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At least 109 records · Page 6

Space Launch System Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel Test Results

Characterization of accurate launch vehicle unsteady aerodynamics is critical for component and secondary structure vibroacoustic design. For the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Launch System (SLS), aeroacoustic environments have been derived primarily through sub-scale wind tunnel testing. Both optical techniques and high frequency pressure measurements have been utilized across multiple testing facilities and numerous vehicle configurations to develop a range of preliminary and detailed environments. As the vehicle has matured and evolved, the data collected from each subsequent configuration has allowed for comparison studies which isolate the effects of certain outer mold line (OML) features on measured fluctuating pressure levels. This paper presents observations on some of those effects for features which include abort system protuberances, various fairings geometries, interstage flanges, and multibody interactions between a central core and fall away boosters. These features, and the flow conditions produced by them, are broadly applicable to many launch vehicle configurations.

Steva, Thomas B.

Need for a subtropical wind profiling system

The purpose is to point out the need for, and the benefit that can be derived from, a national wind profiling facility located in the subtropics. At present no such facility exists. There are several advantages associated with a low-latitude location. The first is that wave motions and large-scale circulations unique to the tropics can be studied. The second is that the relatively steady mean flows in the subtropical belt may provide a cleaner environment for studies of waves common at all latitudes. Researchers suggest the Arecibo Observatory as an ideal site for a wind profiling facility since the land and much of the computing, technical, and scientific support is already available.

Rottger, J.

A comparison of winds from the STRATAN data assimilation system to balanced wind estimates

Winds derived from a stratospheric and tropospheric data assimilation system (STRATAN) are compared with balance winds derived from National Meteorological Center/Climate Analysis Center (NMC/CAC) heights. At middle latitudes in the lower stratosphere, the results show that STRATAN winds are comparable to the balance winds. In addition STRATAN winds provide useful horizontal divergence analyses, and hence, vertical velocity fields. More generally, the STRATAN winds are useful in a more extended domain than the balanced winds. In particular, they are useful in the Tropics and the upper stratosphere where the balanced winds fail. The assimilation also captures the quasi-biennial oscillation, but does not do a good job of representing tropical waves.

Coy, Lawrence

Magnetospheric processes and the behavior of the neutral atmosphere.

A review is given of the quiet time couplings which exist between the magnetosphere and the thermosphere. Joule heating arising from aurorae and the combination of Joule heating and ion drag arising from magnetospheric convection normally provide as much energy to the thermosphere as solar ultraviolet radiation. Ion drag is especially important for establishing wind systems in the thermosphere. Using the qualitative ideas of convective electric fields, a description of a possible model of the global wind system is given. It is pointed out that the existence of a convectively driven wind source at high latitudes consistent with magnetospheric convection leads to the possibility of a mean easterly wind, i.e., super-rotation.

Banks, P. M.

Comparison of measured and calculated dynamic loads for the Mod-2 2.5 mW wind turbine system

The Boeing Company, under contract to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), has completed a test program on the Mod-2 wind turbines at Goodnoe Hills, Washington. The objectives were to update fatigue load spectra, discern site and machine differences, measure vortex generator effects, and to evaluate rotational sampling techniques. This paper shows the test setup and loads instrumentation, loads data comparisons and test/analysis correlations. Test data are correlated with DYLOSAT predictions using both the NASA interim turbulence model and rotationally sampled winds as inputs. The latter is demonstrated to have the potential to improve the test/analysis correlations. The paper concludes with an assessment of the importance of vortex generators, site dependence, and machine differences on fatigue loads. The adequacy of prediction techniques used are evaluated and recommendations are made for improvements to the methodology.

Zimmerman, D. K.

Morpheus Lander Roll Control System and Wind Modeling

The Morpheus prototype lander is a testbed capable of vertical takeoff and landing developed by NASA Johnson Space Center to assess advanced space technologies. Morpheus completed a series of flight tests at Kennedy Space Center to demonstrate autonomous landing and hazard avoidance for future exploration missions. As a prototype vehicle being tested in Earth's atmosphere, Morpheus requires a robust roll control system to counteract aerodynamic forces. This paper describes the control algorithm designed that commands jet firing and delay times based on roll orientation. Design, analysis, and testing are supported using a high fidelity, 6 degree-of-freedom simulation of vehicle dynamics. This paper also details the wind profiles generated using historical wind data, which are necessary to validate the roll control system in the simulation environment. In preparation for Morpheus testing, the wind model was expanded to create day-of-flight wind profiles based on data delivered by Kennedy Space Center. After the test campaign, a comparison of flight and simulation performance was completed to provide additional model validation.

Gambone, Elisabeth A.

