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At least 613 records · Page 34

Subsonic aerodynamic characteristic of semispan commercial transport model with wing-mounted advanced ducted propeller operating in reverse thrust

A test was conducted in the Langley 14 by 22 Foot Subsonic Tunnel to determine the effect of the reverse-thrust flow field of a wing-mounted advanced ducted propeller on the aerodynamic characteristics of a semispan subsonic high-lift transport model. The advanced ducted propeller (ADP) model was mounted separately in position alongside the wing so that only the aerodynamic interference of the propeller and nacelle affected the aerodynamic performance of the transport model. Mach numbers ranged from 0.14 to 0.26; corresponding Reynolds numbers ranged from 2.2 to 3.9 x 10(exp 6). The reverse-thrust flow field of the ADP shielded a portion of the wing from the free-stream airflow and reduced both lift and drag. The reduction in lift and drag was a function of ADP rotational speed and free-stream velocity. Test results included ground effects data for the transport model and ADP configuration. The ground plane caused a beneficial increase in drag and an undesirable slight increase in lift. The ADP and transport model performance in ground effect was similar to performance trends observed for out of ground effect. The test results form a comprehensive data set that supports the application of the ADP engine and airplane concept on the next generation of advanced subsonic transports. Before this investigation, the engine application was predicted to have detrimental ground effect characteristics. Ground effect test measurements indicated no critical problems and were the first step in proving the viability of this engine and airplane configuration.

Applin, Zachary T.↗

The role of ducted whistlers in the precipitation loss and equilibrium flux of radiation belt electrons

Evidence is presented for a close association betwen individual whistler ducts and conjugate ionospheric disturbances sensed by the perturbation of subionospheric VLF, LF, and MF signals. It is found that even the weakest whistlers can be associated with ionospheric disturbances in both hemispheres. A case study has shown that slow-onset and 'overshoot' perturbation signatures to be consistent with multiple ionospheric disturbances that are associated with individual components of multipath-ducted whistlers.

Burgess, W. C.↗

Propulsion/airframe interference for ducted propfan engines with ground effect

The advanced propfan propulsion systems design of the next-generation subsonic transport aircraft has been of interest to many airline companies in the past several years. This is due to the studies which indicate that an efficient ducted propfan engine technology offers a significant reduction in aircraft fuel consumption. However, because of the geometric complexity of the configuration, one challenge is the integration of the ducted propfan engine with the airframe so that aerodynamic interference effects frequently encountered near the nacelle can be minimized, or perhaps, optimized. To understand this interaction phenomenon better, it is desirable to have a reliable and efficient computational tool that can predict propeller effects on the flowfield around complex configurations.

Arabshahi, Abdollah↗

Numerical computation of aerodynamics and heat transfer in a turbine cascade and a turn-around duct using advanced turbulence models

The objective of this research is to develop turbulence models to predict the flow and heat transfer fields dominated by the curvature effect such as those encountered in turbine cascades and turn-around ducts. A Navier-Stokes code has been developed using an explicit Runge-Kutta method with a two layer k-epsilon/ARSM (Algebraic Reynolds Stress Model), Chien's Low Reynolds Number (LRN) k-epsilon model and Coakley's LRN q-omega model. The near wall pressure strain correlation term was included in the ARSM. The formulation is applied to Favre-averaged N-S equations and no thin-layer approximations are made in either the mean flow or turbulence transport equations. Anisotropic scaling of artificial dissipation terms was used. Locally variable timestep was also used to improve convergence. Detailed comparisons were made between computations and data measured in a turbine cascade by Arts et al. at Von Karman Institute. The surface pressure distributions and wake profiles were predicted well by all the models. The blade heat transfer is predicted well by k-epsilon/ARSM model, as well as the k-epsilon model. It's found that the onset of boundary layer transition on both surfaces is highly dependent upon the level of local freestream turbulence intensity, which is strongly influenced by the streamline curvature. Detailed computation of the flow in the turn around duct has been carried out and validated against the data by Monson as well as Sandborn. The computed results at various streamwise locations both on the concave and convex sides are compared with flow and turbulence data including the separation zone on the inner well. The k-epsilon/ARSM model yielded relatively better results than the two-equation turbulence models. A detailed assessment of the turbulence models has been made with regard to their applicability to curved flows.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

