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At least 577 records · Page 32

Experimental Reacting Hydrogen Shear Layer Data at High Subsonic Mach Number

The flow in a planar shear layer of hydrogen reacting with hot air was measured with a two-component laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) system, a schlieren system, and OH fluorescence imaging. It was compared with a similar air-to-air case without combustion. The high-speed stream's flow speed was about 390 m/s, or Mach 0.71, and the flow speed ratio was 0.34. The results showed that a shear layer with reaction grows faster than one without; both cases are within the range of data scatter presented by the established data base. The coupling between the streamwise and the cross-stream turbulence components inside the shear layers was low, and reaction only increased it slightly. However, the shear layer shifted laterally into the lower speed fuel stream, and a more organized pattern of Reynolds stress was present in the reaction shear layer, likely as a result of the formation of a larger scale structure associated with shear layer corrugation from heat release. Dynamic pressure measurements suggest that coherent flow perturbations existed inside the shear layer and that this flow became more chaotic as the flow advected downstream. Velocity and thermal variable values are listed in this report for a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) benchmark.

Chang, C. T.↗

Saltation thresholds and entrainment of fine particles at Earth and Martian pressures

An open circuit wind tunnel designed to operate in a large vacuum chamber was built at NASA-Ames to investigate saltation threshold, flux, deflation rates, and other aeolian phenomena on the planet Mars. The vacuum chamber will operate at pressures as low as 4 mbar, and the tunnel operates at windspeeds as high as 150 m/sec. Either air or CO2 can be used as a working fluid. It was found that, to a first order approximation, the same dynamic pressure was required at Martian pressure to entrain or saltate particles as was required on Earth, although wind and particle speed are considerably higher at Martian pressure. A 2nd wind tunnel, designed to operate aboard the NASA KC-135 0-g aircraft to obtain information on the effect of gravity on saltation threshold and the interparticle force at 0-g, is also described and test data presented. Some of the experiments are summarized and various aspects of low pressure aeolian entrainment for particles 12 to 100 micron in diameter are discussed, some of them unique to low pressure testing and some common in Earth pressure particle transport testing. The facility, the modes of operation, and the materials used are described.

Leach, Rodman↗

Turbulence measurements in hypersonic boundary layers using constant-temperature anemometry and Reynolds stress measurements in hypersonic boundary layers

The primary objective in the two research investigations performed under NASA Langley sponsorship (Turbulence measurements in hypersonic boundary layers using constant temperature anemometry and Reynolds stress measurements in hypersonic boundary layers) has been to increase the understanding of the physics of hypersonic turbulent boundary layers. The study began with an extension of constant-temperature thermal anemometry techniques to a Mach 11 helium flow, including careful examinations of hot-wire construction techniques, system response, and system calibration. This was followed by the application of these techniques to the exploration of a Mach 11 helium turbulent boundary layer (To approximately 290 K). The data that was acquired over the course of more than two years consists of instantaneous streamwise mass flux measurements at a frequency response of about 500 kHz. The data are of exceptional quality in both the time and frequency domain and possess a high degree of repeatability. The data analysis that has been performed to date has added significantly to the body of knowledge on hypersonic turbulence, and the data reduction is continuing. An attempt was then made to extend these thermal anemometry techniques to higher enthalpy flows, starting with a Mach 6 air flow with a stagnation temperature just above that needed to prevent liquefaction (To approximately 475 F). Conventional hot-wire anemometry proved to be inadequate for the selected high-temperature, high dynamic pressure flow, with frequent wire breakage and poor system frequency response. The use of hot-film anemometry has since been investigated for these higher-enthalpy, severe environment flows. The difficulty with using hot-film probes for dynamic (turbulence) measurements is associated with construction limitations and conduction of heat into the film substrate. Work continues under a NASA GSRP grant on the development of a hot film probe that overcomes these shortcomings for hypersonic flows. Each of the research tasks performed during the NASA Langley research grants is discussed separately below.

Spina, Eric F.↗

Multiple-orifice liquid injection into hypersonic airstreams and applications to ram C-3 flight

Experimental data are presented for the oblique injection of water and three electrophilic liquids (fluorocarbon compounds) through multiple-orifice nozzles from a flat plate and the sides of a hemisphere-cone (0.375 scale of RAM C spacecraft) into hypersonic airstreams. The nozzle patterns included single and multiple orifices, single rows of nozzles, and duplicates of the RAM C-III nozzles. The flat-plate tests were made at Mach 8. Total pressure was varied from 3.45 MN/m2 to 10.34 MN/m2, Reynolds number was varied form 9,840,000 per meter to 19,700,000 per meter, and liquid injection pressure was varied from 0.69 MN/m2 to 3.5 MN/m2. The hemisphere-cone tests were made at Mach 7.3. Total pressure was varied from 1.38 MN/m2, to 6.89 MN/m2, Reynolds number was varied from 3,540,000 per meter to 17,700,000 per meter, and liquid-injection pressure was varied from 0.34 MN/m2 to 4.14 MN/m2. Photographs of the tests and plots of liquid-penetration and spray cross-section area are presented. Maximum penetration was found to vary as the square root of the dynamic-pressure ratio and the square root of the total injection nozzle area. Spray cross-section area was linear with maximum penetration. The test results are used to compute injection parameters for the RAM C-3 flight injection experiment.

