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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 397 records · Page 22

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NASA NTRS1986

Study of ice accretion on icing wind tunnel components

In a closed loop icing wind tunnel the icing cloud is simulated by introducing tiny water droplets through an array of nozzles upstream of the test section. This cloud will form ice on all tunnel components (e.g., turning vanes, inlet guide vanes, fan blades, and the heat exchanger) as the cloud flows around the tunnel. These components must have the capacity to handle their icing loads without causing significant tunnel performance degradation during the course of an evening's run. To aid in the design of these components for the proposed Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT) at NASA Lewis Research Center the existing Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) is used to measure icing characteristics of the IRT's components. The results from the IRT are scaled to the AWT to account for the AWT's larger components and higher velocities. The results show that from 90 to 45 percent of the total spray cloud froze out on the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the first set of turning vanes downstream of the test section, the FOD screen and the fan blades show significant ice formation. The scaling shows that the same results would occur in the AWT.

Newton, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Study of ice accretion on icing wind tunnel components

Newton, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1927

Method of Correcting Wind Tunnel Data for Omitted Parts of Airplane Models

Wind tunnel models do not have complete similarity to the full scale airplane. Part of the dissimilarity is due to the difference between the stationary model in the artificial wind stream of the tunnel and the moving airplane in still air. There are a number of other reasons for departing from exact geometrical similitude. For reasons of accuracy and economy, all minor parts of the full scale airplane, such as struts, wires, fittings, control horns and other parts whose scale corrections are large are removed from wind tunnel models. By omitting the minor parts of the airplane in the wind tunnel model and adding to the forces and moments of the model those omitted parts measured full scale and properly reduced, the scale effects of such parts disappear from the model data. Scale effects due to major parts of the airplane, particularly the fuselage and wings, can be corrected by omitting the propeller and making the surface of the model as smooth as possible, two further departures from geometrical similitude between model and full scale that add considerably to the accuracy and economy of model tests.

Smith, R H↗

NASA NTRS1977

Transonic wind-tunnel wall interference

A method for analyzing wall interference is described which avoids the assumption of linear superposition of perturbations in extracting the wall induced velocity field. Measurements of pressure distribution on or near the tunnel walls during the actual wind tunnel test, are imposed as boundary values to be matched. Instead of applying wall interference corrections to the wind tunnel data, some property of the wall is adjusted until a calculated interference free criterion is satisfied for each tunnel data point. The mode of operation for the National Transonic Facility, envisioned as a correctable interference transonic tunnel, combines the capability for accurate assessment of wall interference with a limited capability for wall control.

Kemp, W. B., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A remote millivolt multiplexer and amplifier module for wind tunnel data acquisition

A 30-channel remotely located multiplexer and amplifier module is developed for the measurement of wind tunnel models, which substantially reduces the amount of wiring necessary and thus provides higher accuracy. The module provides for a wide variety of transducer voltage outputs to be multiplexed and amplified within the model, and all signals are able to exit the module on two wires. The module is self-calibrating, and when coupled with the electronically scanned pressure instrumentation widely used in wind tunnels, it allows the modular wind tunnel models to be fabricated and checked before installation into the wind tunnel.

Juanarena, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Screens Would Protect Wind-Tunnel Fan Blades

Butterfly screen installed in wind tunnel between test section and fan blades to prevent debris from reaching fan blades if model structure fails. Protective screens deployed manually or automatically. Concept beneficial anywhere wind tunnels employed. Also useful in areas outside of aerospace industry, such as in airflow design of automobiles and other vehicles.

Farmer, Moses G.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Laser velocimeter for large wind tunnels

The measurement of velocity in large wind tunnels is normally performed using mechanical probes. This practice can entail considerable complexity in connection with the structure often required for probe support. The use of laser velocimetry for the flowfield measurements in large wind tunnels is, therefore, far more desirable since it can be implemented with minimal mechanical complexity and with minimal modifications to the test section structure. A description is provided of a velocimeter which is intended for use in investigations which include V/STOL vehicle flowfield mapping for location and sizing of wakes and plumes, wing-loading distribution determination without the need for pressure taps, the aerodynamics of high-lift airfoils as well as rotating rotor blades, and vehicle wake studies. Use is made of a single-color dual-beam backscatter system which is capable of sensing two orthogonal components of velocity.

