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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Efficient Variable-Pitch Propeller Aerodynamic Model Development for Vectored-Thrust eVTOL Aircraft

This paper describes a variable-pitch propeller testing and aerodynamic modeling methodology for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft using wind tunnel testing. Propellers used for eVTOL aircraft propulsion systems experience a wide range of operating conditions resulting in significant variation of axial thrust and torque, as well as off-axis forces and moments, across a typical flight envelope. An experimental design is developed to collect informative wind tunnel data in an efficient manner using response surface methods. System identification methods are then applied to isolated propeller wind tunnel data to develop a mathematical model of the propeller valid throughout the transition envelope of a vectored-thrust eVTOL aircraft. Multiple explanatory variable definitions are postulated and compared using modeling and prediction performance metrics. Modeling results validated against data withheld from the modeling process indicate good predictive capability and agree with theoretical expectations. All identified propeller models are provided, which allows the models to be used in future eVTOL aircraft flight dynamics simulations.

aerodynamic modeling↗

Computational results for the effects of external disturbances on transition location of bodies of revolution from subsonic to supersonic speeds and comparisons with experimental data

Computational experiments have been performed for a few configurations in order to investigate the effects of external flow disturbances on the extent of laminar flow and wake drag. Theoretical results have been compared with experimental data for the AEDC cone, for Mach numbers from subsonic to supersonic, and for both free flight and wind tunnel environments. The comparisons have been found to be very satisfactory, thus establishing the utility of the present method for the design and development of laminar flow configurations and for the assessment of wind tunnel data. In addition, results of calculations concerning the effects of unit Reynolds numbers on transition are presented. In addition to the AEDC cone, computations have been performed for an ogive body of revolution at zero angle of attack and supersonic Mach numbers. Results are presented for transition Reynolds number and wake drag for external disturbances corresponding to free air and the test section of the AEDC-VKF tunnel. These results have been found to compare quite well with wind tunnel data for cases when surface suction is applied as well as when suction is absent.

Goradia, S. H.↗

System Dynamic Analysis of a Wind Tunnel Model with Applications to Improve Aerodynamic Data Quality

The research investigates the effect of wind tunnel model system dynamics on measured aerodynamic data. During wind tunnel tests designed to obtain lift and drag data, the required aerodynamic measurements are the steady-state balance forces and moments, pressures, and model attitude. However, the wind tunnel model system can be subjected to unsteady aerodynamic and inertial loads which result in oscillatory translations and angular rotations. The steady-state force balance and inertial model attitude measurements are obtained by filtering and averaging data taken during conditions of high model vibrations. The main goals of this research are to characterize the effects of model system dynamics on the measured steady-state aerodynamic data and develop a correction technique to compensate for dynamically induced errors. Equations of motion are formulated for the dynamic response of the model system subjected to arbitrary aerodynamic and inertial inputs. The resulting modal model is examined to study the effects of the model system dynamic response on the aerodynamic data. In particular, the equations of motion are used to describe the effect of dynamics on the inertial model attitude, or angle of attack, measurement system that is used routinely at the NASA Langley Research Center and other wind tunnel facilities throughout the world. This activity was prompted by the inertial model attitude sensor response observed during high levels of model vibration while testing in the National Transonic Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. The inertial attitude sensor cannot distinguish between the gravitational acceleration and centrifugal accelerations associated with wind tunnel model system vibration, which results in a model attitude measurement bias error. Bias errors over an order of magnitude greater than the required device accuracy were found in the inertial model attitude measurements during dynamic testing of two model systems. Based on a theoretical modal approach, a method using measured vibration amplitudes and measured or calculated modal characteristics of the model system is developed to correct for dynamic bias errors in the model attitude measurements. The correction method is verified through dynamic response tests on two model systems and actual wind tunnel test data.

