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At least 613 records · Page 34

An analytical study of electric vehicle handling dynamics

Hypothetical electric vehicle configurations were studied by applying available analytical methods. Elementary linearized models were used in addition to a highly sophisticated vehicle dynamics computer simulation technique. Physical properties of specific EV's were defined for various battery and powertrain packaging approaches applied to a range of weight distribution and inertial properties which characterize a generic class of EV's. Computer simulations of structured maneuvers were performed for predicting handling qualities in the normal driving range and during various extreme conditions related to accident avoidance. Results indicate that an EV with forward weight bias will possess handling qualities superior to a comparable EV that is rear-heavy or equally balanced. The importance of properly matching tires, suspension systems, and brake system front/rear torque proportioning to a given EV configuration during the design stage is demonstrated.

Greene, J. E.↗

3-D axial blade row flow field inviscid finite volume prediction and verification

A modification of the unsteady finite volume three-dimensional Euler scheme of Denton (1982) is developed to provide more accurate steady state solutions at enhanced convergence rates, and it is assessed for application to detailed axial blade row flow predictions by correlating predictions with data for a wide range of flow fields. Radial and pitchwise smoothing are minimized by the elimination of under-relaxing while time marching, by the addition of an internal transient averaging scheme, and by the use of the maximum stable local time step for each grid element. Results show that the flow field is accurately predicted in regions of primarily axial pressure gradients, though the predictions do not correlate well with the data in regions of strong nonaxial pressure gradients. Though the scheme is second order accurate in the axial direction, it is first order accurate in the other dimensions, smearing the flow field details.

Zacharias, Robert M.↗

On the nature of the fragment environment created by the range destruction or random failure of solid rocket motor casings

Given here are predictions of fragment velocities and azimuths resulting from the Space Transportation System Solid Rocket Motor range destruct, or random failure occurring at any time during the 120 seconds of Solid Rocket Motor burn. Results obtained using the analytical methods described showed good agreement between predictions and observations for two specific events. It was shown that these methods have good potential for use in predicting the fragmentation process of a number of generically similar casing systems. It was concluded that coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian calculational methods of the type described here provide a powerful tool for predicting Solid Rocket Motor response.

Eck, M.↗

Effects of elevated temperature on the viscoplastic modeling of graphite/polymeric composites

To support the development of new materials for the design of next generation supersonic transports, a research program is underway at NASA to assess the long term durability of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC's). One of main objectives of the program was to explore the effects of elevated temperature (23 to 200 C) on the constitutive model's material parameters. To achieve this goal, test data on the observed nonlinear, stress-strain behavior of IM7/5260 and IM7/8320 composites under tension and compression loading were collected and correlated against temperature. These tests, conducted under isothermal conditions using variable strain rates, included such phenomena as stress relaxation and short term creep. The second major goal was the verification of the model by comparison of analytical predictions and test results for off axis and angle ply laminates. Correlation between test and predicted behavior was performed for specimens of both material systems over a range of temperatures. Results indicated that the model provided reasonable predictions of material behavior in load or strain controlled tests. Periods of loading, unloading, stress relaxation, and creep were accounted for.

Gates, Thomas S.↗

Towards a renewal of the propeller in aeronautics

The reasons for reconsidering the propeller for aircraft propulsion, the areas of application, and necessary developments are considered. Rising fuel costs and an increasing theoretical and experimental data base for turboprop engines have demonstrated that significant cost savings can be realized by the use of propellers. Propellers are well-suited to powering aircraft traveling at speeds up to Mach 0.65. Work is progressing on the development of a 150 seat aircraft which has a cruise speed of Mach 0.8, powered by a turboprop attached to an engine of 15,000 shp. Aeroelasticity analyses ae necessary in order to characterize the behavior of thin profile propfan blades, particularly to predict the oscillations through the entire functional range. High-power reducers must be developed, and the level of cabin noise must be controlled to less than 90 dB. Commercial applications are predicted for turboprops in specific instances.

