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At least 757 records · Page 42

CFD validation experiments at McDonnell Aircraft Company

Information is given in viewgraph form on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation experiments at McDonnell Aircraft Company. Topics covered include a high speed research model, a supersonic persistence fighter model, a generic fighter wing model, surface grids, force and moment predictions, surface pressure predictions, forebody models with 65 degree clipped delta wings, and the low aspect ratio wing/body experiment.

Verhoff, August↗

General Dynamics' perspective on CFD code calibration/validation

Information is given in viewgraph form on General Dynamics' perspective on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code calibration and validation. Topics covered include a hypersonic blunted cone, a hypersonic wedge/cylinder, a wing vortex defined by Mach contours, pressure distributions, and 3D turbulent flow behind a 2D flat plate as measured in a water tunnel with a laser Doppler velocimeter.

Bhateley, I. C.↗

Turbomachinery CFD on parallel computers

The role of multistage turbomachinery simulation in the development of propulsion system models is discussed. Particularly, the need for simulations with higher fidelity and faster turnaround time is highlighted. It is shown how such fast simulations can be used in engineering-oriented environments. The use of parallel processing to achieve the required turnaround times is discussed. Current work by several researchers in this area is summarized. Parallel turbomachinery CFD research at the NASA Lewis Research Center is then highlighted. These efforts are focused on implementing the average-passage turbomachinery model on MIMD, distributed memory parallel computers. Performance results are given for inviscid, single blade row and viscous, multistage applications on several parallel computers, including networked workstations.

Blech, Richard A.↗

Applications of CFD and visualization techniques

In this paper, three applications are presented to illustrate current techniques for flow calculation and visualization. The first two applications use a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT, performed on a Cray Y-MP. The results are animated with the aid of data visualization software, apE. The third application simulates a particulate deposition pattern using techniques inspired by developments in nonlinear dynamical systems. These computations were performed on personal computers.

Saunders, James H.↗

CFD mixing analysis of axially opposed rows of jets injected into confined crossflow

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) parametric study was performed to analyze axially opposed rows of jets mixing with crossflow in a rectangular duct. Isothermal analysis was conducted to determine the influence of lateral geometric arrangement on mixing. Two lateral arrangements were analyzed: (1) inline (jets' centerlines aligned with each other on top and bottom walls), and (2) staggered (jets' centerlines offset with each other on top and bottom walls). For a jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio (MR) of 2.0, design parameters were systematically varied for jet-to-mainstream momentum-flux ratios (J) between 16 and 64 and orifice spacing-to-duct height ratios (S/H) between 0.125 and 1.5. Comparisons were made between geometries optimized for S/H at a specified J. Inline configurations had a unique spacing for best mixing at a specified J. In contrast, staggered configurations had two 'good mixing' spacings for each J, one corresponding to optimum inline spacing and the other corresponding to optimum non-impinging jet spacing. The inline configurations, due to their smaller orifice size at optimum S/H, produced better initial mixing characteristics. At downstream locations (e.g. x/H of 1.5), the optimum non-impinging staggered configuration produced better mixing than the optimum inline configuration for J of 64; the opposite results were observed for J of 16. Increasing J resulted in better mixing characteristics if each configuration was optimized with respect to orifice spacing. Mixing performance was shown to be similar to results from previous dilution jet mixing investigations (MR less than 0.5).

Bain, D. B.↗

Juncture flow improvement for wing/pylon configurations by using CFD methodology

Transonic flow field around a fighter wing/pylon configuration was simulated by using an implicit upwinding Navier-Stokes flow solver (F3D) and overset grid technology (Chimera). Flow separation and local shocks near the wing/pylon junction were observed in flight and predicted by numerical calculations. A new pylon/fairing shape was proposed to improve the flow quality. Based on numerical results, the size of separation area is significantly reduced and the onset of separation is delayed farther downstream. A smoother pressure gradient is also obtained near the junction area. This paper demonstrates that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology can be used as a practical tool for aircraft design.

Gea, Lie-Mine↗

A study of CFD algorithms applied to complete aircraft configurations

Research aimed at increasing the efficiency and productivity of an overall CFD simulation process, from geometry definition to post processing of results as applied to complete aircraft configurations is reviewed. The progress was achieved through enhancements in geometry processing, surface grid generation, grid refinement, grid adaptation, and domain decomposition strategies. Algorithms for surface grid redistribution, automatic remapping, elliptic refinement and grid adaptation utilize the direct and inverse nonuniform rational B spline based surface representation.

Soni, Bharat K.↗

The development of a CFD potential method for the analysis of tilt-rotors

A new CFD potential code, FPX (eXtended Full-Potential), has been developed for application to both helicopters and tilt-rotors. The code solves the unsteady, three-dimensional full potential equation and is an extension of the rotor code, FPR. Both entropy and viscosity corrections are included to enhance the physical modeling capabilities. A number of efficiency related modifications have yielded a factor of two speed-up in the code. An axial flow capability has been added to treat tilt-rotor in forward flight (cruise mode). In order to employ streamwise periodicity and accurately solve for the propagation of acoustic signals in the tip region, an H-H topology has been added to the basic O-H grid system. Computations are performed for the XV-15 Standard and ATB blades at high-speed conditions. Comparisons are made for the blade aerodynamics and the induced fuselage cabin pressure for a range of Mach numbers. Grid generation, wake treatment, and far-field wall treatment are identified as problem areas with recommendations for future research.

