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At least 109 records · Page 6

Space shuttle booster multi-engine base flow analysis

A comprehensive review of currently available techniques pertinent to several prominent aspects of the base thermal problem of the space shuttle booster is given along with a brief review of experimental results. A tractable engineering analysis, capable of predicting the power-on base pressure, base heating, and other base thermal environmental conditions, such as base gas temperature, is presented and used for an analysis of various space shuttle booster configurations. The analysis consists of a rational combination of theoretical treatments of the prominent flow interaction phenomena in the base region. These theories consider jet mixing, plume flow, axisymmetric flow effects, base injection, recirculating flow dynamics, and various modes of heat transfer. Such effects as initial boundary layer expansion at the nozzle lip, reattachment, recompression, choked vent flow, and nonisoenergetic mixing processes are included in the analysis. A unified method was developed and programmed to numerically obtain compatible solutions for the various flow field components in both flight and ground test conditions. Preliminary prediction for a 12-engine space shuttle booster base thermal environment was obtained for a typical trajectory history. Theoretical predictions were also obtained for some clustered-engine experimental conditions. Results indicate good agreement between the data and theoretical predicitons.

Tang, H. H.

Matrix-based Omnidirectional Pressure Integratio

This software enables the calculation of the pressure field based on experimental velocity measurements utilizing the matrix-based omnidirectional pressure integration algorithm developed by Dr. John Charonko and Dr. Fernando Zigunov, which is several orders of magnitude faster than the current state of the art.

Zigunov, Fernando

Water-Based Pressure-Sensitive Paints

Water-based pressure-sensitive paints (PSPs) have been invented as alternatives to conventional organic-solvent-based pressure-sensitive paints, which are used primarily for indicating distributions of air pressure on wind-tunnel models. Typically, PSPs are sprayed onto aerodynamic models after they have been mounted in wind tunnels. When conventional organic-solvent-based PSPs are used, this practice creates a problem of removing toxic fumes from inside the wind tunnels. The use of water-based PSPs eliminates this problem. The waterbased PSPs offer high performance as pressure indicators, plus all the advantages of common water-based paints (low toxicity, low concentrations of volatile organic compounds, and easy cleanup by use of water).

Jordan, Jeffrey D.

Drag reduction of the Space Shuttle

Wind-tunnel and water-tunnel experiments are conducted to determine which factors contribute to the base-pressure drag experienced by the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Testing is conducted on a 4.05-percent scale model in the TAMU Water Tunnel and Low Speed Wind Tunnel with passive near-wake flow-modification devices attached in some of the tests. The devices are evaluated on the basis of effectiveness in terms of increasing the base pressure. Base pressures increase when a base cavity is introduced; a smooth cavity increases pressure by 13 percent, and when v-grooves are introduced into the cavity the pressure increases by 19 percent. When the v-groove base cavity is combined with a fairing plate, the total base pressure reaches 25 percent. The experimental results suggest that the base drag of the Space Shuttle Orbiter can be effectively reduced by the use of a base-cavity mechanism.

Ahmed, Anwar

Effects of axisymmetric and normal air jet plumes and solid plume on cylindrical afterbody pressure distributions at Mach numbers from 1.65 to 2.50

A wind tunnel investigation of the interference effects of axisymmetric nozzle air plumes, a solid plume, and normal air jet plumes on the afterbody pressure distributions and base pressures of a cylindrical afterbody model was conducted at Mach numbers from 1.65 to 2.50. The axisymmetric nozzles, which varied in exit lip Mach number from 1.7 to 2.7, and the normal air jet nozzle were tested at jet pressure ratios from 1 (jet off) to 615. The tests were conducted at an angle of attack of 0 deg and a Reynolds number per meter of 6.56 million. The results of the investigation show that the solid plume induces greater interference effects than those induced by the axisymmetric nozzle plumes at the selected underexpanded design conditions. A thrust coefficient parameter based on nozzle lip conditons was found to correlate the afterbody disturbance distance and the base pressure between the different axisymmetric nozzles. The normal air jet plume and the solid plume induce afterbody disturbance distances similar to those induced by the axisymmetric air plumes when base pressure is held constant.

Covell, P. F.

Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) Release 2.5 Longwave cloud props 3 hourly Data in Native Format (SRB_REL2.5_LW_CLDPROPS_3HRLY)

The Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) data set contain 47 surface and cloud properties including cloud fraction, cloud visible optical depth, cloud top temperature, cloud top pressure, cloud base pressure, and cloud water and ice content for each of 5 cloud types and in total. In addition to these cloud properties, the parameters also include surface pressure, total column ozone, day/night flag, and precipitable water. All perameters were measured at three hourly intervals for each day for the entire globe between 07/01/1983 and 06/30/2005 and serve as inputs to the Global Energy and Water-Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) longwave algorithm (GLW). [Location=GLOBAL] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1998-01-01; Stop_Date=2005-06-30] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=1 degree; Longitude_Resolution=Ranges from 1 degree (tropics and subtropics) to 120 degrees (the poles).; Temporal_Resolution=3 hourly; Temporal_Resolution_Range=3 hourly].

