

QX MAN: Q and X file manipulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krein, Mark A.

1992-01-01

QX MAN is a grid and solution file manipulation program written primarily for the PARC code and the GRIDGEN family of grid generation codes. QX MAN combines many of the features frequently encountered in grid generation, grid refinement, the setting-up of initial conditions, and post processing. QX MAN allows the user to manipulate single block and multi-block grids (and their accompanying solution files) by splitting, concatenating, rotating, translating, re-scaling, and stripping or adding points. In addition, QX MAN can be used to generate an initial solution file for the PARC code. The code was written to provide several formats for input and output in order for it to be useful in a broad spectrum of applications.

3D automatic Cartesian grid generation for Euler flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melton, John E.; Enomoto, Francis Y.; Berger, Marsha J.

1993-01-01

We describe a Cartesian grid strategy for the study of three dimensional inviscid flows about arbitrary geometries that uses both conventional and CAD/CAM surface geometry databases. Initial applications of the technique are presented. The elimination of the body-fitted constraint allows the grid generation process to be automated, significantly reducing the time and effort required to develop suitable computational grids for inviscid flowfield simulations.

Determination and representation of electric charge distributions associated with adverse weather conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rompala, John T.

1992-01-01

Algorithms are presented for determining the size and location of electric charges which model storm systems and lightning strikes. The analysis utilizes readings from a grid of ground level field mills and geometric constraints on parameters to arrive at a representative set of charges. This set is used to generate three dimensional graphical depictions of the set as well as contour maps of the ground level electrical environment over the grid. The composite, analytic and graphic package is demonstrated and evaluated using controlled input data and archived data from a storm system. The results demonstrate the packages utility as: an operational tool in appraising adverse weather conditions; a research tool in studies of topics such as storm structure, storm dynamics, and lightning; and a tool in designing and evaluating grid systems.

CFD Script for Rapid TPS Damage Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCloud, Peter

2013-01-01

This grid generation script creates unstructured CFD grids for rapid thermal protection system (TPS) damage aeroheating assessments. The existing manual solution is cumbersome, open to errors, and slow. The invention takes a large-scale geometry grid and its large-scale CFD solution, and creates a unstructured patch grid that models the TPS damage. The flow field boundary condition for the patch grid is then interpolated from the large-scale CFD solution. It speeds up the generation of CFD grids and solutions in the modeling of TPS damages and their aeroheating assessment. This process was successfully utilized during STS-134.

IGB grid: User's manual (A turbomachinery grid generation code)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beach, T. A.; Hoffman, G.

1992-01-01

A grid generation code called IGB is presented for use in computational investigations of turbomachinery flowfields. It contains a combination of algebraic and elliptic techniques coded for use on an interactive graphics workstation. The instructions for use and a test case are included.

Application of Lagrangian blending functions for grid generation around airplane geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abolhassani, Jamshid S.; Sadrehaghighi, Ideen; Tiwari, Surendra N.

1990-01-01

A simple procedure was developed and applied for the grid generation around an airplane geometry. This approach is based on a transfinite interpolation with Lagrangian interpolation for the blending functions. A monotonic rational quadratic spline interpolation was employed for the grid distributions.

Intelligent and robust optimization frameworks for smart grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhansri, Naren Reddy

A smart grid implies a cyberspace real-time distributed power control system to optimally deliver electricity based on varying consumer characteristics. Although smart grids solve many of the contemporary problems, they give rise to new control and optimization problems with the growing role of renewable energy sources such as wind or solar energy. Under highly dynamic nature of distributed power generation and the varying consumer demand and cost requirements, the total power output of the grid should be controlled such that the load demand is met by giving a higher priority to renewable energy sources. Hence, the power generated from renewable energy sources should be optimized while minimizing the generation from non renewable energy sources. This research develops a demand-based automatic generation control and optimization framework for real-time smart grid operations by integrating conventional and renewable energy sources under varying consumer demand and cost requirements. Focusing on the renewable energy sources, the intelligent and robust control frameworks optimize the power generation by tracking the consumer demand in a closed-loop control framework, yielding superior economic and ecological benefits and circumvent nonlinear model complexities and handles uncertainties for superior real-time operations. The proposed intelligent system framework optimizes the smart grid power generation for maximum economical and ecological benefits under an uncertain renewable wind energy source. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed framework is a viable approach to integrate various energy sources for real-time smart grid implementations. The robust optimization framework results demonstrate the effectiveness of the robust controllers under bounded power plant model uncertainties and exogenous wind input excitation while maximizing economical and ecological performance objectives. Therefore, the proposed framework offers a new worst-case deterministic optimization algorithm for smart grid automatic generation control.

Computer Aided Grid Interface: An Interactive CFD Pre-Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.

1997-01-01

NASA maintains an applications oriented computational fluid dynamics (CFD) efforts complementary to and in support of the aerodynamic-propulsion design and test activities. This is especially true at NASA/MSFC where the goal is to advance and optimize present and future liquid-fueled rocket engines. Numerical grid generation plays a significant role in the fluid flow simulations utilizing CFD. An overall goal of the current project was to develop a geometry-grid generation tool that will help engineers, scientists and CFD practitioners to analyze design problems involving complex geometries in a timely fashion. This goal is accomplished by developing the CAGI: Computer Aided Grid Interface system. The CAGI system is developed by integrating CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) geometric system output and/or Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files (including all the NASA-IGES entities), geometry manipulations and generations associated with grid constructions, and robust grid generation methodologies. This report describes the development process of the CAGI system.

Computer Aided Grid Interface: An Interactive CFD Pre-Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, Bharat K.

1996-01-01

NASA maintains an applications oriented computational fluid dynamics (CFD) efforts complementary to and in support of the aerodynamic-propulsion design and test activities. This is especially true at NASA/MSFC where the goal is to advance and optimize present and future liquid-fueled rocket engines. Numerical grid generation plays a significant role in the fluid flow simulations utilizing CFD. An overall goal of the current project was to develop a geometry-grid generation tool that will help engineers, scientists and CFD practitioners to analyze design problems involving complex geometries in a timely fashion. This goal is accomplished by developing the Computer Aided Grid Interface system (CAGI). The CAGI system is developed by integrating CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing) geometric system output and / or Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) files (including all the NASA-IGES entities), geometry manipulations and generations associated with grid constructions, and robust grid generation methodologies. This report describes the development process of the CAGI system.

NCAR global model topography generation software for unstructured grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauritzen, P. H.; Bacmeister, J. T.; Callaghan, P. F.; Taylor, M. A.

2015-06-01

It is the purpose of this paper to document the NCAR global model topography generation software for unstructured grids. Given a model grid, the software computes the fraction of the grid box covered by land, the gridbox mean elevation, and associated sub-grid scale variances commonly used for gravity wave and turbulent mountain stress parameterizations. The software supports regular latitude-longitude grids as well as unstructured grids; e.g. icosahedral, Voronoi, cubed-sphere and variable resolution grids. As an example application and in the spirit of documenting model development, exploratory simulations illustrating the impacts of topographic smoothing with the NCAR-DOE CESM (Community Earth System Model) CAM5.2-SE (Community Atmosphere Model version 5.2 - Spectral Elements dynamical core) are shown.

Designing Wind and Solar Power Purchase Agreements to Support Grid Integration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Neill, Barbara; Chernyakhovskiy, Ilya

Power purchase agreements (PPAs) represent one of many institutional tools that power systems can use to improve grid services from variable renewable energy (VRE) generators. This fact sheet introduces the concept of PPAs for VRE generators and provides a brief summary of key PPA components that can facilitate VRE generators to enhance grid stability and serve as a source of power system flexibility.

Towards Integrating Distributed Energy Resources and Storage Devices in Smart Grid.

PubMed

Xu, Guobin; Yu, Wei; Griffith, David; Golmie, Nada; Moulema, Paul

2017-02-01

Internet of Things (IoT) provides a generic infrastructure for different applications to integrate information communication techniques with physical components to achieve automatic data collection, transmission, exchange, and computation. The smart grid, as one of typical applications supported by IoT, denoted as a re-engineering and a modernization of the traditional power grid, aims to provide reliable, secure, and efficient energy transmission and distribution to consumers. How to effectively integrate distributed (renewable) energy resources and storage devices to satisfy the energy service requirements of users, while minimizing the power generation and transmission cost, remains a highly pressing challenge in the smart grid. To address this challenge and assess the effectiveness of integrating distributed energy resources and storage devices, in this paper we develop a theoretical framework to model and analyze three types of power grid systems: the power grid with only bulk energy generators, the power grid with distributed energy resources, and the power grid with both distributed energy resources and storage devices. Based on the metrics of the power cumulative cost and the service reliability to users, we formally model and analyze the impact of integrating distributed energy resources and storage devices in the power grid. We also use the concept of network calculus, which has been traditionally used for carrying out traffic engineering in computer networks, to derive the bounds of both power supply and user demand to achieve a high service reliability to users. Through an extensive performance evaluation, our data shows that integrating distributed energy resources conjointly with energy storage devices can reduce generation costs, smooth the curve of bulk power generation over time, reduce bulk power generation and power distribution losses, and provide a sustainable service reliability to users in the power grid.

Towards Integrating Distributed Energy Resources and Storage Devices in Smart Grid

PubMed Central

Xu, Guobin; Yu, Wei; Griffith, David; Golmie, Nada; Moulema, Paul

2017-01-01

Internet of Things (IoT) provides a generic infrastructure for different applications to integrate information communication techniques with physical components to achieve automatic data collection, transmission, exchange, and computation. The smart grid, as one of typical applications supported by IoT, denoted as a re-engineering and a modernization of the traditional power grid, aims to provide reliable, secure, and efficient energy transmission and distribution to consumers. How to effectively integrate distributed (renewable) energy resources and storage devices to satisfy the energy service requirements of users, while minimizing the power generation and transmission cost, remains a highly pressing challenge in the smart grid. To address this challenge and assess the effectiveness of integrating distributed energy resources and storage devices, in this paper we develop a theoretical framework to model and analyze three types of power grid systems: the power grid with only bulk energy generators, the power grid with distributed energy resources, and the power grid with both distributed energy resources and storage devices. Based on the metrics of the power cumulative cost and the service reliability to users, we formally model and analyze the impact of integrating distributed energy resources and storage devices in the power grid. We also use the concept of network calculus, which has been traditionally used for carrying out traffic engineering in computer networks, to derive the bounds of both power supply and user demand to achieve a high service reliability to users. Through an extensive performance evaluation, our data shows that integrating distributed energy resources conjointly with energy storage devices can reduce generation costs, smooth the curve of bulk power generation over time, reduce bulk power generation and power distribution losses, and provide a sustainable service reliability to users in the power grid1. PMID:29354654

The spectral element method (SEM) on variable-resolution grids: evaluating grid sensitivity and resolution-aware numerical viscosity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guba, O.; Taylor, M. A.; Ullrich, P. A.

2014-11-27

We evaluate the performance of the Community Atmosphere Model's (CAM) spectral element method on variable-resolution grids using the shallow-water equations in spherical geometry. We configure the method as it is used in CAM, with dissipation of grid scale variance, implemented using hyperviscosity. Hyperviscosity is highly scale selective and grid independent, but does require a resolution-dependent coefficient. For the spectral element method with variable-resolution grids and highly distorted elements, we obtain the best results if we introduce a tensor-based hyperviscosity with tensor coefficients tied to the eigenvalues of the local element metric tensor. The tensor hyperviscosity is constructed so that, formore » regions of uniform resolution, it matches the traditional constant-coefficient hyperviscosity. With the tensor hyperviscosity, the large-scale solution is almost completely unaffected by the presence of grid refinement. This later point is important for climate applications in which long term climatological averages can be imprinted by stationary inhomogeneities in the truncation error. We also evaluate the robustness of the approach with respect to grid quality by considering unstructured conforming quadrilateral grids generated with a well-known grid-generating toolkit and grids generated by SQuadGen, a new open source alternative which produces lower valence nodes.« less

The spectral element method on variable resolution grids: evaluating grid sensitivity and resolution-aware numerical viscosity

DOE PAGES

Guba, O.; Taylor, M. A.; Ullrich, P. A.; ...

2014-06-25

We evaluate the performance of the Community Atmosphere Model's (CAM) spectral element method on variable resolution grids using the shallow water equations in spherical geometry. We configure the method as it is used in CAM, with dissipation of grid scale variance implemented using hyperviscosity. Hyperviscosity is highly scale selective and grid independent, but does require a resolution dependent coefficient. For the spectral element method with variable resolution grids and highly distorted elements, we obtain the best results if we introduce a tensor-based hyperviscosity with tensor coefficients tied to the eigenvalues of the local element metric tensor. The tensor hyperviscosity ismore » constructed so that for regions of uniform resolution it matches the traditional constant coefficient hyperviscsosity. With the tensor hyperviscosity the large scale solution is almost completely unaffected by the presence of grid refinement. This later point is important for climate applications where long term climatological averages can be imprinted by stationary inhomogeneities in the truncation error. We also evaluate the robustness of the approach with respect to grid quality by considering unstructured conforming quadrilateral grids generated with a well-known grid-generating toolkit and grids generated by SQuadGen, a new open source alternative which produces lower valence nodes.« less

A multigrid method for steady Euler equations on unstructured adaptive grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riemslagh, Kris; Dick, Erik

1993-01-01

A flux-difference splitting type algorithm is formulated for the steady Euler equations on unstructured grids. The polynomial flux-difference splitting technique is used. A vertex-centered finite volume method is employed on a triangular mesh. The multigrid method is in defect-correction form. A relaxation procedure with a first order accurate inner iteration and a second-order correction performed only on the finest grid, is used. A multi-stage Jacobi relaxation method is employed as a smoother. Since the grid is unstructured a Jacobi type is chosen. The multi-staging is necessary to provide sufficient smoothing properties. The domain is discretized using a Delaunay triangular mesh generator. Three grids with more or less uniform distribution of nodes but with different resolution are generated by successive refinement of the coarsest grid. Nodes of coarser grids appear in the finer grids. The multigrid method is started on these grids. As soon as the residual drops below a threshold value, an adaptive refinement is started. The solution on the adaptively refined grid is accelerated by a multigrid procedure. The coarser multigrid grids are generated by successive coarsening through point removement. The adaption cycle is repeated a few times. Results are given for the transonic flow over a NACA-0012 airfoil.

Aeroacoustic Simulations of a Nose Landing Gear with FUN3D: A Grid Refinement Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vatsa, Veer N.; Khorrami, Mehdi R.; Lockard, David P.

2017-01-01

A systematic grid refinement study is presented for numerical simulations of a partially-dressed, cavity-closed (PDCC) nose landing gear configuration that was tested in the University of Florida's open-jet acoustic facility known as the UFAFF. The unstructured-grid flow solver FUN3D is used to compute the unsteady flow field for this configuration. Mixed-element grids generated using the Pointwise (Registered Trademark) grid generation software are used for numerical simulations. Particular care is taken to ensure quality cells and proper resolution in critical areas of interest in an effort to minimize errors introduced by numerical artifacts. A set of grids was generated in this manner to create a family of uniformly refined grids. The finest grid was then modified to coarsen the wall-normal spacing to create a grid suitable for the wall-function implementation in FUN3D code. A hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/large eddy simulation (RANS/LES) turbulence modeling approach is used for these simulations. Time-averaged and instantaneous solutions obtained on these grids are compared with the measured data. These CFD solutions are used as input to a FfowcsWilliams-Hawkings (FW-H) noise propagation code to compute the farfield noise levels. The agreement of the computed results with the experimental data improves as the grid is refined.

Multi-agent coordination algorithms for control of distributed energy resources in smart grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortes, Andres

Sustainable energy is a top-priority for researchers these days, since electricity and transportation are pillars of modern society. Integration of clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), is a major engineering challenge in operation and management of power systems. This is due to the uncertain nature of renewable energy technologies and the large amount of extra load that PEVs would add to the power grid. Given the networked structure of a power system, multi-agent control and optimization strategies are natural approaches to address the various problems of interest for the safe and reliable operation of the power grid. The distributed computation in multi-agent algorithms addresses three problems at the same time: i) it allows for the handling of problems with millions of variables that a single processor cannot compute, ii) it allows certain independence and privacy to electricity customers by not requiring any usage information, and iii) it is robust to localized failures in the communication network, being able to solve problems by simply neglecting the failing section of the system. We propose various algorithms to coordinate storage, generation, and demand resources in a power grid using multi-agent computation and decentralized decision making. First, we introduce a hierarchical vehicle-one-grid (V1G) algorithm for coordination of PEVs under usage constraints, where energy only flows from the grid in to the batteries of PEVs. We then present a hierarchical vehicle-to-grid (V2G) algorithm for PEV coordination that takes into consideration line capacity constraints in the distribution grid, and where energy flows both ways, from the grid in to the batteries, and from the batteries to the grid. Next, we develop a greedy-like hierarchical algorithm for management of demand response events with on/off loads. Finally, we introduce distributed algorithms for the optimal control of distributed energy resources, i.e., generation and storage in a microgrid. The algorithms we present are provably correct and tested in simulation. Each algorithm is assumed to work on a particular network topology, and simulation studies are carried out in order to demonstrate their convergence properties to a desired solution.

Analysis on Voltage Profile of Distribution Network with Distributed Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Hua; Shi, Yujie; Yuan, Jianpu; An, Jiakun; Yang, Jianhua

2018-02-01

Penetration of distributed generation has some impacts on a distribution network in load flow, voltage profile, reliability, power loss and so on. After the impacts and the typical structures of the grid-connected distributed generation are analyzed, the back/forward sweep method of the load flow calculation of the distribution network is modelled including distributed generation. The voltage profiles of the distribution network affected by the installation location and the capacity of distributed generation are thoroughly investigated and simulated. The impacts on the voltage profiles are summarized and some suggestions to the installation location and the capacity of distributed generation are given correspondingly.

Vortical Flow Prediction Using an Adaptive Unstructured Grid Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar Z.

2001-01-01

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has been employed to compute vortical flows around slender wing/body configurations. The emphasis of the paper is on the effectiveness of an adaptive grid procedure in "capturing" concentrated vortices generated at sharp edges or flow separation lines of lifting surfaces flying at high angles of attack. The method is based on a tetrahedral unstructured grid technology developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. Two steady-state, subsonic, inviscid and Navier-Stokes flow test cases are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the method for solving practical vortical flow problems. The first test case concerns vortex flow over a simple 65deg delta wing with different values of leading-edge bluntness, and the second case is that of a more complex fighter configuration. The superiority of the adapted solutions in capturing the vortex flow structure over the conventional unadapted results is demonstrated by comparisons with the windtunnel experimental data. The study shows that numerical prediction of vortical flows is highly sensitive to the local grid resolution and that the implementation of grid adaptation is essential when applying CFD methods to such complicated flow problems.

Applications of Lagrangian blending functions for grid generation around airplane geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abolhassani, Jamshid S.; Sadrehaghighi, Ideen; Tiwari, Surendra N.; Smith, Robert E.

1990-01-01

A simple procedure has been developed and applied for the grid generation around an airplane geometry. This approach is based on a transfinite interpolation with Lagrangian interpolation for the blending functions. A monotonic rational quadratic spline interpolation has been employed for the grid distributions.

Ant colony clustering with fitness perception and pheromone diffusion for community detection in complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Junzhong; Song, Xiangjing; Liu, Chunnian; Zhang, Xiuzhen

2013-08-01

Community structure detection in complex networks has been intensively investigated in recent years. In this paper, we propose an adaptive approach based on ant colony clustering to discover communities in a complex network. The focus of the method is the clustering process of an ant colony in a virtual grid, where each ant represents a node in the complex network. During the ant colony search, the method uses a new fitness function to percept local environment and employs a pheromone diffusion model as a global information feedback mechanism to realize information exchange among ants. A significant advantage of our method is that the locations in the grid environment and the connections of the complex network structure are simultaneously taken into account in ants moving. Experimental results on computer-generated and real-world networks show the capability of our method to successfully detect community structures.

Software Development for a Three-Dimensional Gravity Inversion and Application to Study of the Border Ranges Fault System, South-Central Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardenas, R.; Doser, D. I.; Baker, M. R.

2011-12-01

Summary The Border Ranges Fault (BRFS) system bounds the Cook Inlet and Susitna Basins, an important petroleum province within south-central Alaska. An initial research goal is to test several plausible models of structure along the Border Ranges Fault System by developing a novel, 3D inversion software package. The inversion utilizes gravity data constrained with geophysical, borehole, and surface geological information. The novel inversion approach involves directly modeling known geology, initially free-air corrected data, and revising a priori uncertainties on the geologic model to allow comparisons to alternative interpretations. This technique to evaluate 3D structure in regions of highly complex geology can be applied in other studies of energy resources. The software reads an ASCII text file containing the latitude, longitude, elevation, and Free Air anomalies of each gravity station as well as gridded surface files of known topology. The contributions of each node in the grid are computed in order to compare the theoretical gravity calculations from a forward model to the gravity observations. The computation of solutions to the "linearized" inversion yields a range of plausible densities. The user will have the option of varying body proportions and dimensions to compare variations in density for changing depths of the gridded surface. Introduction Previous modeling of the BRFS using geophysical data has been limited due to the complexity of local geology and structure, both of shallow crustal features and the deeper subduction zone. Since the inversion is based on a sequence of gridded surfaces, it is feasible to develop software to help build these gridded geologic models. Without a way to modify grid surface elevations, density, and magnetic susceptibility in real time, the inversion process for the geologist would be highly nonlinear and poorly constrained, especially in structural geology this complex. Without a basic understanding of the geometry of the BRFS, its role in the formation and petroleum generation processes of the upper Cook Inlet and Susitna Basins is poorly understood. Model Generation The gravitational contributions are computed using a geophysics formulation, namely the vertical line element. g = πR2Gρ(x2+y2+z2)-1/2 Each line element is semi-infinite and extends from the top to the bottom of each structural layer. The user may define a three-dimensional body at a location on the surface. Each vertex of the body will be represented as separate nodes in the grid. The contribution of the body to the gravity value will be computed as a volume integral and added to the overall gravity contributions of other nodes on the surface. The user will also be able to modify the elevation and density of the defined body in real time. The most noted effectiveness of the software is in the user-defined a priori information facilitating real time interpretations and the computational efficiency of the model solution by using vertical line elements to address structural bodies with complex geometry.

Grid generation on surfaces in 3 dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.

1986-01-01

The development of a surface grid generation algorithm was initiated. The basic adaptive movement technique of mean-value-relaxation was extended from the viewpoint of a single coordinate grid over a surface described by a single scalar function to that of a surface more generally defined by vector functions and covered by a collection of smoothly connected grids. Within the multiconnected assemblage, the application of control was examined in several instances.

A grid-embedding transonic flow analysis computer program for wing/nacelle configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atta, E. H.; Vadyak, J.

1983-01-01

An efficient grid-interfacing zonal algorithm was developed for computing the three-dimensional transonic flow field about wing/nacelle configurations. the algorithm uses the full-potential formulation and the AF2 approximate factorization scheme. The flow field solution is computed using a component-adaptive grid approach in which separate grids are employed for the individual components in the multi-component configuration, where each component grid is optimized for a particular geometry such as the wing or nacelle. The wing and nacelle component grids are allowed to overlap, and flow field information is transmitted from one grid to another through the overlap region using trivariate interpolation. This report represents a discussion of the computational methods used to generate both the wing and nacelle component grids, the technique used to interface the component grids, and the method used to obtain the inviscid flow solution. Computed results and correlations with experiment are presented. also presented are discussions on the organization of the wing grid generation (GRGEN3) and nacelle grid generation (NGRIDA) computer programs, the grid interface (LK) computer program, and the wing/nacelle flow solution (TWN) computer program. Descriptions of the respective subroutines, definitions of the required input parameters, a discussion on interpretation of the output, and the sample cases illustrating application of the analysis are provided for each of the four computer programs.

Adaptive Grid Generation Using Elliptic Generating Equations with Precise Coordinate Controls

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-08

nonhomogeneous terms, which are strong eration that are of critical importance in choosing a and typically greatly slow the iterative convergence grid...computational mechan- calcuiauons. particulary three-dimensionai turbuient studies. ics in October 1989. 1 do not : hink that the overall cost of -te...flow in gas turbine diffusers, and from the National Science Foundation (Mathematics Division) on "Robust and Fast Numerical Grid Generation". The

Market-Based Indian Grid Integration Study Options: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stoltenberg, B.; Clark, K.; Negi, S. K.

