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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Boundary-Layer Transition Results from the F-16XL-2 Supersonic Laminar Flow Control Experiment

A variable-porosity suction glove has been flown on the F-16XL-2 aircraft to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology for the proposed High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). Boundary-layer transition data have been obtained on the titanium glove primarily at Mach 2.0 and altitudes of 53,000-55,000 ft. The objectives of this supersonic laminar flow control flight experiment have been to achieve 50- to 60-percent-chord laminar flow on a highly swept wing at supersonic speeds and to provide data to validate codes and suction design. The most successful laminar flow results have not been obtained at the glove design point (Mach 1.9 at an altitude of 50,000 ft). At Mach 2.0 and an altitude of 53,000 ft, which corresponds to a Reynolds number of 22.7 X 10(exp 6), optimum suction levels have allowed long runs of a minimum of 46-percent-chord laminar flow to be achieved. This paper discusses research variables that directly impact the ability to obtain laminar flow and techniques to correct for these variables.

Marshall, Laurie A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Stability and Controls Analysis and Flight Test Results of a 24-Foot Telescoping Nose Boom on an F-15B Airplane

The Quiet Spike(TradeMark) F-15B flight research program investigated supersonic shock reduction using a 24-ft telescoping nose boom on an F-15B airplane. The program goal was to collect flight data for model validation up to 1.8 Mach. In the area of stability and controls, the primary concerns were to assess the potential destabilizing effect of the oversized nose boom on the stability, controllability, and handling qualities of the airplane and to ensure adequate stability margins across the entire research flight envelope. This paper reports on the stability and control analytical methods, flight envelope clearance approach, and flight test results of the F-15B telescoping nose boom configuration. Also discussed are brief pilot commentary on typical piloting tasks and refueling tasks.

Moua, Cheng M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Flight Test Results on the Stability and Control of the F-15 Quiet Spike(TradeMark) Aircraft

The Quiet Spike F-15B flight research program investigated supersonic shock reduction using a 24-ft sub-scale telescoping nose boom on an F-15B airplane. The program primary flight test objective was to collect flight data for aerodynamic and structural models validation up to 1.8 Mach. Other objectives were to validate the mechanical feasibility of a morphing fuselage at the operational conditions and determine the near-field shock wave characterization. The stability and controls objectives were to assess the effect of the spike on the stability, controllability, and handling qualities of the aircraft and to ensure adequate stability margins across the entire research flight envelop. The two main stability and controls issues were the effects of the telescoping nose boom influenced aerodynamics on the F-15B aircraft flight dynamics and air data and angle of attack sensors. This paper reports on the stability and controls flight envelope clearance methods and flight test analysis of the F-15B Quiet Spike. Brief pilot commentary on typical piloting tasks, approach and landing, refueling task, and air data sensitivity to the flight control system are also discussed in this report.

Moua, Cheng M.↗
NASA NTRS2006

The F-15B Lifting Insulating Foam Trajectory (LIFT) Flight Test

A series of flight tests has been performed to assess the structural survivability of space shuttle external tank debris, known as divots, in a real flight environment. The NASA F-15B research test bed aircraft carried the Aerodynamic Flight Test Fixture configured with a shuttle foam divot ejection system. The divots were released in flight at subsonic and supersonic test conditions matching points on the shuttle ascent trajectory. Very high-speed digital video cameras recorded the divot trajectories. The objectives of the flight test were to determine the structural survivability of the divots in a real flight environment, assess the aerodynamic stability of the divots, and provide divot trajectory data for comparison with debris transport models. A total of 10 flights to Mach 2 were completed, resulting in 36 successful shuttle foam divot ejections. Highspeed video was obtained at 2,000 pictures per second for all of the divot ejections. The divots that were cleanly ejected remained structurally intact. The conical frustum-shaped divots tended to aerodynamically trim in both the subsonic and supersonic free-stream flow.

Corda, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS1951

Base Pressure on Wings and Bodies with Turbulent Boundary Layers

At present there is no satisfactory theory for calculating the pressure which acts at the blunt base of an object traveling at supersonic velocity. In fact, the essential mechanism determining the base pressure is only imperfectly understood. As a result, the existing knowledge of base pressure is based almost entirely on experiments. The main object of this paper is to summarize the principal results of the many wind tunnel and free flight measurements of base pressure on both bodies of revolution and blunt trailing edge airfoils. A relatively simple method of estimating base pressure is presented, and an indication is given as to how the characteristics of base pressure play an essential role in determining the shape of an aerodynamically efficient object for supersonic flight.