CLOUD TOP TEMPERATURE

Four-Nozzle Benchmark Wind Tunnel Model USA Code Solutions for Simulation of Multiple Rocket Base Flow Recirculation at 145,000 Feet Altitude

Multiple rocket exhaust plume interactions at high altitudes can produce base flow recirculation with attendant alteration of the base pressure coefficient and increased base heating. A search for a good wind tunnel benchmark problem to check grid clustering technique and turbulence modeling turned up the experiment done at AEDC in 1961 by Goethert and Matz on a 4.25-in. diameter domed missile base model with four rocket nozzles. This wind tunnel model with varied external bleed air flow for the base flow wake produced measured p/p(sub ref) at the center of the base as high as 3.3 due to plume flow recirculation back onto the base. At that time in 1961, relatively inexpensive experimentation with air at gamma = 1.4 and nozzle A(sub e)/A of 10.6 and theta(sub n) = 7.55 deg with P(sub c) = 155 psia simulated a LO2/LH2 rocket exhaust plume with gamma = 1.20, A(sub e)/A of 78 and P(sub c) about 1,000 psia. An array of base pressure taps on the aft dome gave a clear measurement of the plume recirculation effects at p(infinity) = 4.76 psfa corresponding to 145,000 ft altitude. Our CFD computations of the flow field with direct comparison of computed-versus-measured base pressure distribution (across the dome) provide detailed information on velocities and particle traces as well eddy viscosity in the base and nozzle region. The solution was obtained using a six-zone mesh with 284,000 grid points for one quadrant taking advantage of symmetry. Results are compared using a zero-equation algebraic and a one-equation pointwise R(sub t) turbulence model (work in progress). Good agreement with the experimental pressure data was obtained with both; and this benchmark showed the importance of: (1) proper grid clustering and (2) proper choice of turbulence modeling for rocket plume problems/recirculation at high altitude.

Dougherty, N. S.

Experimental Investigation of Plume-Induced Flow Separation on the National Launch System 1 1/2-Stage Launch Vehicle

An experimental investigation of plume-induced flow separation on the National Launch System (NLS) 1 1/2-stage launch vehicle was done. This investigation resulted from concerns raised about the flow separation that was encountered on the Saturn 5. A large similarity exists between configurations and nominal trajectories. The study involved the use of solid plume simulators to simulate the base pressure encountered by the vehicle due to engine exhaust plumes at predetermined critical Mach numbers based on Saturn 5 flight plume effects. The solid plume was varied in location, resulting in a parametric study of base pressure effects on flow separation. In addition to the parametric study of arbitrary plume locations, the base pressure resulting from the nominal trajectory was tested. This analysis was accomplished through two wind tunnel tests run at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's 14 x 14-inch Trisonic Wind Tunnel during 1992. The two tests were a static stability and a pressure test each using a 0.004-scale NLS 1 1/2-stage model. This study verified that flow separation is present at Mach 2.74 and 3.48 for predicted flight base pressures at nominal or higher levels. The flow separation at the predicted base pressure is only minor and should not be of great concern. It is not of the magnitude of the flow separation that was experienced on the Saturn 5. If the base pressure exceeds these nominal conditions, the flow separation can drastically increase, and is of concern.

Springer, A.

Saturn V Aerothermodynamics Flight Evaluation Summary - AS-501 Through AS-503

A summary of measured Aerothermodynamic flight environments are presented for the first three flights of the Saturn V (AS-501 through AS-503). Flight data are compared to show the relative variation from flight to flight and also compared with predicted environments. The environments include vehicle internal compartment pressures, acoustics, base pressures, axial force characteristics, aerodynamic heating, base heating and stage separation heating and pressures. The S-IC stage, S-II stage, S-IVB stage, and Instrument Unit environments are analyzed.

Source record

High Temperature Capacitive Pressure Sensor Employing a SiC Based Ring Oscillator

In an effort to develop harsh environment electronic and sensor technologies for aircraft engine safety and monitoring, we have used capacitive-based pressure sensors to shift the frequency of a SiC-electronics-based oscillator to produce a pressure-indicating signal that can be readily transmitted, e.g. wirelessly, to a receiver located in a more benign environment. Our efforts target 500 C, a temperature well above normal operating conditions of commercial circuits but within areas of interest in aerospace engines, deep mining applications and for future missions to the Venus atmosphere. This paper reports for the first time a ring oscillator circuit integrated with a capacitive pressure sensor, both operating at 500 C. This demonstration represents a significant step towards a wireless pressure sensor that can operate at 500 C and confirms the viability of 500 C electronic sensor systems.

