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At least 865 records · Page 48

Static and dynamic cyclic oxidation of 12 nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base high-temperature alloys

Twelve typical high-temperature nickel-, cobalt-, and iron-base alloys were tested by 1 hr cyclic exposures at 1038, 1093, and 1149 C and 0.05 hr exposures at 1093 C. The alloys were tested in both a dynamic burner rig at Mach 0.3 gas flow and in static air furnace for times up to 100 hr. The alloys were evaluated in terms of specific weight loss as a function of time, and X-ray diffraction analysis and metallographic examination of the posttest specimens. A method previously developed was used to estimate specific metal weight loss from the specific weight change of the sample. The alloys were then ranked on this basis. The burner-rig test was more severe than a comparable furnace test and resulted in an increased tendency for oxide spalling due to volatility of Cr in the protective scale and the more drastic cooling due to the air-blast quench of the samples. Increased cycle frequency also increased the tendency to spall for a given test exposure. The behavior of the alloys in both types of tests was related to their composition and their tendency to form scales. The alloys with the best overall behavior formed alpha-Al2O3 aluminate spinels.

Barrett, C. A.↗

Analysis of high velocity impact on hybrid composite fan blades

This paper describes recent developments in the analysis of high velocity impact of composite blades using a computerized capability which consists of coupling a composites mechanics code with the direct-time integration features of NASTRAN. The application of the capability to determine the linear dynamic response of an intraply hybrid composite aircraft engine fan blade is described in detail. The predicted results agree with measured data. The results also show that the impact stresses reach sufficiently high magnitudes to cause failures in the impact region at early times of the impact event.

Chamis, C. C.↗

The sensitivity of H alpha profiles to rapid electron beam fluctuations

In order to understand the temporal relationship between H alpha and hard X-ray emission predicted by the nonthermal electron thick target model of impulsive-phase energy transport the time-dependent theoretical H alpha profiles were computed for the dynamic model atmospheres of Fisher, Canfield, and McClymont, which simulate the effects of an impulsively initiated power-law beam of electrons. On the basis of the physical analysis it was expected that a very rapid H alpha response to an instantaneous increase in the flux of a nonthermal deka-keV electron beam, as compared to the timescale associated with the propagation of these electrons over characteristic flare coronal loop spatial scales. It was concluded that observational efforts to test the thick target nonthermal electron model through detection of impulsive H alpha brightenings associated with impulsive hard X-ray or microwave bursts should initially focus attention on the H alpha line center. Additional simultaneous blue-wing measurements will have substantial diagnostic potential.

Canfield, Richard C.↗

Scaling effects in the impact response of graphite-epoxy composite beams

In support of crashworthiness studies on composite airframes and substructure, an experimental and analytical study was conducted to characterize size effects in the large deflection response of scale model graphite-epoxy beams subjected to impact. Scale model beams of 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, and full scale were constructed of four different laminate stacking sequences including unidirectional, angle ply, cross ply, and quasi-isotropic. The beam specimens were subjected to eccentric axial impact loads which were scaled to provide homologous beam responses. Comparisons of the load and strain time histories between the scale model beams and the prototype should verify the scale law and demonstrate the use of scale model testing for determining impact behavior of composite structures. The nonlinear structural analysis finite element program DYCAST (DYnamic Crash Analysis of STructures) was used to model the beam response. DYCAST analysis predictions of beam strain response are compared to experimental data and the results are presented.

Jackson, Karen E.↗

FIRE Science Results 1988

FIRE (First ISCCP Regional Experiment) is a U.S. cloud-radiation program that seeks to address the issues of a basic understanding and parameterizations of cirrus and marine stratocumulus cloud systems and ISCCP data products. The papers describe research analysis of data collected at the 1986 Cirrus Intensive Field Observations (IFO), the 1987 Marine Stratocumulus IFO, and the Extended Time Observations. The papers are grouped into sessions on satellite studies, lidar/radiative properties/microphysical studies, radiative properties, thermodynamic and dynamic properties, case studies, and large scale environment and modeling studies.

Mcdougal, David S.↗

Clear air turbulence as a response to meso- and synoptic-scale dynamic processes

The paper presents both the Roach equation for the rate of energy dissipation due to clear air turbulence and Richardson number tendencies in isentropic coordinates and examines the implications of these formulations to determine whether there is a dynamic interdependence between Ri and the nonturbulent deformation processes. The equation representing the ln(Ri) tendency is applied diagnostically to grids from an isentropic analysis of archived soundings. The evolution of the Richardson number fields over 12-hour time periods is examined using a mechanistic model. It is suggested that the application of the Roach equation for the turbulent dissipation rate should have a more restricted use. Analyses of the meso-alpha scale Richardson number and of the Richardson number tendency fields reveal a phase relationship consistent with the theoretical predictions.

