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At least 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Improving Diffusing S-duct Performance by Secondary Flow Control

The objective of this research was to study ways to reduce inlet flow distortion (i.e., total pressure nonuniformity) and improve total pressure recovery in a diffusing S-duct. This was accomplished by controlling the development of secondary flows within the duct through the use of tapered-fin type vortex generators. Reported are results for the bare duct and seven different configurations of vortex generators. Data presented for each configuration include surface static pressure, surface flow visualization, and exit plane total pressure and transverse velocity. The performance of each configuration was assessed by calculating total pressure recovery and inlet distortion descriptors from the data and comparing them to the values for the bare duct. The best configuration tested reduced distortion (as measured by the DC(45) and DC(90) descriptors) by more than 50 percent while improving total pressure recovery by 0.5 percent. These results should provide valuable guidance in designing vortex generator installations in ducts and for assessing the accuracy of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods to calculate duct flows with installed vortex generators.

Reichert, Bruce A.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Measurements and Computational Analysis of the Turbulent Corner Flow on the NASA Juncture-Flow Model with a Symmetric Wing

The NASA Juncture Flow Experiment is designed to acquire high-quality flowfield data deep in the corner of a wing-fuselage junction for the purpose of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation and turbulence model improvement. This report presents and discusses the results of a recent experiment with the Juncture Flow Model in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. The main objective of the test was to expand the existing juncture-flow dataset with a symmetric wing case that displays fully attached, incipient separation, and separated flow in the corner of the wing-fuselage junction, depending on the model angle of incidence. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements were made at three model angles of incidence (0° : fully attached, 1° : incipient separation, and 5° : separated flow) and for each angle, mean-flow and Reynolds-stress data were obtained on the fuselage and at several locations along the corner of the wing-fuselage junction. Supporting measurements were made during the test campaign and include model and tunnel wall static pressures, tunnel wall boundary-layer profiles, oil-flow visualizations, and laser-based measurements of the as-built model geometry and model position in the test section. A companion set of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) CFD simulations were also performed and those results were used to support the discussion of the experimental test results.

Juncture Flow↗
NASA NTRS2016

Zero Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) Experiment

The Zero-Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) experiment has been developed as a small scale ISS experiment aimed at delineating important fluid flow, heat and mass transport, and phase change phenomena that affect cryogenic storage tank pressurization and pressure control in microgravity. The experiments use a simulant transparent low boiling point fluid (PnP) in a sealed transparent Dewar to study and quantify: (a) fluid flow and thermal stratification during pressurization; (b) mixing, thermal destratification, depressurization, and jet-ullage penetration during pressure control by jet mixing. The experiment will provide valuable microgravity empirical two-phase data associated with the above-mentioned physical phenomena through highly accurate local wall and fluid temperature and pressure measurements, full-field phase-distribution and flow visualization. Moreover, the experiments are performed under tightly controlled and definable heat transfer boundary conditions to provide reliable high-fidelity data and precise input as required for validation verification of state-of-the-art two-phase CFD models developed as part of this research and by other groups in the international scientific and cryogenic fluid management communities.

ISS↗
NASA NTRS1993

A full-scale STOVL ejector experiment

The design and development of thrust augmenting short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) ejectors has typically been an iterative process. In this investigation, static performance tests of a full-scale vertical lift ejector were performed at primary flow temperatures up to 1560 R (1100 F). Flow visualization (smoke generators, yarn tufts and paint dots) was used to assess inlet flowfield characteristics, especially around the primary nozzle and end plates. Performance calculations are presented for ambient temperatures close to 480 R (20 F) and 535 R (75 F) which simulate 'seasonal' aircraft operating conditions. Resulting thrust augmentation ratios are presented as functions of nozzle pressure ratio and temperature. Full-scale experimental tests such as this are expensive, and difficult to implement at engine exhaust temperatures. For this reason the utility of using similarity principles -- in particular, the Munk and Prim similarity principle for isentropic flow -- was explored. At different primary temperatures, exit pressure contours are compared for similarity. A nondimensional flow parameter is then shown to eliminate primary nozzle temperature dependence and verify similarity between the hot and cold flow experiments. Under the assumption that an appropriate similarity principle can be established, then properly chosen performance parameters should be similar for both hot flow and cold flow model tests.