2012-03-01

The Indian state of Gujarat is forecasting solar and wind generation expansion from 16% to 32% of installed generation capacity by 2015. Some states in India are already experiencing heavy wind power curtailment. Understanding how to integrate variable generation (VG) into the grid is of great interest to local transmission companies and India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This paper describes the nature of a market-based integration study and how this approach, while new to Indian grid operation and planning, is necessary to understand how to operate and expand the grid to best accommodate the expansion of VG. Second,more » it discusses options in defining a study's scope, such as data granularity, generation modeling, and geographic scope. The paper also explores how Gujarat's method of grid operation and current system reliability will affect how an integration study can be performed.« less

Advances in Software Tools for Pre-processing and Post-processing of Overset Grid Computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.

2004-01-01

Recent developments in three pieces of software for performing pre-processing and post-processing work on numerical computations using overset grids are presented. The first is the OVERGRID graphical interface which provides a unified environment for the visualization, manipulation, generation and diagnostics of geometry and grids. Modules are also available for automatic boundary conditions detection, flow solver input preparation, multiple component dynamics input preparation and dynamics animation, simple solution viewing for moving components, and debris trajectory analysis input preparation. The second is a grid generation script library that enables rapid creation of grid generation scripts. A sample of recent applications will be described. The third is the OVERPLOT graphical interface for displaying and analyzing history files generated by the flow solver. Data displayed include residuals, component forces and moments, number of supersonic and reverse flow points, and various dynamics parameters.

GENIE - Generation of computational geometry-grids for internal-external flow configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soni, B. K.

1988-01-01

Progress realized in the development of a master geometry-grid generation code GENIE is presented. The grid refinement process is enhanced by developing strategies to utilize bezier curves/surfaces and splines along with weighted transfinite interpolation technique and by formulating new forcing function for the elliptic solver based on the minimization of a non-orthogonality functional. A two step grid adaptation procedure is developed by optimally blending adaptive weightings with weighted transfinite interpolation technique. Examples of 2D-3D grids are provided to illustrate the success of these methods.

Euler Technology Assessment for Preliminary Aircraft Design: Compressibility Predictions by Employing the Cartesian Unstructured Grid SPLITFLOW Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finley, Dennis B.; Karman, Steve L., Jr.

1996-01-01

The objective of the second phase of the Euler Technology Assessment program was to evaluate the ability of Euler computational fluid dynamics codes to predict compressible flow effects over a generic fighter wind tunnel model. This portion of the study was conducted by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, using an in-house Cartesian-grid code called SPLITFLOW. The Cartesian grid technique offers several advantages, including ease of volume grid generation and reduced number of cells compared to other grid schemes. SPLITFLOW also includes grid adaption of the volume grid during the solution to resolve high-gradient regions. The SPLITFLOW code predictions of configuration forces and moments are shown to be adequate for preliminary design, including predictions of sideslip effects and the effects of geometry variations at low and high angles-of-attack. The transonic pressure prediction capabilities of SPLITFLOW are shown to be improved over subsonic comparisons. The time required to generate the results from initial surface data is on the order of several hours, including grid generation, which is compatible with the needs of the design environment.

Turbulent premixed flames on fractal-grid-generated turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soulopoulos, N.; Kerl, J.; Sponfeldner, T.; Beyrau, F.; Hardalupas, Y.; Taylor, A. M. K. P.; Vassilicos, J. C.

2013-12-01

A space-filling, low blockage fractal grid is used as a novel turbulence generator in a premixed turbulent flame stabilized by a rod. The study compares the flame behaviour with a fractal grid to the behaviour when a standard square mesh grid with the same effective mesh size and solidity as the fractal grid is used. The isothermal gas flow turbulence characteristics, including mean flow velocity and rms of velocity fluctuations and Taylor length, were evaluated from hot-wire measurements. The behaviour of the flames was assessed with direct chemiluminescence emission from the flame and high-speed OH-laser-induced fluorescence. The characteristics of the two flames are considered in terms of turbulent flame thickness, local flame curvature and turbulent flame speed. It is found that, for the same flow rate and stoichiometry and at the same distance downstream of the location of the grid, fractal-grid-generated turbulence leads to a more turbulent flame with enhanced burning rate and increased flame surface area.

A generic efficient adaptive grid scheme for rocket propulsion modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mo, J. D.; Chow, Alan S.

1993-01-01

The objective of this research is to develop an efficient, time-accurate numerical algorithm to discretize the Navier-Stokes equations for the predictions of internal one-, two-dimensional and axisymmetric flows. A generic, efficient, elliptic adaptive grid generator is implicitly coupled with the Lower-Upper factorization scheme in the development of ALUNS computer code. The calculations of one-dimensional shock tube wave propagation and two-dimensional shock wave capture, wave-wave interactions, shock wave-boundary interactions show that the developed scheme is stable, accurate and extremely robust. The adaptive grid generator produced a very favorable grid network by a grid speed technique. This generic adaptive grid generator is also applied in the PARC and FDNS codes and the computational results for solid rocket nozzle flowfield and crystal growth modeling by those codes will be presented in the conference, too. This research work is being supported by NASA/MSFC.

The Future of Centrally-Organized Wholesale Electricity Markets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glazer, Craig; Morrison, Jay; Breakman, Paul

The electricity grid in the United States is organized around a network of large, centralized power plants and high voltage transmission lines that transport electricity, sometimes over large distances, before it is delivered to the customer through a local distribution grid. This network of centralized generation and high voltage transmission lines is called the “bulk power system.” Costs relating to bulk power generation typically account for more than half of a customer’s electric bill.1 For this reason, the structure and functioning of wholesale electricity markets have major impacts on costs and economic value for consumers, as well as energy securitymore » and national security. Diverse arrangements for bulk power wholesale markets have evolved over the last several decades. The Southeast and Western United States outside of California have a “bilateral-based” bulk power system where market participants enter into long-term bilateral agreements — using competitive procurements through power marketers, direct arrangements among utilities or with other generation owners, and auctions and exchanges.« less

Quasi-discrete particle motion in an externally imposed, ordered structure in a dusty plasma at high magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, Edward, E-mail: etjr@auburn.edu; Konopka, Uwe; Lynch, Brian

Dusty plasmas have been studied in argon, radio frequency (rf) glow discharge plasmas at magnetic fields up to 2.5 T where the electrons and ions are strongly magnetized. Plasmas are generated between two parallel plate electrodes where the lower, powered electrode is solid and the upper electrode supports a dual mesh consisting of #24 brass and #30 aluminum wire cloth. In this experiment, we study the formation of imposed ordered structures and particle dynamics as a function of magnetic field. Through observations of trapped particles and the quasi-discrete (i.e., “hopping”) motion of particles between the trapping locations, it is possible tomore » make a preliminary estimate of the potential structure that confines the particles to a grid structure in the plasma. This information is used to gain insight into the formation of the imposed grid pattern of the dust particles in the plasma.« less

Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computation on tip clearance flow in a compressor cascade using an unstructured grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Sangmook

2001-07-01

A three-dimensional unstructured incompressible RANS code has been developed using artificial compressibility and Spalart-Allmaras eddy viscosity model. A node-based finite volume method is used in which all flow variables are defined at the vertices of tetrahedrons in an unstructured grid. The inviscid fluxes are computed by using the Roe's flux difference splitting method, and higher order accuracy is attained by data reconstruction based on Taylor series expansion. Gauss theorem is used to formulate necessary gradients. For time integration, an implicit scheme based on linearized Euler backward method is used. A tetrahedral unstructured grid generation code has been also developed and applied to the tip clearance flow in a highly staggered cascade. Surface grids are first generated in the flow passage and blade tip by using several triangulation methods including Delaunay triangulation, advancing front method and advancing layer method. Then the whole computational domain including tip gap region is filled with prisms using the surface grids. The code has been validated by comparisons with available computational and experimental results for several test cases: inviscid flow around NACA section, laminar and turbulent flow over a flat plate, turbulent flow through double-circular arc cascade and laminar flow through a square duct with 90° bend. Finally the code is applied to a linear cascade that has GE rotor B section with tip clearance and a high stagger angle of 56.9°. The overall structure of the tip clearance flow is well predicted. Loss of loading due to tip leakage flow and reloading due to tip leakage vortex are presented. On the end wall, separation line of the tip leakage vortex and reattachment line of passage vortex are identified. Prediction of such an interaction presents a challenge to RANS computations. The effects of blade span on the flow structure have been also investigated. Two cascades with blades of aspect ratios of 0.5 and 1.0 are considered. By comparing pressure distributions on the blade, it is shown that the aspect ratio has strong effects on loading distribution on the blade although the tip gap height is very small (0.016 chord). Grid convergence study has been carried out with three different grids for pressure distributions and limiting streamlines on the end wall. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Availability Based Tariff and its impact On different Industry Players-A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmukhe, R. M.; Pawar, Yogini; Desai, R. S.; Hasarmani, T. S.

2010-10-01

ABT is a performance-based tariff for the supply of electricity by generators owned and controlled by the central government. It is also a new system of scheduling and dispatch, which requires both generators and beneficiaries to commit to day-ahead schedules. It is a system of rewards and penalties seeking to enforce day ahead pre-committed schedules, though variations are permitted if notified One and one half hours in advance. The order emphasizes prompt payment of dues. ABT (Availability Based Tariff) along with the Electricity Act of 2003 is perhaps the most significant and definitive step taken in the Indian power sector so far to bring more efficiency and focus to this vital infrastructure. The ABT mechanism is based on financial principles. ABT scheme is for unscheduled interchange of power. The paper reviews ABT issues, its components, clauses, mechanism, benefits and the impact of grid on different players like generation utilities, grid operator, consumers involved in power generation, transmission and distribution. While the proposed tariff structure has wide implications for each player, this deals exclusively with the technology challenges/opportunities thrown up by ABT.

Anisotropic Grid Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-24

AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2016-0129 ANISOTROPIC GRID GENERATION | Deliverables Daniel Sievenpiper UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO Final Report 03/24/2016...ORGANIZATION. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 12-03-2016 2 . REPORT TYPE Final report 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 15-12-2012 - 14-12-2015 4. TITLE AND...SUBTITLE Anisotropic Grid Generation 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550-13-1-0014 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Daniel

Smart Grid Maturity Model: Model Definition. A Framework for Smart Grid Transformation

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

adoption of more efficient and reliable generation sources and would allow consumer-generated electricity (e.g., solar power and wind) to be connected to...program that pays customers (or credits their accounts) for customer-provided electricity such as from solar panels to the grid or electric vehicles...deployed. CUST-5.3 Plug-and-play customer-based generation (e.g., wind and solar ) is supported. This includes the necessary infrastructure, such

A Unified Air-Sea Visualization System: Survey on Gridding Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anand, Harsh; Moorhead, Robert

1995-01-01

The goal is to develop a Unified Air-Sea Visualization System (UASVS) to enable the rapid fusion of observational, archival, and model data for verification and analysis. To design and develop UASVS, modelers were polled to determine the gridding structures and visualization systems used, and their needs with respect to visual analysis. A basic UASVS requirement is to allow a modeler to explore multiple data sets within a single environment, or to interpolate multiple datasets onto one unified grid. From this survey, the UASVS should be able to visualize 3D scalar/vector fields; render isosurfaces; visualize arbitrary slices of the 3D data; visualize data defined on spectral element grids with the minimum number of interpolation stages; render contours; produce 3D vector plots and streamlines; provide unified visualization of satellite images, observations and model output overlays; display the visualization on a projection of the users choice; implement functions so the user can derive diagnostic values; animate the data to see the time-evolution; animate ocean and atmosphere at different rates; store the record of cursor movement, smooth the path, and animate a window around the moving path; repeatedly start and stop the visual time-stepping; generate VHS tape animations; work on a variety of workstations; and allow visualization across clusters of workstations and scalable high performance computer systems.

Rotor Airloads Prediction Using Unstructured Meshes and Loose CFD/CSD Coupling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biedron, Robert T.; Lee-Rausch, Elizabeth M.

2008-01-01

The FUN3D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver for unstructured grids has been modified to allow prediction of trimmed rotorcraft airloads. The trim of the rotorcraft and the aeroelastic deformation of the rotor blades are accounted for via loose coupling with the CAMRAD II rotorcraft computational structural dynamics code. The set of codes is used to analyze the HART-II Baseline, Minimum Noise and Minimum Vibration test conditions. The loose coupling approach is found to be stable and convergent for the cases considered. Comparison of the resulting airloads and structural deformations with experimentally measured data is presented. The effect of grid resolution and temporal accuracy is examined. Rotorcraft airloads prediction presents a very substantial challenge for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Not only must the unsteady nature of the flow be accurately modeled, but since most rotorcraft blades are not structurally stiff, an accurate simulation must account for the blade structural dynamics. In addition, trim of the rotorcraft to desired thrust and moment targets depends on both aerodynamic loads and structural deformation, and vice versa. Further, interaction of the fuselage with the rotor flow field can be important, so that relative motion between the blades and the fuselage must be accommodated. Thus a complete simulation requires coupled aerodynamics, structures and trim, with the ability to model geometrically complex configurations. NASA has recently initiated a Subsonic Rotary Wing (SRW) Project under the overall Fundamental Aeronautics Program. Within the context of SRW are efforts aimed at furthering the state of the art of high-fidelity rotorcraft flow simulations, using both structured and unstructured meshes. Structured-mesh solvers have an advantage in computation speed, but even though remarkably complex configurations may be accommodated using the overset grid approach, generation of complex structured-mesh systems can require months to set up. As a result, many rotorcraft simulations using structured-grid CFD neglect the fuselage. On the other hand, unstructured-mesh solvers are easily able to handle complex geometries, but suffer from slower execution speed. However, advances in both computer hardware and CFD algorithms have made previously state-of-the-art computations routine for unstructured-mesh solvers, so that rotorcraft simulations using unstructured grids are now viable. The aim of the present work is to develop a first principles rotorcraft simulation tool based on an unstructured CFD solver.

Impact of Alternative Rate Structures on Distributed Solar Customer Electricity Bills

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McLaren, Joyce A

Electric utilities are increasingly proposing changes to residential rate structures, in order to address concerns about their inability to recover fixed system costs from customers with grid connected distributed generation. The most common proposals have been to increase fixed charges, set minimum bills or instigate residential demand charges. This presentation provides results of an analysis to explore how these rate design alternatives impact electricity bills for PV and non-PV customers.

Path and site effects deduced from merged transfrontier internet macroseismic data of two recent M4 earthquakes in northwest Europe using a grid cell approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Noten, Koen; Lecocq, Thomas; Sira, Christophe; Hinzen, Klaus-G.; Camelbeeck, Thierry

2017-04-01

The online collection of earthquake reports in Europe is strongly fragmented across numerous seismological agencies. This paper demonstrates how collecting and merging online institutional macroseismic data strongly improves the density of observations and the quality of intensity shaking maps. Instead of using ZIP code Community Internet Intensity Maps, we geocode individual response addresses for location improvement, assign intensities to grouped answers within 100 km2 grid cells, and generate intensity attenuation relations from the grid cell intensities. Grid cell intensity maps are less subjective and illustrate a more homogeneous intensity distribution than communal ZIP code intensity maps. Using grid cells for ground motion analysis offers an advanced method for exchanging transfrontier equal-area intensity data without sharing any personal information. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on the felt responses of two clearly felt earthquakes: the 8 September 2011 ML 4.3 (Mw 3.7) Goch (Germany) and the 22 May 2015 ML 4.2 (Mw 3.7) Ramsgate (UK) earthquakes. Both events resulted in a non-circular distribution of intensities which is not explained by geometrical amplitude attenuation alone but illustrates an important low-pass filtering due to the sedimentary cover above the Anglo-Brabant Massif and in the Lower Rhine Graben. Our study illustrates the effect of increasing bedrock depth on intensity attenuation and the importance of the WNW-ESE Caledonian structural axis of the Anglo-Brabant Massif for seismic wave propagation. Seismic waves are less attenuated - high Q - along the strike of a tectonic structure but are more strongly attenuated - low Q - perpendicular to this structure, particularly when they cross rheologically different seismotectonic units separated by crustal-rooted faults.

Conservative zonal schemes for patched grids in 2 and 3 dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hessenius, Kristin A.

1987-01-01

The computation of flow over complex geometries, such as realistic aircraft configurations, poses difficult grid generation problems for computational aerodynamicists. The creation of a traditional, single-module grid of acceptable quality about an entire configuration may be impossible even with the most sophisticated of grid generation techniques. A zonal approach, wherein the flow field is partitioned into several regions within which grids are independently generated, is a practical alternative for treating complicated geometries. This technique not only alleviates the problems of discretizing a complex region, but also facilitates a block processing approach to computation thereby circumventing computer memory limitations. The use of such a zonal scheme, however, requires the development of an interfacing procedure that ensures a stable, accurate, and conservative calculation for the transfer of information across the zonal borders.

Enhancing synchronization stability in a multi-area power grid

PubMed Central

Wang, Bing; Suzuki, Hideyuki; Aihara, Kazuyuki

2016-01-01

Maintaining a synchronous state of generators is of central importance to the normal operation of power grids, in which many networks are generally interconnected. In order to understand the condition under which the stability can be optimized, it is important to relate network stability with feedback control strategies as well as network structure. Here, we present a stability analysis on a multi-area power grid by relating it with several control strategies and topological design of network structure. We clarify the minimal feedback gain in the self-feedback control, and build the optimal communication network for the local and global control strategies. Finally, we consider relationship between the interconnection pattern and the synchronization stability; by optimizing the network interlinks, the obtained network shows better synchronization stability than the original network does, in particular, at a high power demand. Our analysis shows that interlinks between spatially distant nodes will improve the synchronization stability. The results seem unfeasible to be implemented in real systems but provide a potential guide for the design of stable power systems. PMID:27225708

KIVA-Update June 2012

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carrington, David B

2012-06-07

Development of a fractional step, a Predictor-Corrector Split (PCS), or what is often known as a projection method combining hp-adaptive system in a Finite Element Method (FEM) for combustion modeling has been achieved. This model will advance the accuracy and range of applicability of the KIVA combustion model and software used typically for internal combustion engine modeling. This abstract describes a PCS hp-adaptive FEM model for turbulent reactive flow spanning all velocity regimes and fluids that is being developed for the new KIVA combustion algorithm, particularly for internal combustion engines. The method and general solver is applicable to Newtonian andmore » non- Newtonian fluids and also for incompressible solids, porous media, solidification modeling, and fluid structure interaction problems. The fuel injection and injector modeling could easily benefit from the capability of solving the fluid structure interaction problem in an injector, helping to understand cycle to cycle variation and cavitation. This is just one example where the new algorithm differs from the old, in addition to handling Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT), although there a numerous features that makes the new system more robust and accurate. In these ways, the PCS hp-adaptive algorithm does not compete with commercial software packages, those often used in conjunction with the currently distributed KIVA codes for engine combustion modeling. In addition, choosing a local ALE method on immersed moving parts represented by overset grid that is 2nd order spatially accurate, allows for easy grid generation from CAD to fluid grid while also provide for robustness in handling any possible moving parts configuration without any code modifications. The combined methods employed produce a minimal amount of computational effort as compared to fully resolved grids at the same accuracy. We demonstrate the solver on benchmark problems for the all flow regimes as follows: (1) 2-D backward-facing step using h-adaption, (2) 2-D driven cavity, (3) 2-D natural convection in a differentially heat cavity with h-adaptation, (4) NACA 0012 airfoil in 2-D, (5) supersonic flows over compression ramps, (6) 2-D natural convection in a differentially heat cavity with hp-adaptation, (7) 3-D natural convection in a differentially heat sphere with hp-adaptation. In addition, we show the new moving parts algorithm for working for a 2-D piston; the immersed moving parts method also for valves and pistons, vanes, etc... The movement is performed using an overset grid method and is 2nd order accurate in space, and never produces a tangle grid, that is, robust system at any resolution and any parts configuration. We also show CHT for the currently distributed KIVA-4mpi software and some fairly automatic grid generation using Sandia's Cubit unstructured grid generator. A new electronic web-based manual for KIVA-4 has been developed as well.« less

Advanced Unstructured Grid Generation for Complex Aerodynamic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirzadeh, Shahyar

2010-01-01

A new approach for distribution of grid points on the surface and in the volume has been developed. In addition to the point and line sources of prior work, the new approach utilizes surface and volume sources for automatic curvature-based grid sizing and convenient point distribution in the volume. A new exponential growth function produces smoother and more efficient grids and provides superior control over distribution of grid points in the field. All types of sources support anisotropic grid stretching which not only improves the grid economy but also provides more accurate solutions for certain aerodynamic applications. The new approach does not require a three-dimensional background grid as in the previous methods. Instead, it makes use of an efficient bounding-box auxiliary medium for storing grid parameters defined by surface sources. The new approach is less memory-intensive and more efficient computationally. The grids generated with the new method either eliminate the need for adaptive grid refinement for certain class of problems or provide high quality initial grids that would enhance the performance of many adaptation methods.

Generation of a composite grid for turbine flows and consideration of a numerical scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Y.; Yoon, S.; Reno, C.

1986-01-01

A composite grid was generated for flows in turbines. It consisted of the C-grid (or O-grid) in the immediate vicinity of the blade and the H-grid in the middle of the blade passage between the C-grids and in the upstream region. This new composite grid provides better smoothness, resolution, and orthogonality than any single grid for a typical turbine blade with a large camber and rounded leading and trailing edges. The C-H (or O-H) composite grid has an unusual grid point that is connected to more than four neighboring nodes in two dimensions (more than six neighboring nodes in three dimensions). A finite-volume lower-upper (LU) implicit scheme to be used on this grid poses no problem and requires no special treatment because each interior cell of this composite grid has only four neighboring cells in two dimensions (six cells in three dimensions). The LU implicit scheme was demonstrated to be efficient and robust for external flows in a broad flow regime and can be easily applied to internal flows and extended from two to three dimensions.

Method for protecting an electric generator

DOEpatents

Kuehnle, Barry W.; Roberts, Jeffrey B.; Folkers, Ralph W.

2008-11-18

A method for protecting an electrical generator which includes providing an electrical generator which is normally synchronously operated with an electrical power grid; providing a synchronizing signal from the electrical generator; establishing a reference signal; and electrically isolating the electrical generator from the electrical power grid if the synchronizing signal is not in phase with the reference signal.

IGES transformer and NURBS in grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Tzu-Yi; Soni, Bharat K.

1993-01-01

In the field of Grid Generation and the CAD/CAM, there are numerous geometry output formats which require the designer to spend a great deal of time manipulating geometrical entities in order to achieve a useful sculptured geometrical description for grid generation. Also in this process, there is a danger of losing fidelity of the geometry under consideration. This stresses the importance of a standard geometry definition for the communication link between varying CAD/CAM and grid system. The IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) file is a widely used communication between CAD/CAM and the analysis tools. The scientists at NASA Research Centers - including NASA Ames, NASA Langley, NASA Lewis, NASA Marshall - have recognized this importance and, therefore, in 1992 they formed the committee of the 'NASA-IGES' which is the subset of the standard IGES. This committee stresses the importance and encourages the CFD community to use the standard IGES file for the interface between the CAD/CAM and CFD analysis. Also, two of the IGES entities -- the NURBS Curve (Entity 126) and NURBS Surface (Entity 128) -- which have many useful geometric properties -- like the convex hull property, local control property and affine invariance, also widely utilized analytical geometries can be accurately represented using NURBS. This is important in today grid generation tools because of the emphasis of the interactive design. To satisfy the geometry transformation between the CAD/CAM system and Grid Generation field, the CAGI (Computer Aided Geometry Design) developed, which include the Geometry Transformation, Geometry Manipulation and Geometry Generation as well as the user interface. This paper will present the successful development IGES file transformer and application of NURBS definition in the grid generation.

