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At least 91 records · Page 5

Pretest Computational Assessment of Boundary Layer Transition in the NASA Juncture Flow Model with an NACA 0015-Based Wing

The first two phases of the NASA Juncture Flow experiment were carried out on a DLR-F6 swept-wing model and were designed to provide “CFD validation-quality” data toward the assessment and improvement of existing CFD turbulence models in predicting onset and extent of three-dimensional separated flow near the wing-juncture trailing-edge region. The next phase of experiments will involve an NACA 0015-based swept wing, as prior risk reduction experiments had indicated that this wing shape resulted in reduced separation near the juncture region than the DLR-F6 wing, thus providing a better option to evaluate the ability of CFD models to predict incipient turbulent separation. The NACA 0015 measurements will also include IR thermography to infer the variation of transition front with respect to an increasing angle of attack. The primary objective of this work is to computationally make a preliminary assessment of the transition front on both surfaces of the NACA 0015 wing at a crank-chord-based Reynolds number of 2.4 x 106 for four different angles of attack, (0°, 2.5°, 5°, and 7.5°) and to determine the dominant mechanisms responsible for transition. This assessment includes both RANS-based transition models from NASA’s OVERFLOW 2.3b flow solver and linear parabolized stability equations (PSE) stability analysis based on the Langley Stability and Transition Analysis code, LASTRAC. Linear PSE results indicate that the upper surface of the wing is dominated by Tollmien- Schlichting (TS) instabilities, and that the laminar flow region shrinks from about 50% chord to a very small region just downstream of the attachment line as the angle of attack is increased from 0° to 7.5°. Consequently, the transition fronts predicted by the Spalart- Allmaras-based amplification factor transport (AFT-2017b) equation model (which accounts for the TS instabilities alone) and the Menter’s shear-stress transport equation (SST2003)- based Langtry-Menter transition model with ability to account for both TS and crossflow effects (LM2015) compare well with those predicted using linear PSE. On the lower surface of the wing, stationary crossflow (CF) instabilities begin to appear on the inboard portion of the wing in addition to the TS-instabilities for the larger angles of attack (5° and 7.5°), further reducing the laminar flow extent within the inboard region. The LM2015 model that accounts for CF effects is able to replicate this trend but appears to predict a slightly earlier transition. The outcome of this effort will inform the experiment and, when the actual experimental data become available, provide further opportunity to assess and improve the various transition models.

CFD modeling↗

Pretest Computational Assessment of Boundary Layer Transition in the NASA Juncture Flow Model with an NACA 0015-Based Wing

The first two phases of the NASA Juncture Flow experiment were carried out on a DLR-F6 swept-wing model and were designed to provide “CFD validation-quality” data toward the assessment and improvement of existing CFD turbulence models in predicting onset and extent of three-dimensional separated flow near the wing-juncture trailing-edge region. The next phase of experiments will involve an NACA 0015-based swept wing, as prior risk reduction experiments had indicated that this wing shape resulted in reduced separation near the juncture region than the DLR-F6 wing, thus providing a better option to evaluate the ability of CFD models to predict incipient turbulent separation. The NACA 0015 measurements will also include IR thermography to infer the variation of transition front with respect to an increasing angle of attack. The primary objective of this work is to computationally make a preliminary assessment of the transition front on both surfaces of the NACA 0015 wing at a crank-chord-based Reynolds number of 2.4 x 106 for four different angles of attack, (0°, 2.5°, 5°, and 7.5°) and to determine the dominant mechanisms responsible for transition. This assessment includes both RANS-based transition models from NASA’s OVERFLOW 2.3b flow solver and linear parabolized stability equations (PSE) stability analysis based on the Langley Stability and Transition Analysis code, LASTRAC. Linear PSE results indicate that the upper surface of the wing is dominated by Tollmien- Schlichting (TS) instabilities, and that the laminar flow region shrinks from about 50% chord to a very small region just downstream of the attachment line as the angle of attack is increased from 0° to 7.5°. Consequently, the transition fronts predicted by the Spalart- Allmaras-based amplification factor transport (AFT-2017b) equation model (which accounts for the TS instabilities alone) and the Menter’s shear-stress transport equation (SST2003)- based Langtry-Menter transition model with ability to account for both TS and crossflow effects (LM2015) compare well with those predicted using linear PSE. On the lower surface of the wing, stationary crossflow (CF) instabilities begin to appear on the inboard portion of the wing in addition to the TS-instabilities for the larger angles of attack (5° and 7.5°), further reducing the laminar flow extent within the inboard region. The LM2015 model that accounts for CF effects is able to replicate this trend but appears to predict a slightly earlier transition. The outcome of this effort will inform the experiment and, when the actual experimental data become available, provide further opportunity to assess and improve the various transition models.