Barankiewicz, Wendy S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

An experimental and computational investigation of a translating throat single expansion-ramp nozzle

A translating throat single expansion-ramp nozzle (SERN) concept was designed to improve the off-design performance of a SERN with a large, fixed expansion ratio. The concept of translating the nozzle throat provides the SERN with a variable expansion ratio. An experimental and computational study was conducted to predict and verify the internal performance of this concept. Three nozzles with expansion ratios designed for low, intermediate, and high Mach number operating conditions were tested in the Jet-Exit Test Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. Each nozzle was tested with a concave and a convex geometric expansion ramp surface design. Internal nozzle performance, paint-oil flow and focusing Schlieren flow visualization were obtained for nozzle pressure ratios (NPR's) up to 13. The Navier-Stokes code, PAB3D, with a k-epsilon turbulence model was utilized to verify experimental results at selected NPRs and to predict the performance at conditions unattainable in the test facility. Two-dimensional simulations were computed with near static free-stream conditions and at nozzle pressure ratios of 5, 9, and 13 for the concave ramp, low Mach number configuration and at the design NPR of 102 for the concave ramp, high Mach number configuration. Remarkable similarities between predicted and experimental flow characteristics, as well as performance quantities, were obtained.

Deere, Karen A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

An Experimental and Computational Investigation of a Translating Throat Single Expansion-Ramp Nozzle

A translating throat single expansion-ramp nozzle (SERN) concept was designed to improve the off-design performance of a SERN with a large, fixed expansion ratio. The concept of translating the nozzle throat provides the SERN with a variable expansion ratio. An experimental and computational study was conducted to predict and verify the internal performance of this concept. Three nozzles with expansion ratios designed for low, intermediate, and high Mach number operating conditions were tested in the Jet-Exit Test Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center. Each nozzle was tested with a concave and a convex geometric expansion ramp surface design. Internal nozzle performance, paint-oil flow and focusing Schlieren flow visualization were obtained for nozzle pressure ratios (NPR's) up to 13. The Navier-Stokes code, PAB3D, with a k-epsilon turbulence model was utilized to verify experimental results at selected NPR's and to predict the performance at conditions unattainable in the test facility. Two-dimensional simulations were computed with near static free-stream conditions and at nozzle pressure ratios of 5, 9, and 13 for the concave ramp, low Mach number configuration and at the design NPR of 102 for the concave ramp, high Mach number configuration. Remarkable similarities between predicted and experimental flow characteristics, as well as performance quantities, were obtained.

Deere, Karen A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Small scale model static acoustic investigation of hybrid high lift systems combining upper surface blowing with the internally blown flap

A static acoustic and propulsion test of a small radius Jacobs-Hurkamp and a large radius Flex Flap combined with four upper surface blowing (USB) nozzles was performed. Nozzle force and flow data, flap trailing edge total pressure survey data, and acoustic data were obtained. Jacobs-Hurkamp flap surface pressure data, flow visualization photographs, and spoiler acoustic data from the limited mid-year tests are reported. A pressure ratio range of 1.2 to 1.5 was investigated for the USB nozzles and for the auxiliary blowing slots. The acoustic data were scaled to a four-engine STOL airplane of roughly 110,000 kilograms or 50,000 pounds gross weight, corresponding to a model scale of approximately 0.2 for the nozzles without deflector. The model nozzle scale is actually reduced to about .17 with deflector although all results in this report assume 0.2 scale factor. Trailing edge pressure surveys indicated that poor flow attachment was obtained even at large flow impingement angles unless a nozzle deflector plate was used. Good attachment was obtained with the aspect ratio four nozzle with deflector, confirming the small scale wind tunnel tests.

Cole, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Experimental Investigation of Convoluted Contouring for Aircraft Afterbody Drag Reduction

An experimental investigation was performed in the NASA Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the aerodynamic effects of external convolutions, placed on the boattail of a nonaxisymmetric nozzle for drag reduction. Boattail angles of 15 and 22 were tested with convolutions placed at a forward location upstream of the boattail curvature, at a mid location along the curvature and at a full location that spanned the entire boattail flap. Each of the baseline nozzle afterbodies (no convolutions) had a parabolic, converging contour with a parabolically decreasing corner radius. Data were obtained at several Mach numbers from static conditions to 1.2 for a range of nozzle pressure ratios and angles of attack. An oil paint flow visualization technique was used to qualitatively assess the effect of the convolutions. Results indicate that afterbody drag reduction by convoluted contouring is convolution location, Mach number, boattail angle, and NPR dependent. The forward convolution location was the most effective contouring geometry for drag reduction on the 22 afterbody, but was only effective for M < 0.95. At M = 0.8, drag was reduced 20 and 36 percent at NPRs of 5.4 and 7, respectively, but drag was increased 10 percent for M = 0.95 at NPR = 7. Convoluted contouring along the 15 boattail angle afterbody was not effective at reducing drag because the flow was minimally separated from the baseline afterbody, unlike the massive separation along the 22 boattail angle baseline afterbody.

