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At least 325 records · Page 18

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NASA NTRS2010

Unified Application of Vapor Screen Flow Visualization and Pressure Sensitive Paint Measurement Techniques to Vortex- and Shock Wave-Dominated Flow Fields

Laser vapor screen (LVS) flow visualization and pressure sensitive paint (PSP) techniques were applied in a unified approach to wind tunnel testing of slender wing and missile configurations dominated by vortex flows and shock waves at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds. The off-surface cross-flow patterns using the LVS technique were combined with global PSP surface static pressure mappings to characterize the leading-edge vortices and shock waves that coexist and interact at high angles of attack. The synthesis of LVS and PSP techniques was also effective in identifying the significant effects of passive surface porosity and the presence of vertical tail surfaces on the flow topologies. An overview is given of LVS and PSP applications in selected experiments on small-scale models of generic slender wing and missile configurations in the NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC) Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) and 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel (8-Foot TPT).

Erickson, Gary E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Separated flows near the nose of a body of revolution

The solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for the problem of cross-flow separataion about a deforming cylinder was achieved by iteration. It was shown that the separation starts at the rear stagnation point and the point of primary separation moves upstram along the cylinder surface. A general method of linear stability analysis for nonparallel external flows was constructed, which consists of representing the eigenfunctions with complete orthogonal sets and forms characteristic equations with the Galerkin method. The method was applied to the Kovasznay flow which is an exact solution of the Navier-Stokes equation. The results show that when the critical parameter is exceeded, there are only a few isolated unstable eigen-frequencies. Another exact solution is shown to be absolutely and monotonically stable with respect to infinitesimal disturbances of all frequencies. The flow is also globally, asymptotically, and monotonically stable in the mean with respect o three-dimensional disturbances. This result forms the sound foundation of rigorous stability analysis for nonparallel flows, and provides an invaluable test ground for future studies of nonparallel flows in which the basic states do not posses exact solutions. The application of this method to the study of the formation of spiral vorticies near the nose of a rotating body of revolution is underway. The same method will be applied to the stability analysis of reversed flow over a plate with suction.

Lin, S. P.↗

NASA NTRS1944

Intercooler cooling-air weight flow and pressure drop for minimum drag loss

An analysis has been made of the drag losses in airplane flight of cross-flow plate and tubular intercoolers to determine the cooling-air weight flow and pressure drop that give a minimum drag loss for any given cooling effectiveness and, thus, a maximum power-plant net gain due to charge-air cooling. The drag losses considered in this analysis are those due to (1) the extra drag imposed on the airplane by the weight of the intercooler, its duct, and its supports and (2) the drag sustained by the cooling air in flowing through the intercooler and its duct. The investigation covers a range of conditions of altitude, airspeed, lift-drag ratio, supercharger-pressure ratio, and supercharger adiabatic efficiency. The optimum values of cooling air pressure drop and weight flow ratio are tabulated. Curves are presented to illustrate the results of the analysis.

Reuter, J George↗

NASA NTRS1985

A three-dimensional boundary-layer method for flow over delta wings with leading-edge separation

A three-dimensional, laminar boundary-layer method is applied to the incompressible flow over a slender delta wing at incidence. The predictor-corrector finite-difference scheme of Matsuno is used to difference the governing equations. The method has the advantages that no iterations are required to advance the solution and the cross-flow derivatives are formed independent of the cross-field direction. The difference scheme is demonstrated to yield accurate numerical results when compared to the exact solution of the three-dimensional boundary-layer equations for parabolic flow over a moving flat plate. The method is applied to delta wings of various sweep angles at angles of attack up to 20 deg., with the inviscid solution determined using a higher-order, three-dimensional panel method.

Woodson, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Generation of circumferential velocity contours associated with pulsed point suction on a rotating disk

Numerous experimental studies were conducted on the steady, three-dimensional boundary layer over a disk rotating at constant angular speed in an otherwise undisturbed fluid. The subject flow geometry is of interest because it provides a relatively simple way to study the cross-flow instability phenomenon which occurs in three-dimensional boundary layers, as on swept wings. This flow instability results in the formation of a stationary spiral vortex flow field over the disk, as shown by Wilkinson and Malik. Using a hot-wire probe, the spatial wave pattern of stationary vortices, which filled the entire circumference of the disk was mapped. The subject flow instability caused transition-to-turbulent flow as the periphery of the disk was approached. The effect on receptivity and transition of discrete disturbance modes, such as three-dimensional toughness elements and acoustic excitation was investigated. The present study (an extension of the work of Wilkinson and Malik) is focused on the effect of pulsed point suction on flow instability and transition, and consequently, on the classical stationary vortical flow pattern.

