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At least 55 records · Page 3

Aeroacoustic performance of scale model sonic inlets

Various means can be used to vary engine inlet throat areas in order to reduce noise generated at takeoff and approach. Low-speed wind-tunnel tests were performed to evaluate the aeroacoustic performance of two takeoff geometries (cylindrical centerbody and bulb-shaped centerbody) and four approach geometries (bulb-shaped centerbody, annular ring, radial vanes, and step diffuser). The effects of inlet internal lip shape and diffuser length on sonic inlet performance were also investigated. It was found that the single-passage geometries, in particular a cylindrical centerbody takeoff geometry and a bulb-shaped centerbody approach geometry, provide the highest level of aeroacoustic performance. Increasing the inlet lip contraction ratio extends the maximum incidence angle for attached lip flow, while increasing the inlet diffuser length increases total pressure recovery for a given amount of noise suppression.

Abbott, J. M.↗

Hypersonic flows in large-scale inlet models.

Analytical and experimental investigations were conducted to determine the characteristics of the internal flows in model passages representative of inlets for a typical Mach 12 hypersonic cruise vehicle and also sufficiently large for reliable data to be obtained. Three large-scale inlet models, each having a different internal compression ratio, were designed to provide maximum performance at the throat stations. Tests were conducted in the Mach 7.4 nozzle of the NASA Ames 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel at a nominal test Reynolds number of 2,700,000 per ft. The experimental results revealed that a high level of total pressure recovery, approximately 0.85 (relative to the inlet-entrance conditions) for the core flow of the internal passage, was achieved for each inlet design.

Seebaugh, W. R.↗

Study of design and analysis methods for transonic flow

An airfoil design program and a boundary layer analysis were developed. Boundary conditions were derived for ventilated transonic wind tunnels and performing transonic windtunnel wall calculations. A computational procedure for rotational transonic flow in engine inlet throats was formulated. Results and conclusions are summarized.

Murman, E. M.↗

Internal cowl-separation at high incidence angles

Internal flow separation at large incidence angles is studied on the basis of wind-tunnel pressure data for six axisymmetric inlet geometries. The inlet geometric variables investigated are the angle of incidence, the throat Mach number, the internal lip contraction ratio, 'sharpness' of the external shape, and freestream velocity. It is shown that an increase in lip contraction ratio delays internal flow separation, while an increase in the sharpness of the external profile tends to reduce the angle of incidence at which complete flow separation occurs. It is also shown that inlet flow separation is subject to scale effects associated with the boundary layer on the cowl surface. The scale effects are particularly pronounced at very high throat Mach numbers.

Jakubowski, A. K.↗

Nozzle optimization study for quiet supersonic wind tunnels

In the present study of the effects of operational factors and nozzle design parameters on the size of the quiet test section in several Mach 3.5 wind tunnel nozzles, the test results from a rapid expansion pilot nozzle with boundary layer removal slots upstream of the throat have shown that the low stream noise levels required for transition research are only obtainable with laminar nozzle wall boundary layers. Six different nozzles were evaluated, including a flat wall radial flow nozzle and a novel rod-wall nozzle. Attention is given to rms surface finish effects on quiet test region length.

Beckwith, I. E.↗

CSCM Navier-Stokes thermal/aerodynamic analysis of hypersonic nozzle flows with slot injection and wall cooling

The Conservative Supra-Characteristic Method (CSCM) Navier-Stokes solver is applied to ascertain the problems inherent in the design of a nominal Mach 14 nozzle for NASA-Ames' 3.5-ft Hypersonic Wind Tunnel; attention is given to the effects of boundary layer cooling systems on the aerodynamic redesign of the nozzle throat region. Complete nozzle flowfields are calculated with and without slot injection of either hot or cold fluid into the boundary layer just upstream of the throat, as well as with alternatively adiabatic and cold walls. The CSCM method is capable of resolving subtle differences in the flows.