Keller, John L.↗

The composition and plasma signature of a large dust impact on the Giotto spacecraft

At about 14,800 km from the Comet Halley nucleus, on the inbound leg, at least six of the sensors onboard the Giotto spacecraft observed an unusual, brief (about 30 to 500 ms) event: the ion-mass spectrometer data show a brief flow of energetic (up to several hundred electron volts) plasma consisting of protons, water group, and heavier ions. The Johnstone plasma analyzer data show a short burst of plasma, while the dust impact detector system data show an impact event in four of its detectors. The magnetometer signature of the event shows two brief dips in the field. The sudden change in the spacecraft attitude and spin rate observed by the camera at that same time has been interpreted as the result of a large (5 mg or more) dust-particle impact on the front bumper shield of the spacecraft. In addition, at about the same time the spacecraft star-tracker suffered damage. The report combines direct measurements of the composition and dynamics of a dust-impact plasma cloud, the dust particle mass, and the location of the impact on the spacecraft. Analysis of the data indicate that the impacting particle was water or ice-bearing, possibly loosely compared, and was composed of one or more of: carbon, nitrogen, and silicon.

Goldstein, R.↗

Interferometric investigations of compressible dynamic stall over a transiently pitching airfoil

The dynamic stall flow field over NACA 0012 airfoil pitching transiently from 0 - 60 at a constant rate under compressible flow conditions has been studied using the real-time technique of point diffraction interferometry. This investigation using nonintrusive diagnostics provides a quantitative description of the overall flow field, including the finer details of dynamic stall vortex formation, growth and the concomitant changes in the pressure distribution. Analysis of several hundred interferograms obtained for a range of flow conditions shows that the peak leading edge suction pressure coefficient that stall is nearly constant for a given free stream Mach number at all nondimensional pitch rates. Also, this value is below that seen in steady flow at static stall for the same Mach number, indicating that dynamic effects significantly effect the separation behavior. Further, for a given Mach number, the dynamic stall vortex seems to form rapidly at nearly the same angle of attack for all pitch rates studied. As the vortex is shed, it induces an anti-clockwise trailing edge vortex, which grows in a manner similar to that of a starting vortex. The measured peak suction pressure coefficient drops as the free stream Mach number increases. For free stream Mach numbers above 0.4, small multiple shocks appear near the leading edge.

Chandrasekhara, M. S.↗

Flutter analysis of supersonic axial flow cascades using a high resolution Euler solver. Part 1: Formulation and validation

This report presents, in two parts, a dynamic aeroelastic stability (flutter) analysis of a cascade of blades in supersonic axial flow. Each blade of the cascade is modeled as a typical section having pitching and plunging degrees of freedom. Aerodynamic forces are obtained from a time accurate, unsteady, two-dimensional cascade solver based on the Euler equations. The solver uses a time marching flux-difference splitting (FDS) scheme. Flutter stability is analyzed in the frequency domain. The unsteady force coefficients required in the analysis are obtained by harmonically oscillating (HO) the blades for a given flow condition, oscillation frequency, and interblade phase angle. The calculated time history of the forces is then Fourier decomposed to give the required unsteady force coefficients. An influence coefficient (IC) method and a pulse response (PR) method are also implemented to reduce the computational time for the calculation of the unsteady force coefficients for any phase angle and oscillation frequency. Part 1, this report, presents these analysis methods and their validation by comparison with results obtained from linear theory for a selected flat plate cascade geometry. A typical calculation for a rotor airfoil is also included to show the applicability of the present solver for airfoil configurations. The predicted unsteady aerodynamic forces for a selected flat plate cascade geometry and flow conditions correlated well with those obtained from linear theory for different interblade phase angles and oscillation frequencies. All the three methods of predicting unsteady force coefficients, namely, HO, IC, and PR, showed good correlations with each other. It was established that only a single calculation with four blade passages is required to calculate the aerodynamic forces for any phase angle for a cascade consisting of any number of blades, for any value of the oscillation frequency. Flutter results, including mistuning effects, for a cascade of stator airfoils are presented in Part 2 of the report.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗

Shortwave feedbacks and El Nino-Southern Oscillation: Forced ocean coupled ocean-atmosphere experiments