Buehrle, Ralph David↗

Validation of FAST.Farm Against Full-Scale Turbine SCADA Data for a Small Wind Farm

FAST.Farm is a new midfidelity engineering tool developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory targeted at accurately and efficiently predicting wind turbine power production and structural loading in wind farm settings, including wake interactions between turbines. FAST.Farm is based on some of the principles of the Dynamic Wake Meandering model—including passive tracer modeling of wake meandering—but addresses many of the limitations of previous Dynamic Wake Meandering (DWM) implementations. Previous FAST.Farm verification studies show the similarities and differences between FAST.Farm and large-eddy simulations for rigid and flexible turbines. In this validation study, FAST.Farm turbine responses are compared to multiturbine measurements from a subset of a full-scale wind farm. FAST.Farm predictions of turbine generator power, rotor speed, and blade pitch for five-turbine simulations are compared to supervisory control and data acquisition results. Results reveal that FAST.Farm generator power mean and standard deviation results reasonably match measured data for upstream and downstream turbines, as well as the mean rotor speed and blade pitch above rated wind speeds. However, FAST.Farm generally underpredicts the mean rotor speed and overpredicts the mean blade pitch below rated operation. These errors are likely related to inaccuracies in the generic controller simulated. Despite controller differences, FAST.Farm predicts the same overall relative rotor power trends for all waked turbines at all wind speeds.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Applications of SMAP Data to Retrieval of Ocean Surface Wind and Salinity

We have examined the L-band radiometer and radar data from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission for ocean research and applications. We find that the SMAP data are in excellent agreement with the geophysical model function (GMF) derived from the Aquarius data up to a wind speed of 20 ms-1. For severe wind conditions, the higher resolution data from SMAP allowed us to assess the sensitivity of L-band radiometer signals to hurricane force winds. We applied the L-band GMF to the retrieval of ocean surface wind and SSS from the SMAP data. Comparison with the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, WindSat and RapidSCAT wind speeds suggests that SMAP’s radiometer wind speed reaches an excellent accuracy of about 1.1-1.7 ms-1 below a wind speed of 20 ms-1. We have also found that the maximum wind speed derived from the SMAP radiometer data can reach 140 knots for severe storms and are generally in good agreement with the hurricane track analysis and operational aircraft Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer wind speeds. The spatial patterns of the SMAP SSS agree well with climatological distributions, but exhibit several unique spatial and temporal features.

ocean surface wind↗

Theoretical evaluation of high-speed aerodynamics for arrow-wing configurations

The use of the theoretical methods to calculate the high-speed aerodynamic characteristics of arrow-wing supersonic cruise configurations was studied. Included are correlations of theoretical predictions with wind-tunnel data at Mach numbers from 0.8 to 2.7, examples of the use of theoretical methods to extrapolate the wind-tunnel data to full-scale flight condition, and presentation of a typical supersonic data package for an advanced supersonic transport application. A brief description of the methods and their application is given.

Dollyhigh, S. M.↗

An equatorial temperature and wind anomaly (ETWA)

Data obtained from the WATS (Wind and Temperature Spectrometer) and LP (Langmuir Probe) experiments on board DE-2 (Dynamic Explorer) during high solar activity show evidence of anomalous latitudinal variations in the zonal winds and temperature at low latitudes. The zonal winds exhibit a broad maximum centered around the dip equator, flanked by minima on either side around 25 degrees; while the temperature exhibits a pronounced bowl-shaped minimum at the dip equator which is flanked by maxima. The two minima in the zonal winds and the corresponding maxima in the temperature are nearly collocated with the crests of the well known Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA). The maximum in the zonal winds and the minimum in the gas temperature are collocated with the trough of the EIA. The differences between the maxima and minima in temperature and zonal winds, on many occasions, are observed to exceed 100 K and 100 m/s, respectively. The characteristics of this new phenomenon have eluded present day empirical models of thermospheric temperature and winds. The connection among these variables can be understood from the ion-neutral drag effect on the motions of the neutrals that in turn affect their energy balance.

