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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Long term technology development program

In the Advanced Adiabatic Development program, the following technology were identified as critical: piston development for oil-less, adiabatic engine; positive displacement compounding and charge system; experimental evaluation of the preheat concept; combustion system with positive ignition assist; and ceramic manufacturing technology. Of these five areas, ceramic manufacturing technology is the pacing item, and is already being addressed by several organizations. Therefore the four remaining areas need immediate attention. Since the lead time involved in engine development and production is long, this technology development should be done concurrently with the AAD engine development. A four year program is outlined which will simultaneously study these first four areas. This program requires two test rigs; one single cylinder adiabatic engine; and one multicylinder adiabatic turbocompound engine.

Sekar, R.↗

Identification of dynamic coefficients of annular turbulent seals

An identification procedure to determine dynamic coefficients of annular turbulent seals in turbopumps is presented. Measurements were carried out at a built test rig with two symmetrical arranged seals. A rigid rotating shaft is surrounded by an elastically supported housing, which is excited by impact forces. The relative radial motion between the rotating parts and the housing, respectively between the seal surfaces, is measured by displacement pick-ups and from the time signals complex frequency response functions can be calculated. Finally an analytical model, depending on the seal parameters, is fitted to the measured data, to find the dynamic coefficients.

Nordmann, R.↗

Influence of stationary components on unsteady flow in industrial centrifugal compressors

An experimental investigation was performed to determine the characteristics of the onset and the growth of rotating nonuniform flow in a standard low specific speed stage, normally utilized in high pressure applications, in relation to change of stationary component geometry. Four configurations, differing only in the return channel and crossover geometry were tested on an atmospheric pressure open loop test rig. Experimental results make conspicious the effect of return channel geometry and give the possibility of shifting the unstable zone onset varying such geometry. An attempt was made to interpret the experimental results in the Emmons - Stenning's rotating stall theory.

Bonciani, L.↗

The UH-1H helicopter icing flight test program: An overview

An ongoing joint NASA/Army program to study the effects of ice accretion on unprotected helicopter rotor aerodynamic performance is discussed. This program integrates flight testing, wind tunnel testing, and analytical modeling. Results are discussed for helicopter flight testing in the Canadian NRC hover spray rig facility to measure rotor aero performance degradation and document rotor ice accretion characteristics. The results of dry wind tunnel testing of airfoil sections with artificial ice accretions and predictions of rotor performance degradation using available rotor performance codes and the wind tunnel data are presented. An alternative approach to conducting future helicopter icing flight programs is discussed.

Shaw, R. J.↗

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) powertrain system development for automotive applications

Rotor dynamic instability investigations were conducted. Forward ball bearing hydraulic mount configurations were tested with little effect. Trial assembly of S/N 002 ceramic engine was initiated. Impeller design activities were completed on the straight line element (SLE) blade definition to address near-net-shape powder metal die forging. Performance characteristics of the Baseline Test 2A impeller were closely preserved. The modified blading design has been released for tooling procurement. Developmental testing of the diffusion flame combustor (DFC) for initial use in the S/N 002 2100 F ceramic structures engine was completed. A natural gas slave preheater was designed and fabricated. Preliminary regenerator static seal rig testing showed a significant reduction in leakage and sensitivity to stack height. Ceramic screening tests were completed and two complete sets of ceramic static structures were qualified for engine testing. Efforts on rotor dynamics development to resolve subsynchronous motion were continued.

Source record↗

Behavior of the lean methane-air flame at zero-gravity

A special rig was designed and constructed to be compatible with the NASA Lewis Research Center Airborne Research Laboratory to allow the study of the effect of gravity on the behavior of lean limit in a standard 50.4 mm (2 in.) internal diameter tube when the mixtures are ignited at the open end and propagate towards the closed end of the tube. The lean limit at zero gravity was found to be 5.10% methane and the flame was found to extenguish in a manner previously observed for downward propagating flames at one g. It was observed that g-jitter could be maintained at less than + or 0.04 g on most zero g trajectories. All of propagating lean limit flames were found to be sporadically cellularly unstable at zero g. There was no observable correlation between the occurrence of g-jitter and the lean limit, average propagation speed of the flame through the tube or the occurrence of cellular instability.

Noe, K. A.↗

Experimental study of main rotor tip geometry and tail rotor interactions in hover. Volume 1. Text and figures

A model scale hover test was conducted in the Sikorsky Aircraft Model rotor hover Facility to identify and quantify the impact of the tail rotor on the demonstrated advantages of advanced geometry tip configurations. The test was conducted using the Basic Model Test Rig and two scaled main rotor systems, one representing a 1/5.727 scale UH-60A BLACK HAWK and the others a 1/4.71 scale S-76. Eight alternate rotor tip configurations were tested, 3 on the BLACK HAWK rotor and 6 on the S-76 rotor. Four of these tips were then selected for testing in close proximity to an operating tail rotor (operating in both tractor and pusher modes) to determine if the performance advantages that could be obtained from the use of advanced geometry tips in a main rotor only environment would still exist in the more complex flow field involving a tail rotor. The test showed that overall the tail rotor effects on the advanced tip configurations tested are not substantially different from the effects on conventional tips.

