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At least 199 records · Page 11

Transition correlation in subsonic flow over a flat plate

A 2D subsonic flow over a flat plate with a freestream Mach number M(infinity) up to 0.8 is considered. The flow can experience continuous uniform suction through the wall and the wall can be heated or cooled continuously with a fixed wall temperature. For a specific combination of M(infinity), suction velocity, and level of heat transfer, the mean flow problem is solved and linear stability calculations are performed to compute the location on the flat plate where the factor representing the integration of growth rates reaches nine. These calculations are repeated for several combinations of flow parameters and the theoretically predicted transition location is presented in the form of a correlation that can account for the effect of wall suction, heat transfer, and Mach number.

Masad, J. A.↗

Heat transfer from a simulated shuttle external tank in the naturally turbulent outdoor environment

To estimate the local heat-transfer coefficients around an external-tank (ET) surface, a 9.8-m-high by 8.4-m-diameter ET simulator is constructed, instrumented, and tested in the naturally turbulent outdoor environment. Two different configurations under which the testing is conducted are described. The time-average, local values of Nusselt number at time-average Reynolds numbers of 2.2 x 10 to the 6th, 2.6 x 10 to the 6th, and 4.5 x 10 to the 6th are presented. It is shown that, at the same Reynolds numbers, the heat transfer coefficients due to the atmospheric airflow are higher than those due to airflow in a low-turbulent-intensity wind tunnel.

Lin, F. N.↗

Antiproton powered propulsion with magnetically confined plasma engines

Matter-antimatter annihilation releases more energy per unit mass than any other method of energy production, making it an attractive energy source for spacecraft propulsion. In the magnetically confined plasma engine, antiproton beams are injected axially into a pulsed magnetic mirror system, where they annihilate with an initially neutral hydrogen gas. The resulting charged annihilation products transfer energy to the hydrogen propellant, which is then exhausted through one end of the pulsed mirror system to provide thrust. The calculated energy transfer efficiencies for a low number density (10(14)/cu cm) hydrogen propellant are insufficient to warrant operating the engine in this mode. Efficiencies are improved using moderate propellant number densities (10(16)/cu cm), but the energy transferred to the plasma in a realistic magnetic mirror system is generally limited to less than 2 percent of the initial proton-antiproton annihilation energy. The energy transfer efficiencies are highest for high number density (10(18)/cu cm) propellants, but plasma temperatures are reduced by excessive radiation losses. Low to moderate thrust over a wide range of specific impulse can be generated with moderate propellant number densities, while higher thrust but lower specific impulse may be generated using high propellant number densities. Significant mass will be required to shield the superconducting magnet coils from the high energy gamma radiation emitted by neutral pion decay. The mass of such a radiation shield may dominate the total engine mass, and could severely diminish the performance of antiproton powered engines which utilize magnetic confinement. The problem is compounded in the antiproton powered plasma engine, where lower energy plasma bremsstrahlung radiation may cause shield surface ablation and degradation.

Lapointe, Michael R.↗

MODTRAN3: An update and recent validations against airborne high resolution interferometer measurements