Meredith, Roger D.

A Grid-resolved Analysis of Base Flowfield for a Four-Engine Clustered Nozzle Configuration

The objective of this study is to propose a computational methodology that can effectively anchor the base flowfield of a four-engine clustered nozzle configuration. This computational methodology is based on a three-dimensional, viscous flow, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) formulation. For efficient CFD calculation, a Prandtl-Meyer solution treatment is applied to the algebraic grid lines for initial plume expansion resolution. As the solution evolves, the computational grid is adapted to the pertinent flow gradients. The CFD model employs an upwind scheme in which second- and fourth-order central differencing schemes with artificial dissipation are used. The computed quantitative base flow properties such as the radial base pressure distributions, model centerline static pressure, Mach number and impact pressure variations, and base pressure characteristic curve agreed reasonably well with those of the measurement.

Wang, Ten-See

Temperature and Pressure Sensors Based on Spin-Allowed Broadband Luminescence of Doped Orthorhombic Perovskite Structures

Systems and methods that are capable of measuring pressure or temperature based on luminescence are discussed herein. These systems and methods are based on spin-allowed broadband luminescence of sensors with orthorhombic perovskite structures of rare earth aluminates doped with chromium or similar transition metals, such as chromium-doped gadolinium aluminate. Luminescence from these sensors can be measured to determine at least one of temperature or pressure, based on either the intense luminescence of these sensors, even at high temperatures, or low temperature techniques discussed herein.

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.

Numerical analysis of base flowfield at high altitude for a four-engine clustered nozzle configuration

The objective of this study is to benchmark a four-engine clustered nozzle base flowfield with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The CFD model is a pressure based, viscous flow formulation. An adaptive upwind scheme is employed for the spatial discretization. The upwind scheme is based on second and fourth order central differencing with adaptive artificial dissipation. Qualitative base flow features such as the reverse jet, wall jet, recompression shock, and plume-plume impingement have been captured. The computed quantitative flow properties such as the radial base pressure distribution, model centerline Mach number and static pressure variation, and base pressure characteristic curve agreed reasonably well with those of the measurement. Parametric study on the effect of grid resolution, turbulence model, inlet boundary condition and difference scheme on convective terms has been performed. The results showed that grid resolution and turbulence model are two primary factors that influence the accuracy of the base flowfield prediction.

Wang, Ten-See

Comparison between the PISO algorithm and preconditioning methods for compressible flow

Two widely used family of algorithms, pressure-based and density-based methods, have been developed for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems over the years. Pressure-based methods (such as SIMPLE and PISO) use a Poisson-like equation for updating pressure instead of the continuity equation, while density-based methods use the continuity equation to update density (an equation of state is used to provide density in pressure based schemes and pressure in density based schemes). Pressure-based methods were developed originally for incompressible flows at low Reynolds numbers and were then extended to high Reynolds numbers and compressible applications. On the other hand, density based methods were originally developed for transonic flows and have been extended down to low Mach numbers through the use of preconditioning techniques. We compare these two very different approaches to solving the Navier-Stokes equations in order to gain an understanding of their similarities and differences. Specifically, we consider the PISO scheme as a representative pressure-based method and contrast it with a recently developed preconditioning scheme. We also compare the relative performance of the PISO algorithm with a Euler implicit algorithm that is employed to solve the preconditioned equations by means of a vector stability analysis.

Merkle, Charles L.

Analytical and experimental study of axisymmetric truncated plug nozzle flow fields

Experimental and analytical investigation of the flow field and base pressure of internal-external-expansion truncated plug nozzles are discussed. Experimental results for two axisymmetric, conical plug-cylindrical shroud, truncated plug nozzles are presented for both open and closed wake operations. These results include extensive optical and pressure data covering nozzle flow field and base pressure characteristics, diffuser effects, lip shock strength, Mach disc behaviour, and the recompression and reverse flow regions. Transonic experiments for a special planar transonic section are presented. An extension of the analytical method of Hall and Mueller to include the internal shock wave from the shroud exit is presented for closed wake operation. Results of this analysis include effects on the flow field and base pressure of ambient pressure ratio, nozzle geometry, and the ratio of specific heats. Static thrust is presented as a function of ambient pressure ratio and nozzle geometry. A new transonic solution method is also presented.

Muller, T. J.