Codding, William H.↗

Effect of centerbody boundary-layer removal near the throat of three coniccal nose inlets at Mach 1.6 to 2.0

A zero angle-of-attack investigation of the effect of compression-surface boundary-layer bleed through perforations near the throat of three full-scale conical nose inlets was conducted in the Lewis 8- by 6- foot supersonic wind tunnel for a Mach number range from 1.6 to 2.0. The bleed system increased pressure recovery, shifted the peak of the diffuser-discharge total-pressure profile toward the center-body, and decreased the range of stable inlet operation. A propulsion-system thrust minus drag analysis indicated that the increases in inlet pressure recovery were too small to compensate for the esimated bleed system drags.

Kremzier, Emil J↗

Supersonic Test of the 10-Inch Bifurcated Two-Stage Supersonic Inlet (BTSSI)

Experimental results from testing of a novel supersonic inlet model in NASA Glenn Research Center's 10- by 10-foot supersonic wind tunnel are presented. The patented inlet concept, called Two-Stage Supersonic Inlet (TSSI), incorporates a large cavity, or throat slot, in the supersonic diffuser intended to enhance the stability of the normal shock. The present embodiment of the concept is a bifurcated twin-duct) design. During the course of testing an unusual 'semi-started' mode of operation was encountered. The inlet was able to spill up to 30 percent of the captured airstream without fully expelling the normal shock. In this mode, the total pressure recovery dropped approximately 6 percent without increasing steady-state distortion. Dynamic instrumentation at the cowl lip station indicates the semi-start mode may be a series of unstart/restart cycles with frequency ranging from 0.2 to 20 Hz. Engine face total pressure measurements indicate a modest impact due to this event. However, since the current test article does not have a representative subsonic diffuser (and is in fact separated), it is unclear how this mode of operation would effect an engine. Further investigation of this phenomenon is required before it is fully understood. Prior testing of the TSSI concept allowed extension of fully started inlet operation to regions of significantly reduced supply flow without reducing recovery. The test article was a smaller scale than the present test and was a single duct design. In the present test, the expanded range of stable operation with high recovery was not realized.

Carlin, C. M.↗

Aerodynamic design modification of a hypersonic wind tunnel nozzle by CSCM with high order accuracy

An improved version of the CSCM implicit Navier-Stokes solver with a flexible data structure has been applied, in conjunction with a sophisticated patched grid system, to the aerodynamic analysis of hypersonic axisymmetric contoured nozzles of the NASA-Ames 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel. The results obtained are found to be in good agreement with experiment. Based on the analysis, a newly designed throat contour for the Mach 14 nozzle has been recommended.

Yang, J. Y.↗

Cylindrical diffuser performance using a truncated plug nozzle

Cylindrical diffuser performance for a truncated plug nozzle without external flow was tested in a blowdown wind tunnel. The nozzle was designed for an exit Mach number of 1.9 and the plug was conical in shape from the throat and converged to the axis of symmetry at an angle of 10 degrees. The diffuser section was fashioned into two 13.97 cm lengths to facilitate boring of the duct diameter and to allow for testing of two different duct lengths. A slotted hypotube was installed in the base of the diffuser to measure pressure distribution down the centerline of the diffuser. The data obtained included: the typical centerline and sidewall pressure ratio variation along the diffuser, cell pressure ratio vs overall pressure ratio for long and short diffusers and a comparison of minimum experimental cell pressure ratio vs area ratio.

