Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “duct design”

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

NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEEN): Summary of the QUEEN V2 Test

A liquid-cooled electric ducted fan system was designed, built, and tested at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Main components of the system include a Commercial-Off- the-Shelf (COTS) fan and motor, and a custom-designed heat exchanger integrated into the fan duct. Fan speed, thrust, and cooling system thermal performance was measured in this static ground test of the propulsor. This propulsor prototype is one of NASA’s Quiet Electric ENgines (QUEENs) and is designated the ‘QUEEN V2.’ The Quiet Electric Engines are being developed for the 25% scale model of the Subsonic Aft Engine (SUSAN) Flight Research Vehicle and are intended to explore the potential of distributed electric propulsion for regional single-aisle aircraft. This test demonstrated the functionality of the QUEEN V2, quantified the thrust produced by the electrofan, and characterized the electrical and thermal performance of the system. Lessons learned will be used to guide development of future QUEEN prototypes.

Aeronautics-General↗

Brayton heat exchanger unit development program (alternate design)

A Brayton Heat Exchanger Unit Alternate Design (BHXU-Alternate) consisting of a recuperator, a heat sink heat exchanger, and a gas ducting system, was designed and fabricated. The design was formulated to provide a high performance unit suitable for use in a long-life Brayton-cycle powerplant. Emphasis was on double containment against external leakage and leakage of the organic coolant into the gas stream. A parametric analysis and design study was performed to establish the optimum component configurations to achieve low weight and size and high reliability, while meeting the requirements of high effectiveness and low pressure drop. Layout studies and detailed mechanical and structural design were performed to obtain a flight-type packaging arrangement, including the close-coupled integration of the BHXU-Alternate with the Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU).

Duncan, J. D.↗

Design and testing of new center inlet and S-duct for B-727 airplane with refanned JT8D engines

The work described in this paper was part of the NASA refan program. The airflow requirement of the refanned JT8D (-100 series) engine increased about 50% above that of the basic JT8D. This required a redesign of the center inlet and S-duct of the Boeing 727 airplane. The paper describes the design constraints for the S-duct and the analytic method used to define the lines of the new duct. Model tests that were conducted at static, angle-of-attack, and crosswind conditions are described with a variety of flow control devices. Test results showed that the new inlet and S-duct have a pressure recovery comparable to that of the existing inlet. By employing corotating vortex generators, less flow distortion was obtained for the core region than the existing duct has with its counter rotating vortex generators.

Ting, C. T.↗

Wave-Rotor-Enhanced Gas Turbine Engine Demonstrator

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Rolls-Royce Allison are working collaboratively to demonstrate the benefits and viability of a wave-rotor-topped gas turbine engine. The self-cooled wave rotor is predicted to increase the engine overall pressure ratio and peak temperature by 300% and 25 to 30%. respectively, providing substantial improvements in engine efficiency and specific power. Such performance improvements would significantly reduce engine emissions and the fuel logistics trails of armed forces. Progress towards a planned demonstration of a wave-rotor-topped Rolls-Royce Allison model 250 engine has included completion of the preliminary design and layout of the engine, the aerodynamic design of the wave rotor component and prediction of its aerodynamic performance characteristics in on- and off-design operation and during transients, and the aerodynamic design of transition ducts between the wave rotor and the high pressure turbine. The topping cycle increases the burner entry temperature and poses a design challenge to be met in the development of the demonstrator engine.

Welch, Gerard E.↗

Analysis of Dual Rotating Rake Data from the NASA Glenn Advanced Noise Control Fan Duct with Artificial Sources

The Rotating Rake mode measurement system was designed to measure acoustic duct modes generated by a fan stage. Initially, the mode amplitudes and phases were quantified from a single rake measurement at one axial location. To directly measure the modes propagating in both directions within a duct, a second rake was mounted to the rotating system with an offset in both the axial and the azimuthal directions. The rotating rake data analysis technique was then extended to include the data measured by the second rake. The analysis resulted in a set of circumferential mode levels at each of the two rake microphone locations. Radial basis functions were then least-squares fit to this data to obtain the radial mode amplitudes for the modes propagating in both directions within the duct. Validation experiments have been conducted using artificial acoustic sources. Results are shown for the measurement of the standing waves in the duct from sound generated by one and two acoustic sources that are separated into the component modes propagating in both directions within the duct. Measured reflection coefficients from the open end of the duct are compared to analytical predictions.

