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At least 289 records · Page 16

Computation of nozzle flow fields using the PARC2D Navier-Stokes code

Supersonic nozzles which operate at low Reynolds numbers and have large expansion ratios have very thick boundary layers at their exit. This leads to a very strong viscous/inviscid interaction upon the flow within the nozzle and the traditional nozzle design techniques which correct the inviscid core with a boundary layer displacement do not accurately predict the nozzle exit conditions. A full Navier-Stokes code (PARC2D) was used to compute the nozzle flow field. Grids were generated using the interactive grid generator code TBGG. All computations were made on the NASA MSFC CRAY X-MP computer. Comparison was made between the computations and in-house wall pressure measurements for CO2 flow through a conical nozzle having an area ratio of 40. Satisfactory agreement existed between the computations and measurements for a stagnation pressure of 29.4 psia and stagnation temperature of 1060 R. However, agreement did not exist at a stagnation pressure of 7.4 psia. Several reasons for the lack of agreement are possible. The computational code assumed a constant gas gamma whereas gamma for CO2 varied from 1.22 in the plenum chamber to 1.38 at the nozzle exit. Finally, it is possible that condensation occurred during the expansion at the lower stagnation pressure.

Collins, Frank G.↗

Low Reynolds Number Nozzle Flow Study

An experimental study of low Reynolds number nozzle flow was performed. A brief comparison was made between some of the experimental performance data and performance predicted by a viscous flow code. The performance of 15, 20, and 25 deg conical nozzles, bell nozzles, and trumpet nozzles was evaluated with unheated nitrogen and hydrogen. The numerical analysis was applied to the conical nozzles only, using an existing viscous flow code that was based on a slender-channel approximation. Although the trumpet and 25 deg conical nozzles had slightly better performance at lower Reynolds numbers, it is unclear which nozzle is superior as all fell within the experimental error band. The numerical rssults were found to agree with experimental results for nitrogen and for some of the hydrogen data. Some code modification is recommended to improve confidence in the performance prediction.

Whalen, Margaret V.↗

Free-jet investigation of mechanically suppressed, high radius ratio coannular plug model nozzles

The experimental and analytical acoustic results of a scale-model investigation or unsuppressed and mechanically suppressed high-radius ratio coannular plug nozzles with inverted velocity and temperature profiles are summarized. Nine coannular nozzle configurations along with a reference conical nozzle were evaluated in the Anechoic Free-Jet Facility for a total of 212 acoustic test points. Most of the tests were conducted at variable cycle engine conditions applicable to advanced high speed aircraft. The tested nozzles included coannular plug nozzles with both convergent and convergent-divergent (C-D) terminations in order to evaluate C-D effectiveness in the reduction of shock-cell noise and 20 and 40 shallow-chute mechanical suppressors in the outer stream in order to evaluate their effectiveness in the reduction of jet noise. In addition to the acoustic tests, mean and turbulent velocity measurements were made on selected plumes of the 20 shallow-chute configuration using a laser velocimeter. At a mixed jet velocity of 700 m/sec, the 20 shallow-chute suppressor configuration yielded peak aft quadrant suppression of 11.5 and 9 PNdB and forward quadrant suppression of 7 and 6 PNdB relative to a baseline conical nozzles during static and simulated flight, respectively. The C-D terminations were observed to reduce shock-cell noise. An engineering spectral prediction method was formulated for mechanically suppressed coannular plug nozzles.

Janardan, B. A.↗

Effects of nozzle-exit boundary-layer conditions on excitability of heated free jets

This paper reports an experimental study on the effects of nozzle-exit boundary-layer conditions on the excitability of heated free jets. The results were obtained at a Mach number 0.8 and total temperatures of 300 K and 670 K. External acoustic excitation was used to excite the jet. The excitation frequencies ranged up to 6 KHZ and the excitation levels were up to 150 dB. A level of 147 dB was used for most of the test points. Nozzle-exit boundary-layer characteristics were controlled by boundary layer tripping upstream of the nozzle exit plane. It has been shown that the free jet mixing rate strongly depends on the boundary-layer characteristics at the nozzle exit. Further, it appears that jets with a thin laminar nozzle-exit boundary layer are more selective about the optimum excitation frequency than those with a thick turbulent nozzle-exit boundary layer. Finally, for the jet of Mach number 0.8, it appears that free jet mixing and development may be controlled by flow excitation as well as by nozzle-exit boundary-layer modifications.

