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At least 1,099 records · Page 61

Testing of Face-milled Spiral Bevel Gears at High-speed and Load

Spiral bevel gears are an important drive system components of rotorcraft (helicopters) currently in use. In this application the spiral bevel gears are required to transmit very high torque at high rotational speed. Available experimental data on the operational characteristics for thermal and structural behavior is relatively small in comparison to that found for parallel axis gears. An ongoing test program has been in place at NASA Glenn Research Center over the last ten years to investigate their operational behavior at operating conditions found in aerospace applications. This paper will summarize the results of the tests conducted on face-milled spiral bevel gears. The data from the pinion member (temperature and stress) were taken at conditions from slow-roll to 14400 rpm and up to 537 kW (720 hp). The results have shown that operating temperature is affected by the location of the lubricating jet with respect to the point it is injected and the operating conditions that are imposed. Also the stress measured from slow-roll to very high rotational speed, at various torque levels, indicated little dynamic affect over the rotational speeds tested.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

Spatial Factors in the Integration of Speed Information

We reported that, for a 21FC task with multiple Gabor patches in each interval, thresholds for speed discrimination decreased with the number of patches, while simply increasing the area of a single patch produced no such effect. This result could be explained by multiple patches reducing spatial uncertainty. However, the fact that thresholds decrease with number even when the patches are in fixed positions argues against this explanation. We therefore performed additional experiments to explore the lack of an area effect. Three observers did a 21FC speed discrimination task with 6 Gabor patches in each interval, and were asked to pick the interval in which the gratings moved faster. The 50% contrast patches were placed on a circle at 4 deg. eccentricity, either equally spaced and maximally separated (hexagonal array), or closely-spaced, in consecutive positions (string of pearls). For the string-of-pearls condition, the grating phases were either random, or consistent with a full-field grating viewed through multiple Gaussian windows. When grating phases were random, the thresholds for the hexagonal and string-of-pearls layouts were indistinguishable. For the string-of-pearls layout, thresholds in the consistent-phase condition were higher by 15 +/- 6% than in the random-phase condition. (Thresholds increased by 57 +/- 7% in going from 6 patches to a single patch of equivalent area.). For random-phase patches, the lower thresholds for 6 patches does not depend on a specific spacing or spatial layout. Multiple, closely-spaced, consistent-phase patches that can be interpreted as a single grating, result in thresholds closer to that produced by a single patch. Together, our results suggest that object segmentation may play a role in the integration of speed information.

Verghese, P.↗

Long-term Enhancements in Solar Wind Speed

Long-term enhancements in solar wind speed over timescales on the order of a year appear to be a common feature throughout the heliosphere over heliocentric distances that range from less than 0.72 AU to greater than 60. The origin of these events remains to be determined, but they are almost certainly associated with long-term variations at the solar wind source, in contrast with smaller-scale structures such as CIRs, MIRs, and GMIRs which are dynamical in origin. We present a survey of the long-term speed enhancements observed at the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO), IMP 8, Voyager 2, and Pioneer 10 between 1974 and 1994 and compare this with published reports of smaller-scale events such as MIRs. We examine several of these long-term speed enhancements in detail to identify and characterize aspects of their structure, then describe how that structure evolves with heliocentric distance. Finally we discuss some of the implications of these events.

Gazis, P. R.↗

Testing of Face-milled Spiral Bevel Gears at High-speed and Load

Spiral bevel gears are an important drive system components of rotorcraft (helicopters) currently in use. In this application the spiral bevel gears are required to transmit very high torque at high rotational speed. Available experimental data on the operational characteristics for thermal and structural behavior is relatively small in comparison to that found for parallel axis gears. An ongoing test program has been in place at NASA Glenn Research Center over the last ten years to investigate their operational behavior at operating conditions found in aerospace applications. This paper will summarize the results of the tests conducted on face-milled spiral bevel gears. The data from the pinion member (temperature and stress) were taken at conditions from slow-roll to 14400 rpm and up to 537 kW (720 hp). The results have shown that operating temperature is affected by the location of the lubricating jet with respect to the point it is injected and the operating conditions that are imposed. Also the stress measured from slow-roll to very high rotational speed, at various torque levels, indicated little dynamic affect over the rotational speeds tested.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