Noise↗

Duct-lining materials and concepts

Acoustic characteristics evaluation of duct lining materials and design of acoustically absorptive aircraft inlets and fan ducts

Feder, E.↗

Normal injection of helium from swept struts into ducted supersonic flow

Recent design studies have shown that airframe-integrated scramjets should include instream mounted, swept-back strut fuel injectors to obtain short combustors. Because there was no data in the literature on mixing characteristics of swept strut fuel injectors, the present investigation was undertaken to provide such data. This investigation was made with two swept struts in a closed duct at Mach number of 4.4 and nominal jet-to-air mass flow ratio of 0.029 with helium used to simulate hydrogen fuel. The data is compared with flat plate mounted normal injector data to obtain the effect of swept struts on mixing. Three injector patterns were evaluated representing the range of hole spacing and jet-to-freestream dynamic pressure ratio of interest. Measured helium concentration, pitot pressure, and static pressure in the downstream mixing region are used to generate contour plots necessary to define the mixing region flow field and the mixing parameters.

Mcclinton, C. R.↗

Development of an Experimental Rig for Investigation of Higher Order Modes in Ducts

Continued progress to reduce fan noise emission from high bypass ratio engine ducts in aircraft increasingly relies on accurate description of the sound propagation in the duct. A project has been undertaken at NASA Langley Research Center to investigate the propagation of higher order modes in ducts with flow. This is a two-pronged approach, including development of analytic models (the subject of a separate paper) and installation of a laboratory-quality test rig. The purposes of the rig are to validate the analytical models and to evaluate novel duct acoustic liner concepts, both passive and active. The dimensions of the experimental rig test section scale to between 25% and 50% of the aft bypass ducts of most modern engines. The duct is of rectangular cross section so as to provide flexibility to design and fabricate test duct liner samples. The test section can accommodate flow paths that are straight through or offset from inlet to discharge, the latter design allowing investigation of the effect of curvature on sound propagation and duct liner performance. The maximum air flow rate through the duct is Mach 0.3. Sound in the duct is generated by an array of 16 high-intensity acoustic drivers. The signals to the loudspeaker array are generated by a multi-input/multi-output feedforward control system that has been developed for this project. The sound is sampled by arrays of flush-mounted microphones and a modal decomposition is performed at the frequency of sound generation. The data acquisition system consists of two arrays of flush-mounted microphones, one upstream of the test section and one downstream. The data are used to determine parameters such as the overall insertion loss of the test section treatment as well as the effect of the treatment on a modal basis such as mode scattering. The methodology used for modal decomposition is described, as is a description of the mode generation control system. Data are presented which demonstrate the performance of the controller to generate the desired mode while suppressing all other cut on modes in the duct.

Gerhold, Carl H.↗

Preliminary Tests of Blowers of Three Designs Operating in Conjunction with a Wing-Duct Cooling System for Radial Engines, Special Report

This paper is one of several dealing with methods intended to reduce the drag of present-day radial engine installations and improve the cooling at zero and low air speeds, The present paper describes model wind-tunnel tests of blowers of three designs tested in conjunction with a wing-nacelle combination. The principle of operation involved consists of drawing cooling air into ducts located in the wing root at the point of maximum slipstream velocity, passing the air through the engine baffles from rear to front, and exhausting the air through an annular slot located between the propeller and the engine with the aid of a blower mounted on the spinner. The test apparatus consisted essentially of a stub wing having a 5-foot chord and a 15-foot span, an engine nacelle of 20 inches diameter enclosing a 25-horsepower electric motor, and three blowers mounted on propeller spinners. Two of the blowers utilize centrifugal force while the other uses the lift from airfoils to force the air out radially through the exit slot. Maximum efficiencies of over 70 percent were obtained for the system as a whole. Pressures were measured over the entire flight range which were in excess of those necessary to cool present-day engines, The results indicated that blowers mounted on propeller spinners could be built sufficiently powerful and efficient to warrant their use as the only, or chief, means of forcing air through the cooling system, so that cooling would be independent of the speed of the airplane.

