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At least 487 records · Page 27

Numerical computation of two-dimensional viscous blunt body flows with an impinging shock

Two-dimensional, viscous, blunt body flows with an impinging shock wave are computed using a time-dependent, finite-difference method to solve the complete set of Navier-Stokes equations. The bow shock wave is treated as a discontinuity, while all interior shock layer detail such as shear layers, shock waves, jets, and the wall boundary layer are automatically captured in the solution. Numerical results are presented for cases in which shock waves of different strengths are allowed to impinge on the flow field surrounding a circular cylinder resulting in different shock interference patterns. The two-dimensional results are compared qualitatively with existing three-dimensional experiments.

Tannehil, J. C.↗

Stable boundary layer wind shear model for aircraft flight hazard definition

It is pointed out that wind shear, particularly at the lower altitudes in the terminal area, has been identified as being hazardous to aircraft operations. Accurate and reliable wind profiles are required for use in fast time and manned flight simulation studies aimed at fully defining and understanding the wind shear hazard. A description is presented of wind speed profiles for neutral and stable atmospheric conditions developed for the simulation studies to improve the safety and reliability of operations in the terminal area. The wind shear is mathematically modeled and the mathematical scenarios are presented in a format for direct application to wind shear hazard/flight simulation studies.

Frost, W.↗

KC-135 aero-optical turbulent boundary layer/shear layer experiment revisited

The aero-optical effects associated with propagating a laser beam through both an aircraft turbulent boundary layer and artificially generated shear layers are examined. The data present comparisons from observed optical performance with those inferred from aerodynamic measurements of unsteady density and correlation lengths within the same random flow fields. Using optical instrumentation with tens of microsecond temporal resolution through a finite aperture, optical performance degradation was determined and contrasted with the infinite aperture time averaged aerodynamic measurement. In addition, the optical data were artificially clipped to compare to theoretical scaling calculations. Optical instrumentation consisted of a custom Q switched Nd:Yag double pulsed laser, and a holographic camera which recorded the random flow field in a double pass, double pulse mode. Aerodynamic parameters were measured using hot film anemometer probes and a five hole pressure probe. Each technique is described with its associated theoretical basis for comparison. The effects of finite aperture and spatial and temporal frequencies of the random flow are considered.

Craig, J.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Turbulence control in wall flows

Most of the detailed turbulence-structure data available pertain only to the simplest cases, involving zero pressure-gradient boundary layers and free-shear layers, and indicate that each disparate geometry possesses its own set of dominant nonlinear instabilities. Various boundary/input conditions act to modify these instabilities for low input levels; for stronger inputs, the basic instability modes/structures sustaining the turbulence field may be altered. Steady-state inputs are noted to be extremely effective in altering turbulence structures, in the directions of either amplification or diminution.

Bushnell, Dennis M.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Design and operational features of low-disturbance wind tunnels at NASA Langley for Mach numbers from 3.5 to 18

The experimental and theoretical program at NASA Langley to develop high-speed low-disturbance wind tunnels for transition research is reviewed. Design and operational details of three new low-disturbance wind tunnels - the Mach-18 quiet helium, Mach-8 variable density, and Mach-3.5/Mach-6 high-speed low-disturbance tunnels, are presented. Focus is placed on the high-speed low-disturbance wind tunnel, which will have relatively large mass flows and run times from about 6 to 25 minutes. This facility is designed to provide direct simulation of low-disturbance flight conditions in the atmosphere. The Mach-8 facility will provide uniform flow conditions suitable for validation of aerodynamic codes, while the helium facility will be used for validation of boundary-layer and free shear-layer stability and transition prediction codes.

Beckwith, I. E.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high-speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models, and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary-layer flows, shock-wave boundary-layer interactions, and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

The effects of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability on resonance absorption layers in coronal loops

One of the long-standing uncertainties in the wave-resonance theory of coronal heating is the stability of the resonance layer. The wave motions in the resonance layer produce highly localized shear flows which vary sinusoidally in time with the resonance period. This configuration is potentially susceptible to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI), which can enhance small-scale structure and turbulent broadening of shear layers on relatively rapid ideal timescales. We have investigated numerically the response of a characteristic velocity profile, derived from resonance absorption models, to finite fluid perturbations comparable to photospheric fluctuations. We find that the KHI primarily should affect long (approximately greater than 6 x 10(exp 4) km) loops where higher velocity flows (M approximately greater than 0.2) exist in resonance layers of order 100 km wide. There, the Kelvin-Helmholtz growth time is comparable to or less than the resonance quarter-period, and the potentially stabilizing magnetic effects are not felt until the instability is well past the linear growth stage. Not only is the resonance layer broadened by the KHI, but also the convective energy transport out of the resonance layer is increased, thus adding to the efficiency of the wave-resonance heating process. In shorter loops, e.g., those in bright points and compact flares, the stabilization due to the magnetic field and the high resonance frequency inhibit the growth of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability beyond a minimal level.