Raghavarao, R.↗

High angle-of-attack inviscid Shuttle Orbiter computation

Results are presented of a comparison between the pressure distributions predicted by the perfect-gas computational fluid dynamics and the Shuttle Orbiter wind-tunnel data for high angles of attack, using the LAURA (for Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm) as applied to the wind-tunnel condition to predict the flow over the vehicle. It is shown that the calculated pressures compare well with the wind tunnel data for both the windward and the leeward sides, indicating that the salient inviscid flow features were properly modeled.

Kleb, William L.↗

Anomalous Shocks on the Measured Near-Field Pressure Signatures of Low-Boom Wind-Tunnel Models

Unexpected shocks on wind-tunnel-measured pressure signatures prompted questions about design methods, pressure signature measurement techniques, and the quality of measurements in the flow fields near lifting models. Some of these unexpected shocks were the result of component integration methods. Others were attributed to the three-dimension nature of the flow around a lifting model, to inaccuracies in the prediction of the area-ruled lift, or to wing-tip stall effects. This report discusses the low-boom model wind-tunnel data where these unexpected shocks were initially observed, the physics of the lifting wing/body model's flow field, the wind-tunnel data used to evaluate the applicability of methods for calculating equivalent areas due to lift, the performance of lift prediction codes, and tip stall effects so that the cause of these shocks could be determined.

Mack, Robert J.↗

Performance and Vibratory Loads Data From a Wind-Tunnel Test of a Model Helicopter Main-Rotor Blade With a Paddle-Type Tip

An investigation was conducted in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel to obtain data to permit evaluation of paddle-type tip technology for possible use in future U.S. advanced rotor designs. Data was obtained for both a baseline main-rotor blade and a main-rotor blade with a paddle-type tip. The baseline and paddle-type tip blades were compared with regard to rotor performance, oscillatory pitch-link loads, and 4-per-rev vertical fixed-system loads. Data was obtained in hover and forward flight over a nominal range of advance ratios from 0.15 to 0.425. Results indicate that the paddle-type tip offers no performance improvements in either hover or forward flight. Pitch-link oscillatory loads for the paddle-type tip are higher than for the baseline blade, whereas 4-per-rev vertical fixed-system loads are generally lower.

Yeager, William T., Jr.↗

High-aspect-ratio wings

High-aspect-ratio aircraft include most transport aircraft such as commercial and military transports, business aircraft, and cargo aircraft. Generally, these types of aircraft are designed to cruise over a narrow range of lift coefficients and Mach numbers in the performance of their mission. Emphasis is therefore placed on the cruise performance of transport aircraft and every effort is made to obtain accurate wind-tunnel data to use as a basis for prediction of full-scale cruise performance. However, off-cruise performance is also important and methods were developed for extrapolating wind-tunnel data on buffet and flutter at transonic speed. Transport-type aircraft were tested extensively in various wind tunnels around the world and many different test techniques were developed to simulate higher Reynolds numbers. Methods developed for one tunnel may not be applicable to another tunnel because of differences in size, Reynolds number capability, running time, and test objectives. Many of the methods of boundary-layer control developed in two-dimensional airfoil testing can be applied in tests of transport configurations, but sometimes the three-dimensional flow fields that develop on tranpsort aircraft can make application of the two-dimensional methods difficult or impossible. The discussion is intended to be a representative, but not exhaustive, survey of the various methods of high Reynolds number simulation in the testing of high-aspect-ratio aircraft.

Peterson, John B., Jr.↗

Data-Driven Generic Turbines for Distributed Wind Modeling, Optimization, and Economic Studies

As distributed energy resources (DER) become less expensive and more popular, utilities, project developers, and customers have an increasing need to model the performance of existing and proposed DER systems. Distributed wind has been shown to have widespread economic potential but is often represented by a simplified model in - or excluded from - DER modeling tools and studies. There is often no economic imperative to extend models and studies to give full consideration to distributed wind. We present a set of data-driven generic turbines derived from 16 years of annual distributed wind market survey data. The proposed methodology can be used to derive generic turbines from separate or updated data sets. Finally, a mixed-integer linear programming approach to optimal distributed wind project sizing is used to demonstrate the generic turbine models. Combined, these models and methods can reduce barriers to considering distributed wind in modeling tools and studies.