Lepicovsky, J.↗

Computer codes for thermal analysis of a solid rocket motor nozzle

A number of computer codes are available for performing thermal analysis of solid rocket motor nozzles. Aerotherm Chemical Equilibrium (ACE) computer program can be used to perform one-dimensional gas expansion to determine the state of the gas at each location of a nozzle. The ACE outputs can be used as input to a computer program called Momentum/Energy Integral Technique (MEIT) for predicting boundary layer development development, shear, and heating on the surface of the nozzle. The output from MEIT can be used as input to another computer program called Aerotherm Charring Material Thermal Response and Ablation Program (CMA). This program is used to calculate oblation or decomposition response of the nozzle material. A code called Failure Analysis Nonlinear Thermal and Structural Integrated Code (FANTASTIC) is also likely to be used for performing thermal analysis of solid rocket motor nozzles after the program is duly verified. A part of the verification work on FANTASTIC was done by using one and two dimension heat transfer examples with known answers. An attempt was made to prepare input for performing thermal analysis of the CCT nozzle using the FANTASTIC computer code. The CCT nozzle problem will first be solved by using ACE, MEIT, and CMA. The same problem will then be solved using FANTASTIC. These results will then be compared for verification of FANTASTIC.

Chauhan, Rajinder Singh↗

Arcjet nozzle design impacts

The effect of nozzle configuration on the operating characteristics of a low power dc arcjet thruster was determined. A conical nozzle with a 30 deg converging angle, a 20 deg diverging angle, and an area ratio of 225 served as the baseline case. Variations on the geometry included bell-shaped contours both up and downstream, and a downstream trumpet-shaped contour. The nozzles were operated over a range of specific power near that anticipated for on-orbit operation. Mass flow rate, thrust, current, and voltage were monitored to provide accurate comparisons between nozzles. The upstream contour was found to have minimal effect on arcjet operation. It was determined that the contour of the divergent section of the nozzle, that serves as the anode, was very important in determining the location of arc attachment, and thus had a significant impact on arcjet performance. The conical nozzle was judged to have the optimal current/voltage characteristics and produced the best performance of the nozzles tested.

Curran, Francis M.↗

Arcjet Nozzle Design Impacts

The effect of nozzle configuration on the operating characteristics of a low power dc arcjet thruster was determined. A conical nozzle with a 30 deg converging angle, a 20 deg diverging angle, and an area ratio of 225 served as the baseline case. Variations on the geometry included bell-shaped contours both up and downstream, and a downstream trumpet-shaped contour. The nozzles were operated over a range of specific power near that anticipated for on-orbit operation. Mass flow rate, thrust, current, and voltage were monitored to provide accurate comparisons between nozzles. The upstream contour was found to have minimal effect on arcjet operation. It was determined that the contour of the divergent section of the nozzle, that serves as the anode, was very important in determining the location of arc attachment, and thus had a significant impact on arcjet performance. The conical nozzle was judged to have the optimal current/voltage characteristics and produced the best performance of the nozzles tested.

Curran, Francis M.↗

Flight motor set 360L002 (STS-27R). Volume 5: Nozzle component

A review of the performance and post-flight condition of the STS-27 Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) nozzles is presented. Thermal/Structural instrumentation data is reviewed, and applicable Discrepancy Reports (DRs) and Process Departures (PDs) are presented. The Nozzle Component Program Team (NCPT) performance evaluation and the Redesign Program Review Board (RPRB) assessment is included. The STS-27 nozzle assemblies were flown on the RSRM Second Flight (Space Shuttle Atlantis) on 2 December 1988. The nozzles were a partially submerged convergent and/or divergent movable design with an aft pivot point flexible bearing. The nozzle assemblies incorporated the following features: RSRM forward exit cone with snubber assembly, RSRM fixed housing, Structural backup Outer Boot Ring (OBR), RSRM cowl ring, RSRM nose inlet assembly, RSRM throat assembly, RSRM aft exit cone assembly with Linear-Shaped Charge (LSC), RTV backfill in Joints 1, 3, and 4, Use of EA913 NA adhesive in place of EA913 adhesive, Redesigned nozzle plug, and Carbon Cloth Phenolic (CCP) with 750 ppm sodium content. The CCP material usage for the STS-27 forward nozzle and aft exit cone assemblies is shown.

