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At least 1,117 records · Page 62

Nacelle and forebody considerations in design for reduced sonic boom

Several aspects of designing for reduced sonic boom were investigated to assess the adequacy of the conventional modified linear theory. For a simple test case of a nacelle with a small forecowl angle (2 degrees) mounted below a flat plate, the linear theory compared favorably for a case with simulated nacelle lift and for a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. In a second study, several methods of analyzing the area distribution due to volume were examined. And finally, in a preliminary study, the effect of forebody shape on the rise time of the bow shock was investigated, indicating a significant increase (several msec) can be obtained by proper forebody shaping.

Haglund, George T.↗

Pitot survey of exhaust flow field of a 2-D scramjet nozzle at Mach 6 with air or freon and argon used for exhaust simulation

A pitot-rake survey of the simulated exhaust of a half-span scramjet nozzle model was conducted in the Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Tunnel to provide an additional data set for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code comparisons. A wind-tunnel model was tested with a 26-tube pitot rake that could be manually positioned along the mid-semispan plane of the model. The model configuration had an external expansion surface of 20 degrees and an internal cowl expansion of 12 degrees; tests were also performed with a flow fence. Tests were conducted at a free-stream Reynolds number of approximately 6.5 x 10(exp 6) per foot and a model angle of attack of -0.75 degrees. The two exhaust gas mediums that were tested were air and a Freon 12-argon mixture. Each medium was tested at two jet total pressures at approximately 28 and 14 psia. This document presents the flow-field survey results in graphical as well as tabular form, and several observations concerning the results are discussed. The surveys reveal the major expected flow-field characteristics for each test configuration. For a 50-percent freon 12 and 50-percent argon mixture by volume (Fr-Ar), the exhaust jet pressures were slightly higher than those for air. The addition of a flow fence slightly raised the pitot pressure for the Fr-Ar mixture, but it produced little change for air. For the Fr-Ar exhaust, the plume was larger and the region between the shock wave and plume was smaller.

Monta, William J.↗

Species and temperature measurement in H2/O2 rocket flow fields by means of Raman scattering diagnostics

Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes developed for prediction and evaluation of rocket performance is hampered by a lack of experimental data. Non-intrusive laser based diagnostics are needed to provide spatially and temporally resolved gas dynamic and fluid dynamic measurements. This paper reports the first non-intrusive temperature and species measurements in the plume of a 110 N gaseous hydrogen/oxygen thruster at and below ambient pressures, obtained with spontaneous Raman spectroscopy. Measurements at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane are compared with predictions from a numerical solution of the axisymmetric Navier-Stokes and species transport equations with chemical kinetics, which fully model the combustor-nozzle-plume flowfield. The experimentally determined oxygen number density at the centerline at 10 mm downstream of the exit plane is four times that predicted by the model. The experimental number density data fall between those numerically predicted for the exit and 10 mm downstream planes in both magnitude and radial gradient. The predicted temperature levels are within 10 to 15 percent of measured values. Some of the discrepancies between experimental data and predictions result from not modeling the three dimensional core flow injection mixing process, facility back pressure effects, and possible diffuser-thruster interactions.

Degroot, Wim A.↗

Overview of high performance aircraft propulsion research

The overall scope of the NASA Lewis High Performance Aircraft Propulsion Research Program is presented. High performance fighter aircraft of interest include supersonic flights with such capabilities as short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) and/or high maneuverability. The NASA Lewis effort involving STOVL propulsion systems is focused primarily on component-level experimental and analytical research. The high-maneuverability portion of this effort, called the High Alpha Technology Program (HATP), is part of a cooperative program among NASA's Lewis, Langley, Ames, and Dryden facilities. The overall objective of the NASA Inlet Experiments portion of the HATP, which NASA Lewis leads, is to develop and enhance inlet technology that will ensure high performance and stability of the propulsion system during aircraft maneuvers at high angles of attack. To accomplish this objective, both wind-tunnel and flight experiments are used to obtain steady-state and dynamic data, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes are used for analyses. This overview of the High Performance Aircraft Propulsion Research Program includes a sampling of the results obtained thus far and plans for the future.

Biesiadny, Thomas J.↗

Comparison of methodologies for describing relaxation in nonequilibrium gaseous systems

The heat transfer process in hypervelocity vehicles is dominated by nonequilibrium gas dynamics. One model used in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes to predict hypervelocity heat transfer is the 'two-temperature' model. An analysis has been made to test the validity of the two-temperature model for predicting another nonequilibrium phenomenon, sound absorption and deviation of signal speed in a high temperature gas. It is found that the two temperature model's prediction capabilities degenerate with increasing temperature. These results are felt to have significance concerning the two-temperature's ability to predict heat transfer in hypervelocity flows.

