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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Core compressor exit stage study, 2

A total of two three-stage compressors were designed and tested to determine the effects of aspect ratio on compressor performance. The first compressor was designed with an aspect ratio of 0.81; the other, with an aspect ratio of 1.22. Both compressors had a hub-tip ratio of 0.915, representative of the rear stages of a core compressor, and both were designed to achieve a 15.0% surge margin at design pressure ratios of 1.357 and 1.324, respectively, at a mean wheel speed of 167 m/sec. At design speed the 0.81 aspect ratio compressor achieved a pressure ratio of 1.346 at a corrected flow of 4.28 kg/sec and an adiabatic efficiency of 86.1%. The 1.22 aspect ratio design achieved a pressure ratio of 1.314 at 4.35 kg/sec flow and 87.0% adiabatic efficiency. Surge margin to peak efficiency was 24.0% with the lower aspect ratio blading, compared with 12.4% with the higher aspect ratio blading.

Behlke, R. F.↗

Tests of Two Full-Scale Propellers with Different Pitch Distributions, at Blade Angles up to 60 Degrees

Two 3-blade 10-foot propellers were operated in front of a liquid-cooled engine nacelle. The propellers differed only in pitch distribution; one had normal distribution (nearly constant pitch for a blade angle of 15 degrees at 0.75 radius), and the other had the pitch of the tip sections decreased with respect to that for the shank sections (blade angle of 35 degrees for nearly constant pitch distribution). Propeller blade angles at 0.75r from 15 degrees to sixty degrees, corresponding to design speeds up to 500 miles per hour, were investigated. Propeller blade angles at 0.75r from 15 degrees to 60 degrees, corresponding to design speeds up to 500 miles per hour, were investigated. The results indicated that the propulsive efficiency at a blade angle of 60 degrees was about 9 percent less than the maximum value of 86 percent, which occurred at blade angle of about 30 degrees. The efficiency at a blade angle of 60 degrees was increased about 7 percent by correcting for the effect of a spinner and, at a blade angle of 30 degrees about 3 percent. The peak efficiencies for the propeller having the washed-out pitch distribution were slightly less than for the normal propeller but the take-off efficiency was generally higher.

Biermann, David↗

Fan Stagger Angle for Dirt Rejection

A gas turbine engine includes a spool, a turbine coupled to drive the spool, a propulsor coupled to be rotated about an axis by the turbine through the spool, and a gear assembly coupled between the propulsor and the spool such that rotation of the turbine drives the propulsor at a different speed than the spool. The propulsor includes a hub and a row of propulsor blades that extend from the hub. Each of the propulsor blades has a span between a root at the hub and a tip, and a chord between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The chord forms a stagger angle alpha with the axis, and the stagger angle alpha is less than 15 deg. at a position along the propulsor blade that is within an inboard 20% of the span.

Gallagher, Edward J.↗

Flow visualisation in real-size optical injectors of conventional, additised, and renewable gasoline blends

Research on renewable and alternative fuels is crucial for improving the energy and environmental efficiency of modern gasoline internal combustion engines. To highlight the influence of fuel rheological and thermodynamic properties on phase change and atomisation processes, three types of gasoline blends were tested. More specifically, the campaign comprised a reference gasoline, an ethanol/gasoline blend (10% v/v) representative of renewable fuels, and an additised gasoline sample treated with viscoelasticity-inducing agents. High-speed imaging of the transient two-phase flow field arising in the internal geometry and the near-nozzle spray region of gasoline injectors was performed employing Diffuse Backlight Illumination. The metallic body of a commercial injector was modified to fit transparent tips realising two nozzle layouts, namely a two-hole real size model resembling the Engine Combustion Network spray G injector and an enraged replica with an offset hole. Experiments were conducted at realistic operating conditions comprising an injection pressure of 100 bar and ambient pressures in the range of 0.1–6.0 bar to cover the entire range of chamber pressures prevailing in Gasoline Direct Injection engines. The action of viscoelastic additives was verified to have a suppressive effect on in-nozzle cavitation (6% reduction in cavitation extent) , while also enhancing spray atomisation at flash-boing conditions, in a manner resembling the more volatile gasoline/ethanol blends. Finally, persisting liquid ligaments were found to form after the end of injection for the additised sample, owing to the surfactant nature of the additives.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Cold-air experimental investigation of a turbine with blade trailing edge coolant ejection. 1: Single-stage turbine

