Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “AIR FLOW”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 973 records · Page 54
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

A review of shock waves around aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

Aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs) are a proposed type of reusable spacecraft that would be used to transport cargoes from one Earth-bound orbit to another. Such vehicles could be based on the proposed space station and used to transport commercial satellites from the space station to geostationary orbits or to polar orbits and return. During a mission, AOTVs would fly through Earth's atmosphere, thus generating aerodynamic forces that could be used for decelerating the vehicles or changing their direction. AOTV research findings were concerned with the shock-wave-induced, high-temperature airflows that would be produced around these vehicles during atmospheric flight. Special emphasis was placed on the problems of: (1) the chemical physics of multitemperature, ionizing, nonequilibrium air flows, and (2) the dynamics of the flows in the base region of a blunt body with complex afterbody geometry.

Park, C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Presentation of the acoustic and aerodynamic results of the Aladin 2 concept qualification testing

Wind tunnel tests were conducted of a scale model of the Aladin 2 aircraft. The propulsion system configuration is described and the air flow caused by jet ejection is analyzed. Three dimensional flow studies in the vicinity of the engine installation were made. Diagrams of the leading and trailing edge flaps are provided. Graphs are developed to show the aerodynamic performance under conditions of various airspeed and flap deflection.

Collard, M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Influence of meteorological conditions on aerosol vertical distribution and composition off the northeast American coastline

The size distribution and composition of lower tropospheric aerosols were measured off the northeast American coastline under clear air and disturbed meteorological conditions. Under the clear air conditions observed on 5 August 1982, with air flow from west to east, sulfate-rich stratified layers are the dominant feature of aerosol distribution in the lowest 3000 m of the troposphere. The encroachment of a warm frontal system over the study area on 9 August 1982 resulted in dramatic changes in aerosol distribution and composition prior to any precipitation, probably due to increased vertical mixing and dilution of pollutant aerosols. Chloride becomes the dominant water soluble anion in the lower 3000 m, primarily due to a several fold decrease in sulfate. Although these results are limited to only two sets of measurements, the data indicate the variability which can occur in the tropospheric vertical aerosol distributions at remote locations. A knowledge of the structure and stability of these stratified layers is of particular importance to studies of the ocean-troposphere chemistry problem.

Sebacher, D. I.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermo-oxidative stability of graphite fiber/PMR-15 polyimide composites at 350 deg C

A series of graphite fiber/PMR-15 polyimide composites were subjected to isothermal aging at 350 C in flowing air (100 cc/min and 1000 cc/min) over a 520 hr time period. The graphite fibers were analyzed by ISS/SIMS techniques before composite fabrication. Fibers exposed at the surface of the composite due to the isothermal aging process were also analyzed by the ISS/SIMS method. Component and composite weight less studies were also conducted for similarly exposed materials. Optical micrograph investigations of composites to follow the progress of the thermo-oxidative process were also conducted. Flexural and interlaminar shear strengths of the imaged and aged composites were measured. The relationship of component and composite properties as they relate to the thermo-oxidative behavior of the materials was discussed.

Scola, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Laser velocimetry measurement in a transonic tunnel

Some preliminary velocity measurements were carried out inside the transonic tunnel using the laser velocimeter (LV) system in association with the smoke generator. Pressure measurements were also performed using a pressure tap located on the side wall of the test section slightly upstream of the windows. Though the pressure measurements and the LV measurements were not taken at exactly the same location, extrapolation of the pressure data into the location of the LV measurements indicated a very close agreement between the velocity values obtained using the two different methods. Thus it is believed that the smoke particle is following the air flow with little or no velocity slip. Velocity measurements with airfoil at various angles of attack are now being carried out in conjuction with schlieren flow visualization. In the near future pressure distribution around and on the airfoil will be obtained by putting pressure taps on the side windows and using a pressure tap model (currently under construction) of the airfoil.

Ng, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Evaluation of data obtained from atmospheric laser Doppler velocimeter

The Doppler lidar velocimeter produces a variety of kinds of data. Besides the line of sight velocity components, there are the reflected amplitudes and the Doppler widths. Computer graphics software for displaying these data was produced. Different methods of presentation are needed for the various items. A picture was produced as pictures are often the best way to gain understanding. The individual lidar scans form a crosshatch pattern. Thus one-dimensional measurements fit together to form a two-dimensional whole. A pair of velocity measurements at a point combine to form a wind measurement with direction and magnitude. This gives a forest of wind vectors. The goal is to find a recognizable pattern to these trees. Often it is necessary to show only part of the information. That is, show only the wind direction not its magnitude or reduce the wind to streamlines of air flow. In other cases data are reduced to contour plots. Just enough contour lines are included to show the picture described.