MODTRAN, the Moderate Resolution Atmospheric Radiance and Transmittance Model, encompasses all the capabilities of LOWTRAN 7, the widely used 20 cm(exp -1) resolution radiance code, but incorporates a much more sensitive molecular band model with 2 cm(exp -1) resolution. MODTRAN contains many important elements that other band model based radiative transfer codes do not incorporate. It shares with FASCODE: spherical geometry, single and multiple scattering default atmospheric profile descriptors (gases, aerosols, clouds, fogs, and rain), and molecular continua (H2O, CO2, O3, O2, N2). In addition, it can calculate the solar/lunar direct and scattered radiation. MODTRAN3 was released to the general public in November 1994. It has several important features that the previous version, MODTRAN2, does not have. Chloro-fluorocarbon (CFC) and related heavy molecules (whose spectroscopic properties first appear on the HITRAN92 data base as temperature-dependent cross sections) have been incorporated into pseudo-band models, with provision for using both default and user supplied profiles. The addition of SO2 and O2 in the UV, along with upgraded ozone Chappuis bands in the visible is also part of MODTRAN3. An improved multiple scattering algorithm, the DIScrete Ordinate Radiative Transfer (DISORT) has also been incorporated into MODTRAN3. MODTRAN is very fast: simple timing runs of MODTRAN3 vs. FASCOD3 show an improvement of more than a factor of 100 for a typical 500 cm(exp -1) spectral interval and comparable vertical layering. Speed is an important consideration in heating/cooling rates calculations, where a large number of radiative transfer calculations are needed. The MODTRAN3 used in this study is based on HITRAN92, but as mentioned, above, it will be upgraded to HITRAN94 upon its release at the end of 1994. MODTRAN has been adopted by: some researchers in the AVIRIS program as one radiative transfer code to derive surface reflectance from AVIRIS measurements. The accuracy of the code is very important because any errors in the radiative transfer calculation will directly translate into errors in the derived surface reflectance. In this paper, the new solar irradiance calculated by Kurucz, which is adopted in MODTRAN3, will be presented. Recent validations of MODTRAN3 with airborne high resolution interferometer measurements over ocean will be discussed. Good agreeement between model calculations and measurements was achieved.

Anderson, Gail P.↗

Space shuttle: Heat transfer rate measurements on Convair booster (B-15B-2) at nominal Mach number of 8

Plotted and tabulated data on heat transfer from a thin-skin thermocouple are presented. The data is representative of the reentry event of the booster alone configuration. The data were generated during wind tunnel tests of the B-15B-2 delta wing booster at Mach 8. Thermocouple measurements are reduced to heat transfer coefficient ratio and the data are presented as plotted variations versus longitudinal, lateral, and vertical local model positions.

Warmbrod, J. D.↗

Compressible Flow Toolbox

The Compressible Flow Toolbox is primarily a MATLAB-language implementation of a set of algorithms that solve approximately 280 linear and nonlinear classical equations for compressible flow. The toolbox is useful for analysis of one-dimensional steady flow with either constant entropy, friction, heat transfer, or Mach number greater than 1. The toolbox also contains algorithms for comparing and validating the equation-solving algorithms against solutions previously published in open literature. The classical equations solved by the Compressible Flow Toolbox are as follows: The isentropic-flow equations, The Fanno flow equations (pertaining to flow of an ideal gas in a pipe with friction), The Rayleigh flow equations (pertaining to frictionless flow of an ideal gas, with heat transfer, in a pipe of constant cross section), The normal-shock equations, The oblique-shock equations, and The expansion equations.

Melcher, Kevin J.↗

Measurements of Aerodynamic Heat Transfer and Boundary-Layer Transition on a 15 deg. Cone in Free Flight at Supersonic Mach Numbers up to 5.2

Measurements of aerodynamic heat transfer have been made at several stations on the 15 deg total-angle conical nose of a rocket-propelled model in free flight at Mach numbers up to 5.2. Data are presented for a range of local Mach number just outside the boundary layer from 1.40 to 4.65 and a range of local Reynolds number from 3.8 x 10(exp 6) to 46.5 x 10(exp 6), based on length from the nose tip to a measurement station. Laminar, transitional, and turbulent heat-transfer coefficients were measured. The laminar data were in agreement with laminar theory for cones, and the turbulent data agreed well with turbulent theory for cones using Reynolds number based on length from the nose tip. At a nearly constant ratio of wall to local static temperature of 1.2 the Reynolds number of transition increased from 14 x 10(exp 6) to 30 x 10(exp 6) as Mach number increased from 1.4 to 2.9 and then decreased to 17 x 10(exp 6) as Mach number increased to 3.7. At Mach numbers near 3.5, transition Reynolds numbers appeared to be independent of skin temperature at skin temperatures very cold with respect to adiabatic wall temperature. The transition Reynolds number was 17.7 x 10(exp 6) at a condition of Mach number and ratio of wall to local static temperature near that for which three-dimensional disturbance theory has been evaluated and has predicted laminar boundary-layer stability to very high Reynolds numbers (approximately 10(exp 12)).