Reinath, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Static and Wind Tunnel Aero-Performance Tests of NASA AST Separate Flow Nozzle Noise Reduction Configurations

This report presents the results of cold flow model tests to determine the static and wind tunnel performance of several NASA AST separate flow nozzle noise reduction configurations. The tests were conducted by Aero Systems Engineering, Inc., for NASA Glenn Research Center. The tests were performed in the Channels 14 and 6 static thrust stands and the Channel 10 transonic wind tunnel at the FluiDyne Aerodynamics Laboratory in Plymouth, Minnesota. Facility checkout tests were made using standard ASME long-radius metering nozzles. These tests demonstrated facility data accuracy at flow conditions similar to the model tests. Channel 14 static tests reported here consisted of 21 ASME nozzle facility checkout tests and 57 static model performance tests (including 22 at no charge). Fan nozzle pressure ratio varied from 1.4 to 2.0, and fan to core total pressure ratio varied from 1.0 to 1.19. Core to fan total temperature ratio was 1.0. Channel 10 wind tunnel tests consisted of 15 tests at Mach number 0.28 and 31 tests at Mach 0.8. The sting was checked out statically in Channel 6 before the wind tunnel tests. In the Channel 6 facility, 12 ASME nozzle data points were taken and 7 model data points were taken. In the wind tunnel, fan nozzle pressure ratio varied from 1.73 to 2.8, and fan to core total pressure ratio varied from 1.0 to 1.19. Core to fan total temperature ratio was 1.0. Test results include thrust coefficients, thrust vector angle, core and fan nozzle discharge coefficients, total pressure and temperature charging station profiles, and boat-tail static pressure distributions in the wind tunnel.

Mikkelsen, Kevin L.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Development and Operation of an Automatic Rotor Trim Control System for the UH-60 Individual Blade Control Wind Tunnel Test

An automatic rotor trim control system was developed and successfully used during a wind tunnel test of a full-scale UH-60 rotor system with Individual Blade Control (IBC) actuators. The trim control system allowed rotor trim to be set more quickly, precisely and repeatably than in previous wind tunnel tests. This control system also allowed the rotor trim state to be maintained during transients and drift in wind tunnel flow, and through changes in IBC actuation. The ability to maintain a consistent rotor trim state was key to quickly and accurately evaluating the effect of IBC on rotor performance, vibration, noise and loads. This paper presents details of the design and implementation of the trim control system including the rotor system hardware, trim control requirements, and trim control hardware and software implementation. Results are presented showing the effect of IBC on rotor trim and dynamic response, a validation of the rotor dynamic simulation used to calculate the initial control gains and tuning of the control system, and the overall performance of the trim control system during the wind tunnel test.

Theodore, Colin R.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Computed and Experimental Flutter/LCO Onset for the Boeing Truss-Braced Wing Wind-Tunnel Model

This paper presents high fidelity Navier-Stokes simulations of the Boeing Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research truss-braced wing wind-tunnel model and compares the results to linear MSC. Nastran flutter analysis and preliminary data from a recent wind-tunnel test of that model at the NASA Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The simulated conditions under consideration are zero angle of attack, so that structural nonlinearity can be neglected. It is found that, for Mach number greater than 0.78, the linear flutter analysis predicts flutter onset dynamic pressure below the wind-tunnel test and that predicted by the Navier-Stokes analysis. Furthermore, the wind-tunnel test revealed that the majority of the high structural dynamics cases were wing limit cycle oscillation (LCO) rather than flutter. Most Navier-Stokes simulated cases were also LCO rather than hard flutter. There is dip in the wind-tunnel test flutter/LCO onset in the Mach 0.76-0.80 range. Conditions tested above that Mach number exhibited no aeroelastic instability at the dynamic pressures reached in the tunnel. The linear flutter analyses do not show a flutter/LCO dip. The Navier-Stokes simulations also do not reveal a dip; however, the flutter/LCO onset is at a significantly higher dynamic pressure at Mach 0.90 than at lower Mach numbers. The Navier-Stokes simulations indicate a mild LCO onset at Mach 0.82, then a more rapidly growing instability at Mach 0.86 and 0.90. Finally, the modeling issues and their solution related to the use of a beam and pod finite element model to generate the Navier-Stokes structure mode shapes are discussed.