CFD modeling↗

RadBREAD: Radiation Biology Research at an Elevated Altitude through Dosimetry – A student-designed payload

NASA uses extreme environment platforms (ground testing facilities, high-altitude balloons and aircraft, and CubeSats) to provide greater understanding of the conditions and limitations of extra-terrestrial environments. As part of a two-week flight planned for summer 2021, RadBREAD (Radiation Biology Research at an Elevated Altitude through Dosimetry) will fly as a secondary payload consisting of a M-42C (German Aerospace Center, DLR) ionizing radiation dosimeter, UV micro-logger, and multiple desiccated yeast samples. The platform is a novel high-altitude solar-powered aircraft: the Swift Engineering High-Altitude samples. The platform is a novel high-altitude solar-powered aircraft: the Swift Engineering High-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (HALE UAS), which offers significantly longer flight durations than other high-altitude platforms. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae will provide meaningful biological correlation for the sensor readings, due to its resistance to extremely low temperature and pressure when desiccated, ease of genetic manipulation, and homology to human genes. The RadBREAD team comprises the 2020 cohort of NASA’s Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) research associates as well as NASA scientists, engineers and radiation experts from NASA and the DLR. Yeast survival, metabolic, and transcriptomic changes will be correlated with environmental data collected during long-term exposure to the upper atmosphere. Additionally, the team will evaluate the upper atmospheric environment (radiation, pressure, and temperature) provided by the HALE UAS platform as a Mars surface analog for biological payloads. We hypothesize that exposure to upper atmospheric conditions during the HALE UAS flight will alter the survival, metabolism, and transcriptome of desiccated wild-type S. cerevisiae upon rehydration compared to sensitive and tolerant yeast strains exposed to the same conditions, and between the flight samples compared to asynchronous ground controls.

radiation exposure↗

Experimental Methods Using Force Application of A Single Boom for A 500-M²-Class Solar Sail

Solar sailing missions rely on deployable systems for large area-to-mass ratios once in space, while still being small enough for launcher envelopes in the stowed configuration. Many of these deployable systems feature booms that are flattened and subsequently coiled onto a spool / hub. As part of a collaborative deployable space structures research effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR), a boom deployment system for a future 500 m² solar sail has been developed. To achieve the respective solar sail size goal, 16.5-m-long booms produced by NASA were integrated into a DLR-designed deployer mechanism. This considerable size, as well as the lightweight construction of the booms and respective deployable systems makes testing on the ground a significant challenge. Some systems for gravity compensation as well as vertical testing to minimize the influence of gravity have been used in the past. However, an uncertainty factor remains towards the behaviour in the space environment. The focus of this paper is the load application testing of the integrated boom-deployment mechanism system under microgravity condition, as well as a comparison to vertical testing under gravity. Testing in microgravity was performed during a parabolic flight test inside an aircraft and it included stowage and full deployment of a single boom along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The load application was split into two categories: static testing, which induced a linear force ramp to the static boom for either compression or compression-bending; and dynamic testing, which applied a constant force to a boom during extension provided by the deployer mechanism. Both types of tests were performed multiple times at two distinct lengths of the boom, fully deployed (12.76 m) and ~28.6 % deployed (3.65 m). More parameters that are vital to the test philosophy are the angles of attack in the force application and the highest force applied. The data acquisition used for the applied load and deflection measurements of the boom is also presented.