Keck, T. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Volcanic impact on stratospheric aerosol chemistry

Samples collected by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) using the multiple-filter sampler on the U-2 were analyzed. The sampler is capable of exposing a number of 110 mm filters in sequence to ram air flow. Two types of filters, IPC cellulose and polystrene, were used, both of which have high blank levels for the trace elements determined. The levels of most trace elements in the stratosphere are so low under normal circumstances that none can be seen. Results from the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, a mystery cloud (probably volcanic in origin) in 1982, and the El Chichonal eruption in 1983 are discussed. To improve the collection of particles for chemical analysis, a new sampling system was developed for use on the U-2. The sampler consisted of an electrostatic collection of particles between 1 and 0.001 micron diameter dierectly onto electron microscopic grids, followed by a thermal precipitation for the smaller particles. The system was built and tested in the laboratory, but never flown on the U-2.

Zoller, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fire control method and analytical model for large liquid hydrocarbon pool fires

The dominate parameter governing the behavior of a liquid hydrocarbon (JP-5) pool fire is wind speed. The most effective method of controlling wind speed in the vicinity of a large circular (10 m dia.) pool fire is a set of concentric screens located outside the perimeter. Because detailed behavior of the pool fire structure within one pool fire diameter is unknown, an analytical model supported by careful experiments is under development. As a first step toward this development, a regional pool fire model was constructed for the no-wind condition consisting of three zones -- liquid fuel, combustion, and plume -- where the predicted variables are mass burning rate and characteristic temperatures of the combustion and plume zones. This zone pool fire model can be modified to incorporate plume bending by wind, radiation absorption by soot particles, and a different ambient air flow entrainment rate. Results from the zone model are given for a pool diameter of 1.3 m and are found to reproduce values in the literature.

Fenton, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Computational fluid dynamics as a design tool for the hot gas manifold of the Space Shuttle Main Engine

The paper discusses the application of computational fluid dynamics as a design tool for the Hot Gas Manifold of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. An improved Hot Gas Manifold configuration was arrived at computationally. This configuration was then built and air flow tested. Testing verified this configuration to be a substantial improvement over existing flight designs.

Ziebarth, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Redundant Control for Air-Circulation Valves

Four computers that control airflow to "X-wing" helicopter rotor arranged in redundant configuration. Ensures circulation control of rotor continues to function even if two of computers fail. Rotor uses 48 valve actuators regulating distribution and quantity of air flowing from leading and trailing edges.

Johnson, R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Introduction to life modeling of thermal barrier coatings

Thermal barrier coatings may be applied to air-cooled turbine section airfoils to insulate such components from hot gases in the engine. The coatings, which typically consist of about 0.01 to 0.04 cm of zirconia-yttria ceramic over about 0.01 cm of NiCrAlY or NiCrAlZr alloy bond coat, allow increased gas temperatures or reduced cooling air flows. This, in turn, leads to marked improvements in engine efficiency and performance. However, certain risks are associated with designing for maximum benefits, and eventually a point is reached where coating loss would immediately jeopardize the underlying component. Therefore, designers must be able to accurately predict the life of a given bill-of-material coating in any particular design. The results of an in-house aeronautics, base research and technology program which is designed to provide the first steps towards developing mission-capable life-prediction models are outlined.

Miller, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Detection of rotating thunderstorms using satellite imagery

In the case of the Carolina tornadoes, researchers prepared visible and IR GOES imagery covering the period 2000 Z when the storm entered South Carolina from Georgia until it exited North Carolina at 0200 Z into Virginia. The GOES IR imagery clearly demonstrated that this storm was imbedded in a continuously propagating mesolow with a well defined cold dome. The ground damage track paralleled exactly with the cold dome throughout the storm's life across the Carolinas. There were no advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data during the period to allow researchers to inspect the cloud top for warm temperature anomalies. The Carolina storm did exhibit rightward deviating outflow which was oriented about 60 degrees to the 300 mb streamlines. The tornadoes of April 27, 1984 were part of a tornado producing cold front which stretched from Oklahoma to Minnesota. As the front moved eastward it touched off numerous tornadoes in eastern Wisconsin. GOES imagery for this data was prepared and it was strikingly clear that all along the North-South oriented squall line, the individual tunderstorms had cirrus plumes which had remarkable right deviation to the upper air flow. Unlike the Carolina long track supercell cell-mesolow system, these storms were isolated individual thunderstorms which touched off at least 16 tornadoes in eastern Wisconsin stretching from the Milwaukee area on the south to Vilas County in the north. The monster tornado of June 8, 1984 which leveled 90 percent of the village of Barneveld, Wisconsin and killed 9 persons is also discussed.