During running in place, grid cells integrate elapsed time and distance run

PubMed Central

Kraus, Benjamin J.; Brandon, Mark P.; Robinson, Robert J.; Connerney, Michael A.; Hasselmo, Michael E.; Eichenbaum, Howard

2015-01-01

Summary The spatial scale of grid cells may be provided by self-generated motion information or by external sensory information from environmental cues. To determine whether grid cell activity reflects distance traveled or elapsed time independent of external information, we recorded grid cells as animals ran in place on a treadmill. Grid cell activity was only weakly influenced by location but most grid cells and other neurons recorded from the same electrodes strongly signaled a combination of distance and time, with some signaling only distance or time. Grid cells were more sharply tuned to time and distance than non-grid cells. Many grid cells exhibited multiple firing fields during treadmill running, parallel to the periodic firing fields observed in open fields, suggesting a common mode of information processing. These observations indicate that, in the absence of external dynamic cues, grid cells integrate self-generated distance and time information to encode a representation of experience. PMID:26539893

A Survey on Next-generation Power Grid Data Architecture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

You, Shutang; Zhu, Dr. Lin; Liu, Yong

2015-01-01

The operation and control of power grids will increasingly rely on data. A high-speed, reliable, flexible and secure data architecture is the prerequisite of the next-generation power grid. This paper summarizes the challenges in collecting and utilizing power grid data, and then provides reference data architecture for future power grids. Based on the data architecture deployment, related research on data architecture is reviewed and summarized in several categories including data measurement/actuation, data transmission, data service layer, data utilization, as well as two cross-cutting issues, interoperability and cyber security. Research gaps and future work are also presented.

Improved inertial control for permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Ziping; Gao, Wenzhong; Wang, Xiao

With increasing integrations of large-scale systems based on permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine generators (PMSG-WTGs), the overall inertial response of a power system will tend to deteriorate as a result of the decoupling of rotor speed and grid frequency through the power converter as well as the scheduled retirement of conventional synchronous generators. Thus, PMSG-WTGs can provide value to an electric grid by contributing to the system's inertial response through the inherent kinetic energy stored in their rotating masses and fast power converter control. In this study, an improved inertial control method based on the maximum power point trackingmore » operation curve is introduced to enhance the overall frequency support capability of PMSG-WTGs in the case of large supply-demand imbalances. Moreover, this method is implemented in the CART2-PMSG integrated model in MATLAB/Simulink to investigate its impact on the wind turbine's structural loads during the inertial response process. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can effectively reduce the frequency nadir, arrest the rate of change of frequency, and alleviate the secondary frequency dip while imposing no negative impact on the major mechanical components of the wind turbine.« less

Optimal domain decomposition strategies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, Yonghyun; Soni, Bharat K.

1995-01-01

The primary interest of the authors is in the area of grid generation, in particular, optimal domain decomposition about realistic configurations. A grid generation procedure with optimal blocking strategies has been developed to generate multi-block grids for a circular-to-rectangular transition duct. The focus of this study is the domain decomposition which optimizes solution algorithm/block compatibility based on geometrical complexities as well as the physical characteristics of flow field. The progress realized in this study is summarized in this paper.

Modeling, control, and simulation of grid connected intelligent hybrid battery/photovoltaic system using new hybrid fuzzy-neural method.

PubMed

Rezvani, Alireza; Khalili, Abbas; Mazareie, Alireza; Gandomkar, Majid

2016-07-01

Nowadays, photovoltaic (PV) generation is growing increasingly fast as a renewable energy source. Nevertheless, the drawback of the PV system is its dependence on weather conditions. Therefore, battery energy storage (BES) can be considered to assist for a stable and reliable output from PV generation system for loads and improve the dynamic performance of the whole generation system in grid connected mode. In this paper, a novel topology of intelligent hybrid generation systems with PV and BES in a DC-coupled structure is presented. Each photovoltaic cell has a specific point named maximum power point on its operational curve (i.e. current-voltage or power-voltage curve) in which it can generate maximum power. Irradiance and temperature changes affect these operational curves. Therefore, the nonlinear characteristic of maximum power point to environment has caused to development of different maximum power point tracking techniques. In order to capture the maximum power point (MPP), a hybrid fuzzy-neural maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method is applied in the PV system. Obtained results represent the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, and the average tracking efficiency of the hybrid fuzzy-neural is incremented by approximately two percentage points in comparison to the conventional methods. It has the advantages of robustness, fast response and good performance. A detailed mathematical model and a control approach of a three-phase grid-connected intelligent hybrid system have been proposed using Matlab/Simulink. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multidisciplinary aeroelastic analysis of a generic hypersonic vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gupta, K. K.; Petersen, K. L.

1993-01-01

This paper presents details of a flutter and stability analysis of aerospace structures such as hypersonic vehicles. Both structural and aerodynamic domains are discretized by the common finite element technique. A vibration analysis is first performed by the STARS code employing a block Lanczos solution scheme. This is followed by the generation of a linear aerodynamic grid for subsequent linear flutter analysis within subsonic and supersonic regimes of the flight envelope; the doublet lattice and constant pressure techniques are employed to generate the unsteady aerodynamic forces. Flutter analysis is then performed for several representative flight points. The nonlinear flutter solution is effected by first implementing a CFD solution of the entire vehicle. Thus, a 3-D unstructured grid for the entire flow domain is generated by a moving front technique. A finite element Euler solution is then implemented employing a quasi-implicit as well as an explicit solution scheme. A novel multidisciplinary analysis is next effected that employs modal and aerodynamic data to yield aerodynamic damping characteristics. Such analyses are performed for a number of flight points to yield a large set of pertinent data that define flight flutter characteristics of the vehicle. This paper outlines the finite-element-based integrated analysis procedures in detail, which is followed by the results of numerical analyses of flight flutter simulation.

Mixing in 3D Sparse Multi-Scale Grid Generated Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Usama, Syed; Kopec, Jacek; Tellez, Jackson; Kwiatkowski, Kamil; Redondo, Jose; Malik, Nadeem

2017-04-01

Flat 2D fractal grids are known to alter turbulence characteristics downstream of the grid as compared to the regular grids with the same blockage ratio and the same mass inflow rates [1]. This has excited interest in the turbulence community for possible exploitation for enhanced mixing and related applications. Recently, a new 3D multi-scale grid design has been proposed [2] such that each generation of length scale of turbulence grid elements is held in its own frame, the overall effect is a 3D co-planar arrangement of grid elements. This produces a 'sparse' grid system whereby each generation of grid elements produces a turbulent wake pattern that interacts with the other wake patterns downstream. A critical motivation here is that the effective blockage ratio in the 3D Sparse Grid Turbulence (3DSGT) design is significantly lower than in the flat 2D counterpart - typically the blockage ratio could be reduced from say 20% in 2D down to 4% in the 3DSGT. If this idea can be realized in practice, it could potentially greatly enhance the efficiency of turbulent mixing and transfer processes clearly having many possible applications. Work has begun on the 3DSGT experimentally using Surface Flow Image Velocimetry (SFIV) [3] at the European facility in the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization located in Gottingen, Germany and also at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) in Spain, and numerically using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) in Saudi Arabia and in University of Warsaw in Poland. DNS is the most useful method to compare the experimental results with, and we are studying different types of codes such as Imcompact3d, and OpenFoam. Many variables will eventually be investigated for optimal mixing conditions. For example, the number of scale generations, the spacing between frames, the size ratio of grid elements, inflow conditions, etc. We will report upon the first set of findings from the 3DSGT by the time of the conference. {Acknowledgements}: This work has been supported partly by the EuHIT grant, 'Turbulence Generated by Sparse 3D Multi-Scale Grid (M3SG)', 2017. {References} [1] S. Laizet, J. C. Vassilicos. DNS of Fractal-Generated Turbulence. Flow Turbulence Combust 87:673705, (2011). [2] N. A. Malik. Sparse 3D Multi-Scale Grid Turbulence Generator. USPTO Application no. 14/710,531, Patent Pending, (2015). [3] J. Tellez, M. Gomez, B. Russo, J.M. Redondo. Surface Flow Image Velocimetry (SFIV) for hydraulics applications. 18th Int. Symposium on the Application of Laser Imaging Techniques in Fluid Mechanics, Lisbon, Portugal (2016).

SPAGETTA: a Multi-Purpose Gridded Stochastic Weather Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubrovsky, M.; Huth, R.; Rotach, M. W.; Dabhi, H.

2017-12-01

SPAGETTA is a new multisite/gridded multivariate parametric stochastic weather generator (WG). Site-specific precipitation occurrence and amount are modelled by Markov chain and Gamma distribution, the non-precipitation variables are modelled by an autoregressive (AR) model conditioned on precipitation occurrence, and the spatial coherence of all variables is modelled following the Wilks' (2009) approach. SPAGETTA may be run in two modes. Mode 1: it is run as a classical WG, which is calibrated using weather series from multiple sites, and only then it may produce arbitrarily long synthetic series mimicking the spatial and temporal structure of the calibration data. To generate the weather series representing the future climate, the WG parameters are modified according to the climate change scenario, typically derived from GCM or RCM simulations. Mode 2: the user provides only basic information (not necessarily to be realistic) on the temporal and spatial auto-correlation structure of the weather variables and their mean annual cycle; the generator itself derives the parameters of the underlying AR model, which produces the multi-site weather series. Optionally, the user may add the spatially varying trend, which is superimposed to the synthetic series. The contribution consists of following parts: (a) Model of the WG. (b) Validation of WG in terms of the spatial temperature and precipitation characteristics, including characteristics of spatial hot/cold/dry/wet spells. (c) Results of the climate change impact experiment, in which the WG parameters representing the spatial and temporal variability are modified using the climate change scenarios and the effect on the above spatial validation indices is analysed. In this experiment, the WG is calibrated using the E-OBS gridded daily weather data for several European regions, and the climate change scenarios are derived from the selected RCM simulations (CORDEX database). (d) The second mode of operation will be demonstrated by results obtained while developing the methodology for assessing collective significance of trends in multi-site weather series. The performance of the proposed test statistics is assessed based on large number of realisations of synthetic series produced by WG assuming a given statistical structure and trend of the weather series.

A stand-alone tree demography and landscape structure module for Earth system models: integration with global forest data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haverd, V.; Smith, B.; Nieradzik, L. P.; Briggs, P. R.

2014-02-01

Poorly constrained rates of biomass turnover are a key limitation of Earth system models (ESM). In light of this, we recently proposed a new approach encoded in a model called Populations-Order-Physiology (POP), for the simulation of woody ecosystem stand dynamics, demography and disturbance-mediated heterogeneity. POP is suitable for continental to global applications and designed for coupling to the terrestrial ecosystem component of any ESM. POP bridges the gap between first generation Dynamic Vegetation Models (DVMs) with simple large-area parameterisations of woody biomass (typically used in current ESMs) and complex second generation DVMs, that explicitly simulate demographic processes and landscape heterogeneity of forests. The key simplification in the POP approach, compared with second-generation DVMs, is to compute physiological processes such as assimilation at grid-scale (with CABLE or a similar land surface model), but to partition the grid-scale biomass increment among age classes defined at sub grid-scale, each subject to its own dynamics. POP was successfully demonstrated along a savanna transect in northern Australia, replicating the effects of strong rainfall and fire disturbance gradients on observed stand productivity and structure. Here, we extend the application of POP to a range of forest types around the globe, employing paired observations of stem biomass and density from forest inventory data to calibrate model parameters governing stand demography and biomass evolution. The calibrated POP model is then coupled to the CABLE land surface model and the combined model (CABLE-POP) is evaluated against leaf-stem allometry observations from forest stands ranging in age from 3 to 200 yr. Results indicate that simulated biomass pools conform well with observed allometry. We conclude that POP represents a preferable alternative to large-area parameterisations of woody biomass turnover, typically used in current ESMs.

Simulation of demand management and grid balancing with electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druitt, James; Früh, Wolf-Gerrit

2012-10-01

This study investigates the potential role of electric vehicles in an electricity network with a high contribution from variable generation such as wind power. Electric vehicles are modelled to provide demand management through flexible charging requirements and energy balancing for the network. Balancing applications include both demand balancing and vehicle-to-grid discharging. This study is configured to represent the UK grid with balancing requirements derived from wind generation calculated from weather station wind speeds on the supply side and National Grid data from on the demand side. The simulation models 1000 individual vehicle entities to represent the behaviour of larger numbers of vehicles. A stochastic trip generation profile is used to generate realistic journey characteristics, whilst a market pricing model allows charging and balancing decisions to be based on realistic market price conditions. The simulation has been tested with wind generation capacities representing up to 30% of UK consumption. Results show significant improvements to load following conditions with the introduction of electric vehicles, suggesting that they could substantially facilitate the uptake of intermittent renewable generation. Electric vehicle owners would benefit from flexible charging and selling tariffs, with the majority of revenue derived from vehicle-to-grid participation in balancing markets.

An Aerodynamic Analysis of a Spinning Missile with Dithering Canards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meakin, Robert L.; Nygaard, Tor A.

2003-01-01

A generic spinning missile with dithering canards is used to demonstrate the utility of an overset structured grid approach for simulating the aerodynamics of rolling airframe missile systems. The approach is used to generate a modest aerodynamic database for the generic missile. The database is populated with solutions to the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. It is used to evaluate grid resolution requirements for accurate prediction of instantaneous missile loads and the relative aerodynamic significance of angle-of-attack, canard pitching sequence, viscous effects, and roll-rate effects. A novel analytical method for inter- and extrapolation of database results is also given.

Chapter 11: Marine and Hydrokinetic Power Generation and Power Plants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muljadi, Eduard; Yu, Yi-Hsiang

Marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) power generation is a relatively new type of renewable generation. Predecessors such as wind power generation, hydropower plant generation, geothermal generation, photovoltaic generation, and solar thermal generation have gained a lot of attention because of their successful implementation. The successful integration of renewable generation into the electric power grid has energized the power system global communities to take the lessons learned, innovations, and market structure to focus on the large potential of MHK to also contribute to the pool of renewable energy generation. This chapter covers the broad spectrum of MHK generation. The state-of-the-art power takeoffmore » methods will be discussed. Types of electrical generators will be presented, and the options for implementation will be presented.« less

Two-Dimensional Grids About Airfoils and Other Shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, R.

1982-01-01

GRAPE computer program generates two-dimensional finite-difference grids about airfoils and other shapes by use of Poisson differential equation. GRAPE can be used with any boundary shape, even one specified by tabulated points and including limited number of sharp corners. Numerically stable and computationally fast, GRAPE provides aerodynamic analyst with efficient and consistant means of grid generation.

Grid generation using classical techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moretti, G.

1980-01-01

A brief historical review of conformal mapping and its applications to problems in fluid mechanics and electromagnetism is presented. The use of conformal mapping as a grid generator is described. The philosophy of the 'closed form' approach and its application to a Neumann problem is discussed. Karman-Trefftz mappings and grids for ablated, three dimensional bodies are also discussed.

An Application of the Quadrature-Free Discontinuous Galerkin Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lockard, David P.; Atkins, Harold L.

2000-01-01

The process of generating a block-structured mesh with the smoothness required for high-accuracy schemes is still a time-consuming process often measured in weeks or months. Unstructured grids about complex geometries are more easily generated, and for this reason, methods using unstructured grids have gained favor for aerodynamic analyses. The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method is a compact finite-element projection method that provides a practical framework for the development of a high-order method using unstructured grids. Higher-order accuracy is obtained by representing the solution as a high-degree polynomial whose time evolution is governed by a local Galerkin projection. The traditional implementation of the discontinuous Galerkin uses quadrature for the evaluation of the integral projections and is prohibitively expensive. Atkins and Shu introduced the quadrature-free formulation in which the integrals are evaluated a-priori and exactly for a similarity element. The approach has been demonstrated to possess the accuracy required for acoustics even in cases where the grid is not smooth. Other issues such as boundary conditions and the treatment of non-linear fluxes have also been studied in earlier work This paper describes the application of the quadrature-free discontinuous Galerkin method to a two-dimensional shear layer problem. First, a brief description of the method is given. Next, the problem is described and the solution is presented. Finally, the resources required to perform the calculations are given.

A robust, efficient equidistribution 2D grid generation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chacon, Luis; Delzanno, Gian Luca; Finn, John; Chung, Jeojin; Lapenta, Giovanni

2007-11-01

We present a new cell-area equidistribution method for two- dimensional grid adaptation [1]. The method is able to satisfy the equidistribution constraint to arbitrary precision while optimizing desired grid properties (such as isotropy and smoothness). The method is based on the minimization of the grid smoothness integral, constrained to producing a given positive-definite cell volume distribution. The procedure gives rise to a single, non-linear scalar equation with no free-parameters. We solve this equation numerically with the Newton-Krylov technique. The ellipticity property of the linearized scalar equation allows multigrid preconditioning techniques to be effectively used. We demonstrate a solution exists and is unique. Therefore, once the solution is found, the adapted grid cannot be folded due to the positivity of the constraint on the cell volumes. We present several challenging tests to show that our new method produces optimal grids in which the constraint is satisfied numerically to arbitrary precision. We also compare the new method to the deformation method [2] and show that our new method produces better quality grids. [1] G.L. Delzanno, L. Chac'on, J.M. Finn, Y. Chung, G. Lapenta, A new, robust equidistribution method for two-dimensional grid generation, in preparation. [2] G. Liao and D. Anderson, A new approach to grid generation, Appl. Anal. 44, 285--297 (1992).

SmaggIce 2.0: Additional Capabilities for Interactive Grid Generation of Iced Airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kreeger, Richard E.; Baez, Marivell; Braun, Donald C.; Schilling, Herbert W.; Vickerman, Mary B.

2008-01-01

The Surface Modeling and Grid Generation for Iced Airfoils (SmaggIce) software toolkit has been extended to allow interactive grid generation for multi-element iced airfoils. The essential phases of an icing effects study include geometry preparation, block creation and grid generation. SmaggIce Version 2.0 now includes these main capabilities for both single and multi-element airfoils, plus an improved flow solver interface and a variety of additional tools to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of icing effects studies. An overview of these features is given, especially the new multi-element blocking strategy using the multiple wakes method. Examples are given which illustrate the capabilities of SmaggIce for conducting an icing effects study for both single and multi-element airfoils.

Parallel grid generation algorithm for distributed memory computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moitra, Stuti; Moitra, Anutosh

1994-01-01

A parallel grid-generation algorithm and its implementation on the Intel iPSC/860 computer are described. The grid-generation scheme is based on an algebraic formulation of homotopic relations. Methods for utilizing the inherent parallelism of the grid-generation scheme are described, and implementation of multiple levELs of parallelism on multiple instruction multiple data machines are indicated. The algorithm is capable of providing near orthogonality and spacing control at solid boundaries while requiring minimal interprocessor communications. Results obtained on the Intel hypercube for a blended wing-body configuration are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Fortran implementations bAsed on the native programming model of the iPSC/860 computer and the Express system of software tools are reported. Computational gains in execution time speed-up ratios are given.

Parallel Cartesian grid refinement for 3D complex flow simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angelidis, Dionysios; Sotiropoulos, Fotis

2013-11-01

A second order accurate method for discretizing the Navier-Stokes equations on 3D unstructured Cartesian grids is presented. Although the grid generator is based on the oct-tree hierarchical method, fully unstructured data-structure is adopted enabling robust calculations for incompressible flows, avoiding both the need of synchronization of the solution between different levels of refinement and usage of prolongation/restriction operators. The current solver implements a hybrid staggered/non-staggered grid layout, employing the implicit fractional step method to satisfy the continuity equation. The pressure-Poisson equation is discretized by using a novel second order fully implicit scheme for unstructured Cartesian grids and solved using an efficient Krylov subspace solver. The momentum equation is also discretized with second order accuracy and the high performance Newton-Krylov method is used for integrating them in time. Neumann and Dirichlet conditions are used to validate the Poisson solver against analytical functions and grid refinement results to a significant reduction of the solution error. The effectiveness of the fractional step method results in the stability of the overall algorithm and enables the performance of accurate multi-resolution real life simulations. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0005482.

Impedance-Based Stability Analysis in Grid Interconnection Impact Study Owing to the Increased Adoption of Converter-Interfaced Generators

DOE PAGES

Cho, Youngho; Hur, Kyeon; Kang, Yong; ...

2017-09-08

This study investigates the emerging harmonic stability concerns to be addressed by grid planners in generation interconnection studies, owing to the increased adoption of renewable energy resources connected to the grid via power electronic converters. The wideband and high-frequency electromagnetic transient (EMT) characteristics of these converter-interfaced generators (CIGs) and their interaction with the grid impedance are not accurately captured in the typical dynamic studies conducted by grid planners. This paper thus identifies the desired components to be studied and subsequently develops a practical process for integrating a new CIG into a grid with the existing CIGs. The steps of thismore » process are as follows: the impedance equation of a CIG using its control dynamics and an interface filter to the grid, for example, an LCL filter (inductor-capacitor-inductor type), is developed; an equivalent impedance model including the existing CIGs nearby and the grid observed from the point of common coupling are derived; the system stability for credible operating scenarios is assessed. Detailed EMT simulations validate the accuracy of the impedance models and stability assessment for various connection scenarios. Here, by complementing the conventional EMT simulation studies, the proposed analytical approach enables grid planners to identify critical design parameters for seamlessly integrating a new CIG and ensuring the reliability of the grid.« less

A new solution-adaptive grid generation method for transonic airfoil flow calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura, S.; Holst, T. L.

1981-01-01

The clustering algorithm is controlled by a second-order, ordinary differential equation which uses the airfoil surface density gradient as a forcing function. The solution to this differential equation produces a surface grid distribution which is automatically clustered in regions with large gradients. The interior grid points are established from this surface distribution by using an interpolation scheme which is fast and retains the desirable properties of the original grid generated from the standard elliptic equation approach.

Integration of HTS Cables in the Future Grid of the Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuijderduin, R.; Chevtchenko, O.; Smit, J. J.; Aanhaanen, G.; Melnik, I.; Geschiere, A.

Due to increasing power demand, the electricity grid of the Netherlands is changing. The future transmission grid will obtain electrical power generated by decentralized renewable sources, together with large scale generation units located at the coastal region. In this way electrical power has to be distributed and transmitted over longer distances from generation to end user. Potential grid issues like: amount of distributed power, grid stability and electrical loss dissipation merit particular attention. High temperature superconductors (HTS) can play an important role in solving these grid problems. Advantages to integrate HTS components at transmission voltages are numerous: more transmittable power together with less emissions, intrinsic fault current limiting capability, lower ac loss, better control of power flow, reduced footprint, less magnetic field emissions, etc. The main obstacle at present is the relatively high price of HTS conductor. However as the price goes down, initial market penetration of several HTS components (e.g.: cables, fault current limiters) is expected by year 2015. In the full paper we present selected ways to integrate EHV AC HTS cables depending on a particular future grid scenario in the Netherlands.

An Intelligent Approach to Strengthening of the Rural Electrical Power Supply Using Renewable Energy Resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robert, F. C.; Sisodia, G. S.; Gopalan, S.

2017-08-01

The healthy growth of economy lies in the balance between rural and urban development. Several developing countries have achieved a successful growth of urban areas, yet rural infrastructure has been neglected until recently. The rural electrical grids are weak with heavy losses and low capacity. Renewable energy represents an efficient way to generate electricity locally. However, the renewable energy generation may be limited by the low grid capacity. The current solutions focus on grid reinforcement only. This article presents a model for improving renewable energy integration in rural grids with the intelligent combination of three strategies: 1) grid reinforcement, 2) use of storage and 3) renewable energy curtailments. Such approach provides a solution to integrate a maximum of renewable energy generation on low capacity grids while minimising project cost and increasing the percentage of utilisation of assets. The test cases show that a grid connection agreement and a main inverter sized at 60 kW (resp. 80 kW) can accommodate a 100 kWp solar park (resp. 100 kW wind turbine) with minimal storage.

Transformation of two and three-dimensional regions by elliptic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mastin, C. Wayne

1994-01-01

Several reports are attached to this document which contain the results of our research at the end of this contract period. Three of the reports deal with our work on generating surface grids. One is a preprint of a paper which will appear in the journal Applied Mathematics and Computation. Another is the abstract from a dissertation which has been prepared by Ahmed Khamayseh, a graduate student who has been supported by this grant for the last two years. The last report on surface grids is the extended abstract of a paper to be presented at the 14th IMACS World Congress in July. This report contains results on conformal mappings of surfaces, which are closely related to elliptic methods for surface grid generation. A preliminary report is included on new methods for dealing with block interfaces in multiblock grid systems. The development work is complete and the methods will eventually be incorporated into the National Grid Project (NGP) grid generation code. Thus, the attached report contains only a simple grid system which was used to test the algorithms to prove that the concepts are sound. These developments will greatly aid grid control when using elliptic systems and prevent unwanted grid movement. The last report is a brief summary of some timings that were obtained when the multiblock grid generation code was run on the Intel IPSC/860 hypercube. Since most of the data in a grid code is local to a particular block, only a small fraction of the total data must be passed between processors. The data is also distributed among the processors so that the total size of the grid can be increase along with the number of processors. This work is only in a preliminary stage. However, one of the ERC graduate students has taken an interest in the project and is presently extending these results as a part of his master's thesis.

