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At least 523 records · Page 29

Calculation of two-dimensional inlet flow fields in a supersonic free stream: Program documentation and test cases

The use of a computer code for the calculation of two dimensional inlet flow fields in a supersonic free stream and a nonorthogonal mesh-generation code are illustrated by specific examples. Input, output, and program operation and use are given and explained for the case of supercritical inlet operation at a subdesign Mach number (M Mach free stream = 2.09) for an isentropic-compression, drooped-cowl inlet. Source listings of the computer codes are also provided.

Biringen, S. H.↗

Some effects of interference flow fields on supersonic configurations

A summary of selected results for various basic research models is presented in order to illustrate some effects of interference flow fields at supersonic speeds. Some general effects of wings and tails on typical cruciform missile configurations are shown. Several arrangements of cruise-type missile concepts are presented to show the effects of added body volume on the lift-drag ratio. In addition, the effects of several tail arrangements and some effects of body cross-section on the directional stability characteristics are included.

Spearman, M. L.↗

Numerical simulation of the flow field and fuel sprays in an IC engine

A two-dimensional model for axisymmetric piston-cylinder configurations is developed to study the flow field in two-stroke direct-injection Diesel engines under motored conditions. The model accounts for turbulence by a two-equation model for the turbulence kinetic energy and its rate of dissipation. A discrete droplet model is used to simulate the fuel spray, and the effects of the gas phase turbulence on the droplets is considered. It is shown that a fluctuating velocity can be added to the mean droplet velocity every time step if the step is small enough. Good agreement with experimental data is found for a range of ambient pressures in Diesel engine-type microenvironments. The effects of the intake swirl angle in the spray penetration, vaporization, and mixing in a uniflow-scavenged two-stroke Diesel engine are analyzed. It is found that the swirl increases the gas phase turbulence levels and the rates of vaporization.

Nguyen, H. L.↗

Three dimensional nozzle-exhaust flow field analysis by a reference plane technique.

A numerical method based on reference plane characteristics has been developed for the calculation of highly complex supersonic nozzle-exhaust flow fields. The difference equations have been developed for three coordinate systems. Local reference plane orientations are employed using the three coordinate systems concurrently thus catering to a wide class of flow geometries. Discontinuities such as the underexpansion shock and contact surfaces are computed explicitly for nonuniform vehicle external flows. The nozzles considered may have irregular cross-sections with swept throats and may be stacked in modules using the vehicle undersurface for additional expansion. Results are presented for several nozzle configurations.

Dash, S. M.↗

Fundamental study of flow field generated by rotorcraft blades using wide-field shadowgraph

The vortex trajectory and vortex wake generated by helicopter rotors are visualized using a wide-field shadowgraph technique. Use of a retro-reflective Scotchlite screen makes it possible to investigate the flow field generated by full-scale rotors. Tip vortex trajectories are visible in shadowgraphs for a range of tip Mach number of 0.38 to 0.60. The effect of the angle of attack is substantial. At an angle of attack greater than 8 degrees, the visibility of the vortex core is significant even at relatively low tip Mach numbers. The theoretical analysis of the sensitivity is carried out for a rotating blade. This analysis demonstrates that the sensitivity decreases with increasing dimensionless core radius and increases with increasing tip Mach number. The threshold value of the sensitivity is found to be 0.0015, below which the vortex core is not visible and above which it is visible. The effect of the optical path length is also discussed. Based on this investigation, it is concluded that the application of this wide-field shadowgraph technique to a large wind tunnel test should be feasible. In addition, two simultaneous shadowgraph views would allow three-dimensional reconstruction of vortex trajectories.

Parthasarathy, S. P.↗

Analysis of the dynamic response of a supersonic inlet to flow-field perturbations upstream of the normal shock

A linearized mathematical analysis is presented for determining the response of normal shock position and subsonic duct pressures to flow-field perturbations upstream of the normal shock in mixed-compression supersonic inlets. The inlet duct cross-sectional area variation is approximated by constant-area sections; this approximation results in one-dimensional wave equations. A movable normal shock separates the supersonic and subsonic flow regions, and a choked exit is assumed for the inlet exit condition. The analysis leads to a closed-form matrix solution for the shock position and pressure transfer functions. Analytical frequency response results are compared with experimental data and a method of characteristics solution.

