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At least 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS1986

The flowfield structure of the 3-D shock wave - Boundary layer interaction generated by a 20 deg sharp fin at Mach 3

The three-dimensional oblique shock wave-turbulent boundary layer interaction generated by a sharp fin attached to a flat plate is investigated experimentally and theoretically for Mach 3 and Reynolds number 9 x 10 to the 5th using two different models. Both models employ the three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations in mass-averaged variables; one model utilizes the algebraic turbulent eddy viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax (1978), while the other model employs the two-equation turbulence model of Jones and Launder (1972) coupled with the wall function model of Viegas and Rubesin (1985). The computed surface pressure, surface streamlines, pitot pressure, and yaw angle profiles are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The three-dimensional velocity fields computed by both models are in close agreement, although the eddy viscosity profiles differ significantly within the three-dimensional interaction. This result indicates that the overall structure of this three-dimensional sharp fin interaction is insensitive to the turbulence model.

Knight, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

ISEE observations of the magnetopause - Reconnection and the energy balance

The total energy balance for two events with the objective of obtaining check on the interpretation in terms of reconnection is examined. To within experimental uncertainties, the plasma and magnetic field data are consistent with reconnection. An enthalpy increase comparable to the kinetic energy increase occurs in the magnetopause. Thus substantial dissipation is present in the rotational discontinuity. An ion heat flow associated with a beam of reflected magnetosheath particles carried away some 20 percent of the total converted electromagnetic energy.

Paschmann, G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Experimental investigation of hypersonic aerodynamics

An extensive series of ballistic range tests are currently being conducted at the Ames Research Center. These tests are intended to investigate the hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics of two basic configurations, which are: the blunt-cone Galileo probe which is scheduled to be launched in late 1989 and will enter the atmosphere of Jupiter in 1994, and a generic slender cone configuration to provide experimental aerodynamic data including good flow-field definition which computational aerodynamicists could use to validate their computer codes. Some of the results obtained thus far are presented and work for the near future is discussed.

Heinemann, K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Three-dimensional unsteady Euler solutions for propfans and counter-rotating propfans in transonic flow

An Euler code designed for computing the unsteady, three-dimensional, transonic flow about single-rotating and counter-rotating propfans using dynamic blocked-grids is presented. The algorithm is a finite volume, flux-split, upwind, implicit scheme and solves the equations which have been written in a time-dependent curvilinear coordinate system. Relative motion of the blades for counter-rotating configurations is handled by requiring that grid lines be aligned after each discrete rotation of fore and aft rotor grid blocks. The method by which information is passed across block interfaces, as well as how downstream characteristic outflow boundary conditions which enforce simple radial equilibrium are implemented, is discussed. Comparisons of computed flow-field parameters and propfan performance with experimental data indicate good overall agreement between predictions and measurements.

Whitfield, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

High resolution upwind schemes for the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

Based on flux-difference splitting, implicit high resolution schemes are constructed for efficient computations of steady-state solutions to the three-dimensional, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in curvilinear coordinates. These schemes use first-order accurate Euler backward-time differencing and second-order central differencing for the viscous shear fluxes. Up to third-order accurate upwind differencing is achieved through a reconstruction of the solution from its cell averages. The reconstruction is accomplished by linear interpolation, where the node stencils are selected such that in regions of smooth solution the flow is highly resolved while spurious oscillations in regions of rapid changes in gradient are still suppressed. Fairly rapid convergence to steady-state solutions is attained with a completely vectorizable hybrid time-marching method. Flows around a sharp-edged delta wing are computed with the maximum accuracy of the upwind-differencing restricted to first-, second-, and third-order, to illustrate the effect of accuracy on the global and on the local vortical flow fields. The results are validated with experimental data.

Hartwich, PETER-M.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Transonic aeroelastic analysis of launch vehicle configurations

A numerical study of the aeroelastic stability of typical launch vehicle configurations in transonic flight is performed. Recent computational fluid dynamics techniques are used to simulate the transonic aerodynamic flow fields, as opposed to relying on experimental data for the unsteady aerodynamic pressures. The flow solver is coupled to an appropriate structural representation of the vehicle. The aerodynamic formulation is based on the thin layer approximation to the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations, where the account for turbulent mixing is done by the two-layer Baldwin and Lomax algebraic eddy viscosity model. The structural-dynamic equations are developed considering free-free flexural vibration of an elongated beam with variable properties and are cast in modal form. Aeroelastic analyses are performed by integrating simultaneously in the two sets of equations. By tracing the growth or decay of a perturbed oscillation, the aeroelastic stability of a given constant configuration can be ascertained. The method is described in detail, and results that indicate its application are presented. Applications include some validation cases for the algorithm developed, as well as the study of configurations known to have presented flutter programs in the past.