Deere, Karen A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Skin Friction and Transition Location Measurement on Supersonic Transport Models

Flow visualization techniques were used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative skin friction and transition location data in wind tunnel tests performed on two supersonic transport models at Mach 2.40. Oil-film interferometry was useful for verifying boundary layer transition, but careful monitoring of model surface temperatures and systematic examination of the effects of tunnel start-up and shutdown transients will be required to achieve high levels of accuracy for skin friction measurements. A more common technique, use of a subliming solid to reveal transition location, was employed to correct drag measurements to a standard condition of all-turbulent flow on the wing. These corrected data were then analyzed to determine the additional correction required to account for the effect of the boundary layer trip devices.

Kennelly, Robert A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Imaging of molecular hydrogen and oxygen by single and two-photon fluorescence using laser and flashlamp sources

Two flow visualization techniques, i.e., simultaneous two-dimensional fluorescence imaging of H2 and O2 in a diffusion flame, and quasi-linear fluorescence imaging of O2, are presented. The first uses an injection-locked argon-fluoride excimer laser and a partial overlap of a two-photon ground state absorption in H2 with a single photon absorption from a vibrational level in O2. The second uses a simple, high-intensity ultraviolet flashlamp which provides a flux of photons in the 180-195 nm range, sufficient to produce a quasi-one-dimensional fluorescence image of hot/room temperature oxygen. Both techniques do not require that a seed material be introduced into the flow, they can image major flow constituents, and provide an instantaneous snapshot of the flow.

Diskin, Glenn S.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Supersonic Traveling Crossflow Wave Characteristics in Ground and Flight Tests

This paper continues analysis of data acquired in a series of supersonic crossflow transition experiments on a 65° swept- wing model tested in both wind tunnel and flight. Flow visualization data are summarized to provide context for the swept-wing instability mechanisms of interest. Unsteady pressure measurements obtained near the wing model leading edge (LE) are studied using 2nd- and 3rd-order statistical methods to extract traveling crossflow wave characteristics from these data. Comparisons between tunnel and flight data with boundary-layer (BL) Linear Stability Theory (LST) predictions provide insights into BL transition phenomena similarities and differences observed in tests using the same swept-wing model configurations. Comparisons of unsteady pressure data results for wing LE configurations with and without distributed-roughness-element (DRE) patterns installed, suggest traveling crossflow disturbance growth is reduced when this type of flow control is applied. A brief stud y of different background surface roughness levels on the wing LE suggests the potential for another flow control approach to promote laminar flow on swept wings using streamwise-biased surface finishes.

Lewis R Owens↗
NASA NTRS1996

Delay of Turbulent Boundary Layer Detachment by Mechanical Excitation: Application to Rearward-facing Ramp

A vane oscillating about a fixed point at the inlet to a two-dimensional 20 deg rearward-facing ramp proved effective in delaying the detachment of a turbulent boundary layer. Flow-field, surface static pressure, and smoke-wire flow visualization measurements were made. Surface pressure coefficient distributions revealed that two different effects occurred with axial distance along the ramp surface. The surface pressure coefficient varied as a complex function of the vane oscillation frequency and its trailing edge displacement amplitude; that is, it varied as a function of the vane oscillation frequency throughout the entire range of frequencies covered during the test, but it varied over only a limited range of the trailing edge displacement amplitudes covered.The complexity of these findings prompted a detailed investigation, the results of which revealed a combination of phenomena that explain qualitatively how the mechanically generated, periodic, sinusoidal perturbing signal produced by the oscillating vane reacts with the fluid flow to delay the detachment of a turbulent boundary layer experiencing transitory detachment.