Weaver, W. L.↗

Simulation of flight test conditions in the Langley pilot transonic cryogenic tunnel

The theory and advantages of the cryogenic tunnel concept are briefly reviewed. The unique ability to vary temperature independently of pressure and Mach number allows, in addition to large reductions in model loads and tunnel power, the independent determination of Reynolds number, Mach number, and aeroelastic effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of the model. Various combinations of Reynolds number and dynamic pressure are established to represent accurately flight variations of aeroelastic deformation with altitude changes. The consequences of the thermal and caloric imperfections of the test gas under cryogenic conditions were examined and found to be insignificant for operating pressures up to 5 atm. The characteristics of the Langley pilot transonic cryogenic tunnel are described and the results of initial tunnel operation are presented. Tests of a two-dimensional airfoil at a Mach number of 0.85 show identical pressure distributions for a chord Reynolds number of 8,600,000 obtained first at a stagnation pressure of 4.91 atm at a stagnation temperature of 322.0 K and then at a stagnation pressure of 1.19 atm at a stagnation temperature of 116.5 K.

Kilgore, R. A.↗

Reverse Launch Abort System Parachute Architecture Trade Study

This study investigated a potential Launch Abort System (LAS) Concept of Operations and abort parachute architecture. The purpose of the study was to look at the concept of jettisoning the LAS tower forward (Reverse LAS or RLAS) into the free-stream flow rather than after reorienting to a heatshield forward orientation. A hypothesized benefit was that due to the compressed timeline the dynamic pressure at main line stretch would be substantially less. This would enable the entry parachutes to be designed and sized based on entry loading conditions rather than the current stressing case of a Pad Abort. Ultimately, concerns about the highly dynamic reorientation of the CM via parachutes, and the additional requirement of a triple bridle attachment for the RLAS parachute system, overshadowed the potential benefits and ended this effort.

Litton, Daniel K.↗

Feasibility Study for Implementing Magnetic Suspension in the Glenn Research Center 225 cm2 Supersonic Wind Tunnel for Testing the Dynamic Stability of Blunt Bodies

The implementation of a magnetic suspension system in the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) 225 cm2 Supersonic Wind Tunnel would be a powerful test technique that could accurately determine the dynamic stability of blunt body entry vehicles with no sting interference. This paper explores initial design challenges to be evaluated before implementation, including defining the lowest possible operating dynamic pressure and corresponding model size, developing a compatible video analysis technique, and incorporating a retractable initial support sting.

dynamic stability↗

Adjoint-based Sensitivities of Flutter Predictions based on the Linearized Frequency-domain Approach

Flutter is a critical factor in designing and certifying aircraft. The linearized frequency-domain method offers a lower cost alternative to time-marching computational fluid dynamics for high-fidelity flutter analysis. In this work, adjoint-based sensitivities are added to a flutter analysis based on the linearized frequency-domain method to efficiently compute derivatives of flutter cost functions with respect to design variables or uncertain parameters. The derivation of the adjoint equations, which involve complications such as derivatives of a nonlinear generalized eigenvalue problem with complex-valued inputs and derivatives of the linearized Navier-Stokes equations, is provided. The implemented adjoint terms and derivatives are verified before demonstrating the approach for derivatives of flutter dynamic pressure with respect to Mach number for the AGARD 445.6 wing.

Aeroelasticity↗

The Tunguska event - No cometary signature in evidence

It is suggested that existing data on the 1908 Tunguska fall precludes an interpretation of the object as an either active or extinct comet fragment. Because a fireball of the Tunguska mass is not efficiently decelerated by the earth's atmosphere, it would at an entry velocity of about 30 km/sec have had to resist aerodynamic pressures greater than one billon dyn/sq cm before disintegrating. The inherently extremely fragile cometary material could not have survived a load of this magnitude. The data on Type II fireballs with prominent terminal flares are extrapolated, to estimate Tunguska's critical dynamic pressure at the same time of explosion as being of the order of 200 million dyn/sq cm, and its preexplosion velocity as about 10 km/sec, thereby ruling out a comet-like orbit. The Tunguska object is most consistently described as a small Apollo-type asteroid, 90-190 m across.

