Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “VELOCITY MEASUREMENT”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7

Velocity Measurements Across an Oblique Shock Using Pulse-Burst Cross-Correlation DGV

Pulse-burst cross-correlation Doppler global velocimetry is performed in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The technique is used to make planar velocity measurements across an oblique shockwave, which is generated by a large splitter plate set at a -2° angle of attack in a Mach 2.4 flow. Assessment of the velocimetry indicates agreement with theoretical velocity values to within 0.5 percent on average, while the precision of the measurements was within 1.4 percent. The success of the initial measurements warrant further investigation of the technique for more complex flowfields.

lasers,↗

A Dual-Line Detection Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic Technique for the Combustion of Hydrocarbon Fuels and Filtered UV Rayleigh Scattering for Gas Velocity Measurements

Non-intrusive techniques for the dynamic measurement of gas flow properties such as density, temperature and velocity, are needed in the research leading to the development of new generation high-speed aircraft. Accurate velocity, temperature and density data obtained in ground testing and in-flight measurements can help understand the flow physics leading to transition and turbulence in supersonic, high-altitude flight. Such non-intrusive measurement techniques can also be used to study combustion processes of hydrocarbon fuels in aircraft engines. Reliable, time and space resolved temperature measurements in various combustor configurations can lead to a better understanding of high temperature chemical reaction dynamics thus leading to improved modeling and better prediction of such flows. In view of this, a research program was initiated at Polytechnic University's Aerodynamics Laboratory with support from NASA Lewis Research Center through grants NAG3-1301 and NAG3-1690. The overall objective of this program has been to develop laser-based, non-contact, space- and time-resolved temperature and velocity measurement techniques. In the initial phase of the program a ND:YAG laser-based dual-line Rayleigh scattering technique was developed and tested for the accurate measurement of gas temperature in the presence of background laser glare. Effort was next directed towards the development of a filtered, spectrally-resolved Rayleigh/Mie scattering technique with the objective of developing an interferometric method for time-frozen velocity measurements in high-speed flows utilizing the uv line of an ND:YAG laser and an appropriate molecular absorption filter. This effort included both a search for an appropriate filter material for the 266 nm laser line and the development and testing of several image processing techniques for the fast processing of Fabry-Perot images for velocity and temperature information. Finally, work was also carried out for the development of a new laser-based strain-rate and vorticity technique for the time-resolved measurement of vorticity and strain-rates in turbulent flows.

Otugen, M. Volkan↗

Inflow velocity measurements made on a helicopter rotor using a two-component Laser Velocimeter

An experimental investigation was conducted in the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center to measure the inflow into a scale model helicopter rotor in forward flight. The measurements were made with a two component Laser Velocimeter (LV) one chord above the plane formed by the path of the rotor tips (tips path plane). A conditional sampling technique was employed to determine the position of the rotor at the time that each velocity measurement was made so that the azimuthal fluctuations in velocity could be determined. The results of these tests were compared with inflow velocities predicted by a current technology rotor wake analysis program.

Elliott, Joe W.↗

Modeling solar oscillation power spectra. II. Parametric model of spectral lines observed in Doppler-velocity measurements

We describe a global parametric model for the observed power spectra of solar oscillations of intermediate and low degree. A physically motivated parameterization is used as a substitute for a direct description of mode excitation and damping as these mechanisms remain poorly understood. The model is targeted at the accurate fitting of power spectra coming from Doppler-velocity measurements and uses an adaptive response function that accounts for both the vertical and horizontal components of the velocity field on the solar surface and for possible instrumental and observational distortions. The model is continuous in frequency, can easily be adapted to intensity measurements, and extends naturally to the analysis of high-frequency pseudomodes (interference peaks at frequencies above the atmospheric acoustic cutoff).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Spatio-temporal ion temperature and velocity measurements in a Z pinch using fast-framing spectroscopy