McKinzie, Daniel J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Buoyancy Effects on Flow Structure and Instability of Low-Density Gas Jets

A low-density gas jet injected into a high-density ambient gas is known to exhibit self-excited global oscillations accompanied by large vortical structures interacting with the flow field. The primary objective of the proposed research is to study buoyancy effects on the origin and nature of the flow instability and structure in the near-field of low-density gas jets. Quantitative rainbow schlieren deflectometry, Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Linear stability analysis were the techniques employed to scale the buoyancy effects. The formation and evolution of vortices and scalar structure of the flow field are investigated in buoyant helium jets discharged from a vertical tube into quiescent air. Oscillations at identical frequency were observed throughout the flow field. The evolving flow structure is described by helium mole percentage contours during an oscillation cycle. Instantaneous, mean, and RMS concentration profiles are presented to describe interactions of the vortex with the jet flow. Oscillations in a narrow wake region near the jet exit are shown to spread through the jet core near the downstream location of the vortex formation. The effects of jet Richardson number on characteristics of vortex and flow field are investigated and discussed. The laminar, axisymmetric, unsteady jet flow of helium injected into air was simulated using CFD. Global oscillations were observed in the flow field. The computed oscillation frequency agreed qualitatively with the experimentally measured frequency. Contours of helium concentration, vorticity and velocity provided information about the evolution and propagation of vortices in the oscillating flow field. Buoyancy effects on the instability mode were evaluated by rainbow schlieren flow visualization and concentration measurements in the near-field of self-excited helium jets undergoing gravitational change in the microgravity environment of 2.2s drop tower at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. The jet Reynolds number was varied from 200 to 1500 and jet Richardson number was varied from 0.72 to 0.002. Power spectra plots generated from Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of angular deflection data acquired at a temporal resolution of 1000Hz reveal substantial damping of the oscillation amplitude in microgravity at low Richardson numbers (~0.002). Quantitative concentration data in the form of spatial and temporal evolutions of the instability data in Earth gravity and microgravity reveal significant variations in the jet flow structure upon removal of buoyancy forces. Radial variation of the frequency spectra and time traces of helium concentration revealed the importance of gravitational effects in the jet shear layer region. Linear temporal and spatio-temporal stability analyses of a low-density round gas jet injected into a high-density ambient gas were performed by assuming hyper-tan mean velocity and density profiles. The flow was assumed to be non parallel. Viscous and diffusive effects were ignored. The mean flow parameters were represented as the sum of the mean value and a small normal-mode fluctuation. A second order differential equation governing the pressure disturbance amplitude was derived from the basic conservation equations. The effects of the inhomogeneous shear layer and the Froude number (signifying the effects of gravity) on the temporal and spatio-temporal results were delineated. A decrease in the density ratio (ratio of the density of the jet to the density of the ambient gas) resulted in an increase in the temporal amplification rate of the disturbances. The temporal growth rate of the disturbances increased as the Froude number was reduced. The spatio-temporal analysis performed to determine the absolute instability characteristics of the jet yield positive absolute temporal growth rates at all Fr and different axial locations. As buoyancy was removed (Fr . 8), the previously existing absolute instability disappeared at all locations establhing buoyancy as the primary instability mechanism in self-excited low-density jets.

Pasumarthi, Kasyap Sriramachandra↗
NASA NTRS2023

Assessment of Pseudoshock Models Against Experiment in a Low-Aspect-Ratio Isolator

A highly confined shock train is investigated in a direct-connect isolator facility with a Mach 2 inflow and a constant-area low-aspect-ratio rectangular test section. High-speed schlieren imaging, wall static pressure measurements, surface oil-flow visualization, and particle image velocimetry from this isolator are synthesized into a three-dimensional schematic of the shock train structure. Against this, the prevailing pseudoshock models in the literature are assessed to evaluate the validity of their underlying assumptions. None of the prevailing pseudoshock models are found to simultaneously model the pressure and Mach number profiles, indicating a gap in the model formation and underlying assumptions when applied to the experimental isolator of interest. The presence of distortion in the isolator flowfield, such as a wall-bounded vortex, is found to skew the structure of the shock train, altering the strength and distribution of the compressive pressure gradient. It is further observed that the separated flow morphology surrounding the shock train is not monolithic, as is typically assumed, adjusting the balance of compressive forces within the shock cells. These findings lead to the conclusion that existing flux-conserved modeling approaches require modification to be effective in distorted and highly confined cases, including closure models that capture the three-dimensional distorted structure of the approach flow and its evolution along the shock train.