The UTRC wind energy conversion system performance analysis for horizontal axis wind turbines (WECSPER)

The theory for the UTRC Energy Conversion System Performance Analysis (WECSPER) for the prediction of horizontal axis wind turbine performance is presented. Major features of the analysis are the ability to: (1) treat the wind turbine blades as lifting lines with a prescribed wake model; (2) solve for the wake-induced inflow and blade circulation using real nonlinear airfoil data; and (3) iterate internally to obtain a compatible wake transport velocity and blade loading solution. This analysis also provides an approximate treatment of wake distortions due to tower shadow or wind shear profiles. Finally, selected results of internal UTRC application of the analysis to existing wind turbines and correlation with limited test data are described.

Egolf, T. A.

Wind power systems for individual applications

A small windpower system is described which is suitable for electrifying a house. The self-contained unit consists of a two kilowatt wind driven generator, a set of 19 storage batteries, a small dc to ac inverter, and a gasoline generator for use as an emergency backup system in case of prolonged calm periods. Cost effectiveness of the electricity generated by this windmill system comes out to about 15 cents per kilowatt hour - assuming a 10 year life for the batteries and a 20 year life for the other components. Some other small windpower systems are also described, and it is shown that a windpowered generator in the 15- to 25-kilowatt output range coupled to a direct heated water storage system is able to heat a typical New England home.

Clews, H. M.

Progress in the MF radar system at Saskatoon

Two improvements were made to the radar system in the last year, one was the addition of O/X mode capability to the full antenna array used in the real-time wind system, and the other was the development of a coherent receiver. The design of the transmitter antenna is examined. The proposed coherent real-time wind system is also discussed.

Meek, C. E.

Solar wind theory and modelling

The outflow of coronal plasma into interplanetary space is a consequence of the coronal heating process. Therefore the formation of the corona and the acceleration of the solar wind should be treated as a single problem. Traditionally the mass or particle flux emanating from the extended corona has been thought of as being determined by the coronal temperature or scale height and the coronal (base) density. This argument follows from considerations of the momentum balance of the corona-wind system from which one obtains models of a close to hydrostatic corona out to the critical point where the flow becomes supersonic. With this approach to the acceleration of the wind is has been difficult to reconcile the relatively small variation observed in the proton flux at 1 AU with the predicted exponential dependence of the proton flux on the coronal temperature. In this talk we would like to emphasize another approach in which coronal energetics play the primary role. The deposition of energy into the corona through some 'mechanical' energy flux is balanced by the various energy sinks available to the corona and the sum of these processes determine the coronal structure, i.e. its temperature and density. The corona loses energy through heat conduction into the transition region, through radiative losses, and through the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy put into the solar wind itself. We will show from a series of models of the chromosphere transition region-corona-solar wind system that most of the energy deposited in a magnetically open region will go into the solar wind, with roughly half going into kinetic energy and half into lifting the plasma out of the solar gravity field. The coronal base density will adjust itself in such a way that the heat conductive flux flowing into the transition region is radiated away in the upper chromosphere. The coronal temperature is set by the requirements that most of the deposited energy goes into accelerating the solar wind; the coronal scale height will adjust itself so that the solar wind energy losses conform to the amplitude of the input energy. These processes are modified by the 'mode' of energy deposition, and we will show the effects on coronal structure of changing the parameters describing coronal heating as well as the effects of including a helium fluid in the models. However, the location, scale height and/or form of the energy deposition (i.e. heating or direct acceleration) are not too important for the solar wind, the coronal density and temperature structure will vary with the 'mode' of energy deposition, but the solar wind mass flux depends mainly on the amplitude of the energy flux.

Hansteen, Viggo H.

Integration of the TDWR and LLWAS wind shear detection system

Operational demonstrations of a prototype TDWR/LLWAS (Terminal Doppler Weather Radar/Low Level Wind shear Alarm System) integrated wind shear detection system were conducted. The integration of wind shear detection systems is needed to provide end-users with a single, consensus source of information. A properly implemented integrated system provides wind shear warnings of a higher quality than stand-alone LLWAS or TDWR systems. The algorithmic concept used to generate the TDWR/LLWAS integrated products and several case studies are discussed, indicating the viability and potential of integrated wind shear detection systems. Implications for integrating ground and airborne wind shear detection systems are briefly examined.

Cornman, Larry

Lightning accommodation systems for wind turbine generator safety

The wind turbine safety program identifies the naturally occurring lightning phenomenon as a hazard with the potential to cause loss of program objectives, injure personnel, damage system instrumentation, structure or support equipment and facilities. Several candidate methods of lightning accommodation for each blade were designed, analyzed, and tested by submitting sample blade sections to simulated lightning. Lightning accommodation systems for composite blades were individually developed. Their effectiveness was evaluated by submitting the systems to simulated lightning strikes. The test data were analyzed and system designs were reviewed on the basis of the analysis. This activity is directed at defining design and procedural constraints, requirements for safety devices and warning methods, special procedures, protective equipment and personnel training.