Selby, Gregory V.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Transverse liquid fuel jet breakup, burning, and ignition

An analytical study of the breakup, burning, and ignition of liquid fuels injected transversely into a hot air stream is conducted. The non-reacting liquid jet breakup location is determined by the local sonic point criterion. Two models, one employing analysis of an elliptical jet cross-section and the other employing a two-dimensional blunt body to represent the transverse jet, were used for sonic point calculations. An auxiliary criterion based on surface tension stability is used as a separate means of determining the breakup location. For the reacting liquid jet problem, a diffusion flame supported by a one-step chemical reaction within the gaseous boundary layer is solved along the ellipse surface in subsonic cross flow. Typical flame structures and concentration profiles were calculated for various locations along the jet cross-section as a function of upstream Mach numbers. The integration reaction rate along the jet cross-section is used to predict ignition position, which is found to be situated near the stagnation point. While a multi-step reaction is needed to represent the ignition process more accurately, the present calculation does yield reasonable predictions concerning ignition along a curved surface.

Li, Hsi-Shang↗

NASA NTRS1975

Effect of rod gap spacing on a suction panel for laminar flow and noise control in supersonic wind tunnels

Results are presented of a coordinated experimental and theoretical study of a sound shield concept which aims to provide a means of noise reduction in the test section of supersonic wind tunnels at high Reynolds numbers. The model used consists of a planar array of circular rods aligned with the flow, with adjustable gaps between them for boundary layer removal by suction, i.e., laminar flow control. One of the basic requirements of the present sound shield concept is to achieve sonic cross flow through the gaps in order to prevent lee-side flow disturbances from penetrating back into the shielded region. Tests were conducted at Mach 6 over a local unit Reynolds number range from about 1.2 x 10 to the 6th power to 13.5 x 10 to the 6th power per foot. Measurements of heat transfer, static pressure, and sound levels were made to establish the transition characteristics of the boundary layer on the rod array and the sound shielding effectiveness.

Harvey, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Stability and transition of three-dimensional flows

The role of secondary instabilities in the transition to turbulence in three-dimensional boundary layers (especially in swept-wing flows) is characterized, reviewing the results of recent theoretical and experimental investigations. Consideration is given to cross-flow vortices, boundary-layer profile measurements, flow visualization, spanwise wavelength determinations, interactions, problems involving rotating disks and cones, and leading-edge contamination. All of the flows investigated are shown to exhibit streamwise vorticity and to depend strongly on initial conditions.

Reed, H. L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Metal foam heat exchangers for air and gas cooling and heating applications

Improved heat exchangers according to several embodiments are provided. The heat exchangers provide improved heat transfer for air flow in wet and dry operating conditions, while minimizing pressure drop across the heat exchanger in some applications. According to one embodiment, an improved heat exchanger includes a plurality of metal foam fins between adjacent heat exchange conduits, the heat exchange conduits being arranged parallel to each other to define parallel flow paths between an inlet header and an outlet header. The metal foam fins occupy a cross-flow region between adjacent conduits, the fins having a fixed angular orientation or being rotatable in unison to vary the thermal capacitance of the heat exchanger.

Nawaz, Kashif↗

NASA NTRS2011

Flow Field Characterization of an Angled Supersonic Jet Near a Bluff Body

An experiment was performed to acquire data from a hot supersonic jet in cross flow for the purpose of validating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) turbulence modeling relevant to the Orion Launch Abort System. Hot jet conditions were at the highest temperature and pressure that could be acquired in the test facility. The nozzle pressure ratio was 28.5, and the nozzle temperature ratio was 3. These conditions are different from those of the flight vehicle, but sufficiently high to model the observed turbulence features. Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) data and capsule pressure data are presented. Features of the flow field are presented and discussed

Wolter, John D.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Numerical calculations of flow fields

Numerical calculations were made of flow fields generated by various aerodynamic configurations. Data cover flow fields generated by a finitely thick lifting three dimensional wing with subsonic tips moving at supersonic speeds, cross flow instability associated with lifting delta wing configurations such as space shuttles, and flow fields produced by a lifting elliptic cone. Finite difference techniques were used to determine elliptic cone flow.

Anderson, D.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Wall region of a relaxing three-dimensional incompressible turbulent boundary layer

A three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer relaxing behind a transverse hump (shaped as a 30-deg swept 5-ft chord wing-type model) was studied in a low-speed wind tunnel. Data obtained with hot-wire probes showed that the apparent dimensionless velocity profiles in the viscous sublayer prevail universally; evidence for wall similarity in the relaxing flow field was confirmed in the form of a log law. An unusual region of slightly decreasing cross-flow angle was found in collateral regions, and a near-wall noncollateral flow was posited. Streamwise relaxation of the mean flow field was also investigated.