Changes in tropical sea surface temperature (SST) can produce changes in cloudiness that modify incoming solar shortwave (SW) radiation, which in turn affects SST. The effects of this negative feedback on Pacific interannual variability are examined in forced ocean model and hybrid coupled ocean-atmosphere model simulations. Two empirical schemes are used to model the large-scale, low-frequency response of surface SW to SST anomalies. The first scheme attempts to account for the nonlocal nature of the atmospheric response to SST based patterns of covariability analyzed through singular value decomposition. In the observations the primary coupled mode of variability is composed of a SW anomaly in the central Pacific that covaries with anomalous SST in the eastern Pacific. This is applied in the model as a nonlocal feedback. The second scheme examines the effects of a purely local feedback with a spatially varying coefficient of magnitude chosen similar to the first scheme. In almost all cases the second scheme behaved similarly to the first, presumably because the correlation scale of SST is large enough for El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) dynamics that there is little sensitivity to the local approximation in the SW feedback. In simulations forced by time series of observed wind stress the SW feedback induced very minor SST damping. Results for a simpified heat budget analysis showed that while the SW feedback increased the local heat flux damping on SST, it also induced a mean shallowing of the mixed layer. The resulting changes in both the local mean vertical temperature gradient and the zonal velocity response to the wind stress acted to oppose the local heat flux damping effects. When the observed SW anomalies were applied to forced simulations, the simulated SST anomalies were modified as expected, and agreement with observed SST improved. In coupled simulations the SW feedbacks had greater impact than in the case of specified stress. The main effects were to decrease the magnitude of the warm and cold SST anomalies in the central Pacific, while leaving the pattern and evolution of ENSO anomalies essentially unchanged elsewhere. The SW feedbacks thus produce a modest improvement of the model ENSO SST pattern compared with observations, although they tended to shorten the period of the model ENSO cycle. Overall the results suggest that large-scale SW feedbacks are of quantitative importance to simulating some aspects of the ENSO cycle but are not critical to the overall occurrence of the phenomenon.

Waliser, Duane E.↗

Simulations of the Unsteady Flow through the Fastrac Supersonic Turbine

Analysis of the unsteady aerodynamic environment in the Fastrac supersonic turbine is presented. Modal analysis of the turbine blades indicated possible resonance in crucial operating ranges of the turbopump. Unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was conducted to support the aerodynamic and structural dynamic assessments of the turbine. Before beginning the analysis, two major problems with current unsteady analytical capabilities had to be addressed: modeling a straight centerline nozzle with the turbine blades and exit guide vanes (EGVs), and reducing run times significantly while maintaining physical accuracy. Modifications were made to the CFD code used in this study to allow the coupled nozzle/blade/EGV analysis and to incorporate Message Passing Interface (MPI) software. Because unsteadiness is a key issue for the Fastrac turbine [and future rocket engine turbines such as for the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RI.V)], calculations were performed for two nozzle-to-blade axial gaps. Calculations were also performed for the nozzle alone, and the results were imposed as an inlet boundary condition for a blade/EGV calculation for the large gap case. These results are compared to the nozzle/blade/EGV results.

Griffin, Lisa W.↗

On the Computation of Space-Time Correlations by Large-Eddy Simulation

Numerical comparisons in decaying isotropic turbulence suggest that there exist discrepancies in time correlations evaluated by DNS and LES using eddy-viscosity-type SGS models. This is consistent with the previous observations in forced isotropic turbulence. Therefore, forcing is not the main cause of the discrepancies. Comparisons among different SGS models in the LES also indicate that the model choice affects the time correlations in the LES. The multi-scale LES method using the dynamic Smagorinsky model on the small scale equation is the most accurate of the all models, the classic Smagorinsky model is the least accurate and the dynamic Smagorinsky model and spectral eddy viscosity model give intermediate results with small differences. The generalized sweeping hypothesis implies that time correlations in decaying isotropic turbulence are mainly determined by the instantaneous energy spectra and sweeping velocities. The analysis based on the sweeping hypothesis explains the discrepancies in our numerical simulations: the LES overpredicts the decorrelation time scales because the sweeping velocities are smaller than the DNS values, and underpredicts the magnitudes of time correlations because the energy spectrum levels are lower than the DNS ones. Since the sweeping velocity is determined by the energy spectra, one concludes that an accurate prediction of the instantaneous energy spectra guarantees the accuracy of time correlations. An analytical expression of sound power spectra based on Lighthill's theory and the quasi-normal closure assumption suggests that the sound power spectra are sensitive to errors in time correlations. Small errors in time correlations can cause significant errors in the sound power spectra, which exhibit a sizable drop at moderate to high frequencies accompanied by a shift of the peaks to lower frequencies. Based on the above analysis, two possible ways to improve the acoustic power spectrum predictions can be considered. The first is to construct better SGS models to improve the LES accuracy for time correlations. The second is to remedy the temporal statistics of the Lighthill stress tensor in order to "recover" the contribution from the unresolved scales in LES to time correlations.

