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At least 631 records · Page 35

Estimation of Supersonic Stage Separation Aerodynamics of Winged-Body Launch Vehicles Using Response Surface Methods

Response surface methodology was used to estimate the longitudinal stage separation aerodynamic characteristics of a generic, bimese, winged multi-stage launch vehicle configuration at supersonic speeds in the NASA LaRC Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The Mach 3 staging was dominated by shock wave interactions between the orbiter and booster vehicles throughout the relative spatial locations of interest. The inference space was partitioned into several contiguous regions within which the separation aerodynamics were presumed to be well-behaved and estimable using central composite designs capable of fitting full second-order response functions. The underlying aerodynamic response surfaces of the booster vehicle in belly-to-belly proximity to the orbiter vehicle were estimated using piecewise-continuous lower-order polynomial functions. The quality of fit and prediction capabilities of the empirical models were assessed in detail, and the issue of subspace boundary discontinuities was addressed. Augmenting the central composite designs to full third-order using computer-generated D-optimality criteria was evaluated. The usefulness of central composite designs, the subspace sizing, and the practicality of fitting lower-order response functions over a partitioned inference space dominated by highly nonlinear and possibly discontinuous shock-induced aerodynamics are discussed.

Erickson, Gary E.↗

Full Facility Shock Frame Simulations of the Electric Arc Shock Tube

Radiative heating computations are performed for a range of high speed Earth entry experiments conducted in the Electric Arc Shock Tube at NASA Ames. The nonequilibrium radiative transport equations are solved in NEQAIR using flow field variables from the full facility CFD simulations of the EAST shock tube performed by US3D ow solver. These physics-based flow calculations lead to a significantly different post-shock gas state and associated radiation field as compared to that based on a simplified but computationally inexpensive calculation for flow over a blunt-body with appropriate initial conditions. The radiation spectra and radiance profiles are computed for an extensive range of wavelengths, from deep VUV to IR, which are pertinent to the emission characteristics of high enthalpy shock waves in air. The radiation properties of the shocked gas are calculated both in the nonequilibrium region at the shock, and in the equilibrium region behind the shock. Numerical predictions are found to be consistent with the experimental observations.

Simulations↗

A study of transonic aerodynamic analysis methods for use with a hypersonic aircraft synthesis code

A means of performing routine transonic lift, drag, and moment analyses on hypersonic all-body and wing-body configurations were studied. The analysis method is to be used in conjunction with the Hypersonic Vehicle Optimization Code (HAVOC). A review of existing techniques is presented, after which three methods, chosen to represent a spectrum of capabilities, are tested and the results are compared with experimental data. The three methods consist of a wave drag code, a full potential code, and a Navier-Stokes code. The wave drag code, representing the empirical approach, has very fast CPU times, but very limited and sporadic results. The full potential code provides results which compare favorably to the wind tunnel data, but with a dramatic increase in computational time. Even more extreme is the Navier-Stokes code, which provides the most favorable and complete results, but with a very large turnaround time. The full potential code, TRANAIR, is used for additional analyses, because of the superior results it can provide over empirical and semi-empirical methods, and because of its automated grid generation. TRANAIR analyses include an all body hypersonic cruise configuration and an oblique flying wing supersonic transport.

Sandlin, Doral R.↗

Invariance of Hypersonic Normal Force Coefficients with Reynolds Number and Determination of Inviscid Wave Drag from Laminar Experimental Results

Observations have been made and reported that the experimental normal force coefficients at a constant angle of attack were constant with a variation of more than 2 orders of magnitude of Reynolds number at a free-stream Mach number M(sub infinity) of 8.00 and more than 1 order of magnitude variation at M(sub infinity) = 6.00 on the same body-wing hypersonic cruise configuration. These data were recorded under laminar, transitional, and turbulent boundary layer conditions with both hot-wall and cold-wall models. This report presents experimental data on 25 configurations of 17 models of both simple and complex geometry taken at M(sub infinity) = 6.00, 6.86, and 8.00 in 4 different hypersonic facilities. Aerodynamic calculations were made by computational fluid dynamics (CID) and engineering methods to analyze these data. The conclusions were that the normal force coefficients at a given altitude are constant with Reynolds numbers at hypersonic speeds and that the axial force coefficients recorded under laminar boundary-layer conditions at several Reynolds numbers may be plotted against the laminar parameter (the reciprocal of the Reynolds number to the one-half power) and extrapolated to the ordinate axis to determine the inviscid-wave-drag coefficient at the intercept.