Balch, D. T.↗

Experimental study of main rotor tip geometry and tail rotor interactions in hover. Volume 2: Run log and tabulated data

A model scale hover test was conducted in the Sikorsky Aircraft Model Rotor hover Facility to identify and quantify the impact of the tail rotor on the demonstrated advantages of advanced geometry tip configurations. The existence of mutual interference between hovering main rotor and a tail rotor was acknowledged in the test. The test was conducted using the Basic Model Test Rig and two scaled main rotor systems, one representing a 1/5.727 scale UH-60A BLACK HAWK and the others a 1/4.71 scale S-76. Eight alternate rotor tip configurations were tested, 3 on the BLACK HAWK rotor and 6 on the S-76 rotor. Four of these tips were then selected for testing in close proximity to an operating tail rotor (operating in both tractor and pusher modes) to determine if the performance advantages that could be obtained from the use of advanced geometry tips in a main rotor only environment would still exist in the more complex flow field involving a tail rotor. This volume contains the test run log and tabulated data.

Balch, D. T.↗

Effects of surface chemistry on hot corrosion life

Burner rig tests were conducted under the following conditions: 900 C, hourly thermal cycling, 0.5 ppm sodium as MaCl in the gas stream, velocity 0.3 Mach. The alloys are Udiment 700, Rene 80, uncoated and with RT21, Codep, or NiCoCrAlY coatings. These tests were completed for specimens in the as-processed condition and after aging at 1100 C in oxidizing or inert evnivronments for time up to 600 hours. Coil inductance changes used for periodic nondestructive inspection of specimens were useful in following the course of corrosion. Typical sulfidation was observed in all cases, structurally similar to that observed for service-run turbine components. Aging at cuased a severe decrease in hot corrosion life of RT21 and Codep coatings and a significant but less decrease in the life of the NiCoCrAlY coating. The extent of these decreases was much greater for all three coatings on U700 substrates than on Rene 80 substrates. Coating/substrate interdiffusion rather than by surface oxidation.

Fryxell, R. E.↗

Active control landing gear for ground loads alleviation

An active landing gear has been created by connecting the hydraulic piston in an oleo strut to a hydraulic supply. A controller modulates the pressure in the oleo to achieve the desired dynamic characteristics. Tests on ground rigs (documented by a film) have demonstrated the successful alleviation of induced structural ground loads and the next step will be a flight test using a fighter aircraft.

Mcgehee, J. R.↗

Vacuum plasma coatings for turbine blades

Turbine blades, vacuum plasma spray coated with NiCrAlY, CoCrAlY or NiCrAlY/Cr2O3, were evaluated and rated superior to standard space shuttle main engine (SSME) coated blades. Ratings were based primarily on 25 thermal cycles in the MSFC Burner Rig Tester, cycling between 1700 F (gaseous H2) and -423 F (liquid H2). These tests showed no spalling on blades with improved vacuum plasma coatings, while standard blades spalled. Thermal barrier coatings of ZrO2, while superior to standard coatings, lacked the overall performance desired. Fatigue and tensile specimens, machined from MAR-M-246(Hf) test bars identical to the blades were vacuum plasma spray coated, diffusion bond treated, and tested to qualify the vacuum plasma spray process for flight hardware testing and application. While NiCrAlY/Cr2O3 offers significant improvement over standard coatings in durability and thermal protection, studies continue with an objective to develop coatings offering even greater improvements.

Holmes, R. R.↗

Damping seal verification setup

The heart of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is a set of turbopumps that propel cryogenic fluids at very high pressures and flow rates, at rotor speeds up to 37,000 rpm. Bushing seals that cause the flow in the fluid film to become turbulent, by means of a multiplicity of pockets, were shown theoretically not only to inhibit subsynchronous whirl, but to reduce leakage as well. However, experimental data that relate these two desirable characteristics to such parameters as pocket depth, Reynolds number (based on clearance and axial flow rate), and rotating speed are limited. To obtain the required data, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) commissioned Wyle Laboratories to design, build and operate a test rig in which the damping efficacy and leakage reduction of typical candidate seals are to be evaluated.

Cappel, K. L.↗

Rotorcraft research testing in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at NASA Ames Research Center

The unique capabilities of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) for testing rotorcraft systems are described. The test facilities include the 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel, the 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel, and the Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility. The Ames 7- by 10-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel is also used in support of the rotor research programs conducted in the NFAC. Detailed descriptions of each of the facilities, with an emphasis on helicopter rotor test capability, are presented. The special purpose rotor test equipment used in conducting helicopter research is reviewed. Test rigs to operate full-scale helicopter main rotors, helicopter tail rotors, and tilting prop-rotors are available, as well as full-scale and small-scale rotor systems for use in various research programs. The test procedures used in conducting rotor experiments are discussed together with representative data obtained from previous test programs. Specific examples are given for rotor performance, loads, acoustics, system interactions, dynamic and aeroelastic stability, and advanced technology and prototype demonstration models.