Stability Analysis of Algebraic Reconstruction for Immersed Boundary Methods with Application in Flow and Transport in Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefzadeh, M.; Battiato, I.

2017-12-01

Flow and reactive transport problems in porous media often involve complex geometries with stationary or evolving boundaries due to absorption and dissolution processes. Grid based methods (e.g. finite volume, finite element, etc.) are a vital tool for studying these problems. Yet, implementing these methods requires one to answer a very first question of what type of grid is to be used. Among different possible answers, Cartesian grids are one of the most attractive options as they possess simple discretization stencil and are usually straightforward to generate at roughly no computational cost. The Immersed Boundary Method, a Cartesian based methodology, maintains most of the useful features of the structured grids while exhibiting a high-level resilience in dealing with complex geometries. These features make it increasingly more attractive to model transport in evolving porous media as the cost of grid generation reduces greatly. Yet, stability issues and severe time-step restriction due to explicit-time implementation combined with limited studies on the implementation of Neumann (constant flux) and linear and non-linear Robin (e.g. reaction) boundary conditions (BCs) have significantly limited the applicability of IBMs to transport in porous media. We have developed an implicit IBM capable of handling all types of BCs and addressed some numerical issues, including unconditional stability criteria, compactness and reduction of spurious oscillations near the immersed boundary. We tested the method for several transport and flow scenarios, including dissolution processes in porous media, and demonstrate its capabilities. Successful validation against both experimental and numerical data has been carried out.

Models for the transient stability of conventional power generating stations connected to low inertia systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarifakis, Marios; Coffey, William T.; Kalmykov, Yuri P.; Titov, Sergei V.

2017-06-01

An ever-increasing requirement to integrate greater amounts of electrical energy from renewable sources especially from wind turbines and solar photo-voltaic installations exists and recent experience in the island of Ireland demonstrates that this requirement influences the behaviour of conventional generating stations. One observation is the change in the electrical power output of synchronous generators following a transient disturbance especially their oscillatory behaviour accompanied by similar oscillatory behaviour of the grid frequency, both becoming more pronounced with reducing grid inertia. This behaviour cannot be reproduced with existing mathematical models indicating that an understanding of the behaviour of synchronous generators, subjected to various disturbances especially in a system with low inertia requires a new modelling technique. Thus two models of a generating station based on a double pendulum described by a system of coupled nonlinear differential equations and suitable for analysis of its stability corresponding to infinite or finite grid inertia are presented. Formal analytic solutions of the equations of motion are given and compared with numerical solutions. In particular the new finite grid model will allow one to identify limitations to the operational range of the synchronous generators used in conventional power generation and also to identify limits, such as the allowable Rate of Change of Frequency which is currently set to ± 0.5 Hz/s and is a major factor in describing the volatility of a grid as well as identifying requirements to the total inertia necessary, which is currently provided by conventional power generators only, thus allowing one to maximise the usage of grid connected non-synchronous generators, e.g., wind turbines and solar photo-voltaic installations.

IceProd 2: A Next Generation Data Analysis Framework for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, D.

2015-12-01

We describe the overall structure and new features of the second generation of IceProd, a data processing and management framework. IceProd was developed by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory for processing of Monte Carlo simulations, detector data, and analysis levels. It runs as a separate layer on top of grid and batch systems. This is accomplished by a set of daemons which process job workflow, maintaining configuration and status information on the job before, during, and after processing. IceProd can also manage complex workflow DAGs across distributed computing grids in order to optimize usage of resources. IceProd is designed to be very light-weight; it runs as a python application fully in user space and can be set up easily. For the initial completion of this second version of IceProd, improvements have been made to increase security, reliability, scalability, and ease of use.

Square cell packing in the Drosophila embryo through spatiotemporally regulated EGF receptor signaling

PubMed Central

Tamada, Masako; Zallen, Jennifer A.

2015-01-01

Summary Cells display dynamic and diverse morphologies during development, but the strategies by which differentiated tissues achieve precise shapes and patterns are not well understood. Here we identify a developmental program that generates a highly ordered square cell grid in the Drosophila embryo through sequential and spatially regulated cell alignment, oriented cell division, and apicobasal cell elongation. The basic leucine zipper transcriptional regulator Cnc is necessary and sufficient to produce a square cell grid in the presence of a midline signal provided by the EGF receptor ligand, Spitz. Spitz orients cell divisions through a Pins/LGN-dependent spindle positioning mechanism and controls cell shape and alignment through a transcriptional pathway that requires the Pointed ETS domain protein. These results identify a strategy for producing ordered square cell packing configurations in epithelia and reveal a molecular mechanism by which organized tissue structure is generated through spatiotemporally regulated responses to EGF receptor activation. PMID:26506305

Batch mode grid generation: An endangered species

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuster, David M.

1992-01-01

Non-interactive grid generation schemes should thrive as emphasis shifts from development of numerical analysis and design methods to application of these tools to real engineering problems. A strong case is presented for the continued development and application of non-interactive geometry modeling methods. Guidelines, strategies, and techniques for developing and implementing these tools are presented using current non-interactive grid generation methods as examples. These schemes play an important role in the development of multidisciplinary analysis methods and some of these applications are also discussed.

IGGy: An interactive environment for surface grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prewitt, Nathan C.

1992-01-01

A graphically interactive derivative of the EAGLE boundary code is presented. This code allows the user to interactively build and execute commands and immediately see the results. Strong ties with a batch oriented script language are maintained. A generalized treatment of grid definition parameters allows a more generic definition of the grid generation process and allows the generation of command scripts which can be applied to topologically similar configurations. The use of the graphical user interface is outlined and example applications are presented.

Investigation of Advanced Counterrotation Blade Configuration Concepts for High Speed Turboprop Systems. Task 3: Advanced Fan Section Grid Generator Final Report and Computer Program User's Manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crook, Andrew J.; Delaney, Robert A.

1991-01-01

A procedure is studied for generating three-dimensional grids for advanced turbofan engine fan section geometries. The procedure constructs a discrete mesh about engine sections containing the fan stage, an arbitrary number of axisymmetric radial flow splitters, a booster stage, and a bifurcated core/bypass flow duct with guide vanes. The mesh is an h-type grid system, the points being distributed with a transfinite interpolation scheme with axial and radial spacing being user specified. Elliptic smoothing of the grid in the meridional plane is a post-process option. The grid generation scheme is consistent with aerodynamic analyses utilizing the average-passage equation system developed by Dr. John Adamczyk of NASA Lewis. This flow solution scheme requires a series of blade specific grids each having a common axisymmetric mesh, but varying in the circumferential direction according to the geometry of the specific blade row.

Improved control strategy for PI-R current of DFIG considering voltage and current harmonics compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, S. Y.; Liu, Q. H.; Zhao, Y. N.; Liu, S. Y.

2016-08-01

With the rapid development of wind power generation, the related research of wind power control and integration issues has attracted much attention, and the focus of the research are shifting away from the ideal power grid environment to the actual power grid environment. As the main stream wind turbine generator, a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) is connected to the power grid directly by its stator, so it is particularly sensitive to the power grid. This paper studies the improvement of DFIG control technology in the power grid harmonic environment. Based on the DFIG dynamic model considering the power grid harmonic environment, this paper introduces the shortcomings of the common control strategy of DFIG, and puts forward the enhanced method. The decoupling control of the system is realized by compensating the coupling between the rotor harmonic voltage and harmonic current, improving the control performance. In addition, the simulation experiments on PSCAD/EMTDC are carried out to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the improved scheme.

Reengineering for optimized control of DC networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vintea, Adela; Schiopu, Paul

2015-02-01

The management of the Independent Power Grids is the global body/structure with flexible technological support for Command-Control-Communications and Informatized Management having the responsibility for providing the conditions and information (the informational flux of decision) for the decision-maker aiming at predictable and harmonic administration of the situations (crises) and for generating the harmonic situations (results).

Solution of Poisson equations for 3-dimensional grid generations. [computations of a flow field over a thin delta wing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fujii, K.

1983-01-01

A method for generating three dimensional, finite difference grids about complicated geometries by using Poisson equations is developed. The inhomogenous terms are automatically chosen such that orthogonality and spacing restrictions at the body surface are satisfied. Spherical variables are used to avoid the axis singularity, and an alternating-direction-implicit (ADI) solution scheme is used to accelerate the computations. Computed results are presented that show the capability of the method. Since most of the results presented have been used as grids for flow-field computations, this is indicative that the method is a useful tool for generating three-dimensional grids about complicated geometries.

Computational Issues Associated with Temporally Deforming Geometries Such as Thrust Vectoring Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyalakuntla, Kishore; Soni, Bharat K.; Thornburg, Hugh J.; Yu, Robert

1996-01-01

During the past decade, computational simulation of fluid flow around complex configurations has progressed significantly and many notable successes have been reported, however, unsteady time-dependent solutions are not easily obtainable. The present effort involves unsteady time dependent simulation of temporally deforming geometries. Grid generation for a complex configuration can be a time consuming process and temporally varying geometries necessitate the regeneration of such grids for every time step. Traditional grid generation techniques have been tried and demonstrated to be inadequate to such simulations. Non-Uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) based techniques provide a compact and accurate representation of the geometry. This definition can be coupled with a distribution mesh for a user defined spacing. The present method greatly reduces cpu requirements for time dependent remeshing, facilitating the simulation of more complex unsteady problems. A thrust vectoring nozzle has been chosen to demonstrate the capability as it is of current interest in the aerospace industry for better maneuverability of fighter aircraft in close combat and in post stall regimes. This current effort is the first step towards multidisciplinary design optimization which involves coupling the aerodynamic heat transfer and structural analysis techniques. Applications include simulation of temporally deforming bodies and aeroelastic problems.

Development of iterative techniques for the solution of unsteady compressible viscous flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hixon, Duane; Sankar, L. N.

1993-01-01

During the past two decades, there has been significant progress in the field of numerical simulation of unsteady compressible viscous flows. At present, a variety of solution techniques exist such as the transonic small disturbance analyses (TSD), transonic full potential equation-based methods, unsteady Euler solvers, and unsteady Navier-Stokes solvers. These advances have been made possible by developments in three areas: (1) improved numerical algorithms; (2) automation of body-fitted grid generation schemes; and (3) advanced computer architectures with vector processing and massively parallel processing features. In this work, the GMRES scheme has been considered as a candidate for acceleration of a Newton iteration time marching scheme for unsteady 2-D and 3-D compressible viscous flow calculation; from preliminary calculations, this will provide up to a 65 percent reduction in the computer time requirements over the existing class of explicit and implicit time marching schemes. The proposed method has ben tested on structured grids, but is flexible enough for extension to unstructured grids. The described scheme has been tested only on the current generation of vector processor architecture of the Cray Y/MP class, but should be suitable for adaptation to massively parallel machines.

Unstructured Grid Generation Techniques and Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Posenau, Mary-Anne K. (Editor)

1993-01-01

The Workshop on Unstructured Grid Generation Techniques and Software was conducted for NASA to assess its unstructured grid activities, improve the coordination among NASA centers, and promote technology transfer to industry. The proceedings represent contributions from Ames, Langley, and Lewis Research Centers, and the Johnson and Marshall Space Flight Centers. This report is a compilation of the presentations made at the workshop.

ARPA-E: Advancing the Electric Grid

ScienceCinema

Lemmon, John; Ruiz, Pablo; Sommerer, Tim; Aziz, Michael

2018-06-07

The electric grid was designed with the assumption that all energy generation sources would be relatively controllable, and grid operators would always be able to predict when and where those sources would be located. With the addition of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can be installed faster than traditional generation technologies, this is no longer the case. Furthermore, the fact that renewable energy sources are imperfectly predictable means that the grid has to adapt in real-time to changing patterns of power flow. We need a dynamic grid that is far more flexible. This video highlights three ARPA-E-funded approaches to improving the grid's flexibility: topology control software from Boston University that optimizes power flow, gas tube switches from General Electric that provide efficient power conversion, and flow batteries from Harvard University that offer grid-scale energy storage.

Implementation of control point form of algebraic grid-generation technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choo, Yung K.; Miller, David P.; Reno, Charles J.

1991-01-01

The control point form (CPF) provides explicit control of physical grid shape and grid spacing through the movement of the control points. The control point array, called a control net, is a space grid type arrangement of locations in physical space with an index for each direction. As an algebraic method CPF is efficient and works well with interactive computer graphics. A family of menu-driven, interactive grid-generation computer codes (TURBO) is being developed by using CPF. Key features of TurboI (a TURBO member) are discussed and typical results are presented. TurboI runs on any IRIS 4D series workstation.

Arc Length Based Grid Distribution For Surface and Volume Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mastin, C. Wayne

1996-01-01

Techniques are presented for distributing grid points on parametric surfaces and in volumes according to a specified distribution of arc length. Interpolation techniques are introduced which permit a given distribution of grid points on the edges of a three-dimensional grid block to be propagated through the surface and volume grids. Examples demonstrate how these methods can be used to improve the quality of grids generated by transfinite interpolation.

A three-dimensional structured/unstructured hybrid Navier-Stokes method for turbine blade rows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsung, F.-L.; Loellbach, J.; Kwon, O.; Hah, C.

1994-01-01

A three-dimensional viscous structured/unstructured hybrid scheme has been developed for numerical computation of high Reynolds number turbomachinery flows. The procedure allows an efficient structured solver to be employed in the densely clustered, high aspect-ratio grid around the viscous regions near solid surfaces, while employing an unstructured solver elsewhere in the flow domain to add flexibility in mesh generation. Test results for an inviscid flow over an external transonic wing and a Navier-Stokes flow for an internal annular cascade are presented.

Aspects on HTS applications in confined power grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, T.; Grundmann, J.; Kuhnert, A.; Kummeth, P.; Nick, W.; Oomen, M.; Schacherer, C.; Schmidt, W.

2014-12-01

In an increasing number of electric power grids the share of distributed energy generation is also increasing. The grids have to cope with a considerable change of power flow, which has an impact on the optimum topology of the grids and sub-grids (high-voltage, medium-voltage and low-voltage sub-grids) and the size of quasi-autonomous grid sections. Furthermore the stability of grids is influenced by its size. Thus special benefits of HTS applications in the power grid might become most visible in confined power grids.

Mixed Element Type Unstructured Grid Generation for Viscous Flow Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marcum, David L.; Gaither, J. Adam

2000-01-01

A procedure is presented for efficient generation of high-quality unstructured grids suitable for CFD simulation of high Reynolds number viscous flow fields. Layers of anisotropic elements are generated by advancing along prescribed normals from solid boundaries. The points are generated such that either pentahedral or tetrahedral elements with an implied connectivity can be be directly recovered. As points are generated they are temporarily attached to a volume triangulation of the boundary points. This triangulation allows efficient local search algorithms to be used when checking merging layers, The existing advancing-front/local-reconnection procedure is used to generate isotropic elements outside of the anisotropic region. Results are presented for a variety of applications. The results demonstrate that high-quality anisotropic unstructured grids can be efficiently and consistently generated for complex configurations.

Controllable Grid Interface for Testing Ancillary Service Controls and Fault Performance of Utility-Scale Wind Power Generation: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gevorgian, Vahan; Koralewicz, Przemyslaw; Wallen, Robb

The rapid expansion of wind power has led many transmission system operators to demand modern wind power plants to comply with strict interconnection requirements. Such requirements involve various aspects of wind power plant operation, including fault ride-through and power quality performance as well as the provision of ancillary services to enhance grid reliability. During recent years, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy has developed a new, groundbreaking testing apparatus and methodology to test and demonstrate many existing and future advanced controls for wind generation (and other renewable generation technologies) on the multimegawatt scale andmore » medium-voltage levels. This paper describes the capabilities and control features of NREL's 7-MVA power electronic grid simulator (also called a controllable grid interface, or CGI) that enables testing many active and reactive power control features of modern wind turbine generators -- including inertial response, primary and secondary frequency responses, and voltage regulation -- under a controlled, medium-voltage grid environment. In particular, this paper focuses on the specifics of testing the balanced and unbalanced fault ride-through characteristics of wind turbine generators under simulated strong and weak medium-voltage grid conditions. In addition, this paper provides insights on the power hardware-in-the-loop feature implemented in the CGI to emulate (in real time) the conditions that might exist in various types of electric power systems under normal operations and/or contingency scenarios. Using actual test examples and simulation results, this paper describes the value of CGI as an ultimate modeling validation tool for all types of 'grid-friendly' controls by wind generation.« less

Fault diagnosis of rolling element bearings with a spectrum searching method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Qiu, Mingquan; Zhu, Zhencai; Jiang, Fan; Zhou, Gongbo

2017-09-01

Rolling element bearing faults in rotating systems are observed as impulses in the vibration signals, which are usually buried in noise. In order to effectively detect faults in bearings, a novel spectrum searching method is proposed in this paper. The structural information of the spectrum (SIOS) on a predefined frequency grid is constructed through a searching algorithm, such that the harmonics of the impulses generated by faults can be clearly identified and analyzed. Local peaks of the spectrum are projected onto certain components of the frequency grid, and then the SIOS can interpret the spectrum via the number and power of harmonics projected onto components of the frequency grid. Finally, bearings can be diagnosed based on the SIOS by identifying its dominant or significant components. The mathematical formulation is developed to guarantee the correct construction of the SIOS through searching. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified with both simulated and experimental bearing signals.

Summary of the First AIAA CFD High Lift Prediction Workshop (invited)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumsey, C. L.; Long, M.; Stuever, R. A.; Wayman, T. R.

2011-01-01

The 1st AIAA CFD High Lift Prediction Workshop was held in Chicago in June 2010. The goals of the workshop included an assessment of the numerical prediction capability of current-generation CFD technology/ codes for swept, medium/high-aspect ratio wings in landing/take-off (high lift) configurations. 21 participants from 8 countries and 18 organizations, submitted a total of 39 datasets of CFD results. A variety of grid systems (both structured and unstructured) were used. Trends due to flap angle were analyzed, and effects of grid family, grid density, solver, and turbulence model were addressed. Some participants also assessed the effects of support brackets used to attach the flap and slat to the main wing. This invited paper describes the combined results from all workshop participants. Comparisons with experimental data are made. A statistical summary of the CFD results is also included.

Active power control of solar PV generation for large interconnection frequency regulation and oscillation damping

DOE PAGES

Liu, Yong; Zhu, Lin; Zhan, Lingwei; ...

2015-06-23

Because of zero greenhouse gas emission and decreased manufacture cost, solar photovoltaic (PV) generation is expected to account for a significant portion of future power grid generation portfolio. Because it is indirectly connected to the power grid via power electronic devices, solar PV generation system is fully decoupled from the power grid, which will influence the interconnected power grid dynamic characteristics as a result. In this study, the impact of solar PV penetration on large interconnected power system frequency response and inter-area oscillation is evaluated, taking the United States Eastern Interconnection (EI) as an example. Furthermore, based on the constructedmore » solar PV electrical control model with additional active power control loops, the potential contributions of solar PV generation to power system frequency regulation and oscillation damping are examined. The advantages of solar PV frequency support over that of wind generator are also discussed. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that solar PV generations can effectively work as ‘actuators’ in alleviating the negative impacts they bring about.« less

Study of a control strategy for grid side converter in doubly- fed wind power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, D. J.; Tan, Z. L.; Yuan, F.; Wang, Q. Y.; Ding, M.

2016-08-01

The grid side converter is an important part of the excitation system of doubly-fed asynchronous generator used in wind power system. As a three-phase voltage source PWM converter, it can not only transfer slip power in the form of active power, but also adjust the reactive power of the grid. This paper proposed a control approach for improving its performance. In this control approach, the dc voltage is regulated by a sliding mode variable structure control scheme and current by a variable structure controller based on the input output linearization. The theoretical bases of the sliding mode variable structure control were introduced, and the stability proof was presented. Switching function of the system has been deduced, sliding mode voltage controller model has been established, and the output of the outer voltage loop is the instruction of the inner current loop. Affine nonlinear model of two input two output equations on d-q axis for current has been established its meeting conditions of exact linearization were proved. In order to improve the anti-jamming capability of the system, a variable structure control was added in the current controller, the control law was deduced. The dual-loop control with sliding mode control in outer voltage loop and linearization variable structure control in inner current loop was proposed. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy even during the dc reference voltage and system load variation.

Numerical generation of two-dimensional grids by the use of Poisson equations with grid control at boundaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, R. L.; Steger, J. L.

1980-01-01

A method for generating boundary-fitted, curvilinear, two dimensional grids by the use of the Poisson equations is presented. Grids of C-type and O-type were made about airfoils and other shapes, with circular, rectangular, cascade-type, and other outer boundary shapes. Both viscous and inviscid spacings were used. In all cases, two important types of grid control can be exercised at both inner and outer boundaries. First is arbitrary control of the distances between the boundaries and the adjacent lines of the same coordinate family, i.e., stand-off distances. Second is arbitrary control of the angles with which lines of the opposite coordinate family intersect the boundaries. Thus, both grid cell size (or aspect ratio) and grid cell skewness are controlled at boundaries. Reasonable cell size and shape are ensured even in cases wherein extreme boundary shapes would tend to cause skewness or poorly controlled grid spacing. An inherent feature of the Poisson equations is that lines in the interior of the grid smoothly connect the boundary points (the grid mapping functions are second order differentiable).

Dynamic mesh adaption for triangular and tetrahedral grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biswas, Rupak; Strawn, Roger

1993-01-01

The following topics are discussed: requirements for dynamic mesh adaption; linked-list data structure; edge-based data structure; adaptive-grid data structure; three types of element subdivision; mesh refinement; mesh coarsening; additional constraints for coarsening; anisotropic error indicator for edges; unstructured-grid Euler solver; inviscid 3-D wing; and mesh quality for solution-adaptive grids. The discussion is presented in viewgraph form.

Design of energy storage system to improve inertial response for large scale PV generation

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xiaoyu; Yue, Meng

2016-07-01

With high-penetration levels of renewable generating sources being integrated into the existing electric power grid, conventional generators are being replaced and grid inertial response is deteriorating. This technical challenge is more severe with photovoltaic (PV) generation than with wind generation because PV generation systems cannot provide inertial response unless special countermeasures are adopted. To enhance the inertial response, this paper proposes to use battery energy storage systems (BESS) as the remediation approach to accommodate the degrading inertial response when high penetrations of PV generation are integrated into the existing power grid. A sample power system was adopted and simulated usingmore » PSS/E software. Here, impacts of different penetration levels of PV generation on the system inertial response were investigated and then BESS was incorporated to improve the frequency dynamics.« less

Impact of cell size on inventory and mapping errors in a cellular geographic information system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wehde, M. E. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The effect of grid position was found insignificant for maps but highly significant for isolated mapping units. A modelable relationship between mapping error and cell size was observed for the map segment analyzed. Map data structure was also analyzed with an interboundary distance distribution approach. Map data structure and the impact of cell size on that structure were observed. The existence of a model allowing prediction of mapping error based on map structure was hypothesized and two generations of models were tested under simplifying assumptions.

