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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Evaluation of CFD to Determine Two-Dimensional Airfoil Characteristics for Rotorcraft Applications

The efficient prediction of helicopter rotor performance, vibratory loads, and aeroelastic properties still relies heavily on the use of comprehensive analysis codes by the rotorcraft industry. These comprehensive codes utilize look-up tables to provide two-dimensional aerodynamic characteristics. Typically these tables are comprised of a combination of wind tunnel data, empirical data and numerical analyses. The potential to rely more heavily on numerical computations based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations has become more of a reality with the advent of faster computers and more sophisticated physical models. The ability of five different CFD codes applied independently to predict the lift, drag and pitching moments of rotor airfoils is examined for the SC1095 airfoil, which is utilized in the UH-60A main rotor. Extensive comparisons with the results of ten wind tunnel tests are performed. These CFD computations are found to be as good as experimental data in predicting many of the aerodynamic performance characteristics. Four turbulence models were examined (Baldwin-Lomax, Spalart-Allmaras, Menter SST, and k-omega).

Smith, Marilyn J.↗

Spatial and Temporal Signatures of Flux Transfer Events in Global Simulations of Magnetopause Dynamics

Flux transfer events (FTEs) were originally identified by transient bipolar variations of the magnetic field component normal to the nominal magnetopause centered on enhancements in the total magnetic field strength. Recent Cluster and THEMIS multi-point measurements provided a wide range of signatures that are interpreted as evidence for FTE passage (e.g., crater FTE's, traveling magnetic erosion regions). We use the global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code BATS-R-US developed at the University of Michigan to model the global three-dimensional structure and temporal evolution of FTEs during multi-spacecraft magnetopause crossing events. Comparison of observed and simulated signatures and sensitivity analysis of the results to the probe location will be presented. We will demonstrate a variety of observable signatures in magnetic field profile that depend on space probe location with respect to the FTE passage. The global structure of FTEs will be illustrated using advanced visualization tools developed at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center

Kuznetsova, Maria M.↗

Numerical Analysis of a Rotating Detonation Engine in the Relative Reference Frame

A two-dimensional, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of a semi-idealized rotating detonation engine (RDE) is described. The simulation operates in the detonation frame of reference and utilizes a relatively coarse grid such that only the essential primary flow field structure is captured. This construction yields rapidly converging, steady solutions. Results from the simulation are compared to those from a more complex and refined code, and found to be in reasonable agreement. The performance impacts of several RDE design parameters are then examined. Finally, for a particular RDE configuration, it is found that direct performance comparison can be made with a straight-tube pulse detonation engine (PDE). Results show that they are essentially equivalent.

pulse detonation engines↗

Numerical Analysis of a Rotating Detonation Engine in the Relative Reference Frame

A two-dimensional, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of a semi-idealized rotating detonation engine (RDE) is described. The simulation operates in the detonation frame of reference and utilizes a relatively coarse grid such that only the essential primary flow field structure is captured. This construction yields rapidly converging, steady solutions. Results from the simulation are compared to those from a more complex and refined code, and found to be in reasonable agreement. The performance impacts of several RDE design parameters are then examined. Finally, for a particular RDE configuration, it is found that direct performance comparison can be made with a straight-tube pulse detonation engine (PDE). Results show that they are essentially equivalent.

propulsion↗

Computational/Experimental Aeroheating Predictions for X-33: Vehicle - Phase 2

Laminar and turbulent heating-rate calculations from an "engineering" code and laminar calculations from a "benchmark" Navier-Stokes code are compared with experimental wind-tunnel data obtained on several candidate configurations for the X-33 Phase 2 flight vehicle. The experimental data were obtained at a Mach number of 6 and a freestream Reynolds number ranging from 1 to 8 x 10(exp 6)/ft. Comparisons are presented along the windward symmetry plane and in a circumferential direction around the body at several axial stations at angles of attack from 20 to 40 deg. The experimental results include both laminar and turbulent flow. For the highest angle of attack some of the measured heating data exhibited a "non-laminar" behavior which caused the heating to increase above the laminar level long before "classical" transition to turbulent flow was observed. This trend was not observed at the lower angles of attack. When the flow was laminar, both codes predicted the heating along the windward symmetry plane reasonably well but under-predicted the heating in the chine region. When the flow was turbulent the LATCH code accurately predicted the measured heating rates. Both codes were used to calculate heating rates over the X-33 vehicle at the peak heating point on the design trajectory and they were found to be in very good agreement over most of the vehicle windward surface.