Berger, D.↗

Changes in Pilot Behavior with Predictive System Status Information

Research has shown a strong pilot preference for predictive information of aircraft system status in the flight deck. However, changes in pilot behavior associated with using this predictive information have not been ascertained. The study described here quantified these changes using three types of predictive information (none, whether a parameter was changing abnormally, and the time for a parameter to reach an alert range) and three initial time intervals until a parameter alert range was reached (ITIs) (1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes). With predictive information, subjects accomplished most of their tasks before an alert occurred. Subjects organized the time they did their tasks by locus-of-control with no predictive information and for the 1-minute ITI, and by aviatenavigate-communicate for the time for a parameter to reach an alert range and the 15-minute conditions. Overall, predictive information and the longer ITIs moved subjects to performing tasks before the alert actually occurred and had them more mission oriented as indicated by their tasks grouping of aviate-navigate-communicate.

Trujillo, Anna C.↗

Elevated temperature axial and torsional fatigue behavior of Haynes 188

The results of high-temperature axial and torsional low-cycle fatigue experiments performed on Haynes 188, a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, are reported. Fatigue tests were performed at 760 C in air on thin-walled tubular specimens at various ranges under strain control. Data are also presented for coefficient of thermal expansion, elastic modulus, and shear modulus at various temperatures from room to 1000 C, and monotonic and cyclic stress-strain curves in tension and in shear at 760 C. The data set is used to evaluate several multiaxial fatigue life models (most were originally developed for room temperature multiaxial life prediction) including von Mises equivalent strain range (ASME boiler and pressure vessel code), Manson-Halford, Modified Multiaxiality Factor (proposed here), Modified Smith-Watson-Topper, and Fatemi-Socie-Kurath. At von Mises equivalent strain ranges (the torsional strain range divided by the square root of 3, taking the Poisson's ratio to be 0.5), torsionally strained specimens lasted, on average, factors of 2 to 3 times longer than axially strained specimens. The Modified Multiaxiality Factor approach shows promise as a useful method of estimating torsional fatigue life from axial fatigue data at high temperatures. Several difficulties arose with the specimen geometry and extensometry used in these experiments. Cracking at extensometer probe indentations was a problem at smaller strain ranges. Also, as the largest axial and torsional strain range fatigue tests neared completion, a small amount of specimen buckling was observed.

Bonacuse, Peter J.↗

Heat Transfer to 36.75 and 45 degree Swept Blunt Leading Edges in Free Flight at Mach Numbers from 1.70 to 2.99 and From 2.50 to 4.05

A flight investigation has been conducted to study the heat transfer to swept-wing leading edges. A rocket-powered model was used for the investigation and provided data for Mach number ranges of 1.78 to 2.99 and 2.50 to 4.05 with corresponding free-stream Reynolds number per foot ranges of 13.32 x 10(exp 6) to 19.90 x 10(exp 6) and 2.85 x 10(exp 6) to 4.55 x 10(exp 6). The leading edges employed were cylindrically blunted wedges ', three of which were swept 450 with leading-edge diameters of 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 inch and one swept 36-750 with a leading-edge diameter of 1/2 inch. In the high Reynolds number range, measured values of heat transfer were found to be much higher than those predicted by laminar theory and at the larger values of leading-edge diameter were approaching the values predicted by turbulent theory. For the low Reynolds number range a comparison between measured and theoretical heat transfer showed that increasing the leading-edge diameter resulted in turbulent flow on the cylindrical portion of the leading edge.

ONeal, Robert L.↗

High Resolution Global Climate Modeling with GEOS-5: Intense Precipitation, Convection and Tropical Cyclones on Seasonal Time-Scales.

In 2008 the World Modeling Summit for Climate Prediction concluded that "climate modeling will need-and is ready-to move to fundamentally new high-resolution approaches to capitalize on the seamlessness of the weather-climate continuum." Following from this, experimentation with very high-resolution global climate modeling has gained enhanced priority within many modeling groups and agencies. The NASA Goddard Earth Observing System model (GEOS-5) has been enhanced to provide a capability for the execution at the finest horizontal resolutions POS,SIOle with a global climate model today. Using this high-resolution, non-hydrostatic version of GEOS-5, we have developed a unique capability to explore the intersection of weather and climate within a seamless prediction system. Week-long weather experiments, to mUltiyear climate simulations at global resolutions ranging from 3.5- to 14-km have demonstrated the predictability of extreme events including severe storms along frontal systems, extra-tropical storms, and tropical cyclones. The primary benefits of high resolution global models will likely be in the tropics, with better predictions of the genesis stages of tropical cyclones and of the internal structure of their mature stages. Using satellite data we assess the accuracy of GEOS-5 in representing extreme weather phenomena, and their interaction within the global climate on seasonal time-scales. The impacts of convective parameterization and the frequency of coupling between the moist physics and dynamics are explored in terms of precipitation intensity and the representation of deep convection. We will also describe the seasonal variability of global tropical cyclone activity within a global climate model capable of representing the most intense category 5 hurricanes.