Scenario generation for stochastic optimization problems via the sparse grid method

DOE PAGES

Chen, Michael; Mehrotra, Sanjay; Papp, David

2015-04-19

We study the use of sparse grids in the scenario generation (or discretization) problem in stochastic programming problems where the uncertainty is modeled using a continuous multivariate distribution. We show that, under a regularity assumption on the random function involved, the sequence of optimal objective function values of the sparse grid approximations converges to the true optimal objective function values as the number of scenarios increases. The rate of convergence is also established. We treat separately the special case when the underlying distribution is an affine transform of a product of univariate distributions, and show how the sparse grid methodmore » can be adapted to the distribution by the use of quadrature formulas tailored to the distribution. We numerically compare the performance of the sparse grid method using different quadrature rules with classic quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) methods, optimal rank-one lattice rules, and Monte Carlo (MC) scenario generation, using a series of utility maximization problems with up to 160 random variables. The results show that the sparse grid method is very efficient, especially if the integrand is sufficiently smooth. In such problems the sparse grid scenario generation method is found to need several orders of magnitude fewer scenarios than MC and QMC scenario generation to achieve the same accuracy. As a result, it is indicated that the method scales well with the dimension of the distribution--especially when the underlying distribution is an affine transform of a product of univariate distributions, in which case the method appears scalable to thousands of random variables.« less

A turbulent quarter century of active grids: from Makita (1991) to the present

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mydlarski, Laurent

2017-12-01

A quarter of a century ago, following a series of investigations with his colleagues, Makita published a paper (Makita 1991 Fluid Dyn. Res. 8, 53-64) in which the production of high-Reynolds-number, homogeneous, isotropic turbulence in a typical laboratory-sized wind tunnel by way of a novel ‘active grid’ was demonstrated. Until this time, classical (‘passive’) grids had been used to generate homogeneous, isotropic turbulence, which was almost invariably of low Reynolds number. In the years following the publication of Makita’s paper, active grids have played a major role in experimental studies of turbulence, given their ability to generate the most fundamental expression of a turbulent flow (homogeneous, isotropic turbulence) at Reynolds numbers large enough to (i) test Kolmogorov theory (posed in the limit of infinite Reynolds number), and (ii) match those of many natural and industrial flows. The present paper aims to review the research related to active grids undertaken since Makita’s seminal work. To this end, it firstly summarizes the key elements involved in the design, construction and operation of active grids, with the aim of providing a useful reference for those interested in studying or building active grids. Secondly, it discusses how active grids are now being customized to generate novel flows. Lastly, it reviews the accomplishments that have been achieved as a result of the invention of the active grid. It is hoped that the contribution to the field of turbulence brought by active grids a quarter of a century ago will moreover serve to inspire current fluid dynamicists to generate other simple and elegant innovations—like the active grid—to further advance our understanding of turbulent flows.

Enhanced Product Generation at NASA Data Centers Through Grid Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkstrom, Bruce R.; Hinke, Thomas H.; Gavali, Shradha; Seufzer, William J.

2003-01-01

This paper describes how grid technology can support the ability of NASA data centers to provide customized data products. A combination of grid technology and commodity processors are proposed to provide the bandwidth necessary to perform customized processing of data, with customized data subsetting providing the initial example. This customized subsetting engine can be used to support a new type of subsetting, called phenomena-based subsetting, where data is subsetted based on its association with some phenomena, such as mesoscale convective systems or hurricanes. This concept is expanded to allow the phenomena to be detected in one type of data, with the subsetting requirements transmitted to the subsetting engine to subset a different type of data. The subsetting requirements are generated by a data mining system and transmitted to the subsetter in the form of an XML feature index that describes the spatial and temporal extent of the phenomena. For this work, a grid-based mining system called the Grid Miner is used to identify the phenomena and generate the feature index. This paper discusses the value of grid technology in facilitating the development of a high performance customized product processing and the coupling of a grid mining system to support phenomena-based subsetting.

Future requirements in surface modeling and grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cosner, Raymond R.

1995-01-01

The past ten years have seen steady progress in surface modeling procedures, and wholesale changes in grid generation technology. Today, it seems fair to state that a satisfactory grid can be developed to model nearly any configuration of interest. The issues at present focus on operational concerns such as cost and quality. Continuing evolution of the engineering process is placing new demands on the technologies of surface modeling and grid generation. In the evolution toward a multidisciplinary analysis-bascd design environment, methods developed for Computational Fluid Dynamics are finding acceptance in many additional applications. These two trends, the normal evolution of the process and a watershed shift toward concurrent and multidisciplinary analysis, will be considered in assessing current capabilities and needed technological improvements.

Hypersonic code efficiency and validation studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Bradford C.

1992-01-01

Renewed interest in hypersonic and supersonic flows spurred the development of the Compressible Navier-Stokes (CNS) code. Originally developed for external flows, CNS was modified to enable it to also be applied to internal high speed flows. In the initial phase of this study CNS was applied to both internal flow applications and fellow researchers were taught to run CNS. The second phase of this research was the development of surface grids over various aircraft configurations for the High Speed Research Program (HSRP). The complex nature of these configurations required the development of improved surface grid generation techniques. A significant portion of the grid generation effort was devoted to testing and recommending modifications to early versions of the S3D surface grid generation code.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balser, S.; Sankar, S.; Miller, R.

In order to more fully integrate renewable resources, such as wind and solar, into the transmission system, additional capacity must be realized in the short term using the installed transmission capacity that exists today. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Transmission and Grid Integration Group supported this study to assemble the history of regulations and status of transmission technology to expand existing grid capacity. This report compiles data on various transmission technology methods and upgrades for increased capacity utilization of the existing transmission system and transmission corridors. The report discusses the technical merit ofmore » each method and explains how the method could be applied within the current regulatory structure to increase existing transmission conductor and/or corridor capacity. The history and current state of alternatives to new construction is presented for regulators, legislators, and other policy makers wrestling with issues surrounding integration of variable generation. Current regulations are assessed for opportunities to change them to promote grid expansion. To support consideration of these alternatives for expanding grid capacity, the report lists relevant rules, standards, and policy changes.« less

Maternity services in multi-cultural Britain: using Q methodology to explore the views of first- and second-generation women of Pakistani origin.

PubMed

Cross-Sudworth, Fiona; Williams, Amanda; Herron-Marx, Sandy

2011-08-01

to explore first- and second-generation Pakistani women's experiences of maternity services and the inter generational differences/comparisons. a retrospective Q methodology study of Pakistani women following childbirth. two Children's Centres in an inner city in the West Midlands. women self-identified following distribution of information leaflets at Children's Centres. Fifteen women took part in interviews (Stage one) using a semi-structured design and 16 women participated in the completion of the Q grid sorting (Stage four). a standard five-stage Q methodology process took place: (1) initial data were gathered using a combination of individual face-to-face and focus group semi-structured community-based interviews (developing the concourse); (2) transcribed interviews were analysed for 'themes'; (3) the themes were reduced to 'statements' that reflected the overall content of the concourse using an unstructured evolving approach (giving the Q set); (4) participants were asked to sort the statements (Q sorting) according to a pre-designed distribution grid providing individual participant response grids; and (5) the response grids were factor analysed using PQ Method (V2.11), which generates clusters of participants rather than clusters of variables. Factor loadings were calculated using factor analysis by principal components with varimax rotation. This produced a list of factors, each of which represents a 'story' of women's experiences of maternity services. Throughout the process, an Urdu interpreter was involved. six factors were identified: (1) confidence and empowerment of women who had attended higher education and had family support; (2) isolation of some women from both family and maternity services; (3) women who had poor experiences of maternity services but good family support, and wanted opportunities to be involved in service development; (4) women with positive experiences of maternity care and influenced by traditional cultural practices; (5) importance of information and support from health-care professionals; and (6) importance of midwifery care to women. there were no clear inter generational differences identified, but a breadth of opinion and experience that seemed to be influenced by level of both education and social support was found. Whereas some women had few demands of maternity services, those who had less support and those with language barriers had additional needs. care given should be based on individual need but given within a wider collaborative context in order to support women effectively. Increased maternity service user involvement would also be welcomed for future planning of maternity services. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SPAGETTA, a Gridded Weather Generator: Calibration, Validation and its Use for Future Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubrovsky, Martin; Rotach, Mathias W.; Huth, Radan

2017-04-01

Spagetta is a new (started in 2016) stochastic multi-site multi-variate weather generator (WG). It can produce realistic synthetic daily (or monthly, or annual) weather series representing both present and future climate conditions at multiple sites (grids or stations irregularly distributed in space). The generator, whose model is based on the Wilks' (1999) multi-site extension of the parametric (Richardson's type) single site M&Rfi generator, may be run in two modes: In the first mode, it is run as a classical generator, which is calibrated in the first step using weather data from multiple sites, and only then it may produce arbitrarily long synthetic time series mimicking the spatial and temporal structure of the calibration weather data. To generate the weather series representing the future climate, the WG parameters are modified according to the climate change scenario, typically derived from GCM or RCM simulations. In the second mode, the user provides only basic information (not necessarily to be realistic) on the temporal and spatial auto-correlation structure of the surface weather variables and their mean annual cycle; the generator itself derives the parameters of the underlying autoregressive model, which produces the multi-site weather series. In the latter mode of operation, the user is allowed to prescribe the spatially varying trend, which is superimposed to the values produced by the generator; this feature has been implemented for use in developing the methodology for assessing significance of trends in multi-site weather series (for more details see another EGU-2017 contribution: Huth and Dubrovsky, 2017, Evaluating collective significance of climatic trends: A comparison of methods on synthetic data; EGU2017-4993). This contribution will focus on the first (classical) mode. The poster will present (a) model of the generator, (b) results of the validation tests made in terms of the spatial hot/cold/dry/wet spells, and (c) results of the pilot climate change impact experiment, in which (i) the WG parameters representing the spatial and temporal variability are modified using the climate change scenarios and then (ii) the effect on the above spatial validation indices derived from the synthetic series produced by the modified WG is analysed. In this experiment, the generator is calibrated using the E-OBS gridded daily weather data for several European regions, and the climate change scenarios are derived from the selected RCM simulation (taken from the CORDEX database).

A random spatial network model based on elementary postulates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Karlinger, Michael R.; Troutman, Brent M.

1989-01-01

A model for generating random spatial networks that is based on elementary postulates comparable to those of the random topology model is proposed. In contrast to the random topology model, this model ascribes a unique spatial specification to generated drainage networks, a distinguishing property of some network growth models. The simplicity of the postulates creates an opportunity for potential analytic investigations of the probabilistic structure of the drainage networks, while the spatial specification enables analyses of spatially dependent network properties. In the random topology model all drainage networks, conditioned on magnitude (number of first-order streams), are equally likely, whereas in this model all spanning trees of a grid, conditioned on area and drainage density, are equally likely. As a result, link lengths in the generated networks are not independent, as usually assumed in the random topology model. For a preliminary model evaluation, scale-dependent network characteristics, such as geometric diameter and link length properties, and topologic characteristics, such as bifurcation ratio, are computed for sets of drainage networks generated on square and rectangular grids. Statistics of the bifurcation and length ratios fall within the range of values reported for natural drainage networks, but geometric diameters tend to be relatively longer than those for natural networks.

Constrained CVT meshes and a comparison of triangular mesh generators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Hoa; Burkardt, John; Gunzburger, Max

2009-01-01

Mesh generation in regions in Euclidean space is a central task in computational science, and especially for commonly used numerical methods for the solution of partial differential equations, e.g., finite element and finite volume methods. We focus on the uniform Delaunay triangulation of planar regions and, in particular, on how one selects the positions of the vertices of the triangulation. We discuss a recently developed method, based on the centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) concept, for effecting such triangulations and present two algorithms, including one new one, for CVT-based grid generation. We also compare several methods, including CVT-based methods, for triangulatingmore » planar domains. To this end, we define several quantitative measures of the quality of uniform grids. We then generate triangulations of several planar regions, including some having complexities that are representative of what one may encounter in practice. We subject the resulting grids to visual and quantitative comparisons and conclude that all the methods considered produce high-quality uniform grids and that the CVT-based grids are at least as good as any of the others.« less

A template-based approach for parallel hexahedral two-refinement

DOE PAGES

Owen, Steven J.; Shih, Ryan M.; Ernst, Corey D.

2016-10-17

Here, we provide a template-based approach for generating locally refined all-hex meshes. We focus specifically on refinement of initially structured grids utilizing a 2-refinement approach where uniformly refined hexes are subdivided into eight child elements. The refinement algorithm consists of identifying marked nodes that are used as the basis for a set of four simple refinement templates. The target application for 2-refinement is a parallel grid-based all-hex meshing tool for high performance computing in a distributed environment. The result is a parallel consistent locally refined mesh requiring minimal communication and where minimum mesh quality is greater than scaled Jacobian 0.3more » prior to smoothing.« less

The role of CSP in the electricity system of South Africa - technical operation, grid constraints, market structure and economics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kost, Christoph; Friebertshäuser, Chris; Hartmann, Niklas; Fluri, Thomas; Nitz, Peter

2017-06-01

This paper analyses the role of solar technologies (CSP and PV) and their interaction in the South African electricity system by using a fundamental electricity system modelling (ENTIGRIS-SouthAfrica). The model is used to analyse the South African long-term electricity generation portfolio mix, optimized site selection and required transmission capacities until the year 2050. Hereby especially the location and grid integration of solar technology (PV and CSP) and wind power plants is analysed. This analysis is carried out by using detailed resource assessment of both technologies. A cluster approach is presented to reduce complexity by integrating the data in an optimization model.

A template-based approach for parallel hexahedral two-refinement

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Owen, Steven J.; Shih, Ryan M.; Ernst, Corey D.

Here, we provide a template-based approach for generating locally refined all-hex meshes. We focus specifically on refinement of initially structured grids utilizing a 2-refinement approach where uniformly refined hexes are subdivided into eight child elements. The refinement algorithm consists of identifying marked nodes that are used as the basis for a set of four simple refinement templates. The target application for 2-refinement is a parallel grid-based all-hex meshing tool for high performance computing in a distributed environment. The result is a parallel consistent locally refined mesh requiring minimal communication and where minimum mesh quality is greater than scaled Jacobian 0.3more » prior to smoothing.« less

NASA Workshop on future directions in surface modeling and grid generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandalsem, W. R.; Smith, R. E.; Choo, Y. K.; Birckelbaw, L. D.; Vogel, A. A.

1992-01-01

Given here is a summary of the paper sessions and panel discussions of the NASA Workshop on Future Directions in Surface Modeling and Grid Generation held a NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, December 5-7, 1989. The purpose was to assess U.S. capabilities in surface modeling and grid generation and take steps to improve the focus and pace of these disciplines within NASA. The organization of the workshop centered around overviews from NASA centers and expert presentations from U.S. corporations and universities. Small discussion groups were held and summarized by group leaders. Brief overviews and a panel discussion by representatives from the DoD were held, and a NASA-only session concluded the meeting. In the NASA Program Planning Session summary there are five recommended steps for NASA to take to improve the development and application of surface modeling and grid generation.

2.5D complex resistivity modeling and inversion using unstructured grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Kaijun; Sun, Jie

2016-04-01

The characteristic of complex resistivity on rock and ore has been recognized by people for a long time. Generally we have used the Cole-Cole Model(CCM) to describe complex resistivity. It has been proved that the electrical anomaly of geologic body can be quantitative estimated by CCM parameters such as direct resistivity(ρ0), chargeability(m), time constant(τ) and frequency dependence(c). Thus it is very important to obtain the complex parameters of geologic body. It is difficult to approximate complex structures and terrain using traditional rectangular grid. In order to enhance the numerical accuracy and rationality of modeling and inversion, we use an adaptive finite-element algorithm for forward modeling of the frequency-domain 2.5D complex resistivity and implement the conjugate gradient algorithm in the inversion of 2.5D complex resistivity. An adaptive finite element method is applied for solving the 2.5D complex resistivity forward modeling of horizontal electric dipole source. First of all, the CCM is introduced into the Maxwell's equations to calculate the complex resistivity electromagnetic fields. Next, the pseudo delta function is used to distribute electric dipole source. Then the electromagnetic fields can be expressed in terms of the primary fields caused by layered structure and the secondary fields caused by inhomogeneities anomalous conductivity. At last, we calculated the electromagnetic fields response of complex geoelectric structures such as anticline, syncline, fault. The modeling results show that adaptive finite-element methods can automatically improve mesh generation and simulate complex geoelectric models using unstructured grids. The 2.5D complex resistivity invertion is implemented based the conjugate gradient algorithm.The conjugate gradient algorithm doesn't need to compute the sensitivity matrix but directly computes the sensitivity matrix or its transpose multiplying vector. In addition, the inversion target zones are segmented with fine grids and the background zones are segmented with big grid, the method can reduce the grid amounts of inversion, it is very helpful to improve the computational efficiency. The inversion results verify the validity and stability of conjugate gradient inversion algorithm. The results of theoretical calculation indicate that the modeling and inversion of 2.5D complex resistivity using unstructured grids are feasible. Using unstructured grids can improve the accuracy of modeling, but the large number of grids inversion is extremely time-consuming, so the parallel computation for the inversion is necessary. Acknowledgments: We thank to the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41304094).

Surface generation and editing operations applied to structural support of aerospace vehicle fuselages. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwartz, Susan K.

1992-01-01

The Solid Modeling Aerospace Research Tool (SMART) is a computer aided design tool used in aerospace vehicle design. Modeling of structural components using SMART includes the representation of the transverse or cross-wise elements of a vehicle's fuselage, ringframes, and bulkheads. Ringframes are placed along a vehicle's fuselage to provide structural support and maintain the shape of the fuselage. Bulkheads are also used to maintain shape, but are placed at locations where substantial structural support is required. Given a Bezier curve representation of a cross sectional cut through a vehicle's fuselage and/or an internal tank, this project produces a first-guess Bezier patch representation of a ringframe or bulkhead at the cross-sectional position. The grid produced is later used in the structural analysis of the vehicle. The graphical display of the generated patches allows the user to edit patch control points in real time. Constraints considered in the patch generation include maintaining 'square-like' patches and placement of longitudinal, or lengthwise along the fuselage, structural elements called longerons.

Adaptive Mesh Refinement in Curvilinear Body-Fitted Grid Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steinthorsson, Erlendur; Modiano, David; Colella, Phillip

1995-01-01

To be truly compatible with structured grids, an AMR algorithm should employ a block structure for the refined grids to allow flow solvers to take advantage of the strengths of unstructured grid systems, such as efficient solution algorithms for implicit discretizations and multigrid schemes. One such algorithm, the AMR algorithm of Berger and Colella, has been applied to and adapted for use with body-fitted structured grid systems. Results are presented for a transonic flow over a NACA0012 airfoil (AGARD-03 test case) and a reflection of a shock over a double wedge.

An Empirical Model for Vane-Type Vortex Generators in a Navier-Stokes Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudek, Julianne C.

2005-01-01

An empirical model which simulates the effects of vane-type vortex generators in ducts was incorporated into the Wind-US Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics code. The model enables the effects of the vortex generators to be simulated without defining the details of the geometry within the grid, and makes it practical for researchers to evaluate multiple combinations of vortex generator arrangements. The model determines the strength of each vortex based on the generator geometry and the local flow conditions. Validation results are presented for flow in a straight pipe with a counter-rotating vortex generator arrangement, and the results are compared with experimental data and computational simulations using a gridded vane generator. Results are also presented for vortex generator arrays in two S-duct diffusers, along with accompanying experimental data. The effects of grid resolution and turbulence model are also examined.

Cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography of nanoparticles.

PubMed

Stewart, Phoebe L

2017-03-01

Cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM or cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offer robust and powerful ways to visualize nanoparticles. These techniques involve imaging of the sample in a frozen-hydrated state, allowing visualization of nanoparticles essentially as they exist in solution. Cryo-TEM grid preparation can be performed with the sample in aqueous solvents or in various organic and ionic solvents. Two-dimensional (2D) cryo-TEM provides a direct way to visualize the polydispersity within a nanoparticle preparation. Fourier transforms of cryo-TEM images can confirm the structural periodicity within a sample. While measurement of specimen parameters can be performed with 2D TEM images, determination of a three-dimensional (3D) structure often facilitates more spatially accurate quantization. 3D structures can be determined in one of two ways. If the nanoparticle has a homogeneous structure, then 2D projection images of different particles can be averaged using a computational process referred to as single particle reconstruction. Alternatively, if the nanoparticle has a heterogeneous structure, then a structure can be generated by cryo-ET. This involves collecting a tilt-series of 2D projection images for a defined region of the grid, which can be used to generate a 3D tomogram. Occasionally it is advantageous to calculate both a single particle reconstruction, to reveal the regular portions of a nanoparticle structure, and a cryo-electron tomogram, to reveal the irregular features. A sampling of 2D cryo-TEM images and 3D structures are presented for protein based, DNA based, lipid based, and polymer based nanoparticles. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1417. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1417 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

NASTRAN data generation of helicopter fuselages using interactive graphics. [preprocessor system for finite element analysis using IBM computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sainsbury-Carter, J. B.; Conaway, J. H.

1973-01-01

The development and implementation of a preprocessor system for the finite element analysis of helicopter fuselages is described. The system utilizes interactive graphics for the generation, display, and editing of NASTRAN data for fuselage models. It is operated from an IBM 2250 cathode ray tube (CRT) console driven by an IBM 370/145 computer. Real time interaction plus automatic data generation reduces the nominal 6 to 10 week time for manual generation and checking of data to a few days. The interactive graphics system consists of a series of satellite programs operated from a central NASTRAN Systems Monitor. Fuselage structural models including the outer shell and internal structure may be rapidly generated. All numbering systems are automatically assigned. Hard copy plots of the model labeled with GRID or elements ID's are also available. General purpose programs for displaying and editing NASTRAN data are included in the system. Utilization of the NASTRAN interactive graphics system has made possible the multiple finite element analysis of complex helicopter fuselage structures within design schedules.

Multiblock grid generation with automatic zoning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.

1995-01-01

An overview will be given for multiblock grid generation with automatic zoning. We shall explore the many advantages and benefits of this exciting technology and will also see how to apply it to a number of interesting cases. The technology is available in the form of a commercial code, GridPro(registered trademark)/az3000. This code takes surface geometry definitions and patterns of points as its primary input and produces high quality grids as its output. Before we embark upon our exploration, we shall first give a brief background of the environment in which this technology fits.

Concentrated solar power plants impact on PV penetration level and grid flexibility under Egyptian climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moukhtar, Ibrahim; Elbaset, Adel A.; El Dein, Adel Z.; Qudaih, Yaser; Mitani, Yasunori

2018-05-01

Photovoltaic (PV) system integration in the electric grid has been increasing over the past decades. However, the impact of PV penetration on the electric grid, especially during the periods of higher and lower generation for the solar system at the middle of the day and during cloudy weather or at night respectively, limit the high penetration of solar PV system. In this research, a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) has been aggregated with PV system in order to accommodate the required electrical power during the higher and lower solar energy at all timescales. This paper analyzes the impacts of CSP on the grid-connected PV considering high penetration of PV system, particularly when no energy storages in the form of batteries are used. Two cases have been studied, the first when only PV system is integrated into the electric grid and the second when two types of solar energy (PV and CSP) are integrated. The System Advisor Model (SAM) software is used to simulate the output power of renewable energy. Simulation results show that the performance of CSP has a great impact on the penetration level of PV system and on the flexibility of the electric grid. The overall grid flexibility increases due to the ability of CSP to store and dispatch the generated power. In addition, CSP/TES itself has inherent flexibility. Therefore, CSP reduces the minimum generation constraint of the conventional generators that allows more penetration of the PV system.

48. VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST AT EXCITER RESISTANCE GRIDS LOCATED UNDER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

48. VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST AT EXCITER RESISTANCE GRIDS LOCATED UNDER THE CONTROL ROOM ON SOUTH SIDE OF TURBINE HALL. THE GRIDS WERE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CONTROL SYSTEM THAT MAINTAINED CONSTANT VOLTAGE ON THE RAILROAD POWER LINES. TIRRILL VOLTAGE REGULATORS (SEE CT-142A-100) SENSED VOLTAGE VARIATIONS AND INITIATED SWITCHING SEQUENCES TO REGULATE THE VOLTAGE AND MAINTAIN A SYSTEM STANDARD VOLTAGE. THE RESISTANCE GRIDS WERE SEQUENTIALLY ADDED TO OR REMOVED FROM THE GENERATOR FIELD COIL CIRCUITS. THIS RESISTANCE LOAD DISSIPATED EXCITIR GENERATOR POWER AS HEAT. THIS IN TURN WOULD VARY THE STRENGTH OF THE FIELD MAGNET AND CONSEQUENTLY RAISE OR LOWER THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE FROM THE MAIN GENERATOR ARMATURE. - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Cos Cob Power Plant, Sound Shore Drive, Greenwich, Fairfield County, CT

Maximum capacity model of grid-connected multi-wind farms considering static security constraints in electrical grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, W.; Qiu, G. Y.; Oodo, S. O.; He, H.

2013-03-01

An increasing interest in wind energy and the advance of related technologies have increased the connection of wind power generation into electrical grids. This paper proposes an optimization model for determining the maximum capacity of wind farms in a power system. In this model, generator power output limits, voltage limits and thermal limits of branches in the grid system were considered in order to limit the steady-state security influence of wind generators on the power system. The optimization model was solved by a nonlinear primal-dual interior-point method. An IEEE-30 bus system with two wind farms was tested through simulation studies, plus an analysis conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results indicated that the model is efficient and reasonable.