Hawkins, Richard↗

Development of an X-band 25 watt traveling-wave tube

The development of a 25 watt high efficiency travelingwave tube at 8.5 GHz for space communications and telemetry applications is reported. Described is the design basis for the tube, which is known as the WJ-3703. Because of the combined high efficiency and high frequency requirements, the helix and body dimensions are very small and require special techniques for various assembly and construction procedures. These are described in detail. Measurement results of focusing tests and RF operation are given, but only pulsed RF performance of the tubes was obtained.

Roberts, L. A.↗

Influence of the preshock temperature on shock effects in quartz

Shock metamorphic features are the prime indicators for recognizing impact phenomena on Earth and other planetary bodies. Although the pressure dependence of shock features is well known, information about the influence of the preshock temperature is almost lacking. Especially in the case of large-scale impacts like Sudbury, it is expected that deep-seated crustal rocks were subjected to shock at elevated temperatures. Therefore, we continued to perform shock experiments at elevated temperatures on less than 0.5-mm thin disks of single crystal quartz cut parallel to the (1010) face. All recovered quartz samples were investigated by universal stage, spindle stage, and a newly developed density gradient technique. Errors of refractive index and density measurements are +/- 0.0005 and +/- 0.002 g/cu cm respectively. Our investigations indicate that shock metamorphic features are strongly dependent on the preshock temperature. This statement has far-reaching implications with respect to shock wave barometry that is based on data from recovery experiments at room temperature. These datasets might be applicable only to low-temperature target rocks. Moreover, this study demonstrates that shock recovery experiments are definitely required for understanding the complete pressure-temperature regime of shock metamorphism on planetary bodies.

Langenhorst, F.↗

The evolution of Tollmien-Schlichting waves near a leading edge. II - Numerical determination of amplitudes

In the first part of this investigation, Goldstein (1983) has shown that the amplitude of the spatially growing Tollmien-Schlichting wave generated by a time-harmonic free-stream disturbance is related to the coefficient multiplying the lowest-order asymptotic eigensolution of the unsteady boundary-layer equation. In the present study, a numerical solution of the unsteady boundary-layer equation is used to relate the amplitude of the asymptotic eigensolution, and consequently of the Tollmien-Schlichting wave, to that of the imposed free-stream disturbance for the special case of a uniformly pulsating stream. It is pointed out that the ideas of this study can be extended to other, more complex bodies and free-stream oscillations.

Goldstein, M. E.↗

SC3 - A wing concept for supersonic maneuvering

A supersonic wing design concept that overcomes the problems associated with nonlinear inviscid pressure distribution is presented together with a summary of the supporting theoretical and experimental development program. The key design feature is a conical panel supporting a controlled supercritical conical camber (SC3) crossflow expansion and recompression which permits lift on the upper surface to be obtained without producing an adverse pressure gradient or crossflow shock wave strong enough to separate the boundary layer. The role of aerodynamics in the design implementation is discussed, as are the concept development, the initial design validation on a fabricated and tested SC3 design, and the body and canard interaction effect. The design and testing of an isolated wing with a planform and thickness distribution representative of a practical application are described. Wind-tunnel results show that significant performance gains can be obtained for fighter aircraft using this concept.

Mason, W. H.↗

Relationship of echocardiographic indices to pulmonary capillary wedge pressures in healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the relationship between different echocardiographic indices and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) in normal volunteers. BACKGROUND: Indices based on tissue Doppler (TDE) and color M-mode (CMM) echocardiography have been proposed to reflect left (LV) ventricular filling pressures. These include the ratio of early diastolic transmitral velocity (E) to early myocardial velocity measured by TDE (E') and the ratio of E to the wave propagation velocity (Vp) measured from CMM images. These indices, however, have not been validated in normal individuals. METHODS: We studied seven volunteers during two phases of preload altering maneuvers, baseline, with two stages of lower body negative pressure, and repeat baseline with two stages of volume loading. The PCWP obtained from right heart catheterization was compared with diastolic indices using pulsed Doppler, TDE and CMM echocardiography. RESULTS: The PCWP ranged from 2.2 to 23.5 mm Hg. During preload alterations, significant changes in E and septal E' (both p < 0.05) but not lateral E' or Vp were observed. Furthermore, E, septal E' and E/Vp correlated with PCWP (all r > 0.80) but not combined E and TDE indices (both r < 0.15). Within individuals, a similar linear relationship was observed among E/Vp, E and septal E' (average r > 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: In subjects without heart disease, E, septal E' and E/Vp correlate with PCWP. Because the influence of ventricular relaxation is minimized, the ratio E/Vp may be the best overall index of LV filling pressures.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

