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At least 271 records · Page 15

Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions in Hypersonic Low Density Flows

Results of numerical simulations of Mach 10 air flow over a hollow cylinder-flare and a double-cone are presented where viscous effects are significant. The flow phenomena include shock-shock and shock- boundary-layer interactions with accompanying flow separation, recirculation, and reattachment. The purpose of this study is to promote an understanding of the fundamental gas dynamics resulting from such complex interactions and to clarify the requirements for meaningful simulations of such flows when using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Particular emphasis is placed on the sensitivity of computed results to grid resolution. Comparisons of the DSMC results for the hollow cylinder-flare (30 deg.) configuration are made with the results of experimental measurements conducted in the ONERA RSCh wind tunnel for heating, pressure, and the extent of separation. Agreement between computations and measurements for various quantities is good except that for pressure. For the same flow conditions, the double- cone geometry (25 deg.- 65 deg.) produces much stronger interactions, and these interactions are investigated numerically using both DSMC and Navier-Stokes codes. For the double-cone computations, a two orders of magnitude variation in free-stream density (with Reynolds numbers from 247 to 24,7 19) is investigated using both computational methods. For this range of flow conditions, the computational results are in qualitative agreement for the extent of separation with the DSMC method always predicting a smaller separation region. Results from the Navier-Stokes calculations suggest that the flow for the highest density double-cone case may be unsteady; however, the DSMC solution does not show evidence of unsteadiness.

Moss, James N.↗

Mimicking Natural Laminar to Turbulent Flow Transition: A Systematic CFD Study Using PAB3D

For applied aerodynamic computations using a general purpose Navier-Stokes code, the common practice of treating laminar to turbulent flow transition over a non-slip surface is somewhat arbitrary by either treating the entire flow as turbulent or forcing the flow to undergo transition at given trip locations in the computational domain. In this study, the possibility of using the PAB3D code, standard k-epsilon turbulence model, and the Girimaji explicit algebraic stresses model to mimic natural laminar to turbulent flow transition was explored. The sensitivity of flow transition with respect to two limiters in the standard k-epsilon turbulence model was examined using a flat plate and a 6:1 aspect ratio prolate spheroid for our computations. For the flat plate, a systematic dependence of transition Reynolds number on background turbulence intensity was found. For the prolate spheroid, the transition patterns in the three-dimensional boundary layer at different flow conditions were sensitive to the free stream turbulence viscosity limit, the reference Reynolds number and the angle of attack, but not to background turbulence intensity below a certain threshold value. The computed results showed encouraging agreements with the experimental measurements at the corresponding geometry and flow conditions.

Pao, S. Paul↗

Inlet flow test calibration for a small axial compressor rig. Part 2: CFD compared with experimental results

An axial compressor test rig has been designed for the operation of small turbomachines. A flow test was run to calibrate and determine the source and magnitudes of the loss mechanisms in the compressor inlet for a highly loaded two-stage axial compressor test. Several flow conditions and inlet guide vane (IGV) angle settings were established, for which detailed surveys were completed. Boundary layer bleed was also provided along the casing of the inlet behind the support struts and ahead of the IGV. Several computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations were made for selected flow conditions established during the test. Good agreement between the CFD and test data were obtained for these test conditions.

Miller, D. P.↗

A Computational Study of the Abrupt Wing Stall (AWS) Characteristics for Various Fighter Jets: F/A-18E and F-16C - Part 1

Steady state Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations are used to gain an understanding of the physics behind the Abrupt Wing Stall (AWS) phenomenon and to arrive at static Figures of Merit (FOMs). Navier-Stokes simulations are conducted using the NASA Langley developed TetrUSS simulation suite which is based on tetrahedral, unstructured grids. The physics of the AWS phenomenon is understood by comparing CFD simulation results on two aircraft; a pre-production F/A-18E configuration which exhibits AWS phenomenon under certain geometric and flow conditions, and an F-16C aircraft configuration that does not. The CFD code is first validated against two sets of experimental data to build confidence in its use for the problem of AWS. An attempt is then made to understand the possible causes of AWS by analyzing and comparing the detailed flow fields between the two configurations under a variety of flow conditions. Based on this approach, a number of static Figures of Merit are developed to predict the potential existence of AWS. The FOMs include the break in the lift and wing root bending moment versus angle-of-attack (AoA) curves and the rate of change of sectional lift with respect to AoA. A companion paper, in Part II, describes a similar CFD study on two other aircraft, the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18C. Results from both these studies, as well as other CFD studies conducted as part of the AWS program are used to recommend a CFD procedure for predicting the existence of AWS in future aerospace designs.