Martin Richter↗

Experimental Methods Using Force Application of A Single Boom for A 500-M²-Class Solar Sail

Solar sailing missions rely on deployable systems for large area-to-mass ratios once in space, while still being small enough for launcher envelopes in the stowed configuration. Many of these deployable systems feature booms that are flattened and subsequently coiled onto a spool / hub. As part of a collaborative deployable space structures research effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR), a boom deployment system for a future 500 m² solar sail has been developed. To achieve the respective solar sail size goal, 16.5-m-long booms produced by NASA were integrated into a DLR-designed deployer mechanism. This considerable size, as well as the lightweight construction of the booms and respective deployable systems makes testing on the ground a significant challenge. Some systems for gravity compensation as well as vertical testing to minimize the influence of gravity have been used in the past. However, an uncertainty factor remains towards the behaviour in the space environment. The focus of this paper is the load application testing of the integrated boom-deployment mechanism system under microgravity condition, as well as a comparison to vertical testing under gravity. Testing in microgravity was performed during a parabolic flight test inside an aircraft and it included stowage and full deployment of a single boom along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The load application was split into two categories: static testing, which induced a linear force ramp to the static boom for either compression or compression-bending; and dynamic testing, which applied a constant force to a boom during extension provided by the deployer mechanism. Both types of tests were performed multiple times at two distinct lengths of the boom, fully deployed (12.76 m) and ~28.6 % deployed (3.65 m). More parameters that are vital to the test philosophy are the angles of attack in the force application and the highest force applied. The data acquisition used for the applied load and deflection measurements of the boom is also presented.

Martin Richter↗

Using Desis and EO-1 Hyperion Reflectance Time Series for the Assessment of Vegetation Traits and Gross Primary Production (GPP)

This study evaluates the potential of the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) visible through near-infrared (VNIR) surface reflectance to augment the EO-1 Hyperion full spectrum (400-2400 nm) reflectance collection over vegetated flux sites to extend the reflectance time series up to the present. We compared DESIS and Hyperion surface reflectance magnitude and variability at a pseudo-invariant site (PICS) and a vegetated flux site (VFS). VNIR reflectance magnitudes between the two sensors did not significantly differ at the PICS. However, DESIS variability was higher, likely due to differences in the data acquisition time and observation geometry. Using empirical and biophysical models, both DESIS and Hyperion datasets captured the seasonal variations in gross primary production (GPP) and canopy bio-physical parameters such as chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), and senescent material at the VFS. Differences in the magnitudes of the bio-physical parameters were observed, likely due to the differences in the sensors spectral range and resolution. Using VNIR reflectance from EO-1 Hyperion with DESIS convolved to Hyperion spectral resolution to estimate canopy chlorophyll and GPP, we demonstrate that combining historic and current space-based reflectance data in a common multi-sensor approach is feasible. This is of importance for extending the reflectance record established with EO-1 Hyperion to provide continuity with the current orbital instruments (e.g., DESIS/ISS, PRISMA/ASI) and the forthcoming NASA Surface Biology and Geology (SBG), ESA CHIME and DLR EnMAP satellite missions, which is of key importance for comparisons of current and past trends in the seasonal dynamics of vegetation traits and photosynthetic function.

