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At least 127 records · Page 7

Steady-State and Transient Boundary Element Methods for Coupled Heat Conduction

Boundary element algorithms for the solution of steady-state and transient heat conduction are presented. The algorithms are designed for efficient coupling with computational fluid dynamic discretizations and feature piecewise linear elements with offset nodal points. The steady-state algorithm employs the fundamental solution approach; the integration kernels are computed analytically based on linear shape functions, linear elements, and variably offset nodal points. The analytic expressions for both singular and nonsingular integrands are presented. The transient algorithm employs the transient fundamental solution; the temporal integration is performed analytically and the nonsingular spatial integration is performed numerically using Gaussian quadrature. A series solution to the integration is derived for the instance of a singular integrand. The boundary-only character of the algorithm is maintained by integrating the influence coefficients from initial time. Numerical results are compared to analytical solutions to verify the current boundary element algorithms. The steady-state and transient algorithms are numerically shown to be second-order accurate in space and time, respectively.

Kontinos, Dean A.↗

CFD Predictions of Fluctuating Pressure Environments on NASA’s SLS Ascent Unsteady Aerodynamics Wind Tunnel Test

This paper details work that is being conducted on predicting fluctuating pressure environments on NASA launch vehicles using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The accurate characterization of these aeroacoustics environments is necessary in the analysis of vehicle structural health and aerodynamic performance and in the vehicle design process. High-fidelity simulations of the unsteady flow over NASA’s SLS Ascent Unsteady Aerodynamics wind tunnel Test (AUAT) using the hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)-large eddy simulations (LES) methodologies in Mississippi States’ Loci/CHEM solver are presented. The two available methods, Nelson-Nichols and dynamic hybrid RANS-LES (DHRL), are compared head-to-head on identical grids at two Mach numbers. At the high-subsonic Mach number, locally supersonic flow expanding over a shoulder induces a separation-reattachment system that is predicted poorly by the Nelson-Nichols method due to an under-prediction in unsteady content. The DHRL solution predicts the spatial extent and frequency domain response of this system well but under-predicts the peak noise levels due to a delay in the RANS-to-LES transition. At the low-supersonic Mach number, compression corner dynamics dominate the unsteady flow. While the Nelson Nichols solution captures this phenomenon well, another solution on a refined grid indicates that some model stress depletion is occurring. The DHRL solution again performs well at this Mach number and matches the wind tunnel data fairly closely, but perhaps most impressively, is fairly agnostic to increasing grid resolution. The findings in this paper are expected to be generally applicable and will be used to guide the prediction of aeroacoustics environments of other NASA launch vehicles.

CFD↗

X-33 Experimental Aeroheating at Mach 6 Using Phosphor Thermography

The goal of the NASA Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology program is to mature and demonstrate essential, cost effective technologies for next generation launch systems. The X-33 flight vehicle presently being developed by Lockheed Martin is an experimental Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) demonstrator that seeks to validate critical technologies and insure applicability to a full scale RLV. As with the design of any hypersonic vehicle, the aeroheating environment is an important issue and one of the key technologies being demonstrated on X-33 is an advanced metallic Thermal Protection System (TPS). As part of the development of this TPS system, the X-33 aeroheating environment is being defined through conceptual analysis, ground based testing, and computational fluid dynamics. This report provides an overview of the hypersonic aeroheating wind tunnel program conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center in support of the ground based testing activities. Global surface heat transfer images, surface streamline patterns, and shock shapes were measured on 0.013 scale (10-in.) ceramic models of the proposed X-33 configuration in Mach 6 air. The test parametrics include angles of attack from -5 to 40 degs, unit Reynolds numbers from 1x106 to 8x106/ft, and body flap deflections of 0, 10, and 20 deg. Experimental and computational results indicate the presence of shock/shock interactions that produced localized heating on the deflected flaps and boundary layer transition on the canted fins. Comparisons of the experimental data to laminar and turbulent predictions were performed. Laminar windward heating data from the wind tunnel was extrapolated to flight surface temperatures and generally compared to within 50 deg F of flight prediction along the centerline. When coupled with the phosphor technique, this rapid extrapolation method would serve as an invaluable TPS design tool.

Horvath, Thomas J.↗

Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds

Video is an overview of the AETC Capability Challenge: Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Testing at High Supersonic Speeds. Featuring assessments of a series of wind tunnel tests and CFD analysis conducted with a focus on air flow and the potential of optimizing future testing. This video is beneficial for sharing with other organizations that operate or test in wind tunnels.

