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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 289 records · Page 16

Computation of the tip vortex flowfield for advanced aircraft propellers

The tip vortex flowfield plays a significant role in the performance of advanced aircraft propellers. The flowfield in the tip region is complex, three-dimensional and viscous with large secondary velocities. An analysis is presented using an approximate set of equations which contains the physics required by the tip vortex flowfield, but which does not require the resources of the full Navier-Stokes equations. A computer code was developed to predict the tip vortex flowfield of advanced aircraft propellers. A grid generation package was developed to allow specification of a variety of advanced aircraft propeller shapes. Calculations of the tip vortex generation on an SR3 type blade at high Reynolds numbers were made using this code and a parametric study was performed to show the effect of tip thickness on tip vortex intensity. In addition, calculations of the tip vortex generation on a NACA 0012 type blade were made, including the flowfield downstream of the blade trailing edge. Comparison of flowfield calculations with experimental data from an F4 blade was made. A user's manual was also prepared for the computer code (NASA CR-182178).

Tsai, Tommy M.↗

A comparison of two central difference schemes for solving the Navier-Stokes equations

Five viscous transonic airfoil cases were computed by two significantly different computational fluid dynamics codes: An explicit finite-volume algorithm with multigrid, and an implicit finite-difference approximate-factorization method with Eigenvector diagonalization. Both methods are described in detail, and their performance on the test cases is compared. The codes utilized the same grids, turbulence model, and computer to provide the truest test of the algorithms. The two approaches produce very similar results, which, for attached flows, also agree well with experimental results; however, the explicit code is considerably faster.

Maksymiuk, C. M.↗

Stability characteristics of a conical aerospace plane concept

Data on stability characteristics of a conical aerospace plane concept were collected for a number of model geometry variations and test conditions, using several NASA-Langley wind tunnels spanning Mach range 0.1-6. The baseline configuration of this plane concept incorporated a 5-deg cone forebody, a 75.96-deg delta wing, a 16-deg leading-edge sweep deployable canard, and a centerline vertical tail. The key results pertinent to stability considerations about all three axes of the model are presented together with data on the effect of the canard on pitch stability, the effect of vertical tail on lateral-directional stability, and the effect of forebody geometry on yaw asymmetries. The experimental stability data are compared with the results from an engineering predictive code.

Hahne, David E.↗

Computation of atmospheric cooling rates by exact and approximate methods

Infrared fluxes and cooling rates for several standard model atmospheres, with and without water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone, have been calculated using a line-by-line method at 0.01/cm resolution. The sensitivity of the results to the vertical integration scheme and to the model for water vapor continuum absorption is shown. Comparison with similar calculations performed at NOAA/GFDL shows agreement to within 0.5 W/sq m in fluxes at various levels and 0.05 K/d in cooling rates. Comparison with a fast, parameterized radiation code used in climate models reveals a worst case difference, when all gases are included, of 3.7 W/sq m in flux; cooling rate differences are 0.1 K/d or less when integrated over a substantial layer with point differences as large as 0.3 K/d.

Ridgway, William L.↗

Advanced propeller noise prediction in the time domain

The time domain code ASSPIN gives acousticians a powerful technique of advanced propeller noise prediction. Except for nonlinear effects, the code uses exact solutions of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation with exact blade geometry and kinematics. By including nonaxial inflow, periodic loading noise, and adaptive time steps to accelerate computer execution, the development of this code becomes complete.

Farassat, F.↗

Numerical study of low pressure nuclear thermal rockets

The flowfields and performance of low pressure nuclear thermal rockets, which use hydrogen as a propellant, are studied by solving the Navier-Stokes equations and the species equations. A finite-rate chemistry model is used in the species equations, and the turbulence is simulated by the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model with a modified van Driest's damping constant. The calculated results for the chamber temperatures of 3200 K and 4000 K with a chamber pressure range of 0.1 atm to 6 atm are presented as contours, centerline variations, and exit profiles. The performance values from the present calculations, such as the vacuum specific impulse and thrust, are compared with those from the 1D, inviscid equilibrium and frozen flow code.

