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At least 523 records · Page 29

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.↗

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↗

Effect of geometry and operational parameters on the dehumidification performance of a desiccant coated heat exchanger

Solid desiccant dehumidification systems are an alternative to vapor-compression-based air dehumidification systems. They use solid desiccant materials to adsorb air moisture in space cooling. DCHE can integrate the cooling component in the heat exchanger to achieve higher dehumidification capacity. Comprehensive numeric modeling would be necessary to assist in the design and operation of the DCHE under development to achieve maximum performance. Here, we provide the details of a heat and mass transfer model developed for this purpose. The model aims to cover a gap in existing models by independently modeling heat transfer on the solid desiccant, fin, and tube. The model results were compared with an experimental reference for validation. The air outlet humidity and temperature results for dehumidification and regeneration showed a deviation lower than 15% from the experiment. The validated model was used to perform a parametric study for a series of design and operating conditions. The parametric analysis showed that an increase of 25% in desiccant layer thickness and thermal contact resistance between solid elements reduces moisture removal by 9.1% and 1%, respectively. These results indicate the need to independently model the desiccant layer.

42 ENGINEERING↗

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.↗

Experimental and analytical evaluation of dynamic load vibration of a 2240-kW (3000-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.↗

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.↗

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↗

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.↗

Proof Testing Aluminum and Titanium Thin-Walled Tubes for Aerospace Applications

Proof testing aerospace components aids in verifying the structural integrity of flight hardware. This process is often an important step in the certification process for critical parts. Though proof testing is a common practice at NASA and in industry, there is often a need to understand better the effectiveness of proof testing pressure systems discovering cracklike flaws or defects. Often proof tests are used in requirements and in practice as technical rationale for screening critical defects in a part in lieu of performing a non-destructive inspection. The intent of this work is to define proof test failure envelopes for thin-walled tubes composed of two materials: aluminum and titanium. Both materials are common in aerospace thin-walled tubing applications which is why these were the materials chosen for this study. The fracture mechanics software NASGRO was used to perform a parametric study on the effect of defects in thin-walled tubes subjected to proof testing. For both materials, the parameters varied in the NASGRO analyses were aspect ratio, proof test pressure, thickness, diameter, and flaw multiplier. With each case defined as a through crack or failure, the results were then pulled into MATLAB in order to parse through the data and produce failure envelope plots. Failure envelopes were created by meshing a surface in between the minimum proof pressure failing data points. As expected, based on material properties, the plots indicated the aluminum material would fail at much lower proof tests than the titanium. The parametric data and failure envelopes may be used as general qualitative insight on the effectiveness of proof testing thin-walled tubes of similar alloys.

Leah B Davis↗

Development of a compressive failure model for carbon fiber composites and associated uncertainties.

An approach to increase the value of carbon fiber for wind turbines blades, and other compressive strength driven designs, is to identify pathways to increase its cost-specific compressive strength. A finite element model has been developed to evaluate the predictiveness of current finite element methods and to lay groundwork for future studies that focus on improving the cost-specific compressive strength. Parametric studies are conducted to understand which uncertainties in the model inputs have the greatest impact on compressive strength predictions. Furthermore, a statistical approach is also presented that enables the micromechanical model, which is deterministic, to efficiently account for statistical variability in the fiber misalignment present in composite materials; especially if the results from the hexagonal and square pack models are averaged. The model was found to agree well with experimental results for a Zoltek PX-35 pultrusion. The sensitivity studies suggest that the fiber packing and the interface shear strength have the greatest impact on compressive strength prediction for the fiber reinforced polymer studied here. Based on the performance of the modeling approach presented in this work, it is deemed sufficient for future work which will seek to identify carbon fiber composites with improved cost-specific compressive strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Injector Geometry on Atomization of a Liquid-Liquid Double Swirl Coaxial Injector using Non-Invasive Laser, Optical and X-ray Techniques

The spray characteristics of a Liquid-Liquid Double Swirl Coaxial Injector were studied using noninvasive Optical, Laser, and X-ray diagnostics. A parametric study of injector exit geometry demonstrated that spray breakup time, breakup type and sheet stability could be controlled with exit geometry. Phase Doppler Particle Analysis characterized droplet statistics and non-dimensional droplet parameters over a range of inlet conditions and for various fluids allowing for a study on the role of specific fluid properties in atomization. Further, x-ray radiographs allowed for investigations of sheet thickness and breakup length to be quantified for different recess exits and inlet pressures. Finally Computed Tomography scans revealed that the spray cone was distinctively non-uniform and comprised of several pockets of increased mass flux.