Sekanina, Z.↗

Aerial Deployment and Inflation System for Mars Helium Balloons

A method is examined for safely deploying and inflating helium balloons for missions at Mars. The key for making it possible to deploy balloons that are light enough to be buoyant in the thin, Martian atmosphere is to mitigate the transient forces on the balloon that might tear it. A fully inflated Mars balloon has a diameter of 10 m, so it must be folded up for the trip to Mars, unfolded upon arrival, and then inflated with helium gas in the atmosphere. Safe entry into the Martian atmosphere requires the use of an aeroshell vehicle, which protects against severe heating and pressure loads associated with the hypersonic entry flight. Drag decelerates the aeroshell to supersonic speeds, then two parachutes deploy to slow the vehicle down to the needed safe speed of 25 to 35 m/s for balloon deployment. The parachute system descent dynamic pressure must be approximately 5 Pa or lower at an altitude of 4 km or more above the surface.

Lachenmeler, Tim↗

Experimental wake survey behind Viking 1975 entry vehicle at angles of attack of 0 deg and 5 deg, Mach numbers from 1.60 to 3.95, and longitudinal stations from 1.0 to 8.39 body diameters

An investigation was conducted to obtain flow properties in the wake of the Viking '75 entry vehicle at Mach numbers from 1.60 to 3.95 and at angles of attack of 0 deg and 5 deg. The wake flow properties were calculated from total and static pressures measured with a pressure rake at longitudinal stations varying from 1.0 to 8.39 body diameters and lateral stations varying from -0.42 to 3.0 body diameters. These measurements showed a a consistent trend throughout the range of Mach numbers and longitudinal distances and an increase in dynamic pressure with increasing downstream position.

Brown, C. A., Jr.↗

Experimental wake survey behind a 140 deg-included-angle cone at angles of attack of 0 deg and 5 deg, Mach numbers from 1.60 to 3.95, and longitudinal stations varying from 1.0 to 8.39 body diameters

The flow properties in the wake of a 140 deg-included-angle cone at Mach numbers from 1.60 to 3.95 and at angles of attack of 0 deg and 5 deg are discussed. The wake flow properties are calculated from total and static pressures measured with a pressure rake at longitudinal stations varying from 1.0 to 8.39 body diameters and at lateral stations varying from -0.42 to 3.0 body diameters. These measurements show a consistent trend throughout the range of Mach number and longitudinal distance and an increase in dynamic pressure with increasing longitudinal station.

Brown, C. A., Jr.↗

Temperature and initial curvature effects in low-density panel flutter

The panel flutter phenomenon is studied assuming free-molecule flow. This kind of analysis is relevant in the case of hypersonic flight vehicles traveling at high altitudes, especially in the leeward portion of the vehicle. In these conditions the aerodynamic shear can be expected to be considerably larger than the pressure at a given point, so that the effects of such a loading are incorporated into the structural model. Both the pressure and shear loadings are functions of the panel temperature, which can lead to great variations on the location of the stability boundaries for parametric studies. Different locations can, however, be 'collapsed' onto one another by using as ordinate an appropriately normalized dynamic pressure parameter. This procedure works better for higher values of the panel temperature for a fixed undisturbed flow temperature. Finally, the behavior of the system is studied when the panel has some initial curvature. This leads to the conclusion that it may be unrealistic to try to distinguish between a parabolic or sinusoidal initial shape.

Resende, Hugo B.↗

The Design of a High-Q, MACH-5 Nozzle for the Langley 8-Foot HTT

A new nozzle has ben designed for the NASA Langley Research Center 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel. The new nozzle was designed with a Mach-5 exit flow at a Mach-5 flight-enthalpy test condition and has a smaller throat area than the existing Mach-5 nozzle which significantly increases the range of dynamic pressures that can be achieved in the facility. The nozzle was designed using the NASA Langley IMOCND computer program which solves the potential equation using the classical method of characteristics. Several axisymmetric nozzle contours were generated and evaluated using viscous computational fluid dynamics. A number of items were considered in the evaluation, including flow uniformity, thermal and structural design, manufacturing schedule and cost. Once the final contour was selected, studies were done to determine the effects of manufacturing irregularities (steps and cavities at joints). These studies were done to develop manufacturing specifications and assembly tolerances.