CFD Modeling of Turbulent Duct Flows for Coolant Channel Analysis

The design of modern liquid rocket engines requires the analysis of chamber coolant channels to maximize the heat transfer while minimizing the coolant flow. Coolant channels often do not remain at a constant cross section or at uniform curvature. New designs require higher aspect ratio coolant channels than previously used. To broaden the analysis capability and to complement standard analysis tools an investigation on the accuracy of CFD predictions for coolant channel flow has been initiated. Validation of CFD capabilities for coolant channel analysis will enhance the capabilities for optimizing design parameters without resorting to extensive experimental testing. The eventual goal is to use CFD to determine the flow fields of unique coolant channel designs and therefore determine critical heat transfer coefficients. In this presentation the accuracy of a particular CFD code is evaluated for turbulent flows. The first part of the presentation is a comparison of numerical results to existing cold flow data for square curved ducts (NASA CR-3367, 'Measurements of Laminar and Turbulent Flow in a Curved Duct with Thin Inlet Boundary Layers'). The results of this comparison show good agreement with the relatively coarse experimental data. The second part of the presentation compares two cases of higher aspect ratio channels (AR=2.5,10) to show changes in axial and secondary flow strength. These cases match experimental work presently in progress and will be used for future validation. The comparison shows increased secondary flow strength of the higher aspect ratio case due to the change in radius of curvature. The presentation includes a test case with a heated wall to demonstrate the program's capability. The presentation concludes with an outline of the procedure used to validate the CFD code for future design analysis.

Ungewitter, Ronald J.↗

Study of compressible flow through a rectangular-to-semiannular transition duct

Detailed flow field measurements are presented for compressible flow through a diffusing rectangular-to-semiannular transition duct. Comparisons are made with published computational results for flow through the duct. Three-dimensional velocity vectors and total pressures were measured at the exit plane of the diffuser model. The inlet flow was also measured. These measurements are made using calibrated five-hole probes. Surface oil flow visualization and surface static pressure data were also taken. The study was conducted with an inlet Mach number of 0.786. The diffuser Reynolds based on the inlet centerline velocity and the exit diameter of the diffuser was 3,200,000. Comparison of the measured data with previously published computational results are made. Data demonstrating the ability of vortex generators to reduce flow separation and circumferential distortion is also presented.

Foster, Jeffry↗

Computing Propagation Of Sound In Engine Ducts

Frequency Domain Propagation Model (FREDOM) computer program accounts for acoustic loads applied to components of engines. Models propagation of noise through fluids in ducts between components and through passages within components. Used not only to analyze hardware problems, but also for design purposes. Updated version of FREQPL program easier to use. Devised specifically for use in analyzing acoustic loads in rocket engines. Underlying physical and mathematical concepts implemented also applicable to acoustic propagation in other enclosed spaces; analyzing process plumbing and ducts in industrial buildings with view toward reducing noise in work areas.

Saylor, Silvia↗

Stresses In And Near A Bend In A Thin-Walled Duct

Report describes computational study of distributions of stresses in and near 90 degrees bend in thin-walled duct subject to various applied loads. Purpose of study to help satisfy need for more accurate knowledge of local concentrations of stresses caused by loads: such knowledge makes possible to design light-weight ducts to survive reasonably foreseeable operating conditions with some degree of reliability. Also guides selection of locations for mounting strain gauges to measure local stresses for comparison with computed values, contributing to refinement of theoretical concepts and computational techniques.