Parikh, Paresh↗

Aerodynamic Measurements of a Variable-Speed Power-Turbine Blade Section in a Transonic Turbine Cascade

The purpose of this thesis is to document the impact of incidence angle and Reynolds number variations on the three-dimensional flow field and midspan loss and turning of a two-dimensional section of a variable-speed power-turbine (VSPT) rotor blade. Aerodynamic measurements were obtained in a transonic linear cascade at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Steady-state data were obtained for 10 incidence angles ranging from +15.8deg to -51.0deg. At each angle, data were acquired at five flow conditions with the exit Reynolds number (based on axial chord) varying over an order-of-magnitude from 2.12×105 to 2.12×106. Data were obtained at the design exit Mach number of 0.72 and at a reduced exit Mach number of 0.35 as required to achieve the lowest Reynolds number. Midspan tota lpressure and exit flow angle data were acquired using a five-hole pitch/yaw probe surveyed on a plane located 7.0 percent axial-chord downstream of the blade trailing edge plane. The survey spanned three blade passages. Additionally, three-dimensional half-span flow fields were examined with additional probe survey data acquired at 26 span locations for two key incidence angles of +5.8deg and -36.7deg. Survey data near the endwall were acquired with a three-hole boundary-layer probe. The data were integrated to determine average exit total-pressure and flow angle as functions of incidence and flow conditions. The data set also includes blade static pressures measured on four spanwise planes and endwall static pressures.

Flegel, Ashlie B.↗

Simulation and Modeling of Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layers Subject to Adverse Pressure Gradients due to Concave Streamline Curvature

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of adverse-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers over a planar concave wall are presented for a nominal freestream Mach number of 5, with the objective of assessing the limitations of the currently available Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models. The wall geometry and flow conditions of the DNS are representative of the experimental data for a Mach 4.9 turbulent boundary layer that was tested on a two-dimensional planar concave wall model in the high-speed blow-down wind tunnel located at the National Aerothermochemistry Laboratory at Texas A&M University (TAMU). The DNS was validated against the experimental results of TAMU for the same flow conditions and wall geometry. An analysis of the DNS datasets was also conducted to provide an assessment of the validity of Morkovin’s hypothesis and the strong Reynolds analog for turbulence subject to mechanical nonequilibrium. In addition to the DNS results, RANS predictions are obtained by using the Baldwin-Lomax (BL), Spalart-Allmaras (SA), and the k - w SST turbulence models. The comparisons between RANS and DNS showed little impact of an adverse pressure gradient on the accuracy of these models, at least up to an incompressible Clauser pressure gradient parameter of beta(sub inc) 1.22. While the Boussinesq assumption provided reasonable predictions for the Reynolds shear stress, it failed to adequately predict the normal components of the Reynolds stress.

turbulent boundary layers↗

Hypersonic turbulent wall boundary layer computations

The Baldwin-Lomax (1978) algebraic turbulence model was modified for hypersonic flow conditions. Two coefficients in the outer-layer eddy-viscosity model were determined as functions of Mach number and temperature ratio. By matching the solutions from the Baldwin-Lomax model to those from the Cebeci-Smith (1974) model for a flat plate at hypersonic speed, the new values of the coefficients were obtained. The results show that the values of C(cp) and C(kleb) are functions of both Mach number and wall temperature ratio. The C(cp) and C(kleb) variations with Mach number and wall temperature were used for the calculations of both a 4-deg wedge flow at Mach 18 and an axisymmetric Mach 20 nozzle flow. The Navier-Stokes equations with thin-layer approximation were solved for the above hypersonic flow conditions and the results were compared with existing experimental data. The agreement between the numerical solutions and the existing experimental data were good. The modified Baldwin-Lomax model thus is useful in the computations of hypersonic flows.