Gaffey, Richard L., Jr.↗

Validation of a Computational Model for the SLS Core Stage Oxygen Tank Diffuser Concept and the Low Profile Diffuser - An Advanced Development Design for the SLS

The Low Profile Diffuser (LPD) project originated as an award from the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Advanced Development (ADO) office to the Main Propulsion Systems Branch (ER22). The task was created to develop and test an LPD concept that could produce comparable performance to a larger, traditionally designed, ullage gas diffuser while occupying a smaller volume envelope. Historically, ullage gas diffusers have been large, bulky devices that occupy a significant portion of the propellant tank, decreasing the tank volume available for propellant. Ullage pressurization of spacecraft propellant tanks is required to prevent boil-off of cryogenic propellants and to provide a positive pressure for propellant extraction. To achieve this, ullage gas diffusers must slow hot, high-pressure gas entering a propellant tank from supersonic speeds to only a few meters per second. Decreasing the incoming gas velocity is typically accomplished through expansion to larger areas within the diffuser which has traditionally led to large diffuser lengths. The Fluid Dynamics Branch (ER42) developed and applied advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis methods in order to mature the LPD design from and initial concept to an optimized test prototype and to provide extremely accurate pre-test predictions of diffuser performance. Additionally, the diffuser concept for the Core Stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) was analyzed in a short amount of time to guide test data collection efforts of the qualification of the device. CFD analysis of the SLS diffuser design provided new insights into the functioning of the device and was qualitatively validated against hot wire anemometry of the exterior flow field. Rigorous data analysis of the measurements was performed on static and dynamic pressure data, data from two microphones, accelerometers and hot wire anemometry with automated traverse. Feasibility of the LPD concept and validation of the computational model were demonstrated by the test data.

Brodnick, Jacob↗

Threshold windspeeds for sand on Mars - Wind tunnel simulations

Wind friction threshold speeds for particle movement were determined in a wind tunnel operating at martian surface pressure with a 95 percent CO2 and 5 percent air atmosphere. The relationship between friction speed and free-stream velocity is extended to the critical case for Mars of momentum thickness Reynolds numbers between 425 and 2000. It is determined that the dynamic pressure required to initiate saltation is nearly constant for pressures between 1 bar and 4 mb for atmospheres of both air and CO2.

Greeley, R.↗

Experimental Studies of Flutter of Buckled Rectangular Panels at Mach Numbers from 1.2 to 3.0 Including Effects of Pressure Differential and of Panel Width-Length Ratio

Experimental panel flutter data have been obtained at Mach numbers from 1.2 to 3.0 for buckled rectangular panels and the effect of a pressure differential has been determined. Increasing the pressure differential was effective in eliminating flutter on most of the panels tested. The effects of the variables in the panel flutter parameter ((square root of m(exp 2) -1) * (E/q))(exp 1/3) t/l (where M is the Mach number, q is the dynamic pressure, E is Young's modulus, and t and l are the panel thickness and length, respectively) were investigated for buckled panels clamped on the front and rear edges and a critical value of this parameter of 0.44 is indicated at zero pressure differential when the panel width-length ratio is 0.69. An estimated flutter boundary is presented for buckled panels clamped on four edges, with width-length ratios of 0.21 to 4.0. This boundary shows that the panel width is more significant than the panel length when the ratio of width to length is less than approximately 0.5. Panels clamped on four edges and buckled in two half waves in the direction of flow were found to be particularly susceptible to flutter. The results of limited tests on panels with applied damping, curvature, and lengthwise stiffeners are also presented and discussed.

Sylvester, Maurice A.↗

Aerothermodynamic Environments Definition for the Mars Science Laboratory Entry Capsule

An overview of the aerothermodynamic environments definition status is presented for the Mars Science Laboratory entry vehicle. The environments are based on Navier-Stokes flowfield simulations on a candidate aeroshell geometry and worst-case entry heating trajectories. Uncertainties for the flowfield predictions are based primarily on available ground data since Mars flight data are scarce. The forebody aerothermodynamics analysis focuses on boundary layer transition and turbulent heating augmentation. Turbulent transition is expected prior to peak heating, a first for Mars entry, resulting in augmented heat flux and shear stress at the same heatshield location. Afterbody computations are also shown with and without interference effects of reaction control system thruster plumes. Including uncertainties, analysis predicts that the heatshield may experience peaks of 225 W/sq cm for turbulent heat flux, 0.32 atm for stagnation pressure, and 400 Pa for turbulent shear stress. The afterbody heat flux without thruster plume interference is predicted to be 7 W/sq cm on the backshell and 10 W/sq cm on the parachute cover. If the reaction control jets are fired near peak dynamic pressure, the heat flux at localized areas could reach as high as 76 W/sq cm on the backshell and 38 W/sq cm on the parachute cover, including uncertainties. The final flight environments used for hardware design will be updated for any changes in the aeroshell configuration, heating design trajectories, or uncertainties.

Edquist, Karl T.↗