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At least 505 records · Page 28

Computational fluid dynamics application to hypersonic flow over a Martian entry vehicle (MEV) - A correlation with experiment

A class of vehicles for a mission to Mars are analyzed for aerodynamic characteristics using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The general configuration is a modified cone-conical-frustum geometry where the nose radius has a large influence on the flowfield. Inviscid-compressible flow using the Euler equations and viscous-compressible flow using the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations is applied to the configuration. The surface modeling, grid generation and application of state-of-the-art CFD software are described. The effects of nose radius, angle of attack, and hypersonic velocity on the flight characteristics of the vehicle are discussed. The numerical simulations demonstrate the merits of the inviscid and viscous software. Results are compared with wind tunnel experiments.

Stewart, John E.↗

Quasi One-Dimensional Unsteady Modeling of External Compression Supersonic Inlets

The AeroServoElasticity task under the NASA Supersonics Project is developing dynamic models of the propulsion system and the vehicle in order to conduct research for integrated vehicle dynamic performance. As part of this effort, a nonlinear quasi 1-dimensional model of an axisymmetric external compression supersonic inlet is being developed. The model utilizes compressible flow computational fluid dynamics to model the internal inlet segment as well as the external inlet portion between the cowl lip and normal shock, and compressible flow relations with flow propagation delay to model the oblique shocks upstream of the normal shock. The external compression portion between the cowl-lip and the normal shock is also modeled with leaking fluxes crossing the sonic boundary, with a moving CFD domain at the normal shock boundary. This model has been verified in steady state against tunnel inlet test data and it s a first attempt towards developing a more comprehensive model for inlet dynamics.

Kopasakis, George↗

Heat transfer in 3D flow regions generated by intersecting surfaces

The objective is to validate code capabilities to model and predict the critical physics associated with heat transfer in highly 3-D flows. Various aspects of this study are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: LeRC 3-D viscous codes; the 3-D compressible flow tunnel; RVC3D laminar horseshoe vortex calculation; the 3-D heat transfer code validation experiment; and measurements in 3-D compressible flow tunnel.

Simoneau, Robert J.↗

Large-Eddy Simulation of Axisymmetric Compression Corner Flow

The Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulation (WMLES) approach is used to study the interaction of a shock wave with a high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layer. Since the near wall region is modeled, high Reynolds number turbulent flows can be simulated at a moderate computational cost. The case considered is that of an axisymmetric Mach 2.85 turbulent boundary layer over a 30 compression corner. The Reynolds number of the boundary layer upstream of the interaction based on momentum thickness (Re theta = u sub infinity theta/v sub infinity) is ~12,000. The geometry and flow conditions match the experiments of Dunagan et al. (NASA TM 88227, 1986). The simulations were performed using equilibrium and non-equilibrium wall models. The agreement with experiment is encouraging for the finest grid with respect to the separation bubble length, unsteady shock structure and wall pressure distribution. Sensitivity ofWMLES results to grid, wall model, and blockage effects in the tunnel are reported.

Iyer, Prahladh S.↗

Compressibility Effects in Aeronautical Engineering

Compressible-flow research, while a relatively new field in aeronautics, is very old, dating back almost to the development of the first firearm. Over the last hundred years, researches have been conducted in the ballistics field, but these results have been of practically no use in aeronautical engineering because the phenomena that have been studied have been the more or less steady supersonic condition of flow. Some work that has been done in connection with steam turbines, particularly nozzle studies, has been of value, In general, however, understanding of compressible-flow phenomena has been very incomplete and permitted no real basis for the solution of aeronautical engineering problems in which.the flow is likely to be unsteady because regions of both subsonic and supersonic speeds may occur. In the early phases of the development of the airplane, speeds were so low that the effects of compressibility could be justifiably ignored. During the last war and immediately after, however, propellers exhibited losses in efficiency as the tip speeds approached the speed of sound, and the first experiments of an aeronautical nature were therefore conducted with propellers. Results of these experiments indicated serious losses of efficiency, but aeronautical engineers were not seriously concerned at the time became it was generally possible. to design propellers with quite low tip. speeds. With the development of new engines having increased power and rotational speeds, however, the problems became of increasing importance.