Meyer, S. A.↗

A Mach 6 external nozzle experiment with Argon-Freon exhaust simulation

A scramjet exhaust simulation technique for hypersonic wind tunnel testing has been developed. Mixtures of Argon and Freon correctly match the inviscid simulation parameters of Mach number, static-pressure ratio, and the ratio of specific heats at the combustor exit location; this simulation is accomplished at significantly reduced temperatures and without combustion. An investigation of nozzle parametrics in a Mach 6 freestream showed that the external nozzle ramp angle, the cowl trailing-edge angle, an external nozzle flow fence and the nozzle static-pressure ratio significantly affected the external nozzle thrust and pitching moment as measured by the integration of surface-pressure data. A comparison of Argon-Freon and air exhaust simulation showed that the external nozzle thrust and pitching moment were in error by roughly a factor of 2 using air due to the incorrect match of the ratio of specific heats. An assessment of two-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes codes for predicting external nozzle aerodynamic characteristics was made by comparing computed and experimental results.

Pittman, James L.↗

Transient, hypervelocity flow in an axisymmetric nozzle

The performance of an axisymmetric nozzle was examined which was designed to produce uniform, parallel flow with a nominal Mach number of 8. A free-piston driven shock tube was used to supply the nozzle with high-temperature, high-pressure test gas. Performance was assessed by measuring Pitot pressures across the exit plane of the nozzle and, over the range of operating conditions examined, the nozzle produced satisfactory test flows. However, there were flow disturbances that persisted for significant times after flow initiation. The detailed starting process of the nozzle was also investigated by performing numerical simulations at several nominal test conditions. The classical description of the starting process, based on a quasi-one-dimensional model, provided a reasonable approximation and was used to demonstrate that the starting process could consume a significant fraction of the otherwise usable test gas. This was especially important at high operating enthalpies where nozzle supply conditions were maintained for shorter times. Multidimensional simulations illustrated a mechanism by which the starting process in the actual nozzle could take longer than that predicted by the quasi-one-dimensional analysis. However, the cause of the persistent disturbances observed in the experimental calibration was not identified.

Jacobs, P. A.↗

Arcjet Nozzle Area Ratio Effects

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of nozzle area ratio on the operating characteristics and performance of a low power dc arcjet thruster. Conical thoriated tungsten nozzle inserts were tested in a modular laboratory arcjet thruster run on hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures simulating the decomposition products of hydrazine. The converging and diverging sides of the inserts had half angles of 30 and 20 degrees, respectively, similar to a flight type unit currently under development. The length of the diverging side was varied to change the area ratio. The nozzle inserts were run over a wide range of specific power. Current, voltage, mass flow rate, and thrust were monitored to provide accurate comparisons between tests. While small differences in performance were observed between the two nozzle inserts, it was determined that for each nozzle insert, arcjet performance improved with increasing nozzle area ratio to the highest area ratio tested and that the losses become very pronounced for area ratios below 50. These trends are somewhat different than those obtained in previous experimental and analytical studies of low Re number nozzles. It appears that arcjet performance can be enhanced via area ratio optimization.

Curran, Francis M.↗

Ground impingement of supersonic jets from nozzles with various exit geometries

Aerodynamc and acoustic measurements of single and twin free and impinging jets were made for circular convergent and CD nozzles, rectangular CD nozzles, and D-shaped convergent nozzles. Measured shock cell lengths and screech tone frequencies compare well with existing theory. Noise due to jet impingement correlates on the basis of the nozzle-to-ground distance relative to the free jet shock structure, with the highest sound pressure levels generally due to jet impingement tones. All nozzle types experienced near-field OASPL of 160 dB at some nozzle-to-ground distances, including the CD nozzles operating at their design pressure. The effect of the second jet was to sometimes increase levels due to twin jet resonance and at other times reduce levels due either to suppression of the screech/impingement feedback process or more simply by acoustic interference of the noise produced by the two jets.