DESIS↗

Impact Forces From Artificial and Real Birds on a Large Diameter Hopkinson Bar

Forces were measured from normal impacts with two different artificial bird recipes and two species of real birds on a very rigid flat surface. The tests were conducted by launching the soft body projectiles axially into a Hopkinson bar in accordance with the SAE AS6940 test standard at three different nominal impact conditions: (a) a 1 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 49 m/sec; (b) a 1.8 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 110 m/sec; and (c) a 1.8 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 310 m/sec. At each condition two artificial birds and one real bird projectile were tested with at least three test repeats. Simulations were conducted to assess the effects of projectile orientation and velocity on predicted forces. The Hopkinson bar consisted of an Aluminum 6061 solid cylindrical bar with a diameter of 305 mm and a length of 7.31 m, made up of two 3.66 m long sections that were in axial contact with each other. The bar was instrumented for strain measurement at two locations, 457.2 mm and 609.6 mm (1.5 and 2 diameters) from the impacted face. Forces were calculated from the measured strain. In addition, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to measure the velocity of the free end of the bar. The real bird projectiles were 1 kg Mallard ducks and 1.8 kg Golden Comet chickens that were prepared per ASTM F330-21. Prior to testing, the real birds were placed in muslin bags to minimize tumbling during flight. Two artificial bird formulations were tested, one produced by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and the other by the German Aerospace Center, DLR. The UDRI projectile was a homogeneous, relatively soft solid, formulated with a mixture of water, gelatin and phenolic micro-balloons to achieve a nominal density of 0.95 g/cc. The DLR projectile consisted of a printed plastic shell with internal plastic ribs and filled with a gel material. The projectiles were designed such that the overall average density was the desired value of 0.95 g/cc. Initial testing showed that contact between the two Hopkinson bar segments was not sufficient to allow full transmission of the waves through the interface. For the 49 m/sec and 110 m/sec tests this resulted in reflections returning to the strain measurement site prior to the end of the impact. For these tests only a portion of the force pulse could be accurately measured. For the highest velocity tests at 310 m/sec the force pulse was complete by the time reflected waves interfered with the response. Despite this limitation, useful force data were obtained for all velocities. Impact forces were very sensitive to the impact orientation and velocity. The force history generally consisted of an initial region with varying amplitude followed by a relatively constant amplitude response. The steady state region was similar among all projectiles and similar to what would be predicted for an inviscid fluid with a density of 0.95 g/cc. The initial part of the force response exhibited varying degrees of test-to-test repeatability associated with each projectile type. Forces calculated from DIC velocity measurements of the free end of the bar compared favorably those from the strain measurements. In general, the artificial projectile impact forces were quite repeatable from test to test, with some exceptions which could be explained by issues associated with either the projectile itself or with how the projectile exited the gun barrel. For all impact velocities the initial portion of the impact force from the bird projectiles exhibited large test-to-test variability. In this paper, impact forces for three types of projectiles at three impact velocities will be presented with an emphasis on the test-to-test repeatability of the results. Based on test and simulation results a proposed method for normalizing the impact force to minimize effects of differences in projectile orientation, impact velocity and density will also be discussed.

Bird strike↗

Dragonfly Entry Aerosciences Measurements (DrEAM) Suite Science Objectives

NASA Ames and Langley are partnering with DLR to propose a comprehensive instrumentation suite known as the Dragonfly Entry Aerosciences Measurements (DrEAM). DrEAM will provide key aerothermodynamic data and performance analysis for Dragonfly’s forebody and backshell Thermal Protection System (TPS), and also includes a DLR-provided Data Acquisition System (DAS). Titan's atmosphere predominantly consists of nitrogen (~ 98% by mole) with small amounts of methane (~ 2% by mole). CN is a strong radiator and is found in nonequilibrium concentrations for Titan entry, the modeling of which has proven to be a difficult task. The DrEAM instrumentation suite will significantly advance the state-of-the-art not only by documenting the environment and performance of Dragonfly’s entry system but also by making key measurements in Titan’s atmosphere for the first time, thus providing new benchmark data applicable to entry science more generally.