Schreiber, Willard C.↗

Laser Rayleigh and Raman Diagnostics for Small Hydrogen/oxygen Rockets

Localized velocity, temperature, and species concentration measurements in rocket flow fields are needed to evaluate predictive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and identify causes of poor rocket performance. Velocity, temperature, and total number density information have been successfully extracted from spectrally resolved Rayleigh scattering in the plume of small hydrogen/oxygen rockets. Light from a narrow band laser is scattered from the moving molecules with a Doppler shifted frequency. Two components of the velocity can be extracted by observing the scattered light from two directions. Thermal broadening of the scattered light provides a measure of the temperature, while the integrated scattering intensity is proportional to the number density. Spontaneous Raman scattering has been used to measure temperature and species concentration in similar plumes. Light from a dye laser is scattered by molecules in the rocket plume. Raman spectra scattered from major species are resolved by observing the inelastically scattered light with linear array mounted to a spectrometer. Temperature and oxygen concentrations have been extracted by fitting a model function to the measured Raman spectrum. Results of measurements on small rockets mounted inside a high altitude chamber using both diagnostic techniques are reported.

Degroot, Wilhelmus A.↗

Computational fluid dynamics research

The focus of research in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) area is two fold: (1) to develop new approaches for turbulence modeling so that high speed compressible flows can be studied for applications to entry and re-entry flows; and (2) to perform research to improve CFD algorithm accuracy and efficiency for high speed flows. Research activities, faculty and student participation, publications, and financial information are outlined.

Chandra, Suresh↗

A gridless Euler/Navier-Stokes solution algorithm for complex-aircraft applications

The development of a gridless computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for the solution of the two- and three-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is described. The method uses only clouds of points and does not require that the points be connected to form a grid as is necessary in conventional CFD algorithms. The gridless CFD approach appears to resolve the inefficiencies encountered with structured or unstructured grid methods, and consequently offers great potential for accurately and efficiently solving viscous flows about complex aircraft configurations. The method is described in detail and calculations are presented for standard Euler and Navier-Stokes cases to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the capability.

Batina, John T.↗

Development of code evaluation criteria for assessing predictive capability and performance

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), because of its unique ability to predict complex three-dimensional flows, is being applied with increasing frequency in the aerospace industry. Currently, no consistent code validation procedure is applied within the industry. Such a procedure is needed to increase confidence in CFD and reduce risk in the use of these codes as a design and analysis tool. This final contract report defines classifications for three levels of code validation, directly relating the use of CFD codes to the engineering design cycle. Evaluation criteria by which codes are measured and classified are recommended and discussed. Criteria for selecting experimental data against which CFD results can be compared are outlined. A four phase CFD code validation procedure is described in detail. Finally, the code validation procedure is demonstrated through application of the REACT CFD code to a series of cases culminating in a code to data comparison on the Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Fuel Turbopump Impeller.

Lin, Shyi-Jang↗

Jet-induced ground effects on a parametric flat-plate model in hover

The jet-induced forces generated on short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft when in close proximity to the ground can have a significant effect on aircraft performance. Therefore, accurate predictions of these aerodynamic characteristics are highly desirable. Empirical procedures for estimating jet-induced forces during the vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) portions of the flight envelope are currently limited in accuracy. The jet-induced force data presented significantly add to the current STOVL configurations data base. Further development of empirical prediction methods for jet-induced forces, to provide more configuration diversity and improved overall accuracy, depends on the viability of this STOVL data base. The data base may also be used to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis codes. The hover data obtained at the NASA Ames Jet Calibration and Hover Test (JCAHT) facility for a parametric flat-plate model is presented. The model tested was designed to allow variations in the planform aspect ratio, number of jets, nozzle shape, and jet location. There were 31 different planform/nozzle configurations tested. Each configuration had numerous pressure taps installed to measure the pressures on the undersurface of the model. All pressure data along with the balance jet-induced lift and pitching-moment increments are tabulated. For selected runs, pressure data are presented in the form of contour plots that show lines of constant pressure coefficient on the model undersurface. Nozzle-thrust calibrations and jet flow-pressure survey information are also provided.

Wardwell, Douglas A.↗

Computational fluid dynamics for nuclear thermal propulsion

Viewgraphs on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for nuclear thermal propulsion are presented. Topics covered include: hydrogen mass fraction as a function of chamber temperature; specific enthalpy of hydrogen and mole fraction of hydrogen as a function of chamber pressure; and specific impulse as a function of chamber pressure. Wall configurations of several nozzles are shown.

Stubbs, Robert M.↗

The Center of Excellence for Hypersonics Training and Research at the University of Texas at Austin

Over the period of this grant (1986-92), 23 graduate students were supported by the Center and received education and training in hypersonics through MS and Ph.D. programs. An additional 8 Ph.D. candidates and 2 MS candidates, with their own fellowship support, were attracted to The University of Texas and were recruited into the hypersonics program because of the Center. Their research, supervised by the 10 faculty involved in the Center, resulted in approximately 50 publications and presentations in journals and at national and international technical conferences. To provide broad-based training, a new hypersonics curriculum was created, enabling students to take 8 core classes in theoretical, computational, and experimental hypersonics, and other option classes over a two to four semester period. The Center also developed an active continuing education program. The Hypersonics Short Course was taught 3 times, twice in the USA and once in Europe. Approximately 300 persons were attracted to hear lectures by more than 25 of the leading experts in the field. In addition, a hypersonic aerodynamics short course was offered through AIAA, as well as short courses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and advanced CFD. The existence of the Center also enabled faculty to leverage a substantial volume of additional funds from other agencies, for research and graduate student training. Overall, this was a highly successful and highly visible program.

