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At least 217 records · Page 12

Aerodynamic Performance and Flow-Field Characteristics of Two Waverider-Derived Hypersonic Cruise Configurations

The component integration of a class of hypersonic high-lift configurations known as waveriders into hypersonic cruise vehicles was evaluated. A wind-tunnel model was developed which integrates realistic vehicle components with two waverider shapes, referred to as the straight-wing and cranked-wing shapes. Both shapes were conical-flow-derived waveriders for a design Mach number of 4.0. Experimental data and limited computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions were obtained over a Mach number range of 1.6 to 4.63 at a Reynolds number of 2.0 x 10(exp 6) per foot. The CFD predictions and flow visualization data confirmed the shock attachment characteristics of the baseline waverider shapes and illustrated the waverider flow-field properties. Experimental data showed that no significant performance degradations, in terms of maximum lift-to-drag ratios, occur at off-design Mach numbers for the waverider shapes and the integrated configurations. A comparison of the fully-integrated waverider vehicles to the baseline shapes showed that the performance was significantly degraded when all of the components were added to the waveriders, with the most significant degradation resulting from aftbody closure and the addition of control surfaces. Both fully-integrated configurations were longitudinally unstable over the Mach number range studied with the selected center of gravity location and for unpowered conditions. The cranked-wing configuration provided better lateral-directional stability characteristics than the straight-wing configuration.

Cockrell, Charles E., Jr.↗

Stimulus configuration determines the detectability of motion signals in noise

We measured the detectability of moving signal dots in dynamic noise to determine whether local motion signals are preferentially combined along an axis parallel to the direction of motion. Observers were asked to detect a signal composed of three dots moving in a linear trajectory among dynamic noise dots. The signal dots were collinear and equally spaced in a configuration that was either parallel to or perpendicular to their trajectory. The probability of detecting the signal was measured as a function of noise density, over a range of signal dot spacings from 0.5 degrees to 5.0 degrees. At any given noise density, the signal in the parallel configuration was more detectable than that in the perpendicular configuration. Our four observers could tolerate 1.5-2.5 times more noise in the parallel configuration. This improvement is not due merely to temporal summation between consecutive dots in the parallel trajectory. Temporal summation functions measured on our observers indicate that the benefit from spatial coincidence of the dots lasts for no more than 50 ms, whereas the increased detectability of the parallel configuration is observed up to the largest temporal separations tested (210 ms). These results demonstrate that dots arranged parallel to the signal trajectory are more easily detected than those arranged perpendicularly. Moreover, this enhancement points to the existence of visual mechanisms that preferentially organize motion information parallel to the direction of motion.

Non-NASA Center↗

High-Speed Wind-Tunnel Tests of a 1/16-Scale Model of the D-558 Research Airplane Lift and Drag Characteristics of the D-558-1 and Various Wing and Tail Configurations

Tests were made in the Langley 8-foot high-speed tunnel to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the D-558-1 airplane and various wing and tail configurations on the D-558-1 fuselage. The various wing and tail configurations were tested to determine the aerodynamic effects of aspect ratio and sweep for suitable use on the second phase of the D-558 project (D-558-2). The tests were conducted through a speed range from a Mach number of 0.40 to approximately 0.94.This part of the investigation includes the lift and drag results available for the configurations tested at this rate. The D-558-1 results indicated that the lift force break would occur at a Mach number of 0.85 with some reduction in lift at speeds above this Mach number. Tests indicated that the airplane will have satisfactory lift and drag characteristics up to and including its design Mach number of 0.85. The 35deg sweptback, 35deg swept-forward, and low-aspect-ratio (2.0) wing configurations all showed pronounced improvements in maintaining lift throughout the Mach number range tested and in increasing the critical speeds above the D-558-1 value &itical to critical Mach numbers on the order of 0.9. Insofar as lift and drag characteristics are concerned level flight at speeds approaching the velocity of sound appears practical if swept or low-aspect-ratio configurations similar to those tested are used.

Wright, John D.↗

Static Longitudinal Stability of a Tandem-Coupled Bomber-Fighter Airplane Configuration Similar to One Proposed by Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc.