Rumsey, Charles B.↗

NASA'S Changing Role in Technology Development and Transfer

National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA has historically had to develop new technology to meet its mission objectives. The newly developed technologies have then been transferred to the private sector to assist US industry's worldwide competitiveness and thereby spur the US economy. The renewed emphasis by the US Government on a proactive technology transfer approach has produced a number of contractual vehicles that assist technology transfer to industrial, aerospace and research firms. NASA's focus has also been on leveraging the shrinking space budget to accomplish "more with less." NASA's cooperative agreements and resource sharing agreements are measures taken to achieve this goal, and typify the changing role of government technology development and transfer with industry. Large commercial partnerships with aerospace firms, as typified by the X-33 and X-34 Programs, are evolving. A new emphasis on commercialization in the Small Business Innovative Research and Dual Use programs paves the way for more rapid commercial application of new technologies developed for NASA.

Griner, Carolyn S.↗

Analytical characterization of AOTV perigee aerothermodynamic regime

In preliminary design studies of AOTV (Aeroassisted Orbital Transfer Vehicle) configurations, it is desirable to have a simple analytical method for characterizing the aerothermodynamic regime at skip trajectory perigee as a function of vehicle L/D and m/CDA (ballistic coefficient). The present study derives an approximate perigee solution from the generalized equations of motion. For a prescribed entry velocity vector, the solution determines a Zeta function (proportional to density divided by m/CDA) at perigee as a parametric function of the exit velocity vector and (constant) L/D. The perigee Zeta function then determines perigee density (or altitude) as a parametric function of m/CDA. The solution allows the following classic aerothermodynamic parameters to be determined at perigee as parametric functions of m/CDA, L/D, and the exit velocity vector: Reynolds Number (viscous effects), Mach Number (compressibility effects), Knudsen Number (rarefaction effects), sphere and disk bow shock standoff distance, Damkohler Number (relaxation effects), viscous correlation parameter (viscid-inviscid interactions), and Stanton Number (convective heat transfer). Results of the analysis are given for low L/D and mid L/D AOTV configurations on return from geosynchronous and L5 orbits. It is concluded the method successfully provides preliminary estimates of the aerothermodynamic parameters through the use of simple algebraic equations and plots.

Desautel, D.↗

Validation and Development of a Fast-Running CFD Model for the No-Vent Fill of Liquid Propellant Tank

Cryogenic fluids, while offering higher energy density than storable propellants, present several handling challenges, including gradual boil-off and tank self-pressurization. Transferring these propellants between tanks can be problematic, as the receiving tank's temperature and pressure often lead to flashing and rapid boil-off upon injection. The No-Vent Fill (NVF) technique mitigates these risks by preventing liquid fuel from being expelled overboard. By controlling tank pressure and ensuring appropriate condensation in the ullage region, the NVF process avoids exceeding vent pressure limits. In this study, Loci/STREAM-VOF simulations were compared with data from NASA K-site test runs on a 2.1 cubic meter tank with a bottom orifice under various no-vent fill conditions, including different wall temperatures, flow rates, and inlet liquid temperatures. The effort demonstrated that Loci/STREAM-VOF is capable of quantitatively capturing the important physics of NVF with submerged jets: (1) validation of the liquid-vapor interface turbulence velocity using previous experimental data showed good agreement at different fill levels; (2) validation of the CFD Stanton number for mass transfer provided an adequate mass transfer coefficient range; (3) consistent pressure agreements were found in the pressure history for both cold and warm conditions; and (4) the variations of final pressure with flow rate and inlet liquid temperature were well predicted by the CFD simulation. The application of NVF for low-gravity conditions will be studied in future work.