The Atmospheric Dynamics of Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan

Comparative studies of Jupiter and Saturn often emphasize their similarities, but recent observations have highlighted important differences. The stratospheres of both planets exhibit an equatorial oscillation reminiscent of that in Earth's middle atmosphere. Jupiter's oscillation has a 4-5 year period, not linked to its season, and it has been modeled as an analog to the terrestrial quasi-biennial oscillation, driven by the stresses associated with vertically propagating waves. Saturn's equatorial oscillation is nearly semiannual, but wave activity may still be a driver. Jupiter's internal rotation rate is inferred from its steady modulated radio emission. Saturn's internal rotation is more enigmatic. It has been inferred from the modulation of the body's kilometric radio emission, but this period has varied by 1% over the last 25 years. Saturn's equatorial winds are also puzzling, as those inferred from cloud tracking by Cassini and more recent HST observations are weaker than those from Voyager. Whether this is attributable to a difference in altitudes of the tracked clouds in winds with vertical shear or a real temporal change in the winds is not known. Both winter and summer poles of Saturn exhibit very compact circumpolar vortices with warm cores, indicating subsidence. Titan's middle atmosphere is characterized by global cyclostrophic winds, particularly the strong circumpolar vortex in the winter hemisphere. In many ways, the spatial distribution of temperature, gaseous constituents, and condensates is reminiscent of conditions in terrestrial winter vortices, albeit with different chemistry. The meridional contrast in Titan's tropospheric temperatures is small, only a few kelvins.

Flasar, F. M.↗

Simulation studies using multibody dynamics code DART

DART is a multibody dynamics code developed by Photon Research Associates for the Air Force Astronautics Laboratory (AFAL). The code is intended primarily to simulate the dynamics of large space structures, particularly during the deployment phase of their missions. DART integrates nonlinear equations of motion numerically. The number of bodies in the system being simulated is arbitrary. The bodies' interconnection joints can have an arbitrary number of degrees of freedom between 0 and 6. Motions across the joints can be large. Provision for simulating on-board control systems is provided. Conservation of energy and momentum, when applicable, are used to evaluate DART's performance. After a brief description of DART, studies made to test the program prior to its delivery to AFAL are described. The first is a large angle reorientating of a flexible spacecraft consisting of a rigid central hub and four flexible booms. Reorientation was accomplished by a single-cycle sine wave shape torque input. In the second study, an appendage, mounted on a spacecraft, was slewed through a large angle. Four closed-loop control systems provided control of this appendage and of the spacecraft's attitude. The third study simulated the deployment of the rim of a bicycle wheel configuration large space structure. This system contained 18 bodies. An interesting and unexpected feature of the dynamics was a pulsing phenomena experienced by the stays whole playout was used to control the deployment. A short description of the current status of DART is given.

Keat, James E.↗

A Grid Sourcing and Adaptation Study Using Unstructured Grids for Supersonic Boom Prediction

NASA created the Supersonics Project as part of the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Program to advance technology that will make a supersonic flight over land viable. Computational flow solvers have lacked the ability to accurately predict sonic boom from the near to far field. The focus of this investigation was to establish gridding and adaptation techniques to predict near-to-mid-field (<10 body lengths below the aircraft) boom signatures at supersonic speeds using the USM3D unstructured grid flow solver. The study began by examining sources along the body the aircraft, far field sourcing and far field boundaries. The study then examined several techniques for grid adaptation. During the course of the study, volume sourcing was introduced as a new way to source grids using the grid generation code VGRID. Two different methods of using the volume sources were examined. The first method, based on manual insertion of the numerous volume sources, made great improvements in the prediction capability of USM3D for boom signatures. The second method (SSGRID), which uses an a priori adaptation approach to stretch and shear the original unstructured grid to align the grid and pressure waves, showed similar results with a more automated approach. Due to SSGRID s results and ease of use, the rest of the study focused on developing a best practice using SSGRID. The best practice created by this study for boom predictions using the CFD code USM3D involved: 1) creating a small cylindrical outer boundary either 1 or 2 body lengths in diameter (depending on how far below the aircraft the boom prediction is required), 2) using a single volume source under the aircraft, and 3) using SSGRID to stretch and shear the grid to the desired length.