He, Guo-Wei↗

Shuttle Debris Impact Tool Assessment Using the Modern Design of Experiments

Computational tools have been developed to estimate thermal and mechanical reentry loads experienced by the Space Shuttle Orbiter as the result of cavities in the Thermal Protection System (TPS). Such cavities can be caused by impact from ice or insulating foam debris shed from the External Tank (ET) on liftoff. The reentry loads depend on cavity geometry and certain Shuttle state variables, among other factors. Certain simplifying assumptions have been made in the tool development about the cavity geometry variables. For example, the cavities are all modeled as shoeboxes , with rectangular cross-sections and planar walls. So an actual cavity is typically approximated with an idealized cavity described in terms of its length, width, and depth, as well as its entry angle, exit angle, and side angles (assumed to be the same for both sides). As part of a comprehensive assessment of the uncertainty in reentry loads estimated by the debris impact assessment tools, an effort has been initiated to quantify the component of the uncertainty that is due to imperfect geometry specifications for the debris impact cavities. The approach is to compute predicted loads for a set of geometry factor combinations sufficient to develop polynomial approximations to the complex, nonparametric underlying computational models. Such polynomial models are continuous and feature estimable, continuous derivatives, conditions that facilitate the propagation of independent variable errors. As an additional benefit, once the polynomial models have been developed, they require fewer computational resources to execute than the underlying finite element and computational fluid dynamics codes, and can generate reentry loads estimates in significantly less time. This provides a practical screening capability, in which a large number of debris impact cavities can be quickly classified either as harmless, or subject to additional analysis with the more comprehensive underlying computational tools. The polynomial models also provide useful insights into the sensitivity of reentry loads to various cavity geometry variables, and reveal complex interactions among those variables that indicate how the sensitivity of one variable depends on the level of one or more other variables. For example, the effect of cavity length on certain reentry loads depends on the depth of the cavity. Such interactions are clearly displayed in the polynomial response models.

DeLoach, R.↗

Acoustic Performance of a Real-Time Three-Dimensional Sound-Reproduction System

The Exterior Effects Room (EER) is a 39-seat auditorium at the NASA Langley Research Center and was built to support psychoacoustic studies of aircraft community noise. The EER has a real-time simulation environment which includes a three-dimensional sound-reproduction system. This system requires real-time application of equalization filters to compensate for spectral coloration of the sound reproduction due to installation and room effects. This paper describes the efforts taken to develop the equalization filters for use in the real-time sound-reproduction system and the subsequent analysis of the system s acoustic performance. The acoustic performance of the compensated and uncompensated sound-reproduction system is assessed for its crossover performance, its performance under stationary and dynamic conditions, the maximum spatialized sound pressure level it can produce from a single virtual source, and for the spatial uniformity of a generated sound field. Additionally, application examples are given to illustrate the compensated sound-reproduction system performance using recorded aircraft flyovers

Faller, Kenneth J., II↗

SEEDS Direct Imaging of the RV-Detected Companion to V450 Andromedae, and Characterization of the System

We report the direct imaging detection of a low-mass companion to a young, moderately active star V450 And, that was previously identified with the radial velocity (RV) method. The companion was found in high-contrast images obtained with the Subaru Telescope equipped with the HiCIAO camera and AO188 adaptive optics system. From the public ELODIE and SOPHIE archives we extracted available high-resolution spectra and RV measurements, along with RVs from the Lick planet search program. We combined our multi-epoch astrometry with these archival, partially unpublished RVs, and found that the companion is a low-mass star, not a brown dwarf, as previously suggested. We found the best-fitting dynamical masses to be m(sub 1) = 1.141(sup + 0.037, sub - 0.091) and m(sub 2) = 0.279(sup + 0.023, sub - 0.020) solar mass. We also performed spectral analysis of the SOPHIE spectra with the iSpec code. Hipparcos time-series photometry shows a periodicity of P = 5.743 day, which is also seen in the SOPHIE spectra as an RV modulation of the star A. We interpret it as being caused by spots on the stellar surface, and the star to be rotating with the given period. From the rotation and level of activity, we found that the system is 380(sup + 220, sub -100) Myr old, consistent with an isochrone analysis (220 (sup +2120, sub -90) Myr). This work may serve as a test case for future studies of low mass stars, brown dwarfs, and exoplanets by combination of RV and direct imaging data.