Kim, S. C.↗

Hypersonic turbulent wall boundary layer computations

The Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model was modified for hypersonic flow conditions. Two coefficients in the outer layer eddy viscosity model were determined as functions of Mach number and temperature ratio. By matching the solutions from the Baldwin-Lomax model to those from the Cebeci-Smith model for a flat plate at hypersonic speed, the new values of the coefficient were obtained. The results show that the values of C sub cp and C sub kleb are functions of both Mach number and wall temperature ratio. The C sub cp and C sub kleb variations with Mach number and wall temperature were used for the calculations of both a 4 deg wedge flow at Mach 18 and an axisymmetric Mach 20 nozzle flow. The Navier-Stokes equations with thin layer approximation were solved for the above hypersonic flow conditions and the results were compared with existing experimental data. The agreement between the numerical solutions and the existing experimental data were good. The modified Baldwin-Lomax model thus is useful in the computations of hypersonic flows.

Kim, S. C.↗

Experimental studies of scale effects on oscillating airfoils at transonic speeds

Scale effects are discussed with reference to a conventional airfoil (NACA 64A010) and a supercritical airfoil (NLR 7301) at mean flow conditions that support both weak and strong shock waves. During the experiment the Reynolds number was varied from 3 x 10 to the sixth power at time history data are presented over the range of reduced frequencies that are important in aeroelastic applications. The experimental data show that viscous effects are important in the case of the supercritical airfoil at all flow conditions and in the case of the conventional airfoil under strong shock wave conditions. Some frequency dependent viscous effects were also observed.

Davis, S. S.↗

Acoustic Radiation From a Mach 14 Turbulent Boundary Layer

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) are used to examine the turbulence statistics and the radiation field generated by a high-speed turbulent boundary layer with a nominal freestream Mach number of 14 and wall temperature of 0:18 times the recovery temperature. The flow conditions fall within the range of nozzle exit conditions of the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) Hypervelocity Tunnel No. 9 facility. The streamwise domain size is approximately 200 times the boundary-layer thickness at the inlet, with a useful range of Reynolds number corresponding to Re 450 􀀀 650. Consistent with previous studies of turbulent boundary layer at high Mach numbers, the weak compressibility hypothesis for turbulent boundary layers remains applicable under this flow condition and the computational results confirm the validity of both the van Driest transformation and Morkovin's scaling. The Reynolds analogy is valid at the surface; the RMS of fluctuations in the surface pressure, wall shear stress, and heat flux is 24%, 53%, and 67% of the surface mean, respectively. The magnitude and dominant frequency of pressure fluctuations are found to vary dramatically within the inner layer (z/delta 0.< or approx. 0.08 or z+ < or approx. 50). The peak of the pre-multiplied frequency spectrum of the pressure fluctuation is f(delta)/U(sub infinity) approx. 2.1 at the surface and shifts to a lower frequency of f(delta)/U(sub infinity) approx. 0.7 in the free stream where the pressure signal is predominantly acoustic. The dominant frequency of the pressure spectrum shows a significant dependence on the freestream Mach number both at the wall and in the free stream.

Zhang, Chao↗

Sound radiation from annular ducts/nozzles using modal decomposition of in-duct acoustic power

Using a refined acoustic impulse technique, an experimental program was carried out to determine the proper procedure for measuring the acoustic power for both incident and reflected sound fields for annular ducts with and without nozzles at various flow conditions. Several radial and azimuthal pressure measurements were made, and using these complex pressure data, the modal content of the pressure field was determined. A mathematical approach for the modal decomposition of annular duct acoustic power was developed. The acoustic power due to each individual mode and also their total sum were derived. The acoustic characteristics of annular duct-nozzle systems were studied at various flow conditions. The results derived from the experiments include the termination reflection coefficient, the normalized transmission coefficients, the power transfer functions and the power imbalance.

Salikuddin, M.↗

Velocity surveys in a turbine stator annular-cascade facility using laser Doppler techniques

A laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) was used to determine the flow conditions downstream of an annular cascade of stator blades operating at an exit critical velocity ratio of 0.87. Two modes of LDV operation (continuous scan and discrete point) were investigated. Conventional pressure probe measurements were also made for comparison with the LDV results. Biasing errors that occur in the LDV measurement of velocity components were also studied. In addition, the effect of pressure probe blockage on the flow conditions was determined with the LDV. Photographs and descriptions of the test equipment used are given.

