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NASA NTRS1991

A study of loudness as a metric for sonic boom acceptability

A parametric study of loudness levels with respect to weight, altitude, and Mach number for sonic boom signatures generated by two Mach 2.0 conceptual configurations is presented and compared with a similar study for nose shock overpressure. This paper discusses the relative importance of the two sonic boom metrics and the implications of the trends shown. Of the two configurations considered in this study, one was designed for optimum aerodynamic performance and the second was designed to produce a constrained overpressure sonic boom signature at cruise flight conditions. Results indicate that reductions in both loudness and overpressure level are possible when the configuration is shaped to produce a low boom signature. Results also prove that the loudness metric is a more reliable measure of the disturbance due to sonic booms than nose shock overpressure, because the overpressure does not include the sometimes significant effects of embedded shocks which are often present in mid-field low boom signatures.

Needleman, Kathy E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Noise characteristics of jet flap type exhaust flows

An experimental investigation of the aerodynamic noise and flow field characteristics of internal-flow jet-augmented flap configurations (abbreviated by the term jet flap throughout the study) is presented. The first part is a parametric study of the influence of the Mach number (subsonic range only), the slot nozzle aspect ratio and the flap length on the overall radiated sound power and the spectral composition of the jet noise, as measured in a reverberation chamber. In the second part, mean and fluctuating velocity profiles, spectra of the fluctuating velocity and space correlograms were measured in the flow field of jet flaps by means of hot-wire anemometry. Using an expression derived by Lilley, an attempt was made to estimate the overall sound power radiated by the free mixing region that originates at the orifice of the slot nozzle (primary mixing region) relative to the overall sound power generated by the free mixing region that originates at the trailing edge of the flap (secondary mixing region). It is concluded that at least as much noise is generated in the secondary mixing region as in the primary mixing region. Furthermore, the noise generation of the primary mixing region appears to be unaffected by the presence of a flap.

Schrecker, G. O.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Prediction of sound radiation from different practical jet engine inlets

Computer codes which were based upon a special integral representation of the external solutions of the Helmholtz equation were upgraded so that they would yield accurate results for the acoustic radiation patterns in the field surrounding an axisymmetric body for nondimensional wave numbers, based on duct radius, of up to twenty. The accuracy of these computer programs was checked by the use of the point source method for the generation of exact solutions and then by comparison with the results of other experimental and theoretical studies. These computer codes were used in a parametric study of the dependence of the radiated sound field on input modal distribution, wave number, and inlet lip shape. The results of this study show that: (1) as the wave number (i.e., cut off ratio) is increased for a given input modal distribution that the acoustic radiation peak moves towards the inlet centerline and becomes more compact (i.e., narrows); (2) as the input mode number is increased for a given cut off ratio the acoustic radiation peak moves away from the inlet centerline and becomes more compact.

Meyer, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Fatigue analysis of multiple site damage at a row of holes in a wide panel

This paper is concerned with predicting the fatigue life of unstiffened panels which contain multiple site damage (MSD). The initial damage consists of through-the-thickness cracks emanating from a row of holes in the center of a finite width panel. A fracture mechanics analysis has been developed to predict the growth, interaction, and coalescence of the various cracks which propagate in the panel. A strain-life analysis incorporating Neuber's rule for notches, and Miner's rule for cumulative damage, is also employed to predict crack initiation for holes without initial cracking. This analysis is compared with the results of a series of fatigue tests on 2024-T3 aluminum panels, and is shown to do an excellent job of predicting the influence of MSD on the fatigue life of nine inch wide specimens. Having established confidence in the ability to analyze the influence of MSD on fatigue life, a parametric study is conducted to examine the influence of various MSD scenarios in an unstiffened panel. The numerical study considered 135 cases in all, with the parametric variables being the applied cyclic stress level, the lead crack geometry, and the number and location of MSD cracks. The numerical analysis provides details for the manner in which lead cracks and MSD cracks grow and coalesce leading to final failure. The results indicate that MSD located adjacent to lead cracks is the most damaging configuration, while for cases without lead cracks, MSD clusters which are not separated by uncracked holes are most damaging.

