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At least 1,207 records · Page 67

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NASA NTRS1996

Assessment of Lifting Body Linear Aerospike Plume Effects on Vehicle Aerodynamics

The lifting body/linear aerospike is one of three configurations being studied for a single stage to orbit (SSTO) vehicle. A preliminary aerodynamics database existed for then current lifting body configurations, however, this database was developed without considering plume effects. A combined effort by the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Experimental Fluids Dynamics Branches was undertaken to determine first order effects of plume/external flow interactions on vehicle aerodynamics of this lifting body/linear aerospike configuration. Of interest were plume pumping/entrainment at low Mach numbers and plume induced separation of flow over the vehicle at higher altitudes. The CFD analysis included combinations of four Mach numbers, two angles of attack, and four throttle settings. The majority of the CFD was two dimensional centerline analysis of the lifting body/aerospike. Incremental plume effects were derived by comparing the power-on, power-off, and throttled cases and were extrapolated to the preliminary aerodynamic database. The plume had little effect on the vehicle aerodynamics for supersonic freestream velocities. At subsonic freestream velocities, the plume affected the vehicle aerodynamics through both jet pumping/entrainment and the jet flap effect.

Ruf, Joseph H.↗

NASA NTRS1996

A Coupled CFD/FEM Structural Analysis to Determine Deformed Shapes of the RSRM Inhibitors

Recent trends towards an increase in the stiffness of the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) insulation material used in the construction of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) propellant inhibitors prompted questions about possible effects on RSRM performance. The specific objectives of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) task included: (1) the definition of pressure loads to calculate the deformed shape of stiffer inhibitors, (2) the calculation of higher port velocities over the inhibitors to determine shifts in the vortex shedding or edge tone frequencies, and (3) the quantification of higher slag impingement and collection rates on the inhibitors and in the submerged nose nozzle cavity.

Dill, Richard A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Numerical modeling of spray combustion with an advanced VOF method

This paper summarizes the technical development and validation of a multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical method using the volume-of-fluid (VOF) model and a Lagrangian tracking model which can be employed to analyze general multiphase flow problems with free surface mechanism. The gas-liquid interface mass, momentum and energy conservation relationships are modeled by continuum surface mechanisms. A new solution method is developed such that the present VOF model can be applied for all-speed flow regimes. The objectives of the present study are to develop and verify the fractional volume-of-fluid cell partitioning approach into a predictor-corrector algorithm and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present approach by simulating benchmark problems including laminar impinging jets, shear coaxial jet atomization and shear coaxial spray combustion flows.

Chen, Yen-Sen↗

NASA NTRS1996

Heat Transfer Experiments in the Internal Cooling Passages of a Cooled Radial Turbine Rotor

An experimental study was conducted (1) to experimentally measure, assess and analyze the heat transfer within the internal cooling configuration of a radial turbine rotor blade and (2) to obtain heat transfer data to evaluate and improve computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedures and turbulent transport models of internal coolant flows. A 1.15 times scale model of the coolant passages within the NASA LERC High Temperature Radial Turbine was designed, fabricated of Lucite and instrumented for transient beat transfer tests using thin film surface thermocouples and liquid crystals to indicate temperatures. Transient heat transfer tests were conducted for Reynolds numbers of one-fourth, one-half, and equal to the operating Reynolds number for the NASA Turbine. Tests were conducted for stationary and rotating conditions with rotation numbers in the range occurring in the NASA Turbine. Results from the experiments showed the heat transfer characteristics within the coolant passage were affected by rotation. In general, the heat transfer increased and decreased on the sides of the straight radial passages with rotation as previously reported from NASA-HOST-sponsored experiments. The heat transfer in the tri-passage axial flow region adjacent to the blade exit was relatively unaffected by rotation. However, the heat transfer on one surface, in the transitional region between the radial inflow passage and axial, constant radius passages, decreased to approximately 20 percent of the values without rotation. Comparisons with previous 3-D numerical studies indicated regions where the heat transfer characteristics agreed and disagreed with the present experiment.