Radke, C. R.↗

Combustion and Emissions Study Using a 7-Point Lean Direct Injector Array Focus on Flame Stability

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.

fluid mixing↗

Study of solid rocket motor for space shuttle booster, volume 2, book 5, appendices E thru H

Preliminary parametric studies were performed to establish size, weight and packaging arrangements for aerodynamic decelerator devices that could be used for recovery of the expended solid propellant rocket motors used in the launch phase of the Space Shuttle System. Computations were made using standard engineering analysis techniques. Terminal stage parachutes were sized to provide equilibrium descent velocities for water entry that are presently thought to be acceptable without developing loads that could exceed the boosters structural integrity. The performance characteristics of the aerodynamic parachute decelerator devices considered are based on analysis and prior test results for similar configurations and are assumed to be maintained at the scale requirements of the present problem.

Source record↗

A simplified CFD approach for modeling mass transport in catalytic open-cell foams

A simplified macroscopic CFD approach is presented to model mass transport including chemical reactions in washcoated open-cell foams. The foam is treated as a porous medium. Species conversion during chemical reactions is modeled using appropriate source terms based on reaction rate expressions and modified to account for the mass transport resistances occurring at the fluid-washcoat interfaces and within the washcoat layers. As example, the catalytic CO oxidation over platinum is studied. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental data from literature. A parametric study on washcoat parameters, such as thickness, tortuosity, porosity, and size, is carried out. Increasing the washcoat thickness from 5 to 100 µm or decreasing the tortuosity to porosity ratio from 5 to 20 decreases the CO conversion by 10 %. The proposed model is found to be reliable and has the advantage of lower computational cost, making it a suitable tool for foam-based catalytic reactor design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Calculations of hot gas ingestion for a STOVL aircraft model

Hot gas ingestion problems for Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft are typically approached with empirical methods and experience. In this study, the hot gas environment around a STOVL aircraft was modeled as multiple jets in crossflow with inlet suction. The flow field was calculated with a Navier-Stokes, Reynolds-averaged, turbulent, 3D computational fluid dynamics code using a multigrid technique. A simple model of a STOVL aircraft with four choked jets at 1000 K was studied at various heights, headwind speeds, and thrust splay angles in a modest parametric study. Scientific visualization of the computed flow field shows a pair of vortices in front of the inlet. This and other qualitative aspects of the flow field agree well with experimental data.

Fricker, David M.↗

Calculations of hot gas ingestion for a STOVL aircraft model

Hot gas ingestion problems for STOVL (Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing) aircraft are typically approached with empirical methods and experience. In this study, the hot gas environment around a STOVL aircraft was modeled as multiple jets in crossflow with inlet suction. The flow field was calculated with a Navier-Stokes, Reynolds-averaged, turbulent, 3D CFD code using a multigrid technique. A simple model of a STOVL aircraft with four choked jets at 1000 K was studied at various heights, headwind speeds, and thrust splay angles in a modest parametric study. Scientific visualization of the computed flow field shows a pair of vortices in front of the inlet. This and other qualitative aspects of the flow field agree well with experimental data.

Fricker, D. M.↗

Probabilistic Simulation of the Human Factor in Structural Reliability

The formal approach described herein computationally simulates the probable ranges of uncertainties for the human factor in probabilistic assessments of structural reliability. Human factors such as marital status, professional status, home life, job satisfaction, work load, and health are studied by using a multifactor interaction equation (MFIE) model to demonstrate the approach. Parametric studies in conjunction with judgment are used to select reasonable values for the participating factors (primitive variables). Subsequently performed probabilistic sensitivity studies assess the suitability of the MFIE as well as the validity of the whole approach. Results show that uncertainties range from 5 to 30 percent for the most optimistic case, assuming 100 percent for no error (perfect performance).

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Nonlinear Excitation of Inviscid Stationary Vortex in a Boundary-Layer Flow

We examine the excitation of inviscid stationary crossflow instabilities near an isolated surface hump (or indentation) underneath a three-dimensional boundary layer. As the hump height (or indentation depth) is increased from zero, the receptivity process becomes nonlinear even before the stability characteristics of the boundary layer are modified to a significant extent. This behavior contrasts sharply with earlier findings on the excitation of the lower branch Tollmien-Schlichting modes and is attributed to the inviscid nature of the crossflow modes, which leads to a decoupling between the regions of receptivity and stability. As a result of this decoupling, similarity transformations exist that allow the nonlinear receptivity of a general three-dimensional boundary layer to be studied with a set of canonical solutions to the viscous sublayer equations. The parametric study suggests that the receptivity is likely to become nonlinear even before the hump height becomes large enough for flow reversal to occur in the canonical solution. We also find that the receptivity to surface humps increases more rapidly as the hump height increases than is predicted by linear theory. On the other hand, receptivity near surface indentations is generally smaller in comparison with the linear approximation. Extension of the work to crossflow receptivity in compressible boundary layers and to Gortler vortex excitation is also discussed.

Choudhari, Meelan↗