At the request of the Air Materiel Command, an investigation was made in the Langley free-flight tunnel to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of models coupled together in a tandem configuration for aerial refueling similar to one proposed by the Douglas Aircraft Company, Inc. Static force tests were made with 1/20-scale models of the B-29 and F-80 airplanes to determine the effects of rigidly coupling the airplanes together. The Douglas configuration differs from the rigid configuration tested in that it provides for some freedom in pitch and vertical displacement. The force tests showed that, for the bomber alone, the aerodynamic center was 0.21 mean aerodynamic chord behind the center of gravity (stable) but that for the tandem configuration with rigid coupling the aerodynamic center was 0.28 mean aerodynamic chord forward of the center of gravity of the combination (unstable). This reduction in stability was caused by the downwash of the bomber on the fighter. The pitching moment produced by elevator deflection of the bomber was reduced approximately 50 percent by addition of the fighter. Some recent flight tests made in the free-flight tunnel on models in a similar tandem configuration indicated that, with a hinged coupling permitting freedom in pitch, the stability of the combination was better than that obtained with a rigid coupling and was about the same as that for the bomber alone.

Hewes, Donald E.↗

'Bootstrap' Configuration for Multistage Pulse-Tube Coolers

A bootstrap configuration has been proposed for multistage pulse-tube coolers that, for instance, provide final-stage cooling to temperatures as low as 20 K. The bootstrap configuration supplants the conventional configuration, in which customarily the warm heat exchangers of all stages reject heat at ambient temperature. In the bootstrap configuration, the warm heat exchanger, the inertance tube, and the reservoir of each stage would be thermally anchored to the cold heat exchanger of the next warmer stage. The bootstrapped configuration is superior to the conventional setup, in some cases increasing the 20 K cooler's coefficient of performance two-fold over that of an otherwise equivalent conventional layout. The increased efficiency could translate into less power consumption, less cooler mass, and/or lower cost for a given amount of cooling.

Nguyen, Bich↗

Assessment of Prone Positioning of Restrained, Seated Crewmembers in a Post Landing Stable 2 Orion Configuration

During the Orion landing and recovery subsystem design review, June 2009, it was noted that the human system and various vehicle systems, the environmental control and life support (ECLSS) and guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) systems for example, are negatively affected by Orion assuming a stable 2 (upside down; Figure A) configuration post landing. The stable 2 configuration is predicted to occur about 50% of the time based on Apollo landing data and modeling of the current capsule. The stable 2 configuration will be countered by an active up-righting system (crew module up-righting system; CMUS). Post landing balloons will deploy and inflate causing the vehicle to assume or maintain the stable 1 (up-right; Figure B) configuration. During the design review it was proposed that the up-righting system could be capable of righting the vehicle within 60 seconds. However, this time limit posed a series of constraints on the design which made it less robust than desired. The landing and recovery subsystem team requested an analysis of Orion vehicle systems as well as the human system with regard to the effect of stable 2 in order to determine if an up-righting response time greater than 60 seconds could be tolerated. The following report focuses on the assessment of the human system in the posture assumed when Orion is in the stable 2 configuration. Stable 2 will place suited, seated, and restrained crewmembers in a prone (facedown), head-up position for a period of time dependent on the functionality of the up-righting systems, ability of the crew to release themselves from the seat and restraints, and/or time to arrival of rescue forces. Given that the Orion seat and restraint system design is not complete and therefore, not available for evaluation, Space Medicine assessed how long a healthy but deconditioned crewmember could stay in this prone, restrained position and the physiological consequences of this posture by researching terrestrial analogs and considered the known physiological alterations and deconditioning experienced by long duration crewmembers.

Barr, Yael↗

Parametric Flutter Analysis of the TCA Configuration and Recommendation for FFM Design and Scaling