Hebbar, K. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Experimental and numerical investigation of supersonic flow through a square duct

Steady, developing, adiabatic supersonic flow in a square duct is investigated for an inlet Mach number of 3.91 and a unit Reynolds number of 1.8 x 10 to the 6th/m. The numerical results for laminar flow show that two secondary flow cells develop in the near vicinity of the corner which are centered about the corner bisector and distort the primary flow in this region. For turbulent flow, the experimental results indicate that two secondary flow cells also develop about the corner bisector, but are directed in an opposite sense to that observed for the laminar case. Numerical results based on the Baldwin-Lomax model show that this model is incapable of predicting turbulence-generated secondary flow cells. For a suitable choice of constants, the Gessner-Emery model is able to predict the strength of these cells, but is deficient with respect to predicting their positions in the flow and their distorting influence on the primary flow. These observations are based on comparisons made in this paper between predicted and measured total pressure contours, cross flow velocity profiles, and local wall shear stress distributions.

Davis, D. O.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Hot-wire coil probe for high-speed flows

Small-diameter-wire coil probes developed for use in a hypersonic helium tunnel are discussed. The springlike properties of the coil minimize strain-gauge effects, and allow to use a higher length-to-diameter ratio for a given flow. In addition, the coil is more rugged for sudden flow changes, and since it can be mounted straight across the support tips, there is less support interference in cross flows. In addition to measuring fluctuating quantities in a boundary layer, the probes were used with a constant temperature anemometer for measuring mean mass flow profiles, and with a constant current anemometer for measuring mean total temperature profiles.

Weinstein, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Experimental and Computational Boundary-Layer Studies in a Supersonic Two-Dimensional Nozzle

Calculations have been carried out on the adiabatic laminar boundary layer developing on the surface of a two-dimensional supersonic nozzle, consisting of contoured nozzle blocks and flat sidewalls. Two- and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes codes, as well as two-dimensional boundary-layer codes have been employed. Thee codes have been adapted to the characteristics of a specific wind tunnel nozzle, so that their numerical results could be directly compared with experimental data obtained in the same nozzle. Such comparisons have been made for the boundary-layer growth on the contoured nozzle, and for the boundary-layer growth, surface streamlines and surface shear on the sidewalls. The three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code was found to be the only one to correctly predict the mean boundary-layer flow on both the sidewalls and the contoured nozzle. Theory and experiment both indicate that the sidewall flow is highly three-dimensional, with non-uniform shear, comer vortices and a boundary layer strongly distorted by cross flows induced by lateral pressure gradients.

Brogan, Torence P.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Experimental and Computational Boundary-Layer Studies In a Supersonic Two-Dimensional Nozzle

Experiments and computations were carried out on the adiabatic laminar boundary layer developing along the surfaces of a two-dimensional supersonic nozzle, consisting of upper and lower contoured nozzle blocks and flat sidewalls. Two- and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes codes, as well as two-dimensional boundary-layer codes were employed. These codes were adapted to the characteristics of a specific wind tunnel nozzle, so that their numerical results could be directly compared with experimental data obtained in the same nozzle. Such comparisons were made for the boundary-layer growth on the nozzle contoured surfaces, and for the boundary-layer growth, surface streamlines and surface shear on the sidewalls. The three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code was found to be the only one to correctly predict the mean laminar boundary-layer flow on both the sidewalls and the contoured surfaces. Theory and experiment both indicated that the sidewall flow is highly three-dimensional, with non-uniform shear, corner vortices and a boundary layer strongly distorted by cross flows induced by lateral pressure gradients.

Demetriades, Anthony↗

NASA NTRS2006

CFD Simulation of the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle with Booster Separation Motor and Reaction Control System Plumes

The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate the capability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate a very complicated flow field encountered during the space shuttle ascent. The flow field features nozzle plumes from booster separation motor (BSM) and reaction control system (RCS) jets with a supersonic incoming cross flow at speed of Mach 4. The overset Navier-Stokes code OVERFLOW, was used to simulate the flow field surrounding the entire space shuttle launch vehicle (SSLV) with high geometric fidelity. The variable gamma option was chosen due to the high temperature nature of nozzle flows and different plume species. CFD predicted Mach contours are in good agreement with the schlieren photos from wind tunnel test. Flow fields are discussed in detail and the results are used to support the debris analysis for the space shuttle Return To Flight (RTF) task.

Gea, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS2006

CFD Simulation of the Space Shuttle Launch Vehicle with Booster Separation Motor and Reaction Control Plumes

Gea, L. M.↗