Cole, G. L.↗

Unsteady Euler analysis of the flow field of a propfan at an angle of attack

The effects of angle of attack of a propfan on the blade loading and details of the flow field by solving the unsteady three-dimensional Euler equations are examined. The configuration considered is the SR7L propeller at cruise condition and the inflow angles considered are 4.6 degrees, 1.6 degrees and -0.4 degrees. The results indicate that the blade response is nearly sinusoidal at low inflow angles (1.6 degrees and -0.4 degrees) and significant deviations from sinusoidal behavior occur at an inflow angle of 4.6 degrees due to the presence of strong shocks on both suction and pressure surfaces of the blade. The detailed flow in the blade passages shows that a shock formed on the suction surface during the highly loaded portion of the revolution extends across the passage to the pressure surface. An increase in inflow angle results in an increase in blade loading on the down-going side and a decrease in loading on the up-going side.

Nallasamy, M.↗

Calculations of the unsteady, three-dimensional flow field inside a motored Wankel engine

A computer program (referred to as UF-LRC-3D) was developed for studying the unsteady, three-dimensional flow field inside the combustion chambers of motored Wankel engines as a function of engine design and operating parameters. This paper presents the details of the governing equations and the numerical method used by UF-LRC-3D. Also presented are numerical solutions generated by UF-LRC-3D showing the velocity field inside a motored Wankel engine, the mixing of nonhomogeneous fuel-air mixtures that enter through the intake port, and the mixing that takes place when a gaseous fuel is injected into the combustion chamber during compression.

Steinthorsson, Erlendur↗

Lava flow-field morphological classification and interpretation: Examples from Venus

Recent analyses suggest that thermal constraints will act to limit the maximum length of an advancing lava flow being fed at a given volume or mass effusion rate from a vent. These constraints can be characterized through the Gratz number, which has a large value at the vent and decreases down flow; under a wide range of conditions, motion apparently ceases when the Gratz number has decreased to a value close to 300. In cooling-limited flows, effusion from the vent should be steady; the flow front thickens, eventually stops due to this cooling, and the central channel does not drain. If the vent remains active, a break-out flow will form from some point on the margin of the initial flow unit. If flows on planetary surfaces can be shown to be cooling limited, eruption rates can be estimated. In this analysis, we illustrate the morphological characteristics of various flow configurations, and we describe the application of these concepts to a flow length histogram for a hypothetical flow field and then apply this to an example on Venus.

Head, J. W.↗

Shuttle Return-to-Flight IH-108 Aerothermal Test at CUBRC - Flow Field Calibration and CFD

This paper discusses one specific aspect of the Shuttle Retrun-To-Flight IH-108 Aerothermal Test at CUBRC, the test flow field calibration. It showed the versatility of the CUBRC LENS II wind tunnel for an aerothermal test with unique and demanding requirements. CFD analyses were used effectively to extend the test range at the low end of the Mach range. It demonstrated how ground test facility and CFD synergy can be utilitzed iteratively to enhance the confidence in the fedility of both tools. It addressed the lingering concerns of the aerothermal community on use of inpulse facility and CFD analysis. At the conclusion of the test program, members from the NASA Marshall (MSFC), CUBRC and USA (United Space Alliance) Consultants (The Grey Beards) were asked to independently verify the flight scaling data generated by Boeing for flight certification of the re-designed external tank (ET) components. The blind test comparison showed very good results. A more comprehensive discussion of the topics in this paper can be found in Chapter 6 of Reference [1]. The overall aspect of the test program has been discussed in an AIAA paper by Tim Wadhams [2]. The Shuttle Ascent Stack performance and related issues discussed in the Report [1] are not included in this paper. No ITAR data is included in this paper.