Tests were made on a 0.762-meter-tip-diameter research turbine to determine the effect of blade coolant flow on its aerodynamic performance. Both stator and rotor blades had trailing-edge slots for coolant ejection. The turbine was tested over a range of speed and pressure ratio. High primary efficiencies, calculated on the basis of primary air only, were obtained. The efficiency attained was identical to that reported for the turbine from a previous investigation were only slotted stator blades where incorporated in the turbine and tested. And it also compares with results for the turbine with solid blading. Independently varying the rotor coolant flow showed that rotor cooling imposed a severe penalty on turbine efficiency. The thermodynamic efficiency, which accounts for the ideal energies of both blade coolant flows, decreased linearly with rotor coolant at a rate of about 0.7 percent per percent rotor coolant fraction.

Schum, H. J.↗

Core compressor exit stage study, volume 6

Rear stage blading designs that have lower losses in their endwall boundary layer regions were studied. A baseline Stage A was designed as a low-speed model of stage 7 of a 10-stage compressor. Candidate rotors and stators were designed which have the potential of reducing endwall losses relative to the baseline. Rotor B uses a type of meanline in the tip region that unloads the leading edge and loads the trailing edge relative to the baseline rotor A designs. Rotor C incorporates a more skewed (hub strong) radial distribution of total pressure and smoother distribution of static pressure on the rotor tip than those of rotor B. Candidate stator B embodies twist gradients in the endwall region. Stator C embodies airfoil sections near the endwalls that have reduced trailing edge loading relative to stator A. The baseline and candidate bladings were tested using four identical stages to produce a true multistage environment. Single-stage tests were also conducted. The test data were analyzed and performances were compared. Several of the candidate configurations showed a performance improvement relative to the baseline.

Wisler, D. C.↗

Experimental study of a generic high-speed civil transport: Tabulated data

An experimental study of a generic high-speed civil transport was conducted in LaRC's 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel. The data base was obtained for the purpose of assessing the accuracy of various levels of computational analysis. Two models differing only in wing tip geometry were tested with and without flow-through nacelles. The baseline model has a curved or crescent wing tip shape while the second model has a more conventional straight wing tip shape. The study was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.30-1.19. Force data were obtained on both the straight and curved wing tip models. Only the curved wing tip model was instrumented for measuring pressures. Longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic data are presented without analysis in tabulated form. Pressure coefficients for the curved wing tip model are also presented in tabulated form.

Belton, Pamela S.↗

Deterministic blade row interactions in a centrifugal compressor stage

The three-dimensional viscous flow in a low speed centrifugal compressor stage is simulated using an average passage Navier-Stokes analysis. The impeller discharge flow is of the jet/wake type with low momentum fluid in the shroud-pressure side corner coincident with the tip leakage vortex. This nonuniformity introduces periodic unsteadiness in the vane frame of reference. The effect of such deterministic unsteadiness on the time-mean is included in the analysis through the average passage stress, which allows the analysis of blade row interactions. The magnitude of the divergence of the deterministic unsteady stress is of the order of the divergence of the Reynolds stress over most of the span, from the impeller trailing edge to the vane throat. Although the potential effects on the blade trailing edge from the diffuser vane are small, strong secondary flows generated by the impeller degrade the performance of the diffuser vanes.