Stack, John↗

Use of a generalized Stokes number to determine the aerodynamic capture efficiency of non-Stokesian particles from a compressible gas flow

The aerodynamic capture efficiency of small but nondiffusing particles suspended in a high-speed stream flowing past a target is known to be influenced by parameters governing small particle inertia, departures from the Stokes drag law, and carrier fluid compressibility. By defining an effective Stokes number in terms of the actual (prevailing) particle stopping distance, local fluid viscosity, and inviscid fluid velocity gradient at the target nose, it is shown that these effects are well correlated in terms of a 'standard' (cylindrical collector, Stokes drag, incompressible flow, sq rt Re much greater than 1) capture efficiency curve. Thus, a correlation follows that simplifies aerosol capture calculations in the parameter range already included in previous numerical solutions, allows rational engineering predictions of deposition in situations not previously specifically calculated, and should facilitate the presentation of performance data for gas cleaning equipment and aerosol instruments.

Israel, R.↗

Turbulence measurements in a Mach 2.9 boundary layer using laser velocimetry

Measurements taken in a Mach-2.9 turbulent boundary layer are shown to demonstrate the ability of a laser velocimeter to measure the turbulence transport properties of high-speed compressible flows. This demonstrated ability, combined with the nonperturbing quality and relative insensitivity to environmental conditions of the laser velocimeter, opens the way to compressible flow measurements never considered possible with more conventional measurement techniques.

Johnson, D. A.↗

Evaluation of hydrogen as a cryogenic wind tunnel test gas

The nondimensional ratios used to describe various flow situations in hydrogen were determined and compared with the corresponding ideal diatomic gas ratios. The results were used to examine different inviscid flow configurations. The relatively high value of the characteristic rotational temperature causes the behavior of hydrogen, under cryogenic conditions, to deviate substantially from the behavior of an ideal diatomic gas in the compressible flow regime. Therefore, if an idea diatomic gas is to be modeled, cryogenic hydrogen is unacceptable as a wind tunnel test gas in a compressible flow situation.

Haut, R. C.↗

Simulation of three-dimensional compressible viscous flow on the Illiac IV computer

Complicated three-dimensional viscous transonic flows about bodies at high angles of attack are solved on the Illiac IV computer. It is shown that certain approximate forms of the compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations can be computed about realistic three-dimensional geometries with relative ease on the Illiac IV. The ease and efficiency with which this can be done depend on the approximations made in the basic equations, the choice of the numerical algorithm used for the solution, and the data-base system that controls the data management and identifies and manipulates the vectors. A pencil data-base system is found to be particularly suitable for the approximations and numerical method chosen to produce the results presented. In addition, some comparisons are made of computer predictions with experimental results for various lows about hemisphere-cylinders in both subsonic and supersonic free streams. The same viscous model and numerical model are used, showing good qualitative agreement in the location of separation lines and pressure distributions.

Pulliam, T. H.↗

Three Dimensional Compressible Turbulent Flow Computations for a Diffusing S-Duct With/Without Vortex Generators

Numerical investigations on a diffusing S-duct with/without vortex generators and a straight duct with vortex generators are presented. The investigation consists of solving the full three-dimensional unsteady compressible mass averaged Navier-Stokes equations. An implicit finite volume lower-upper time marching code (RPLUS3D) has been employed and modified. A three-dimensional Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model has been modified in conjunction with the flow physics. A model for the analysis of vortex generators in a fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. A vortical structure for modeling the shed vortex is used as a source term in the computation domain. The injected vortex paths in the straight duct are compared with the analysis by two kinds of prediction models. The flow structure by the vortex generators are investigated along the duct. Computed results of the flow in a circular diffusing S-duct provide an understanding of the flow structure within a typical engine inlet system. These are compared with the experimental wall static-pressure, static- and total-pressure field, and secondary velocity profiles. Additionally, boundary layer thickness, skin friction values, and velocity profiles in wall coordinates are presented. In order to investigate the effect of vortex generators, various vortex strengths are examined in this study. The total-pressure recovery and distortion coefficients are obtained at the exit of the S-duct. The numerical results clearly depict the interaction between the low velocity flow by the flow separation and the injected vortices.

