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At least 415 records · Page 23

Scaling considerations for supercritical carbon dioxide cycles including turbomachinery loss models

A modeling framework for the supercritical carbon dioxide recompressed closed Brayton cycle was developed. Unlike typical models, this effort incorporated generalized empirical turbomachinery loss models. Aerodynamic, windage, and leakage losses were considered in order to address the limitations of conventional constant-efficiency turbomachinery assumptions without relying on machine-specific or computationally expensive simulations. The model enables system-level exploration of optimal cycle design across a range of power scales, including smaller scales that are relevant to microreactors and extraterrestrial power applications. Parametric studies and multi-objective optimizations are used to evaluate the trade-offs between thermal efficiency and system compactness based on an analytical heat exchanger scaling model, yielding Pareto-optimal fronts across a range of operating pressures. Results reveal that at small power scales, the Pareto-optimal compressor inlet pressure becomes subcritical due to the increasing influence of density-dependent turbomachinery losses. Here, the relative contributions of each loss mechanism are quantified, and design recommendations are provided for key parameters such as recompression split ratio and generator cavity pressure across varying power scales.

Multi-objective optimization↗

Concurrent processing adaptation of aeroplastic analysis of propfans

Discussed here is a study involving the adaptation of an advanced aeroelastic analysis program to run concurrently on a shared memory multiple processor computer. The program uses a three-dimensional compressible unsteady aerodynamic model and blade normal modes to calculate aeroelastic stability and response of propfan blades. The identification of the computational parallelism within the sequential code and the scheduling of the concurrent subtasks to minimize processor idle time are discussed. Processor idle time in the calculation of the unsteady aerodynamic coefficients was reduced by the simple strategy of appropriately ordering the computations. Speedup and efficiency results are presented for the calculation of the matched flutter point of an experimental propfan model. The results show that efficiencies above 70 percent can be obtained using the present implementation with 7 processors. The parallel computational strategy described here is also applicable to other aeroelastic analysis procedures based on panel methods.

Janetzke, David C.↗

Concurrent processing adaptation of aeroelastic analysis of propfans

This paper reports on a study involving the adaptation of an advanced aeroelastic analysis program to run concurrently on a shared memory multiple processor computer. The program uses a three-dimensional compressible unsteady aerodynamic model and blade normal modes to calculate aeroelastic stability and response of propfan blades. The identification of the computational parallelism within the sequential code and the scheduling of the concurrent subtasks to minimize processor idle time are discussed. Processor idle time in the calculation of the unsteady aerodynamic coefficients was reduced by the simple strategy of appropriately ordering the computations. Speedup and efficiency results are presented for the calculation of the matched flutter point of an experimental propfan model. The results show that efficiencies above 70 percent can be obtained using the present implementation with 7 processors. The parallel computational strategy described here is also applicable to other aeroelastic analysis procedures based on parallel methods.

Murthy, Durbha V.↗

Concurrent processing adaptation of aeroelastic analysis of propfans

Discussed here is a study involving the adaptation of an advanced aeroelastic analysis program to run concurrently on a shared memory multiple processor computer. The program uses a three-dimensional compressible unsteady aerodynamic model and blade normal modes to calculate aeroelastic stability and response of propfan blades. The identification of the computational parallelism within the sequential code and the scheduling of the concurrent subtasks to minimize processor idle time are discussed. Processor idle time in the calculation of the unsteady aerodynamic coefficients was reduced by the simple strategy of appropriately ordering the computations. Speedup and efficiency results are presented for the calculation of the matched flutter point of an experimental propfan model. The results show that efficiencies above 70 percent can be obtained using the present implementation with 7 processors. The parallel computational strategy described here is also applicable to other aeroelastic analysis procedures based on panel methods.