Hamilton, H. Harris, II↗

Comparison of Acoustic Impedance Eduction Techniques for Locally-Reacting Liners

Typical acoustic liners used in current aircraft inlets and aft-fan ducts consist of some type of perforated facesheet bonded to a honeycomb core. A number of techniques for determining the acoustic impedance of these locallyreacting liners have been developed over the last five decades. In addition, a number of models have been developed to predict the acoustic impedance of locallyreacting liners in the presence of grazing flow, and to use that information together with aeroacoustic propagation codes to assess the noise absorption provided by these liners. These prediction models have incorporated the results from databases acquired with specific impedance eduction techniques. Thus, while these prediction models are acceptable for liners that are similar to those tested in these databases, their application to new liner configurations must be viewed with caution. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a comparison of impedance eduction techniques that have been implemented at various aerospace research laboratories in the United States (NASA Langley Research Center, General Electric Aircraft Engines, B. F. Goodrich and Boeing). A secondary purpose is to provide data for liner configurations that extend the porosity range beyond that which has been previously used in common aircraft engine nacelles. Two sets of liners were designed to study the effects of three parameters: perforate hole diameter, facesheet thickness and porosity. These two sets of liners were constructed for testing in each of the laboratories listed above. The first set of liners was designed to fit into the NASA Langley and Boeing test facilities. The second set was designed to fit into the General Electric Aircraft Engines and B. F. Goodrich test facilities. By using the same parent material, both sets of liners were identical to within the limits of material and fabrication variability. Baseline data were obtained in the normal incidence impedance tubes at NASA Langley and B. F. Goodrich. The results were found to compare extremely well. The samples were then tested in the grazing flow ducts of each of the four laboratories. Perhaps the most significant result of these comparisons is that the educed acoustic resistances for the liners used in this study increase as the mean flow profile is modified from uniform to 3-D shear. This realization has demonstrated the need for an frequency-dependent impedance eduction technique that incorporates 3-D shear flow and is efficient.

Jones, M. G.↗

Rotor Broadband Noise Prediction with Comparison to Model Data

This paper reports an analysis and prediction development of rotor broadband noise. The two primary components of this noise are Blade-Wake Interaction (BWI) noise, due to the blades' interaction with the turbulent wakes of the preceding blades, and "Self" noise, due to the development and shedding of turbulence within the blades' boundary layers. Emphasized in this report is the new code development for Self noise. The analysis and validation employs data from the HART program, a model BO-105 rotor wind tunnel test conducted in the German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW). The BWI noise predictions are based on measured pressure response coherence functions using cross-spectral methods. The Self noise predictions are based on previously reported semiempirical modeling of Self noise obtained from isolated airfoil sections and the use of CAMRAD.Modl to define rotor performance and local blade segment flow conditions. Both BWI and Self noise from individual blade segments are Doppler shifted and summed at the observer positions. Prediction comparisons with measurements show good agreement for a range of rotor operating conditions from climb to steep descent. The broadband noise predictions, along with those of harmonic and impulsive Blade-Vortex Interaction (BVI) noise predictions, demonstrate a significant advance in predictive capability for main rotor noise.