CFD Studies↗

Numerical Simulation of Vitiation Effects on a Hydrogen-Fueled Dual-Mode Scramjet

The Wind-US computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow solver was used to simulate dual-mode direct-connect ramjet/scramjet engine flowpath tests conducted in the University of Virginia (UVa) Supersonic Combustion Facility (SCF). The objective was to develop a computational capability within Wind-US to aid current hypersonic research and provide insight to flow as well as chemistry details that are not resolved by instruments available. Computational results are compared with experimental data to validate the accuracy of the numerical modeling. These results include two fuel-off non-reacting and eight fuel-on reacting cases with different equivalence ratios, split between one set with a clean (non-vitiated) air supply and the other set with a vitiated air supply (12 percent H2O vapor). The Peters and Rogg hydrogen-air chemical kinetics model was selected for the scramjet simulations. A limited sensitivity study was done to investigate the choice of turbulence model and inviscid flux scheme and led to the selection of the k-epsilon model and Harten, Lax and van Leer (for contact waves) (HLLC) scheme for general use. Simulation results show reasonably good agreement with experimental data and the overall vitiation effects were captured.

Vyas, Manan A.↗

Comparison between computational and experimental data for a hypersonic laser propelled vehicle

A 3-D axisymmetric hypersonic engine inlet was investigated using PARC2D, an ideal gas Computational Fluid Dynamics code. The code was used to predict the results of tests conducted in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Hypersonic Shock Tunnel which measured surface and pitot pressures, and shock positions (through Schlieren photography) at freestream Mach numbers of 10, 13, and 15. A strong viscous/shock interaction was observed in both the experiment and the CFD results, due to the model's parabolic compression ramp. Good agreement was found between the experimental results and the CFD solution both for surface pressures and shock positions. Agreement between pitot pressures was less reliable.

Messitt, D. G.↗

Proceedings of the 2010 NASA-Industry Low Pressure Turbine and Power Turbine (LPT/PT) Efficiency Improvement Workshop

This report includes materials from the NASA-Industry Low Pressure Turbine and Power Turbine (LPT/PT) Efficiency Improvement Workshop that took place on August 10 and 11, 2010, at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The materials include all the presentation slides and a workshop summary article that provides background information, describes the workshop motivation, and provides a summary of the open discussions that took place. Participation included specialists from academia, government laboratories, and industry, from the United States and abroad. The workshop was motivated by underperformance of large commercial engines related to lower-than-expected efficiency of the LPT. It focused on addressing the relevant flow physics. Recommendations were made for continued research. The main recommendation was to conduct rotating rig tests accompanied by the study of fundamental mechanism using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and turbulence and transition model development.

Transition↗

Updated Noise Dose Range of NASA’s X-59 Aircraft Estimated from Propagation Simulations

A follow-on study to Doebler and Loubeau, “The noise dose range of the X-59 estimated from propagation simulations,” JASA 150(4), A208 (2021); doi:10.1121/10.0008134 is described. In the previous work, propagation simulations of NASA’s X-59 sonic thump were conducted using two near-field pressure solutions from NASA’s Cart3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The near-fields were propagated through realistic atmospheric profiles from the Climate Forecast System Version 2 database across the USA, and Perceived Level statistics of the thumps were presented. The current work repeats the previous analyses, instead using near-field CFD solutions from NASA’s Fully Unstructured Navier-Stokes (FUN3D) code for the same aircraft conditions (Mach 1.4 at 53,200 feet and Mach 1.3 at 43,000 feet), which achieve the minimum and maximum cruise loudness. NASA and contractors in the X-59 development and community noise testing project mutually agreed upon using FUN3D for generating near-field pressures. Sonic thump loudness statistics using the FUN3D near-fields are similar to those of Cart3D. The min loudness condition is about 1 dB (PL) greater when using the FUN3D solution, and the max loudness condition results are nearly identical. Understanding the X-59’s dose range for various flight and atmospheric conditions is important for planning X-59 community noise surveys.

X-59↗

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.↗

Validation of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Self-Pressurization by Leveraging Reduced Order Modeling within Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

Validation of cryogenic propellant tank self-pressurization was performed using a hybrid Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and reduced order modeling methodology. Data from a liquid hydrogen ground test conducted at the K-site facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center was used for the validation effort. Liquid phase dynamics were explicitly resolved with a CFD tool. Vapor phase dynamics were modeled as a point mass that communicated heat from the tank wall to the liquid phase via a boundary condition used at the gas-liquid interface. The method proved to be more accurate, robust, and efficient than explicit resolution of the dynamics using a standard Volume of Fluid (VOF) methodology. The subject pressurization process was found to be heavily dependent upon both the relatively high liquid temperature gradient near the gas-liquid interface and the natural convection flow path. Modeling the gas-liquid interface as an immovable surface eliminated temperature gradient destroying gas-liquid interface velocities observed in VOF simulations, and correspondingly enabled more rapid simulation since interface advection was not allowed. The single phase computational domain also facilitated the ability to demonstrate spatial resolution convergence of natural convection cells within the liquid which significantly impacted the tank pressurization rate. This work was used to demonstrate the critical physics for tank self-pressurization and numerical methodologies that may be used to best resolve those physics. The findings informed development and operation of production level CFD tools used in the Fluid Dynamics Branch at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