Biermann, David↗

Design and analysis of reengine Boeing 727-100 center inlet S duct by a reduced Navier-Stokes code

This paper describes the application of a three-dimensional reduced Navier-Stokes code to perform design and analysis of the reengine Boeing 727-100 center engine inlet S duct. This computer code is shown to be cost effective, accurate and easy to use to design the optimal S duct geometries, predict its aerodynamic performance and provide the detailed flowfield information.

Huang, Pao S.↗

Conceptual design studies and experiments related to cavity exhaust systems for nuclear light bulb configurations

Investigations of various phases of gaseous nuclear rocket technology have been conducted. The principal research efforts have recently been directed toward the closed-cycle, vortex-stabilized nuclear light bulb engine and toward a small-scale fissioning uranium plasma experiment that could be conducted in the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's Nuclear Furnace. The engine concept is based on the transfer of energy by thermal radiation from gaseous fissioning uranium, through a transparent wall, to hydrogen propellant. The reference engine configuration is comprised of seven unit cavities, each having its own fuel transparent wall and propellant duct. The basic design of the engine is described. Subsequent studies performed to supplement and investigate the basic design are reported. Summaries of other nuclear light bulb research programs are included.

Kendall, J. S.↗

Dual Rotating Rake Measurements of Higher-Order Duct Modes: Validation Using Experimental and Numerical Data

A rotating rake mode measurement system was designed to measure acoustic duct modes generated by a fan stage. After analysis of the measured data, the mode coefficient amplitudes and phases were quantified. Early studies using this system found that mode power levels computed from rotating rake measured data would agree with the far-field power levels. However, this agreement required that the sound from the noise sources within the duct propagated outward from the duct exit without reflection and previous studies suggested conditions could exist where significant reflections could occur. This paper shows that mounting a second rake to the rotating system, with an offset in both the axial and the azimuthal directions, measures the data necessary to determine the modes propagating in both directions within a duct. The rotating rake data analysis technique was extended to include the data measured by the second rake. The analysis resulted in a set of circumferential mode coefficients at each of the two rake microphone locations. Radial basis functions were then least-squares fit to this data to obtain the radial mode coefficients for the modes propagating in both directions within the duct while accounting for the presence of evanescent modes. The validation of the dual-rotating-rake measurements was conducted using data from a combination of experiments and numerical calculations to compute reflection coefficients and other mode coefficient ratios. Compared to results from analytical and numerical computations, the results from dual-rotating-rake measured data followed the expected trends when frequency, mode number, and duct termination geometry were changed.

Validation↗

Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Mach-2.7 Two-dimensional Bifurcated Duct Inlet with 30 Percent Internal Contraction

An experimental study was conducted to determine the performance of a two-dimensional, mixed-compression bifurcated duct inlet system designed for a free-stream Mach number of 2.7. Thirty percent of the supersonic area contraction occurred internally. A movable ramp was used to vary the contraction ratio for off-design operation. Boundary layer bleed regions were located on the cowl, centerbody, and sidewall surfaces. There were also provisions for vortex generators on the cowl and centerbody of the subsonic diffuser. Data were obtained over the Mach number range of 2.0 to 2.8 and at angles of yaw from 0 deg. to the maximum value prior to inlet un-start. The test at Mach 2.8 was to obtain data for an over- speed condition. The Reynolds number varied from 2.5 to 2.3 million/ft for Mach numbers above 2.5. At Mach numbers of 2.5 and lower, the Reynolds number was set at 2.5 million/ft. Bleed patterns, vortex generator patterns, and ramp position were varied, and three inlet configurations were selected for more extensive study. Two of these configurations had self-starting capability. The self-starting configuration that was developed produced 89 percent total pressure recovery at the compressor face station with 6.8 percent total bleed. The compressor face distortion was about 16 percent. Vortex generators were extremely effective in re-distributing flow but were not as effective in reducing distortion. Excellent flow symmetry was achieved between the separated halves of the inlet, and twin-duct instability was not observed. The ramp tip shock was steeper than expected. This caused the cowl lip shock to be reflected from the ramp instead of being cancelled at the shoulder. However, peak recovery at the throat was still obtained with the ramp near the design position.