direct imaging detection of a low-mass companion↗

Dynamics of A Vibration Isolation System Including Inertia of the Human Body

Using an exercise device in a spacecraft is liable to transmit an unacceptable amount of vibration to that vehicle. This is commonly mitigated by a Vibration Isolation System (VIS), whose dynamics must be analyzed to confirm that the oscillatory forces on the spacecraft remain within allowed range, both from a structural and microgravity perspective (see, e.g., [1]). When modeling a VIS for countermeasures devices, one common approach is to record forces and moments applied on the floor while exercising, and then drive the VIS simulation by applying these recorded loads to the exercise platform part of the VIS mechanical model. This approach misses the fact that when exercising on a moving platform, the force and moment on it will differ from that on the stationary floor due to inertial effects involving the human body. For example, standing up on a platform as it gives under the subject’s feet reduces the foot force on it, and such inertial effects are especially complex for rotational motion. In principle, one could model both the motion of the human body and dynamics of the VIS mechanism in a single combined simulation, e.g., employing a tool such as the commonly used biomechanical simulation OpenSim. Here, the joints of the human body would be driven kinematically along prescribed exercise trajectories while the dynamics engine computed the response of the VIS degrees of freedom. However, mechanism designers and biomechanics experts have their own established tools, making it very desirable to have a way of decoupling the biomechanics from the VIS modeling, simulation, and analyses. We have derived a set of equations that rigorously accomplishes this goal, and have implemented them as an interface function that provides an alternative driving mechanism for an existing force-based VIS analysis simulation. When enabled, the simulated human/VIS system dynamics is now driven by this function, instead of the recorded force methodology described above. The function is designed to accept input from a data file containing the required time-stamped human motion and inertia terms corresponding to the specific exercise in question. This data file is generated by an OpenSim plugin written for that purpose. The existing VIS analytical simulation is developed using NASA’s Trick Simulation Environment [2], as well as its MBDyn multibody dynamics [3] package. The presentation will provide a detailed overview of the mathematical formulation, assumptions, plugin implementation, software interfaces, and results for a sample set of representative exercises. The results from this work aim to better inform VIS design efforts, as well as countermeasure device/protocol designs with respect to exercise type and frequency effects on vehicle structural and microgravity restrictions.

Countermeasures↗

Investigations of an Aeroelastic Optimization Benchmark Problem with MPhys and FUN3D

High-fidelity aeroelastic optimization capabilities are becoming more common in recent years. In this field, researchers typically present results on the design problems of greatest interest to them. The lack of consistency with respect to baseline configurations, design variables, objectives and constraints, etc., makes it difficult to compare approaches and creates an obstacle for the community to work together to advance the state of the art. The High-Fidelity Aeroelastic Optimization Benchmark Working Group has been established to create and study a series of benchmark aeroelastic optimization problems that the community can utilize to compare methods on the same optimization problem. This paper presents optimization results from NASA Langley Research Center for the first benchmark case of this series with analysis based on MPhys, a multiphysics library for OpenMDAO, and FUN3D, an unstructured computational fluid dynamics suite of tools. For the optimization case presented, it is demonstrated that a progression of increasing aerodynamic model fidelity reduces the wall time required to complete the optimization.

Aeroelasticity↗

Investigations of an Aeroelastic Optimization Benchmark Problem with MPhys and FUN3D

High-fidelity aeroelastic optimization capabilities are becoming more common in recent years. In this field, researchers typically present results on the design problems of greatest interest to them. The lack of consistency with respect to baseline configurations, design variables, objectives and constraints, etc., makes it difficult to compare approaches and creates an obstacle for the community to work together to advance the state of the art. The High-Fidelity Aeroelastic Optimization Benchmark Working Group has been established to create and study a series of benchmark aeroelastic optimization problems that the community can utilize to compare methods on the same optimization problem. This paper presents optimization results from NASA Langley Research Center for the first benchmark case of this series with analysis based on MPhys, a multiphysics library for OpenMDAO, and FUN3D, an unstructured computational fluid dynamics suite of tools. For the optimization case presented, it is demonstrated that a progression of increasing aerodynamic model fidelity reduces the wall time required to complete the optimization.

CFD↗