Piloted Simulation Assessment of a High-Speed Civil Transport Configuration

An assessment of a proposed configuration of a high-speed civil transport was conducted by using NASA and industry research pilots. The assessment was conducted to evaluate operational aspects of the configuration from a pilot's perspective, with the primary goal being to identify potential deficiencies in the configuration. The configuration was evaluated within and at the limits of the design operating envelope to determine the suitability of the configuration to maneuver in a typical mission as well as in emergency or envelope-limit conditions. The Cooper-Harper rating scale was used to evaluate the flying qualities of the configuration. A summary flying qualities metric was also calculated. The assessment was performed in the Langley six-degree-of-freedom Visual Motion Simulator. The effect of a restricted cockpit field-of-view due to obstruction by the vehicle nose was not included in this study. Tasks include landings, takeoffs, climbs, descents, overspeeds, coordinated turns, and recoveries from envelope limit excursions. Emergencies included engine failures, loss of stability augmentation, engine inlet unstarts, and emergency descents. Minimum control speeds and takeoff decision, rotation, and safety speeds were also determined.

Jackson, E. Bruce↗

Sensitivity of Global Sea-Air CO2 Flux to Gas Transfer Algorithms, Climatological Wind Speeds, and Variability of Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity

Sensitivity analyses of sea-air CO2 flux to gas transfer algorithms, climatological wind speeds, sea surface temperatures (SST) and salinity (SSS) were conducted for the global oceans and selected regional domains. Large uncertainties in the global sea-air flux estimates are identified due to different gas transfer algorithms, global climatological wind speeds, and seasonal SST and SSS data. The global sea-air flux ranges from -0.57 to -2.27 Gt/yr, depending on the combination of gas transfer algorithms and global climatological wind speeds used. Different combinations of SST and SSS global fields resulted in changes as large as 35% on the oceans global sea-air flux. An error as small as plus or minus 0.2 in SSS translates into a plus or minus 43% deviation on the mean global CO2 flux. This result emphasizes the need for highly accurate satellite SSS observations for the development of remote sensing sea-air flux algorithms.

McClain, Charles R.↗

The Speed of Axial Propagation of a Cylindrical Bubble Through a Cylindrical Vortex

Inspired by the rapid elongation of air columns injected into vortices by dolphins, we present an exact inviscid solution for the axial speed (assumed steady) of propagation of the tip of a semi-infinite cylindrical bubble along the axis of a cylindrical vortex. The bubble is assumed to be held at constant pressure by being connected to a reservoir, the lungs of the dolphin, say. For a given bubble pressure, there is a modest critical rotation rate above which steadily propagating bubbles exist. For a bubble at ambient pressure, the propagation speed of the bubble (relative to axial velocity within the vortex) varies between 0.5 and 0.6 of the maximum rotational speed of the vortex. Surprisingly, the bubble tip can propagate (almost as rapidly) even when the pressure minimum in the vortex core is greater than the bubble pressure; in this case, solutions exhibit a dimple on the nose of the bubble. A situation important for incipient vortex cavitation, and one which dolphins also demonstrate, is elongation of a free bubble, i.e., one whose internal pressure may vary. Under the assumption that the acceleration term is small (checked a posteriori), the steady solution is applied at each instant during the elongation. Three types of behavior are then possible depending on physical parameters and initial conditions: (A) Unabated elongation with slowly increasing bubble pressure, and nearly constant volume. Volume begins to decrease in the late stages. (B1) Elongation with decreasing bubble pressure. A limit point of the steady solution is encountered at a finite bubble length. (B2) Unabated elongation with decreasing bubble pressure and indefinite creation of volume. This is made possible by the existence of propagating solutions at bubble pressures below the minimum vortex pressure. As the bubble stretches, its radius initially decreases but then becomes constant; this is also observed in experiments on incipient vortex cavitation.

