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At least 199 records · Page 11

Comparison of 3-D viscous flow computations of Mach 5 inlet with experimental data

A time marching 3-D full Navier-Stokes code, called PARC3D, is validated for an experimental Mach 5 inlet configuration using the data obtained in the 10 x 10 ft supersonic wind tunnel at the NASA Lewis Research Center. For the first time, a solution is obtained for this configuration with the actual geometry, the tunnel conditions, and all the bleed zones modeled in the computation. Pitot pressure profiles and static pressures at various locations in the inlet are compared with the corresponding experimental data. The effect of bleed zones, located in different places on the inlet walls, in eliminating the low energy vortical flow generated from the 3-D shock-boundary layer interaction is simulated very well even though some approximations are used in applying the bleed boundary conditions and in the turbulence model. A further detailed study of the effect of individual bleed ports is needed to understand fully the actual mechanism of efficiently eliminating the vortical flow from the inlet. A better turbulence model would help to improve the accuracy even further in predicting the corner flow boundary layer profiles.

Reddy, D. R.↗

Confined swirling flow predictions

The validity of flowfield predictions resulting from the choice of inlet velocity profiles is assessed. Results demonstrate that realistic predictions are forthcoming only from the inclusion of realistic axial, radial and swirl velocity profiles as inlet conditions. Predictions are then exhibited for a range of swirl strengths phi = 0, 38, 45, 60 and 70 degrees using measured inlet axial, radial and swirl velocity profiles in each case. Downstream nozzle effects (two blockage size at two axial locations) are included. The ensuing flowfields are characterized via velocity profiles and streamline patterns, and illustrate the large-scale effects of inlet swirl and outlet nozzles on flowfields.

Abujelala, M. T.↗

Antarctic springtime measurements of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosol extinction by SAM II, SAGE, and SAGE II

Simultaneous vertical profiles of O3, NO2, and aerosol extinction obtained with the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement II, Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE), and SAGE II satellite instruments across the southern polar vortex show that significant differences exist at all altitudes. Both gaseous species display lower concentrations within the vortex over measurement altitudes ranging from the tropopause to 60 km and 20 to 40 km for O3 and NO2, respectively. Aerosol extinction above 15-18 km and total aerosol stratospheric column are also lower inside the vortex than outside. Total column amounts of O3 and NO2 are found to be strongly coupled to spatial location within the vortex, with minimum total values located around the vortex center. Vertical profiles selected to emphasize the observed difference across the circumpolar vortex are presented for October 13, 1981, and October 13, 1985, near 70 and 68 deg S latitude, respectively.

Mccormick, M. P.↗

Experimental Study of Transitional Flow Behavior in a Simulated Low Pressure Turbine

A detailed investigation of the flow physics occurring on the suction side of a simulated Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) blade was performed. A contoured upper wall was designed to simulate the pressure distribution of an actual LPT airfoil onto a flat lower plate. The experiments were carried out for the Reynolds numbers of 35,000, 70,000, 100,000 and 250,000 with four levels of freestream turbulence ranging from 1% to 4%. For the three lower Reynolds numbers, the boundary layer on the flat plate was separated and formed a bubble. The size of laminar separation bubble was measured to be inversely proportional to the freestream turbulence levels and Reynolds numbers. However, no separation was observed for the Re = 250,000 case. The transition on a separated flow was found to proceed through the formation of turbulent spots in the free shear layer as evidenced in the intermittency profiles for Re = 35,000, 70,000 and 100,000. Spectral data show no evidence of Kelvin-Helmholtz or Tollmien-Schlichting instability waves in the free shear layer over a separation bubble (bypass transition). However, the flow visualization revealed the large vortex structures just outside of the bubble and their development to turbulent flow for Re = 50,000, which is similar to that in the free shear layer (separated-flow transition). Therefore, it is fair to say that the bypass and separated-flow transition modes coexist in the transitional flows over the separation bubble for certain conditions. Transition onset and end locations and length determined from intermittency profiles decrease as Reynolds number and freestream turbulence levels increase.