Bartels, Robert E.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A surface flow visualisation technique for use in cryogenic wind tunnels

A method of surface flow visualization for use in cryogenic wind tunnels is described which requires injection of a cryogenic liquid onto the model while the tunnel is running. This necessitates the use of a substance that remains liquid over a large range of cryogenic wind tunnel operating temperatures. It is found that propane (C3H8) is a suitable substance. Experiments are conducted in a subsonic cryogenic wind tunnel to assess the practical application of liquid propane flow visualization. The propane is stored in a chamber cooled by liquid nitrogen and when required is pumped through pipes to a gallery inside the model and then out onto the surface through small holes. To color the liquid a suspension of pigment particles is used. Propane is supplied to the cooled chamber in gaseous form from a standard liquefied gas cylinder. The sequence of events is illustrated on a propane temperature-entropy diagram. The use of liquefied propane for flow visualization in a cryogenic tunnel operating at pressures up to 40 atm appears to be feasible. Illustrative examples are provided.

Kell, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Altitude Wind Tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center: An Interactive History

When constructed in the Early 1940s, the Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT) at NASA Glenn Research Center was the nation's only wind tunnel capable of studying full scale engines under realistic flight conditions. It played a significant role in the development of the first U.S. jet engines as well as technologies such as the afterburner and variable-area nozzle. In the late 1950s, the tunnels interior components were removed so that hardware for Project Mercury could be tested in altitude conditions. In 1961, a portion of the tunnel was converted into one of the country's first large vacuum tanks and renamed the Space Power Chamber (SPC). SPC was used extensively throughout the 1960s for the Centaur rocket program. This multimedia piece allows one to interactively learn about the Altitude Wind Tunnel facility. and the research performed there. The piece contains: (1) A chronological history of the AWT from its construction during World War II and the testing of early jet engines, through the Mercury and Centaur programs of the 1960s and up to the final use of the building for the Microwave Systems laboratory. (2) Photographic surveys of the facility in it wind tunnel, vacuum tank and final configurations. (3) Browsable gallery of over 200 captioned photographs and video clips.(4) A nine minute documentary of the AWT produced by NASA in 1961 (5) Links to over 70 reports and publications related to AWT research and the history of the NACA.

Source record↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Preliminary Buffet Forcing Function Development based on Wind-Tunnel Tests of Geometrically-similar Models

The current state-of-the-art for launch vehicle buffet load estimation involves wind tunnel testing of highly instrumented rigid models and data processing of experimental unsteady pressure measurements to estimate the fluctuating aerodynamic loads. The model and instrumentation requirements to accomplish this type of testing are significant. The rigid model, in particular, must be built with relatively high geometric fidelity to approximate similar aerodynamic phenomena that will occur during the full-scale vehicle flight. Due to this requirement, several iterative wind tunnel tests are often required during the design maturation of the vehicle. For preliminary buffet load estimation, however, data from previous launch vehicle wind tunnel tests of geometrically similar models can be used to provide initial buffet environment estimates before a high geometric fidelity wind tunnel test has been conducted. In this paper, two components of this preliminary buffet estimation process are described: (1) assembly of buffet forcing functions from multiple data sources and (2) scaling of these buffet forcing functions to geometrically-similar components of a target vehicle configuration. The impacts of these estimation methods on the full-vehicle buffet forcing functions, including their longitudinal distribution along the vehicle, frequency-content at individual stations, and station-to-station coherence, are investigated. Considerations for using these methods to extrapolate wind tunnel data to geometrically similar models are also discussed.

Patrick S Heaney↗

NASA NTRS2014

Aeroservoelastic Testing of Free Flying Wind Tunnel Models Part 2: A Centerline Supported Fullspan Model Tested for Gust Load Alleviation

This is part 2 of a two part document. Part 1 is titled: "Aeroservoelastic Testing of Free Flying Wind Tunnel Models Part 1: A Sidewall Supported Semispan Model Tested for Gust Load Alleviation and Flutter Suppression." A team comprised of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Boeing, and the NASA Langley Research Center conducted three aeroservoelastic wind tunnel tests in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel to demonstrate active control technologies relevant to large, flexible vehicles. In the first of these three tests, a full-span, aeroelastically scaled, wind tunnel model of a joined wing SensorCraft vehicle was mounted to a force balance to acquire a basic aerodynamic data set. In the second and third tests, the same wind tunnel model was mated to a new, two degree of freedom, beam mount. This mount allowed the full-span model to translate vertically and pitch. Trimmed flight at10 percent static margin and gust load alleviation were successfully demonstrated. The rigid body degrees of freedom required that the model be flown in the wind tunnel using an active control system. This risky mode of testing necessitated that a model arrestment system be integrated into the new mount. The safe and successful completion of these free-flying tests required the development and integration of custom hardware and software. This paper describes the many systems, software, and procedures that were developed as part of this effort. The balance and free flying wind tunnel tests will be summarized. The design of the trim and gust load alleviation control laws along with the associated results will also be discussed.