Ion Doppler spectroscopy (IDS) is a diagnostic technique that measures plasma ion temperature and velocity without perturbing the plasma with a physical probe. The ZaP-HD Flow Z-Pinch Experiment at the University of Washington uses this technique to resolve radial temperature and velocity profiles of a Z-pinch plasma. The pinch lifetime is approximately 100 ms, therefore diagnostics capable of sub-microsecond resolution are required to measure the evolution of temperature and velocity profiles. The previous IDS diagnostic system was only capable of collecting a single measurement during a plasma pulse. Here, an improved system has been developed to measure radially-resolved ion temperature and velocity for the entire Z-pinch lifetime. A Kirana 05M ultra-fast framing camera and SIL ultraviolet intensifier are used to record up to 100 spectra per plasma pulse. The temperature is computed from Doppler broadening of the carbon-III (229.687 nm) impurity ion radiation and the velocity from the Doppler shift of carbon-III. Measurements are able to resolve the evolution of the ion temperature and velocity over the course of a plasma pulse. The diagnostic has significantly reduced the number of pulses required and provides a more coherent measurement of plasma dynamics than the previous system.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Solid phase stability of molybdenum under compression: Sound velocity measurements and first-principles calculations

The high-pressure solid phase stability of molybdenum (Mo) has been the center of a long-standing controversy on its high-pressure melting. In this work, experimental and theoretical researches have been conducted to check its solid phase stability under compression. First, we performed sound velocity measurements from 38 to 160 GPa using the two-stage light gas gun and explosive loading in backward- and forward-impact geometries, along with the high-precision velocity interferometry. From the sound velocities, we found no solid-solid phase transition in Mo before shock melting, which does not support the previous solid-solid phase transition conclusion inferred from the sharp drops of the longitudinal sound velocity [Hixson et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 637 (1989)]. Then, we searched its structures globally using the multi-algorithm collaborative crystal structure prediction technique combined with the density functional theory. By comparing the enthalpies of body centered cubic structure with those of the metastable structures, we found that bcc is the most stable structure in the range of 0–300 GPa. The present theoretical results together with previous ones greatly support our experimental conclusions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Three component velocity measurements using Fabry-Perot interferometer

A method for measuring the three components of mean flow velocity using a backscatter optical system based on a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer is described. An analysis of the expected uncertainties in the velocity component measurements is presented along with experimental data taken in a free jet at two flow velocities (100 and 300 m/s).

Seasholtz, R. G.↗

Three component velocity measurements using Fabry-Perot interferometer

A method for measuring the three components of mean flow velocity using a backscatter optical system based on a confocal Fabry-Perot interferometer is described. An analysis of the expected uncertainties in the velocity component measurements is presented along with experimental data taken in a free jet at two flow velocities (100 and 300 m/s).

Seasholtz, R. G.↗

Unsteady loads due to propulsive lift configurations. Part B: Pressure and velocity measurements in a three dimensional wall jet

The effects of increasing the velocity ratio, lambda sub j were explored. The quantities measured include the width of the mixing region, the mean velocity field, turbulent intensities and time scales. In addition, wall and static pressure velocity correlations and coherences are presented. The velocity measurements were made using a laser Doppler velocimeter with a phase locked loop processor. The fluctuating pressures were monitored using condenser type microphones.

Catalano, G. D.↗

A 4-spot time-of-flight anemometer for small centrifugal compressor velocity measurements

The application of laser anemometry techniques in turbomachinery facilities is a challenging dilemma requiring an anemometer system with special qualities. Here, we describe the use of a novel laser anemometry technique applied to a small 4.5 kg/s, 4:1 pressure ratio centrifugal compressor. Sample velocity profiles across the blade pitch are presented for a single location along the rotor. The results of the intra-blade passage velocity measurements will ultimately be used to verify CFD 3-D viscous code predictions.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Some experiments in swirling flows: Detailed velocity measurements of a vortex breakdown using a laser Doppler anemometer

The results of an experimental study of spiraling flows in a slightly diverging, circular duct are reported. Seven types of flow disturbances were observed. In addition to the spiral and axisymmetric vortex breakdowns and the double helix mode, four other forms were identified and are reported. The type and axial location of the disturbance depended on the Reynolds and circulation numbers of the flow. Detailed velocity measurements were made by using a laser Doppler anemometer. Measurements made far upstream of any disturbance showed that the introduction of swirl resulted in the formation of a high axial velocity jet centered around the vortex center. A mapping of the velocity field of a so-called axisymmetric breakdown, formed at a Reynolds number of 2560, revealed that the recirculation zone is a two-celled structure, with four stagnation points on the vortex axis marking the axial extremes of the concentric cells. The dominant feature of the flow inside the bubble was the strong, periodic velocity fluctuations. Existing theoretical models do not predict the two-celled structure and the temporal velocity fluctuations that were observed.