Dolling, David S.↗

Adaptive EAGLE dynamic solution adaptation and grid quality enhancement

In the effort described here, the elliptic grid generation procedure in the EAGLE grid code was separated from the main code into a subroutine, and a new subroutine which evaluates several grid quality measures at each grid point was added. The elliptic grid routine can now be called, either by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to generate a new adaptive grid based on flow variables and quality measures through multiple adaptation, or by the EAGLE main code to generate a grid based on quality measure variables through static adaptation. Arrays of flow variables can be read into the EAGLE grid code for use in static adaptation as well. These major changes in the EAGLE adaptive grid system make it easier to convert any CFD code that operates on a block-structured grid (or single-block grid) into a multiple adaptive code.

Luong, Phu Vinh↗

The lightcraft project

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been developing a transatmospheric 'Lightcraft' technology which uses beamed laser energy to propel advanced shuttle craft to orbit. In the past several years, Rensselaer students have analyzed the unique combined-cycle Lightcraft engine, designed a small unmanned Lightcraft Technology Demonstrator, and conceptualized larger manned Lightcraft - to name just a few of the interrelated design projects. The 1990-91 class carried out preliminary and detailed design efforts for a one-person 'Mercury' Lightcraft, using computer-aided design and finite-element structural modeling techniques. In addition, they began construction of a 2.6 m-diameter, full-scale engineering prototype mockup. The mockup will be equipped with three robotic legs that 'kneel' for passenger entry and exit. More importantly, the articulated tripod gear is crucial for accurately pointing at, and tracking the laser relay mirrors, a maneuver that must be performed just prior to liftoff. Also accomplished were further design improvements on a 6-inch-diameter Lightcraft model (for testing in RPI's hypersonic tunnel), and new laser propulsion experiments. The resultant experimental data will be used to calibrate Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) codes and analytical laser propulsion models that can simulate vehicle/engine flight conditions along a transatmospheric boost trajectory. These efforts will enable the prediction of distributed aerodynamic and thruster loads over the entire full-scale spacecraft.

Messitt, Don G.↗

Nonintrusive spectroscopic techniques for supersonic/hypersonic aerodynamics and combustion diagnostics

This paper presents an overview of the primary nonintrusive diagnostic techniques being developed by the NASA Langley Research Center to address the validation needs of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) codes. The techniques include absorption in the UV and IR, Laser Induced Fluorescence, electron beam fluorescence, and a number of scattering techniques including Rayleigh, spontaneous Raman, and several coherent Raman spectroscopies. Most of the techniques are highly specialized, require complex data interpretation, and can satisfy only a few of the CFD needs. For these reasons, the evolving trend in flowfield diagnostics appears to favor a mode in which the diagnostic researcher, the experimental aerodynamicist, and the CFD community jointly define experiments based on the aeronautical requirements and on available diagnostic techniques.

Exton, R. J.↗

Gigaflop (billion floating point operations per second) performance for computational electromagnetics

Accurate and rapid evaluation of radar signature for alternative aircraft/store configurations would be of substantial benefit in the evolution of integrated designs that meet radar cross-section (RCS) requirements across the threat spectrum. Finite-volume time domain methods offer the possibility of modeling the whole aircraft, including penetrable regions and stores, at longer wavelengths on today's gigaflop supercomputers and at typical airborne radar wavelengths on the teraflop computers of tomorrow. A structured-grid finite-volume time domain computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based RCS code has been developed at the Rockwell Science Center, and this code incorporates modeling techniques for general radar absorbing materials and structures. Using this work as a base, the goal of the CFD-based CEM effort is to define, implement and evaluate various code development issues suitable for rapid prototype signature prediction.

Shankar, V.↗

A gridless Euler/Navier-Stokes solution algorithm for complex-aircraft applications

The development of a gridless computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method for the solution of the two- and three-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is described. The method uses only clouds of points and does not require that the points be connected to form a grid as a necessary in conventional CFD algorithms. The gridless CFD approach appears to resolve the inefficiencies encountered with structured or unstructured grid methods, and consequently offers great potential for accurately and efficiently solving viscous flows about complex aircraft configurations. The method is described in detail and calculations are presented for standard Euler and Navier-Stokes cases to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the capability.

Batina, John T.↗

Assessment of Total Variation Diminishing schemes in combustion instability problems

Numerical simulations of acoustic waves in a shear layer and in an idealized combustion chamber using high resolution Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) schemes has been carried out to study the effects of inherent scheme dissipation and dispersion errors of this class of problems. The numerical results are compared against available exact solutions to quantify these errors. Several popular TVD limiters widely used in the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) community have been assessed. Osher-Chakravarthy limiters are modified so that they can be used in explicit schemes. Among all the limiters investigated, Osher-Chakravarthy third-order limiter is identified as having performed the best. It is also found that all TVD schemes have exceptionally small dispersive errors.

Wang, Z. J.↗