Kirtley, K. R.↗

The Aerodynamic Optimization of Wings at Subsonic Speeds and the Influence of Wingtip Design

Some of the objectives of modern aircraft development are related to the achievement of reduced fuel consumption and aircraft noise. This investigation is mainly concerned with the aerodynamic aspects of aircraft development, i.e., reduction of induced drag. New studies of wing design, and in particular wing tips, are considered. Induced drag is important since, in cruising flight, it accounts for approximately one-third of the entire drag for the aircraft, and one-half while climbing. A survey is presented for the wing geometries and wing tip designs studied, and theoretical investigations of different planar wings with systematically varied wing tip forms are conducted. Attention is also paid to a theoretical study of some planar and nonplanar wings and their comparison with experimental data.

Zimmer, H.↗

Spray process of multi-component gasoline surrogate fuel under ECN Spray G conditions

As modern gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines utilize sophisticated injection strategies, a detailed understanding of the air-fuel mixing process is crucial to further improvements in engine emission and fuel economy. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the spray process of single-component iso-octane (IC8) and multi-component gasoline surrogate E00 (36 % n-pentane, 46 % iso-octane, and 18 % n-undecane, by volume) fuels was conducted using an Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray G injector. High-speed extinction, schlieren, and microscopy imaging campaigns were carried out under engine-like ambient conditions in a spray vessel. Experimental results including liquid/vapor penetration, local liquid volume fraction, droplet size, and projected liquid film on the nozzle tip were compared under ECN G1 (573 K, 3.5 kg/m 3 ), G2 (333 K, 0.5 kg/m 3 ), and G3 (333 K, 1.01 kg/m 3 ) conditions. In addition to the experiments, preferential evaporation process of the E00 fuel was elucidated by Large–Eddy Simulations (LES). The three-dimensional liquid volume fraction measurement enabled by the computed tomographic reconstruction showed substantial plume collapse for E00 under the G2 and G3 conditions having wider plume growth and plume-to-plume interaction due to the fuel high vapor pressure. Here, the CFD simulation of E00 showed an inhomogeneity in the way fuel components vaporized, with more volatile components carried downstream in the spray after the end of injection. The high vapor pressure of E00 also results in ~4 μm smaller average droplet diameter than IC8, reflecting a higher rate of initial vaporization even though the final boiling point temperature is higher. Consistent with high vapor pressure, E00 had a wider plume cone angle and enhanced interaction with the wall to cover the entire surface of the nozzle tip in a film. However, the liquid fuel underwent faster evaporation, so the final projected tip wetting area was smaller than the IC8 under the flash-boiling condition.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Computerized aerodynamic design of a transonically 'quiet' blade

The high noise levels produced by helicopters are major sources of concern. There are many sources of the noise, but during high-speed forward flight, impulsive noise dominates the noise spectrum. The cause of the high-speed impulsive noise is the propagation into the far field of shock waves that form on the advancing blade. This mechanism has been labeled 'delocalization'. It has been shown, however, that by judicious design of the blade-tip planform, delocalization can be prevented. The objective of the present study is to illustrate how blade-tip configurations (both planform and airfoil shape) can be systematically varied to identify shapes that avoid delocalization and simultaneously improve aerodynamic performance. This has been done using the latest version of the ROT22 transonic, full-potential, quasi-steady, rotor flow-field code. A hypothetical modern rotor blade was postulated, and tip modifications consisting of taper, sweep, and airfoil section alterations were investigated. Planform modifications were found to be most effective in eliminating delocalization.

Tauber, M. E.↗

CFD Computation of Broadband Fan Interaction Noise

In this study, a 3-D, unsteady, Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes CFD code coupled to an acoustic calculation is used to predict the contribution of the exit guide vanes to broadband fan noise. The configuration investigated is that corresponding to the NASA Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) 22-in fan rig. Then an acoustic model introduced by Nallasamy which is based on 2-D strip theory is used to compute the broadband rotor-stator interaction noise. One configuration from the SDT matrix is considered here: the fan speed correlating to approach, and outlet guide vane count designed for cut-off of the blade passage frequency. Thus, in the chosen configuration, there are 22 rotor blades and 54 stator blades. The stators are located 2.5 tip chords downstream of the rotor trailing edge. The RANS computations are used to obtain the spectra of the unsteady surface pressure on the exit guide vanes. This surface pressure is then integrated together with the Green's function for and infinite cylindrical duct to obtain the acoustic field. The results from this investigation validate the use of the CFD code along with the acoustic model for broadband fan noise predictions. The validation enables future investigations such as the determination of rotor tip clearance and stator solidity effects on fan rotor-stator interaction noise.