Shariff, Karim↗

Scientific Visualization in High Speed Network Environments

In several cases, new visualization techniques have vastly increased the researcher's ability to analyze and comprehend data. Similarly, the role of networks in providing an efficient supercomputing environment have become more critical and continue to grow at a faster rate than the increase in the processing capabilities of supercomputers. A close relationship between scientific visualization and high-speed networks in providing an important link to support efficient supercomputing is identified. The two technologies are driven by the increasing complexities and volume of supercomputer data. The interaction of scientific visualization and high-speed networks in a Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation/visualization environment are given. Current capabilities supported by high speed networks, supercomputers, and high-performance graphics workstations at the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility (NAS) at NASA Ames Research Center are described. Applied research in providing a supercomputer visualization environment to support future computational requirements are summarized.

Vaziri, Arsi↗

The Material With a Need for Speed

PETI-5 is the commonly used term for phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomers, and the 5 refers to the fifth formulation out of 200 compositions. It is a chemical material that can be used as both a resin and an adhesive. Prepared from commercially available materials, PETI-5 combines superb mechanical properties and extreme durability with easy processing and environmental stability. For example, the material has temperature capabilities of 350 ?F for a lifetime of around 60,000 hours. Curing is done with the application of heat and mild pressure, which results in the formation of a strong, resistant polymer. Due to its unique combination of benefits, PETI-5 will be used in the development of the high speed civil transport (HSCT), a concept 300- passenger commercial plane that will travel at a speed of Mach 2.4. Because currently available metals are too heavy and cannot withstand the extreme high temperatures resulting from flying at such high speeds, composite materials made from graphite fibers and PETI-5 are necessary. These

Source record↗

Comparison of the 10x10 and the 8x6 Supersonic Wind Tunnels at the NASA Glenn Research Center for Low-Speed (Subsonic) Operation

NASA Glenn Research Center and Lockheed Martin tested an aircraft model in two wind tunnels to compare low-speed (subsonic) flow characteristics. Test objectives were to determine and document similarities and uniqueness of the tunnels and to verify that the 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel (10x10 SWT) is a viable low-speed test facility when compared to the 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel (8x6 SWT). Conclusions are that the data from the two facilities compares very favorably and that the 10-by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center is a viable low-speed wind tunnel.

Hoffman, Thomas R.↗

Testing of Face-Milled Spiral Bevel Gears at High-Speed and Load

Spiral bevel gears are important drive system components of rotorcraft (helicopters) currently in use. In this application the spiral bevel gears are required to transmit very high torque at high rotational speed. Available experimental data on the operational characteristics for thermal and structural behavior is relatively small in comparison to that found for parallel axis gears. An ongoing test program has been in place at NASA Glenn Research Center over the last ten years to investigate their operational behavior at operating conditions found in aerospace applications. This paper will summarize the results of the tests conducted on face-milled spiral bevel gears. The data from the pinion member (temperature and stress) were taken at conditions from slow-roll to 14400 rpm and up to 537 kW (720 hp). The results have shown that operating temperature is affected by the location of the lubricating jet with respect to the point it is injected and the operating conditions that are imposed. Also the stress measured from slow-roll to very high rotational speed, at various torque levels, indicated little dynamic affect over the rotational speeds tested.