Filgueirasdeazevedo, Joao Luiz↗

NASA NTRS1990

CFD validation for aerodynamic flows - Challenge for the '90's

The process of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation is described from two perspectives, numerical error validation and physical model validation. Errors associated with time and space discretization, grid refinement, numerical dissipation, and level of solution convergence, are all possible sources of numerical error. The second aspect of CFD code validation is associated with the governing equations and the physical models, e.g., chemistry and turbulence models. This type of validation requires comparisons with carefully conducted experiments and is the primary aspect of the validation process discussed in this paper. Examples of validation are shown for selected Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes codes for conditions from transonic through hypersonic. Since code applications are becoming more complex, it no longer suffices to use data from surface or integral quantities alone to provide the required validation. Flow field surveys and experimental boundary condition measurements are emerging as critical data that must be obtained for CFD code validation. Progress in the overall level of validation is shown to be improving. However, future challenges remain, some of which are enumerated.

Marvin, Joseph G.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A zonal Navier-Stokes methodology for flow simulation about a complete aircraft

The thin layer, Reynolds-averaged, Navier-Stokes equations are used to simulate the transonic viscous flow about the complete F-16A fighter aircraft. These computations demonstrate how computational fluid dynamics can be used to simulate turbulent viscous flow about realistic aircraft geometries. A zonal grid approach is used to provide adequate viscous grid clustering on all aircraft surfaces. Zonal grids extend inside the F-16A inlet and up to the compressor face while power on conditions are modeled by employing a zonal grid extending from the exhaust nozzle to the far field. Computations are compared with existing experimental data and are in fair agreement. Computations for the F-16A in side slip are also presented.

Flores, Jolen↗

NASA NTRS1992

Studies of radiative emission from the simulated shock layer of the Huygens probe

An investigation has been conducted to determine the radiative heating of the Huygens probe. The shock tube facility at Stanford University was used to generate plasma behind strong shocks, which simulates the flow field around the probe. Spectroscopic techniques have been used to measure thermophysical quantities of the plasma in the shock tube. A numerical code has been developed using a three temperature model in order to generate one dimensional flow field solutions for comparison with these experimental data. Based on this analysis, the radiative heat transfer at the stagnation point of the prove was approximated.

Park, C. S.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Laser Light Scattering by Shock Waves

Scattering of coherent light as it propagates parallel to a shock wave, formed in front of a bluff cylindrical body placed in a supersonic stream, is studied experimentally and numerically. Two incident optical fields are considered. First, a large diameter collimated beam is allowed to pass through the shock containing flow. The light intensity distribution in the resultant shadowgraph image, measured by a low light CCD camera, shows well-defined fringes upstream and downstream of the shadow cast by the shock. In the second situation, a narrow laser beam is brought to a grazing incidence on the shock and the scattered light, which appears as a diverging sheet from the point of interaction, is visualized and measured on a screen placed normal to the laser path. Experiments are conducted on shocks formed at various free-stream Mach numbers, M, and total pressures, P(sub 0). It is found that the widths of the shock shadows in a shadowgraph image become independent of M and P(sub 0) when plotted against the jump in the refractive index, (Delta)n, created across the shock. The total scattered light measured from the narrow laser beam and shock interaction also follows the same trend. In the numerical part of the study, the shock is assumed to be a 'phase object', which introduces phase difference between the upstream and downstream propagating parts of the light disturbances. For a given shape and (Delta)n of the bow shock the phase and amplitude modulations are first calculated by ray tracing. The wave front is then propagated to the screen using the Fresnet diffraction equation. The calculated intensity distribution, for both of the incident optical fields, shows good agreement with the experimental data.

Panda, J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Abel Inversion of Deflectometric Measurements in Dynamic Flows

We present an Abel-inversion algorithm to reconstruct mean and rms refractive-index profiles from spatially resolved statistical measurements of the beam-deflection angle in time-dependent, axisymmetric flows. An oscillating gas-jet diffusion flame was investigated as a test case for applying the algorithm. Experimental data were obtained across the whole field by a rainbow schlieren apparatus. Results show that simultaneous multipoint measurements are necessary to reconstruct the rms refractive index accurately.

Agrawal, Ajay K.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Sonic Boom Prediction Exercise: Experimental Comparisons

The success of a future High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) depends on the ability to accurately assess and, possibly, modify the sonic boom signatures of potential designs. In 1992, the Sonic Boom Steering Committee initiated a prediction exercise to assess the current computational capabilities for the accurate and efficient prediction of sonic boom signatures and loudness levels. A progress report of this effort was given at the Sonic Boom Workshop held at NASA Ames Research Center in 1993 where predictions from CFD and Modified Linear Theory (MLT) methods were given. Comparisons between the methods were made at near-, mid- and far-field locations. However, at that time, experimental data from wind-tunnel tests were not available. The current paper presents a comparison of computational results with the now available experimental data. Further comparisons between the computational methods and analyses of the discrepancies in the results are presented.

Tu, Eugene↗

NASA NTRS2000

Effects of Hydrogen on Tantalum Nitride Resistors

In this paper we report on observations of degradation of thin film Tantalum Nitride chip resistors in a hermetically sealed hybrid. The observations have been attributed to the reaction of residual Palladium with desorbed Hydrogen on the surface of the resistor film. Hydrogen gas has been observed to desorb from various sources within the sealed hybrid as a result of temperature elevation. The hydrogen gas has been reported to undergo a reaction with elements such as Platinum and Palladium causing device degradation in Gallium Arsenide Field Effect Transistors. The experimental procedures and data relating to this observation along with a discussion of available risk mitigation techniques will be presented.