Cho, Soo-Yong↗

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 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.↗

Global pressure relaxation for laminar two-dimensional internal flow

This study extends the reduced Navier-Stokes (RNS) global pressure relaxation procedure developed by Rubin and co-workers for external flow to internal flow applications. The streamwise pressure gradient is split into a backward-differenced or initial value component, as in boundary layer marching, and a forward-differenced or boundary value component that represents the elliptic downstream effects. The streamwise convection terms are upwind-differenced and all other streamwise derivatives are backward-differenced. A standard boundary layer marching technique imbedded in a conventional line relaxation technique is obtained. For compressible flow the pressure iteration determines the interior flow interaction as well as the inlet mass flux that is consistent with the outflow pressure boundary condition. Results have been computed for incompressible flow in both rectangular and curved channels, and for subsonic compressible flow in the simulation of an aerofoil in a wind tunnel. Converged solutions were obtained over a range of Reynolds numbers generating small to moderately large separation bubbles.

Rosenbaum, D.↗

The numerical solution of compressible fluid flow problems

Numerical methods have been developed for obtaining the steady, adiabatic flow field of a frictionless, perfect gas about arbitrary two-dimensional bodies. The solutions include the subsonic velocity regions, the supersonic velocity regions, and the transition compression shocks, if required. Furthermore, the rotational motion and entropy changes following shocks are taken into account. Extensive use is made of the relaxation method. In this report the details of the methods of solution are emphasized so as to permit others to solve similar problems. Solutions already obtained are mentioned only by way of illustrating the possibilities of the methods described. The methods can be applied directly to wind tunnel and free air tests of arbitrary airfoil shapes at subsonic, sonic, and supersonic speeds.

Emmons, Howard W↗

High Resolution Experiments of Compressible Turbulence Interacting With Shock Waves

Most of the second year of our research program focused on exploring the potentially favorable the effects of expansion waves on homogeneous and isotropic turbulence, which is formed downstream of a grid. Expansion waves are associated with compressible flows and may reduce the drag over airfoils by suppressing turbulence. In the very few previous investigations of interactions of turbulence with expansion waves the effects due to stabilizing streamline curvature substantially masked the effects of turbulence suppression due to flow expansion though the waves. In the present flow configuration planar expansion waves interact with grid generated turbulence in our high-resolution shock tube research facility. This approach will assess directly the effects of the interaction on turbulence. The first objective of our study was to identify the nature of expansion waves present in our shock tube facility. Our time-dependent numerical simulations of the flow in our facility indicated the existence of two regions of traveling expansion waves. The system of expansion waves utilized in this investigation is generated by the exiting shock wave and the induced flow behind it at the end of the driver. Several new measuring techniques are being developed which are capable of providing velocity-gradient-related quantities in compressible flows for the first time.

Agui, Juan↗

Analysis Of Stepped Labyrinth Seals

Report presents analysis of compressible flow in stepped labyrinth gas seal in turbomachine. Part of continuing effort to understand and suppress self-excited vibrations caused by stepped labyrinth seals. Rotordynamic coefficients derived for compressible flow.

Scharrer, Joseph K.↗

Compressible 2D Flow Field Interaction of Two Contra-Rotating Blades

The blades of coaxial, contra-rotating rotor systems cross each other in close proximity and at high relative speeds. This crossing event is a potential source of noise and severe blade loads. Effects of compressibility can aggravate the interaction and significantly alter the pressure field signature and phase relationships. A 2-D analysis of this phenomenon is performed by simulating two airfoils passing each other at specified speeds and vertical separation distances. Several test cases spanning a relevant range of Reynolds numbers, angles of attack, and relative Mach number are considered. The Mach number is varied to simulate the radial variation of velocity from the root to tip of a rotor blade to capture the pressure signature, lift, and drag of the airfoils. The velocity and pressure distributions on the airfoils, and in the space between the airfoils are computed before, at, and after airfoil crossing. The variations of lift and drag coefficients through the interaction are captured. The upper airfoil experiences an increase in lift followed by a very sharp drop in lift during the interaction. When relative Mach numbers are transonic, the region of interaction is greatly extended, with shock interactions occurring. The results show the complex nature of the aerodynamic and fluid dynamic impulses generated by blade-blade interactions, with implications to aeroelastic loads and aeroacoustic sources.

Barbely, Natasha L.↗

Theoretical and experimental investigation of vortex breakdown

The slender-vortex approximation was analyzed for incompressible and compressible flow. First the equations of motion were reduced in an order of magnitude analysis. Then compatibility conditions were formulated for the inflow conditions. Thereafter finite-difference-solutions were constructed for incompressible and compressible flow. Finally it was shown that these solutions can be used to describe the flow in slender vortices. The analysis of the breakdown process must, however, be excluded, since its upstream influence cannot be predicted with the slender vortex approximation. The investigaton of this problem is left for future work.

Krause, E.↗