Karpen, Judith T.↗

Vibration Analysis and Control of Flexible Beam by Using Smart Damping Structures

The temperature effects on frequency, loss factor and control of a flexible beam with a constrained viscoelastic layer and shape memory alloy layer (SMA) are discussed. It is shown that the temperature in the SMA (actuation) layer is very important in the determination of frequency and loss factor of such a structure. The effects of damping layer shear modulus and damping layer height as affected by the temperature are also discussed. As temperature plays such an important role, it is, therefore, imperative to evaluate temperature effects on the control of the system as well. Results with and without active control are discussed.

Chen, Q.↗

Turbulence Modeling for Unsteady Transonic Flows

Conditionally sampled, ensemble-averaged velocity measurements, made with a laser velocimeter, were taken in the flowfield over the rear half of an 18% thick circular arc airfoil at zero incidence tested at M = 0.76 and at a Reynolds number based on chord of 11 x 10(exp 6). Data for one cycle of periodic unsteady flow having a reduced frequency f of 0.49 are analyzed. A series of compression waves, which develop in the early stages of the cycle, strengthen and coalesce into a strong shock wave that moves toward the airfoil leading edge. A thick shear layer forms downstream of the shock wave. The kinetic energy and shear stresses increase dramatically, reach a maximum when dissipation and diffusion of the turbulence exceed production, and then decrease substantially. The response lime of the turbulence to the changes brought about by the shock-wave passage upstream depends on the shock-wave strength and position in the boundary layer. The cycle completes itself when the shock wave passes the midchord, weakens, and the shear layer collapses. Remarkably good comparisons are found with computations that employ the time-dependent Reynolds averaged form of the Navier-Stokes equations using an algebraic eddy viscosity model, developed for steady flows.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Turbulence Modeling for Unsteady Transonic Flows

Conditionally sampled, ensemble-averaged velocity measurements, made with a laser velocimeter, were taken in the flowfield over the rear half of an 18% thick circular arc airfoil at zero incidence tested at M = 0.76 and of a Reynolds number based on chord of 11 x 10(exp 6). Data for one cycle of periodic unsteady flow having a reduced frequency bar-f of 0.49 are analyzed. A series of compression waves, which develop in the early stages of the cycle, strengthen and coalesce into a strong shock wave that moves toward the airfoil leading edge. A thick shear layer forms downstream of the shock wave. The kinetic energy and shear stresses increase dramatically, reach a maximum when dissipation and diffusion of the turbulence exceed production, and then decrease substantially. The response time of the turbulence to the changes brought about by the shock-wave passage upstream depends on the shock-wave strength and position in the boundary layer. The cycle completes itself when the shock wave passes the midchord, weakens, and the shear layer collapses. Remarkably good comparisons are found with computations that employ the time-dependent Reynolds averaged form of the Navier-Stokes equations using an algebraic eddy viscosity model, developed for steady flows.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Time development of the flow about an impulsively started cylinder

A method is developed to determine the time-dependent flowfield about an impulsively started circular cylinder. An outer potential flow model is interfaced with an inner viscous flow region. The wake is described by a set of elementary point vortices. The position at which the point vortices are shed from the cylinder is obtained from a solution to the unsteady incompressible laminar boundary-layer equations. A rear shear-layer is postulated to account for backflow induced vorticity. Wake development is detailed from the initial formation of the two symmetric vortices to subsequent asymmetry and eventual alternate shedding. Unsteady pressure distributions, lift and drag forces, and Strouhal number are calculated and compared with experiment.

Deffenbaugh, F. D.↗

Overview of 6- X 6-foot wind tunnel aero-optics tests

The splitter-plate arrangement used in tests in the 6 x 6 foot wind tunnel and how it was configured to study boundary layers, both heated and unheated, shear layers over a cavity, separated flows behind spoilers, accelerated flows around a turret, and a turret wake are described. The flows are characterized by examples of the steady-state pressure and of velocity profiles through the various types of flow layers.

Buell, D. A.↗

Observations of height-dependent pressure-perturbation structure of a strong mesoscale gravity wave

Airborne observations using a downward-looking, dual-frequency, near-infrared, differential absorption lidar system provide the first measurements of the height-dependent pressure-perturbation field associated with a strong mesoscale gravity wave. A pressure-perturbation amplitude of 3.5 mb was measured within the lowest 1.6 km of the atmosphere over a 52-km flight line. Corresponding vertical displacements of 250-500 m were inferred from lidar-observed displacement of aerosol layers. Accounting for probable wave orientation, a horizontal wavelength of about 40 km was estimated. Satellite observations reveal wave structure of a comparable scale in concurrent cirrus cloud fields over an extended area. Smaller-scale waves were also observed. Local meteorological soundings are analyzed to confirm the existence of a suitable wave duct. Potential wave-generation mechanisms are examined and discussed. The large pressure-perturbation wave is attributed to rapid amplification or possible wave breaking of a gravity wave as it propagated offshore and interacted with a very stable marine boundary layer capped by a strong shear layer.

Starr, David O'C.↗