Faler, J. H.↗

Saturation Velocity Measurement of Al 0.7 Ga 0.3 N-Channel High Electron Mobility Transistors

Gate length dependent (80 nm–5000 mm) radio frequency measurements to extract saturation velocity are reported for Al 0.85 Ga 0.15 N/Al 0.7 Ga 0.3 N high electron mobility transistors fabricated into radio frequency devices using electron beam lithography. Direct current characterization revealed the threshold voltage shifting positively with increasing gate length, with devices changing from depletion mode to enhancement mode when the gate length was greater than or equal to 450 nm. Transconductance varied from 10 mS/mm to 25 mS/mm, with the 450 nm device having the highest values. Maximum drain current density was 268 mA/mm at 10 V gate bias. Scattering-parameter characterization revealed a maximum unity gain bandwidth ($f_T$) of 28 GHz, achieved by the 80 nm gate length device. A saturation velocity value of 3.8 × 10 6 cm/s, or 35% of the maximum saturation velocity reported for GaN, was extracted from the $f_T$ measurements

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wind velocity measurement accuracy with highly stable 12 mJ/pulse high repetition rate CO2 laser master oscillator power amplifier

A coherent CO2 lidar operating in a master oscillator power amplifier configuration (MOPA) is described for both ground-based and airborne operation. Representative data taken from measurements against stationary targets in both the ground-based and airborne configurations are shown for the evaluation of the frequency stability of the system. Examples of data are also given which show the results of anomalous system operation. Overall results demonstrate that velocity measurements can be performed consistently to an accuracy of + or - 0.5 m/s and in some cases + or - 0.1 m/s.

Bilbro, James W.↗

Airborne Doppler radar velocity measurements of precipitation seen in ocean surface reflection

The use of airborne or spaceborne radars to observe precipitation simultaneously directly and in reflection could provide significant new opportunities for measuring the properties of the precipitation, wind field, and ocean surface. Atlas and Meneghini (1983) have proposed that the difference between direct and reflected precipitation echo intensities observed with a nadir-directed beam is a measure of two-way attenuation and thus of path average rain rate, taking into account an employment of direct and reflected echoes from very near the ocean surface to normalize for ocean surface scatter. In the present paper, some key meteorological and oceanographic research applications are illustrated, giving particular attention to airborne Doppler radar velocity measurements of the precipitation.

Atlas, D.↗

Investigations of Pole Erosion Mechanisms in the 12.5 kW HERMeS Hall Thruster Using Numerical Simulations and Ion Velocity Measurements

When the Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) was tested at the NASA GRC’s VF-5 the erosion rate on the pole covers was found to be at least a factor of two higher at 300 V and 20.8 A than at other operating conditions in the 400 V to 600 V range. Simulations using our hydrodynamics code Hall2De do not predict increased erosion rates at 300 V but accurately compute erosion rates similar to the measurements at the other operating conditions. We investigate the source of the discrepancy between measurements and simulations at 300 V using a combination of numerical simulations and experimental measurements of the ion velocity fields in the acceleration region of the thruster. By examining previous simulations that predicted the measured erosion rates for other thrusters and operating conditions, we determine that sputtering of the pole surfaces by high energy ions is the most likely mechanism behind the erosion rates at 300 V. High energy ions sputter the pole surfaces when the acceleration region of the thruster is downstream of the pole surface plane. When the latter occurs, the curvature of the plasma potential contours at the edges of the channel accelerates a small fraction of the high energy ions radially. We find that neither our Hall2De simulations nor the experimental measurements produce ions of sufficiently high energy and flux to the inner pole cover to explain the measured erosion there. Only at the outer edge of the cover is where we find the ions needed to yield simulation results that are comparable to the erosion measurements. We argue that one possible mechanism for the higher erosion is high energy ions that graze the channel corner of the pole and become trapped in a sheath that develops downstream. Within the sheath, we find that the electric field is large enough to turn the ions towards the surface of the pole. A simplified calculation shows that the erosion rates produced by sputtering of trapped ions are similar to the measurements. We also propose that the presence of local oscillations and high-energy cathode ions may be sources of the enhanced erosion We conclude this article by proposing a combination of analysis, simulation, and experimental measurements that can be used to address the validity of these hypotheses.