Goldman, L. J.↗

Simulation and Modeling of Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layers Subject to Favorable Pressure Gradients due to Streamline Curvature

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of favorable-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers are presented for a nominal freestream Mach number of 5, with the objective of assessing the limitations of the currently available Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models.The wall geometry and flow conditions of the DNS are representative of the experimental data for a Mach 4.9 turbulent boundary layer that was tested on a two-dimensional planar convexwall model in the high-speed blow-down wind tunnel located at the National Aerothermochemistry Laboratory at Texas A&M University. The favorable pressure gradient is induced bythe streamwise surface curvature. The DNS results will be compared with experimental measurements and RANS computations for the same flow conditions and wall geometry. The DNS datasets will also be analyzed to provide an improved physical understanding of hypersonic boundary-layer turbulence subject to mechanical nonequilibrium, including the validity of Morkovin’s hypothesis and the various available compressibility transformations, as well as to obtain turbulence statistics that are relevant to RANS modeling, including the distribution ofeddy viscosity, the budgets of turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stresses, and the velocity-temperature correlations. The RANS predictions will be obtained by using both the commonly used one- and two-equation models that assume a constant turbulent Prandtl number and an algebraic, variable Prandtl number model for the turbulent energy flux.

turbulent boundary layers↗

Investgation of radiative interactions in high-speed entrance region flows

The influence of radiative energy transfer on the entrance region flow is investigated under supersonic and subsonic flow conditions in a channel. Two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically in conjunction with the radiative flux equations. The channel walls are assumed to be black. Nongray as well as pseudo gray gas models are used to represent the absorption-emission characteristic of the medium. The participating species considered are different amounts of water vapor in water vapor-air mixtures. Results obtained for different flow conditions indicate that the radiative interaction can moderately influence the overall energy transfer, but the flowfield is not changed significantly.

Tiwari, S. N.↗

Aerodynamic Investigation of Incidence Angle Effects in a Large Scale Transonic Turbine Cascade

Aerodynamic measurements showing the effects of large incidence angle variations on an HPT turbine blade set are presented. Measurements were made in NASA's Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Facility which has been used in previous studies to acquire detailed aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements for CFD code validation. The current study supports the development of variable-speed power turbine (VSPT) speed-change technology for the NASA Large Civil Tilt Rotor (LCTR) vehicle. In order to maintain acceptable main rotor propulsive efficiency, the VSPT operates over a nearly 50% speed range from takeoff to altitude cruise. This results in 50 degrees or more variations in VSPT blade incidence angles. The cascade facility has the ability to operate over a wide range of Reynolds numbers and Mach numbers, but had to be modified in order to accommodate the negative incidence angle variation required by the LCTR VSPT operation. Using existing blade geometry with previously acquired aerodynamic data, the tunnel was re-baselined and the new incidence angle range was exercised. Midspan exit total pressure and flow angle measurements were obtained at seven inlet flow angles. For each inlet angle, data were obtained at five flow conditions with inlet Reynolds numbers varying from 6.83 × 10(exp 5) to 0.85 ×10(exp 5) and two isentropic exit Mach numbers of 0.74 and 0.34. The midspan flowfield measurements were acquired using a three-hole pneumatic probe located in a survey plane 8.6% axial chord downstream of the blade trailing edge plane and covering three blade passages. Blade and endwall static pressure distributions were also acquired for each flow condition

McVetta, Ashlie B.↗

Aerodynamic Investigation of Incidence Angle Effects in a Large Scale Transonic Turbine Cascade

Aerodynamic measurements showing the effects of large incidence angle variations on an HPT turbine blade set are presented. Measurements were made in NASA's Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Facility which has been used in previous studies to acquire detailed aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements for CFD code validation. The current study supports the development of variable-speed power turbine (VSPT) speed-change technology for the NASA Large Civil Tilt Rotor (LCTR) vehicle. In order to maintain acceptable main rotor propulsive efficiency, the VSPT operates over a nearly 50 percent speed range from takeoff to altitude cruise. This results in 50deg or more variations in VSPT blade incidence angles. The cascade facility has the ability to operate over a wide range of Reynolds numbers and Mach numbers, but had to be modified in order to accommodate the negative incidence angle variation required by the LCTR VSPT operation. Using existing blade geometry with previously acquired aerodynamic data, the tunnel was re-baselined and the new incidence angle range was exercised. Midspan exit total pressure and flow angle measurements were obtained at seven inlet flow angles. For each inlet angle, data were obtained at five flow conditions with inlet Reynolds numbers varying from 6.83×10(exp 5) to 0.85×10(exp 5) and two isentropic exit Mach numbers of 0.74 and 0.34. The midspan flowfield measurements were acquired using a three-hole pneumatic probe located in a survey plane 8.6 percent axial chord downstream of the blade trailing edge plane and covering three blade passages. Blade and endwall static pressure distributions were also acquired for each flow condition.