Grace, Sheryl M.↗

Further comparison of wind tunnel and airplane acoustic data for advanced design high speed propeller models

Comparisons were made between the SR-2 and SR-3 model propeller noise data taken in the NASA 8-by-6 wind tunnel, in the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) anechoic tunnel, and with boom and fuselage microphones on the NASA Jetstar airplane. Plots of peak blade passage tone noise versus helical tip Mach number generally showed good agreement. The levels of the airplane fuselage data were somewhat lower than the boom data by an approximately uniform value. The curve shapes were similar except for the UTRC data which was flatter than the other sets. This was attributed to the UTRC data being taken at constant power while the other data were taken at constant advance ratio. General curves of the peak blade passage tone versus helical tip Mach number fit through all the data are also presented. Directivity shape comparisons at the cruise condition were similar for the airplane and 8-by-6 tunnel data. The UTRC data peaked farther forward but, when an angle correction was made for the different axial Mach number used in the UTRC tests, the shape was similar to the others. The general agreement of the data from the four configurations enables the formation of a good consensus of the noise from these propellers.

Dittmar, J. H.↗

Installed propfan (SR-7L) far-field noise characteristics

Far-field noise characteristics of the SR-7L single-rotor propfan were obtained from the Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) aircraft flight tests. The aircraft was flown at low altitudes (about 310m) above the ground at a constant speed of about 92 m/sec. The acoustic data were acquired with an array of ground-flush microphones positioned on both sides of the flight path. Propfan-generated noise levels were extracted from the total aircraft noise, and these data were then used to study the far-field noise characteristics. The directivities at the polar and azimuthal planes, and the variations of the blade-order tone levels with propfan power and blade tip Mach number were derived. The effect of inflow angle was studied by changing the nacelle tilt angle. The levels and the directivity were very sensitive to the nacelle tilt angle (i.e., inflow angle). The noise levels in the aft quadrant were found to be higher than in the forward quadrant. Also, the noise levels on the starboard side of the aircraft were found to be higher than on the port side. The noise levels increase with propfan power and rotational speed.

Reddy, N. N.↗

A Comparison of Fuel Sprays from Several Types of Injection Nozzles

This report presents the tests results of a series of tests made of the sprays from 14 fuel injection nozzles of 9 different types, the sprays being injected into air at atmospheric density and at 6 and 14 times atmospheric density. High-speed spark photographs of the sprays from each nozzle at each air density were taken at the rate of 2,000 per second, and from them were obtained the dimensions of the sprays and the rates of spray-tip penetration. The sprays were also injected against plasticine targets placed at different distances from the nozzles, and the impressions made in the plasticine were used as an indication of the distribution of the fuel within the spray. Cross-sectional sketches of the different types of sprays are given showing the relative sizes of the spray cores and envelopes. The characteristics of the sprays are compared and discussed with respect to their application to various types of engines.