Bridgeman, John O.↗

Two-dimensional CFD modeling of wave rotor flow dynamics

A two-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver developed for detailed study of wave rotor flow dynamics is described. The CFD model is helping characterize important loss mechanisms within the wave rotor. The wave rotor stationary ports and the moving rotor passages are resolved on multiple computational grid blocks. The finite-volume form of the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with laminar viscosity are integrated in time using a four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. The Roe approximate Riemann solution scheme or the computationally less expensive Advection Upstream Splitting Method (AUSM) flux-splitting scheme are used to effect upwind-differencing of the inviscid flux terms, using cell interface primitive variables set by MUSCL-type interpolation. The diffusion terms are central-differenced. The solver is validated using a steady shock/laminar boundary layer interaction problem and an unsteady, inviscid wave rotor passage gradual opening problem. A model inlet port/passage charging problem is simulated and key features of the unsteady wave rotor flow field are identified. Lastly, the medium pressure inlet port and high pressure outlet port portion of the NASA Lewis Research Center experimental divider cycle is simulated and computed results are compared with experimental measurements. The model accurately predicts the wave timing within the rotor passage and the distribution of flow variables in the stationary inlet port region.

Welch, Gerard E.↗

An improved far field drag calculation method for nonlinear CFD codes

An improved method to calculate drag based on far field conditions is presented and demonstrated. The method is illustrated using two CFD codes, PARC and CFL3D, and examining their ability to preserve lift and drag coefficients along grid line defined integration paths. The flow fields were generated by solving the Euler equations for a NACA 0012 airfoil at a free stream Mach number of 0.8 and angle of attack of 1.25 degrees. In comparison to force coefficients obtained by surface pressure integration, neither code acceptably preserved both force coefficients throughout the near and far fields. An investigation into the relationship between numerical prediction error and calculated force coefficients revealed a direct connection between solution mass conservation error and force coefficients error. A method to correct the predicted force coefficients based on integrated mass conservation error is described and demonstrated. The corrected force coefficients for both codes are shown to be more accurate than the uncorrected values. The correction method is applicable to both two and three dimensions and is independent of the algorithm used to generate the flow field.

Sirbaugh, James R.↗

CFD mixing analysis of axially opposed rows of jets injected into confined crossflow

A CFD parametric study was performed to analyze axially opposed rows of jets mixing with crossflow in a rectangular duct. An isothermal analysis was conducted to determine the influence of lateral geometric arrangement on mixing for the cases of: (1) inline (jets' centerlines aligned with each other on top and bottom walls), and (2) staggered (jets' centerlines offset with each other on top and bottom walls) configurations. For a jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio (MR) of 2.0, design parameters were systematically varied for jet-to-mainstream momentum-flux ratios (J) between 16 and 64 and orifice spacing-to-duct height ratios (S/H) between 0.125 and 1.5. Comparisons were made between geometries optimized for S/H at a specified J. Inline configurations had a unique spacing for best mixing at a specified J. In contrast, staggered configurations had two 'good mixing' spacings for each J, one corresponding to optimum inline spacing and the other corresponding to optimum nonimpinging jet spacing. Increasing J resulted in better mixing characteristics if each configuration was optimized with respect to orifice spacing. Mixing performance was shown to be similar to results from previous dilution jet mixing investigations (MR less than 0.5).

Bain, D. B.↗

Development of a gridless CFD method

The objective of this paper is to stimulate ideas concerning alternative approaches to discretizing fluid flow problems, i.e., the so-called gridless approach. The gridless approach uses only clouds of points and does not require that the points be connected to form a grid as is necessary in conventional CFD algorithms. The governing equations are solved directly by performing local least-squares curve fits in each cloud of points and then analytically differentiating the resulting curve fits to approximate the derivatives. A discussion of these topics is presented in viewgraph form.

John T Batina↗

CFD analyses of combustor and nozzle flowfields

The objectives of the research are to improve design capabilities for low thrust rocket engines through understanding of the detailed mixing and combustion processes. A Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) technique is employed to model the flowfields within the combustor, nozzle, and near plume field. The computational modeling of the rocket engine flowfields requires the application of the complete Navier-Stokes equations, coupled with species diffusion equations. Of particular interest is a small gaseous hydrogen-oxygen thruster which is considered as a coordinated part of an ongoing experimental program at NASA LeRC. The numerical procedure is performed on both time-marching and time-accurate algorithms, using an LU approximate factorization in time, flux split upwinding differencing in space. The integrity of fuel film cooling along the wall, its effectiveness in the mixing with the core flow including unsteady large scale effects, the resultant impact on performance and the assessment of the near plume flow expansion to finite pressure altitude chamber are addressed.