Min, J. B.↗

Flexible Borescope For Inspecting Ducts

Borescope and associated equipment developed specifically for use in optical inspection of inside of flexible joints in rocket-engine fuel duct. Apparatus includes assembly, characterized as "mouse/canoe," at sensing end of 10-ft borescope cable. Borescope tip rides in mouse/canoe. The mouse/canoe made laterally compressible, to facilitate movement past constrictions and provides fixed distance from inspection point permitting accurate description in duct inspected.

Shinozaki, Keith↗

Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Mach-2.7 Two-dimensional Bifurcated Duct Inlet with 30 Percent Internal Contraction

An experimental study was conducted to determine the performance of a two-dimensional, mixed-compression bifurcated duct inlet system designed for a free-stream Mach number of 2.7. Thirty percent of the supersonic area contraction occurred internally. A movable ramp was used to vary the contraction ratio for off-design operation. Boundary layer bleed regions were located on the cowl, centerbody, and sidewall surfaces. There were also provisions for vortex generators on the cowl and centerbody of the subsonic diffuser. Data were obtained over the Mach number range of 2.0 to 2.8 and at angles of yaw from 0 deg. to the maximum value prior to inlet un-start. The test at Mach 2.8 was to obtain data for an over- speed condition. The Reynolds number varied from 2.5 to 2.3 million/ft for Mach numbers above 2.5. At Mach numbers of 2.5 and lower, the Reynolds number was set at 2.5 million/ft. Bleed patterns, vortex generator patterns, and ramp position were varied, and three inlet configurations were selected for more extensive study. Two of these configurations had self-starting capability. The self-starting configuration that was developed produced 89 percent total pressure recovery at the compressor face station with 6.8 percent total bleed. The compressor face distortion was about 16 percent. Vortex generators were extremely effective in re-distributing flow but were not as effective in reducing distortion. Excellent flow symmetry was achieved between the separated halves of the inlet, and twin-duct instability was not observed. The ramp tip shock was steeper than expected. This caused the cowl lip shock to be reflected from the ramp instead of being cancelled at the shoulder. However, peak recovery at the throat was still obtained with the ramp near the design position.

Wasserbauer, J. F.↗

Time-Dependent Parabolic Finite Difference Formulation for Harmonic Sound Propagation in a Two-Dimensional Duct with Flow

An explicit finite difference real time iteration scheme is developed to study harmonic sound propagation in aircraft engine nacelles. To reduce storage requirements for future large 3D problems, the time dependent potential form of the acoustic wave equation is used. To insure that the finite difference scheme is both explicit and stable for a harmonic monochromatic sound field, a parabolic (in time) approximation is introduced to reduce the order of the governing equation. The analysis begins with a harmonic sound source radiating into a quiescent duct. This fully explicit iteration method then calculates stepwise in time to obtain the 'steady state' harmonic solutions of the acoustic field. For stability, applications of conventional impedance boundary conditions requires coupling to explicit hyperbolic difference equations at the boundary. The introduction of the time parameter eliminates the large matrix storage requirements normally associated with frequency domain solutions, and time marching attains the steady-state quickly enough to make the method favorable when compared to frequency domain methods. For validation, this transient-frequency domain method is applied to sound propagation in a 2D hard wall duct with plug flow.

Kreider, Kevin L.↗

Flow Through a Rectangular-to-Semiannular Diffusing Transition Duct

Rectangular-to-semiannular diffusing transition ducts are critical inlet components on supersonic airplanes having bifucated engine inlets. This paper documents measured details of the flow through a rectangular-to-semiannular transition duct having an expansion area ratio of 1.53. Three-dimensional velocity vectors and total pressures at the exit plane of the diffuser are presented. Surface oil-flow visualization and surface static pressure data are shown. The tests were conducted with an inlet Mach number of 0.786 and a Reynolds number based on the inlet centerline velocity and exit diameter of 3.2 x 10(exp 6). The measured data are compared with previously published computational results. The ability of vortex generators to reduce circumferential total pressure distortion is demonstrated.