The current HSR Aeroelasticity plan to design, build, and test a full span, free flying transonic flutter model in the TDT has many technical obstacles that must be overcome for a successful program. One technical obstacle is the determination of a suitable configuration and point in the sky to use in setting the scaling point for the ASE models program. Determining this configuration and point in the sky requires balancing several conflicting requirements, including model buildability, tunnel test safety, and the ability of the model to represent the flutter mechanisms of interest. As will be discussed in detail in subsequent sections, the current TCA design exhibits several flutter mechanisms of interest. It has been decided that the ASE models program will focus on the low frequency symmetric flutter mechanism, and will make no attempt to investigate high frequency flutter mechanisms. There are several reasons for this choice. First, it is believed that the high frequency flutter mechanisms are similar in nature to classical wing bending/torsion flutter, and therefore there is more confidence that this mechanism can be predicted using current techniques. The low frequency mode, on the other hand, is a highly coupled mechanism involving wing, body, tail, and engine motion which may be very difficult to predict. Second, the high frequency flutter modes result in very small weight penalties (several hundred pounds), while suppression of the low frequency mechanism inside the flight envelope causes thousands of pounds to be added to the structure. In order to successfully test the low frequency flutter mode of interest, a suitable starting configuration and point in the sky must be identified. The configuration and point in the sky must result in a wind tunnel model that (1) represents the low-frequency wing/body/engine/empennage flutter mechanisms that are unique to HSCT configurations, (2) flutters at an acceptably low frequency in the tunnel, (3) flutters at an acceptably low dynamic pressure in the tunnel, (4) allows sufficient weight for model buildability without inordinately high cost, and (5) has significant separation between the target flutter mechanism and other, potentially catastrophic, flutter mechanisms.

Baker, Myles↗

Configuring Airspace Sectors with Approximate Dynamic Programming

In response to changing traffic and staffing conditions, supervisors dynamically configure airspace sectors by assigning them to control positions. A finite horizon airspace sector configuration problem models this supervisor decision. The problem is to select an airspace configuration at each time step while considering a workload cost, a reconfiguration cost, and a constraint on the number of control positions at each time step. Three algorithms for this problem are proposed and evaluated: a myopic heuristic, an exact dynamic programming algorithm, and a rollouts approximate dynamic programming algorithm. On problem instances from current operations with only dozens of possible configurations, an exact dynamic programming solution gives the optimal cost value. The rollouts algorithm achieves costs within 2% of optimal for these instances, on average. For larger problem instances that are representative of future operations and have thousands of possible configurations, excessive computation time prohibits the use of exact dynamic programming. On such problem instances, the rollouts algorithm reduces the cost achieved by the heuristic by more than 15% on average with an acceptable computation time.

Bloem, Michael↗

An Operational Configuration of the ARPS Data Analysis System to Initialize WRF in the NM'S Environmental Modeling System

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is the next generation community mesoscale model designed to enhance collaboration between the research and operational sectors. The NM'S as a whole has begun a transition toward WRF as the mesoscale model of choice to use as a tool in making local forecasts. Currently, both the National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL (NWS MLB) and the Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG) are running the Advanced Regional Prediction System (AIRPS) Data Analysis System (ADAS) every 15 minutes over the Florida peninsula to produce high-resolution diagnostics supporting their daily operations. In addition, the NWS MLB and SMG have used ADAS to provide initial conditions for short-range forecasts from the ARPS numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. Both NM'S MLB and SMG have derived great benefit from the maturity of ADAS, and would like to use ADAS for providing initial conditions to WRF. In order to assist in this WRF transition effort, the Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) was tasked to configure and implement an operational version of WRF that uses output from ADAS for the model initial conditions. Both agencies asked the AMU to develop a framework that allows the ADAS initial conditions to be incorporated into the WRF Environmental Modeling System (EMS) software. Developed by the NM'S Science Operations Officer (S00) Science and Training Resource Center (STRC), the EMS is a complete, full physics, NWP package that incorporates dynamical cores from both the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Advanced Research WRF (ARW) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Non-Hydrostatic Mesoscale Model (NMM) into a single end-to-end forecasting system. The EMS performs nearly all pre- and postprocessing and can be run automatically to obtain external grid data for WRF boundary conditions, run the model, and convert the data into a format that can be readily viewed within the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System. The EMS has also incorporated the WRF Standard Initialization (SI) graphical user interface (GUT), which allows the user to set up the domain, dynamical core, resolution, etc., with ease. In addition to the SI GUT, the EMS contains a number of configuration files with extensive documentation to help the user select the appropriate input parameters for model physics schemes, integration timesteps, etc. Therefore, because of its streamlined capability, it is quite advantageous to configure ADAS to provide initial condition data to the EMS software. One of the biggest potential benefits of configuring ADAS for ingest into the EMS is that the analyses could be used to initialize either the ARW or NMM. Currently, the ARPS/ADAS software has a conversion routine only for the ARW dynamical core. However, since the NIvIM runs about 2.5 times faster than the ARW, it is quite advantageous to be able to run an ADAS/NMM configuration operationally due to the increased efficiency.