McVetta, Ashlie B.↗

Aerodynamic Investigation of Incidence Angle Effects in a Large Scale Transonic Turbine Cascade

Aerodynamic measurements showing the effects of large incidence angle variations on an HPT turbine blade set are presented. Measurements were made in NASA's Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Facility which has been used in previous studies to acquire detailed aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements for CFD code validation. The current study supports the development of variable-speed power turbine (VSPT) speed-change technology for the NASA Large Civil Tilt Rotor (LCTR) vehicle. In order to maintain acceptable main rotor propulsive efficiency, the VSPT operates over a nearly 50 percent speed range from takeoff to altitude cruise. This results in 50 deg or more variations in VSPT blade incidence angles. The cascade facility has the ability to operate over a wide range of Reynolds numbers and Mach numbers, but had to be modified in order to accommodate the negative incidence angle variation required by the LCTR VSPT operation. Using existing blade geometry with previously acquired aerodynamic data, the tunnel was re-baselined and the new incidence angle range was exercised. Midspan exit total pressure and flow angle measurements were obtained at seven inlet flow angles. For each inlet angle, data were obtained at five flow conditions with inlet Reynolds numbers varying from 6.83×10 (exp 5) to 0.85×10(exp 5) and two isentropic exit Mach numbers of 0.74 and 0.34. The midspan flowfield measurements were acquired using a three-hole pneumatic probe located in a survey plane 8.6 percent axial chord downstream of the blade trailing edge plane and covering three blade passages. Blade and endwall static pressure distributions were also acquired for each flow condition.

McVetta, Ashlie B.↗

Towards Robust Designs Via Multiple-Objective Optimization Methods

Fabricating and operating complex systems involves dealing with uncertainty in the relevant variables. In the case of aircraft, flow conditions are subject to change during operation. Efficiency and engine noise may be different from the expected values because of manufacturing tolerances and normal wear and tear. Engine components may have a shorter life than expected because of manufacturing tolerances. In spite of the important effect of operating- and manufacturing-uncertainty on the performance and expected life of the component or system, traditional aerodynamic shape optimization has focused on obtaining the best design given a set of deterministic flow conditions. Clearly it is important to both maintain near-optimal performance levels at off-design operating conditions, and, ensure that performance does not degrade appreciably when the component shape differs from the optimal shape due to manufacturing tolerances and normal wear and tear. These requirements naturally lead to the idea of robust optimal design wherein the concept of robustness to various perturbations is built into the design optimization procedure. The basic ideas involved in robust optimal design will be included in this lecture. The imposition of the additional requirement of robustness results in a multiple-objective optimization problem requiring appropriate solution procedures. Typically the costs associated with multiple-objective optimization are substantial. Therefore efficient multiple-objective optimization procedures are crucial to the rapid deployment of the principles of robust design in industry. Hence the companion set of lecture notes (Single- and Multiple-Objective Optimization with Differential Evolution and Neural Networks ) deals with methodology for solving multiple-objective Optimization problems efficiently, reliably and with little user intervention. Applications of the methodologies presented in the companion lecture to robust design will be included here. The evolutionary method (DE) is first used to solve a relatively difficult problem in extended surface heat transfer wherein optimal fin geometries are obtained for different safe operating base temperatures. The objective of maximizing the safe operating base temperature range is in direct conflict with the objective of maximizing fin heat transfer. This problem is a good example of achieving robustness in the context of changing operating conditions. The evolutionary method is then used to design a turbine airfoil; the two objectives being reduced sensitivity of the pressure distribution to small changes in the airfoil shape and the maximization of the trailing edge wedge angle with the consequent increase in airfoil thickness and strength. This is a relevant example of achieving robustness to manufacturing tolerances and wear and tear in the presence of other objectives.

Man Mohan, Rai↗