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Microphone arrays are useful for measuring acoustic energy quantities (e.g. acoustic intensity) in the near-field of a full-scale solid rocket motor. Proper characterization of a rocket plume as a noise source will allow for more accurate predictions in engineering models that design for protection of structures, payloads and personnel near the rockets. Acoustic intensity and energy density quantities were measured in three rocket noise fields and have shown that the apparent source region of the rocket becomes smaller and moves upstream as frequency increases. Theoretical results accounting for some scattering and finite-difference errors arising in these types of energy-based measurements have been previously discussed by other authors. This thesis includes results from laboratory experiments which confirm some of this previous theoretical work as well as gives insight into the physical limitation of specific microphone array designs. Also, calibrations for both magnitude and directional response of the microphones are demonstrated. Of particular interest is the efficacy of phase calibration of array microphones for the low-frequency regime below 200 Hz.

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This work presents a modeling methodology that uses new types of models called low-frequency, large-signal models in a circuit simulator (Saber) to model a complex hybrid ac/dc power electronics system. The new achievement in this work is being able to model the different components as circuit-based models and to capture some of the large-signal phenomena, for example, real transient behavior of the system such as startup, inrush current and power flow directionality. In addition, models are capable of predicting most low frequency harmonics only seen in real switching detailed models. Therefore the new models system can be used to predict steady state performance, harmonics, stability and transients. This work discusses the modeling issues faced based on the author recent experiences both on component level and system level. In addition, it recommends proper solutions to these issues verified with simulations. This work also presents one of the new models in detail, a voltage source inverter (VSI), and explains how the model can be modified to capture low frequency harmonics that are usually phenomena modeled only with switching models. The process of implementing these different phenomena is discussed and the model is then validated by comparing the results of the proposed low frequency large signal (LFLS) model to a complete detailed switching model. In addition, experimental results are also obtained with a 2 kW voltage source inverter prototype to validate the proposed improved average model (LFLS model). In addition, a complete Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VV&UQ) procedures is applied to a two-level boost rectifier. The goal of this validation process is the improvement of the modeling procedure for power electronics systems, and the full assessment of the boost rectifier model predictive capabilities. Finally, the performance of the new models system is compared with the detailed switching models system. The LFLS models result in huge cut in simulation time (about 10 times difference) and also the ability to use large time step with the LFLS system and still capture all the information needed. Even though this low frequency large signal (LFLS) models system has wider capabilities than ideal average models system, it still can’t predict all switching phenomena. Therefore, another benefit of this modeling approach is the ability to mix different types of models (low frequency large signal (LFLS) and detailed switching) based on the application study they are used for. / Ph. D.

Turbulent boundary layer and metamaterial properties were explored to initiate the viability of controlling acoustic waves driven by pressure fluctuations from flow. A turbulent boundary layer scaling analysis was performed on zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers over rough surfaces, for 30,000≤〖Re〗_θ≤100,000. Relationships between fluctuating pressures and velocities were explored through the pressure Poisson equation. Certain scaling laws were implemented in attempts to collapse velocity spectra and turbulence profiles. Such analyses were performed to justify a proper scaling of the low-frequency region of the wall-pressure spectrum. Such frequencies are commonly associated with eddies containing the largest length scales. This study compared three scaling methods proposed in literature: The low-frequency classical scaling (velocity scale U_τ, length scale δ), the convection velocity scaling (U_e-U ̅_c, δ), and the Zagarola-Smits scaling (U_e-U ̅, δ). A default scaling (U_e, δ) was also selected as a baseline case for comparison. At some level, the classical scaling best collapsed rough and smooth wall Reynolds stress profiles. Low-pass filtering of the scaled turbulence profiles improved the rough-wall scaling of the Zagarola-Smits and convection velocity laws. However, inconsistent scaled results between the pressure and velocity requires a more rigorous pressure Poisson analysis. The selection of a proper scaling law gives insight into turbulent boundary layers as possible sources for acoustic metamaterials. A quiescent (no flow) experiment was conducted to measure the capabilities of a metamaterial in retaining acoustic surface waves. A point source speaker provided an acoustic input while the resulting sound waves were measured with a probe microphone. Acoustic surface waves were found via Fourier analysis in time and space. Standing acoustic surface waves were identified. Membrane response properties were measured to obtain source condition characteristics for turbulent boundary layers once the metamaterial is exposed to flow. / Master of Science / Aerodynamicists are often concerned with interactions between fluids and solids, such as an aircraft wing gliding through air. Due to frictional effects, the relative velocity of the air on the solid-surface is negligible. This results in a layer of slower moving fluid near the surface referred to as a boundary layer. Boundary layers regularly occur in the fluid-solid interface, and account for a sufficient amount of noise and drag on aircraft. To compensate for increases in drag, engines are required to produce increased amounts of power. This leads to higher fuel consumption and increased costs. Additionally, most boundary layers in nature are turbulent, or chaotic. