Engineering topics

George, Albert R.

Publications and source records attributed to George, Albert R..

17 records

NASA NTRS1996

Turbulent Inflow Measurements

In the present research, tilt rotor aeroacoustics have been studied experimentally and computationally. Experimental measurements were made on a 1/12.5 scale model. A dimensional analysis showed that the model was a good aeroacoustic approximation to the full-scale aircraft, and scale factors were derived to extrapolate the model measurements to the full-scale XV-15. The experimental measurements included helium bubble flow visualization, silk tuft flow visualization, 2-component hot wire anemometry, 7-hole pressure probe measurements, vorticity measurements, and outdoor far field acoustic measurements. The hot wire measurements were used to estimate the turbulence statistics of the flow field into the rotors, such as length scales, velocity scales, dissipation, and turbulence intermittency. To date, these flow measurements are the only ones in existence for a hovering tilt rotor. Several different configurations of the model were tested: (1) standard configurations (single isolated rotor, two rotors without the aircraft, standard tilt rotor configuration); (2) flow control devices (the 'plate', the 'diagonal fences'); (3) basic configuration changes (increasing the rotor/rotor spacing, reducing the rotor plane/wing clearance, operating the rotors out of phase). Also, an approximation to Sikorsky's Variable Diameter Tilt Rotor (VDTR) configuration was tested, and some flow measurements were made on a semi-span configuration of the model. Acoustic predictions were made using LOWSON.M, a Mathematica code. This hover prediction code, from HOVER.FOR, used blade element theory for the aerodynamics, and Prandtl's Vortex theory to model the wake, along with empirical formulas for the effects of Reynolds number, Mach number, and stall. Aerodynamic models were developed from 7-hole pressure probe measurements of the mean velocity into the model rotors. LOWSON.M modeled a rotor blade as a single force and source/sink combination separated in the chordwise direction, at an effective blade radius. Spanwise, Mach-weighted integrals were used to find the equivalent forces and equivalent source strengths.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Tilt Rotor Aircraft Aeroacoustics

A fleet of civil tilt rotor transports offers a means of reducing airport congestion and point-to-point travel time. The speed, range, and fuel economy of these aircraft, along with their efficient use of vertiport area, make them good candidates for short-to-medium range civil transport. However, to be successfully integrated into the civilian community, the tilt rotor must be perceived as a quiet, safe, and economical mode of transportation that does not harm the environment. In particular, noise impact has been identified as a possible barrier to the civil tilt rotor. Along with rotor conversion-mode flight, and blade-vortex interaction noise during descent, hover mode is a noise problem for tilt rotor operations. In the present research, tilt rotor hover aeroacoustics have been studied analytically, experimentally, and computationally. Various papers on the subject were published as noted in the list of publications. More recently, experimental measurements were made on a 1/12.5 scale model of the XV-15 in hover and analyses of this data and extrapolations to full scale were also carried out. A dimensional analysis showed that the model was a good aeroacoustic approximation to the full-scale aircraft, and scale factors were derived to extrapolate the model measurements to the full-scale XV-15. The experimental measurements included helium bubble flow visualization, silk tuft flow visualization, 2-component hot wire anemometry, 7-hole pressure probe measurements, vorticity measurements, and outdoor far field acoustic measurements. The hot wire measurements were used to estimate the turbulence statistics of the flow field into the rotors, such as length scales, velocity scales, dissipation, and turbulence intermittency. Several different configurations of the model were tested: (1) standard configurations (single isolated rotor, two rotors without the aircraft, standard tilt rotor configuration); (2) flow control devices (the 'plate', the 'diagonal fences'); (3) basic configuration changes (increasing the rotor/rotor spacing, reducing the rotor plane/wing clearance. operating the rotors out of phase). Also, an approximation to Sikorsky's Variable Diameter Tilt Rotor (VDTR) configuration was tested, and some flow measurements were made on a semi-span configuration of the model. Acoustic predictions were made using LOWSON.M, a Mathematica code Mean aerodynamic models were developed based on hover performance predictions from HOVER.FOR. This hover prediction code used blade element theory for the aerodynamics, and Prandtl's Vortex theory to model the wake, along with empirical formulas for the effects of Reynolds number, Mach number, and stall. Aerodynamic models were developed from 7-hole pressure probe measurements of the mean velocity into the model rotors.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Rotorcraft noise: Status and recent developments