Murthy, D. V.↗

Combined selection of the dynamic model and modeling error in nonlinear aeroelastic systems using Bayesian Inference

Here, we report a Bayesian framework for concurrent selection of physics-based models and (modeling) error models. We investigate the use of colored noise to capture the mismatch between the predictions of calibrated models and observational data that cannot be explained by measurement error alone within the context of Bayesian estimation for stochastic ordinary differential equations. Proposed models are characterized by the average data-fit, a measure of how well a model fits the measurements, and the model complexity measured using the Kullback–Leibler divergence. The use of a more complex error models increases the average data-fit but also increases the complexity of the combined model, possibly over-fitting the data. Bayesian model selection is used to find the optimal physical model as well as the optimal error model. The optimal model is defined using the evidence, where the average data-fit is balanced by the complexity of the model. The effect of colored noise process is illustrated using a nonlinear aeroelastic oscillator representing a rigid NACA0012 airfoil undergoing limit cycle oscillations due to complex fluid–structure interactions. Several quasi-steady and unsteady aerodynamic models are proposed with colored noise or white noise for the model error. The use of colored noise improves the predictive capabilities of simpler models.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Thermophysics Characterization of Multiply Ionized Air Plasma Absorption of Laser Radiation

The impact of multiple ionization of air plasma on the inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption of laser radiation is investigated for air breathing laser propulsion. Thermochemical properties of multiply ionized air plasma species are computed for temperatures up to 200,000 deg K, using hydrogenic approximation of the electronic partition function; And those for neutral air molecules are also updated for temperatures up to 50,000 deg K, using available literature data. Three formulas for absorption are calculated and a general formula is recommended for multiple ionization absorption calculation. The plasma composition required for absorption calculation is obtained by increasing the degree of ionization sequentially, up to quadruple ionization, with a series of thermal equilibrium computations. The calculated second ionization absorption coefficient agrees reasonably well with that of available data. The importance of multiple ionization modeling is demonstrated with the finding that area under the quadruple ionization curve of absorption is found to be twice that of single ionization. The effort of this work is beneficial to the computational plasma aerodynamics modeling of laser lightcraft performance.

Wang, Ten-See↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-31264-DND

Nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic models (TSD, Euler/Navier-Stokes (RANS), LES) are complex, expensive solutions. CFD used by industry mostly for steady/static loads cases. Limit Cycle Oscillation (LCO) is an equilibrium point of the nonlinear aeroelastic system induced by nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics (shock dynamics, separated flow) and/or nonlinear structural dynamics (geometric and material nonlinearities). While Euler solutions can generate LCOs, viscosity yields improved accuracy (shock strength, position). Most common aeroelastic CFD codes currently consist of nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics with linear structural dynamics. Van der Pol system is a simple example of LCOs.

Walter A Silva↗

Three-Dimensional Aerodynamics and Vortex-Shedding Characteristics of Wind Turbine Airfoils over 360-Degree Angles of Attack

In this work, we present the first three-dimensional (3D) computational investigation of wind turbine airfoils over 360° angles of attack to predict unsteady aerodynamic loads and vortex-shedding characteristics. To this end, static–airfoil simulations are performed for the FFA-W3 airfoil family at a Reynolds number of 107 with the Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation turbulence model. Aerodynamic forces reveal that the onset of boundary-layer instabilities and flow separation does not necessarily coincide with the onset of stall. In addition, a comparison with two-dimensional simulation data and flat plate theory extension of airfoil polars, suggest that, in the deep stall regime, 3D effects remain critical for predicting both the unsteady loads and the vortex-shedding dynamics. For all airfoils, the vortex-shedding frequencies are found to be inversely proportional to the wake width. In the case of slender airfoils, the frequencies are nearly independent of the airfoil thickness, and their corresponding Strouhal number St is approximately 0.15. Based on the calculated St, the potential for shedding frequencies to coincide with the natural frequencies of the International Energy Agency 15 MW reference wind turbine blades is investigated. The analysis shows that vortex-induced vibrations occur primarily at angles of attack of around ±90° for all airfoils.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Low Speed Wind Tunnel Tests on a One-Seventh Scale Model of the H.126 Jet Flap Aircraft