Lee, Dana W↗

Grid Resolution Study over Operability Space for a Mach 1.7 Low Boom External Compression Inlet

This paper presents a statistical methodology whereby the probability limits associated with CFD grid resolution of inlet flow analysis can be determined which provide quantitative information on the distribution of that error over the specified operability range. The objectives of this investigation is to quantify the effects of both random (accuracy) and systemic (biasing) errors associated with grid resolution in the analysis of the Lockheed Martin Company (LMCO) N+2 Low Boom external compression supersonic inlet. The study covers the entire operability space as defined previously by the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) High Speed Research (HSR) program goals. The probability limits in terms of a 95.0% confidence interval on the analysis data were evaluated for four ARP1420 inlet metrics, namely (1) total pressure recovery (PFAIP), (2) radial hub distortion (DPH/P), (3) ) radial tip distortion (DPT/P), and (4) ) circumferential distortion (DPC/P). In general, the resulting +/-0.95 delta Y interval was unacceptably large in comparison to the stated goals of the HSCT program. Therefore, the conclusion was reached that the "standard grid" size was insufficient for this type of analysis. However, in examining the statistical data, it was determined that the CFD analysis results at the outer fringes of the operability space were the determining factor in the measure of statistical uncertainty. Adequate grids are grids that are free of biasing (systemic) errors and exhibit low random (precision) errors in comparison to their operability goals. In order to be 100% certain that the operability goals have indeed been achieved for each of the inlet metrics, the Y+/-0.95 delta Y limit must fall inside the stated operability goals. For example, if the operability goal for DPC/P circumferential distortion is ≤0.06, then the forecast Y for DPC/P plus the 95% confidence interval on DPC/P, i.e. +/-0.95 delta Y, must all be less than or equal to 0.06.

Grid↗

Toward Transition Modeling in a Hypersonic Boundary Layer at Flight Conditions

An accurate physics-based transition prediction method integrated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers is pursued for hypersonic boundary layer flows over slender hypersonic vehicles at flight conditions. The geometry and flow conditions are selected to match relevant trajectory locations from the ascent phase of the HIFiRE-1 flight experiment, namely, a 7-degree half-angle cone with 2.5 mm nose radius, freestream Mach numbers in the range of 3.8 – 5.5 and freestream unit Reynolds numbers in the range of 3.3 × 10(exp 6) – 21.4 × 10(exp 6) m(exp -1). Earlier research had shown that the onset of transition during the HIFiRE-1 flight experiment correlated with an amplification factor of N ≈ 13.5 for the planar Mack modes. However, to incorporate the N-factor correlations into a CFD code, we investigate surrogate models for disturbance amplification that avoid the direct computation of stability characteristics. A commonly used approach for low-speed flows is based on an a priori database of stability characteristics for locally similar profiles. However, the results presented in this paper demonstrate that the application of this approach to hypersonic boundary layers over blunt spherical nose-tip cones leads to large, unacceptable errors in the predictions of amplification factors, mainly due to its failure in accounting for the effects of the entropy layer on the boundary-layer profiles along the length of the model. We propose and demonstrate an alternate approach that employs the stability computations for a canonical set of blunt cone configurations to train a physics-informed convolutional neural network model that is shown to provide substantially improved transition predictions for hypersonic flow configurations with entropy-layer effects. Furthermore, the excellent performance of the neural network model is also confirmed for cone configurations with nose radius and half-angle values that do not correspond to those used to build the database. Finally, the convolutional neural network model is shown to outperform the linear stability calculations for underresolved basic states.

Pedro Paredes↗

Johns Hopkins University Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) Test Results

Professor J. Katz at the Johns Hopkins University conducted an experimental investigation of the effect of varying the clearance over the tip of a compressor rotor in an embedded stage through a NASA funded award. The activity provided very detailed stereo Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the tip flow field in their optically index-matched facility. The researchers were able to measure and visualize the unsteady velocity and pressure field in the tip gap area for the first time from which they have published more than 10 Journal papers. The dataset has been used widely within NASA for internal program development. The compressor geometry is part of the NASA Low-Speed Axial Compressor (LSAC) compressor stage geometry which is publicly available. All the casing treatment geometries were published by the researchers at JHU. The PIV data has also been published in several ASME papers and presented at recent TurboExpo Conferences. Many research groups at universities and US industry would like access to this data; therefore, we would like to prepare the data package and release it to public. The data package will be announced on data.nasa.gov.

Compressor↗