Handschuch, Robert F.↗

Extreme Speeds and Thermodynamic States in Supersonic Flight

The increasing importance of high-speed flow leads to similar problems in various fields of research which are summarized in what follows. Typical of all cases is the conversion of high kinetic energy into extreme thermodynamic states with temperatures of several thousand degrees, frequently connected with dissociation and ionization of the gas involved. There is also a characteristic small sensitivity to the processes discussed in the case of gases of low molecular weight (light gases). The penetration of meteors into the atmosphere of the earth at astronomical speeds results in temperatures higher than those of the surface of the sun. Such temperatures may be produced in shock tubes, with light gases used as the driving gas. For supersonic fighters the problem of propulsion is less difficult to solve than the problem of large heating, on the surface and in the combustion chamber. Finally, for the space-travel rocket, astronomical speeds have to be reached which require the lightest possible gases as propellants. Here again, dissociation processes in the combustion chamber are of considerable importance.

Oswatitsch, Klaus↗

Vortex Flows at Supersonic Speeds

A review of research conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) into high-speed vortex flows during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s is presented. The data are for flat plates, cavities, bodies, missiles, wings, and aircraft with Mach numbers of 1.5 to 4.6. Data are presented to show the types of vortex structures that occur at supersonic speeds and the impact of these flow structures on vehicle performance and control. The data show the presence of both small- and large-scale vortex structures for a variety of vehicles, from missiles to transports. For cavities, the data show very complex multiple vortex structures exist at all combinations of cavity depth to length ratios and Mach number. The data for missiles show the existence of very strong interference effects between body and/or fin vortices. Data are shown that highlight the effect of leading-edge sweep, leading-edge bluntness, wing thickness, location of maximum thickness, and camber on the aerodynamics of and flow over delta wings. Finally, a discussion of a design approach for wings that use vortex flows for improved aerodynamic performance at supersonic speeds is presented.

Wood, Richard M.↗

Supersonic Jet Exhaust Noise at High Subsonic Flight Speed

An empirical model to predict the effects of flight on the noise from a supersonic transport is developed. This model is based on an analysis of the exhaust jet noise from high subsonic flights of the F-15 ACTIVE Aircraft. Acoustic comparisons previously attainable only in a wind tunnel were accomplished through the control of both flight operations and exhaust nozzle exit diameter. Independent parametric variations of both flight and exhaust jet Mach numbers at given supersonic nozzle pressure ratios enabled excellent correlations to be made for both jet broadband shock noise and jet mixing noise at flight speeds up to Mach 0.8. Shock noise correlated with flight speed and emission angle through a Doppler factor exponent of about 2.6. Mixing noise at all downstream angles was found to correlate well with a jet relative velocity exponent of about 7.3, with deviations from this behavior only at supersonic eddy convection speeds and at very high flight Mach numbers. The acoustic database from the flight test is also provided.

Norum, Thomas D.↗

Low and High Speed STOVL Configurations in Ground Effect

The problem of hot gas ingestion in V/STOL and STOVL aircraft has motivated a set of experimental studies. Two-, three-, and four-jet configurations in cross flow were studied in ground effect. The results presented here were based on a quantitative, concentration measurement technique know as marker nephelometry. The effects of configuration, velocity ratio (freestream over jet velocity), model height, and inlet suction were investigated. The experiments were conducted in three parts. In the first part, comparisons of low speed two-, three-, and four-jet configurations were made. Measurements were made in the planes beneath the models in ground effect. As the number of jets increased, the vortical structures in the flowfield were found to move further upstream due to the increased total momentum. In the second part of the experiments, measurements were made at the inlet entry plane of the low speed two- and three-jet configurations in ground effect. The results indicated that ingestion occurred intermittently, especially in the upper portions of the inlets. The highest levels of concentrations were measured at a model height of two jet diameters. As the model height increased, the concentration levels decreased. Finally, a high speed, two-jet configuration without inlet suction was studied. The flowfield structures were generally found to move further downstream as the jet velocity increased at a constant velocity ratio.

