Marshall Space Flight Center

GFSSP Training Course

Generalized Fluid System Simulation

Program (Version 701)
O2
= Boundary Node

H2 + O2 +N2
= Internal Node

= Branch

H2

H2 + O2 +N2
N2

Alok Majumdar & Andre LeClair

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Class for SATERN
April 12 – 14, 2016

1
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Course Abstract
This three-day hands-on course provides basic introduction as well as
advanced capabilities of GFSSP. GFSSP is a general-purpose computer
program developed at Marshall Space Flight Center for analyzing steady
state and time-dependent flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and
concentrations in a complex flow network. For more information about
GFSSP, please visit http://gfssp.msfc.nasa.gov/. The version 701 (Beta) of
the code will be taught in this course. The course quickly teaches new
users to use GFSSP to solve engineering flow network problems through
lectures and tutorial problems. There are eight core lectures (CL), nine
lectures on application (LA) and six step-by-step tutorials (TP) and several
challenge tutorials.

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 2
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

BACKGROUND
• GFSSP stands for Generalized Fluid System Simulation
Program
• It is a general-purpose computer program to compute
pressure, temperature and flow distribution in flow
network with solid to fluid (conjugate) heat transfer
• It was primarily developed to analyze
– Internal Flow Analysis of Turbopump
– Transient Flow Analysis of Propulsion System

• GFSSP development started in 1994 with an objective

to provide a generalized and easy to use flow analysis
tool
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course
Introduction & Overview 3
 BACKGROUND
Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY & ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS

• Version 1.4 (Steady State) was released in 1996
• Version 2.01 (Thermodynamic Transient) was released in 1998
• Version 3.0 (User Subroutine) was released in 1999
• Graphical User Interface, VTASC was developed in 2000
• Selected for NASA Software of the Year Award in 2001
• Version 4.0 (Fluid Transient and post-processing capability) is released in
2003
• Version 5.0 (Conjugate Heat Transfer capability) is released in 2006.
• Educational Version was released in 2011
• Version 6.0 (Multi-Dimensional Capability) has been released in 2014
• Version 701 (Beta) ( Psychrometric Property, Integrated Property
Package, MLI Heat Transfer, Animation Capability) has been released in
December, 2015
• Uncertainty Analysis & Separated Flow for Multiple Species are under
development

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course 4

Introduction & Overview
 COURSE OUTLINE
Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Day 1 Morning
1. Introduction & Overview (CL-1)
2. Pre & Post Processor – Part I (CL-2)
3. Compressible Flow (LA-1)
4. Tutorial on Converging-Diverging Nozzle (TP-1)

Day 1 Afternoon
5. Resistance & Fluid Options (CL-4)
6. Pre & Post Processor – Part 2 (CL-3)
7. Fluid Transient (LA-2)
8. Tutorial on Water hammer (TP-2)

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 5
 COURSE OUTLINE
Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Day 2 Morning
1. Mathematical Formulation (CL-5)
2. Tank Pressurization,Control & Relief Valve (LA-3)

3. Tutorial on Tank Pressurization & Control Valve (TP-3)

Day 2 Afternoon
4. Pressure & Flow Regulator (LA-4)
5. Tutorial on Pressure Regulator (TP-4)
6. Cryogenic Propellant Loading (LA-5)
7. Tutorial on Transfer Line Chilldown (TP-5)

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 6
 COURSE OUTLINE
Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Day 3 Morning
1. Data Structure (CL-6)
2. User Subroutine (CL-7)
3. Fluid Mixture & Two-phase Flow (LA-6)
4. Tutorial on Propellant Recirculation (TP-6)
Day 3 Afternoon
5. Rotating Flow ,Turbopump & Heat Exchanger (LA-7)
6. Multi-Dimensional Flow Modeling (LA-8)
7. Psychrometric Properties and Multi-Layer Insulation (LA-9)
8. Model Integration & Future Developments (CL-8)
9. Open Session

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 7
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

NETWORK FLOW OR NAVIER STOKES ANALYSIS

Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD)

Navier Stokes Network Flow

Analysis (NSA) Analysis (NFA)

Finite Finite Finite Finite

Finite
Volume Difference Element Volume Difference

GFSSP

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 8
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

NETWORK FLOW OR NAVIER STOKES ANALYSIS

Navier
NetworkStokes
Flow Analysis
• Suitable
Suitablefor
forflow analysis
detailed of analysis
flow a system consisting of several
within a component
• components
Requires fine grid resolution to accurately model transport
• Uses empirical laws of transport process
processes
• Used during preliminary design
• Used after preliminary design

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 9
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