Sohn, Ki Hyeon↗

Experimental Study of Transitional Flow Behavior in a Simulated Low Pressure Turbine

A detailed investigation of the flow physics occurring on the suction side of a simulated Low Pressure Turbine (LPT) blade was performed. A contoured upper wall was designed to simulate the pressure distribution of an actual LPT airfoil onto a flat lower plate. The experiments were carried out for the Reynolds numbers of 35,000, 70,000, 100,000, and 250,000 with four levels of freestream turbulence ranging from 1 to 4 percent. For the three lower Reynolds numbers, the boundary layer on the flat plate was separated and formed a bubble. The size of laminar separation bubble was measured to be inversely proportional to the freestream turbulence levels and Reynolds numbers. However, no separation was observed for the Re = 250,000 case. The transition on a separated flow was found to proceed through the formation of turbulent spots in the free shear layer as evidenced in the intermittency profiles for Re = 35,000, 70,000, and 100,000. Spectral data show no evidence of Kelvin-Helmholtz of Tollmien-Schlichting instability waves in the free shear layer over a separation bubble (bypass transition). However, the flow visualization revealed the large vortex structures just outside of the bubble and their development to turbulent flow for Re = 50,000, which is similar to that in the free shear layer (separated-flow transition). Therefore, it is fair to say that the bypass and separated-flow transition modes coexist in the transition flows over the separation bubble of certain conditions. Transition onset and end locations and length determined from intermittency profiles decreased as Reynolds number and freestream turbulence levels increase.

Sohn, Ki Hyeon↗

Computations of Viking Lander Capsule Hypersonic Aerodynamics with Comparisons to Ground and Flight Data

Comparisons are made between the LAURA Navier-Stokes code and Viking Lander Capsule hypersonic aerodynamics data from ground and flight measurements. Wind tunnel data are available for a 3.48 percent scale model at Mach 6 and a 2.75 percent scale model at Mach 10.35, both under perfect gas air conditions. Viking Lander 1 aerodynamics flight data also exist from on-board instrumentation for velocities between 2900 and 4400 m/sec (Mach 14 to 23.3). LAURA flowfield solutions are obtained for the geometry as tested or flown, including sting effects at tunnel conditions and finite-rate chemistry effects in flight. Using the flight vehicle center-of-gravity location (trim angle approx. equals -11.1 deg), the computed trim angle at tunnel conditions is within 0.31 degrees of the angle derived from Mach 6 data and 0.13 degrees from the Mach 10.35 trim angle. LAURA Mach 6 trim lift and drag force coefficients are within 2 percent of measured data, and computed trim lift-to-drag ratio is within 4 percent of the data. Computed trim lift and drag force coefficients at Mach 10.35 are within 5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, of wind tunnel data. Computed trim lift-to-drag ratio is within 2 percent of the Mach 10.35 data. Using the nominal density profile and center-of-gravity location, LAURA trim angle at flight conditions is within 0.5 degrees of the total angle measured from on-board instrumentation. LAURA trim lift and drag force coefficients at flight conditions are within 7 and 5 percent, respectively, of the flight data. Computed trim lift-to-drag ratio is within 4 percent of the data. Computed aerodynamics sensitivities to center-of-gravity location, atmospheric density, and grid refinement are generally small. The results will enable a better estimate of aerodynamics uncertainties for future Mars entry vehicles where non-zero angle-of-attack is required.

Edquist, Karl T.↗

Results of correlations for transition location on a clean-up glove installed on an F-14 aircraft and design studies for a laminar glove for the X-29 aircraft accounting for spanwise pressure gradient

Results of correlative and design studies for transition location, laminar and turbulent boundary-layer parameters, and wake drag for forward swept and aft swept wings are presented. These studies were performed with the use of an improved integral-type boundary-layer and transition-prediction methods. Theoretical predictions were compared with flight measurements at subsonic and transonic flow conditions for the variable aft swept wing F-14 aircraft for which experimental pressure distributions, transition locations, and turbulent boundary-layer velocity profiles were measured. Flight data were available at three spanwise stations for several values of sweep, freestream unit Reynolds number, Mach numbers, and lift coefficients. Theory/experiment correlations indicate excellent agreement for both transition location and turbulent boundary-layer parameters. The results of parametric studies performed during the design of a laminar glove for the forward swept wing X-29 aircraft are also presented. These studies include the effects of a spanwise pressure gradient on transition location and wake drag for several values of freestream Reynolds numbers at a freestream Mach number of 0.9.

Goradia, S. H.↗

Impact of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Thermodynamic Profiles on Regional Precipitation Forecasting

In data sparse regions, remotely-sensed observations can be used to improve analyses and lead to better forecasts. One such source comes from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), which together with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), provides temperature and moisture profiles in clear and cloudy regions with accuracy which approaches that of radiosondes. The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to assimilate AIRS thermodynamic profile data into a regional configuration of the Advanced Research WRF (ARW) model using WRF-Var. Quality indicators are used to select only the highest quality temperature and moisture profiles for assimilation in clear and partly cloudy regions, and uncontaminated portions of retrievals above clouds in overcast regions. Separate error characteristics for land and water profiles are also used in the assimilation process. Assimilation results indicate that AIRS profiles produce an analysis closer to in situ observations than the background field. Forecasts from a 37-day case study period in the winter of 2007 show that AIRS profile data can lead to improvements in 6-h cumulative precipitation forecasts resulting from improved thermodynamic fields. Additionally, in a convective heavy rainfall event from February 2007, assimilation of AIRS profiles produces a more unstable boundary layer resulting in enhanced updrafts in the model. These updrafts produce a squall line and precipitation totals that more closely reflect ground-based observations than a no AIRS control forecast. The location of available high-quality AIRS profiles ahead of approaching storm systems is found to be of paramount importance to the amount of impact the observations will have on the resulting forecasts.