Johnson, B. V.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Aerodynamic Characteristics of Two Waverider-Derived Hypersonic Cruise Configurations

An evaluation was made on the effects of integrating the required aircraft components with hypersonic high-lift configurations known as waveriders to create hypersonic cruise vehicles. Previous studies suggest that waveriders offer advantages in aerodynamic performance and propulsion/airframe integration (PAI) characteristics over conventional non-waverider hypersonic shapes. A wind-tunnel model was developed that integrates vehicle components, including canopies, engine components, and control surfaces, with two pure waverider shapes, both conical-flow-derived waveriders for a design Mach number of 4.0. Experimental data and limited computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions were obtained over a Mach number range of 1.6 to 4.63. The experimental data show the component build-up effects and the aerodynamic characteristics of the fully integrated configurations, including control surface effectiveness. The aerodynamic performance of the fully integrated configurations is not comparable to that of the pure waverider shapes, but is comparable to previously tested hypersonic models. Both configurations exhibit good lateral-directional stability characteristics.

Cockrell, Charles E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Performance Analysis of Two Early NACA High Speed Propellers with Application to Civil Tiltrotor Configurations

The helicopter industry is vigorously pursuing development of civil tiltrotors. One key to efficient high speed performance of this rotorcraft is prop-rotor performance. Of equal, if not greater, importance is assurance that the flight envelope is free of aeroelastic instabilities well beyond currently envisioned cuise speeds. This later condition requires study at helical tip Match numbers well in excess of 1.0. Two 1940's 'supersonic' propeller experiments conducted by NACA have provided an immensely valuable data bank with which to study prop-rotor behavior at transonic and supersonic helical tip Mach numbers. Very accurate 'blades alone' data were obtained by using nearly an infinite hub. Tabulated data were recreated from the many thrust and power figures and are included in two Appendices to this report. This data set is exceptionally well suited to re-evaluating classical blade element theories as well as evolving computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses. A limited comparison of one propeller's experimental results to a modem rotorcraft CFD code is made. This code, referred to as TURNS, gives very encouraging results. Detailed analysis of the performance data from both propellers is provided in Appendix A. This appendix quantifies the minimum power required to produce usable prop-rotor thrust. The dependence of minimum profile power on Reynolds number is quantified. First order compressibility power losses are quantified as well and a first approximation to design air-foil thickness ratio to avoid compressibility losses is provided. Appendix A's results are applied to study high speed civil tiltrotor cruise performance. Predicted tiltrotor performance is compared to two turboprop commercial transports. The comparison shows that there is no fundamental aerodynamic reason why the rotorcraft industry could not develop civil tiltrotor aircraft which have competitive cruise performance with today's regional, turboprop airlines. Recommendations for future study that will insure efficient prop-rotor performance to well beyond 400 knots are given.

Harris, Franklin D.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Turbulence Modeling: Progress and Future Outlook

Progress in the development of the hierarchy of turbulence models for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes codes used in aerodynamic applications is reviewed. Steady progress is demonstrated, but transfer of the modeling technology has not kept pace with the development and demands of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. An examination of the process of model development leads to recommendations for a mid-course correction involving close coordination between modelers, CFD developers, and application engineers. In instances where the old process is changed and cooperation enhanced, timely transfer is realized. A turbulence modeling information database is proposed to refine the process and open it to greater participation among modeling and CFD practitioners.

Marvin, Joseph G.↗

NASA NTRS1996

LES, DNS, and RANS for the Analysis of High-Speed Turbulent Reacting Flows

A filtered density function (FDF) method suitable for chemically reactive flows is developed in the context of large eddy simulation. The advantage of the FDF methodology is its inherent ability to resolve subgrid scales (SGS) scalar correlations that otherwise have to be modeled. Because of the lack of robust models to accurately predict these correlations in turbulent reactive flows, simulations involving turbulent combustion are often met with a degree of skepticism. The FDF methodology avoids the closure problem associated with these terms and treats the reaction in an exact manner. The scalar FDF approach is particularly attractive since it can be coupled with existing hydrodynamic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes.

Colucci, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Atomization simulations using an Eulerian-VOF-Lagrangian method

This paper summarizes the technical development and validation of a multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical method using the volume-of-fluid (VOF) model and a Lagrangian tracking model which can be employed to analyze general multiphase flow problems with free surface mechanism. The gas-liquid interface mass, momentum and energy conservations are modeled by continuum surface mechanisms. A new solution method is developed such that the present VOF model can be applied for all-speed flow regimes. The objectives of the present study are to develop and verify the fractional volume-of-fluid cell partitioning approach into a predictor-corrector algorithm and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the present innovative approach by simulating benchmark problems including the coaxial jet atomization.