Holdeman, James D.↗

Interocular velocity difference contributes to stereomotion speed perception

Two experiments are presented assessing the contributions of the rate of change of disparity (CD) and interocular velocity difference (IOVD) cues to stereomotion speed perception. Using a two-interval forced-choice paradigm, the perceived speed of directly approaching and receding stereomotion and of monocular lateral motion in random dot stereogram (RDS) targets was measured. Prior adaptation using dysjunctively moving random dot stimuli induced a velocity aftereffect (VAE). The degree of interocular correlation in the adapting images was manipulated to assess the effectiveness of each cue. While correlated adaptation involved a conventional RDS stimulus, containing both IOVD and CD cues, uncorrelated adaptation featured an independent dot array in each monocular half-image, and hence lacked a coherent disparity signal. Adaptation produced a larger VAE for stereomotion than for monocular lateral motion, implying effects at neural sites beyond that of binocular combination. For motion passing through the horopter, correlated and uncorrelated adaptation stimuli produced equivalent stereomotion VAEs. The possibility that these results were due to the adaptation of a CD mechanism through random matches in the uncorrelated stimulus was discounted in a control experiment. Here both simultaneous and sequential adaptation of left and right eyes produced similar stereomotion VAEs. Motion at uncrossed disparities was also affected by both correlated and uncorrelated adaptation stimuli, but showed a significantly greater VAE in response to the former. These results show that (1) there are two separate, specialised mechanisms for encoding stereomotion: one through IOVD, the other through CD; (2) the IOVD cue dominates the perception of stereomotion speed for stimuli passing through the horopter; and (3) at a disparity pedestal both the IOVD and the CD cues have a significant influence.

Vision, Binocular/physiology↗

Integration of speed signals in the direction of motion

Speed discrimination tasks were used to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of the integration mechanism involved when signals are extended in the direction of motion. We varied the aspect ratio of a signal patch whose speed differed from the background, while holding the area of the signal patch constant, so that the signal patch could be either extended in the direction of motion or extended orthogonal to the direction of motion. Speed discrimination thresholds decreased dramatically as the signal patch was extended in the direction of motion. The spatial and temporal integration regions were larger than would be expected if the integration mechanism were a low-level motion detector. The mechanism was tuned for direction of motion. The data are discussed with reference to two alternative integration mechanisms: a low-level detector that is elongated in the direction of motion and a higher level integration mechanism characterized by cooperative or facilitatory interactions between low-level detectors tuned to the same direction of motion. Our data are consistent with a second-level, direction-specific process that integrates the responses of low-level motion detectors.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

A Parametric Investigation of Nozzle Planform and Internal/External Geometry at Transonic Speeds

An experimental investigation of multidisciplinary (scarfed trailing edge) nozzle divergent flap geometry was conducted at transonic speeds in the NASA Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The geometric parameters investigated include nozzle planform, nozzle contouring location (internal and/or external), and nozzle area ratio (area ratio 1.2 and 2.0). Data were acquired over a range of Mach Numbers from 0.6 to 1.2, angle-of-attack from 0.0 degrees to 9.6 degrees and nozzle pressure ratios from 1.0 to 20.0. Results showed that increasing the rate of change internal divergence angle across the width of the nozzle or increasing internal contouring will decrease static, aeropropulsive and thrust removed drag performance regardless of the speed regime. Also, increasing the rate of change in boattail angle across the width of the nozzle or increasing external contouring will provide the lowest thrust removed drag. Scarfing of the nozzle trailing edges reduces the aeropropulsive performance for the most part and adversely affects the nozzle plume shape at higher nozzle pressure ratios thus increasing the thrust removed drag. The effects of contouring were primary in nature and the effects of planform were secondary in nature. Larger losses occur supersonically than subsonically when scarfing of nozzle trailing edges occurs. The single sawtooth nozzle almost always provided lower thrust removed drag than the double sawtooth nozzles regardless the speed regime. If internal contouring is required, the double sawtooth nozzle planform provides better static and aeropropulsive performance than the single sawtooth nozzle and if no internal contouring is required the single sawtooth provides the highest static and aeropropulsive performance.

Cler, Daniel L.↗