Weiler, James↗

NASA NTRS2002

Dynamics of a Finite Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Column in a Pulsed Magnetic Field

It is well known that liquid oxygen has a sufficient paramagnetic susceptibility that a strong magnetic field gradient can lift it in the earth's gravitational field. The movement of liquid oxygen is vital to the space program since it one of the primary oxidizers used for propulsion. Transport of liquid oxygen (LOX) via direct interaction of the magnetic fields (B field) with the fluid is a current topic of research and development at Kennedy Space Center, FL. This method of transporting (i.e. pumping) LOX may have particular advantages on Mars and other reduced gravitational environments, namely safety and reliability. This paper will address transport of a magnetic fluid, LOX, via phased-pulsed electromagnets acting on the edge of the column of fluid. The authors have developed a physical model from first-principles for the motion of a magnetic fluid in a particular U-tube geometry subjected to a pulsed magnetic field from an arbitrary solenoidal electromagnet. Experimental data that have been collected from the analogous geometry correlate well to that of the ab-initio calculations.

Youngquist, Robert↗

NASA NTRS2003

An Experimental Investigation To Determine Interaction Between Rotating Bodies

A brass (copper+zinc) wheel, with a 4-in diameter and 1.4 in thick, was used for this investigation. Ceramic ball bearings were used to safely spin the wheel up to 40,000 rpm. The wheel was also electrically insulated from the rest of the armature. For spinning, an air turbine was used. The rotational velocity was measured by two methods: (1) A simple strobe light and (2) a photodiode that detected laser beam pulses as they passed through a slot in the rotating shaft. The magnetic sensor is based on a giant magnetoresistivity, and consists of a balanced bridge circuitry. The position of the sensor was as close as possible to the rim of the wheel. The linear dimension of the sensor is approximately equal to 8 mm so that the offset from the surface is on the order of 15 percent. We did not use any goniometer system, so the accuracy of the angular position is not high, being estimated within a few degrees, with the main uncertainty being the direction of Earth's magnetic field. We attempted to fit the experimental data with the presented theory by selecting the best value for the electrical conductivity of the wheel. The results of this procedure are displayed, where the black dots represent experimental values. A slight misfit on the right shoulder can be due to slight angular misalignment from a 90 degree position. The obtained value for the resistivity is 43 n(OMEGA)m, which compares well with those listed. We can conclude, based on these measurements, that the proposed theory satisfactorily explains our experiments.

Grugel, R. N.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Stall Margin Improvement in a Transonic Compressor with a Casing Treatment: Flow Mechanism

Effects of casing treatments for improved stall margin in transonic compressors are investigated. Two types of compressor casing treatments, circumferential grooves and axial slots casing treatments, are studied in detail. The primary objective of the current paper is to identify the underlying fluid mechanics that change the stall margin of transonic compressors with these two casing treatments. Large eddy simulation (LES) is applied to calculate the compressor flow fields with these two types of casing treatments. Calculated flow fields are first compared with measured experimental data to validate the LES simulation. Details of the calculated unsteady flow structures are examined to unearth the underlying flow mechanism for the improved stall margin. Further possible design optimization of the casing treatment for the stall margin extension without any performance penalty near the design condition is also explored.

compressor↗

NASA NTRS1974

Computation of steady axisymmetric flow using a one-dimensional time-dependent method

An iterative numerical method for computing steady, three dimensional, viscous, compressible flow fields, about aerodynamic bodies was studied. In order to develop the iterative method economically, the primary emphasis was directed towards supersonic, axisymmetric flow. However, the technique readily extends to three spatial dimensions. The viscous flow field about a cone-cylinder-flare body was calculated and compared to existing experimental data. Numerical predictions of the cone boundary layer and the flow field shock wave structure agreed with corresponding measurements. A separation was calculated at the cylinder-flare junction in six iterations; however, the size of the vortex did not correspond to the measured size. It was estimated that fifty iterations would be required to properly define the vortex. It was concluded that the iteration technique is of limited value for plane two dimensional and axisymmetrix flows, but of great value for three-dimensional flows.

Walitt, L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Statistics of Experiments on Cluster Formation and Transport in a Gravitational Field

Metastable state relaxation in a gravitational field is investigated in the case of non-critical binary solutions. A relaxation description is presented in terms of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau formalism for a non-conserved order parameter. A new ansatz for solution of the corresponding partial nonlinear stochastic differential equation is discussed. It is proved that, for the supersaturated solution under consideration, the metastable state relaxation in a gravitational field leads to formation of solute concentration gradients due to the sedimentation of subcritical solute clusters. The pure discussion of the possible methods to compare theoretical results and experimental data related to solute sedimentation in a gravitational field is presented. It is shown that in order to describe these experiments it is necessary to deal both with the value of the solute concentration gradient and with its formation rate. The stochastic nature of the sedimentation process is shown.

Izmailov, Alexander F.↗