NETWORK DEFINITION
Internal
Node Branch

Boundary
Node

Solid-Fluid
Conductor
Solid
Node
Solid-Solid
Conductor

Douter= 4 inches

Nitrogen
250 º F Nitrogen
Dinner= 2 inches
70 º F
 
m  2.59 lb/s m  2.63 lb/s
L= 2 ft

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 10
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

NETWORK DEFINITIONS

• Network:
Boundary node Series

Internal node
Branch
Parallel
• At boundary nodes, all dependent
variables must be specified
Combination
• At internal nodes, all dependent variables
must be guessed for steady flow and specified for transient
flow.
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course
Introduction & Overview 11
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

UNITS AND SIGN CONVENTIONS

• Units External (input/output) Internal (inside GFSSP)

– Length - inches - feet
– Area - inches2 - feet2
– Pressure - psia - psf
– Temperature - °F - °R
– Mass injection - lbm/sec - lbm/sec
– Heat Source - Btu/s OR Btu/lbm - Btu/s OR Btu/lbm

• Sign Convention
– Mass input to node = positive
– Mass output from node = negative
– Heat input to node = positive
– Heat output from node = negative

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 12
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

DATA STRUCTURE

Network

Boundary Internal Branch Solid Ambient Node Conductor

Node Node Node

Fluid Solid

Solid to Solid Solid to Solid Solid to Fluid Solid to Ambient

Conduction Radiation

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 13
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

MATHEMATICAL FORMULATION

Principal Variables:

Unknown Variables Available Equations to Solve

1. Pressure 1. Mass Conservation Equation

2. Flowrate 2. Momentum Conservation Equation

3. Fluid Temperature 3. Energy Conservation Equation of Fluid

4. Solid Temperature 4. Energy Conservation Equation of Solid

5. Specie Concentrations 5. Conservation Equations for Mass Fraction of Species

6. Mass 6. Thermodynamic Equation of State

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 14
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

MATHEMATICAL FORMULATION

Auxiliary Variables:
Thermodynamic Properties, Flow Resistance Factor & Heat Transfer
Coefficient

Unknown Variables Available Equations to Solve

Density
Specific Heats Equilibrium Thermodynamic Relations
Viscosity [GASP, WASP & GASPAK Property Programs]
Thermal Conductivity

Flow Resistance Factor Empirical Relations

Heat Transfer Coefficient

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 15
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

MATHEMATICAL FORMULATION

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

• Governing equations can generate an infinite number

of solutions

• A unique solution is obtained with a given set of

boundary conditions

• User provides the boundary conditions

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 16
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Solver & Property

Graphical User Module User Subroutines
Interface
(VTASC) • Equation Generator
New Physics
• Equation Solver
Fluid Property Program
• Time dependent
Input Data •
process
File
• non-linear boundary

• Creates Flow Circuit conditions

• Runs GFSSP
• External source
term
• Displays results Output Data File
graphically
• Customized output
• New resistance /
fluid
option
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course
Introduction & Overview 17
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - 1

MODEL BUILDING

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 18
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

MODEL RUNNING

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 19
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

MODEL RESULTS

GFSSP Version 6.05 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 20
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

RESISTANCE OPTIONS Thick Orifice

Lor

1. Pipe Flow
Where:

D1 D2
D1 = Pipe Diameter
D2 = Orifice Throat Diameter 6. Thick Orifice
Lor = Orifice Length

2. Flow Through a Restriction Square Reduction

b b
a a Where:
D1 D2 D1 = Upstream Pipe Diameter
D2 = Downstream Pipe Diameter 7. Square Reduction
(a) - Rectangle (b) - Ellipse

3. Non-Circular Duct
a b/2
a
Square Expansion
b

(c) - Concentric Annulus (d) - Circular Sector

D1 D2
Where:
D1 = Upstream Pipe Diameter 8. Square Expansion
D2 = Downstream Pipe Diameter

4. Pipe Flow with Entrance

Thin Sharp Orifice
& Exit Losses Rotating Annular Duct

ro Where:
Where:  L = Duct Length (Perpendicular to Page)
D1 = Pipe Diameter b = Duct Wall Thickness (b = ro - ri)
D1 D2
D2 = Orifice Throat Diameter  Duct Rotational Velocity
ri = Duct Inner Radius 9. Rotating Annular
5. Thin, Sharp Orifice ri ro = Duct Outer Radius
Duct

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 21
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Rotating Radial Duct

RESISTANCE OPTIONS
D
Where:
L = Duct Length
 Duct Rotational Velocity
D = Duct Diameter