Message passing for integrating and assessing renewable generation in a redundant power grid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zdeborova, Lenka; Backhaus, Scott; Chertkov, Michael

2009-01-01

A simplified model of a redundant power grid is used to study integration of fluctuating renewable generation. The grid consists of large number of generator and consumer nodes. The net power consumption is determined by the difference between the gross consumption and the level of renewable generation. The gross consumption is drawn from a narrow distribution representing the predictability of aggregated loads, and we consider two different distributions representing wind and solar resources. Each generator is connected to D consumers, and redundancy is built in by connecting R {le} D of these consumers to other generators. The lines are switchablemore » so that at any instance each consumer is connected to a single generator. We explore the capacity of the renewable generation by determining the level of 'firm' generation capacity that can be displaced for different levels of redundancy R. We also develop message-passing control algorithm for finding switch sellings where no generator is overloaded.« less

Sensitivity of power system operations to projected changes in water availability due to climate change: the Western U.S. case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voisin, N.; Macknick, J.; Fu, T.; O'Connell, M.; Zhou, T.; Brinkman, G.

2017-12-01

Water resources provide multiple critical services to the electrical grid through hydropower technologies, from generation to regulation of the electric grid (frequency, capacity reserve). Water resources can also represent vulnerabilities to the electric grid, as hydropower and thermo-electric facilities require water for operations. In the Western U.S., hydropower and thermo-electric plants that rely on fresh surface water represent 67% of the generating capacity. Prior studies have looked at the impact of change in water availability under future climate conditions on expected generating capacity in the Western U.S., but have not evaluated operational risks or changes resulting from climate. In this study, we systematically assess the impact of change in water availability and air temperatures on power operations, i.e. we take into account the different grid services that water resources can provide to the electric grid (generation, regulation) in the system-level context of inter-regional coordination through the electric transmission network. We leverage the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) hydrology simulations under historical and future climate conditions, and force the large scale river routing- water management model MOSART-WM along with 2010-level sectoral water demands. Changes in monthly hydropower potential generation (including generation and reserves), as well as monthly generation capacity of thermo-electric plants are derived for each power plant in the Western U.S. electric grid. We then utilize the PLEXOS electricity production cost model to optimize power system dispatch and cost decisions for the 2010 infrastructure under 100 years of historical and future (2050 horizon) hydroclimate conditions. We use economic metrics as well as operational metrics such as generation portfolio, emissions, and reserve margins to assess the changes in power system operations between historical and future normal and extreme water availability conditions. We provide insight on how this information can be used to support resource adequacy and grid expansion studies over the Western U.S. in the context of inter-annual variability and climate change.

Can fractal objects operate as efficient inline mixers?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laizet, Sylvain; Vassilicos, John; Turbulence, Mixing; Flow Control Group Team

2011-11-01

Recently, Hurst & Vassilicos, PoF 2007, Seoud & Vassilicos, PoF 2007, Mazellier & Vassilicos, PoF, 2010 used different multiscale grids to generate turbulence in a wind tunnel and have shown that complex multiscale boundary/initial conditions can drastically influence the behaviour of a turbulent flow, but that the detailled specific nature of the multiscale geometry matters too. Multiscale (fractal) objects can be designed to be immersed in any fluid flow where there is a need to control and design the turbulence generated by the object. Different types of multiscale objects can be designed as different types of energy-efficient mixers with varying degrees of high turbulent intensities, small pressure drop and downstream distance from the grid where the turbulence is most vigorous. Here, we present a 3D DNS study of the stirring and mixing of a passive scalar by turbulence generated with either a fractal square grid or a regular grid in the presence of a mean scalar gradient. The results show that: (1) there is a linear increase for the passive scalar variance for both grids, (2) the passive scalar variance is ten times bigger for the fractal grid, (3) the passive scalar flux is constant after the production region for both grids, (4) the passive scalar flux is enhanced by an order of magnitude for the fractal grid. We acknowledge support from EPSRC, UK.

Micro-grid platform based on NODE.JS architecture, implemented in electrical network instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duque, M.; Cando, E.; Aguinaga, A.; Llulluna, F.; Jara, N.; Moreno, T.

2016-05-01

In this document, I propose a theory about the impact of systems based on microgrids in non-industrialized countries that have the goal to improve energy exploitation through alternatives methods of a clean and renewable energy generation and the creation of the app to manage the behavior of the micro-grids based on the NodeJS, Django and IOJS technologies. The micro-grids allow the optimal way to manage energy flow by electric injection directly in electric network small urban's cells in a low cost and available way. In difference from conventional systems, micro-grids can communicate between them to carry energy to places that have higher demand in accurate moments. This system does not require energy storage, so, costs are lower than conventional systems like fuel cells, solar panels or else; even though micro-grids are independent systems, they are not isolated. The impact that this analysis will generate, is the improvement of the electrical network without having greater control than an intelligent network (SMART-GRID); this leads to move to a 20% increase in energy use in a specified network; that suggest there are others sources of energy generation; but for today's needs, we need to standardize methods and remain in place to support all future technologies and the best option are the Smart Grids and Micro-Grids.

A hybrid structured-unstructured grid method for unsteady turbomachinery flow computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, Sanjay R.; Madavan, Nateri K.; Rajagopalan, R. G.

1993-01-01

A hybrid grid technique for the solution of 2D, unsteady flows is developed. This technique is capable of handling complex, multiple component geometries in relative motion, such as those encountered in turbomachinery. The numerical approach utilizes a mixed structured-unstructured zonal grid topology along with modeling equations and solution methods that are most appropriate in the individual domains, therefore combining the advantages of both structured and unstructured grid techniques.

Optimal Wind Energy Integration in Large-Scale Electric Grids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albaijat, Mohammad H.

The major concern in electric grid operation is operating under the most economical and reliable fashion to ensure affordability and continuity of electricity supply. This dissertation investigates the effects of such challenges, which affect electric grid reliability and economic operations. These challenges are: 1. Congestion of transmission lines, 2. Transmission lines expansion, 3. Large-scale wind energy integration, and 4. Phaser Measurement Units (PMUs) optimal placement for highest electric grid observability. Performing congestion analysis aids in evaluating the required increase of transmission line capacity in electric grids. However, it is necessary to evaluate expansion of transmission line capacity on methods to ensure optimal electric grid operation. Therefore, the expansion of transmission line capacity must enable grid operators to provide low-cost electricity while maintaining reliable operation of the electric grid. Because congestion affects the reliability of delivering power and increases its cost, the congestion analysis in electric grid networks is an important subject. Consequently, next-generation electric grids require novel methodologies for studying and managing congestion in electric grids. We suggest a novel method of long-term congestion management in large-scale electric grids. Owing to the complication and size of transmission line systems and the competitive nature of current grid operation, it is important for electric grid operators to determine how many transmission lines capacity to add. Traditional questions requiring answers are "Where" to add, "How much of transmission line capacity" to add, and "Which voltage level". Because of electric grid deregulation, transmission lines expansion is more complicated as it is now open to investors, whose main interest is to generate revenue, to build new transmission lines. Adding a new transmission capacity will help the system to relieve the transmission system congestion, create profit for investors for renting their transmission capacity, and cheaper electricity for end users. We propose a hybrid method based on a heuristic and deterministic method to attain new transmission lines additions and increase transmission capacity. Renewable energy resources (RES) have zero operating cost, which makes them very attractive for generation companies and market participants. In addition, RES have zero carbon emission, which helps relieve the concerns of environmental impacts of electric generation resources' carbon emission. RES are wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal. By 2030, the expectation is that more than 30% of electricity in the U.S. will come from RES. One major contributor of RES generation will be from wind energy resources (WES). Furthermore, WES will be an important component of the future generation portfolio. However, the nature of WES is that it experiences a high intermittency and volatility. Because of the great expectation of high WES penetration and the nature of such resources, researchers focus on studying the effects of such resources on the electric grid operation and its adequacy from different aspects. Additionally, current market operations of electric grids add another complication to consider while integrating RES (e.g., specifically WES). Mandates by market rules and long-term analysis of renewable penetration in large-scale electric grid are also the focus of researchers in recent years. We advocate a method for high-wind resources penetration study on large-scale electric grid operations. PMU is a geographical positioning system (GPS) based device, which provides immediate and precise measurements of voltage angle in a high-voltage transmission system. PMUs can update the status of a transmission line and related measurements (e.g., voltage magnitude and voltage phase angle) more frequently. Every second, a PMU can provide 30 samples of measurements compared to traditional systems (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition [SCADA] system), which provides one sample of measurement every 2 to 5 seconds. Because PMUs provide more measurement data samples, PMU can improve electric grid reliability and observability. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Flow simulations about steady-complex and unsteady moving configurations using structured-overlapped and unstructured grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, James C., III

1995-01-01

The limiting factor in simulating flows past realistic configurations of interest has been the discretization of the physical domain on which the governing equations of fluid flow may be solved. In an attempt to circumvent this problem, many Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) methodologies that are based on different grid generation and domain decomposition techniques have been developed. However, due to the costs involved and expertise required, very few comparative studies between these methods have been performed. In the present work, the two CFD methodologies which show the most promise for treating complex three-dimensional configurations as well as unsteady moving boundary problems are evaluated. These are namely the structured-overlapped and the unstructured grid schemes. Both methods use a cell centered, finite volume, upwind approach. The structured-overlapped algorithm uses an approximately factored, alternating direction implicit scheme to perform the time integration, whereas, the unstructured algorithm uses an explicit Runge-Kutta method. To examine the accuracy, efficiency, and limitations of each scheme, they are applied to the same steady complex multicomponent configurations and unsteady moving boundary problems. The steady complex cases consist of computing the subsonic flow about a two-dimensional high-lift multielement airfoil and the transonic flow about a three-dimensional wing/pylon/finned store assembly. The unsteady moving boundary problems are a forced pitching oscillation of an airfoil in a transonic freestream and a two-dimensional, subsonic airfoil/store separation sequence. Accuracy was accessed through the comparison of computed and experimentally measured pressure coefficient data on several of the wing/pylon/finned store assembly's components and at numerous angles-of-attack for the pitching airfoil. From this study, it was found that both the structured-overlapped and the unstructured grid schemes yielded flow solutions of comparable accuracy for these simulations. This study also indicated that, overall, the structured-overlapped scheme was slightly more CPU efficient than the unstructured approach.

Surface grid generation for complex three-dimensional geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luh, Raymond Ching-Chung

1988-01-01

An outline is presented for the creation of surface grids from primitive geometry data such as obtained from CAD/CAM systems. The general procedure is applicable to any geometry including full aircraft with wing, nacelle, and empennage. When developed in an interactive graphics environment, a code based on this procedure is expected to substantially improve the turn around time for generating surface grids on complex geometries. Results are shown for a general hypersonic airplane geometry.

Surface grid generation for complex three-dimensional geometries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luh, Raymond Ching-Chung

1988-01-01

An outline is presented for the creation of surface grids from primitive geometry data such as obtained from CAD/CAM systems. The general procedure is applicable to any geometry including full aircraft with wing, nacelle, and empennage. When developed in an interactive graphics environment, a code base on this procedure is expected to substantially improve the turn around time for generating surface grids on complex geometries. Results are shown for a general hypersonic airplane geometry.

7 CFR 1709.109 - Eligible projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation... improvement of: (a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services... electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community...

Sherry Stout | NREL

Science.gov Websites

works on international programs where she focuses on grid integration of distributed renewable works on resilience issues including distributed generation and microgrids for energy system resilience Communities Water, Energy, Food Nexus Planning and Analysis Grid Integration of Distributed Generation

7 CFR 1709.109 - Eligible projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation... improvement of: (a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services... electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community...

7 CFR 1709.109 - Eligible projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation... improvement of: (a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services... electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community...

7 CFR 1709.109 - Eligible projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation... improvement of: (a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services... electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community...

7 CFR 1709.109 - Eligible projects.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... through on-grid and off-grid renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and energy conservation... improvement of: (a) Electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities, equipment, and services... electric power generation, water or space heating, or process heating and power for the eligible community...

Two and three dimensional grid generation by an algebraic homotopy procedure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moitra, Anutosh

1990-01-01

An algebraic method for generating two- and three-dimensional grid systems for aerospace vehicles is presented. The method is based on algebraic procedures derived from homotopic relations for blending between inner and outer boundaries of any given configuration. Stable properties of homotopic maps have been exploited to provide near-orthogonality and specified constant spacing at the inner boundary. The method has been successfully applied to analytically generated blended wing-body configurations as well as discretely defined geometries such as the High-Speed Civil Transport Aircraft. Grid examples representative of the capabilities of the method are presented.

GRAPEVINE: Grids about anything by Poisson's equation in a visually interactive networking environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, Reese L.; Mccann, Karen

1992-01-01

A proven 3-D multiple-block elliptic grid generator, designed to run in 'batch mode' on a supercomputer, is improved by the creation of a modern graphical user interface (GUI) running on a workstation. The two parts are connected in real time by a network. The resultant system offers a significant speedup in the process of preparing and formatting input data and the ability to watch the grid solution converge by replotting the grid at each iteration step. The result is a reduction in user time and CPU time required to generate the grid and an enhanced understanding of the elliptic solution process. This software system, called GRAPEVINE, is described, and certain observations are made concerning the creation of such software.

Aeroacoustic Simulation of Nose Landing Gear on Adaptive Unstructured Grids With FUN3D

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vatsa, Veer N.; Khorrami, Mehdi R.; Park, Michael A.; Lockard, David P.

2013-01-01

Numerical simulations have been performed for a partially-dressed, cavity-closed nose landing gear configuration that was tested in NASA Langley s closed-wall Basic Aerodynamic Research Tunnel (BART) and in the University of Florida's open-jet acoustic facility known as the UFAFF. The unstructured-grid flow solver FUN3D, developed at NASA Langley Research center, is used to compute the unsteady flow field for this configuration. Starting with a coarse grid, a series of successively finer grids were generated using the adaptive gridding methodology available in the FUN3D code. A hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/large eddy simulation (RANS/LES) turbulence model is used for these computations. Time-averaged and instantaneous solutions obtained on these grids are compared with the measured data. In general, the correlation with the experimental data improves with grid refinement. A similar trend is observed for sound pressure levels obtained by using these CFD solutions as input to a FfowcsWilliams-Hawkings noise propagation code to compute the farfield noise levels. In general, the numerical solutions obtained on adapted grids compare well with the hand-tuned enriched fine grid solutions and experimental data. In addition, the grid adaption strategy discussed here simplifies the grid generation process, and results in improved computational efficiency of CFD simulations.

Challenges to Computational Aerothermodynamic Simulation and Validation for Planetary Entry Vehicle Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gnoffo, Peter A.; Johnston, Christopher O.; Kleb, Bil

2010-01-01

Challenges to computational aerothermodynamic (CA) simulation and validation of hypersonic flow over planetary entry vehicles are discussed. Entry, descent, and landing (EDL) of high mass to Mars is a significant driver of new simulation requirements. These requirements include simulation of large deployable, flexible structures and interactions with reaction control system (RCS) and retro-thruster jets. Simulation of radiation and ablation coupled to the flow solver continues to be a high priority for planetary entry analyses, especially for return to Earth and outer planet missions. Three research areas addressing these challenges are emphasized. The first addresses the need to obtain accurate heating on unstructured tetrahedral grid systems to take advantage of flexibility in grid generation and grid adaptation. A multi-dimensional inviscid flux reconstruction algorithm is defined that is oriented with local flow topology as opposed to grid. The second addresses coupling of radiation and ablation to the hypersonic flow solver - flight- and ground-based data are used to provide limited validation of these multi-physics simulations. The third addresses the challenges of retro-propulsion simulation and the criticality of grid adaptation in this application. The evolution of CA to become a tool for innovation of EDL systems requires a successful resolution of these challenges.

Network topology and resilience analysis of South Korean power grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Hwan; Eisenberg, Daniel A.; Chun, Yeong Han; Park, Jeryang

2017-01-01

In this work, we present topological and resilience analyses of the South Korean power grid (KPG) with a broad voltage level. While topological analysis of KPG only with high-voltage infrastructure shows an exponential degree distribution, providing another empirical evidence of power grid topology, the inclusion of low voltage components generates a distribution with a larger variance and a smaller average degree. This result suggests that the topology of a power grid may converge to a highly skewed degree distribution if more low-voltage data is considered. Moreover, when compared to ER random and BA scale-free networks, the KPG has a lower efficiency and a higher clustering coefficient, implying that highly clustered structure does not necessarily guarantee a functional efficiency of a network. Error and attack tolerance analysis, evaluated with efficiency, indicate that the KPG is more vulnerable to random or degree-based attacks than betweenness-based intentional attack. Cascading failure analysis with recovery mechanism demonstrates that resilience of the network depends on both tolerance capacity and recovery initiation time. Also, when the two factors are fixed, the KPG is most vulnerable among the three networks. Based on our analysis, we propose that the topology of power grids should be designed so the loads are homogeneously distributed, or functional hubs and their neighbors have high tolerance capacity to enhance resilience.

A time-efficient algorithm for implementing the Catmull-Clark subdivision method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioannou, G.; Savva, A.; Stylianou, V.

2015-10-01

Splines are the most popular methods in Figure Modeling and CAGD (Computer Aided Geometric Design) in generating smooth surfaces from a number of control points. The control points define the shape of a figure and splines calculate the required number of points which when displayed on a computer screen the result is a smooth surface. However, spline methods are based on a rectangular topological structure of points, i.e., a two-dimensional table of vertices, and thus cannot generate complex figures, such as the human and animal bodies that their complex structure does not allow them to be defined by a regular rectangular grid. On the other hand surface subdivision methods, which are derived by splines, generate surfaces which are defined by an arbitrary topology of control points. This is the reason that during the last fifteen years subdivision methods have taken the lead over regular spline methods in all areas of modeling in both industry and research. The cost of executing computer software developed to read control points and calculate the surface is run-time, due to the fact that the surface-structure required for handling arbitrary topological grids is very complicate. There are many software programs that have been developed related to the implementation of subdivision surfaces however, not many algorithms are documented in the literature, to support developers for writing efficient code. This paper aims to assist programmers by presenting a time-efficient algorithm for implementing subdivision splines. The Catmull-Clark which is the most popular of the subdivision methods has been employed to illustrate the algorithm.

Verification of fluid-structure-interaction algorithms through the method of manufactured solutions for actuator-line applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayakumar, Ganesh; Sprague, Michael

2017-11-01

Demonstrating expected convergence rates with spatial- and temporal-grid refinement is the ``gold standard'' of code and algorithm verification. However, the lack of analytical solutions and generating manufactured solutions presents challenges for verifying codes for complex systems. The application of the method of manufactured solutions (MMS) for verification for coupled multi-physics phenomena like fluid-structure interaction (FSI) has only seen recent investigation. While many FSI algorithms for aeroelastic phenomena have focused on boundary-resolved CFD simulations, the actuator-line representation of the structure is widely used for FSI simulations in wind-energy research. In this work, we demonstrate the verification of an FSI algorithm using MMS for actuator-line CFD simulations with a simplified structural model. We use a manufactured solution for the fluid velocity field and the displacement of the SMD system. We demonstrate the convergence of both the fluid and structural solver to second-order accuracy with grid and time-step refinement. This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Wind Energy Technologies Office, under Contract No. DE-AC36-08-GO28308 with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

A solution-adaptive hybrid-grid method for the unsteady analysis of turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, Sanjay R.; Madavan, Nateri K.; Rajagopalan, R. G.

1993-01-01

A solution-adaptive method for the time-accurate analysis of two-dimensional flows in turbomachinery is described. The method employs a hybrid structured-unstructured zonal grid topology in conjunction with appropriate modeling equations and solution techniques in each zone. The viscous flow region in the immediate vicinity of the airfoils is resolved on structured O-type grids while the rest of the domain is discretized using an unstructured mesh of triangular cells. Implicit, third-order accurate, upwind solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained in the inner regions. In the outer regions, the Euler equations are solved using an explicit upwind scheme that incorporates a second-order reconstruction procedure. An efficient and robust grid adaptation strategy, including both grid refinement and coarsening capabilities, is developed for the unstructured grid regions. Grid adaptation is also employed to facilitate information transfer at the interfaces between unstructured grids in relative motion. Results for grid adaptation to various features pertinent to turbomachinery flows are presented. Good comparisons between the present results and experimental measurements and earlier structured-grid results are obtained.

The 3DGRAPE book: Theory, users' manual, examples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, Reese L.

1989-01-01

A users' manual for a new three-dimensional grid generator called 3DGRAPE is presented. The program, written in FORTRAN, is capable of making zonal (blocked) computational grids in or about almost any shape. Grids are generated by the solution of Poisson's differential equations in three dimensions. The program automatically finds its own values for inhomogeneous terms which give near-orthogonality and controlled grid cell height at boundaries. Grids generated by 3DGRAPE have been applied to both viscous and inviscid aerodynamic problems, and to problems in other fluid-dynamic areas. The smoothness for which elliptic methods are known is seen here, including smoothness across zonal boundaries. An introduction giving the history, motivation, capabilities, and philosophy of 3DGRAPE is presented first. Then follows a chapter on the program itself. The input is then described in detail. A chapter on reading the output and debugging follows. Three examples are then described, including sample input data and plots of output. Last is a chapter on the theoretical development of the method.

Boosting CSP Production with Thermal Energy Storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Denholm, P.; Mehos, M.

2012-06-01

Combining concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage shows promise for increasing grid flexibility by providing firm system capacity with a high ramp rate and acceptable part-load operation. When backed by energy storage capability, CSP can supplement photovoltaics by adding generation from solar resources during periods of low solar insolation. The falling cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) - generated electricity has led to a rapid increase in the deployment of PV and projections that PV could play a significant role in the future U.S. electric sector. The solar resource itself is virtually unlimited; however, the actual contribution of PVmore » electricity is limited by several factors related to the current grid. The first is the limited coincidence between the solar resource and normal electricity demand patterns. The second is the limited flexibility of conventional generators to accommodate this highly variable generation resource. At high penetration of solar generation, increased grid flexibility will be needed to fully utilize the variable and uncertain output from PV generation and to shift energy production to periods of high demand or reduced solar output. Energy storage is one way to increase grid flexibility, and many storage options are available or under development. In this article, however, we consider a technology already beginning to be used at scale - thermal energy storage (TES) deployed with concentrating solar power (CSP). PV and CSP are both deployable in areas of high direct normal irradiance such as the U.S. Southwest. The role of these two technologies is dependent on their costs and relative value, including how their value to the grid changes as a function of what percentage of total generation they contribute to the grid, and how they may actually work together to increase overall usefulness of the solar resource. Both PV and CSP use solar energy to generate electricity. A key difference is the ability of CSP to utilize high-efficiency TES, which turns CSP into a partially dispatchable resource. The addition of TES produces additional value by shifting the delivery of solar energy to periods of peak demand, providing firm capacity and ancillary services, and reducing integration challenges. Given the dispatchability of CSP enabled by TES, it is possible that PV and CSP are at least partially complementary. The dispatchability of CSP with TES can enable higher overall penetration of the grid by solar energy by providing solar-generated electricity during periods of cloudy weather or at night, when PV-generated power is unavailable. Such systems also have the potential to improve grid flexibility, thereby enabling greater penetration of PV energy (and other variable generation sources such as wind) than if PV were deployed without CSP.« less

The fundamentals of adaptive grid movement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiseman, Peter R.

1990-01-01

Basic grid point movement schemes are studied. The schemes are referred to as adaptive grids. Weight functions and equidistribution in one dimension are treated. The specification of coefficients in the linear weight, attraction to a given grid or a curve, and evolutionary forces are considered. Curve by curve and finite volume methods are described. The temporal coupling of partial differential equations solvers and grid generators was discussed.