Case, Jonathan↗

Experimental Investigation of the Low-Speed Aerodynamic Characteristics of a 5.8-Percent Scale Hybrid Wing Body Configuration

A low-speed experimental investigation has been conducted on a 5.8-percent scale Hybrid Wing Body configuration in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. This Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) configuration was designed with specific intention to support the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project goals of reduced noise, emissions, and fuel burn. This HWB configuration incorporates twin, podded nacelles mounted on the vehicle upper surface between twin vertical tails. Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics were assessed through the acquisition of force and moment, surface pressure, and flow visualization data. Longitudinal and lateral-directional characteristics were investigated on this multi-component model. The effects of a drooped leading edge, longitudinal flow-through nacelle location, vertical tail shape and position, elevon deflection, and rudder deflection have been studied. The basic configuration aerodynamics, as well as the effects of these configuration variations, are presented in this paper.

Gatlin, Gregory M.↗

Benefits Assessment for Single-Airport Tactical Runway Configuration Management Tool (TRCM)

The System-Oriented Runway Management (SORM) concept was developed as part of the Airspace Systems Program (ASP) Concepts and Technology Development (CTD) Project, and is composed of two basic capabilities: Runway Configuration Management (RCM), and Combined Arrival/Departure Runway Scheduling (CADRS). RCM is the process of designating active runways, monitoring the active runway configuration for suitability given existing factors, and predicting future configuration changes; CADRS is the process of distributing arrivals and departures across active runways based on local airport and National Airspace System (NAS) goals. The central component in the SORM concept is a tool for taking into account all the various factors and producing a recommendation for what would be the optimal runway configuration, runway use strategy, and aircraft sequence, considering as many of the relevant factors required in making this type of decision, and user preferences, if feasible. Three separate tools were initially envisioned for this research area, corresponding to the time scale in which they would operate: Strategic RCM (SRCM), with a planning horizon on the order of several hours, Tactical RCM (TRCM), with a planning horizon on the order of 90 minutes, and CADRS, with a planning horizon on the order of 15-30 minutes[1]. Algorithm development was initiated in all three of these areas, but the most fully developed to date is the TRCM algorithm. Earlier studies took a high-level approach to benefits, estimating aggregate benefits across most of the major airports in the National Airspace Systems (NAS), for both RCM and CADRS [2]. Other studies estimated the benefit of RCM and CADRS using various methods of re-sequencing arrivals to reduce delays3,4, or better balancing of arrival fixes5,6. Additional studies looked at different methods for performing the optimization involved in selecting the best Runway Configuration Plan (RCP) to use7-10. Most of these previous studies were high-level or generic in nature (not focusing on specific airports), and benefits were aggregated for the entire NAS, with relatively low fidelity simulation of SORM functions and aircraft trajectories. For SORM research, a more detailed benefits assessment of RCM and CADRS for specific airports or metroplexes is needed.

Oseguera-Lohr, Rosa↗

Analysis of the Capacity Potential of Current Day and Novel Configurations for New York's John F. Kennedy Airport