J. M. Brodnick↗

Analysis of a Cylindrical Specimen Heated by an Impinging Hot Hydrogen Jet

A computational conjugate heat transfer methodology was developed, as a first step towards an efficient and accurate multiphysics, thermo-fluid computational methodology to predict environments for hypothetical solid-core, nuclear thermal engine thrust chamber and components. A solid conduction heat transfer procedure was implemented onto a pressure-based, multidimensional, finite-volume, turbulent, chemically reacting, thermally radiating, and unstructured grid computational fluid dynamics formulation. The conjugate heat transfer of a cylindrical material specimen heated by an impinging hot hydrogen jet inside an enclosed test fixture was simulated and analyzed. The solid conduction heat transfer procedure was anchored with a standard solid heat transfer code. Transient analyses were then performed with ,variable thermal conductivities representing three composites of a material utilized as flow element in a legacy engine test. It was found that material thermal conductivity strongly influences the transient heat conduction characteristics. In addition, it was observed that high thermal gradient occur inside the cylindrical specimen during an impulsive or a 10 s ramp start sequence, but not during steady-state operations.

Wang, Ten-See↗

A CFD study of complex missile and store configurations in relative motion

An investigation was conducted from May 16, 1990 to August 31, 1994 on the development of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodologies for complex missiles and the store separation problem. These flowfields involved multiple-component configurations, where at least one of the objects was engaged in relative motion. The two most important issues that had to be addressed were: (1) the unsteadiness of the flowfields (time-accurate and efficient CFD algorithms for the unsteady equations), and (2) the generation of grid systems which would permit multiple and moving bodies in the computational domain (dynamic domain decomposition). The study produced two competing and promising methodologies, and their proof-of-concept cases, which have been reported in the open literature: (1) Unsteady solutions on dynamic, overlapped grids, which may also be perceived as moving, locally-structured grids, and (2) Unsteady solutions on dynamic, unstructured grids.

Baysal, Oktay↗

A parametric study of supersonic laminar flow for swept wings using linear stability analysis

A parametric study to predict the extent of laminar flow on the upper surface of a generic swept-back wing (NACA 64A010 airfoil section) at supersonic speeds was conducted. The results were obtained by using surface pressure predictions from an Euler/Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics code coupled with a boundary layer code, which predicts detailed boundary layer profiles, and finally with a linear stability code to determine the extent of laminar flow. The parameters addressed are Reynolds number, angle of attack, and leading-edge wing sweep. The results of this study show that an increase in angle of attack, for specific Reynolds numbers, can actually delay transition. Therefore, higher lift capability, caused by the increased angle of attack, as well as a reduction in viscous drag due to the delay in transition is possible for certain flight conditions.

Cummings, Russell M.↗

X-38 Experimental Aerothermodynamics

The X-38 program seeks to demonstrate an autonomously returned orbital test flight vehicle to support the development of an operational Crew Return Vehicle for the International Space Station. The test flight, anticipated in 2002, is intended to demonstrate the entire mission profile of returning Space Station crew members safely back to earth in the event of medical or mechanical emergency. Integral to the formulation of the X-38 flight data book and the design of the thermal protection system, the aerothermodynamic environment is being defined through a synergistic combination of ground based testing and computational fluid dynamics. This report provides an overview of the hypersonic aerothermodynamic wind tunnel program conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center in support of the X-38 development. Global and discrete surface heat transfer force and moment, surface streamline patterns, and shock shapes were measured on scaled models of the proposed X-38 configuration in different test gases at Mach 6, 10 and 20. The test parametrics include angle of attack from 0 to 50 degs, unit Reynolds numbers from 0.3 x 10 (exp 6) to 16 x 10 (exp 6)/ ft, rudder deflections of 0, 2, and 5 deg. and body flap deflections from 0 to 30 deg. Results from hypersonic aerodynamic screening studies that were conducted as the configuration evolved to the present shape at, presented. Heavy gas simulation tests have indicated that the primary real gas effects on X-38 aerodynamics at trim conditions are expected to favorably influence flap effectiveness. Comparisons of the experimental heating and force and moment data to prediction and the current aerodynamic data book are highlighted. The effects of discrete roughness elements on boundary layer transition were investigated at Mach 6 and the development of a transition correlation for the X-38 vehicle is described. Extrapolation of ground based heating measurements to flight radiation equilibrium wall temperatures at Mach 6 and 10 were made and generally compared to within 50 deg F of flight prediction.