Low speed wind tunnel tests were performed on a one-seventh scale model of the British H.126 jet flap research aircraft over a range of jet momentum coefficients. The primary objective was to compare model aerodynamic characteristics with those of the aircraft, with the intent to provide preliminary data needed towards establishing small-to-full scale correlating techniques on jet flap V/STOL aircraft configurations. Lift and drag coefficients from the model and aircraft tests were found to be in reasonable agreement. The pitching moment coefficient and trim condition correlation was poor. A secondary objective was to evaluate a modified thrust nozzle having thrust reversal capability. The results showed there was a considerable loss of lift in the reverse thrust operational mode because of increased nozzle-wing flow interference. A comparison between the model simulated H.126 wing jet efflux and the model uniform pressure distribution wing jet efflux indicated no more than 5% loss in weight flow rate.

Laub, G. H.↗

Aeroelastic modeling for the FIT team F/A-18 simulation

Some details of the aeroelastic modeling of the F/A-18 aircraft done for the Functional Integration Technology (FIT) team's research in integrated dynamics modeling and how these are combined with the FIT team's integrated dynamics model are described. Also described are mean axis corrections to elastic modes, the addition of nonlinear inertial coupling terms into the equations of motion, and the calculation of internal loads time histories using the integrated dynamics model in a batch simulation program. A video tape made of a loads time history animation was included as a part of the oral presentation. Also discussed is work done in one of the areas of unsteady aerodynamic modeling identified as needing improvement, specifically, in correction factor methodologies for improving the accuracy of stability derivatives calculated with a doublet lattice code.

Zeiler, Thomas A.↗

Aerodynamic preliminary analysis system 2. Part 1: Theory

A subsonic/supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamic analysis was developed by integrating the Aerodynamic Preliminary Analysis System (APAS), and the inviscid force calculation modules of the Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program. APAS analysis was extended for nonlinear vortex forces using a generalization of the Polhamus analogy. The interactive system provides appropriate aerodynamic models for a single input geometry data base and has a run/output format similar to a wind tunnel test program. The user's manual was organized to cover the principle system activities of a typical application, geometric input/editing, aerodynamic evaluation, and post analysis review/display. Sample sessions are included to illustrate the specific task involved and are followed by a comprehensive command/subcommand dictionary used to operate the system.

Bonner, E.↗

Modeling and control study of the NASA 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel for use with sulfur hexafluoride medium

The NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel is to be modified to operate with sulfur hexafluoride gas while retaining its present capability to operate with nitrogen. The modified tunnel will provide high Reynolds number flow on aerodynamic models with two different test gases. The document details a study of the SF6 tunnel performance boundaries, thermodynamic modeling of the tunnel process, nonlinear dynamical simulation of math model to yield tunnel responses, the closed loop control requirements, control laws, and mechanization of the control laws on the microprocessor based controller.

Balakrishna, S.↗

Analytical modeling requirements for tilting proprotor aircraft dynamics

Proprotor and cantilever wing aeroelastic behavior is applied to a gimballed rotor and a hingeless rotor to develop an analytical model for prediction of tilting proprotor aircraft dynamics. Particular attention is given to: the influence of coupled flap/lag bending modes; the influence of rotor blade torsion degrees of freedom on proprotor dynamics; and, to a constant coefficient approximation representing the dynamics in nonaxial flow through the rotor. The following are also examined: the number of blade bending and torsion modes required; the influence of the rotor aerodynamic model; the influence of the blade trim bending deflection; the importance of the rotor rotational speed degree of freedom; and the effect of the wing aerodynamic forces. The origin of the significant influence of the blade pitch motion on the proprotor dynamics is discussed.