This paper briefly reviews rotorcraft noise mechanisms and their approximate importance for different types of rotorcraft in different flight regimes. Discrete noise is due to periodic flow disturbances and includes impulsive noise produced by phenomena which occur during a limited segment of a blade's rotation. Broadband noise results when rotors interact with random disturbances, such as turbulence, which can originate in a variety of sources. The status of analysis techniques for these mechanisms are reviewed. Also, some recent progress is presented on the understanding and analysis of tilt rotor aircraft noise due to: (1) recirculation and blockage effects of the rotor flow in hover; and (2) blade-vortex interactions in forward and descending flight.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Propfan noise propagation

The unconventional supersonic tip speed of advanced propellers has led to uncertainties about Propfan's noise acceptability and compliance with Federal Aviation Noise Regulation (FAR 36). Overhead flight testing of the Propfan with an SR-7L blade during 1989's Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) Program have shown unexpectedly high far-field sound pressure levels. This study here attempts to provide insights into the acoustics of a single-rotating propeller (SRP) with supersonic tip speed. At the same time, the role of the atmosphere in shaping the far-field noise characteristics is investigated.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A survey of propfan noise propagation at cruise

Acoustic measurements collected during the Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) program in 1989 had demonstrated that cruising Propfans have undesirably high far-field noise level. This study attempts to investigate the source of these noise disturbances generated by a single-rotating propeller with supersonic tip speed. Various atmospheric and propagation effects responsible for shaping the far-field acoustics will be examined. A methodology for analyzing Propfan propagation noise is proposed based on the theory of geometrical acoustics. This approach allows acoustic rays to be traced into the far-field via Snell's law. Amplitude variation along the rays are evaluated by applying the Blokhintzev energy invariant principle. Additional terms are appended to the energy invariant principle to account for propagation and atmospheric effects. A FORTRAN program is written to analyze the rays emitted from a helicoidal source path traced by supersonic helical speed blade tip. Earlier papers by Myers and Farassat have demonstrated the presence of Mach envelopes that lead to formation of caustics. Linear geometric acoustics is used to ascertain the existence of these nonlinear caustics in the far-field. The importance of caustics to Propfan noise generation is then studied.

Sim, Ben WEL-C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of ingested atmospheric turbulence on measured tail rotor acoustics

Results from an outdoor hover test of a full-scale Lynx tail rotor are presented. The investigation was designed to further the understanding of the acoustics of an isolated tail rotor hovering out-of-ground effect in atmospheric turbulence, without the effects of the main rotor wake or other helicopter components. Measurements include simultaneous rotor performance, noise, inflow, and far-field atmospheric turbulence. Results with grid-generated inflow turbulence are also presented. The effects of turbulence ingestion on rotor noise are quantified. Turbulence ingestion noise is found to be the dominant noise mechanism at locations near the rotor axis. At these locations, the sound radiated by the hovering rotor increases with both increasing atmospheric wind speed and ingested rms turbulent velocity.

Signor, David B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Flow visualization and flow field measurements of a 1/12 scale tilt rotor aircraft in hover

The results are given of flow visualization studies and inflow velocity field measurements performed on a 1/12 scale model of the XV-15 tilt rotor aircraft in the hover mode. The complex recirculating flow due to the rotor-wake-body interactions characteristic of tilt rotors was studied visually using neutrally buoyant soap bubbles and quantitatively using hot wire anemometry. Still and video photography were used to record the flow patterns. Analysis of the photos and video provided information on the physical dimensions of the recirculating fountain flow and on details of the flow including the relative unsteadiness and turbulence characteristics of the flow. Recirculating flows were also observed along the length of the fuselage. Hot wire anemometry results indicate that the wing under the rotor acts to obstruct the inflow causing a deficit in the inflow velocities over the inboard region of the model. Hot wire anemometry also shows that the turbulence intensities in the inflow are much higher in the recirculating fountain reingestion zone.