Lau, Kei Y.↗

Flow Field Characterization of an Angled Supersonic Jet Near a Bluff Body

An experiment was performed to acquire data from a hot supersonic jet in cross flow for the purpose of validating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) turbulence modeling relevant to the Orion Launch Abort System. Hot jet conditions were at the highest temperature and pressure that could be acquired in the test facility. The nozzle pressure ratio was 28.5, and the nozzle temperature ratio was 3. These conditions are different from those of the flight vehicle, but sufficiently high to model the observed turbulence features. Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) data and capsule pressure data are presented. Features of the flow field are presented and discussed

Wolter, John D.↗

Results of a study of Mach number and Reynolds number effects on the lee side vortex flow field characteristics of an ogive-cylinder-frustum-cylinder at angles of attack to 25 degrees. Volume 2: Appendix

A listing of the data reduction computer program output for the analysis of the lee side vortex flow about an ogive-cylinder-frustum-cylinder is presented. A computed local flow property for the flow field location array at a specific body station and freestream condition is listed. Significant local flow properties are computed. The local circulation strengths in the radial and circumferential directions are analyzed.

Foley, J. E.↗

The flow field of an underexpanded H2 jet coaxially injected into a hot free or ducted supersonic jet of air or nitrogen

Experimental data obtained in an investigation of the mixing of an underexpanded hydrogen jet in a supersonic flow both with and without combustion are presented. Tests were conducted in a Mach 2 test stream with both air and nitrogen as test media. Total temperature of the test stream was 2170 K, and static exit pressure was about one atmosphere. The static pressure at the exit of the hydrogen injector's Mach 2 nozzle was about two atmospheres. Primary measurements included shadowgraphs and pitot pressure surveys of the flow field. Pitot surveys and wall static pressures were measured for the case where the entire flow was shrouded. The results are compared to similar experimental data and theoretical predictions for the matched pressure case.

Jenkins, R. V.↗

An implicit marching procedure for the treatment of supersonic flow fields using the conservative full potential equation

A new aerodynamic prediction technique based on the conservative full potential equation is developed for the treatment of supersonic flow fields. This new technique bridges the gap between simplistic linear theory methods and complex Euler solvers. A novel local density linearization concept and a second order accurate retarded density scheme, both producing the correct artificial viscosity, are introduced in developing an implicit marching scheme for solving the scalar phi. The method produces results that compare well with Euler solvers and requires an order of magnitude less computer time and significantly less computer memory over existing nonlinear codes. The scalar phi formulation can be extended to handle subsonic pockets in the marching direction and also is suitable for developing inverse procedures where the shape corresponding to a prescribed loading is sought.

Shankar, V.↗

Preliminary demonstrations of a focusing schlieren system for flow field diagnostics - Research in progress

A preliminary study to demonstrate the potential of the focusing schlieren technique to provide quantitative measurements of a three-dimensional flow field is described. The light intensity distribution in a focusing schlieren plane of view is shown to be related to the density gradients both in the focus plane and in the out of focus planes. The potential to implement digital filtering techniques to compensate for the out of focus features and to enhance the in focus features is discussed.

Doggett, G. P.↗

Flow Field Around a Hovering Rotor

A lifting surface hover code developed by the Analytical Method Inc. (AMI) was used to compute the average and unsteady velocity flow field of an isolated rotor without ground effect. The predicted velocity field compares well with experimental data obtained by hot-wire anemometry and by Laser Doppler Velocimetry. A subroutine 'DOWNWASH' was written to predict the velocity field at any given point in the wake for a given blade position.

Tung, C.↗

Numerical solutions of several reflected shock-wave flow fields with nonequilibrium chemical reactions

The method of characteristics for a chemically reacting gas is used in the construction of the time-dependent, one-dimensional flow field resulting from the normal reflection of an incident shock wave at the end wall of a shock tube. Nonequilibrium chemical reactions are allowed behind both the incident and reflected shock waves. All the solutions are evaluated for oxygen, but the results are generally representative of any inviscid, nonconducting, and nonradiating diatomic gas. The solutions clearly show that: (1) both the incident- and reflected-shock chemical relaxation times are important in governing the time to attain steady state thermodynamic properties; and (2) adjacent to the end wall, an excess-entropy layer develops wherein the steady state values of all the thermodynamic variables except pressure differ significantly from their corresponding Rankine-Hugoniot equilibrium values.

Hanson, R. K.↗