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the exact paths of air molecules as they travel within a boundary layer. Because of its intriguing physics and impacts on economic costs, turbulent boundary layers have been a popular research topic. This study analyzed air pressure and velocity measurements of turbulent boundary layers. Relationships between the two were drawn, which fostered a discussion of future works in the field. Mainly, the simultaneous measurements of pressure on the surface and boundary layer velocity can be performed with understanding of the Pressure Poisson equation. This equation is a mathematical representation of the boundary layer pressure on the surface. This study also explored the possibility of turbulent-boundary-layer-driven-acoustic-metamaterials. Acoustic metamaterials contain hundreds of cavities which can collectively manipulate passing sound waves. A facility was developed at Virginia Tech to measure this effect, with aid from a similar laboratory at Exeter University. Microphone measurements showed the reduction of sound wave speed across the metamaterial, showing promise in acoustic manipulation. Applications in metamaterials in the altering of sound caused by turbulent boundary layers were also explored and discussed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:38:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ALBERTO FARES AKEL JUNIOR.pdf: 5112998 bytes, checksum: f18fc33d2f9508c3ec265c0efa016b43 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-21 / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo / We study the behavior of the Earth-ionosphere waveguide through the modeling of the propagation of very low frequency radio waves (VLF). We use the computational model LWPC (Long Wave Propagation Capability) to estimate changes in amplitude and phase of the VLF signals detected by the SAVNET network (South America VLF NETwork), and thus try to understand the behavior of the lower ionosphere under different ionization conditions. The research was divided into two parts. The first part investigates the behavior of the VLF signals in quiescent regimes of ionization. Amplitude and phase simulations for the were carried out, modifying adapting polynomials for the β and h parameters (or Wait s parameters) as a function of the zenithal angle. The second part of this research, uses these polynomials in the study of the lower ionosphere under transient ionization regimes in two distinct conditions: first during of solar flares and second during solar eclipse. For the simulations under solar flare conditions, we calculate the changes in β and ℎ′ parameters during the 25/03/2008 solar explosion. With these values, we calculate the electronic density profile through an exponential model and we find that the electronic density at 75 km is ∼ 104 cm−3, that is twenty times higher than during quiescent conditions. To evaluate our parameter estimates, we calculate the variation of the Wait s parameters for the case of twelve solar events of different classes. We note that the variations Δℎ′ found in this work are larger than that in Muraoka, Murata e Sato (1977) because they consider the variations in the conductivity gradient. For the solar eclipse simulations on 11/07/2011, we investigate its effect on the VLF phase. For this, we use the obscuration coefficient to estimate the guide height variation along the whole path during the eclipse. The simulations reproduce the phase behavior during the eclipse. However, a delay of about twenty four minutes was observed between the simulated and observed measurements. The observed delay is a direct consequence of own estimates of the perturbed ionospheric height and it causal relation with the obscuration during the eclipse. lower ionosphere, VLF, modeling, ionospheric disturbances, solar flares, solar eclipse. / Neste trabalho realizamos o estudo do comportamento do guia de ondas terra-ionosfera através da modelagem da propagação ondas de rádio de frequência muito baixa (VLF). Para isto, utilizamos o modelo computacional LWPC (Long Wave Propagation Capability) para estimar as variações de amplitude e fase de sinais de VLF detectados nos trajetos da rede SAVNET (South America VLF NETwork) e assim compreender o comportamento da baixa ionosfera em diferentes regimes de ionização. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. A primeira parte, investigou o comportamento do sinal VLF em regimes quiescente de ionização, assim realizou-se simulações de amplitude e fase adaptando polinômios que definem os parâmetros β e ℎ′ (ou parâmetros de Wait) em função do ângulo zenital solar. Na segunda parte desta pesquisa, aplicou-se os polinômios no estudo da baixa ionosfera sob regimes transientes de ionização em duas condições distintas. A primeira para o caso de explosões solares e a segunda um para eclipse solar. Nas simulações relativas a explosões solares, calculamos as variações dos parâmetros β e ℎ′ durante o evento do dia 25/03/2008. Com esses valores, calculamos o perfil de densidade eletrônica, através de um modelo exponencial e observamos que a densidade eletrônica em 75 km é ∼ 104 cm−3, ou seja, vinte vezes maiores que antes da explosão. Para avaliar nossas estimativas, calculamos a variação dos parâmetros de Wait para doze eventos de diferentes classes. Observamos que as variações Δℎ′ neste trabalho são sempre maiores do que as descritas em Muraoka, Murata e Sato (1977), devido elas considerarem as variações no gradiente de condutividade. Nas simulações relativa ao eclipse solar do dia 11/07/2011, investigamos seu efeito na fase observada. Para esse estudo, utilizou-se o coeficiente de obscurecimento para realizar as simulações, desta forma foi possível estimar a variação da altura do guia ao longo de todo o trajeto durante o eclipse. As simulações reproduziram o comportamento da fase durante o eclipse. Entretanto, foi observado um atraso entre as medidas calculadas e observadas de aproximadamente ∼ vinte e quatro minutos. O atraso observado é diretamente decorrente da estimativa da altura de referência da ionosfera pertubada e de sua relação causal com o obscurecimento durante o eclipse.