Chapman, Dean R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

A Proposed Ascent Abort Flight Test for the Max Launch Abort System

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center initiated the Max Launch Abort System (MLAS) Project to investigate alternate crew escape system concepts that eliminate the conventional launch escape tower by integrating the escape system into an aerodynamic fairing that fully encapsulates the crew capsule and smoothly integrates with the launch vehicle. This paper proposes an ascent abort flight test for an all-propulsive towerless escape system concept that is actively controlled and sized to accommodate the Orion Crew Module. The goal of the flight test is to demonstrate a high dynamic pressure escape and to characterize jet interaction effects during operation of the attitude control thrusters at transonic and supersonic conditions. The flight-test vehicle is delivered to the required test conditions by a booster configuration selected to meet cost, manufacturability, and operability objectives. Data return is augmented through judicious design of the boost trajectory, which is optimized to obtain data at a range of relevant points, rather than just a single flight condition. Secondary flight objectives are included after the escape to obtain aerodynamic damping data for the crew module and to perform a high-altitude contingency deployment of the drogue parachutes. Both 3- and 6-degree-of-freedom trajectory simulation results are presented that establish concept feasibility, and a Monte Carlo uncertainty assessment is performed to provide confidence that test objectives can be met.

Tartabini, Paul V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Cooperative airframe/propulsion control for supersonic cruise aircraft

Interactions between propulsion systems and flight controls have emerged as a major control problem on supersonic cruise aircraft. This paper describes the nature and causes of these interactions and the approaches to predicting and solving the problem. Integration of propulsion and flight control systems appears to be the most promising solution if the interaction effects can be adequately predicted early in the vehicle design. Significant performance, stability, and control improvements may be realized from a cooperative control system.

Schweikhard, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Base pressure and heat transfer tests of the 0.0225-scale space shuttle plume simulation model (19-OTS) in yawed flight conditions in the NASA-Lewis 10x10-foot supersonic wind tunnel (test IH83)

Wind tunnel tests were performed to determine pressures, heat transfer rates, and gas recovery temperatures in the base region of a rocket firing model of the space shuttle integrated vehicle during simulated yawed flight conditions. First and second stage flight of the space shuttle were simulated by firing the main engines in conjunction with the SRB rocket motors or only the SSME's into the continuous tunnel airstream. For the correct rocket plume environment, the simulated altitude pressures were halved to maintain the rocket chamber/altitude pressure ratio. Tunnel freestream Mach numbers from 2.2 to 3.5 were simulated over an altitude range of 60 to 130 thousand feet with varying angle of attack, yaw angle, nozzle gimbal angle and SRB chamber pressure. Gas recovery temperature data derived from nine gas temperature probe runs are presented. The model configuration, instrumentation, test procedures, and data reduction are described.

Foust, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Instability and transition in supersonic boundary layers

Recently obtained flight transition data for a 5-deg half-angle cone at Mach numbers of 1.2, 1.35, 1.6, and 1.92, together with 'quiet' tunnel data at Mach 3.5, are analyzed by linear compressible stability theory. The results obtained indicate that the exponent N ranges in value between 9 and 11, which is in keeping with values previously determined for subsonic flows. Computations show that the transition in both the flight and quiet wind tunnel experiments was due to oblique first-mode disturbances.

Malik, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1958

Boundary-Layer-Transition Measurements in Full-Scale Flight

Chemical sublimation has been employed for boundary-layer-flow visualization on the wings of a supersonic fighter airplane in level flight at speeds near a Mach number of 2.0. The tests have shown that laminar flow can be obtained over extensive areas of the wing with practical wing-surface conditions. In addition to the flow visualization tests, a method of continuously monitoring the conditions of the boundary layer has been applied to flight testing, using heated temperature resistance gages installed in a Fiberglas "glove" installation on one wing. Tests were conducted at speeds from a Mach number of 1.2 to a Mach number of 2.0, at altitudes from 35,000 feet to 56,000 feet. Data obtained at all angles of attack, from near 0 deg to near 10 deg, have shown that the maximum transition Reynolds number on the upper surface of the wing varies from about 2.5 x 10(exp 6) at a Mach number of 1.2 to about 4 x 10(exp 6) at a Mach number of 2.0. On the lower surface, the maximum transition Reynolds number varies from about 2 x 10(exp 6) at a Mach number of 1.2 to about 8 x 10(exp 6) at a Mach number of 2.0.

SUPERSONIC FLOW↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Computational Investigation of Retropropulsion Operating Environments with a GPU-Enabled Detached Eddy Simulation Approach

Human exploration of the surface of Mars will require an extended powered descent phase of flight, during which aerodynamic-propulsive interference effects can be significant. Characterization of these environments to enable implementation of this technology into a flight vehicle will rely heavily on computational simulation. This work advances the understanding of retropropulsion aerodynamics through application of a massively parallel detached eddy simulation approach on a GPU-accelerated computational framework, yielding data that are largely unachievable with conventional high-performance computing resources. This work includes time-dependent and time-averaged forces and moments on a conceptual, full-scale vehicle in environments and operating conditions relevant to human Mars exploration. Conditions are examined where the engine exhaust flow transitions between over-expanded and under-expanded flow structures, and flight operation will require the ability to maintain control of the vehicle during such a transition. These transitions occur as the vehicle decelerates, and as such, this investigation includes supersonic, transonic, and subsonic flight conditions. Options for vehicle control during powered flight include differential throttling of the engines. This paper provides an overview of the computational campaign, approach, and discussion of results in characterizing the resulting aerodynamics for differential throttling with retropropulsion in atmospheric environments.

