Type of Awards: SBIR Phase I
Contract Numbers: NNX09CF07P
Agency: NASA Glenn Research Center
Status: On Going
Periods: 1/22/09 to 7/22/09
Principal Investigator: A. Heltzel
Abstract: Focusing on a reduced-dimension problem of a hypersonic orbital/lunar reentry capsule, an algorithm will be built which combines the stochastic Monte Carlo method for treatment of radiation transport in optically thin to moderate domains, with a single-term modified differential approximation (MP1) for use in optically thick domains. This numerical method will be verified against a known benchmark case before application to the reentry problem. The bandwise and cumulative distribution function (CDF) methods will be combined within the Monte Carlo framework, creating an efficient, dual-hybrid radiation transport algorithm. A detailed plan for the generation of the full algorithm will be developed, with a focus on parallelization and compatibility with existing commercial transport software. This plan will include thorough testing and validation stages.