13. Common Fittings

rj
L
10. Rotating Radial Duct & Valves

ri

Axis of
Rotation

j
Labyrinth Seal i 14. Pump Characteristics
C
M S

ri
Where:
C = Clearance
M = Gap Length (Pitch)
ri = Radius (Tooth Tip)
11. Labyrinth Seal
N = Number of Teeth

j 15. Pump Power

i
S
L

c
Where:
16. Valve with Given Cv
c = Seal Thickness (Clearance)
D
B = Passage Width (B = D) C
v
L = Seal Length

Flow
12. Face Seal
17. Viscojet

B
L

18. Control Valve

Flow

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 22
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

RESISTANCE OPTIONS

U 19. User Defined 24. Fixed Flowrate

20. Heat Exchanger Core 25. Cartesian Grid

21. Parallel Tube

22. Compressible
Orifice

23. Labyrinth Seal (Egli

Correlation

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 23
 FLUID OPTIONS
  Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

ID Number Gas ID Number Gas ID Number Gas

1 GASP He 51 GASPAK He 71 GASPAK Xe
2 GASP CH4 52 GASPAK CH4 72 GASPAK R-11
3 GASP Ne 53 GASPAK Ne 73 GASPAK R-12
4 GASP N2 54 GASPAK N2 74 GASPAK R-22
5 GASP CO 55 GASPAK CO 75 GASPAK R-32
6 GASP O2 56 GASPAK O2 76 GASPAK R-123
7 GASP Ar 57 GASPAK Ar 77 GASPAK R-124
8 GASP CO2 58 GASPAK CO2 78 GASPAK R-125
9 GASP F2 59 GASPAK H2 (para) 79 GASPAK R-134A
10 GASP H2 (para) 60 GASPAK H2 (normal) 80 GASPAK R-152A
11 WASP H2O 61 GASPAK H2O 81 GASPAK N2F3
12 RP-1 Tables 62 GASPAK RP-1 (liq) 82 GASPAK NH3
    63 GASPAK Isobutane 84 GASPAK H2O2
33 Ideal Gas 64 GASPAK Butane 86 GASPAK Air
    65 GASPAK Deuterium    
37 User Fluid 1 66 GASPAK Ethane    
38 User Fluid 2 67 GASPAK Ethylene    
39 User Fluid 3 68 GASPAK H2S    
    69 GASPAK Kr    
      70 GASPAK Propane    

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 24
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

FLUID OPTIONS

• Fluids not available in GASP/WASP or in GASPAK

can be modeled by providing property tables
• GFSSP needs Molecular Weight and tables for
following thermodynamic and transport properties:
• Enthalpy
• Entropy
• Density
• Viscosity
• Thermal Conductivity
• Specific Heat
• Specific Heat Ratio

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 25
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
• Variable Geometry • Fluid Mixture
• Variable Rotation • Psychrometric Calculation
• Variable Heat Addition • Multi-Layer Insulation
• Sub-modeling Features
• Turbopump
• Model Import
• Heat Exchanger • Model Integration
• Tank Pressurization
• Control Valve
• Valve Open/Close
• Conjugate Heat Transfer
• Pressure Regulator
• Flow Regulator
• Relief Valve
• Multi-dimensional flow
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course
Introduction & Overview 26
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course
Example Problems
GFSSP User’s Manual includes thirty two example problems
EXAMPLE  
1

The Purpose is to: FEATURE

Conjugate Heat Transfer
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
1
 
12
 
13
13
14
14
15 16
 
FEATURE
Conjugate Heat Transfer

1. Demonstrate
Constant Property   2         7                   Constant Property
Cyclic Boundary                                 Cyclic Boundary
Fixed Mass Flow                                 Fixed Mass Flow

the major Flow Regulator

Gravity
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flow Regulator
Gravity

features of the Heat Exchanger         5          

1
1           Heat Exchanger
Ideal Gas               8               16 Ideal Gas
code Long Inertia
Fluid Mixture
 
 
 
 
3
 
 
4
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
12
12
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long Inertia
Fluid Mixture

2. Validate the Model Import

Moving Boundary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Model Integration
Moving Boundary

solution by
Multi-Layer Insulation                                 Multi-Layer Insulation
Multi-dimensional Flow                                 Multi-dimensional Flow
Non-Circular Duct             7                   Non-Circular Duct

comparing with Phase Change

Pressurization (Tank)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
12
 
 
14
 
 
 
 
 
Phase Change
Pressurization (Tank)

Textbook Pressure Regulator

Pressure Relief Valve
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16
 
Pressure Regulator
Pressure Relief Valve
Pump 1                     12         Pump
solution, Solid Rocket Motor                      
1
          Solid Rocket Motor