Spectral structure and linear mechanisms in a 'rapidly' distorted boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diwan, Sourabh; Morrison, Jonathan

2016-11-01

A characteristic feature of a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) at high Reynolds numbers is the presence of coherent motions such as the 'large scale motions' and 'superstructures'. In this work we attempt to mimic such coherent motions and their spectral structure using a simplified experimental arrangement of a boundary layer flow over a flat plate subjected to grid-generated turbulence and/or localized patch of surface roughness. The velocity measurements done downstream of a grit roughness patch (in absence of grid turbulence) show that over a certain distance the energy spectrum of streamwise velocity fluctuations shows a bi-modal shape which resembles that found in a high-Re TBL. We also carry out experiments with both grid turbulence and grit roughness present and show that it is possible to 'synthesize' the structure of a TBL in the wall-normal direction, in the limited context of streamwise coherent motions, using the present experimental design. These results indicate that the predictions of the Rapid Distortion Theory (RDT) can be applied to the present case in a region close to the plate leading edge, and we examine the linearized effects of 'blocking' and 'shear' on turbulent fluctuations near the edge of the boundary layer and close to the wall in the framework of the RDT. We acknowledge financial support from EPSRC (Grant No. EP/1037938).

Rapid Design of Knowledge-Based Scoring Potentials for Enrichment of Near-Native Geometries in Protein-Protein Docking.

PubMed

Sasse, Alexander; de Vries, Sjoerd J; Schindler, Christina E M; de Beauchêne, Isaure Chauvot; Zacharias, Martin

2017-01-01

Protein-protein docking protocols aim to predict the structures of protein-protein complexes based on the structure of individual partners. Docking protocols usually include several steps of sampling, clustering, refinement and re-scoring. The scoring step is one of the bottlenecks in the performance of many state-of-the-art protocols. The performance of scoring functions depends on the quality of the generated structures and its coupling to the sampling algorithm. A tool kit, GRADSCOPT (GRid Accelerated Directly SCoring OPTimizing), was designed to allow rapid development and optimization of different knowledge-based scoring potentials for specific objectives in protein-protein docking. Different atomistic and coarse-grained potentials can be created by a grid-accelerated directly scoring dependent Monte-Carlo annealing or by a linear regression optimization. We demonstrate that the scoring functions generated by our approach are similar to or even outperform state-of-the-art scoring functions for predicting near-native solutions. Of additional importance, we find that potentials specifically trained to identify the native bound complex perform rather poorly on identifying acceptable or medium quality (near-native) solutions. In contrast, atomistic long-range contact potentials can increase the average fraction of near-native poses by up to a factor 2.5 in the best scored 1% decoys (compared to existing scoring), emphasizing the need of specific docking potentials for different steps in the docking protocol.

Euler Technology Assessment for Preliminary Aircraft Design-Unstructured/Structured Grid NASTD Application for Aerodynamic Analysis of an Advanced Fighter/Tailless Configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michal, Todd R.

1998-01-01

This study supports the NASA Langley sponsored project aimed at determining the viability of using Euler technology for preliminary design use. The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the Boeing, St. Louis unstructured grid flow field analysis system, consisting of the MACGS grid generation and NASTD flow solver codes. Euler solutions about the Aero Configuration/Weapons Fighter Technology (ACWFT) 1204 aircraft configuration were generated. Several variations of the geometry were investigated including a standard wing, cambered wing, deflected elevon, and deflected body flap. A wide range of flow conditions, most of which were in the non-linear regimes of the flight envelope, including variations in speed (subsonic, transonic, supersonic), angles of attack, and sideslip were investigated. Several flowfield non-linearities were present in these solutions including shock waves, vortical flows and the resulting interactions. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by comparing solutions with test data and Navier-Stokes solutions. The ability to accurately predict lateral-directional characteristics and control effectiveness was investigated by computing solutions with sideslip, and with deflected control surfaces. Problem set up times and computational resource requirements were documented and used to evaluate the efficiency of this approach for use in the fast paced preliminary design environment.

Application of advanced grid generation techniques for flow field computations about complex configurations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kathong, Monchai; Tiwari, Surendra N.

1988-01-01

In the computation of flowfields about complex configurations, it is very difficult to construct a boundary-fitted coordinate system. An alternative approach is to use several grids at once, each of which is generated independently. This procedure is called the multiple grids or zonal grids approach; its applications are investigated. The method conservative providing conservation of fluxes at grid interfaces. The Euler equations are solved numerically on such grids for various configurations. The numerical scheme used is the finite-volume technique with a three-stage Runge-Kutta time integration. The code is vectorized and programmed to run on the CDC VPS-32 computer. Steady state solutions of the Euler equations are presented and discussed. The solutions include: low speed flow over a sphere, high speed flow over a slender body, supersonic flow through a duct, and supersonic internal/external flow interaction for an aircraft configuration at various angles of attack. The results demonstrate that the multiple grids approach along with the conservative interfacing is capable of computing the flows about the complex configurations where the use of a single grid system is not possible.

Energy Management and Optimization Methods for Grid Energy Storage Systems

DOE PAGES

Byrne, Raymond H.; Nguyen, Tu A.; Copp, David A.; ...

2017-08-24

Today, the stability of the electric power grid is maintained through real time balancing of generation and demand. Grid scale energy storage systems are increasingly being deployed to provide grid operators the flexibility needed to maintain this balance. Energy storage also imparts resiliency and robustness to the grid infrastructure. Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of large scale energy storage systems. This growth has been driven by improvements in the cost and performance of energy storage technologies and the need to accommodate distributed generation, as well as incentives and government mandates. Energymore » management systems (EMSs) and optimization methods are required to effectively and safely utilize energy storage as a flexible grid asset that can provide multiple grid services. The EMS needs to be able to accommodate a variety of use cases and regulatory environments. In this paper, we provide a brief history of grid-scale energy storage, an overview of EMS architectures, and a summary of the leading applications for storage. These serve as a foundation for a discussion of EMS optimization methods and design.« less

Energy Management and Optimization Methods for Grid Energy Storage Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Byrne, Raymond H.; Nguyen, Tu A.; Copp, David A.

Today, the stability of the electric power grid is maintained through real time balancing of generation and demand. Grid scale energy storage systems are increasingly being deployed to provide grid operators the flexibility needed to maintain this balance. Energy storage also imparts resiliency and robustness to the grid infrastructure. Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the deployment of large scale energy storage systems. This growth has been driven by improvements in the cost and performance of energy storage technologies and the need to accommodate distributed generation, as well as incentives and government mandates. Energymore » management systems (EMSs) and optimization methods are required to effectively and safely utilize energy storage as a flexible grid asset that can provide multiple grid services. The EMS needs to be able to accommodate a variety of use cases and regulatory environments. In this paper, we provide a brief history of grid-scale energy storage, an overview of EMS architectures, and a summary of the leading applications for storage. These serve as a foundation for a discussion of EMS optimization methods and design.« less

Modelling effects on grid cells of sensory input during self‐motion

PubMed Central

Raudies, Florian; Hinman, James R.

2016-01-01

Abstract The neural coding of spatial location for memory function may involve grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex, but the mechanism of generating the spatial responses of grid cells remains unclear. This review describes some current theories and experimental data concerning the role of sensory input in generating the regular spatial firing patterns of grid cells, and changes in grid cell firing fields with movement of environmental barriers. As described here, the influence of visual features on spatial firing could involve either computations of self‐motion based on optic flow, or computations of absolute position based on the angle and distance of static visual cues. Due to anatomical selectivity of retinotopic processing, the sensory features on the walls of an environment may have a stronger effect on ventral grid cells that have wider spaced firing fields, whereas the sensory features on the ground plane may influence the firing of dorsal grid cells with narrower spacing between firing fields. These sensory influences could contribute to the potential functional role of grid cells in guiding goal‐directed navigation. PMID:27094096

ITERATIVE SCATTER CORRECTION FOR GRID-LESS BEDSIDE CHEST RADIOGRAPHY: PERFORMANCE FOR A CHEST PHANTOM.

PubMed

Mentrup, Detlef; Jockel, Sascha; Menser, Bernd; Neitzel, Ulrich

2016-06-01

The aim of this work was to experimentally compare the contrast improvement factors (CIFs) of a newly developed software-based scatter correction to the CIFs achieved by an antiscatter grid. To this end, three aluminium discs were placed in the lung, the retrocardial and the abdominal areas of a thorax phantom, and digital radiographs of the phantom were acquired both with and without a stationary grid. The contrast generated by the discs was measured in both images, and the CIFs achieved by grid usage were determined for each disc. Additionally, the non-grid images were processed with a scatter correction software. The contrasts generated by the discs were determined in the scatter-corrected images, and the corresponding CIFs were calculated. The CIFs obtained with the grid and with the software were in good agreement. In conclusion, the experiment demonstrates quantitatively that software-based scatter correction allows restoring the image contrast of a non-grid image in a manner comparable with an antiscatter grid. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

User's manual for the HYPGEN hyperbolic grid generator and the HGUI graphical user interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, William M.; Chiu, Ing-Tsau; Buning, Pieter G.

1993-01-01

The HYPGEN program is used to generate a 3-D volume grid over a user-supplied single-block surface grid. This is accomplished by solving the 3-D hyperbolic grid generation equations consisting of two orthogonality relations and one cell volume constraint. In this user manual, the required input files and parameters and output files are described. Guidelines on how to select the input parameters are given. Illustrated examples are provided showing a variety of topologies and geometries that can be treated. HYPGEN can be used in stand-alone mode as a batch program or it can be called from within a graphical user interface HGUI that runs on Silicon Graphics workstations. This user manual provides a description of the menus, buttons, sliders, and typein fields in HGUI for users to enter the parameters needed to run HYPGEN. Instructions are given on how to configure the interface to allow HYPGEN to run either locally or on a faster remote machine through the use of shell scripts on UNIX operating systems. The volume grid generated is copied back to the local machine for visualization using a built-in hook to PLOT3D.

The HEPiX Virtualisation Working Group: Towards a Grid of Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cass, Tony

2012-12-01

The use of virtual machine images, as for example with Cloud services such as Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud, is attractive for users as they have a guaranteed execution environment, something that cannot today be provided across sites participating in computing grids such as the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid. However, Grid sites often operate within computer security frameworks which preclude the use of remotely generated images. The HEPiX Virtualisation Working Group was setup with the objective to enable use of remotely generated virtual machine images at Grid sites and, to this end, has introduced the idea of trusted virtual machine images which are guaranteed to be secure and configurable by sites such that security policy commitments can be met. This paper describes the requirements and details of these trusted virtual machine images and presents a model for their use to facilitate the integration of Grid- and Cloud-based computing environments for High Energy Physics.

Smart Grid Status and Metrics Report Appendices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balducci, Patrick J.; Antonopoulos, Chrissi A.; Clements, Samuel L.

A smart grid uses digital power control and communication technology to improve the reliability, security, flexibility, and efficiency of the electric system, from large generation through the delivery systems to electricity consumers and a growing number of distributed generation and storage resources. To convey progress made in achieving the vision of a smart grid, this report uses a set of six characteristics derived from the National Energy Technology Laboratory Modern Grid Strategy. The Smart Grid Status and Metrics Report defines and examines 21 metrics that collectively provide insight into the grid’s capacity to embody these characteristics. This appendix presents papersmore » covering each of the 21 metrics identified in Section 2.1 of the Smart Grid Status and Metrics Report. These metric papers were prepared in advance of the main body of the report and collectively form its informational backbone.« less

Power control and management of the grid containing largescale wind power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aula, Fadhil Toufick

The ever increasing demand for electricity has driven many countries toward the installation of new generation facilities. However, concerns such as environmental pollution and global warming issues, clean energy sources, high costs associated with installation of new conventional power plants, and fossil fuels depletion have created many interests in finding alternatives to conventional fossil fuels for generating electricity. Wind energy is one of the most rapidly growing renewable power sources and wind power generations have been increasingly demanded as an alternative to the conventional fossil fuels. However, wind power fluctuates due to variation of wind speed. Therefore, large-scale integration of wind energy conversion systems is a threat to the stability and reliability of utility grids containing these systems. They disturb the balance between power generation and consumption, affect the quality of the electricity, and complicate load sharing and load distribution managing and planning. Overall, wind power systems do not help in providing any services such as operating and regulating reserves to the power grid. In order to resolve these issues, research has been conducted in utilizing weather forecasting data to improve the performance of the wind power system, reduce the influence of the fluctuations, and plan power management of the grid containing large-scale wind power systems which consist of doubly-fed induction generator based energy conversion system. The aims of this research, my dissertation, are to provide new methods for: smoothing the output power of the wind power systems and reducing the influence of their fluctuations, power managing and planning of a grid containing these systems and other conventional power plants, and providing a new structure of implementing of latest microprocessor technology for controlling and managing the operation of the wind power system. In this research, in order to reduce and smooth the fluctuations, two methods are presented. The first method is based on a de-loaded technique while the other method is based on utilizing multiple storage facilities. The de-loaded technique is based on characteristics of the power of a wind turbine and estimation of the generated power according to weather forecasting data. The technique provides a reference power by which the wind power system will operate and generate a smooth power. In contrast, utilizing storage facilities will allow the wind power system to operate at its maximum tracking power points' strategy. Two types of energy storages are considered in this research, battery energy storage system (BESS) and pumped-hydropower storage system (PHSS), to suppress the output fluctuations and to support the wind power system to follow the system load demands. Furthermore, this method provides the ability to store energy when there is a surplus of the generated power and to reuse it when there is a shortage of power generation from wind power systems. Both methods are new in terms of utilizing of the techniques and wind speed data. A microprocessor embedded system using an IntelRTM Atom(TM) processor is presented for controlling the wind power system and for providing the remote communication for enhancing the operation of the individual wind power system in a wind farm. The embedded system helps the wind power system to respond and to follow the commands of the central control of the power system. Moreover, it enhances the performance of the wind power system through self-managing, self-functioning, and self-correcting. Finally, a method of system power management and planning is modeled and studied for a grid containing large-scale wind power systems. The method is based on a new technique through constructing a new load demand curve (NLDC) from merging the estimation of generated power from wind power systems and forecasting of the load. To summarize, the methods and their results presented in this dissertation, enhance the operation of the large-scale wind power systems and reduce their drawbacks on the operation of the power grid.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deka, Deepjyoti; Backhaus, Scott N.; Chertkov, Michael

Limited placement of real-time monitoring devices in the distribution grid, recent trends notwithstanding, has prevented the easy implementation of demand-response and other smart grid applications. Part I of this paper discusses the problem of learning the operational structure of the grid from nodal voltage measurements. In this work (Part II), the learning of the operational radial structure is coupled with the problem of estimating nodal consumption statistics and inferring the line parameters in the grid. Based on a Linear-Coupled(LC) approximation of AC power flows equations, polynomial time algorithms are designed to identify the structure and estimate nodal load characteristics and/ormore » line parameters in the grid using the available nodal voltage measurements. Then the structure learning algorithm is extended to cases with missing data, where available observations are limited to a fraction of the grid nodes. The efficacy of the presented algorithms are demonstrated through simulations on several distribution test cases.« less

Application of active quenching of second generation wire for current limiting

DOE PAGES

Solovyov, Vyacheslav F.; Li, Qiang

2015-10-19

Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL's) are increasingly implemented in the power grid as a protection of substation equipment from fault currents. Resistive SFCL's are compact and light, however they are passively triggered and thus may not be sufficiently sensitive to respond to faults in the distribution grid. Here, we explore the prospect of adding an active management feature to a traditional resistive SFCL. A flexible radio-frequency coil, which is an integral part of the switching structure, acts as a triggering device. We show that the application of a short, 10 ms, burst of ac magnetic field during the fault triggersmore » a uniform quench of the wire and significantly reduces the reaction time of the wire at low currents. The ac field burst generates a high density of normal zones, which merge into a continuous resistive region at a rate much faster than that of sparse normal zones created by the transport current alone.« less

Millimeter-wave monolithic diode-grid frequency multiplier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maserjian, Joseph (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A semiconductor diode structure useful for harmonic generation of millimeter or submillimeter wave radiation from a fundamental input wave is fabricated on a GaAs substrate. A heavily doped layer of n(sup ++) GaAs is produced on the substrate and then a layer of intrinsic GaAs on said heavily doped layer on top of which a sheet of heavy doping (++) is produced. A thin layer of intrinsic GaAs grown over the sheet is capped with two metal contacts separated by a gap to produce two diodes connected back to back through the n(sup ++) layer for multiplication of frequency by an odd multiple. If only one metal contact caps the thin layer of intrinsic GaAs, the second diode contact is produced to connect to the n(sup ++) layer for multiplication of frequency by an even number. The odd or even frequency multiple is selected by a filter. A phased array of diodes in a grid will increase the power of the higher frequency generated.

Global renewable energy-based electricity generation and smart grid system for energy security.

PubMed

Islam, M A; Hasanuzzaman, M; Rahim, N A; Nahar, A; Hosenuzzaman, M

2014-01-01

Energy is an indispensable factor for the economic growth and development of a country. Energy consumption is rapidly increasing worldwide. To fulfill this energy demand, alternative energy sources and efficient utilization are being explored. Various sources of renewable energy and their efficient utilization are comprehensively reviewed and presented in this paper. Also the trend in research and development for the technological advancement of energy utilization and smart grid system for future energy security is presented. Results show that renewable energy resources are becoming more prevalent as more electricity generation becomes necessary and could provide half of the total energy demands by 2050. To satisfy the future energy demand, the smart grid system can be used as an efficient system for energy security. The smart grid also delivers significant environmental benefits by conservation and renewable generation integration.

Global Renewable Energy-Based Electricity Generation and Smart Grid System for Energy Security

PubMed Central

Islam, M. A.; Hasanuzzaman, M.; Rahim, N. A.; Nahar, A.; Hosenuzzaman, M.

2014-01-01

Energy is an indispensable factor for the economic growth and development of a country. Energy consumption is rapidly increasing worldwide. To fulfill this energy demand, alternative energy sources and efficient utilization are being explored. Various sources of renewable energy and their efficient utilization are comprehensively reviewed and presented in this paper. Also the trend in research and development for the technological advancement of energy utilization and smart grid system for future energy security is presented. Results show that renewable energy resources are becoming more prevalent as more electricity generation becomes necessary and could provide half of the total energy demands by 2050. To satisfy the future energy demand, the smart grid system can be used as an efficient system for energy security. The smart grid also delivers significant environmental benefits by conservation and renewable generation integration. PMID:25243201

Data Grid Management Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Reagan W.; Jagatheesan, Arun; Rajasekar, Arcot; Wan, Michael; Schroeder, Wayne

2004-01-01

The "Grid" is an emerging infrastructure for coordinating access across autonomous organizations to distributed, heterogeneous computation and data resources. Data grids are being built around the world as the next generation data handling systems for sharing, publishing, and preserving data residing on storage systems located in multiple administrative domains. A data grid provides logical namespaces for users, digital entities and storage resources to create persistent identifiers for controlling access, enabling discovery, and managing wide area latencies. This paper introduces data grids and describes data grid use cases. The relevance of data grids to digital libraries and persistent archives is demonstrated, and research issues in data grids and grid dataflow management systems are discussed.

Evaluation of truncation error and adaptive grid generation for the transonic full potential flow calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakamura, S.

1983-01-01

The effects of truncation error on the numerical solution of transonic flows using the full potential equation are studied. The effects of adapting grid point distributions to various solution aspects including shock waves is also discussed. A conclusion is that a rapid change of grid spacing is damaging to the accuracy of the flow solution. Therefore, in a solution adaptive grid application an optimal grid is obtained as a tradeoff between the amount of grid refinement and the rate of grid stretching.

Further Improvement in 3DGRAPE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen

2004-01-01

3DGRAPE/AL:V2 denotes version 2 of the Three-Dimensional Grids About Anything by Poisson's Equation with Upgrades from Ames and Langley computer program. The preceding version, 3DGRAPE/AL, was described in Improved 3DGRAPE (ARC-14069) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 21, No. 5 (May 1997), page 66. These programs are so named because they generate volume grids by iteratively solving Poisson's Equation in three dimensions. The grids generated by the various versions of 3DGRAPE have been used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The main novel feature of 3DGRAPE/AL:V2 is the incorporation of an optional scheme in which anisotropic Lagrange-based trans-finite interpolation (ALBTFI) is coupled with exponential decay functions to compute and blend interior source terms. In the input to 3DGRAPE/AL:V2 the user can specify whether or not to invoke ALBTFI in combination with exponential-decay controls, angles, and cell size for controlling the character of grid lines. Of the known programs that solve elliptic partial differential equations for generating grids, 3DGRAPE/AL:V2 is the only code that offers a combination of speed and versatility with most options for controlling the densities and other characteristics of grids for CFD.

Selection of battery technology to support grid-integrated renewable electricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leadbetter, Jason; Swan, Lukas G.

2012-10-01

Operation of the electricity grid has traditionally been done using slow responding base and intermediate load generators with fast responding peak load generators to capture the chaotic behavior of end-use demands. Many modern electricity grids are implementing intermittent non-dispatchable renewable energy resources. As a result, the existing support services are becoming inadequate and technological innovation in grid support services are necessary. Support services fall into short (seconds to minutes), medium (minutes to hours), and long duration (several hours) categories. Energy storage offers a method of providing these services and can enable increased penetration rates of renewable energy generators. Many energy storage technologies exist. Of these, batteries span a significant range of required storage capacity and power output. By assessing the energy to power ratio of electricity grid services, suitable battery technologies were selected. These include lead-acid, lithium-ion, sodium-sulfur, and vanadium-redox. Findings show the variety of grid services require different battery technologies and batteries are capable of meeting the short, medium, and long duration categories. A brief review of each battery technology and its present state of development, commercial implementation, and research frontiers is presented to support these classifications.

Demonstration of Active Power Controls by Utility-Scale PV Power Plant in an Island Grid: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gevorgian, Vahan; O'Neill, Barbara

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), AES, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority conducted a demonstration project on a utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) plant to test the viability of providing important ancillary services from this facility. As solar generation increases globally, there is a need for innovation and increased operational flexibility. A typical PV power plant consists of multiple power electronic inverters and can contribute to grid stability and reliability through sophisticated 'grid-friendly' controls. In this way, it may mitigate the impact of its variability on the grid and contribute to important system requirements more like traditional generators. In 2015,more » testing was completed on a 20-MW AES plant in Puerto Rico, and a large amount of test data was produced and analyzed that demonstrates the ability of PV power plants to provide various types of new grid-friendly controls. This data showed how active power controls can leverage PV's value from being simply an intermittent energy resource to providing additional ancillary services for an isolated island grid. Specifically, the tests conducted included PV plant participation in automatic generation control, provision of droop response, and fast frequency response.« less

A three-dimensional algebraic grid generation scheme for gas turbine combustors with inclined slots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, S. L.; Cline, M. C.; Chen, R.; Chang, Y. L.

1993-01-01

A 3D algebraic grid generation scheme is presented for generating the grid points inside gas turbine combustors with inclined slots. The scheme is based on the 2D transfinite interpolation method. Since the scheme is a 2D approach, it is very efficient and can easily be extended to gas turbine combustors with either dilution hole or slot configurations. To demonstrate the feasibility and the usefulness of the technique, a numerical study of the quick-quench/lean-combustion (QQ/LC) zones of a staged turbine combustor is given. Preliminary results illustrate some of the major features of the flow and temperature fields in the QQ/LC zones. Formation of co- and counter-rotating bulk flow and shape temperature fields can be observed clearly, and the resulting patterns are consistent with experimental observations typical of the confined slanted jet-in-cross flow. Numerical solutions show the method to be an efficient and reliable tool for generating computational grids for analyzing gas turbine combustors with slanted slots.

Smart grid integration of small-scale trigeneration systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vacheva, Gergana; Kanchev, Hristiyan; Hinov, Nikolay

2017-12-01

This paper presents a study on the possibilities for implementation of local heating, air-conditioning and electricity generation (trigeneration) as distributed energy resource in the Smart Grid. By the means of microturbine-based generators and absorption chillers buildings are able to meet partially or entirely their electrical load curve or even supply power to the grid by following their heating and air-conditioning daily schedule. The principles of small-scale cooling, heating and power generation systems are presented at first, then the thermal calculations of an example building are performed: the heat losses due to thermal conductivity and the estimated daily heating and air-conditioning load curves. By considering daily power consumption curves and weather data for several winter and summer days, the heating/air-conditioning schedule is estimated and the available electrical energy from a microturbine-based cogeneration system is estimated. Simulation results confirm the potential of using cogeneration and trigeneration systems for local distributed electricity generation and grid support in the daily peaks of power consumption.

Homogeneity and EPR metrics for assessment of regular grids used in CW EPR powder simulations.