Aaron Brandis↗

TRACC_PB SOSS Integrated Traffic Simulation for CLT Ramp Operation

This presentation provides the current task under the NASA-DLR research collaboration for airport surface. It presents the effort done to adapt TRACC and SOSS software components to simulate airport (CLT) ramp area traffic management using TRACC's conflict free taxi trajectory optimization and SOSS's fast time simulation platform.

surface operations↗

Low-Speed Testing of the 5.2% Semispan CRM-HL in the DNW-NWB Wind Tunnel

In this paper the wind tunnel test of the 5.2% CRM-HL in the DNW-NWB low speed wind tunnel is described. The tunnel test campaign is settled in the DLR project ADaMant, in which it is of interest to generate qualitative data for CFD validation to improve the predictive accuracy, efficiency, and usability of physical modeling in CFD codes at the borders of the flight envelope. Different configurations of the CRM-HL were tested in a closed as well as in an open test section of the wind tunnel. Several measurement techniques were used to generate validation data including forces and moments, pressures, flow visualization with tufts and oil painting, and infrared thermography for boundary layer transition detection. The evaluation of the results focuses on these techniques in the closed test section. The test comprises Mach numbers from 0.15 to 0.23 and Reynolds numbers from 1.2x10 6 to 1.2x10 6 . Some results are also compared to data from the NASA Langley Research Center 14x22 Foot wind tunnel to assess the repeatability of measurements of the same model in different wind tunnels.

DLR↗

Optimization of the propulsion cycles for advanced shuttles. I - Propulsion mass model methodology

During the past year NASA and DLR computer codes were combined in order to analyze and optimize advanced rocket launcher systems. Previous optimization results led to relatively low chamber pressures and nozzle area ratios for the different cycles. Additional effort has been made to improve the verification of propulsive parameters such as chamber pressure, nozzle extension, kind of cycle, tripropellant systems, variable mixture ratio rocket motors, new technology effects, etc. The emphasis of this paper is to describe the methodology of the improved propulsion mass model.

Manski, Detlef↗

CAST-10-2/DOA 2 Airfoil Studies Workshop Results

During the period of September 23 through 27, 1988, the Transonic Aerodynamics Division at the Langely Research Center hosted an International Workshop on CAST-10-2/DOA 2 Airfoil Studies. The CAST-10 studies were the outgrowth of several cooperative study agreements among the NASA, the NAE of Canada, the DLR of West Germany, and the ONERA of France. Both theoretical and experimental CAST-10 airfoil results that were obtained form an extensive series of tests and studies, were reviewed. These results provided an opportunity to make direct comparisons of adaptive wall test section (AWTS) results from the NASA 0.3-meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel and ONERA T-2 AWTS facilities with conventional ventilated wall wind tunnel results from the Canadian high Reynolds number two-dimensional test facility. Individual papers presented during the workshop are included.

Ray, Edward J.↗

Time and frequency-domain identification and verification of BO-105 dynamic models

Mathematical models for the dynamics of the DLR BO 105 helicopter are extracted from flight test data using two different approaches: frequency-domain and time-domain identification. Both approaches are reviewed. Results from an extensive data consistency analysis are given. Identifications for 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) rigid body models are presented and compared in detail. The extracted models compare favorably and their prediction capability is demonstrated in verification results. Approaches to extend the 6 DOF models are addressed and first results are presented. System identification is broadly defined as the deduction of system characteristics from measured data. It provides the only possibility to extract both non-parametric (e.g., frequency responses) and parametric (e.g., state space matrices) aircraft models from flight test data and therefore gives a reliable characterization of the dynamics of the actually existing aircraft. Main applications of system identification are seen in areas where higher accuracies of the mathematical models are required: Simulation validation, control system design (in particular model-following control system design for in-flight simulation), and handling qualities.