Horvath, Thomas J.↗

Designing a Hybrid Laminar-Flow Control Experiment: The CFD-Experiment Connection

The NASA/Boeing hybrid laminar flow control (HLFC) experiment, designed during 1993-1994 and conducted in the NASA LaRC 8-foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel in 1995, utilized computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulation of complex fluid mechanics to an unprecedented extent for the design of the test article and measurement equipment. CFD was used in: the design of the test wing, which was carried from definition of desired disturbance growth characteristics, through to the final airfoil shape that would produce those growth characteristics; the design of the suction-surface perforation pattern that produced enhanced crossflow-disturbance growth: and in the design of the hot-wire traverse system that produced minimal influence on measured disturbance growth. These and other aspects of the design of the test are discussed, after the historical and technical context of the experiment is described.

Streett, C. L.↗

NASA's Role in Gas Turbine Technology Development: Accelerating Technical Progress via Collaboration Between Academia, Industry, and Government Agencies

Given the maturity of the gas turbine engine since its invention and also considering the limited and flattened level of resources expected to be allocated for NASA aeronautics research and development, we ask the question are NASA technology investments still needed to enable future turbine engine-based propulsion systems? If so, what is NASA’s unique role to justify NASA’s investment? To address this topic, we will first review the accomplishments and the impact that NASA Glenn Research Center has made on turbine engine technologies over the last 78 years. Specifically, this paper discusses NASA’s role and contributions to turbine engine development, specific to both 1) NASA’s role in conducting experiments to understand flow physics and provide relevant benchmark validation experiments for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code development, validation, and assessment; and 2) the impact of technologies resulting from NASA collaborations with industry, academia, and other government agencies. Note that the scope of the discussion is limited to the NASA technology contributions with which the author was intimately associated, and does not represent the entirety of the NASA contributions to turbine engine technology. The specific research, development, and demonstrations discussed herein were selected to both 1) provide a comprehensive review and reference list of the technology and its impact, and 2) identify NASA’s unique role and highlight how NASA’s involvement resulted in additional benefit to the gas turbine engine community. Secondly, we will discuss current NASA collaborations that are in progress and provide a status of the results. Finally, we discuss the challenges anticipated for future turbine engine-based propulsion systems for civil aviation and identify potential opportunities for collaboration where NASA involvement would be beneficial. Ultimately, the gas turbine engine community will decide if NASA involvement is needed to contribute to the development of the design and analysis tools, databases, and technology demonstration programs to meet these challenges for future turbine engine-based propulsion systems.

Suder, Kenneth L.↗

Investigation of Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft Transonic Wing-Strut Interference Effects Using FUN3D

This paper presents a computational study of transonic wing-strut interference effects of Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) aircraft using the high-fidelity CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) code FUN3D (Fully Unstructured Navier-Stokes Three Dimensional). The study is conducted for the wing-strut and the wing-alone configurations at different Mach numbers and Reynolds numbers. The interference effects are calculated by comparing the wing aerodynamics along the spanwise direction between the wing-strut and the wing-alone configurations. The presence of the strut underneath the wing induces a suction peak on the lower surface of the wing, which causes changes in aerodynamic forces and moments, as well as the aerodynamic center location. The interference effects become more pronounced as the Mach number increases. The Reynolds number has less impact on the interference effects. A transonic wing-strut interference aerodynamic correction method is developed for use in a lower-fidelity tool, VSPAERO [a vortex lattice flow solver], coupled to a finite-element model for rapid flutter analysis.

Xiong, Juntao↗

A study of the vortex flow over 76/40-deg double-delta wing

A low-speed wind-tunnel study of the flow about a 76/40-deg double-delta wing is described for angles of attack ranging from -10 to 25 deg and Reynolds numbers ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 Million. The study was conducted to provide data for the purpose of understanding the vortical flow behavior and for validating Computational Fluid Dynamics methods. Flow visualization tests have provided insight into the effect of the angle of attack and Reynolds number of the vortex-dominated flow both on and off of the surface of the double-delta wing. Upper surface pressure recordings from pressure orifices and Pressure Sensitive Paint have provided data on the pressures induced by the vortices. Flowfield surveys were carried out at an angle of attack of 10 deg by using a thin 5-hole probe. Numerical solutions of the compressible thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations were conducted and compared to the experimental data.

Verhaagen, N. G.↗