Chen, Yen-Sen↗

NASA NTRS1996

Multiphase Flow: The Gravity of the Situation

A brief survey is presented of flow patterns in two-phase, gas-liquid flows at normal and microgravity, the differences between them being explored. It seems that the flow patterns in zero gravity are in general much simpler than those in normal gravity with only three main regimes (namely bubbly, slug and annular flows) being observed. Each of these three regimes is then reviewed, with particular reference to identification of areas of study where investigation of flows at microgravity might not only be interesting in themselves, but also throw light on mechanisms at normal earth gravity. In bubbly flow, the main area of interest seems to be that of bubble coalescence. In slug flow, the extension of simple displacement experiments to the zero gravity case would appear to be a useful option, supplemented by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies. For annular flow, the most interesting area appears to be the study of the mechanisms of disturbance waves; it should be possible to extend the region of investigation of the onset and behavior of these waves to much low gas velocities where measurements are clearly much easier.

Hewitt, Geoffrey F.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Dynamic Inlet Distortion Prediction with a Combined Computational Fluid Dynamics and Distortion Synthesis Approach

A procedure has been developed for predicting peak dynamic inlet distortion. This procedure combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and distortion synthesis analysis to obtain a prediction of peak dynamic distortion intensity and the associated instantaneous total pressure pattern. A prediction of the steady state total pressure pattern at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane is first obtained using an appropriate CFD flow solver. A corresponding inlet turbulence pattern is obtained from the CFD solution via a correlation linking root mean square (RMS) inlet turbulence to a formulation of several CFD parameters representative of flow turbulence intensity. This correlation was derived using flight data obtained from the NASA High Alpha Research Vehicle flight test program and several CFD solutions at conditions matching the flight test data. A distortion synthesis analysis is then performed on the predicted steady state total pressure and RMS turbulence patterns to yield a predicted value of dynamic distortion intensity and the associated instantaneous total pressure pattern.

Norby, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Eliminating Flow Separation and Reducing Viscous Drag Through Boundary Layer Analysis and Manipulation

As both computers and flow-analyzing equations have increased in sophistication, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has evolved into a fixture for advanced aircraft design. While CFD codes have improved in accuracy and efficiency, their ability to encompass viscous effects is lacking in certain areas. For example, current CFD codes cannot accurately predict or correct for the increased drag due to these viscous effects at some flow conditions. However, by analyzing an airfoil's turbulent boundary layer, one can predict not only flow separation via the shape factor parameter, but also viscous drag via the momentum thickness. Various codes have been written which can calculate turbulent boundary layer parameters. The goal of my research is to develop procedures for modifying an airfoil (via its local pressure distribution) to eliminate boundary layer separation and/or to reduce viscous drag. The modifications to the local pressure distribution necessary to achieve these objectives will be determined using a direct-iterative method installed into a turbulent boundary layer analyzer. Furthermore, the modifications should preserve the basic characteristics of the original airfoil.

Oser, Matthew D.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Investigation of Low-Reynolds-Number Rocket Nozzle Design Using PNS-Based Optimization Procedure

An optimization approach to rocket nozzle design, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology, is investigated for low-Reynolds-number cases. This study is undertaken to determine the benefits of this approach over those of classical design processes such as Rao's method. A CFD-based optimization procedure, using the parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations, is used to design conical and contoured axisymmetric nozzles. The advantage of this procedure is that it accounts for viscosity during the design process; other processes make an approximated boundary-layer correction after an inviscid design is created. Results showed significant improvement in the nozzle thrust coefficient over that of the baseline case; however, the unusual nozzle design necessitates further investigation of the accuracy of the PNS equations for modeling expanding flows with thick laminar boundary layers.