Foster, Jeff↗

Preconditioning the Helmholtz Equation for Rigid Ducts

An innovative hyperbolic preconditioning technique is developed for the numerical solution of the Helmholtz equation which governs acoustic propagation in ducts. Two pseudo-time parameters are used to produce an explicit iterative finite difference scheme. This scheme eliminates the large matrix storage requirements normally associated with numerical solutions to the Helmholtz equation. The solution procedure is very fast when compared to other transient and steady methods. Optimization and an error analysis of the preconditioning factors are present. For validation, the method is applied to sound propagation in a 2D semi-infinite hard wall duct.

Baumeister, Kenneth J.↗

Advanced Turbofan Duct Liner Concepts

The Advanced Subsonic Technology Noise Reduction Program goal is to reduce aircraft noise by 10 EPNdB by the year 2000 relative, to 1992 technology. The improvement goal for nacelle attenuation is 25% relative to 1992 technology by 1997 and 50% by 2000. The Advanced Turbofan Duct Liner Concepts Task work by Boeing presented in this document was in support of these goals. The basis for the technical approach was a Boeing study conducted in 1993-94 under NASA/FAA contract NAS1-19349, Task 6, investigating broadband acoustic liner concepts. As a result of this work, it was recommended that linear double layer, linear and perforate triple layer, parallel element, and bulk absorber liners be further investigated to improve nacelle attenuations. NASA LaRC also suggested that "adaptive" liner concepts that would allow "in-situ" acoustic impedance control also be considered. As a result, bias flow and high-temperature liner concepts were also added to the investigation. The major conclusion from the above studies is that improvements in nacelle liner average acoustic impedance characteristics alone will not result in 25% increased nacelle noise reduction relative to 1992 technology. Nacelle design advancements currently being developed by Boeing are expected to add 20-40% more acoustic lining to hardwall regions in current inlets, which is predicted to result in and additional 40-80% attenuation improvement. Similar advancements are expected to allow 10-30% more acoustic lining in current fan ducts with 10-30% more attenuation expected. In addition, Boeing is currently developing a scarf inlet concept which is expected to give an additional 40-80% attenuation improvement for equivalent lining areas.

Bielak, Gerald W.↗

Lightweight Exhaust Manifold and Exhaust Pipe Ducting for Internal Combustion Engines

An improved exhaust system for an internal combustion gasoline-and/or diesel-fueled engine includes an engine exhaust manifold which has been fabricated from carbon- carbon composite materials in operative association with an exhaust pipe ducting which has been fabricated from carbon-carbon composite materials. When compared to conventional steel. cast iron. or ceramic-lined iron paris. the use of carbon-carbon composite exhaust-gas manifolds and exhaust pipe ducting reduces the overall weight of the engine. which allows for improved acceleration and fuel efficiency: permits operation at higher temperatures without a loss of strength: reduces the "through-the wall" heat loss, which increases engine cycle and turbocharger efficiency and ensures faster "light-off" of catalytic converters: and, with an optional thermal reactor, reduces emission of major pollutants, i.e. hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

Northam, G. Burton↗

Variable Property Flow in Rectangular Ducts with Repeated Rectangular Rib Roughness

PHOENICS was used to simulate turbulent flow of supercritical hydrogen through asymmetrically heated rectangular ducts with one side rib-roughened, in order to provide design data for active cooling systems of hypersonic aircraft where the hydrogen fuel is used as coolant. Variable property and conjugate heat transfer effects were considered. The computations using PHOENICS required provision of property sub-routines for supercritical hydrogen, a low-Reynolds number form of the k-epsilon turbulence model, a rough-wall wall function and a procedure for calculating proper diffusion coefficients at the fluid-solid interface. The effect of each design variable such as width and height of duct and wall thickness, on pressure drop and maximum wall temperature was investigated. PHOENICS version 1.4 was used on an IBM 3090 computer.

Youn, B.↗