Putnam, WilliamM.↗

Development of low Reynolds number two equation turbulence models for predicting external heat transfer on turbine blades

A research effort was underway to study the use of two equation low Reynolds number turbulence models in predicting gas side heat transfer on turbine blades. The major objectives of this work are basicly threefold: study the predictive capabilities of two equation low Reynolds number turbulence models under the conditions characteristic of modern gas turbine blades; explore potential improvements to the models themselves as well as to the specification of initial conditions; and provide a comparison of the predictions of these models with the experimental data from a broad range of recently available turbine cascade experiments. The problems associated with predicting the boundary layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow are emphasized, as this may be the most serious deficiency of current modeling techniques. The results and conclusions of the first two phases are briefly described.

Patankar, Suhas V.↗

SRG110 Stirling Generator Dynamic Simulator Vibration Test Results and Analysis Correlation

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) for use as a power system for space science missions. The launch environment enveloping potential missions results in a random input spectrum that is significantly higher than historical radioisotope power system (RPS) launch levels and is a challenge for designers. Analysis presented in prior work predicted that tailoring the compliance at the generator-spacecraft interface reduced the dynamic response of the system thereby allowing higher launch load input levels and expanding the range of potential generator missions. To confirm analytical predictions, a dynamic simulator representing the generator structure, Stirling convertors and heat sources were designed and built for testing with and without a compliant interface. Finite element analysis was performed to guide the generator simulator and compliant interface design so that test modes and frequencies were representative of the SRG110 generator. This paper presents the dynamic simulator design, the test setup and methodology, test article modes and frequencies and dynamic responses, and post-test analysis results. With the compliant interface, component responses to an input environment exceeding the SRG110 qualification level spectrum were all within design allowables. Post-test analysis included finite element model tuning to match test frequencies and random response analysis using the test input spectrum. Analytical results were in good overall agreement with the test results and confirmed previous predictions that the SRG110 power system may be considered for a broad range of potential missions, including those with demanding launch environments.

Lewandowski, Edward J.↗

SRG110 Stirling Generator Dynamic Simulator Vibration Test Results and Analysis Correlation

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) for use as a power system for space science missions. The launch environment enveloping potential missions results in a random input spectrum that is significantly higher than historical RPS launch levels and is a challenge for designers. Analysis presented in prior work predicted that tailoring the compliance at the generator-spacecraft interface reduced the dynamic response of the system thereby allowing higher launch load input levels and expanding the range of potential generator missions. To confirm analytical predictions, a dynamic simulator representing the generator structure, Stirling convertors and heat sources was designed and built for testing with and without a compliant interface. Finite element analysis was performed to guide the generator simulator and compliant interface design so that test modes and frequencies were representative of the SRG110 generator. This paper presents the dynamic simulator design, the test setup and methodology, test article modes and frequencies and dynamic responses, and post-test analysis results. With the compliant interface, component responses to an input environment exceeding the SRG110 qualification level spectrum were all within design allowables. Post-test analysis included finite element model tuning to match test frequencies and random response analysis using the test input spectrum. Analytical results were in good overall agreement with the test results and confirmed previous predictions that the SRG110 power system may be considered for a broad range of potential missions, including those with demanding launch environments.

Suarez, Vicente J.↗

Assessment of an analytical procedure for predicting supersonic ejector nozzle performance

The ability of analysis to predict ejector nozzle characteristics over a wide range of conditions and to study the relation between design parameters and performance is assessed. The analytical method investigated provided an accurate and economical method for predicting the performance of supersonic ejector nozzles. The factors which had the greatest influence over ejector nozzle behavior were those which influenced the initial expansion and recompression process.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Estimation of Aerosol Optical Depth at Different Wavelengths by Multiple Regression Method