Hussaini, M. Moin↗

NASA NTRS1996

Endwall Heat Transfer Measurements in a Transonic Turbine Cascade

Turbine blade endwall heat transfer measurements are given for a range of Reynolds and Mach numbers. Data were obtained for Reynolds numbers based on inlet conditions of 0.5 and 1.0 x 106, for isentropic exit Mach numbers of 1.0 and 1.3, and for freestream turbulence intensities of 0.25% and 7.0%. Tests were conducted in a linear cascade at the NASA Lewis Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Facility. The test article was a turbine rotor with 136' of turning and an axial chord of 12.7 cm. The large scale allowed for very detailed measurements of both flow field and surface phenomena. The intent of the work is to provide benchmark quality data for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and model verification. The flow field in the cascade is highly three-dimensional as a result of thick boundary layers at the test section inlet. Endwall heat transfer data were obtained using a steady-state liquid crystal technique.

Giel, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1995

SRM Internal Flow Test and Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis: Major Task Summaries - Volume 1

During the four year period of performance for NASA contract, NASB-39095, ERC has performed a wide variety of tasks to support the design and continued development of new and existing solid rocket motors and the resolution of operational problems associated with existing solid rocket motor's at NASA MSFC. This report summarizes the support provided to NASA MSFC during the contractual period of performance. The report is divided into three main sections. The first section presents summaries for the major tasks performed. These tasks are grouped into three major categories: full scale motor analysis, subscale motor analysis and cold flow analysis. The second section includes summaries describing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tasks performed. The third section, the appendices of the report, presents detailed descriptions of the analysis efforts as well as published papers, memoranda and final reports associated with specific tasks. These appendices are referenced in the summaries. The subsection numbers for the three sections correspond to the same topics for direct cross referencing.

Whitesides, R. Harold↗

NASA NTRS1997

A Method for Generating Reduced Order Linear Models of Supersonic Inlets

For the modeling of high speed propulsion systems, there are at least two major categories of models. One is based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the other is based on design and analysis of control systems. CFD is accurate and gives a complete view of the internal flow field, but it typically has many states and runs much slower dm real-time. Models based on control design typically run near real-time but do not always capture the fundamental dynamics. To provide improved control models, methods are needed that are based on CFD techniques but yield models that are small enough for control analysis and design.

Chicatelli, Amy↗

NASA NTRS1994

Hot-Gas-Slide and Coolant-Side Heat Transfer in Liquid Rocket Engine Combustors

The objectives of this article are to develop a multidisciplinary, computational methodology to predict the hot-gas-side and coolant-side heat transfer in film cooling assisted, regeneratively cooled liquid rocket engine combustors, and to use it in parametric studies to recommend optimized design of the coolant channels for a developmental combustor. An integrated numerical model which incorporates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the hot-gas thermal environment, and thermal analysis for the liner and coolant channels, was developed. This integrated CFD/thermal model was validated by comparing predicted heat fluxes with those of hot-firing test and industrial design methods for a 40-k calorimeter thrust chamber and the Space Shuttle Main Engine main combustion chamber. Parametric studies were performed for the advanced main combustion chamber to find a strategy for a proposed coolant channel design.

Ten-see Wang↗

NASA NTRS1996

Mach 5 to 7 RBCC Propulsion System Testing at NASA-LeRC HTF

A series of Mach 5 to 7 freejet tests of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine were cnducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center (LERC) Hypersonic Tunnel Facility (HTF). This paper describes the configuration and operation of the HTF and the RBCC engine during these tests. A number of facility support systems are described which were added or modified to enhance the HTF test capability for conducting this experiment. The unfueled aerodynamic perfor- mance of the RBCC engine flowpath is also presented and compared to sub-scale test results previously obtained in the NASA LERC I x I Supersonic Wind Tunnel (SWT) and to Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis results. This test program demonstrated a successful configuration of the HTF for facility starting and operation with a generic RBCC type engine and an increased range of facility operating conditions. The ability of sub-scale testing and CFD analysis to predict flowpath performance was also shown. The HTF is a freejet, blowdown propulsion test facility that can simulate up to Mach 7 flight conditions with true air composition. Mach 5, 6, and 7 facility nozzles are available, each with an exit diameter of 42 in. This combination of clean air, large scale, and Mach 7 capabilities is unique to the HTF. This RBCC engine study is the first engine test program conducted at the HTF since 1974.

Perkins, H. Douglas↗