Shock Train↗
NASA NTRS1983

Axial compressor middle stage secondary flow study

This report describes an experimental investigation of the secondary flow within and aft of an axial compressor model with thick endwall boundary layers. The objective of the study was to obtain detailed aerodynamic and trace gas concentration traverse data aft of a well documented isolated rotor for the ultimate purpose of improving the design phases of compressor development based on an improved physical understanding of secondary flow. It was determined from the flow visualization, aerodynamic, and trace gas concentration results that the relative unloading of the midspan region of the airfoil inhibitied a fullspan separation at high loading preventing the massive radial displacement of the hub corner stall to the tip. Radial distribution of high and low total pressure fluid influenced the magnitude of the spanwise distribution of loss, such that, there was a general decreases in loss near the hub to the extent that for the least loaded case a negative loss (increase in total pressure) was observed. The ability to determine the spanwise distribution of blockage was demonstrated. Large blockage was present in the endwall regions due to the corner stall and tip leakage with little blockage in the core flow region. Hub blockage was found to increase rapidly with loading.

Wagner, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Measurements of a turbulent horseshoe vortex formed around a cylinder

An experimental investigation was conducted to characterize a symmetrical horseshoe vortex system in front of and around a single large-diameter right cylinder centered between the sidewalls of a wind tunnel. Surface flow visualization and surface static pressure measurements as well as extensive mean velocity and pressure measurements in and around the vortex system were acquired. The results lend new insight into the formation and development of the vortex system. Contrary to what has been assumed previously, a strong vortex was not identified in the streamwise plane of symmetry, but started a significant angular distance away from it. Rather than the multiple vortex systems reported by others, only a single primary vortex and saddle point were found. The scale of the separation process at the saddle point was much smaller than the scale of the approaching boundary layer thickness. Results of the present study not only shed light on such phenomena as the nonsymmetrical endwall flow in axial turbomachinery but can also be used as a test case for three-dimensional computational fluid mechanics computer codes.

Eckerle, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Horseshoe vortex formation around a cylinder

An experimental investigation was conducted to characterize a symmetrical horseshoe vortex system in front of and a around a single large-diameter right cylinder centered between the sidewalls of a wind tunnel. Surface flow visualization anad surface static pressure measurements as well as extensive mean velocity and pressure measurements in and around the vortex system were acquired. The results lend new insight into the formation and development of the vortex system. Contrary to what has been assumed previously, a strong vortex was not identified in the streamwise plane of symmetry, but started a significant angular distance away from it. Rather than the multiple vortex systems reported by others, only a single primary vortex and saddle point were found. The scale of the separation process at the saddle point was much smaller than the scale of the approaching bundary layer thickness. Results of the present study not only shed light on such phenomena as the nonsymmetrical endwall flow in axial turbomachinery but can also be used as a test case for three-dimensional computational fluid mechanics computer codes.

Eckerle, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

NASA Ames Laminar Flow Supersonic Wind Tunnel (LFSWT) Tests of a 10 deg Cone at Mach 1.6

This work is part of the ongoing qualification of the NASA Ames Laminar Flow Supersonic Wind Tunnel (LFSWT) as a low-disturbance (quiet) facility suitable for transition research. A 10 deg cone was tested over a range of unit Reynolds numbers (Re = 2.8 to 3.8 million per foot (9.2 to 12.5 million per meter)) and angles of incidence (O deg to 10 deg) at Mach 1.6. The location of boundary layer transition along the cone was measured primarily from surface temperature distributions, with oil flow interferometry and Schlieren flow visualization providing confirmation measurements. With the LFSWT in its normal quiet operating mode, no transition was detected on the cone in the test core, over the Reynolds number range tested at zero incidence and yaw. Increasing the pressure disturbance levels in the LFSWT test section by a factor of five caused transition onset on the cone within the test core, at zero incidence and yaw. When operating the LFSWT in its normal quiet mode, transition could only be detected in the test core when high angles of incidence (greater than 5 deg) for cones were set. Transition due to elevated pressure disturbances (Tollmien-Schlichting) and surface trips produced a skin temperature rise of order 4 F (2.2 C). Transition due to cross flows on the leeward side of the cone at incidence produced a smaller initial temperature rise of only order 2.5 F (1.4 C), which indicates a slower transition process. We can conclude that these cone tests add further proof that the LFSWT test core is normally low-disturbance (pressure fluctuations greater than 0.1%), as found by associated direct flow quality measurements discussed in this report. Furthermore, in a quiet test environment, the skin temperature rise is sensitive to the type of dominant instability causing transition. The testing of a cone in the LFSWT provides an excellent experiment for the development of advanced transition detection techniques.

Wolf, Stephen W. D.↗