PubMed

Crăciun, Cora

2014-08-01

CW EPR powder spectra may be approximated numerically using a spherical grid and a Voronoi tessellation-based cubature. For a given spin system, the quality of simulated EPR spectra depends on the grid type, size, and orientation in the molecular frame. In previous work, the grids used in CW EPR powder simulations have been compared mainly from geometric perspective. However, some grids with similar homogeneity degree generate different quality simulated spectra. This paper evaluates the grids from EPR perspective, by defining two metrics depending on the spin system characteristics and the grid Voronoi tessellation. The first metric determines if the grid points are EPR-centred in their Voronoi cells, based on the resonance magnetic field variations inside these cells. The second metric verifies if the adjacent Voronoi cells of the tessellation are EPR-overlapping, by computing the common range of their resonance magnetic field intervals. Beside a series of well known regular grids, the paper investigates a modified ZCW grid and a Fibonacci spherical code, which are new in the context of EPR simulations. For the investigated grids, the EPR metrics bring more information than the homogeneity quantities and are better related to the grids' EPR behaviour, for different spin system symmetries. The metrics' efficiency and limits are finally verified for grids generated from the initial ones, by using the original or magnetic field-constraint variants of the Spherical Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Flow characteristics and scaling past highly porous wall-mounted fences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-López, Eduardo; Bruce, Paul J. K.; Buxton, Oliver R. H.

2017-07-01

An extensive characterization of the flow past wall-mounted highly porous fences based on single- and multi-scale geometries has been performed using hot-wire anemometry in a low-speed wind tunnel. Whilst drag properties (estimated from the time-averaged momentum equation) seem to be mostly dependent on the grids' blockage ratio; wakes of different size and orientation bars seem to generate distinct behaviours regarding turbulence properties. Far from the near-grid region, the flow is dominated by the presence of two well-differentiated layers: one close to the wall dominated by the near-wall behaviour and another one corresponding to the grid's wake and shear layer, originating from between this and the freestream. It is proposed that the effective thickness of the wall layer can be inferred from the wall-normal profile of root-mean-square streamwise velocity or, alternatively, from the wall-normal profile of streamwise velocity correlation. Using these definitions of wall-layer thickness enables us to collapse different trends of the turbulence behaviour inside this layer. In particular, the root-mean-square level of the wall shear stress fluctuations, longitudinal integral length scale, and spanwise turbulent structure is shown to display a satisfactory scaling with this thickness rather than with the whole thickness of the grid's wake. Moreover, it is shown that certain grids destroy the spanwise arrangement of large turbulence structures in the logarithmic region, which are then re-formed after a particular streamwise extent. It is finally shown that for fences subject to a boundary layer of thickness comparable to their height, the effective thickness of the wall layer scales with the incoming boundary layer thickness. Analogously, it is hypothesized that the growth rate of the internal layer is also partly dependent on the incoming boundary layer thickness.

Triangle Geometry Processing for Surface Modeling and Cartesian Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aftosmis, Michael J. (Inventor); Melton, John E. (Inventor); Berger, Marsha J. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Cartesian mesh generation is accomplished for component based geometries, by intersecting components subject to mesh generation to extract wetted surfaces with a geometry engine using adaptive precision arithmetic in a system which automatically breaks ties with respect to geometric degeneracies. During volume mesh generation, intersected surface triangulations are received to enable mesh generation with cell division of an initially coarse grid. The hexagonal cells are resolved, preserving the ability to directionally divide cells which are locally well aligned.

Triangle geometry processing for surface modeling and cartesian grid generation

DOEpatents

Aftosmis, Michael J [San Mateo, CA; Melton, John E [Hollister, CA; Berger, Marsha J [New York, NY

2002-09-03

Cartesian mesh generation is accomplished for component based geometries, by intersecting components subject to mesh generation to extract wetted surfaces with a geometry engine using adaptive precision arithmetic in a system which automatically breaks ties with respect to geometric degeneracies. During volume mesh generation, intersected surface triangulations are received to enable mesh generation with cell division of an initially coarse grid. The hexagonal cells are resolved, preserving the ability to directionally divide cells which are locally well aligned.

Forecasting Wind and Solar Generation: Improving System Operations, Greening the Grid (Spanish Version)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Tian; Chernyakhovskiy, Ilya; Brancucci Martinez-Anido, Carlo

This document is the Spanish version of 'Greening the Grid- Forecasting Wind and Solar Generation Improving System Operations'. It discusses improving system operations with forecasting with and solar generation. By integrating variable renewable energy (VRE) forecasts into system operations, power system operators can anticipate up- and down-ramps in VRE generation in order to cost-effectively balance load and generation in intra-day and day-ahead scheduling. This leads to reduced fuel costs, improved system reliability, and maximum use of renewable resources.

User's guide to PMESH: A grid-generation program for single-rotation and counterrotation advanced turboprops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warsi, Saif A.

1989-01-01

A detailed operating manual is presented for a grid generating program that produces 3-D meshes for advanced turboprops. The code uses both algebraic and elliptic partial differential equation methods to generate single rotation and counterrotation, H or C type meshes for the z - r planes and H type for the z - theta planes. The code allows easy specification of geometrical constraints (such as blade angle, location of bounding surfaces, etc.), mesh control parameters (point distribution near blades and nacelle, number of grid points desired, etc.), and it has good runtime diagnostics. An overview is provided of the mesh generation procedure, sample input dataset with detailed explanation of all input, and example meshes.

Variable Grid Traveltime Tomography for Near-surface Seismic Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, A.; Zhang, J.

2017-12-01

We present a new algorithm of traveltime tomography for imaging the subsurface with automated variable grids upon geological structures. The nonlinear traveltime tomography along with Tikhonov regularization using conjugate gradient method is a conventional method for near surface imaging. However, model regularization for any regular and even grids assumes uniform resolution. From geophysical point of view, long-wavelength and large scale structures can be reliably resolved, the details along geological boundaries are difficult to resolve. Therefore, we solve a traveltime tomography problem that automatically identifies large scale structures and aggregates grids within the structures for inversion. As a result, the number of velocity unknowns is reduced significantly, and inversion intends to resolve small-scale structures or the boundaries of large-scale structures. The approach is demonstrated by tests on both synthetic and field data. One synthetic model is a buried basalt model with one horizontal layer. Using the variable grid traveltime tomography, the resulted model is more accurate in top layer velocity, and basalt blocks, and leading to a less number of grids. The field data was collected in an oil field in China. The survey was performed in an area where the subsurface structures were predominantly layered. The data set includes 476 shots with a 10 meter spacing and 1735 receivers with a 10 meter spacing. The first-arrival traveltime of the seismogram is picked for tomography. The reciprocal errors of most shots are between 2ms and 6ms. The normal tomography results in fluctuations in layers and some artifacts in the velocity model. In comparison, the implementation of new method with proper threshold provides blocky model with resolved flat layer and less artifacts. Besides, the number of grids reduces from 205,656 to 4,930 and the inversion produces higher resolution due to less unknowns and relatively fine grids in small structures. The variable grid traveltime tomography provides an alternative imaging solution for blocky structures in the subsurface and builds a good starting model for waveform inversion and statics.

Rapid Structured Volume Grid Smoothing and Adaption Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

2006-01-01

A rapid, structured volume grid smoothing and adaption technique, based on signal processing methods, was developed and applied to the Shuttle Orbiter at hypervelocity flight conditions in support of the Columbia Accident Investigation. Because of the fast pace of the investigation, computational aerothermodynamicists, applying hypersonic viscous flow solving computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes, refined and enhanced a grid for an undamaged baseline vehicle to assess a variety of damage scenarios. Of the many methods available to modify a structured grid, most are time-consuming and require significant user interaction. By casting the grid data into different coordinate systems, specifically two computational coordinates with arclength as the third coordinate, signal processing methods are used for filtering the data [Taubin, CG v/29 1995]. Using a reverse transformation, the processed data are used to smooth the Cartesian coordinates of the structured grids. By coupling the signal processing method with existing grid operations within the Volume Grid Manipulator tool, problems related to grid smoothing are solved efficiently and with minimal user interaction. Examples of these smoothing operations are illustrated for reductions in grid stretching and volume grid adaptation. In each of these examples, other techniques existed at the time of the Columbia accident, but the incorporation of signal processing techniques reduced the time to perform the corrections by nearly 60%. This reduction in time to perform the corrections therefore enabled the assessment of approximately twice the number of damage scenarios than previously possible during the allocated investigation time.

Rapid Structured Volume Grid Smoothing and Adaption Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.

2004-01-01

A rapid, structured volume grid smoothing and adaption technique, based on signal processing methods, was developed and applied to the Shuttle Orbiter at hypervelocity flight conditions in support of the Columbia Accident Investigation. Because of the fast pace of the investigation, computational aerothermodynamicists, applying hypersonic viscous flow solving computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes, refined and enhanced a grid for an undamaged baseline vehicle to assess a variety of damage scenarios. Of the many methods available to modify a structured grid, most are time-consuming and require significant user interaction. By casting the grid data into different coordinate systems, specifically two computational coordinates with arclength as the third coordinate, signal processing methods are used for filtering the data [Taubin, CG v/29 1995]. Using a reverse transformation, the processed data are used to smooth the Cartesian coordinates of the structured grids. By coupling the signal processing method with existing grid operations within the Volume Grid Manipulator tool, problems related to grid smoothing are solved efficiently and with minimal user interaction. Examples of these smoothing operations are illustrated for reduction in grid stretching and volume grid adaptation. In each of these examples, other techniques existed at the time of the Columbia accident, but the incorporation of signal processing techniques reduced the time to perform the corrections by nearly 60%. This reduction in time to perform the corrections therefore enabled the assessment of approximately twice the number of damage scenarios than previously possible during the allocated investigation time.

TBGG- INTERACTIVE ALGEBRAIC GRID GENERATION

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. E.

1994-01-01

TBGG, Two-Boundary Grid Generation, applies an interactive algebraic grid generation technique in two dimensions. The program incorporates mathematical equations that relate the computational domain to the physical domain. TBGG has application to a variety of problems using finite difference techniques, such as computational fluid dynamics. Examples include the creation of a C-type grid about an airfoil and a nozzle configuration in which no left or right boundaries are specified. The underlying two-boundary technique of grid generation is based on Hermite cubic interpolation between two fixed, nonintersecting boundaries. The boundaries are defined by two ordered sets of points, referred to as the top and bottom. Left and right side boundaries may also be specified, and call upon linear blending functions to conform interior interpolation to the side boundaries. Spacing between physical grid coordinates is determined as a function of boundary data and uniformly spaced computational coordinates. Control functions relating computational coordinates to parametric intermediate variables that affect the distance between grid points are embedded in the interpolation formulas. A versatile control function technique with smooth cubic spline functions is also presented. The TBGG program is written in FORTRAN 77. It works best in an interactive graphics environment where computational displays and user responses are quickly exchanged. The program has been implemented on a CDC Cyber 170 series computer using NOS 2.4 operating system, with a central memory requirement of 151,700 (octal) 60 bit words. TBGG requires a Tektronix 4015 terminal and the DI-3000 Graphics Library of Precision Visuals, Inc. TBGG was developed in 1986.

Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS): adding functionality while maintaining reliability and economics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bower, Ward

2011-09-01

An overview of the activities and progress made during the US DOE Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS) solicitation, while maintaining reliability and economics is provided. The SEGIS R&D opened pathways for interconnecting PV systems to intelligent utility grids and micro-grids of the future. In addition to new capabilities are "value added" features. The new hardware designs resulted in smaller, less material-intensive products that are being viewed by utilities as enabling dispatchable generation and not just unpredictable negative loads. The technical solutions enable "advanced integrated system" concepts and "smart grid" processes to move forward in a faster and focused manner. The advanced integrated inverters/controllers can now incorporate energy management functionality, intelligent electrical grid support features and a multiplicity of communication technologies. Portals for energy flow and two-way communications have been implemented. SEGIS hardware was developed for the utility grid of today, which was designed for one-way power flow, for intermediate grid scenarios, AND for the grid of tomorrow, which will seamlessly accommodate managed two-way power flows as required by large-scale deployment of solar and other distributed generation. The SEGIS hardware and control developed for today meets existing standards and codes AND provides for future connections to a "smart grid" mode that enables utility control and optimized performance.

A study on economic power dispatch grid connected PV power plant in educational institutes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Kuldip; Kumar, M. Narendra; Mishra, Satyasis

2018-04-01

India has main concerns on environment and escalation of fuel prices with respect to diminution of fossil fuel reserves and the major focus on renewable Energy sources for power generation to fulfill the present and future energy demand. Installation of PV power plants in the Educational Institutions has grown up drastically throughout India. More PV power plant are integrated with load and grid through net metering. Therefore, this paper is an analysis of the 75kWp PV plant at chosen buses, considering the need of minimum demand from the grid. The case study is carried out for different generation level throughout the day and year w.r.t load and climate changes, load sharing on grid. The economic dispatch model developed for PV plant integrated with Grid.

Dynamic analysis of combined photovoltaic source and synchronous generator connected to power grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahabal, Divya

In the world of expanding economy and technology, the energy demand is likely to increase even with the global efforts of saving and increasing energy efficiency. Higher oil prices, effects of greenhouse gases, and concerns over other environmental impacts gave way to Distributed Generation (DG). With adequate awareness and support, DG's can meet these rising energy demands at lower prices compared to conventional methods. Extensive research is taking place in different areas like fuel cells, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, and gas turbines. DG's when connected to a grid increase the overall efficiency of the power grid. It is believed that three-fifth of the world's electricity would account for renewable energy by middle of 21st century. This thesis presents the dynamic analysis of a grid connected photovoltaic (PV) system and synchronous generator. A grid is considered as an infinite bus. The photovol-taic system and synchronous generator act as small scale distributed energy resources. The output of the photovoltaic system depends on the light intensity, temperature, and irradiance levels of sun. The maximum power point tracking and DC/AC converter are also modeled for the photovoltaic system. The PV system is connected to the grid through DC/AC system. Different combinations of PV and synchronous generator are modeled with the grid to study the dynamics of the proposed system. The dynamics of the test system is analyzed by subjecting the system to several disturbances under various conditions. All modules are individually modeled and con-nected using MATLAB/Simulink software package. Results from the study show that, as the penetration of renewable energy sources like PV increases into the power system, the dynamics of the system becomes faster. When considering cases such as load switching, PV cannot deliver more power as the performance of PV depends on environmental conditions. Synchronous generator in power system can produce the required amount of power. As the main aim of this research is to use renewable sources like PV in the system, it is advantageous to use a combination of both PV and synchronous generator in the system.

Advanced data structures for the interpretation of image and cartographic data in geo-based information systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peuquet, D. J.

1986-01-01

A growing need to usse geographic information systems (GIS) to improve the flexibility and overall performance of very large, heterogeneous data bases was examined. The Vaster structure and the Topological Grid structure were compared to test whether such hybrid structures represent an improvement in performance. The use of artificial intelligence in a geographic/earth sciences data base context is being explored. The architecture of the Knowledge Based GIS (KBGIS) has a dual object/spatial data base and a three tier hierarchial search subsystem. Quadtree Spatial Spectra (QTSS) are derived, based on the quadtree data structure, to generate and represent spatial distribution information for large volumes of spatial data.

Functional Equivalence Acceptance Testing of FUN3D for Entry Descent and Landing Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gnoffo, Peter A.; Wood, William A.; Kleb, William L.; Alter, Stephen J.; Glass, Christopher E.; Padilla, Jose F.; Hammond, Dana P.; White, Jeffery A.

2013-01-01

The functional equivalence of the unstructured grid code FUN3D to the the structured grid code LAURA (Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm) is documented for applications of interest to the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) community. Examples from an existing suite of regression tests are used to demonstrate the functional equivalence, encompassing various thermochemical models and vehicle configurations. Algorithm modifications required for the node-based unstructured grid code (FUN3D) to reproduce functionality of the cell-centered structured code (LAURA) are also documented. Challenges associated with computation on tetrahedral grids versus computation on structured-grid derived hexahedral systems are discussed.

Implicit adaptive mesh refinement for 2D reduced resistive magnetohydrodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Philip, Bobby; Chacón, Luis; Pernice, Michael

2008-10-01

An implicit structured adaptive mesh refinement (SAMR) solver for 2D reduced magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is described. The time-implicit discretization is able to step over fast normal modes, while the spatial adaptivity resolves thin, dynamically evolving features. A Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov method is used for the nonlinear solver engine. For preconditioning, we have extended the optimal "physics-based" approach developed in [L. Chacón, D.A. Knoll, J.M. Finn, An implicit, nonlinear reduced resistive MHD solver, J. Comput. Phys. 178 (2002) 15-36] (which employed multigrid solver technology in the preconditioner for scalability) to SAMR grids using the well-known Fast Adaptive Composite grid (FAC) method [S. McCormick, Multilevel Adaptive Methods for Partial Differential Equations, SIAM, Philadelphia, PA, 1989]. A grid convergence study demonstrates that the solver performance is independent of the number of grid levels and only depends on the finest resolution considered, and that it scales well with grid refinement. The study of error generation and propagation in our SAMR implementation demonstrates that high-order (cubic) interpolation during regridding, combined with a robustly damping second-order temporal scheme such as BDF2, is required to minimize impact of grid errors at coarse-fine interfaces on the overall error of the computation for this MHD application. We also demonstrate that our implementation features the desired property that the overall numerical error is dependent only on the finest resolution level considered, and not on the base-grid resolution or on the number of refinement levels present during the simulation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the tool on several challenging problems.

Grid Sensitivity Study for Slat Noise Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lockard, David P.; Choudhari, Meelan M.; Buning, Pieter G.

2014-01-01

The slat noise from the 30P/30N high-lift system is being investigated through computational fluid dynamics simulations in conjunction with a Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings acoustics solver. Many previous simulations have been performed for the configuration, and the case was introduced as a new category for the Second AIAA workshop on Benchmark problems for Airframe Noise Configurations (BANC-II). However, the cost of the simulations has restricted the study of grid resolution effects to a baseline grid and coarser meshes. In the present study, two different approaches are being used to investigate the effect of finer resolution of near-field unsteady structures. First, a standard grid refinement by a factor of two is used, and the calculations are performed by using the same CFL3D solver employed in the majority of the previous simulations. Second, the OVERFLOW code is applied to the baseline grid, but with a 5th-order upwind spatial discretization as compared with the second-order discretization used in the CFL3D simulations. In general, the fine grid CFL3D simulation and OVERFLOW calculation are in very good agreement and exhibit the lowest levels of both surface pressure fluctuations and radiated noise. Although the smaller scales resolved by these simulations increase the velocity fluctuation levels, they appear to mitigate the influence of the larger scales on the surface pressure. These new simulations are used to investigate the influence of the grid on unsteady high-lift simulations and to gain a better understanding of the physics responsible for the noise generation and radiation.

A stand-alone tree demography and landscape structure module for Earth system models: integration with inventory data from temperate and boreal forests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haverd, V.; Smith, B.; Nieradzik, L. P.; Briggs, P. R.

2014-08-01

Poorly constrained rates of biomass turnover are a key limitation of Earth system models (ESMs). In light of this, we recently proposed a new approach encoded in a model called Populations-Order-Physiology (POP), for the simulation of woody ecosystem stand dynamics, demography and disturbance-mediated heterogeneity. POP is suitable for continental to global applications and designed for coupling to the terrestrial ecosystem component of any ESM. POP bridges the gap between first-generation dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) with simple large-area parameterisations of woody biomass (typically used in current ESMs) and complex second-generation DVMs that explicitly simulate demographic processes and landscape heterogeneity of forests. The key simplification in the POP approach, compared with second-generation DVMs, is to compute physiological processes such as assimilation at grid-scale (with CABLE (Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange) or a similar land surface model), but to partition the grid-scale biomass increment among age classes defined at sub-grid-scale, each subject to its own dynamics. POP was successfully demonstrated along a savanna transect in northern Australia, replicating the effects of strong rainfall and fire disturbance gradients on observed stand productivity and structure. Here, we extend the application of POP to wide-ranging temporal and boreal forests, employing paired observations of stem biomass and density from forest inventory data to calibrate model parameters governing stand demography and biomass evolution. The calibrated POP model is then coupled to the CABLE land surface model, and the combined model (CABLE-POP) is evaluated against leaf-stem allometry observations from forest stands ranging in age from 3 to 200 year. Results indicate that simulated biomass pools conform well with observed allometry. We conclude that POP represents an ecologically plausible and efficient alternative to large-area parameterisations of woody biomass turnover, typically used in current ESMs.

Global magnetosphere simulations using constrained-transport Hall-MHD with CWENO reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, L.; Germaschewski, K.; Maynard, K. M.; Abbott, S.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Raeder, J.

2013-12-01

We present a new CWENO (Centrally-Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory) reconstruction based MHD solver for the OpenGGCM global magnetosphere code. The solver was built using libMRC, a library for creating efficient parallel PDE solvers on structured grids. The use of libMRC gives us access to its core functionality of providing an automated code generation framework which takes a user provided PDE right hand side in symbolic form to generate an efficient, computer architecture specific, parallel code. libMRC also supports block-structured adaptive mesh refinement and implicit-time stepping through integration with the PETSc library. We validate the new CWENO Hall-MHD solver against existing solvers both in standard test problems as well as in global magnetosphere simulations.

Elliptic surface grid generation in three-dimensional space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kania, Lee

1992-01-01

A methodology for surface grid generation in three dimensional space is described. The method solves a Poisson equation for each coordinate on arbitrary surfaces using successive line over-relaxation. The complete surface curvature terms were discretized and retained within the nonhomogeneous term in order to preserve surface definition; there is no need for conventional surface splines. Control functions were formulated to permit control of grid orthogonality and spacing. A method for interpolation of control functions into the domain was devised which permits their specification not only at the surface boundaries but within the interior as well. An interactive surface generation code which makes use of this methodology is currently under development.

Robust Control of Wide Bandgap Power Electronics Device Enabled Smart Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Tong

In recent years, wide bandgap (WBG) devices enable power converters with higher power density and higher efficiency. On the other hand, smart grid technologies are getting mature due to new battery technology and computer technology. In the near future, the two technologies will form the next generation of smart grid enabled by WBG devices. This dissertation deals with two applications: silicon carbide (SiC) device used for medium voltage level interface (7.2 kV to 240 V) and gallium nitride (GaN) device used for low voltage level interface (240 V/120 V). A 20 kW solid state transformer (SST) is designed with 6 kHz switching frequency SiC rectifier. Then three robust control design methods are proposed for each of its smart grid operation modes. In grid connected mode, a new LCL filter design method is proposed considering grid voltage THD, grid current THD and current regulation loop robust stability with respect to the grid impedance change. In grid islanded mode, micro synthesis method combined with variable structure control is used to design a robust controller for grid voltage regulation. For grid emergency mode, multivariable controller designed using Hinfinity synthesis method is proposed for accurate power sharing. Controller-hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) testbed considering 7-SST system is setup with Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). The real TMS320F28335 DSP and Spartan 6 FPGA control board is used to interface a switching model SST in RTDS. And the proposed control methods are tested. For low voltage level application, a 3.3 kW smart grid hardware is built with 3 GaN inverters. The inverters are designed with the GaN device characterized using the proposed multi-function double pulse tester. The inverter is controlled by onboard TMS320F28379D dual core DSP with 200 kHz sampling frequency. Each inverter is tested to process 2.2 kW power with overall efficiency of 96.5 % at room temperature. The smart grid monitor system and fault interrupt devices (FID) based on Arduino Mega2560 are built and tested. The smart grid cooperates with GaN inverters through CAN bus communication. At last, the three GaN inverters smart grid achieved the function of grid connected to islanded mode smooth transition.

Minimizing Cache Misses Using Minimum-Surface Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frumkin, Michael; VanderWijngaart, Rob; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A number of known techniques for improving cache performance in scientific computations involve the reordering of the iteration space. Some of these reorderings can be considered as coverings of the iteration space with the sets having good surface-to-volume ratio. Use of such sets reduces the number of cache misses in computations of local operators having the iteration space as a domain. First, we derive lower bounds which any algorithm must suffer while computing a local operator on a grid. Then we explore coverings of iteration spaces represented by structured and unstructured grids which allow us to approach these lower bounds. For structured grids we introduce a covering by successive minima tiles of the interference lattice of the grid. We show that the covering has low surface-to-volume ratio and present a computer experiment showing actual reduction of the cache misses achieved by using these tiles. For planar unstructured grids we show existence of a covering which reduces the number of cache misses to the level of structured grids. On the other hand, we present a triangulation of a 3-dimensional cube such that any local operator on the corresponding grid has significantly larger number of cache misses than a similar operator on a structured grid.