Galanga, F. L.↗

The origin of stellar winds - Subatmospheric nonthermal storage modes versus radiation pressure

Most current models of matter-flux in hot stars place its origin in radiation pressure, and then model the flow explicitly to produce no chromosphere-corona. Our model of the stellar atmosphere as a transition zone between stellar interior and interstellar medium places the origin of matter-flux, chromosphere-corona, and spectral 'emission classes' in subatmospheric nonthermal kinetic energy storage, equally for all stars, hot or cold. Current observations of both hot and cold stars suggest chromospheres to be a universal phenomenon, correlated with matter-fluxes, and enhanced in 'emission-class' stars. To clarify the difference between the two kinds of models above, we reformulate the wind-tunnel analogy to stellar winds, suggesting that stars satisfy an 'imperfect,' rather than 'perfect,' such model; i.e., transonic shocks occur before the throat, corresponding to an imposed outward velocity in the storage section, or subatmosphere. We then investigate the stability of an arbitrary stellar atmosphere, hot or cold, to suggest a cause for such an outward subatmospheric velocity.

Cannon, C. J.↗

Design and performance of the University of Michigan 6.6-inch hypersonic wind tunnel

The tunnel described has several design features intended to maintain laminar flow in the boundary layer of its nozzle. Measurements show that transition to turbulence in the nozzle wall boundary layer begins at the throat and is sensitive to surface roughness, heat transfer rate, and longitudinal radius of curvature. The observed dependence of transition on heat transfer rate is the reverse of that predicted by stability theory for infinitesimal disturbances. Tests include boundary layer surveys of a contoured nozzle and a conical nozzle with four interchangeable throats.

Amick, J. L.↗

Detailed investigation of flowfields within large scale hypersonic inlet models

Analytical and experimental investigations were conducted to determine the characteristics of the internal flows in model passages representative of hypersonic inlets and also sufficiently large for meaningful data to be obtained. Three large-scale inlet models, each having a different compression ratio, were designed to provide high performance and approximately uniform static-pressure distributions at the throat stations. A wedge forebody was used to simulate the flowfield conditions at the entrance of the internal passages, thus removing the actual vehicle forebody from consideration in the design of the wind-tunnel models. Tests were conducted in a 3.5 foot hypersonic wind tunnel at a nominal test Mach number of 7.4 and freestream unit Reynolds number of 2,700,000 per foot. From flowfield survey data the inlet entrance, the entering inviscid and viscous flow conditions were determined prior to the analysis of the data obtained in the internal passages. Detailed flowfield survey data were obtained near the centerlines of the internal passages to define the boundary-layer development on the internal surfaces and the internal shock-wave configuration. Finally, flowfield data were measured across the throats of the inlet models to evaluate the internal performance of the internal passages. These data and additional results from surface instrumentation and flow visualization studies were utilized to determine the internal flowfield patterns and the inlet performance.

Seebaugh, W. R.↗

Aerodynamic and directional acoustic performance of a scoop inlet

Aerodynamic and directional acoustic performances of a scoop inlet were studied. The scoop inlet is designed with a portion of the lower cowling extended forward to direct upward any noise that is propagating out the front of the engine toward the ground. The tests were conducted in an anechoic wind tunnel facility at free stream velocities of 0, 18, 41, and 61 m/sec and angles of attack from -10 deg to 120 deg. Inlet throat Mach number was varied from 0.30 to 0.75. Aerodynamically, at a free stream velocity of 41 m/sec, the design throat Mach number (0.63), and an angle of attack of 50 deg, the scoop inlet total pressure recovery was 0.989 and the total pressure distortion was 0.15. The angles of attack where flow separation occurred with the scoop inlet were higher than those for a conventional symmetric inlet. Acoustically, the scoop inlet provided a maximum noise reduction of 12 to 15 db below the inlet over the entire range of throat Mach number and angle of attack at a free-stream velocity of 41 m/sec.