In 2015, a series of systems analysis studies were conducted on John F. Kennedy Airport in New York (NY) in a collaborative effort between NASA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). This work was performed to build a deeper understanding of NY airspace and operations to determine the improvements possible through operational changes with tools currently available, and where new technology is required for additional improvement. The analysis was conducted using tool-based mathematical analyses, video inspection and evaluation using recorded arrival/departure/surface traffic captured by the Aerobahn tool (used by Kennedy Airport for surface metering), and aural data archives available publically through the web to inform the video segments. A discussion of impacts of trajectory and operational choices on capacity is presented, including runway configuration and usage (parallel, converging, crossing, shared, independent, staggered), arrival and departure route characteristics (fix sharing, merges, splits), and how compression of traffic is staged. The authorization in March of 2015 for New York to use reduced spacing under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wake Turbulence Recategorization (RECAT) also offers significant capacity benefit for New York airports when fully transitioned to the new spacing requirements, and the impact of these changes for New York is discussed. Arrival and departure capacity results are presented for each of the current day Kennedy Airport configurations. While the tools allow many variations of user-selected conditions, the analysis for these studies used arrival-priority, no-winds, additional safety buffer of 5% to the required minimum spacing, and a mix of traffic typical for Kennedy. Two additional "novel" configurations were evaluated. These configurations are of interest to Port Authority and to their airline customers, and are believed to offer near-term capacity benefit with minimal operational and equipage changes. One of these is the addition of an Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) route to runways 22L and 22R, and the other is the simultaneous use of 4 runways, which is not currently done at Kennedy. The background and configuration for each of these is described, and the capacity results are presented along with a discussion of drawbacks and enablers for each.

Glaab, Patricia↗

Chemiluminescence Measurements in a Combustor Using a 7-Point Lean Direct Injector Array Configuration for Gas Turbine Engine Applications

Two different configurations of a 7-point lean direct injector array were investigated. Chemiluminescence images of C2* or CH* were collected during combustion tests for insight on flame structure for the two configurations. Several inlet conditions were tested by varying the equivalence ratio or reference velocity. For the center right-hand 60 degree and outer right-hand 52 degree outers, the chemiluminescence emanating from the central pilot appeared well isolated from the outers. At the same time, a hollow region below the pilot showed little fluctuation of chemiluminescence where a central recirculation zone was present during the non-reacting tests. The central left-hand 60 degree and outer right-hand 52 degree configuration displayed a narrower structure from the pilot compared to the flatter pilot observed in the other configuration. Additionally, the right-handed outer swirlers may be responsible for the asymmetry observed with the chemiluminescence images. Both configurations showed less variation in chemiluminescence intensity as the reference velocity was increased. This was likely due to better atomization and vaporization associated with higher fuel and air flow rates.

lean direct injection↗

System Noise Technology Roadmaps for a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing and Peer Conventional Configuration

A system noise assessment is performed for a Boeing-designed Transonic Truss-Braced Wing, resized using NASA tools in order to estimate the performance of the configuration relative to NASA noise goals. For comparison, a conventional configuration with comparable mission requirements, technology assumptions, and design assumptions is also assessed. Following the baseline noise assessments, a noise reduction technology roadmap is developed from technologies expected to mature to an appropriate technology readiness level by the targeted entry into service date. Noise prediction of both baseline configurations shows a 4.7 EPNdB cumulative certification advantage for the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing. Both configurations fall short of the mid term NASA noise goal, even with application of the noise reduction technologies in the roadmap. The roadmap provides 7.3 EPNdB of noise reduction for the conventional configuration and 7.8 EPNdB for the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing.

system noise assessment↗

NASA Small Engine Components Compressor Test Facility: High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor Vaneless Diffuser and Transition Duct Configurations

The original vaned configuration of the High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) was developed with aggressive design targets to facilitate advancement of state-of-the-art technology in gas turbine compressors. This work documents modifications to the Small Engine Components Compressor Test Facility to support testing of the HECC vaneless diffuser and transition duct configurations, both of which are open geometries. These configurations were developed as follow-up studies to improve understanding of the differences between the predicted and actual performance of the original HECC vaned diffuser stage. Specifically, the vaneless diffuser was designed to provide the impeller with ideal exit conditions such that the impeller performance could be isolated from downstream stationary components, and the additively manufactured transition duct inlet configuration enables investigation into the effects of the inlet flow path on the stage performance. Features of note in the facility are active clearance control, bleed flow regulation, modular inlet configurations, and steady-state and fast-response instrumentation throughout the flow path. Details of the facility and instrumentation are presented as well as the baseline performance of the compressor stage. The geometry, performance, and detailed aerodynamic data have been made available to the public at https://storage.googleapis.com/heccdata/NASA-HECC-Data-Archive.zip.

centrifugal compressor↗

Predicting Airport Runway Configurations for Decision-Support Using Supervised Learning