Tsuei, Hsin-Hua↗

The 3-D CFD modeling of gas turbine combustor-integral bleed flow interaction

An advanced 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was developed to analyze the flow interaction between a gas turbine combustor and an integral bleed plenum. In this model, the elliptic governing equations of continuity, momentum and the k-e turbulence model were solved on a boundary-fitted, curvilinear, orthogonal grid system. The model was first validated against test data from public literature and then applied to a gas turbine combustor with integral bleed. The model predictions agreed well with data from combustor rig testing. The model predictions also indicated strong flow interaction between the combustor and the integral bleed. Integral bleed flow distribution was found to have a great effect on the pressure distribution around the gas turbine combustor.

Chen, D. Y.↗

CFD Assessment of Orifice Aspect Ratio and Mass Flow Ratio on Jet Mixing in Rectangular Ducts

Isothermal CFD analysis was performed on axially opposed rows of jets mixing with cross flow in a rectangular duct. Laterally, the jets' centerlines were aligned with each other on the top and bottom walls. The focus of this study was to characterize the effects of orifice aspect ratio and jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio on jet penetration and mixing. Orifice aspect ratios (L/W) of 4-to-1, 2-to-1, and 1-to-1, along with circular holes, were parametrically analyzed. Likewise, jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratios (MR) of 2.0, 0.5, and 0.25 were systematically investigated. The jet-to-mainstream momentum-flux ratio (J) was maintained at 36 for all cases, and the orifice spacing-to-duct height (S/H) was varied until optimum mixing was attained for each configuration. The numerical results showed that orifice aspect ratio (and likewise orifice blockage) had little effect on jet penetration and mixing. Based on mixing characteristics alone, the 4-to-1 slot was comparable to the circular orifice. The 4-to-1 slot has a smaller jet wake which may be advantageous for reducing emissions. However, the axial length of a 4-to-1 slot may be prohibitively long for practical application, especially for MR of 2.0. The jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio had a more significant effect on jet penetration and mixing. For a 4-to-1 aspect ratio orifice, the design correlating parameter for optimum mixing (C = (S/H)(sq. root J)) varied from 2.25 for a mass flow ratio of 2.0 to 1.5 for a mass flow ratio of 0.25.

Bain, D. B.↗

Two-dimensional CFD modeling of wave rotor flow dynamics

A two-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver developed for detailed study of wave rotor flow dynamics is described. The CFD model is helping characterize important loss mechanisms within the wave rotor. The wave rotor stationary ports and the moving rotor passages are resolved on multiple computational grid blocks. The finite-volume form of the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with laminar viscosity are integrated in time using a four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. Roe's approximate Riemann solution scheme or the computationally less expensive advection upstream splitting method (AUSM) flux-splitting scheme is used to effect upwind-differencing of the inviscid flux terms, using cell interface primitive variables set by MUSCL-type interpolation. The diffusion terms are central-differenced. The solver is validated using a steady shock/laminar boundary layer interaction problem and an unsteady, inviscid wave rotor passage gradual opening problem. A model inlet port/passage charging problem is simulated and key features of the unsteady wave rotor flow field are identified. Lastly, the medium pressure inlet port and high pressure outlet port portion of the NASA Lewis Research Center experimental divider cycle is simulated and computed results are compared with experimental measurements. The model accurately predicts the wave timing within the rotor passages and the distribution of flow variables in the stationary inlet port region.

Welch, Gerard E.↗

Pump CFD code validation tests

Pump CFD code validation tests were accomplished by obtaining nonintrusive flow characteristic data at key locations in generic current liquid rocket engine turbopump configurations. Data were obtained with a laser two-focus (L2F) velocimeter at scaled design flow. Three components were surveyed: a 1970's-designed impeller, a 1990's-designed impeller, and a four-bladed unshrouded inducer. Two-dimensional velocities were measured upstream and downstream of the two impellers. Three-dimensional velocities were measured upstream, downstream, and within the blade row of the unshrouded inducer.

Brozowski, L. A.↗

CFD analyses for advanced pump design

As one of the activities of the NASA/MSFC Pump Stage Technology Team, the present effort was focused on using CFD in the design and analysis of high performance rocket engine pumps. Under this effort, a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code was used for various inducer and impeller flow field calculations. An existing algebraic grid generation procedure was-extended to allow for nonzero blade thickness, splitter blades, and hub/shroud cavities upstream or downstream of the (main) blades. This resulted in a fast, robust inducer/impeller geometry/grid generation package. Problems associated with running a compressible flow code to simulate an incompressible flow were resolved; related aspects of the numerical algorithm (viz., the matrix preconditioning, the artificial dissipation, and the treatment of low Mach number flows) were addressed. As shown by the calculations performed under the present effort, the resulting code, in conjunction with the grid generation package, is an effective tool for the rapid solution of three-dimensional viscous inducer and impeller flows.

Dejong, F. J.↗