Buhler, Kimberley↗

NASA NTRS1993

On reflection of Alfven waves in the solar wind

We have revisited the problem of propagation of toroidal and linear Alfven waves formulated by Heinemann and Olbert (1980) to compare WKB and non-WKB waves and their effects on the solar wind. They considered two solar wind models and showed that reflection is important for Alfven waves with periods of the order of one day and longer, and that non-WKB Alfven waves are no more effective in accelerating the solar wind than WKB waves. There are several recently published papers which seem to indicate that Alfven waves with periods of the order of several minutes should be treated as non-WKB waves and that these non-WKB waves exert a stronger acceleration force than WKB waves. The purpose of this paper is to study the origin of these discrepancies by performing parametric studies of the behavior of the waves under a variety of different conditions. In addition, we want to investigate two problems that have not been addressed by Heinemann and Olbert, namely, calculate the efficiency of Alfven wave reflection by using the reflection coefficient and identify the region of strongest wave reflection in different wind models. To achieve these goals, we investigated the influence of temperature, electron density distribution, wind velocity and magnetic field strength on the waves. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that Alfven wave reflection is strongly model dependent and that the strongest reflection can be expected in models with the base temperatures higher than 10(exp 6) K and with the base densities lower than 7 x 10(exp 7) cm(exp -3). In these models as well as in the models with lower temperatures and higher densities, Alfven waves with periods as short as several minutes have negligible reflection so that they can be treated as WKB waves; however, for Alfven waves with periods of the order of one hour or longer reflection is significant, requiring a non-WKB treatment. We also show that non-WKB, linear Alfven waves are always less effective in accelerating the plasma than WKB Alfven waves. Finally, it is evident from our results that the region of strongest wave reflection is usually located at the base of the models, and hence that interpretation of wave reflection based solely on the reflection coefficient can be misleading.

Krogulec, M.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Reflection of Alfven waves in the solar wind

We have revisited the problem of propagation of toroidal and linear Alfven waves formulated by Heinemann and Olbert (1980) to compare Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) and non-WKB waves and their effects on the solar wind. They considered two solar wind models and showed that reflection is important for Alfven waves with periods of the order of one day and longer and that non-WKB Alfven waves are no more effective in accelerating the solar wind than in WKB waves. There are several recently published papers that seem to indicate that Alfven waves with periods of the order of several minutes should be treated as non-WKB waves and that these non-WKB waves exert a stronger acceleration force than WKB waves. The purposse of this paper is to study the origin of these discrepancies by performing parametric studies of the behavior of the waves under a variety of different conditions. In addition, we want to investigate two problems that have not been addressed by Heinimann and Olbert, namely, calculate the efficieny of Alfven wave reflection by using the reflection coefficient and identfy the region of strongest wave reflection in different wind models. To achieve these goals, we investigate the influence of temperature, electron desity distribution, wind velocity, and magnetic field strength on te waves. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that Alfven wave reflection is strongly model dependent and that the strongest reflection can be expected in models with the base temperatures higher than 10(exp 6) K and with the base densities lower than 7 x 10(exp 7)/cu cm. In these models as well as in the models with lower temperatures and higher densities Alfven waves with periods as short as several minutes have negligible reflection so that they can be treated as WKB waves; however, for Alfven waves with periods of the order of one hour or longer reflection is significant, requiring a non-WKB treatment. We also show that non-WKB, linear Alfven waves are always less effective in accelerating the plasma than WKB Alfven waves. Finally, it is evident from our results that the region of strongest wave reflection is usually located at the base of the models and hence that interpretation of wave reflection based soley on the reflection coefficient can be misleading.

Krogulec, M.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Computation of the inviscid supersonic flow over an external axial corner

A second-order finite-difference procedure is used to evaluate the inviscid supersonic flowfield surrounding an external axial corner composed of swept planar compression surfaces and representing the inlets on existing high-speed aircraft. The governing partial differential equations in conservation-law form are hyperbolic with respect to the axial coordinate and are solved iteratively by means of MacCormack's algorithm. The procedure treats both the peripheral shock wave and vortical singularities as discontinuities. Numerical results are presented for two parametric studies regarding the effects on the flowfield of varying the free-stream Mach number and the leading edge sweep of the horizontal wedge. Results of parametric Mach number study agree with the Mach number independence principle in that as the Mach number increases, such characteristics as shock shape, cross-flow sonic line location, and vortical singularity position approach an asymptote.

Kutler, P.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Navigation simulator for the Space Tug vehicle

A general simulation program (GSP) for state estimation of a nonlinear space vehicle flight navigation system is developed and used as a basis for evaluating the performance of a Space Tug navigation system. An explanation of the iterative guidance mode (IGM) guidance law, derivation of the dynamics, coordinate frames and state estimation routines are given in order to clarify the assumptions and approximations made. A number of simulation and analytical studies are used to demonstrate the operation of the Tug system. Included in the simulation studies are (1) initial offset vector parameter study; (2) propagation time vs accuracy; (3) measurement noise parametric study and (4) reduction in computational burden of an on-board implementable scheme. From the results of these studies, conclusions and recommendations concerning future areas of practical and theoretical work are presented.