Coffen, Charles D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A comparative analysis of XV-15 tiltrotor hover test data and WOPWOP predictions incorporating the fountain effect

Acoustic measurements from a hovering full scale XV-15 tilt rotor with the advanced technology blades are presented which show the directionality of fountain effect noise. Predicted acoustic directivity results are also presented which show agreement with the measured data. The aeroacoustic code, WOPWOP, was used in conjunction with a mathematical model which simulated the fountain recirculation aerodynamic effect on the rotor blade surface pressures. The predictions were used to identify the spike character in the measured data as fountain effect associated noise. The directivity of the fountain effect noise was observed to be dominant at the rear of the aircraft with increased intensities 45 degrees below the rotor disk planes.

Rutledge, Charles K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A study of blade-vortex interaction sound generation and directionality

The directionality and strength of blade-vortex interactions (BVI) is explained through the radiation cone concept. BVI acoustic radiation is primarily the result of two sound mechanisms: the tip effect, and the radiation cone effect. The radiation cone effect is a highly directional mechanism which results when a lift distribution moves supersonically with respect to the fluid. After a physical explanation of the BVI mechanisms, sample cases using translating and rotating blades interacting with a straight line vortex are shown. The radiation cone concept is then applied to specific rotorcraft cases where it helps to explain zones of intense sound pressure level found in experimental results for the XV-15 tiltrotor and for a BO-105 helicopter scale model.

Ringler, Todd D.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A comparative analysis of XV-15 tiltrotor hover test data and WOPWOP predictions incorporating the fountain effect

Acoustic measurements from a hovering full-scale XV-15 tiltrotor with the advanced technology blades are presented which show the directionality of fountain effect noise. Predicted activity directivity results are also presented which show agreement with the measured data. The aeroacoustic code, WOPWOP, was used in conjunction with a mathematical model which simulated the fountain/recirculation aerodynamic effect on the rotors' blade surface pressures. The predictions were used to identify the spike character in the measured data as fountain effect associated noise. The directivity of the fountain effect noise was observed to be dominant at the rear of the aircraft with increased intensities 45 degrees below the rotor disk planes.

Rutledge, Charles K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Flow visualization and flow field measurements of a 1/12 scale tilt rotor aircraft in hover

Coffen, Charles D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Analysis and prediction of tilt rotor hover noise

This paper presents new and improved tilt rotor hover noise prediction methods. Calculations include both discrete frequency harmonic noise and broadband noise mechanisms due to the ground plane/fountain recirculating flow. The noise mechanisms studied are thickness, loading, and inflow turbulence noise. In each case aeroacoustic models are developed and compared to noise measurements obtained experimentally for the XV-15 experimental tilt rotor aircraft. Both the effects of the mean and the turbulent fountain flows are found to be important noise sources and have strongly directional radiation patterns toward the rear of the aircraft (the direction of the rotor motion through the fountain flow). Calculations also show that the noise generated by the inflow of ambient atmospheric turbulence can also be an important noise source in hover in some directions. Further development of the methods and models, and precise information about the fountain flow, are needed to improve the predictions and to initiate noise minimization studies.

Coffen, Charles D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Prediction of XV-15 tilt rotor discrete frequency aeroacoustic noise with WOPWOP

The results, methodology, and conclusions of noise prediction calculations carried out to study several possible discrete frequency harmonic noise mechanisms of the XV-15 Tilt Rotor Aircraft in hover and helicopter mode forward flight are presented. The mechanisms studied were thickness and loading noise. In particular, the loading noise caused by flow separation and the fountain/ground plane effect were predicted with calculations made using WOPWOP, a noise prediction program developed by NASA Langley. The methodology was to model the geometry and aerodynamics of the XV-15 rotor blades in hover and steady level flight and then create corresponding FORTRAN subroutines which were used an input for WOPWOP. The models are described and the simplifying assumptions made in creating them are evaluated, and the results of the computations are presented. The computations lead to the following conclusions: The fountain/ground plane effect is an important source of aerodynamic noise for the XV-15 in hover. Unsteady flow separation from the airfoil passing through the fountain at high angles of attack significantly affects the predicted sound spectra and may be an important noise mechanism for the XV-15 in hover mode. The various models developed did not predict the sound spectra in helicopter forward flight. The experimental spectra indicate the presence of blade vortex interactions which were not modeled in these calculations. A need for further study and development of more accurate aerodynamic models, including unsteady stall in hover and blade vortex interactions in forward flight.