One of the most challenging tasks for air traffic controllers is runway configuration management (RCM). It deals with the optimal selection of runways to operate on (for arrivals and departures) based on traffic, surface wind speed, wind direction, other environmental variables, noise constraints, and several other airport-specific factors. It affects the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) and both surface and airspace operations can benefit from better understanding future runway configurations. In this paper, we present a comprehensive implementation of predictive models for runway configuration estimation from large volumes of historical data. Specifically, operational data from two full years (2018 and 2019) is collected, analyzed, and fused together to build the data product used in this work. The data set differs from prior work in the field in terms of its scope, resolution, and variety of factors collected and considered. Meteorological data is collected from two different sources – current weather conditions from METAR (Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report) and forecast weather conditions from Localized Aviation MOS Program (LAMP). Operational data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) related to scheduled and actual number of arrivals and departures, average taxi times, etc. are collected. NASA’s Sherlock Data Warehouse is used to identify critical information such as go-arounds, and other events that might impact RCM decision-making. All data is collected and aggregated over 15-minute intervals throughout the two years. This provides a resolution like the timescales that might be necessary for runway configuration management decision-making. A variety of supervised learning algorithms are tested including Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, etc. including tuning of the model hyperparameters. The modeling process is applied and presented on two representative U.S. airports – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT) and Denver International Airport (KDEN). The two airports present different levels of complexity in terms of the total number of configurations used and provide a balanced perspective on the generalizability of the developed approach to other airports in the NAS. Initial results are promising (F1 score of 0.91 at KCLT and 0.83 at KDEN) for data in the test set. The final paper will contain a comprehensive comparison between different models and model building strategies as well as further refined results. Most important predictors for each airport will be identified along with a discussion and recommendations on adapting the framework to other scenarios.

Tejas G Puranik↗

NASA Small Engine Components Compressor Test Facility: High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor Vaneless Diffuser and Transition Duct Configurations

The original vaned configuration of the High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) was developed with aggressive design targets to facilitate advancement of state-of-the-art technology in gas turbine compressors. This work documents modifications to the Small Engine Components Compressor Test Facility to support testing of the HECC vaneless diffuser and transition duct configurations, both of which are open geometries. These configurations were developed as follow-up studies to improve understanding of the differences between the predicted and actual performance of the original HECC vaned diffuser stage. Specifically, the vaneless diffuser was designed to provide the impeller with ideal exit conditions such that the impeller performance could be isolated from downstream stationary components, and the additively manufactured transition duct inlet configuration enables investigation into the effects of the inlet flow path on the stage performance. Features of note in the facility are active clearance control, bleed flow regulation, modular inlet configurations, and steady-state and fast-response instrumentation throughout the flow path. Details of the facility and instrumentation are presented as well as the baseline performance of the compressor stage. The geometry, performance, and detailed aerodynamic data have been made available to the public at https://storage.googleapis.com/hecc-data/NASA-HECC-Data-Archive.zip.

centrifugal compressor↗

Flow Visualization of Intrusive and Non-Intrusive Configurations for Lunar- and Martian-Relevant Plume-Surface Interaction

Flow visualization of a heated, inert-gas plume impinging onto a rigid surface was performed in lunar- and Martian-relevant pressure conditions. The experimental campaign was part of a broader effort to improve predictive models and capabilities for plume-surface interactions in spacecraft landing environments relevant to the Moon and Mars. The experiments used the planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique to visualize the flow of the jet over both a full-plane configuration using a flat impingement plate and a half-plane configuration where the jet flow was bisected by a splitter edge mounted to the impingement plate. The latter configuration has been previously used to study erosion mechanisms in plume-surface interactions because the technique enables cross-sectional optical access for visualizing the plume-induced crater. However, this approach has some uncertainty regarding the influence of the splitter edge on the flow field. The present work evaluates the differences in flow structures and characteristics between the flat plate and splitter plate experimental configurations at eight unique test conditions with and without the splitter edge where the vacuum chamber pressure, nozzle mass flow rate, and height of the nozzle were varied. Several features are identified which differ between the flat plate and splitter plate comparison cases, and these are summarized in this paper. The results presented provide insights to the differences between intrusive and non-intrusive experimental configurations for plume-surface interaction studies that can be used to further validate predictive models and inform future ground and flight test results.

PLIF↗