Kim, Suk C.↗

Transient and Steady-state Tests of the Space Power Research Engine with Resistive and Motor Loads

The NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) has been testing free-piston Stirling engine/linear alternators (FPSE/LA) to develop advanced power convertors for space-based electrical power generation. Tests reported herein were performed to evaluate the interaction and transient behavior of FPSE/LA-based power systems with typical user loads. Both resistive and small induction motor loads were tested with the space power research engine (SPRE) power system. Tests showed that the control system could maintain constant long term voltage and stable periodic operation over a large range of engine operating parameters and loads. Modest resistive load changes were shown to cause relatively large voltage and, therefore, piston and displacer amplitude excursions. Starting a typical small induction motor was shown to cause large and, in some cases, deleterious voltage transients. The tests identified the need for more effective controls, if FPSE/LAs are to be used for stand-alone power systems. The tests also generated a large body of transient dynamic data useful for analysis code validation.

Rauch, Jeffrey S.↗

Analysis and Modeling of a Two-Phase Jet Pump of a Flow Boiling Test Facility for Aerospace Applications

Jet pumps are devices capable of pumping fluids to a higher pressure employing a nozzle/diffuser/mixing chamber combination. A primary fluid is usually allowed to pass through a converging-diverging nozzle where it can accelerate to supersonic speeds at the nozzle exit. The relatively high kinetic energy that the primary fluid possesses at the nozzle exit is accompanied by a low pressure region in order to satisfy Bernoulli's equation. The low pressure region downstream of the nozzle exit permits a secondary fluid to be entrained into and mixed with the primary fluid in a mixing chamber located downstream of the nozzle. Several combinations may exist in terms of the nature of the primary and secondary fluids in so far as whether they are single or two-phase fluids. Depending on this, the jet pump may be classified as gas/gas, gas/liquid, liquid/liquid, two-phase/liquid, or similar combinations. The mixing chamber serves to create a homogeneous single-phase or two-phase mixture which enters a diffuser where the high kinetic energy of the fluid is converted into pressure energy. If the fluid mixture entering the diffuser is in the supersonic flow regime, a normal shock wave usually develops inside the diffuser. If the fluid mixture is one that can easily change phase, a condensation shock would normally develop. Because of the overall rise in pressure in the diffuser as well as the additional rise in pressure across the shock layer, condensation becomes more likely. Associated with the pressure rise across the shock is a velocity reduction from the supersonic to the subsonic range. If the two-phase flow entering the diffuser is predominantly gaseous with liquid droplets suspended in it, it will transform into a predominantly liquid flow containing gaseous bubbles (bubbly flow) somewhere in the diffuser. While past researchers have been able to model the two-phase flow jet pump using the one-dimensional assumption with no shock waves and no phase change, there is no research known to the authors apart from that of Anand (1992) which accounted for condensation shocks. One of the objectives of this research effort is to develop a comprehensive model in which the effects of phase slip and inter-phase heat transfer as well as the wall friction and shock waves are accounted for. While this modeling effort is predominantly analytical in nature and is primarily intended to provide a parametric understanding of the jet pump performance under different operating scenarios, another parallel effort employing a commercial CFD code is also implemented. The latter effort is primarily intended to model an axisymmetric counterpart of the problem in question. The viability of using the CFD code to model a two-phase flow jet pump will be assessed by attempting to recreate some of the existing performance data of similar jet pumps. The code will eventually be used to generate the jet pump performance characteristics of several scenarios involving jet pump geometries as well as flow regimes in order to be able to determine an optimum design which would be suitable for a two-phase flow boiling test facility at NASA-Marshall. Because of the extensive nature of the analytical model developed, the following section will only provide very brief highlights of it, while leaving the details to a more complete report submitted to the NASA colleague. This report will also contain some of the simulation results obtained using the CFD code.

Sherif, S. A.↗

Correlation of SA349/2 Helicopter Flight Test Data with a Comprehensive Rotorcraft Model

A comprehensive rotorcraft analysis model, CAMRAD, was used to predict blade aerodynamic and structural loads and performance for comparison with flight test data. The data were obtained from an SA349/2 helicopter with an advanced geometry rotor. Sensitivity of the correlation to wake geometry, blade dynamics, and blade aerodynamic effects was investigated. Blade chordwise pressure coefficients were predicted for the transonic regimes near the blade tip using the model coupled with two finite-difference codes.

