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At least 487 records · Page 27

Three-dimensional, transonic rotor flow field reconstructed from holographic interferogram data

Holographic interferometry and computer-assisted tomography (CAT) are used to determine the transonic flow field of a model rotor blade in hover. A pulsed ruby laser records 40 interferograms with a 61 cm-diam view field near the model rotor-blade tip operating at a tip Mach number of 0.90. After digitizing the interferograms and extracting fringe-order functions, the data are transferred to a CAT code. The CAT code then calculates pressure coefficients in several planes above the blade surface. The values from the holography-CAT method compare favorably with previously obtained numerical computations and laser velocimeter measurements at most locations near the blade tip. The results demonstrate the technique's potential for three-dimensional transonic rotor flow studies.

Kittleson, J. K.↗

Three-dimensional flow field measurements in a radial inflow turbine scroll using LDV

The results of an experimental study of the three-dimensional flow field in a radial inflow turbine scroll are presented. A two-color LDV system was used in the measurement of three orthogonal velocity components at 758 points located throughout the scroll and the unvaned portion of the nozzle. The cold flow experimental results are presented for through-flow velocity contours and the cross velocity vectors.

Malak, M. F.↗

An analytical and experimental comparison of the flow field of an advanced swept turboprop

An argon ion laser velocimeter with four beams was used to measure the detailed flow-field of an advanced eight blade propeller with 45% of tip sweep in an 8x6 foot supersonic wind tunnel. Data were obtained at a free stream Mach number of 0.8, the design advance ratio of 3.06 and a power coefficient of 1.8. Data are presented for inlet flow, exit flow, flow within the blades and flow slightly outside the blade tips. The data are compared to a lifting line theory. In general, the results of the comparison are considered favorable.

Neumann, H. E.↗

Surface Textures and Features Indicative of Endogenous Growth at the McCartys Flow Field, NM, as an Analog to Martian Volcanic Plains

Basaltic lavas typically form channels or tubes, which are recognized on the Earth and Mars. Although largely unrecognized in the planetary community, terrestrial inflated sheet flows also display morphologies that share many commonalities with lava plains on Mars. The McCartys lava flow field is among the youngest (approx.3000 yrs) basaltic flows in the continental United States. The southwest sections of the flow displays smooth, flat-topped plateaus with irregularly shaped pits and hummocky inter-plateau units that form a polygonal surface. Plateaus are typically elongate in map view, up to 20 m high and display lineations within the glassy crust. Lineated surfaces occasionally display small < 1m diameter lava coils. Lineations are generally straight and parallel each other, sometimes for over 100 meters. The boundaries between plateaus and depressions are also lineated and tilted to angles sometimes approaching vertical. Plateau-parallel cracks, sometimes containing squeeze-ups, mark the boundary between tilted crust and plateau. Some plateau depressions display level floors with hummocky surfaces, while some are bowl shaped with floors covered in broken lava slabs. The lower walls of pits sometimes display lateral, sagged lava wedges. Infrequently, pit floors display the upper portion of a tumulus from an older flow. In some places the surface crust has been disrupted forming a slabby texture. Slabs are typically on the scale of a meter or less across and no less than 7-10 cm thick. The slabs preserve the lineated textures of the undisturbed plateau crust. It appears that this style of terrain represents the emplacement of an extensive sheet that experiences inflation episodes within preferred regions where lateral spreading of the sheet is inhibited, thereby forming plateaus. Rough surfaces represent inflation-related disruption of pahoehoe lava and not a a lava. Depressions are often the result of non-inflation and can be clearly identified by lateral squeeze-outs along the pit walls that form when the rising crust exposes the still liquid core of the sheet. The plains of Tharsis and Elysium, Mars, display many analogous features

Bleacher, Jacob E.↗

Photographing flow fields and heat-transfer patterns in color simultaneously.

A color-schlieren technique is described that combines the flow-field shock shapes and the phase-change coating to give a very descriptive account of aerodynamic heating. This technique employs, in addition to the conventional schlieren system, a temperature-sensitive material as a thin surface coating that undergoes a visible phase change from opaque solid to clear liquid at a known temperature. The resulting pictures can lead to a better understanding of shock/boundary layer interactions, as shown with the aid of a specific example.

Creel, T. R., Jr.↗

Three-dimensional flow field in a turbine nozzle passage

Detailed measurements were taken in the nozzle of a low speed single stage axial flow turbine at two axial planes inside the nozzle and on the nozzle and endwall surfaces. Velocity, turbulence and angle measurements were taken at midchord with an LDV while a five hole probe was used to measure the pressure, velocities and angles just upstream of the trailing edge. Nozzle surface and endwall static pressures were also measured. These measurements were compared to measurements previously completed at two axial planes downstream of the nozzle. The results show that at midchord, the secondary flow seems to be weak and it is in the early stages of development. Just upstream of the trailing edge, the secondary flow is clearly visible. The radially inward flow near the suction surface augments the casing passage vortex, while counteracting the hub passage vortex. Traveling downstream, the casing passage vortex remains strong while at the hub, the radially inward flow of the suction surface boundary layer has reversed direction due to the rotating hub. The blade static pressures and the passage averaged velocities compare well with Katsanis' quasi-three-dimensional code. These and other data are presented, interpreted and synthesized to understand the nozzle flow field.