CFD↗

Validation and Development of a Fast-Running CFD Model for the No-Vent Fill of Liquid Propellant Tank

Cryogenic fluids, while offering higher energy density than storable propellants, present several handling challenges, including gradual boil-off and tank self-pressurization. Transferring these propellants between tanks can be problematic, as the receiving tank's temperature and pressure often lead to flashing and rapid boil-off upon injection. The No-Vent Fill (NVF) technique mitigates these risks by preventing liquid fuel from being expelled overboard. By controlling tank pressure and ensuring appropriate condensation in the ullage region, the NVF process avoids exceeding vent pressure limits. In this study, Loci/STREAM-VOF simulations were compared with data from NASA K-site test runs on a 2.1 cubic meter tank with a bottom orifice under various no-vent fill conditions, including different wall temperatures, flow rates, and inlet liquid temperatures. The effort demonstrated that Loci/STREAM-VOF is capable of quantitatively capturing the important physics of NVF with submerged jets: (1) validation of the liquid-vapor interface turbulence velocity using previous experimental data showed good agreement at different fill levels; (2) validation of the CFD Stanton number for mass transfer provided an adequate mass transfer coefficient range; (3) consistent pressure agreements were found in the pressure history for both cold and warm conditions; and (4) the variations of final pressure with flow rate and inlet liquid temperature were well predicted by the CFD simulation. The application of NVF for low-gravity conditions will be studied in future work.

CFD↗

A review of NASA combustor and turbine heat transfer research

The thermal design of the combustor and turbine of a gas turbine engine poses a number of difficult heat transfer problems. The importance of improved prediction techniques becomes more critical in anticipation of future generations of gas turbine engines which will operate at higher cycle pressure and temperatures. Research which addresses many of the complex heat transfer processes holds promise for yielding significant improvements in prediction of metal temperatures. Such research involves several kinds of program including: (1) basic experiments which delineate the fundamental flow and heat transfer phenomena that occur in the hot sections of the gas turbine but at low enthalpy conditions; (2) analytical modeling of these flow and heat transfer phenomena which results from the physical insights gained in experimental research; and (3) verification of advanced prediction techniques in facilities which operate near the real engine thermodynamic conditions. In this paper, key elements of the NASA program which involves turbine and combustor heat transfer research will be described and discussed.

Rudey, R. A.↗

Measurements of Aerodynamic Heat Transfer and Boundary-Layer Transition on a 10 deg Cone in Free Flight at Supersonic Mach Numbers up to 5.9

Measurements of aerodynamic heat transfer have been made at six stations on the 40-inch-long 10 deg. total-angle conical nose of a rocket- propelled model which was flight tested at Mach numbers up to 5.9. are presented for a range of local Mach number just outside the bound- ary layer on the cone from 1.57 to 5.50, and a range of local Reynolds number from 6.6 x 10(exp 6) to 55.2 x 10(exp 6) based on length from the nose tip.

Rumsey, Charles B.↗

Boundary-Layer-Transition and Heat-Transfer Measurements from Flight Tests of Blunt and Sharp 50 Degree Cones at Mach Numbers from 1.7 to 4.7

Boundary-layer-transition and heat-transfer measurements were obtained from flight tests of blunt and sharp cones having apex angles of 50 deg. The test Mach number range was from 1.7 to 4.7, corresponding to free-stream Reynolds numbers, based on cone base diameter, of 18. 3 x 10(exp 6) and 32.1 x 10(exp 6), respectively. Transition on both models occurred at a local Reynolds number of 1 x 10(exp 6) to 2 X 10(exp 6) based on distance from the stagnation point. Transition Reynolds numbers based on momentum thickness were between 320 and 380 for the blunt cone. The model surface roughness was 25 rms microinches or greater. Turbulent heat transfer to the conical surface of the blunt cone at a Mach number of 4 was 30 percent less than that to the surface of the sharp cone. Available theories predicted heat-transfer coefficients reasonably well for the fully laminar or turbulent flow conditions.

BLUNT BODY↗

Space benefits: The secondary application of aerospace technology in other sectors of the economy

Over 580 examples of the beneficial use of NASA aerospace technology by public and private organizations are described to demonstrate the effects of mission-oriented programs on technological progress in the United States. General observations regarding technology transfer activity are presented. Benefit cases are listed in 20 categories along with pertinent information such as communication link with NASA; the DRI transfer example file number and individual case numbers associated with the technology and examples used; and the date of the latest contract with user organizations. Subject, organization, geographic, and field center indexes are included.

Source record↗