Bankaitis, H.

An expert system for wind shear avoidance

The principal objectives are to develop methods for assessing the likelihood of wind shear encounter (based on real-time information in the cockpit), for deciding what flight path to pursue (e.g., takeoff abort, landing go-around, or normal climbout or glide slope), and for using the aircraft's full potential for combating wind shear. This study requires the definition of both deterministic and statistical techniques for fusing internal and external information, for making go/no-go decisions, and for generating commands to the aircraft's autopilot and flight directors for both automatic and manually controlled flight. The expert system for pilot aiding is based on the results of the FAA Windshear Training Aids Program, a two-volume manual that presents an overview, pilot guide, training program, and substantiating data that provides guidelines for this initial development. The Windshear Safety Advisor expert system currently contains over 140 rules and is coded in the LISP programming language for implementation on a Symbolics 3670 LISP Machine.

Stengel, Robert F.

Study of the application of solar chemical dehumidification system to wind tunnel facilities of NASA Lewis Research Center at Cleveland, Ohio

Energy utilization and cost payback analyses were prepared for proposed modifications. A 50,000 CFM standard compact packaged solid desiccant dehumidifier utilizing high temperature hot water (HTHW) for desiccant regeneration was added. The HTHW is generated by utilizing solar energy and is stored in a storage tank. A steam boiler is provided as a back-up for the solar system. A 50,000 CFM standard compact package solid desiccant dehumidifier utilizing high temperature hot water (HTHW) for desiccant regeneration was added. The HTHW is generated by utilizing a steam boiler and a heat exchanger and is stored in a storage tank.

Source record

Development of a Climatology of Vertically Complete Wind Profiles from Doppler Radar Wind Profiler Systems

This paper describes in detail the QC and splicing methodology for KSC's 50- and 915-MHz DRWP measurements that generates an extensive archive of vertically complete profiles from 0.20-18.45 km. The concurrent POR from each archive extends from April 2000 to December 2009. MSFC NE applies separate but similar QC processes to each of the 50- and 915-MHz DRWP archives. DRWP literature and data examination provide the basis for developing and applying the automated and manual QC processes on both archives. Depending on the month, the QC'ed 50- and 915-MHz DRWP archives retain 52-65% and 16-30% of the possible data, respectively. The 50- and 915-MHz DRWP QC archives retain 84-91% and 85-95%, respectively, of all the available data provided that data exist in the non- QC'ed archives. Next, MSFC NE applies an algorithm to splice concurrent measurements from both DRWP sources. Last, MSFC NE generates a composite profile from the (up to) five available spliced profiles to effectively characterize boundary layer winds and to utilize all possible 915-MHz DRWP measurements at each timestamp. During a given month, roughly 23,000-32,000 complete profiles exist from 0.25-18.45 km from the composite profiles' archive, and approximately 5,000- 27,000 complete profiles exist from an archive utilizing an individual 915-MHz DRWP. One can extract a variety of profile combinations (pairs, triplets, etc.) from this sample for a given application. The sample of vertically complete DRWP wind measurements not only gives launch vehicle customers greater confidence in loads and trajectory assessments versus using balloon output, but also provides flexibility to simulate different DOL situations across applicable altitudes. In addition to increasing sample size and providing more flexibility for DOL simulations in the vehicle design phase, the spliced DRWP database provides any upcoming launch vehicle program with the capability to utilize DRWP profiles on DOL to compute vehicle steering commands, provided the program applies the procedures that this report describes to new DRWP data on DOL. Decker et al. (2015) details how SLS is proposing to use DRWP data and splicing techniques on DOL. Although automation could enhance the current DOL 50-MHz DRWP QC process and could streamline any future DOL 915-MHz DRWP QC and splicing process, the DOL community would still require manual intervention to ensure that the vehicle only uses valid profiles. If a program desires to use high spatial resolution profiles, then the algorithm could randomly add high-frequency components to the DRWP profiles. The spliced DRWP database provides lots of flexibility in how one performs DOL simulations, and the algorithms that this report provides will assist the aerospace and atmospheric communities that are interested in utilizing the DRWP.

Barbre, Robert E., Jr.

Dynamics of drive systems for wind energy conversion

Calculations are performed to determine the dynamic effects of mechanical power transmission from the nacelle of a horizontal axis wind machine to the ground or to an intermediate level. It is found that resonances are likely at 2 or 4/REV, but they occur at low power only, and seem easily correctable. Large reductions are found in the harmonic torque inputs to the generator at powers near rated.

Martinez-Sanchez, M.