Zaccaria, M.↗

Effect of reaction control system jet-flow field interactions on a 0.015 scale model space shuttle orbiter aerodynamic characteristics

The effects of the reaction control system (RCS) jet-flow field interactions on the space shuttle orbiter system during entry are discussed. The primary objective of the test program was to obtain data for the shuttle orbiter configuration to determine control amplification factors resulting from jet interaction between the RCS plumes and the external flow over the vehicle. A secondary objective was to provide data for comparison and improvement of analytic jet interaction prediction techniques. The test program was divided into two phases; (1) force and moment measurements were made with and without RCS blowing, investigating environment parameters (R sub e, Alpha, Beta), RCS plume parameters (Jet pressure ratio, momentum ratio and thrust level), and geometry parameters (RCS pod locations) on the orbiter model, (2) oil flow visualization tests were conducted on a dummy balance at the end of the test.

Monta, W. J.↗

A computer program for the calculation of the flow field including boundary layer effects for mixed-compression inlets at angle of attack

A computer program was developed which is capable of calculating the flow field in the supersonic portion of a mixed compression aircraft inlet operating at angle of attack. The supersonic core flow is computed using a second-order three dimensional method-of-characteristics algorithm. The bow shock and the internal shock train are treated discretely using a three dimensional shock fitting procedure. The boundary layer flows are computed using a second-order implicit finite difference method. The shock wave-boundary layer interaction is computed using an integral formulation. The general structure of the computer program is discussed, and a brief description of each subroutine is given. All program input parameters are defined, and a brief discussion on interpretation of the output is provided. A number of sample cases, complete with data listings, are provided.

Vadyak, J.↗

Progress in computing nozzle/plume flow fields

The long-term goal is to develop the capability to predict chemically-reacting, multi-stream nozzle and plume flow fields. Two basic Navier-Stokes solvers, including the widely used F-3D code, are upgraded to include several upwind difference schemes and portable chemistry packages. Current computational capabilities for solving equilibrium single-stream and multi-stream, frozen gas, and finite rate chemistry problems are described. A variety of complex nozzle and plume flows were computed. Solutions presented include axisymmetric plume flow for ideal and equilibrium air, 3-D NASP nozzle/afterbody flow, and an internal nozzle calculation comparing various finite-rate chemistry packages.

Ruffin, Stephen M.↗

Supersonic reacting internal flow fields

The national program to develop a trans-atmospheric vehicle has kindled a renewed interest in the modeling of supersonic reacting flows. A supersonic combustion ramjet, or scramjet, has been proposed to provide the propulsion system for this vehicle. The development of computational techniques for modeling supersonic reacting flow fields, and the application of these techniques to an increasingly difficult set of combustion problems are studied. Since the scramjet problem has been largely responsible for motivating this computational work, a brief history is given of hypersonic vehicles and their propulsion systems. A discussion is also given of some early modeling efforts applied to high speed reacting flows. Current activities to develop accurate and efficient algorithms and improved physical models for modeling supersonic combustion is then discussed. Some new problems where computer codes based on these algorithms and models are being applied are described.

Drummond, J. Philip↗

Development of the Seeding System Used for Laser Velocimeter Surveys of the NASA Low-Speed Centrifugal Compressor Flow Field

Consideration is given to an atomizer-based system for distributing high-volume rates of polystyrene latex (PSL) seed material developed to support laser velocimeter investigations of the NASA Low-Speed Compressor flow field. Complete evaporation of the liquid carrier before the flow entering the compressor was of primary concern for the seeder system design. It is argued that the seed nozzle should incorporate a needle valve that can mechanically dislodge accumulated PSL seed material when the nozzle is turned off. Water is less expensive as the liquid carrier and should be used whenever adequate residence times are available to ensure complete evaporation. PSL agglomerates over time and needs to be mixed or blended before use. Arrangement of the spray nozzles needs to be adjustable to provide maximum seeding at the laser probe volume.

Wasserbauer, C. A.↗

Flow field measurements in a crossing shockwave turbulent boundary layer interaction at Mach 3

An experimental study has been conducted to examine the flow field of the 3D crossing shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction. A symmetric pair of 9-deg fins were used to generate the crossing shocks. The incoming boundary layer was developed on the tunnel sidewall and thus was relatively thick, 0.49 arcsec, and suited for pitot probe surveys. The test conditions were a nominal Mach number of 3 and unit Reynolds number of 1.2 x 10 exp 7/ft. The measurements obtained included surface oil flow visualizations, surface static pressures, and boundary layer pitot pressure profiles. The results showed that downstream of the crossing shock intersection, the stagnation pressure losses were significant and the stagnation pressure profiles were highly nonuniform. Despite the severe shock disturbances, the law of the wall and the law of the wake were found to give relatively good agreement with the experimental data.

Lachowicz, Jason T.↗

Numerical analysis of a scramjet inlet flow field using the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations

A computer program has been developed to analyze supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) inlet flow fields. The program solves the three-dimensional Euler or Navier-Stokes equations in full conservation form by a well-known explicit, predictor-corrector technique. Turbulence is modeled by an algebraic eddy-viscosity model. Detailed laminar and turbulent flow results are presented for a symmetric wedge corner and a comparison is made with the available experimental results to allow assessment of the program. Results are then presented for an actual scramjet inlet configuration.

Kumar, A.↗

A three-dimensional body-fitted coordinate system for flow field calculations on asymmetric nosetips

A three dimensional body-fitted coordinate system developed for use in the calculation of inviscid flows over ablated, asymmetric reentry vehicle nosetips is described. Because of the potential geometric asymmetries, no standard coordinate system (e.g., spherical, axisymmetric reference surface-normal) is capable of being closely aligned with the nosetip surface. To generate a 3-D, body-fitted coordinate system an analytic mapping procedure is applied that is conformal within each meridional plane of the nosetip; these transformations are then coupled circumferentially to yield a three dimensional coordinate system. The mappings used are defined in terms of hinge points, which are points selected to approximate the body contours in each meridional plane. The selection of appropriate hinge points was automated to facilitate the use of the resulting nosetip flow field code.

Hall, D. W.↗