Kaletka, Juergen↗

Optimization of the propulsion cycles for advanced shuttles. II - Performance model methodology

In 1988 computer codes from NASA and DLR were combined to analyze and optimize rocket engines for advance launch vehicles. Further effort has addressed performance propulsion parameters such as chamber pressure, cycle selection (including mixed and tripropellant cycles), nozzle extension, and new technologies. Results of the study indicate that lower dry masses can be reached with the staged combustion cycle than with the gas-generator cycle, using oxygen/hydrogen at relatively high mixture ratio (7:1) and modest chamber pressure (220 bar). For low dry masses the staged combustion cycle is only excelled by the dual-expander cycle using hydrogen and propane as fuels. The emphasis here is to explain the procedure and boundary conditions used for the analysis and the variety of configurations treated, as well as to demonstrate the methods used by presenting some of the major results.

Manski, Detlef↗

Modal identification of a deployable space truss

Work performed under a collaborative research effort between NASA and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR) is summarized. The objective is to develop and demonstrate advanced technology for system identification of future large space structures. Recent experiences using the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) for modal identification of Mini-Mast are reported. Mini-Mast is a 20-meter-long deployable space truss used for structural dynamics and active-vibration control research at the NASA Langley Research Center. Due to nonlinearities and numerous local modes, modal identification of Mini-Mast proved to be surprisingly difficult. Methods available with ERA for obtaining detailed, high-confidence results are illustrated.

Schenk, Axel↗

Hypersonic rarefied flow about a delta wing - Direct simulation and comparison with experiment

Three-dimensional simulations of hypersonic rarefied flow about a delta wing are made using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method of Bird, and the results of the computations are compared with recent experimental data obtained in a vacuum wind tunnel at the DLR in Gottingen, Germany. The present study considers Mach 8.89 nitrogen flow for a range of conditions that include Knudsen numbers of 0.016 to 3.505 for an incidence angle of 30 deg, and angles of incidence of 15 to 60 deg for a constant Knudsen number of 0.389. The calculations provide details concerning the flowfield structure and surface quantities. Comparisons between the calculations and the available experimental measurements are made for aerodynamic and overall heat-transfer coefficients and recovery temperature. The agreement between the measured and calculated data are very good, well within the estimated measurement uncertainty. Comparisons are also made with modified Newtonian and free-molecule theories.

Celenligil, M. C.↗

Time and frequency-domain identification and verification of BO-105 dynamic models

Mathematical models for the dynamics of the DLR BO 105 helicopter are extracted from flight test data using two different approaches: frequency-domain and time-domain identification. Both approaches are reviewed. Results from an extensive data consistency analysis are given. Identifications for 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) rigid body models are presented and compared in detail. The extracted models compare favorably and their prediction capability is demonstrated in verification results. Approaches to extend the 6 DOF models are addressed and first results are presented. System identification is broadly defined as the deduction of system characteristics from measured data. It provides the only possibility to extract both non-parametric (e.g., frequency responses) and parametric (e.g., state space matrices) aircraft models from flight test data and therefore gives a reliable characterization of the dynamics of the actually existing aircraft. Main applications of system identification are seen in areas where higher accuracies of the mathematical models are required: Simulation validation, control system design (in particular model-following control system design for in-flight simulation), and handling qualities.

Kaletka, Juergen↗

Airborne precursor missions in support of SIR-C/X-SAR

The NASA DC-8 and DLR E-SAR airborne imaging radars have been deployed over several sites in Europe and the U.S. in support of SIR-C/X-SAR (Shuttle Imaging Radar-C/X-Synthetic Aperture Radar) science team investigations. To date, data have been acquired in support of studies of alpine glaciers, forests, geology, oceanography, and calibration. An experimental campaign with airborne sensors will take place in Europe in June to July 1991 which will allow multitemporal surveys of several Europeans sites. Current plans are for calibration and ecology experiments to be undertaken in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. Coordinated multitemporal aircraft and ground campaigns are planned in support of hydrology experiments in Italy, the United Kingdom, and Austria. Data will also be acquired in support of oceanogrqhy in the Gulf of Genova, North Atlantic, Straits of Messina and the North Sea. Geology sites will include Campi Flegrei and Vesuvio, Italy.

Evans, D.↗