Chou, S.-H.↗

Impact of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Thermodynamic Profiles on Regional Weather Forecasting

In data sparse regions, remotely-sensed observations can be used to improve analyses and lead to better forecasts. One such source comes from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), which together with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), provides temperature and moisture profiles with accuracy comparable to that of radiosondes. The purpose of this paper is to describe a procedure to assimilate AIRS thermodynamic profile data into a regional configuration of the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model using its three-dimension variational (3DVAR) analysis component (WRF-Var). Quality indicators are used to select only the highest quality temperature and moisture profiles for assimilation in both clear and partly cloudy regions. Separate error characteristics for land and water profiles are also used in the assimilation process. Assimilation results indicate that AIRS profiles produce an analysis closer to in situ observations than the background field. Forecasts from a 37-day case study period in the winter of 2007 show that AIRS profile data can lead to improvements in 6-h cumulative precipitation forecasts due to instability added in the forecast soundings by the AIRS profiles. Additionally, in a convective heavy rainfall event from February 2007, assimilation of AIRS profiles produces a more unstable boundary layer resulting in enhanced updrafts in the model. These updrafts produce a squall line and precipitation totals that more closely reflect ground-based observations than a no AIRS control forecast. The location of available high-quality AIRS profiles ahead of approaching storm systems is found to be of paramount importance to the amount of impact the observations will have on the resulting forecasts.

Chou, Shih-Hung↗

Validations of Satellite Ozone Profiles in Austral Spring Using Ozonesonde Measurements in the Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica

Using ozonesonde measurements from 2015 to 2018 at the Jang Bogo station located in the southeastern Antarctic region, we evaluate ozone profiles retrieved from the three satellite measurements that are widely used: Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), and Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS) data. For the fair validation, ozonesonde profiles are smoothed using the weighting function of each satellite retrieval algorithm (i.e., convolution process). Compared with limb-viewing MLS and OMPS ozone profiles, the OMI ozone profiles are relatively less qualified: coarser vertical resolution and larger inter-annual variation. Nevertheless, our validation reveals that the quality of all three satellite ozone profiles looks comparable; In general, difference from ozonesonde profile is ∼1 ppm absolutely, and −20 to 30% relatively at maximum. This quantitative range well corresponds to previous work, meaning that our new validation confirms the reliability of satellite ozone profiles in the southeastern Antarctic region where the measurement data for the validation were not enough. Another interesting feature is the role of a priori ozone profile; Nadir-viewing OMI satellite can have qualified ozone profiles by a proper assumption of a priori ozone profile. Since the performance of limb-viewing ozone profiles is better, however, the careful usage of nadir-viewing ozone profile is still required. We think that the simultaneous usage of multiple satellite ozone profiles can contribute to better understanding of Antarctic ozone characteristics.

Antarctica↗

Capabilities and limitations of existing MST radars: Colorado wind profilers

The Wave Propagation Laboratory is developing a ground-based remote sensing system called PROFILER to measure troposphere parameters currently measured in operational meteorology by radiosondes. The prototype PROFILER uses two radars for wind sounding: a 6-m radar located at Platteville, Colorado, and a 33-cm radar located at Denver's Stapleton International Airport. In addition, a network of three 6-m wind-profiling radars is being installed in Colorado, and a fourth site is planned. The location of the five radars, their characteristics, and their limitations are described.

Strauch, R. G.↗

Acoustic remote probing of the environment

Atmospheric acoustic probes located either at shore locations near the Chesapeake Bay or on large surface buoys could obtain profiles of wind velocity and turbulence and the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere. At or near the buoy locations, underwater probes located on the bottom could be used to profile current velocity, density, and turbulence and also to determine tide level, wave height, spectrum, and direction. The physical parameter profiles at these earth-surface stations could be used with surface observations by satellite. The most obvious use of data from such a network is to verify and calibrate models of energy exchange between the water of the Bay and the atmosphere.