Mikellides, Ioannis G.↗

Three-dimensional full-field velocity measurements in shock compression experiments using stereo digital image correlation

Shock compression plate impact experiments conventionally rely on point-wise velocimetry measurements based on laser-based interferometric techniques. This study presents an experimental methodology to measure the free surface full-field particle velocity in shock compression experiments using high-speed imaging and three-dimensional (3D) digital image correlation (DIC). The experimental setup has a temporal resolution of 100 ns with a spatial resolution varying from 90 to 200 μm/pixel. Experiments were conducted under three different plate impact configurations to measure spatially resolved free surface velocity and validate the experimental technique. First, a normal impact experiment was conducted on polycarbonate to measure the macroscopic full-field normal free surface velocity. Second, an isentropic compression experiment on Y-cut quartz–tungsten carbide assembly is performed to measure the particle velocity for experiments involving ramp compression waves. To explore the capability of the technique in multiaxial loading conditions, a pressure shear plate impact experiment was conducted to measure both the normal and transverse free surface velocities under combined normal and shear loading. The velocities measured in the experiments using digital image correlation are validated against previous data obtained from laser interferometry. Numerical simulations were also performed using established material models to compare and validate the experimental velocity profiles for these different impact configurations. The novel ability of the employed experimental setup to measure full-field free surface velocities with high spatial resolutions in shock compression experiments is demonstrated for the first time in this work.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Unsteady Velocity Measurements in the NASA Research Low Speed Axial Compressor: Smooth Wall Configuration

The report is a collection of experimental unsteady data acquired in the first stage of the NASA Low Speed Axial Compressor in configuration with smooth (solid) wall treatment over the first rotor. The aim of the report is to present a reliable experimental data base that can be used for analysis of the compressor flow behavior, and hopefully help with further improvements of compressor CFD codes. All data analysis is strictly restricted to verification of reliability of the experimental data reported. The report is divided into six main sections. First two sections cover the low speed axial compressor, the basic instrumentation, and the in-house developed methodology of unsteady velocity measurements using a thermo-anemometric split-fiber probe. The next two sections contain experimental data presented as averaged radial distributions for three compressor operation conditions, including the distribution of the total temperature rise over the first rotor, and ensemble averages of unsteady flow data based on a rotor blade passage period. Ensemble averages based on the rotor revolution period, and spectral analysis of unsteady flow parameters are presented in the last two sections. The report is completed with two appendices where performance and dynamic response of thermo-anemometric probes is discussed.

Lepicovsky, Jan↗

Non-Intrusive Velocity Measurements with MTV During DCC Event in the HTTF

Velocity profiles are measured using molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV) in the high temperature test facility (HTTF) at Oregon State University during a depressurized conduction cooldown (DCC) event. The HTTF is a quarter scale electrically heated nuclear reactor simulator designed to replicate various accident scenarios. During a DCC, a double ended guillotine break results in the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) depressurizing into the reactor cavity and ultimately leading to air ingress in the reactor core (lock-exchange and gas diffusion). It is critical to understand the resulting buoyancy-driven flow to characterize the reactor self-cooling capacity through natural circulation. During tests conducted at ambient pressure and temperature, the RPV containing helium is opened (via the hot and cold legs) to a large vessel filled with nitrogen to simulate the atmosphere. The velocity profile on the hot leg pipe centerline is recorded at 10 Hz with MTV based on NO tracers. The precision of the velocimetry was measured to be 0.02 m/s in quiescent flow prior to the tests. A helium flow from the RPV is initially observed in the top quarter of the pipe. During the first 20 seconds of the event, helium flows out of the RPV with a maximum velocity below 2 m/s. The velocity profile transitions from parabolic to linear in character and decays slowly over the rest of the recording; peak velocities of 0.2 m/s are observed after 30 min. A counter-flow of nitrogen is also observed intermittently, which occurs at lower velocities (>0.1 m/s).

Andre, M. A.↗