Norum, Thomas D.↗

Static performance of a multiaxis thrust vectoring cruciform nozzle

A multiaxis thrust vectoring nozzle designed to have equal flow turning capability in pitch and yaw is investigated, and methods for obtaining large multiaxis thrust vector angles without physical vectoring flap interference are studied. These methods include restricting the pitch flaps from the path of the yaw flaps, and shifting the flow path at the throat off the nozzle centerline in order to permit larger pitch flap deflections without interfering with operation of the yaw flaps. The results obtained show that unvectored performance of the cruciform nozzle is only slightly lower (0.5 to 1.0 percent) than that of previously tested axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric nozzles, despite the complex internal geometry. The shifted-throat nozzle design has larger thrust vector angles at the nozzle pressure ratio of peak resultant thrust efficiency, but has 1 to 2 percent lower peak thrust performance than the restricted-flap nozzle design.

Wing, David J.↗

Hypervelocity flow in axisymmetric nozzles

A simple procedure for the design of axisymmetric supersonic nozzles for use in reflected-mode shock tunnels is described. This method has been used to design a moderate Mach number (M = 4) nozzle and a high Mach number (M = 10) nozzle. Both nozzles have been calibrated by measuring the pitot profiles near the nozzle exit planes and, although the M = 4 nozzle performs well, the M = 10 appears to have reached a Mach number - pressure limit in which the unsteady nozzle boundary layers significantly affect the test flow.

Jacobs, P. A.↗

Arcjet nozzle area ratio effects

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effect of nozzle area ratio on the operating characteristics and performance of a low power dc arcjet thruster. Conical thoriated tungsten nozzle inserts were tested in a modular laboratory arcjet thruster run on hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures simulating the decomposition products of hydrazine. The converging and diverging sides of the inserts had half angles of 30 and 20 degrees, respectively, similar to a flight type unit currently under development. The length of the diverging side was varied to change the area ratio. The nozzle inserts were run over a wide range of specific power. Current, voltage, mass flow rate, and thrust were monitored to provide accurate comparisons between tests. While small differences in performance were observed between the two nozzle inserts, it was determined that for each nozzle insert, arcjet performance improved with increasing nozzle area ratio to the highest area ratio tested and that the losses become very pronounced for area ratios below 50. These trends are somewhat different than those obtained in previous experimental and analytical studies of low Re number nozzles. It appears that arcjet performance can be enhanced via area ratio optimization.

Curran, Francis M.↗

The effects of nozzle exit lip thickness on plume resonance

The acoustic emission and initial shear layer of a cold jet issuing from an underexpanded sonic nozzle were measured where the lip thickness of the nozzle exit varied from 0.015 to 0.625 nozzle diameters. Because the amplitude of plume resonance (or screech) has been shown to be very sensitive to the initial conditions of the plume, the effects of nozzle lip thickness on this sound component in particular was investigated (although it will be shown that other noise components are also affected). Nearfield acoustic measurements have revealed the amplitude and frequency of certain modes of screech to be dependent on nozzle lip thickness. Fluctuating pressure measurements made on the nozzle exit surface have acoustic amplitudes in excess of near field microphone measurements. The dominant mode of instability that exists in the shear layer is also related to this geometric parameter. Detailed shear layer measurements were performed in an attempt to quantify any associated changes in the momentum thickness caused by altering the nozzle exit.

Ponton, M. K.↗

Nuclear thermal rocket nozzle testing and evaluation program

Performance characteristics of the Nuclear Thermal Rocket can be enhanced through the use of unconventional nozzles as part of the propulsion system. The Nuclear Thermal Rocket nozzle testing and evaluation program being conducted at the NASA Lewis is outlined and the advantages of a plug nozzle are described. A facility description, experimental designs and schematics are given. Results of pretest performance analyses show that high nozzle performance can be attained despite substantial nozzle length reduction through the use of plug nozzles as compared to a convergent-divergent nozzle. Pretest measurement uncertainty analyses indicate that specific impulse values are expected to be within + or - 1.17 pct.

Davidian, Kenneth O.↗

Some Characteristics of Fuel Sprays from Open Nozzles

The penetration and cone-angle of fuel sprays from open nozzles were recorded with the NACA Spray Photography Equipment. The results show that for injection systems in which the rate of pressure rise at the discharge orifice is high, open nozzles give spray-tip velocities and penetrations which compare favorably with those of closed nozzles. The spray cone-angle was the same for all tests, although open nozzles having different orifice diameters were used, and one nozzle was used both as an open and as a closed nozzle. In designing a fuel system using open nozzles, particular care must be taken to avoid air pockets. The check valve should be placed close to the discharge orifice.

Rothrock, A M↗