Brooks, Thomas F.↗

Modeling of three-dimensional mixing and reacting ducted flows

A computer code, based upon a finite element solution algorithm, was developed to solve the governing equations for three-dimensional, reacting boundary region, and constant area ducted flow fields. Effective diffusion coefficients are employed to allow analyses of turbulent, transitional or laminar flows. The code was used to investigate mixing and reacting hydrogen jets injected from multiple orifices, transverse and parallel to a supersonic air stream. Computational results provide a three-dimensional description of velocity, temperature, and species-concentration fields downstream of injection. Experimental data for eight cases covering different injection conditions and geometries were modeled using mixing length theory (MLT). These results were used as a baseline for examining the relative merits of other mixing models. Calculations were made using a two-equation turbulence model (k+d) and comparisons were made between experiment and mixing length theory predictions. The k+d model shows only a slight improvement in predictive capability over MLT. Results of an examination of the effect of tensorial transport coefficients on mass and momentum field distribution are also presented. Solutions demonstrating the ability of the code to model ducted flows and parallel strut injection are presented and discussed.

Zelazny, S. W.↗

A thermal control approach for a solar electric propulsion thrust subsystem

A thrust subsystem thermal control design is defined for a Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS) proposed for the comet Halley Flyby/comet Tempel 2 rendezvous mission. A 114 node analytic model, developed and coded on the systems improved numerical differencing analyzer program, was employed. A description of the resulting thrust subsystem thermal design is presented as well as a description of the analytic model and comparisons of the predicted temperature profiles for various SEPS thermal configurations that were generated using this model. It was concluded that: (1) a BIMOD engine system thermal design can be autonomous; (2) an independent thrust subsystem thermal design is feasible; (3) the interface module electronics temperatures can be controlled by a passive radiator and supplementary heaters; (4) maintaining heat pipes above the freezing point would require an additional 322 watts of supplementary heating power for the situation where no thrusters are operating; (5) insulation is required around the power processors, and between the interface module and the avionics module, as well as in those areas which may be subjected to solar heating; and (6) insulation behind the heat pipe radiators is not necessary.

Maloy, J. E.↗

Structural analysis of the controlled impact demonstration of a jet transport airplane

An analytical method has been developed for assessing crash dynamics of large transport aircraft, such as in the NASA Controlled Impact Demonstration (CID) jet crash test on December 1, 1984. The DYCAST nonlinear finite-element computer code was used in a series of progressively more difficult tasks to model complete transport aircraft crashes. Single aircraft frames and fuselage section vertical drop tests were modeled and analyzed to obtain comparisons with experimental data and to develop hybrid element crash springs for use in the large CID model. Predictions of crash and acceleration levels from a symmetric CID model agreed well with data from the CID experiment.

Fasanella, E. L.↗

Unsteady transonic small-disturbance theory including entropy and vorticity effects

Modifications to unsteady transonic small-disturbance theory to include entropy and vorticity effects are presented. The modifications have been implemented in the CAP-TSD (Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance) code developed recently at the NASA Langley Research Center. The code permits the aeroelastic analysis of complete aircraft configurations in the flutter critical transonic speed range. Entropy and vorticity effects have been incorporated within the solution procedure to more accurately analyze flows with strong shock waves. The modified code includes these effects while retaining the relative simplicity and cost efficiency of the TSD formulation. The paper presents detailed descriptions of the entropy and vorticity modifications along with calculated results and comparisons which assess the modified theory. These results are in good agreement with parallel Euler calculations and with experimental data. Therefore, the present method now provides the aeroelastician with an affordable capability to analyze relatively difficult transonic flows without having to solve the computationally more expensive Euler equations.

Batina, John T.↗

Flutter analysis of highly swept delta wings by conventional methods

The flutter boundaries of six thin highly-swept delta-platform wings have been calculated. Comparisons are made between experimental data and results using several aerodynamic methods. The aerodynamic methods used include a subsonic and supersonic kernel function, second order piston theory, and a transonic small disturbance code. The dynamic equations of motion are solved using analytically calculated mode shapes and frequencies.

Gibbons, M. D.↗

Predicted and hot-film measured Tollmien-Schlichting wave characteristics

The Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) instability is a time-dependence instability which can lead to transition of laminar boundary layers on airfoils. A comparison of theoretical predictions and experimental observations of the TS instability on the NLF(1)-0414F airfoil designed by Viken and Pfenninger. The theoretical predictions were obtained using the SALLY stability code. Test results, from the same hot films that were used to detect transition, revealed that TS waves could be detected by the hot films if the hot-film signal was adequately modified.