Yamauchi, Gloria K.↗

MAC/GMC 4.0 User's Manual: Keywords Manual

This document is the second volume in the three volume set of User's Manuals for the Micromechanics Analysis Code with Generalized Method of Cells Version 4.0 (MAC/GMC 4.0). Volume 1 is the Theory Manual, this document is the Keywords Manual, and Volume 3 is the Example Problem Manual. MAC/GMC 4.0 is a composite material and laminate analysis software program developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. It is based on the generalized method of cells (GMC) micromechanics theory, which provides access to the local stress and strain fields in the composite material. This access grants GMC the ability to accommodate arbitrary local models for inelastic material behavior and various types of damage and failure analysis. MAC/GMC 4.0 has been built around GMC to provide the theory with a user-friendly framework, along with a library of local inelastic, damage, and failure models. Further, applications of simulated thermo-mechanical loading, generation of output results, and selection of architectures to represent the composite material have been automated in MAC/GMC 4.0. Finally, classical lamination theory has been implemented within MAC/GMC 4.0 wherein GMC is used to model the composite material response of each ply. Consequently, the full range of GMC composite material capabilities is available for analysis of arbitrary laminate configurations as well. This volume describes the basic information required to use the MAC/GMC 4.0 software, including a 'Getting Started' section, and an in-depth description of each of the 22 keywords used in the input file to control the execution of the code.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

Recent Experimental Results Related to Ejector Mode Studies of Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) Engines

Contents include the folloving: 1. Motivation. Support NASA's 3d generation launch vehicle technology program. RBCC is promising candidate for 3d generation propulsion system. 2. Approach. Focus on ejector mode p3erformance (Mach 0-3). Perform testing on established flowpath geometry. Use conventional propulsion measurement techniques. Use advanced optical diagnostic techniques to measure local combustion gas properties. 3. Objectives. Gain physical understanding of detailing mixing and combustion phenomena. Establish an experimental data set for CFD code development and validation.

Cramer, J. M.↗

Assessment of 3D Codes for Predicting Liner Attenuation in Flow Ducts

This paper presents comparisons of seven propagation codes for predicting liner attenuation in ducts with flow. The selected codes span the spectrum of methods available (finite element, parabolic approximation, and pseudo-time domain) and are collectively representative of the state-of-art in the liner industry. These codes are included because they have two-dimensional and three-dimensional versions and can be exported to NASA's Columbia Supercomputer. The basic assumptions, governing differential equations, boundary conditions, and numerical methods underlying each code are briefly reviewed and an assessment is performed based on two predefined metrics. The two metrics used in the assessment are the accuracy of the predicted attenuation and the amount of wall clock time to predict the attenuation. The assessment is performed over a range of frequencies, mean flow rates, and grazing flow liner impedances commonly used in the liner industry. The primary conclusions of the study are (1) predicted attenuations are in good agreement for rigid wall ducts, (2) the majority of codes compare well to each other and to approximate results from mode theory for soft wall ducts, (3) most codes compare well to measured data on a statistical basis, (4) only the finite element codes with cubic Hermite polynomials capture extremely large attenuations, and (5) wall clock time increases by an order of magnitude or more are observed for a three-dimensional code relative to the corresponding two-dimensional version of the same code.

Watson, W. R.↗

Optical Characterization of a Multipoint Lean Direct Injector for Gas Turbine Combustors: Velocity and Fuel Drop Size Measurements