Colburn, B. K.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Propulsion Study for Small Transport Aircraft Technology (STAT)

Propulsion requirements were determined for 0.5 and 0.7 Mach aircraft. Sensitivity studies were conducted on both these aircraft to determine parametrically the influence of propulsion characteristics on aircraft size and direct operating cost (DOC). Candidate technology elements and design features were identified and parametric studies conducted to select the STAT advanced engine cycle. Trade off studies were conducted to determine those advanced technologies and design features that would offer a reduction in DOC for operation of the STAT engines. These features were incorporated in the two STAT engines. A benefit assessment was conducted comparing the STAT engines to current technology engines of the same power and to 1985 derivatives of the current technology engines. Research and development programs were recommended as part of an overall technology development plan to ensure that full commercial development of the STAT engines could be initiated in 1988.

Gill, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Dynamic analysis of multimesh-gear helicopter transmissions

A dynamic analysis of multimesh-gear helicopter transmission systems was performed by correlating analytical simulations with experimental investigations. The two computer programs used in this study, GRDYNMLT and PGT, were developed under NASA/Army sponsorship. Parametric studies of the numerical model with variations on mesh damping ratios, operating speeds, tip-relief tooth modifications, and tooth-spacing errors were performed to investigate the accuracy, application, and limitations of the two computer programs. Although similar levels of dynamic loading were predicted by both programs, the computer code GRDYNMLT was found to be superior and broader in scope. Results from analytical work were also compared with experimental data obtained from the U.S. Army's UH-60A Black Hawk 2240-kW (3000-hp) class, twin-engine helicopter transmission tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Good correlation in gear stresses was obtained between the analytical model simulated by GRDYNMLT and the experimental measurements. More realistic mesh damping can be predicted through experimental data correlation.

Choy, Fred K.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Shock tunnel studies of scramjet phenomena, supplement 5

A series of reports are presented on SCRAMjet studies, shock tunnel studies, and expansion tube studies. The SCRAMjet studies include: (1) Investigation of a Supersonic Combustion Layer; (2) Wall Injected SCRAMjet Experiments; (3) Supersonic Combustion with Transvers, Circular, Wall Jets; (4) Dissociated Test Gas Effects on SCRAMjet Combustors; (5) Use of Silane as a Fuel Additive for Hypersonic Thrust Production, (6) Pressure-length Correlations in Supersonic Combustion; (7) Hot Hydrogen Injection Technique for Shock Tunnels; (8) Heat Release - Wave Interaction Phenomena in Hypersonic Flows; (9) A Study of the Wave Drag in Hypersonic SCRAMjets; (10) Parametric Study of Thrust Production in the Two Dimensional SCRAMjet; (11) The Design of a Mass Spectrometer for use in Hypersonic Impulse Facilities; and (12) Development of a Skin Friction Gauge for use in an Impulse Facility. The shock tunnel studies include: (1) Hypervelocity flow in Axisymmetric Nozzles; (2) Shock Tunnel Development; and (3) Real Gas Efects in Hypervelocity Flows over an Inclined Cone. The expansion tube studies include: (1) Investigation of Flow Characteristics in TQ Expansion Tube; and (2) Disturbances in the Driver Gas of a Shock Tube.

Casey, R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Preliminary study of supersonic-transport configurations with low values of sonic boom

A parametric study of low-boom supersonic transport airplanes with conventional configurations was made to identify the features of specific configurations that promise relatively low sonic boom overpressures (less than 47.9 N/sq m). The range of values considered was gross weight from 28,300 to 170,000 kg; cruise Mach numbers of 2 to 3.2; and wing loadings of 1436, 2870, and 4309 N/sq m. Fuselage length was varied from 49.1 to 102.4 m and fuselage diameter from 2.75 to 3.98 m. A nominal Mach 2 configuration weighing 56,700 kg and having a wing loading of 2870 N/sq m was selected; and its gross geometric, aerodynamic, and structural features were estimated. At a cruise altitude of 18,300 m, lift-drag ratio was estimated to be 7.35, while sonic boom overpressure was 41.7 N/sq m. Takeoff thrust loading using four afterburning turbojet engines at maximum dry thrust was 0.32. Payload for a 4440-km range was 16.7 percent of gross weight, giving a direct operating cost of 0.82 cent per seat statute mile.