Coffen, Charles D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Status of sonic boom methodology and understanding

In January 1988, approximately 60 representatives of industry, academia, government, and the military gathered at NASA-Langley for a 2 day workshop on the state-of-the-art of sonic boom physics, methodology, and understanding. The purpose of the workshop was to assess the sonic boom area, to determine areas where additional sonic boom research is needed, and to establish some strategies and priorities in this sonic boom research. Attendees included many internationally recognized sonic boom experts who had been very active in the Supersonic Transport (SST) and Supersonic Cruise Aircraft Research Programs of the 60's and 70's. Summaries of the assessed state-of-the-art and the research needs in theory, minimization, atmospheric effects during propagation, and human response are given.

Darden, Christine M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Tilt rotor aircraft aeroacoustics

This paper studies the state of knowledge and the needed improvement in noise methodology and measurements for tilt rotor aircraft. Similarities and differences between tilt rotor aeroacoustic conditions and helicopter and propeller experience are identified. A discussion of the possible principal noise mechanisms throughout the flight envelope shows a need for further experimental and analytical investigations to develop an adequate understanding of the important sources and influencing factors. Existing experimental data from flight tests suggest terminal area noise reduction by operating within certain portions of the conversion flight envelope. Prediction methods are found to provide approximate indications only for low frequency harmonic and broadband noise for several of the tilt rotor's operating conditions. The acoustic effects of the hover case 'fountain' flow are pronounced and need further research. Impulsive noise and high frequency harmonic noise remain problems, as on helicopters, pending major improvements in wake, unsteady aerodynamics, and acoustics methodology.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Helicopter tail rotor blade-vortex interaction noise

A study is made of helicopter tail rotor noise, particularly that due to the interactions with main rotor tip vortices. Summarized here are present analysis, the computer codes, and the results of several test cases. Amiet's unsteady thin airfoil theory is used to calculate the acoustics of blade-vortex interaction. The noise source is modelled as a force dipole resulting from an airfoil of infinite span chopping through a skewed line vortex. To analyze the interactions between helicopter tail rotor and main rotor tip vortices, we developed a two-step approach: (1) the main rotor tip vortex system is obtained through a free wake geometry calculation of the main rotor using CAMRAD code; (2) acoustic analysis takes the results from the aerodynamic interaction analysis and calculates the farfield pressure signatures for the interactions. It is found that under a wide range of helicopter flight conditions, acoustic pressure fluctuations of significant magnitude can be generated by tail rotors due to a series of interactions with main rotor tip vortices. This noise mechanism depends strongly on the helicopter flight conditions and the relative location and phasing of the main and tail rotors. fluctuations of significant magnitude can be generated by tail rotors due to a series of interactions with main rotor tip vortices. This noise mechanism depends strongly upon the helicopter flight conditions and the relative location and phasing of the main and tail rotors.

George, Albert R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

An analytical parametric study of the broadband noise from axial-flow fans

The rotating dipole analysis of Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (1969) is used to predict the far field noise radiation due to various rotor broadband noise mechanisms. Consideration is given to inflow turbulence noise, attached boundary layer/trailing-edge interaction noise, tip-vortex formation noise, and trailing-edge thickness noise. The parametric dependence of broadband noise from unducted axial-flow fans on several critical variables is studied theoretically. The angle of attack of the rotor blades, which is related to the rotor performance, is shown to be important to the trailing-edge noise and to the tip-vortex formation noise.

Chou, Shau-Tak↗