Experimental Turbo Pump

Turbo Pump-Internal Flow
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Turbo Pump
Turbo Pump-Internal Flow
Unsteady               8 9 10   12   14 15 16 Unsteady
data, if User Fluid
User Subroutine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
 
12
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
User Fluid
User Subroutine

available Valve O/C

Variable Geometry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15
 
 
 
Valve O/C
Variable Geometry
Fluid Transient (Water
Hammer)                             15   Fluid Transient (Water Hammer)

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview
27
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example Problems (Continued)

28
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example Problems
In this class we will study the following example models in closer detail:
• Simple Flow Systems
– Ex1: Steady-state Water Pumping System
– Ex2: Water Distribution Network
– Ex4: Mixing of Hot Combustion Gases with a Cold Gas Stream
– Ex8: Blow Down of a Pressurized Tank
– Ex16: Pressure Regulator Downstream of a Pressurized Tank
– Ex17: Flow Regulator Downstream of a Pressurized Tank
– Ex18: Fluid Network with the Fixed Flow Rate Option
– Ex24: Relief Valve in a Pressurized Tank
• Compressible Flow
– Ex3: Converging-Diverging Nozzle
– Ex18: Subsonic Fanno Flow
– Ex19: Rayleigh Flow
• Fluid Transient
– Ex15: Waterhammer after Sudden Valve Closure
– Ex26: Fluid Transient after Sudden Valve Opening
• Tank Pressurization
– Ex10: Simple Tank Pressurization
– Ex12: Multiple Tank Pressurization with Control Valves

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 29
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example Problems (cont.)

• Conjugate Heat Transfer
– Ex13: Steady-state Conduction through a Rod with Convection
– Ex14: Chilldown of Cryogenic Pipeline
– Ex29: Self-Pressurization of a Cryogenic Propellant Tank Due to Boil-Off
• Turbomachinery Applications
– Ex6: Radial Flow on a Rotating Disk
– Ex11: Power Balancing of a Turbopump Assembly
– Ex21: Axial Thrust Calculation in the Simplex Turbopump
• Miscellaneous
– Ex5: Simple Heat Exchanger
– Ex20: Lithium Loop Model
– Ex23: Helium-Assisted, Buoyancy-Driven Flow in a LOx Recirculation Line
– Ex25: Two-Dimensional Recirculating Flow in a Driven Cavity
– Ex27: Boiling Water Reactor
– Ex31: Psychrometrics of Air-Water Vapor Mixture

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 30
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example 7 - Flow in a Long Bearing Squeeze

Film Damper
Squeeze FilmRegion

Bearing

Rotor Shaft

Inner Segment

Outer Segment

Feature: Moving Boundary, Comparison with Test Data

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 31
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example 9 - A Reciprocating Piston-Cylinder

d=3.0inches

L(t) =4.0+3.0cos(t) inches

Feature: Variable Geometry, Moving Boundary, and

Comparison with Analytical Solution
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course
Introduction & Overview 32
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example 28 – No-Vent Tank Chill & Fill Model

Feature: Conjugate heat transfer with phase change,

Fixed Flowrate option and Loading of Tank

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 33
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example 30 – Modeling Solid Propellant Rocket Motor Ballistic

Feature: Modeling propellant burning as mass & energy

source, flow in rocket nozzle and thrust calculation

GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course

Introduction & Overview 34
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

Example 32 – Flow Distribution in Manifold

Feature: Modeling of Longitudinal Inertia in Momentum

Equation to calculate flow distribution in a dividing flow
manifold
GFSSP Version 7.01 Training Course 35
Introduction & Overview
 Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

SUMMARY
• GFSSP is a finite volume based Network Flow
Analyzer
• Flow circuit is resolved into a network consisting of
nodes and branches
• Mass, energy, and species conservation are solved at
internal nodes. Momentum conservation is solved at
branch
• Generalized data structure allows generation of all
types of flow network
• Modular code structure allows user to add new
capabilities with ease

36
 SUMMARY
Marshall Space Flight Center
GFSSP Training Course

• Unique mathematical formulation allows effective coupling of

thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
• Numerical scheme is robust; adjustment of numerical control
parameters is seldom necessary
• Intuitive Graphical User Interface makes it easy to build, run,
and evaluate numerical models
• GFSSP has been successfully applied in various applications
that included
– Incompressible & Compressible flows
– Phase change (Boiling & Condensation)
– Fluid Mixture
– Thermodynamic transient (Pressurization & Blowdown)
– Pressure and Flow Regulator
– Fluid Transient (Waterhammer)
– Conjugate Heat Transfer
– Model Integration
• Thirty-two example problems illustrate use of various code
options
37