Dugan, J. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Combustion and Emissions Study Using a 7-Point Lean Direct Injector Array

This paper continues a parametric study in which we consider the effect of air swirler configuration on the flame structure and combustor performance using a circular 7-point Lean Direct Injector Array for gas turbine applications. The injector array consists of a center swirler element surrounded by six swirler elements. Parameters considered in this study include swirler angle (60° or 52°), handedness (co-swirling or counter-swirling) and center swirler offset. The primary focus considers flame stability, comparing four key air swirler configurations: for 1) fuel-lean flames; 2) high cold flow air reference velocity flames. We determined that the baseline swirler configuration had the best lean stability and could sustain the highest reference velocity. For this baseline configuration, we also compare the lean-blowout limits of four aircraft gas turbine reference fuels. With regard to lean blow-out, we determined that C4 could sustain the leanest flame, followed closely by A2. A1 was a poor performer.

gas turbine combustors↗

NASA NTRS1987

Experimental and analytical evaluation of dynamic load and vibration of a 2240-kW (300-hp) rotorcraft transmission

A dynamic analysis of a 2240-kW (3000-hp) helicopter planetary system is presented. Results from both analytical and experimental studies show good correlation in gear-tooth loads. A parametric study indicates that the mesh damping ratio has a significant effect on maximum gear tooth load, stress, and vibration. Correlation with experimental results indicates that the Sun-planet mesh damping ratio can significantly differ from the planet ring mesh damping ratio. A numerical fast Fourier transform (FFT) procedure was applied to examine the mesh load components in the frequency domain and the magnitudes of multiple tooth pass frequencies excited by nonsynchronous meshing of the planets. Effects of tooth-spacing errors and tooth-profile modifications with tip relief are examined. A general discussion of results and correlation with the experimental study are also presented.

Choy, Fred K.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Experimental and analytical evaluation of dynamic load vibration of a 2240-kW (3000-hp) rotorcraft transmission

Choy, Fred K.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Supersonic jet noise - Its generation, prediction and effects on people and structures

This paper presents the results of a study aimed at quantifying the effects of jet source noise reduction, increases in aircraft lift, and reduced aircraft thrust on the take-off noise associated with supersonic civil transports. Supersonic jet noise sources are first described, and their frequency and directivity dependence are defined. The study utilizes NASA's Aircraft Noise Prediction Program in a parametric study to weigh the relative benefits of several approaches to low noise. The baseline aircraft concept used in these predictions is the AST-205-1 powered by GE21/J11-B14A scaled engines. Noise assessment is presented in terms of effective perceived noise levels at the FAA's centerline and sideline measuring locations for current subsonic aircraft, and in terms of audiologically perceived sound of people and other indirect effects. The results show that significant noise benefit can be achieved through proper understanding and utilization of all available approaches.

Preisser, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Atmospheric Entry Studies for Uranus

To better understand the technology requirements for a Uranus atmospheric entry probe, an internal NASA study was conducted. The main objectives for this study were: (1) to determine the entry trade space through parametric studies; and (2) to identify entry technologies that could be used to enable a mission that would meet at least the Tier 1 science objectives described in the Decadal Survey. The paper describes two different approaches to the planet: 1) direct ballistic entry 2) aerocapture followed by direct entry of probe. For direct ballistic entry the trajectory analyses were performed for a range of entry flight path angles and ballistic coefficients. The larger size probes was also considered in an attempt to enable Tier 2 science objectives. For aerocapture analysis a single case was studied to demonstrate feasibility and benefits with this option. A summary of all of the above analyses, including factors that constrain allowable entry trajectories, is presented

Atmospheric entry↗

NASA NTRS2007

Conceptual Trade Study of General Purpose Heat Source Powered Stirling Converter Configurations

This Technical Manual describes a parametric study of general purpose heat source (GPHS) powered Stirling converter configurations. This study was performed in support of MSFC s efforts to establish the capability to perform non-nuclear system level testing and integration of radioisotope power systems. Six different GPHS stack configurations at a total of three different power levels (80, 250, and 500 W(sub e) were analyzed. The thermal profiles of the integrated GPHS modules (for each configuration) were calculated to determine maximum temperatures for comparison to allowable material limits. Temperature profiles for off-nominal power conditions were also assessed in order to better understand how power demands from the Stirling engine impact the performance of a given configuration.

Turpin, J. B.↗