Space shuttle SRM plume expansion sensitivity analysis

The exhaust plumes of the space shuttle solid rocket motors can have a significant effect on the base pressure and base drag of the shuttle vehicle. A parametric analysis was conducted to assess the sensitivity of the initial plume expansion angle of analytical solid rocket motor flow fields to various analytical input parameters and operating conditions. The results of the analysis are presented and conclusions reached regarding the sensitivity of the initial plume expansion angle to each parameter investigated. Operating conditions parametrically varied were chamber pressure, nozzle inlet angle, nozzle throat radius of curvature ratio and propellant particle loading. Empirical particle parameters investigated were mean size, local drag coefficient and local heat transfer coefficient. Sensitivity of the initial plume expansion angle to gas thermochemistry model and local drag coefficient model assumptions were determined.

Smith, S. D.

A test of a vortex method for the computation of flap side edge noise

Upon approach to landing, a major source location of airframe noise occurs at the side edges of the part span, trailing edge flaps. In the vicinity of these flaps, a complex arrangement of spanwise flow with primary and secondary tip vortices may form. Each of these vortices is observed to become fully three-dimensional. In the present study, a numerical model is developed to investigate the noise radiated from the side edge of a flap. The inherent three-dimensionality of this flow forces us to carefully consider a numerical scheme which will be both accurate in its prediction of the flow acoustics and also computationally efficient. Vortex methods have offered a fast and efficient means of simulating many two and three-dimensional, vortex dominated flows. In vortex methods, the time development of the flow is tracked by following exclusively the vorticity containing regions. Through the Biot-Savart law, knowledge of the vorticity field enables one to obtain flow quantities at any desired location during the flow evolution. In the present study, a numerical procedure has been developed which incorporates the Lagrangian approach of vortex methods into a calculation for the noise radiated by a flow-surface interaction. In particular, the noise generated by a vortex in the presence of a flat half plane is considered. This problem serves as a basic model of flap edge flow. It also permits the direct comparison between our computed results and previous acoustic analyses performed for this problem. In our numerical simulations, the mean flow is represented by the complex potential W(z) = Aiz(exp l/2), which is obtained through conformal mapping techniques. The magnitude of the mean flow is controlled by the parameter A. This mean flow has been used in the acoustic analysis by Hardin and is considered a reasonable model of the flow field in the vicinity of the edge and away from the leading and trailing edges of the flap. To represent the primary vortex which occurs near the flap, a point vortex is introduced just below the flat half plane. Using a technique from panel methods, boundary conditions on the flap surface are satisfied by the introduction of a row of stationary point vortices along the extent of the flap. At each time step in the calculation, the strength of these vortices is chosen to eliminate the normal velocity at intermediary collocation points. The time development of the overall flow field is then tracked using standard techniques from vortex methods. Vortex trajectories obtained through this computation are in good agreement with those predicted by the analytical solution given by Hardin, thus verifying the viability of this procedure for more complex flow arrangements. For the flow acoustics, the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation is numerically integrated. This equation supplies the far field acoustic pressure based upon pressures occurring along the flap surface. With our vortex method solution, surface pressures may be obtained with exceptional resolution. The Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings equation is integrated using a spatially fourth order accurate Simpson's rule. Rational function interpolation is used to obtain the surface pressures at the appropriate retarded times. Comparisons between our numerical results for the acoustic pressure and those predicted by the Hardin analysis have been made. Preliminary results indicate the need for an improved integration technique. In the future, the numerical procedure developed in this study will be applied to the case of a rectangular flap of finite thickness and ultimately modified for application to the fully three-dimensional problem.

Martin, James E.

Flight-measured pressure characteristics of aft-facing steps in high Reynolds number flow at Mach numbers of 2.20, 2.50, and 2.80 and comparison with other data

The YF-12 airplane was studied to determine the pressure characteristics associated with an aft-facing step in high Reynolds number flow for nominal Mach numbers of 2.20, 2.50, and 2.80. Base pressure coefficients were obtained for three step heights. The surface static pressures ahead of and behind the step were measured for the no-step condition and for each of the step heights. A boundary layer rake was used to determine the local boundary layer conditions. The Reynolds number based on the length of flow ahead of the step was approximately 10 to the 8th power and the ratios of momentum thickness to step height ranged from 0.2 to 1.0. Base pressure coefficients were compared with other available data at similar Mach numbers and at ratios of momentum thickness to step height near 1.0. In addition, the data were compared with base pressure coefficients calculated by a semiempirical prediction method. The base pressure ratios are shown to be a function of Reynolds number based on momentum thickness. Profiles of the surface pressures ahead of and behind the step and the local boundary layer conditions are also presented.

Powers, S. G.