Johnson, W.↗

Aerodynamic parameters of High-Angle-of attack Research Vehicle (HARV) estimated from flight data

Aerodynamic parameters of the High-Angle-of-Attack Research Aircraft (HARV) were estimated from flight data at different values of the angle of attack between 10 degrees and 50 degrees. The main part of the data was obtained from small amplitude longitudinal and lateral maneuvers. A small number of large amplitude maneuvers was also used in the estimation. The measured data were first checked for their compatibility. It was found that the accuracy of air data was degraded by unexplained bias errors. Then, the data were analyzed by a stepwise regression method for obtaining a structure of aerodynamic model equations and least squares parameter estimates. Because of high data collinearity in several maneuvers, some of the longitudinal and all lateral maneuvers were reanalyzed by using two biased estimation techniques, the principal components regression and mixed estimation. The estimated parameters in the form of stability and control derivatives, and aerodynamic coefficients were plotted against the angle of attack and compared with the wind tunnel measurements. The influential parameters are, in general, estimated with acceptable accuracy and most of them are in agreement with wind tunnel results. The simulated responses of the aircraft showed good prediction capabilities of the resulting model.

Klein, Vladislav↗

Survey of lift-fan aerodynamic technology

Representatives of NASA Ames Research Center asked that a summary of technology appropriate for lift-fan powered short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft be prepared so that new programs could more easily benefit from past research efforts. This paper represents one of six prepared for that purpose. The authors have conducted or supervised the conduct of research on lift-fan powered STOVL designs and some of their important components for decades. This paper will first address aerodynamic modeling requirements for experimental programs to assure realistic, trustworthy results. It will next summarize the results or efforts to develop satisfactory specialized STOVL components such as inlets and flow deflectors. It will also discuss problems with operation near the ground, aerodynamics while under lift-fan power, and aerodynamic prediction techniques. Finally, results of studies to reduce lift-fan noise will be presented. The paper will emphasize results from large scale experiments, where available, for reasons that will be brought out in the discussion. Some work with lift-engine powered STOVL aircraft is also applicable to lift-fan technology and will be presented herein. Small-scale data will be used where necessary to fill gaps.

Hickey, David H.↗

Flight Test of L1 Adaptive Control Law: Offset Landings and Large Flight Envelope Modeling Work

This paper presents new results of a flight test of the L1 adaptive control architecture designed to directly compensate for significant uncertain cross-coupling in nonlinear systems. The flight test was conducted on the subscale turbine powered Generic Transport Model that is an integral part of the Airborne Subscale Transport Aircraft Research system at the NASA Langley Research Center. The results presented include control law evaluation for piloted offset landing tasks as well as results in support of nonlinear aerodynamic modeling and real-time dynamic modeling of the departure-prone edges of the flight envelope.

Gregory, Irene M.↗

Status of the AIAA Modeling and Simulation Format Standard

The current draft AIAA Standard for flight simulation models represents an on-going effort to improve the productivity of practitioners of the art of digital flight simulation (one of the original digital computer applications). This initial release provides the capability for the efficient representation and exchange of an aerodynamic model in full fidelity; the DAVE-ML format can be easily imported (with development of site-specific import tools) in an unambiguous way with automatic verification. An attractive feature of the standard is the ability to coexist with existing legacy software or tools. The draft Standard is currently limited in scope to static elements of dynamic flight simulations; however, these static elements represent the bulk of typical flight simulation mathematical models. It is already seeing application within U.S. and Australian government agencies in an effort to improve productivity and reduce model rehosting overhead. An existing tool allows import of DAVE-ML models into a popular simulation modeling and analysis tool, and other community-contributed tools and libraries can simplify the use of DAVE-ML compliant models at compile- or run-time of high-fidelity flight simulation.

Jackson, E. Bruce↗

Flight Simulation Model Exchange

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center Review Board sponsored an assessment of the draft Standard, Flight Dynamics Model Exchange Standard, BSR/ANSI-S-119-201x (S-119) that was conducted by simulation and guidance, navigation, and control engineers from several NASA Centers. The assessment team reviewed the conventions and formats spelled out in the draft Standard and the actual implementation of two example aerodynamic models (a subsonic F-16 and the HL-20 lifting body) encoded in the Extensible Markup Language grammar. During the implementation, the team kept records of lessons learned and provided feedback to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Modeling and Simulation Technical Committee representative. This document contains the results of the assessment.

Murri, Daniel G.↗