Anderson, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A review of shock waves around aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

Aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles (AOTVs) are a proposed type of reusable spacecraft that would be used to transport cargoes from one earth-bound orbit to another. Such vehicles could be based on the proposed space station and used to transport commercial satellites from the space station to geostationary orbits or to polar orbits and return. During a mission, AOTVs would fly through earth's atmosphere, thus generating aerodynamic forces that could be used for decelerating the vehicles or changing their direction. AOTV research findings were concerned with the shock-wave-induced, high-temperature airflows that would be produced around these vehicles during atmospheric flight. Special emphasis was placed on the problems of: (1) the chemical physics of multitemperature, ionizing, nonequilibrium air flows, and (2) the dynamics of the flows in the base region of a blunt body with complex afterbody geometry.

Park, C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Construction of a 2- by 2-foot transonic adaptive-wall test section at the NASA Ames Research Center

The development of a new production-size, two-dimensional, adaptive-wall test section with ventilated walls at the NASA Ames Research Center is described. The new facility incorporates rapid closed-loop operation, computer/sensor integration, and on-line interference assessment and wall corrections. Air flow through the test section is controlled by a series of plenum compartments and three-way slide vales. A fast-scan laser velocimeter was built to measure velocity boundary conditions for the interference assessment scheme. A 15.2-cm- (6.0-in.-) chord NACA 0012 airfoil model will be used in the first experiments during calibration of the facility.

Morgan, Daniel G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Transport of atmospheric tracers by planetary waves during a winter stratospheric warming event - A three-dimensional model simulation

In a simple three-dimensional primitive equation model, a wave number 1 major stratospheric warming is simulated. With the aid of two idealized tracers it is shown that the transport during a major warming event is characterized by a small, well-organized tongue of subtropical air flowing around the displaced winter vortex into the polar cap and by a wide area with strong quasi-horizontal mixing (surf zone). The description of these dynamical processes requires a full three-dimensional space resolution.

Kouker, W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Flowfield characteristics of an axisymmetric 180-degree turnaround duct

In an attempt to provide an experimental database for computational fluid dynamics turbulence code evaluation and development, an experiment was conducted using an annular axisymmetric 180-deg turnaround passage through which air flows at close to ambient conditions. Measurements made at a nominal gap Reynolds number of 100,000 are presented; these are the static and fluctuating wall pressure distributions and the one- and two-component velocity profiles at various stations upstream, through, and downstream of the bend. Because of the large favorable pressure gradients on the inner wall up to 51 degrees, the flow experiences a large acceleration close to the wall; enhanced mixing occurs close to the outer wall. Downstream of this location, the flow close to the inner wall experiences an adverse pressure gradient before separating at about 150 degrees.

Ostermier, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A variable geometry combustor for broadened properties fuels

A program was conducted to design and develop a variable geometry combustor, sized for the cycle and envelope of a large commercial turbofan engine. The combustor uses a variable area swirl cup to control stoichiometry in the primary combustion zone. Potential advantages of this design include improved capability to burn non-standard fuels, short system length, and increased operating temperature range for advanced high performance engine cycles. After considerable development, key program emissons and performance goals were met with the variable geometry combustor. Primary development efforts were to evolve improved variable swirl cup configurations. In particular, air leakage through the variable area swirl cup had a strong effect on low power emissions and performance, while smoke level at high power was affected by features for improved mixing of the fuel and swirler air flow. Additional design and development is still needed to evolve a practical variable geometry combustor.

Dodds, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Heat transfer with very high free stream turbulence

Stanton numbers as much as 350 percent above the accepted correlations for flat plate turbulent boundary layer heat transfer have been found in experiments on a low velocity air flow with very high turbulence (up to 50 percent). These effects are far larger that have been previously reported and the data do not correlate as well in boundary layer coordinates (Stanton number and Reynolds number) as they do in simpler coordinates: h vs. X. The very high relative turbulence levels were achieved by placing the test plate in different positions in the margin of a large diameter free jet. The large increases may be due to organized structures of large scale which are present in the marginal flowfield around a free jet.

Moffat, Robert J.↗