Warmbrodt, W.↗

Ceramic applications in turbine engines

The application of ceramic components to demonstrate improved cycle efficiency by raising the operating temperature of the existing Allison IGI 404 vehicular gas turbine engine is discussed. This effort was called the Ceramic Applications in Turbine Engines (CATE) program and has successfully demonstrated ceramic components. Among these components are two design configurations featuring stationary and rotating caramic components in the IGT 404 engine. A complete discussion of all phases of the program, design, materials development, fabrication of ceramic components, and testing-including rig, engine, and vehicle demonstation test are presented. During the CATE program, a ceramic technology base was established that is now being applied to automotive and other gas turbine engine programs. This technology base is outlined and also provides a description of the CATE program accomplishments.

Helms, H. E.↗

DEAN: A program for dynamic engine analysis

The Dynamic Engine Analysis program, DEAN, is a FORTRAN code implemented on the IBM/370 mainframe at NASA Lewis Research Center for digital simulation of turbofan engine dynamics. DEAN is an interactive program which allows the user to simulate engine subsystems as well as a full engine systems with relative ease. The nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations which define the engine model may be solved by one of four integration schemes, a second order Runge-Kutta, a fourth order Runge-Kutta, an Adams Predictor-Corrector, or Gear's method for still systems. The numerical data generated by the model equations are displayed at specified intervals between which the user may choose to modify various parameters affecting the model equations and transient execution. Following the transient run, versatile graphics capabilities allow close examination of the data. DEAN's modeling procedure and capabilities are demonstrated by generating a model of simple compressor rig.

Sadler, G. G.↗

An experimental study of plane mixing layer development

Mean flow and turbulence was measured in the near field of two plane mixing layers in air with a maximum velocity of 21 m/sec. The experimental rig enabled mixing layers of velocity ratios 0 and 0.46 to be generated simultaneously. Gases with both tripped and untripped initial boundary layers were studied. It was found that the two stream layer developed to the self preserving state in a distance much shorter than did the single stream layer which followed accepted criteria for the development distance. The asymptotic levels of the turbulence quantities in the two stream layer and the development of the single stream layer showed agreement with existing data. It is suggested that the two stream mixing layer should provide a better test case for the development of turbulence models and calculation methods than the single stream mixing layer.

Mehta, R. D.↗

Recent developments in rotary-balance testing of fighter aircraft configurations at NASA Ames Research Center

Two rotary balance apparatuses were developed for testing airplane models in a coning motion. A large scale apparatus, developed for use in the 12-Foot Pressure Wind tunnel primarily to permit testing at high Reynolds numbers, was recently used to investigate the aerodynamics of 0.05-scale model of the F-15 fighter aircraft. Effects of Reynolds number, spin rate parameter, model attitude, presence of a nose boom, and model/sting mounting angle were investigated. A smaller apparatus, which investigates the aerodynamics of bodies of revolution in a coning motion, was used in the 6-by-6 foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel to investigate the aerodynamic behavior of a simple representation of a modern fighter, the Standard Dynamic Model (SDM). Effects of spin rate parameter and model attitude were investigated. A description of the two rigs and a discussion of some of the results obtained in the respective test are presented.

Malcolm, G. N.↗

Energy efficient engine, high pressure turbine thermal barrier coating. Support technology report

This report describes the work performed on a thermal barrier coating support technology task of the Energy Efficient Engine Component Development Program. A thermal barrier coating (TBC) system consisting of a Ni-Cr-Al-Y bond cost layer and ZrO2-Y2O3 ceramic layer was selected from eight candidate coating systems on the basis of laboratory tests. The selection was based on coating microstructure, crystallographic phase composition, tensile bond and bend test results, erosion and impact test results, furnace exposure, thermal cycle, and high velocity dynamic oxidation test results. Procedures were developed for applying the selected TBC to CF6-50, high pressure turbine blades and vanes. Coated HPT components were tested in three kinds of tests. Stage 1 blades were tested in a cascade cyclic test rig, Stage 2 blades were component high cycle fatigue tested to qualify thermal barrier coated blades for engine testing, and Stage 2 blades and Stage 1 and 2 vanes were run in factory engine tests. After completion of the 1000 cycle engine test, the TBC on the blades was in excellent condition over all of the platform and airfoil except at the leading edge above midspan on the suction side of the airfoil. The coating damage appeared to be caused by particle impingement; adjacent blades without TBC also showed evidence of particle impingement.

Duderstadt, E. C.↗