Stack, John P.↗

A new uniformly valid asymptotic integration algorithm for elasto-plastic-creep and unified viscoplastic theories including continuum damage

A new scheme to integrate a system of stiff differential equations for both the elasto-plastic creep and the unified viscoplastic theories is presented. The method has high stability, allows large time increments, and is implicit and iterative. It is suitable for use with continuum damage theories. The scheme was incorporated into MARC, a commercial finite element code through a user subroutine called HYPELA. Results from numerical problems under complex loading histories are presented for both small and large scale analysis. To demonstrate the scheme's accuracy and efficiency, comparisons to a self-adaptive forward Euler method are made.

Chulya, A.↗

Modification of the SHABERTH bearing code to incorporate RP-1 and a discussion of the traction model

Recently developed traction data for Rocket Propellant 1 (RP-1), a hydrocarbon fuel of the kerosene family, was used to develop the parameters needed by the bearing code SHABERTH in order to include RP-1 as a lubricant choice. The procedure for inputting data for a new lubricant choice is reviewed, and the theoretical fluid traction model is discussed. Comparisons are made between experimental traction data and those predicted by SHABERTH for RP-1. All data needed to modify SHABERTH for use with RP-1 as a lubricant are specified.

Woods, Claudia M.↗

FD-TD numerical simulation of an entire lightning strike on the C160 aircraft

Experimental transient electromagnetic field measurements were performed on a Transall C160 aircraft during in-flight lightning strikes. The data allow a test of the predictive capabilities of a three dimensional time domain finite difference code (ALICE) developed at ONERA in order to investigate lightning-aircraft interactions. Using a transfer function technique in the 3D code, it is shown that a bi-leader attached to an aircraft can be simulated by a linear model, and so the electromagnetic fields can be calculated anywhere on the vehicle. Comparison of experimental and numerical results were made for several lightning strikes. Skin current density and electromagnetic field distributions are discussed in detail.

Alliot, J. C.↗

A new uniformly valid asymptotic integration algorithm for elasto-plastic creep and unified viscoplastic theories including continuum damage

A new scheme to integrate a system of stiff differential equations for both the elasto-plastic creep and the unified viscoplastic theories is presented. The method has high stability, allows large time increments, and is implicit and iterative. It is suitable for use with continuum damage theories. The scheme was incorporated into MARC, a commercial finite element code through a user subroutine called HYPELA. Results from numerical problems under complex loading histories are presented for both small and large scale analysis. To demonstrate the scheme's accuracy and efficiency, comparisons to a self-adaptive forward Euler method are made.

Chulya, Abhisak↗

Discussion of band selection and methodologies for the estimation of precipitable water vapour from AVIRIS data

An Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data set acquired over Canal Flats, B.C., on 14 Aug. 1990, was used for the purpose of developing methodologies for surface reflectance retrieval using the 5S atmospheric code. A scene of Rogers Dry Lake, California (23 Jul. 1990), acquired within three weeks of the Canal Flats scene, was used as a potential reference for radiometric calibration purposes and for comparison with other studies using primarily LOWTRAN7. Previous attempts at surface reflectance retrieval indicated that reflectance values in the gaseous absorption bands had the poorest accuracy. Modifications to 5S to use 1 nm step size, in order to make fuller use of the 20 cm(sup -1) resolution of the gaseous absorption data, resulted in some improvement in the accuracy of the retrieved surface reflectance. Estimates of precipitable water vapor using non-linear least squares regression and simple ratioing techniques such as the CIBR (Continuum Interpolated Band Ratio) technique or the narrow/wide technique, which relate ratios of combinations of bands to precipitable water vapor through calibration curves, were found to vary widely. The estimates depended on the bands used for the estimation; none provided entirely satisfactory surface reflectance curves.

Schanzer, Dena↗