Carter, Melissa B.↗

Flow field analysis of aircraft configurations using a numerical solution to the three-dimensional unified supersonic/hypersonic small disturbance equations, part 1

The unified small disturbance equations are numerically solved using the well-known Lax-Wendroff finite difference technique. The method allows complete determination of the inviscid flow field and surface properties as long as the flow remains supersonic. Shock waves and other discontinuities are accounted for implicity in the numerical method. This technique was programed for general application to the three-dimensional case. The validity of the method is demonstrated by calculations on cones, axisymmetric bodies, lifting bodies, delta wings, and a conical wing/body combination. Part 1 contains the discussion of problem development and results of the study. Part 2 contains flow charts, subroutine descriptions, and a listing of the computer program.

Gunness, R. C., Jr.↗

Characteristics procedure for supersonic flows including consideration of viscous contributions to flow rotationality

A characteristics procedure has been developed which includes viscous and conductive transport terms normal to streamlines. By introducing the transport terms as corrections, the equations retain their hyperbolic character. The solutions have been developed using an inverse grid scheme in a streamline-normal network. Inclusion of the transport terms enables tracing of shock waves through the supersonic portion of the boundary layer so that shock reflections are well-located. Excellent agreement is obtained with the results of other characteristics procedures and with the experimental pressure distributions for the waisted body of Winter, Smith and Rotta.

Anderson, B. H.↗

Transient motion of thick anisotropic plates

Analyses are developed for the response of anisotropic plate strips to a transient load. The load is taken in the form of a line load of normal stress on the surface or within the body of the strip. The characteristic free vibrational modes of the strip are derived and used to derive the secular equation for this case in closed form and to isolate the mathematical conditions for symmetric and antisymmetric wave mode propagation in completely separate terms. The applied loads are expanded in terms of these normal modes and the response of the plate is obtained by superposition of the appropriate components. Material systems of higher symmetry are contained implicitly in the analysis.

Nayfeh, Adnan H.↗

Notes on Earth Atmospheric Entry for Mars Sample Return Missions

The entry of sample return vehicles (SRVs) into the Earth's atmosphere is the subject of this document. The Earth entry environment for vehicles, or capsules, returning from the planet Mars is discussed along with the subjects of dynamics, aerodynamics, and heat transfer. The material presented is intended for engineers and scientists who do not have strong backgrounds in aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics and flight mechanics. The document is not intended to be comprehensive and some important topics are omitted. The topics considered in this document include basic principles of physics (fluid mechanics, dynamics and heat transfer), chemistry and engineering mechanics. These subjects include: a) fluid mechanics (aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, compressible fluids, shock waves, boundary layers, and flow regimes from subsonic to hypervelocity; b) the Earth s atmosphere and gravity; c) thermal protection system design considerations; d) heat and mass transfer (convection, radiation, and ablation); e) flight mechanics (basic rigid body dynamics and stability); and f) flight- and ground-test requirements; and g) trajectory and flow simulation methods.

Rivell, Thomas↗

Pressure signatures for a .00053 scale model of the Saturn 5-Apollo launch vehicle with simulated exhaust plumes

Wind tunnel pressure signatures are presented for 10 Mach numbers over a range from 3.01 to 7.29 for a .00053-scale model of the Saturn 5 Apollo launch vehicle complete with escape tower and solid body simulated exhaust plumes for each Mach number. The effect of simulated plume length on the wind tunnel pressure signature was investigated at Mach 4.01. An analysis of the error incurred by extrapolating pressure signatures having strong shock waves by weak shock procedures is presented.

Hicks, R. M.↗

Saltless solar pond

A solar pond adapted for efficiently trapping and storing radiant solar energy without the use of a salt concentration gradient in the pond is disclosed. A body of water which may be fresh, saline, relatively clear or turbid, is substantially covered by a plurality of floating honeycomb panels. The honeycomb panels are made of a material such as glass which is pervious to short wave solar radiation but impervious to infrared radiation. Each honeycomb panel includes a multitude of honeycomb cells. The honeycomb panels are divided into the elongated honeycomb cells by a multitude of intermediate plates disposed between a bottom plate and top plate of the panel. The solar pond is well suited for providing hot water of approximately 85 to 90 C temperature for direct heating applications, and for electrical power generation.

Lin, E. I. H.↗