Performance of a multipoint, lean direct injection (MP-LDI) strategy for low emission aero-propulsion systems has been tested in a Jet-A fueled, lean flame tube combustion rig. Operating conditions for the series of tests included inlet air temperatures between 672 and 828 K, pressures between 1034 and 1379 kPa and total equivalence ratios between 0.41 and 0.45, resulting in equilibrium flame temperatures approaching 1800 K. Ranges of operation were selected to represent the spectrum of subsonic and supersonic flight conditions projected for the next-generation of commercial aircraft. This document reports laser-based measurements of in situ fuel velocities and fuel drop sizes for the NASA 9-point LDI hardware arranged in a 3 3 square grid configuration. Data obtained represent a region of the flame tube combustor with optical access that extends 38.1-mm downstream of the fuel injection site. All data were obtained within reacting flows, without particle seeding. Two diagnostic methods were employed to evaluate the resulting flow path. Three-component velocity fields have been captured using phase Doppler interferometry (PDI), and two-component velocity distributions using planar particle image velocimetry (PIV). Data from these techniques have also offered insight into fuel drop size and distribution, fuel injector spray angle and pattern, turbulence intensity, degree of vaporization and extent of reaction. This research serves to characterize operation of the baseline NASA 9- point LDI strategy for potential use in future gas-turbine combustor applications. An additional motive is the compilation of a comprehensive database to facilitate understanding of combustor fuel injector aerodynamics and fuel vaporization processes, which in turn may be used to validate computational fluid dynamics codes, such as the National Combustor Code (NCC), among others.

Heath, Christopher M.↗

Accelerated Adaptive MGS Phase Retrieval

The Modified Gerchberg-Saxton (MGS) algorithm is an image-based wavefront-sensing method that can turn any science instrument focal plane into a wavefront sensor. MGS characterizes optical systems by estimating the wavefront errors in the exit pupil using only intensity images of a star or other point source of light. This innovative implementation of MGS significantly accelerates the MGS phase retrieval algorithm by using stream-processing hardware on conventional graphics cards. Stream processing is a relatively new, yet powerful, paradigm to allow parallel processing of certain applications that apply single instructions to multiple data (SIMD). These stream processors are designed specifically to support large-scale parallel computing on a single graphics chip. Computationally intensive algorithms, such as the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), are particularly well suited for this computing environment. This high-speed version of MGS exploits commercially available hardware to accomplish the same objective in a fraction of the original time. The exploit involves performing matrix calculations in nVidia graphic cards. The graphical processor unit (GPU) is hardware that is specialized for computationally intensive, highly parallel computation. From the software perspective, a parallel programming model is used, called CUDA, to transparently scale multicore parallelism in hardware. This technology gives computationally intensive applications access to the processing power of the nVidia GPUs through a C/C++ programming interface. The AAMGS (Accelerated Adaptive MGS) software takes advantage of these advanced technologies, to accelerate the optical phase error characterization. With a single PC that contains four nVidia GTX-280 graphic cards, the new implementation can process four images simultaneously to produce a JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) wavefront measurement 60 times faster than the previous code.

Lam, Raymond K.↗

Dynamics and Structure of Main-Sequence Stars with Shallow Convection Zones

A dramatic increase in observational data from NASA’s Kepler, K2, and TESS missions and supporting ground-based observatories has opened new opportunities to investigate the internal structure, dynamics, and evolution of stars and their atmospheres. We present 3D radiative MHD simulations for several main-sequence stars with masses from 1.4 to 1.5M sun. The simulations are performed using the "StellarBox" code developed for modeling stellar turbulent convection and atmospheres with a high degree of realism. This presentation discusses similarities and differences between 3D realistic-type and 1D mixing-length models with regard to structural, thermodynamic, and turbulent property variations from the radiative zone to the convection zone and photosphere.

SMD↗

NASA's Responsible AI Use Cases

This submission consists of NASA's Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI) Use Cases. These RAI Use Cases are to be made public, pursuant to the Presidential Executive Order 13960, Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government. They were collected from NASA's practicing AI research community and cover the gamut of NASA's AI activities. These Use Cases will be updated annually as required by the Executive Order. The information included consists of the NASA Center, a summary of the goal, the AI techniques being applied, information on training data, and information on source code.

Artificial Intelligence↗

NASA's Responsible AI Use Cases

This submission consists of summary use cases for NASA's Responsible Artificial Intelligence (RAI). These RAI Use Cases are to be made public, pursuant to the Presidential Executive Order 13960, Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government. They were collected from NASA's practicing AI research community and cover the gamut of NASA's AI activities. These Use Cases will be updated annually as required by the Executive Order. The information included consists of the NASA Center, a summary of the goal, the AI techniques being applied, information on training data, and information on source code.

Artificial Intelligence↗