Wasserbauer, J. F.↗

Investigation in the 7-by-10 Foot Wind Tunnel of Ducts for Cooling Radiators within an Airplane Wing

Report presents the results of an investigation made in the NACA 7 by 10-foot wind tunnel of a large-chord wing model with a duct to house a simulated radiator suitable for a liquid-cooled engine. The duct was expanded to reduce the radiator losses, and the installation of the duct and radiator was made entirely within the wing to reduce form and interference drag. The tests were made using a two-dimensional-flow setup with a full-span duct and radiator. Section aerodynamic characteristics of the basic airfoil are given and also curves showing the characteristics of the various duct-radiator combinations. An expression for efficiency, the primary criterion of merit of any duct, and the effect of the several design parameters of the duct-radiator arrangement are discussed. The problem of throttling is considered and a discussion of the power required for cooling is included.

Harris, Thomas A↗

Investigation in the 7-By-10 Foot Wind Tunnel of Ducts for Cooling Radiators Within an Airplane Wing, Special Report

An investigation was made in the NACA 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel of a large-chord wing model with a duct to house a simulated radiator suitable for a liquid-cooled engine. The duct was expanded to reduce the radiator losses, and the installation of the duct and radiator was made entirely within the wing to reduce form and interference drag. The tests were made using a two-dimensional flow set-up with a full-span duct and radiator. Section aerodynamic characteristics of the basic airfoil are given and also curves showing the characteristics of the various duct-radiator combinations. An expression for efficiency, the primary criterion of merit of any duct, and the effect of the several design parameters of the duct-radiator arrangement are discussed. The problem of throttling is considered and a discussion of the power required for cooling is included. It was found that radiators could be mounted in the wing and efficiently pass enough air for cooling with duct outlets located at any point from 0.25c to 0.70c from the wing leading edge on the upper surface. The duct-inlet position was found to be critical and, for maximum efficiency, had to be at the stagnation point of the airfoil and to change with flight attitude. The flow could be efficiently throttled only by a simultaneous variation of duct inlet and outlet sizes and of inlet position. It was desirable to round both inlet and outlet lips. With certain arrangements of duct, the power required for cooling at high speed was a very low percentage of the engine power.

Harris, Thomas A.↗

Evaluation of the Spherical Flange Concept for a Rocket Engine

Due to the inherent tolerance variability of hardware, flange misalignments occur during installation of mating components for a liquid propellant rocket engine. Flange misalignments include axial, lateral, and angular offsets. If these misalignments are high, they can impart significant loads into the two mating components. These significant loads can then be a driver in the design of the propellant ducts. Such was the case for the Rocketdyne RS-83 engine design for the Space Launch Initiative Program. To address this flange misalignment issue, Marshall Space Flight Center joined with Rocketdyne to develop and test a spherical flange system that allows for misalignment, yet reduces loads imparted, and at the same time provides sufficient sealing against leakage. The flange design was tested to evaluate and compare performance parameters such as misalignment and leakage. The environmental conditions ranged from -100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (F) with 1000 to 4000 pounds per square inch gage (psig) pressure. The desirable design features will be extracted and synthesized into a new flange design concept. This paper will address the spherical flange design and the test results.

Nichols, Jay↗

An Adaptive Geometry-Free Thermo-Mechanical Model for Directed Energy Deposition Process Modeling

This presentation describes a novel, geometry-free thermo-mechanical model with adaptive subdomain con- struction to accurately predict the thermal conditions, distortions, and residual stresses throughout the directed energy deposition (DED) process. A novel finite element workflow is designed to con- duct the numerical analysis, based on the multi-app and data transfer capabilities in the open-source Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). Unlike with traditional methods, the part geometry in this model is not predefined. Instead, it is a combined effect of the processing parameters and material properties. At each time step, the model utilizes a subdomain construction paradigm to model the material deposition. A specialized mesh adaptivity scheme is incorporated to provide an accurate prediction while reducing the overall computational cost. The results generated by the proposed model show general agreement with the experimental measurements for the single track scan with varying processing parameters and demonstrate reasonable predictions for higher material buildups.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