This study aims to investigate and establish a suitable model that can help to estimate aerosol optical depth (AOD) in order to monitor aerosol variations especially during non-retrieval time. The relationship between actual ground measurements (such as air pollution index, visibility, relative humidity, temperature, and pressure) and AOD obtained with a CIMEL sun photometer was determined through a series of statistical procedures to produce an AOD prediction model with reasonable accuracy. The AOD prediction model calibrated for each wavelength has a set of coefficients. The model was validated using a set of statistical tests. The validated model was then employed to calculate AOD at different wavelengths. The results show that the proposed model successfully predicted AOD at each studied wavelength ranging from 340 nm to 1020 nm. To illustrate the application of the model, the aerosol size determined using measure AOD data for Penang was compared with that determined using the model. This was done by examining the curvature in the ln [AOD]-ln [wavelength] plot. Consistency was obtained when it was concluded that Penang was dominated by fine mode aerosol in 2012 and 2013 using both measured and predicted AOD data. These results indicate that the proposed AOD prediction model using routine measurements as input is a promising tool for the regular monitoring of aerosol variation during non-retrieval time.

Tan, Fuyi↗

Gravitational spreading of high terrain in Ishtar Terra, Venus

A plane-strain viscoelastic finite element algorithm derived by Melosh and Rafesky (1980, 1983) is used to model the gravitational spreading of the high topography of Ishtar Terra. Brittle failure and relaxation of topographic relief are predicted as functions of time for ranges of crustal thickness and thermal gradient and for observed ranges in topographic elevation and slope. For a crustal thickness greater than 10 km, a thermal gradient of 15 K/km or more, and average values of relief (3 km) and slope (3 deg), the topography relaxes to 25 percent of its original height in less than 10 m.y. Although initial failure, in the form of normal faulting on the highlands and margin and occasional shallow thrusting in the lowlands, is predicted to occur much earlier, values of horizontal surface strain that are likely to be observable (about 1 percent) do not accumulate until significant relaxation of relief begins.

Smrekar, Suzanne E.↗

Multiple jet study data correlations

Correlations are presented which allow determination of penetration and mixing of multiple cold air jets injected normal to a ducted subsonic heated primary air stream. Correlations were obtained over jet-to-primary stream momentum flux ratios of 6 to 60 for locations from 1 to 30 jet diameters downstream of the injection plane. The range of geometric and operating variables makes the correlations relevant to gas turbine combustors. Correlations were obtained for the mixing efficiency between jets and primary stream using an energy exchange parameter. Also jet centerplane velocity and temperature trajectories were correlated and centerplane dimensionless temperature distributions defined. An assumption of a Gaussian vertical temperature distribution at all stations is shown to result in a reasonable temperature field model. Data are presented which allow comparison of predicted and measured values over the range of conditions specified above.

Walker, R. E.↗

Parametric thermodynamic analysis of closed-cycle gas-laser operation in space

Cycle efficiency and radiator area required were calculated for thermally and electrically pumped lasers operating in closed cycles with a compressor and the required heat exchangers. A thermally pumped laser included within a Brayton cycle was also analyzed. Performance of all components, including the laser, was parametrically varied. For the thermally pumped laser the cycle efficiencies range below 10 percent and are very sensitive to the high-pressure losses associated with the supersonic diffuser required at the laser cavity exit. The efficiencies predicted for the electrically pumped laser cycles range slightly higher, but radiator area also tends to be larger.

Burns, R. K.↗

PARC Analysis of the NASA/GE 2D NRA Mixer/Ejector Nozzle

Interest in developing a new generation supersonic transport has increased in the past several years. Current projections indicate this aircraft would cruise at approximately Mach 2.4, have a range of 5000 nautical miles and carry at least 250 passengers. A large market for such an aircraft will exist in the next century due to a predicted doubling of the demand for long range air transportation by the end of the century and the growing influence of the Pacific Rim nations. Such a proposed aircraft could more than halve the flying time from Los Angeles to Tokyo. However, before a new economically feasible supersonic transport can be built, many key technologies must be developed. Among these technologies is noise suppression. Propulsion systems for a supersonic transport using current technology would exceed acceptable noise levels. All new aircraft must satisfy FAR 36 Stage III noise regulations. The largest area of concern is the noise generated during takeoff. A concerted effort under NASA's High Speed Research (HSR) program has begun to address the problem of noise suppression. One of the most promising concepts being studied in the area of noise suppression is the mixer/ejector nozzle. This study analyzes a typical noise suppressing mixer ejector nozzle at take off conditions, using a Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code.

DeBonis, J. R.↗