Abbott, J. M.↗

Zero-length, slotted-lip inlet for subsonic military aircraft

Zero-length, slotted-lip inlet performance and associated fan blade stresses were determined during model tests using a 20-inch diameter fan simulator in the NASA-LeRC 9- by 15-foot low-speed wind tunnel. The model configuration variables consisted of inlet contraction ratio, slot width, circumferential extent of slot fillers, and length of a constant area section between the inlet throat and fan face. Inlet configurations having contraction ratios of 1.2 and 1.3 satisfied all critical low-speed inlet operating requirements for a fixed horizontal nacelle and tilt-nacelle-type subsonic V/STOL aircraft, respectively. Relative to a conventional axisymmetric tilt-nacelle inlet, the zero-length, slotted-lip inlet has a 27-percent smaller inlet lip contraction ratio, an 83-percent shorter total length, and a 5-percent smaller maximum cowl diameter.

Glasgow, E. R.↗

Wind tunnel tests of a zero length, slotted-lip engine air inlet for a fixed nacelle V/STOL aircraft

Zero length, slotted lip inlet performance and associated fan blade stresses were determined during model tests using a 20 inch diameter fan simulator in the NASA-LeRC 9 by 15 foot low speed wind tunnel. The model configuration variables consisted of inlet contraction ratio, slot width, circumferential extent of slot fillers, and length of a constant area section between the inlet throat and fan face. The inlet performance was dependent on slot gap width and relatively independent of inlet throat/fan face spacer length and slot flow blockage created by 90 degree slot fillers. Optimum performance was obtained at a slot gap width of 0.36 inch. The zero length, slotted lip inlet satisfied all critical low speed inlet operating requirements for fixed horizontal nacelles subsonic V/STOL aircraft.

Woollett, R. R.↗

Cold Aero Performance of a Two-Dimensional Mixer Ejector Nozzle

Since 1986, NASA and the U.S. aerospace industry have been assessing the economic viability and environmental acceptability of a second-generation supersonic civil transport, or High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Environmental acceptability in terms of airport community noise and economic viability are critical elements in this endeavor. Development of a propulsion system that satisfies strict airport noise regulations (FAR36 Stage III levels), at acceptable performance and weight, is critical to the success of any HSCT program. Two-dimensional mixer-ejector (2DME) exhaust systems are one approach in achieving this goal. In support of HSCT development, GEAE (GE Aircraft Engines), under contract to the NASA Glenn Research Center, conducted this test program at the NASA Langley 16 ft transonic wind tunnel to evaluate the cold aerodynamic performance aspects of the 2DME exhaust system concept. The effects of SAR (SAR, suppressor area ratio, = mixed-flow area/primary nozzle throat area), MAR (MAR = overall exhaust system exit/mixing-plane area), flap length, CER (suppressor chute expansion ratio), chute alignment, and free stream Mach number were investigated on a 1/11th cold aerodynamic scale model of a 2DME exhaust system.

Balan, C.↗

Improved Hypersonic Inlet Performance Using Validated Strut Compression Designs

Aerojet is currently executing two Strutjet propulsion contracts: one a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine for a NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Advanced Reusable Transportation Technology (ARTT) program, the second a Dual Mode Ram/Scramjet engine for a USAF Wright Laboratories Storable Fuel Scramjet Flow Path Concepts program. The engines employed in both programs operate at supersonic and low hypersonic speeds and use inlets employing forebody external and sidewall compression. Aerojet has developed and validated a successful design methodology applicable to these inlet types. Design features include an integrated vehicle forebody, external side compression struts, strut sidewall and throat bleed, a throat shock trap, and variable geometry internal contraction. Computation Fluid Dynamic (CFD) predictions and test data show these inlets allow substantially increased flow turning angles over other designs. These increased flow turning angles allow shorter and lighter engines than current designs, which in turn enables higher performing vehicles with broad operating characteristics. This paper describes the designs of two different inlets evaluated by the NASA-MSFC and USAF programs, discusses the results of wind tunnel tests performed by NASA-Lewis Research Center, and provides correlations of test data with CFD predictions. Parameters of interest include low Mach number starting capability, start sensitivity as a function of back pressure at various contraction ratios, flow turning angles, strut and throat bleed effects, and pressure recovery at various Mach numbers.

Bulman, M. J.↗