Reiman, Andrew P.↗

Can Pseudobreakups be Predicted?

We statistically analyze many interplanetary shock events where there are both WIND interplanetary data and POLAR UV imaging data. We find that the shock compression events trigger pseudobreakups (PBs), substorm onsets, or enhance (pre-existing) substorm intensities. Using WIND interplanetary data and ground-based data, it is now believed that we can predict when PBs will occur and when substorm expansion phases will occur.

Zhou, X.-Y.↗

NASA 5.2%-Scale High Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL) Test in the National Transonic Facility (NTF)

Problem: Predicting CL,max and assessing transition, turbulence models, and Reynolds number effect predictions in CFD requires wind tunnel data for comparison. Objective: Expand the CFD validation database by running multiple models designed using the same reference geometry in various wind tunnels around the world. The wind tunnel data and model geometry will be open source to allow for CFD validation use. Approach: Run the NASA 5.2%-scale High Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL) semi-span model at the National Transonic Facility (NTF). Test the model at chord Reynolds numbers (Rec) between 1.6 million and 30 million and at varying Q/Es to assess Reynolds number effects and aeroelasticity affects on the model, while collecting force and moment, pressure and wing deformation data. Test the model with ice shapes installed on the leading edges. Results: Ran eight model configurations, including four landing, two landing with ice shapes installed, and two takeoff configurations. Ran in air (120°F) and nitrogen operations (-50°F, -180°F and -250°F) at 7 different chord Reynolds numbers. The data compare well with previous tests of the same model at DLR (The Germany Aerospace Center) and the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel (14x22). Significance: Provided valuable high Reynolds number data on a high lift configuration to the worldwide research community. Provide icing data at flight Reynolds number to the research community.

CRM-HL↗

Assessment of LAURA for Laminar Supersonic Shallow Cavities

The ability of the Laura flow solver to predict local heating augmentation factors for shallow cavities is assessed. This assessment is part of a larger e ort within the Space Shuttle return-to-flight program to develop technologies to support on-orbit tile repair decisions. The comparison is made against global phosphor thermography images taken in the Langley Aerothermodynamic Laboratory 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel. The cavities are rectangular in shape, with lengths L/H of 14 20 and depths H/ of 1.1 5.2. The fully laminar results, for Re = 300, show good agreement between the data sets. For Re = 503, the wind tunnel data indicates boundary layer transition with turbulent flow both within and downstream of the cavity. The turbulent flow structures are significantly di erent from the laminar predictions, with order of magnitude increases in the heating augmentations. Because of the di erent flow structures, no simple bump factor can be used to correct the laminar calculations to account for the turbulent heating levels. A fine gradation in wind tunnel cases will be required to clearly delineate the laminar-to-turbulent transition point, and hence the limits of applicability of the laminar numerical approach.

Wood, William A.↗

Sodar - NREL Scintec MFAS Wind Profiler, Decker Ranch Airstrip - Raw Data

The dataset includes 15-minute average wind speed and direction records from 30 m to 330 m above ground level (AGL) in 10-m range gates. Data were collected by a Scintec MFAS wind profiler installed at the Decker Ranch in Oregon, about 4.4 km southeast of Kent, Ore., and are intended for validating WFIP2 model improvements.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Sodar - NREL Scintec MFAS Wind Profiler, Decker Ranch Airstrip - Reviewed Data

The dataset includes 15-minute average wind speed and direction records from 30 m to 330 m above ground level (AGL) in 10-m range gates. Data were collected by a Scintec MFAS wind profiler installed at the Decker Ranch in Oregon, about 4.4 km southeast of Kent, Ore., and are intended for validating WFIP2 model improvements.

17 WIND ENERGY↗