Pijanowski, J. A.↗

Experiment D008: Radiation in the Spacecraft

The ionization and penetration power of various primary and secondary radiations that were present within the Gemini spacecraft was studied. This was accomplished by measurement of the contributions to dose according to profile, particle type, time, and position (location) within the spacecraft. Both active- and passive-dosimetry data collected in this experiment showed that no radiation hazard was associated with manned space operations within the Gemini spacecraft at altitudes as great as 310 kilometers in the South Atlantic anomaly region. This conclusion is warranted also by theoretical calculations.

Schneider, M. F.↗

The aerodynamic characteristics of large angled cones with retrorockets

Analytical and experimental phases of the subject investigation are described. The analytical program for the single jet determines the terminal shock location, the jet boundary, the interface profile, the bow shock profile, the shear layer growth and the dead air region pressure. The experimental program described was conducted over the range from free stream Mach 0.4 to 2.0 at angles-of-attack up to 18 deg and at thrusting coefficients up to C sub T = T/q sub infinity A sub m = 30. Variables investigated included aeroshell angle, number of nozzles, engine thrust, size of nozzles, nozzle throttling and gas composition. The influence of these variables on the aeroshell stability, drag, and loads was determined by integrating pressure measurements on the aeroshell. The total system forces consist of components due to pure thrust and components due to pressure on the aeroshell arising from the jet-free stream interaction. Shadowgraphs provided flow field geometries which proved to be within 10% of those predicted analytically.

Jarvinen, P. O.↗

Turbulent properties of a compressible boundary layer.

Turbulent shear-stress, eddy-viscosity, mixing-length, heat-flux and Prandtl number distributions across a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer have been determined from the 'time-averaged' conservation equations using experimental mean profile data obtained at several streamwise locations in a fully developed turbulent boundary layer with negligible pressure gradient. The eddy-viscosity, mixing-length and Prandtl number results show general agreement with previous incompressible and adiabatic compressible correlations. However, when the turbulent Prandtl number is defined using total enthalpy as opposed to static enthalpy no clear correlation of the results in the outer portion of the boundary layer could be obtained.

Horstman, C. C.↗

Developing a gas rocket performance prediction technique

A simple, semi-empirical performance correlation/prediction technique applicable to gaseous and liquid propellant rocket engines is presented. Excellent correlations were attained for over 100 test firings by adjusting the computation of the gaseous mixing of an unreactive, coaxial jet using a correlation factor, F, which resulted in prediction of the experimental combustion efficiency for each firing. Static pressure, mean velocity and turbulence intensity in the developing region of non-reactive coaxial jets, typical of those of coaxial injector elements were determined. Detailed profiles were obtained at twelve axial locations (extending from the nozzle exit for a distance of five diameters) downstream from a single element of the Bell Aerospace H2/O2 19-element coaxial injector. These data are compared with analytical predictions made using both eddy viscosity and turbulence kinetic energy mixing models and available computer codes. Comparisons were disappointing, demonstrating the necessity of developing improved turbulence models and computational techniques before detailed predictions of practical coaxial free jet flows are attempted.

Morgenthaler, J. H.↗

Pressure and velocity in a developing coaxial jet

Determinations of static pressure, mean velocity and turbulence intensity in the developing region of coaxial jets are presented. Detailed profiles were obtained at twelve axial locations (extending from the nozzle exit for a distance of 5 diameters) downstream from a single element of the Bell Aerospace H2/O2 19-element coaxial injector. Measurements of mass-flux per unit area (using a constant temperature anemometer), total pressure and local temperature were used in the determination of local static pressure and velocity. These data show a low pressure region exists near the nozzle exit. Although this pressure reduction is small (0.34 psi), it substantially altered the flow development. Comparison of results shows that velocity near the nozzle exit decreases initially (no central velocity core) as a result of both pressure gradients and viscous mixing. These data are compared with analytical predictions made using available computer codes. Results show the need to consider pressure effects in any proposed mathematical model.

Moon, L. F.↗

Composition and structure of the atmosphere of Venus

Some of the main questions regarding the composition, structure, and origin of the atmosphere of Venus are posed. These questions are (1) the distribution of the constituents of the lower atmosphere, (2) cloud composition, (3) the planet's surface and interior as revealed by atmospheric data, (4) the state property profiles and their variation over the planet, (5) the reason for the high temperatures of the lower atmosphere, (6) composition and temperature profiles of the upper atmosphere and location of the homopause, (7) spatial and temporal variations in the upper atmosphere, (8) the cause of the stability of CO2 - global circulation or local turbulence, (9) influence of neutral composition on the thermal structure, (10) response of upper atmosphere to change in solar EUV and solar wind, (11) the source and destination of the atmosphere, and (12) the location of Venus's water. The main parameters to be measured which will aid in resolving these problems are enumerated.

Hoffman, J. H.↗