EDL↗
NASA NTRS2020

Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment Preflight Trajectory Modeling and Postflight Reconstruction

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research and Experiments (ASPIRE) was a series of sounding rocket flights aimed at understanding the dynamics of supersonic parachutes that are used for Mars robotic applications. The 2012 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) had a successful deployment of a supersonic parachute, but based on post-flight analysis of parachute margins, the ASPIRE project was created as a risk-reduction program to improve quantification of these margins and qualify a supersonic parachute for Mars 2020, the follow-on mission to MSL. The first sounding rocket (SR01) flight of ASPIRE occurred near Wallops Island, Virginia on Oct. 4, 2017 and demonstrated the successful deployment and inflation of a MSL build-to-print parachute in flight conditions similar to the 2012 MSL mission. The ASPIRE SR02 and SR03 were successful follow-on flights on Mar. 31, 2018 and Sep. 7, 2018 that demonstrated the new, strengthened supersonic parachute designed for the Mars 2020 project. The SR02 and SR03 parachuteswere targeted to 100% and 140% of the expected flight limit load for Mars 2020 to confirm new margins expected from the strengthened parachute. Prior to all flights, a multi-body flight dynamics simulation was developed to predict the parachute dynamics and was used, in conjunction with other tools, to target Mars-relevant flight conditions. After each flight, the on-board data were used to reconstruct the flight trajectory and to validate the pre-flight dynamics simulation. Post-flight analysis showed that all three tests achieved their targeted conditions and pre-flight modeling bounded the key performance metrics for the parachute. This paper describes the flight mechanics simulation, post-flight reconstruction, and the reconciliation process used to validate the flight models.

Soumyo Dutta↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Single-Stream Empirical Jet Noise Models Based on Scale-Model Data

Accurate single-stream jet-noise models for hot jets in flight are necessary for predicting noise of future commercial supersonic aircraft at takeoff. Previous comparisons between flight data and existing models have shown unacceptably large errors in the predictive tools. In the current effort, acoustic data were acquired in the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center for a single-stream hot jet with a range of operating conditions and simulated flight speeds that include those expected at takeoff of commercial supersonic aircraft. Models are presented for the resulting shape functions used to estimate the average spectra derived from the appropriate scaling of the jet-noise data.

Acoustics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Single-Stream Empirical Jet-Noise Models Based on Scale-Model Data

Accurate single-stream jet-noise models for hot jets in flight are necessary for predicting noise of future commercial supersonic aircraft at takeoff. Previous comparisons between flight data and existing models have shown unacceptably large errors in the predictive tools. In the current effort, acoustic data were acquired in the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center for a single-stream hot jet with a range of operating conditions and simulated flight speeds that include those expected at takeoff of commercial supersonic aircraft. Models are presented for the resulting shape functions used to estimate the average spectra derived from the appropriate scaling of the jet-noise data.

Acoustics↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) Mission Overview and Science Return

The Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) mission was the culmination of two decades of research and development led by NASA Langley Research Center for Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology. A HIAD aeroshell can be hard packed into a small volume for launch and then deployed prior to atmospheric entry for stable aerodynamic deceleration through the atmosphere. Much larger than traditional fixed diameter aeroshells that are constrained by the size of launch vehicle shrouds, inflatable decelerators create more drag and start the deceleration process in the upper reaches of the atmosphere with greater efficiency and stability. Large deployable heatshields enable spacecraft to carry bigger, heavier payloads, including scientific instruments and human support systems for planetary landing and exploration. The success of the LOFTID mission could enable new NASA missions to Mars (including access to higher altitudes than currently possible), Venus, and most solar system destinations with atmospheres, as well as cost-effective payload returns to Earth. With its unique 6m diameter inflatable heatshield, LOFTID was the first-of-a-kind orbital reentry flight, and the largest blunt body atmospheric entry of any kind. On November 10, 2022, the LOFTID aeroshell endured the harsh environments of atmospheric reentry while exhibiting stable aerodynamics through the entire spectrum of hypersonic, supersonic, transonic, and subsonic flight. The demonstration confirmed the HIAD technology structural and thermal performance as the aeroshell protected the 1100 kg Reentry Vehicle (RV) entering Earth’s atmosphere at 8 km/s, reaching Mach 30, and experiencing 9.5 g deceleration before deploying parachutes and gently splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, where it was recovered in excellent condition. The LOFTID aeroshell was exposed to an aeroheating environment representative of many Mars and LEO HIAD applications, and successfully demonstrated the ability of the heat-affected inflatable structure to withstand aerodynamic forces that exceeded those expected at Mars. This mission further demonstrated the viability of HIAD technology to deliver large payloads safely and accurately through an atmosphere via a controlled entry, descent, and landing. Whereas LOFTID was indeed a first-of-a-kind flight for an inflatable heatshield, its remarkable performance assured that it will not be the last of its kind.

J M Dinonno↗