Scott, Robert C.↗

NASA NTRS1996

An Overview of Aeropropulsion Wind Tunnel Productivity Improvements at the NASA Lewis Research Center

Enhancing wind tunnel test productivity in terms of increased efficiency, reduced cost, and expanded flexibility is a high-priofity goal of the NASA Lewis Research Center's Aeropropulsion Facilities and Experiments Division. Over the past several years, several significant productivity improvements were implemented: test times were shortened by using facility and test article automation; additional flexibility was provided to the research customer by using the remote-access control room and by expanding facility operating envelopes; facility throughput was greatly increased and electric power cost for facility operation reduced by using the three-shift operation. One method being used to reduce electric power costs and expand the facility operating envelop in the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel is operating the drive system with only one of the three drive motors. Metrics are being used to document several categories of facility utilization, which in turn allows tracking of test productivity. This paper provides an overview of the productivity improvements already in place in the large wind tunnels at NASA Lewis and presents plans for future improvements.

Arrington, Allen↗

NASA NTRS1981

Instrumentation applications to Space Shuttle models and thermal protection system tiles tested in NASA-AMES wind tunnels

The highlights of the many wind-tunnel tests conducted in the course of the Space Shuttle development program are presented with emphasis on instrumentation applications. The examples of tests discussed include airframe aerodynamics, aerodynamic heating, aerodynamic noise, tile dynamic response, and tile loads. Many of the tests were conducted with standard wind-tunnel instrumentation. Most of the more unusual instrumentation requirements were related to the thermal protection system, where some pressure-sensor concepts were adapted to measure airloads on tiles. These measurements provided the only quantitative data that could be used to confirm the airload analysis procedure. Limited applications of computers to experimental control, in conjunction with data taken during Shuttle tests, have resulted in substantial benefits in overall test efficiency.

Coe, C. F.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Coupled CFD/CSD Analysis of an Active-Twist Rotor in a Wind Tunnel with Experimental Validation

An unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes analysis loosely coupled with a comprehensive rotorcraft code is presented for a second-generation active-twist rotor. High fidelity Navier-Stokes results for three configurations: an isolated rotor, a rotor with fuselage, and a rotor with fuselage mounted in a wind tunnel, are compared to lifting-line theory based comprehensive rotorcraft code calculations and wind tunnel data. Results indicate that CFD/CSD predictions of flapwise bending moments are in good agreement with wind tunnel measurements for configurations with a fuselage, and that modeling the wind tunnel environment does not significantly enhance computed results. Actuated rotor results for the rotor with fuselage configuration are also validated for predictions of vibratory blade loads and fixed-system vibratory loads. Varying levels of agreement with wind tunnel measurements are observed for blade vibratory loads, depending on the load component (flap, lag, or torsion) and the harmonic being examined. Predicted trends in fixed-system vibratory loads are in good agreement with wind tunnel measurements.

Massey, Steven J.↗

NASA NTRS1939

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of an NACA 23012 Airfoil with Various Arrangements of Slotted Flaps

An investigation was made in the 7 by 10-foot wind tunnel and in the variable-density wind tunnel of the NACA 23012 airfoil with various slotted-flap arrangements. The purpose of the investigation in the 7 by 10-foot wind tunnel was to determine the airfoil section aerodynamic characteristics as affected by flap shape, slot shape, and flap location. The flap position for maximum lift; polars for arrangements favorable for take-off and climb; and complete lift, drag, and pitching-moment characteristics for selected optimum arrangements were determined. The best arrangements were tested in the variable-density tunnel at an effective Reynolds number of 8,000,000. In addition, data from both wind tunnels are included for plain, split, external-airfoil, and Fowler flaps for purposes of comparison.

Wenzinger, Carl J↗