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Bhat, M. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Bhat, M. K..

The NASA Tetrahedral Unstructured Software System (TETRUSS)

The NASA Tetrahedral Unstructured Software System (TetrUSS) was developed during the 1990's to provide a rapid aerodynamic analysis and design capability to applied aerodynamicists. The system is comprised of loosely integrated, user-friendly software that enables the application of advanced Euler and Navier-Stokes tetrahedral finite volume technology to complex aerodynamic problems. TetrUSS has matured well because of the generous feedback from many willing users representing a broad cross-section of background and skill levels. This paper presents an overview of the current capabilities of the TetrUSS system along with some representative results from selected applications.

Frink, Neal T.

High-alpha vortex decoupling investigations on a chine forebody/Delta wing configuration at transonic Mach numbers

A test program conducted in the LaRC 8-foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel on a blended chine/delta wing model to verify the concept of controlled vortex decoupling via inboard leading-edge flaps for improved high-alpha lateral/directional characteristics is discussed. This test extended the Mach number range of a data base previously generated in a LaRC 7 ft. by 10 ft High Speed Tunnel investigation. Six-component force/moment, forebody surface pressures, and central and twin tall static and dynamic loads were measured at Mach numbers of 0.4 to 1.2; laser light-sheet visualizations were also performed. Selected data are analyzed and discussed, emphasizing lateral/directional improvements and tail environment enhanced attainable by leading-edge flaps in the maximum lift region.

Rao, Dhanvada M.

Subsonic investigations of vortex interaction control for enhanced high-alpha aerodynamics of a chine forebody/Delta wing configuration

A proposed concept to alleviate high alpha asymmetry and lateral/directional instability by decoupling of forebody and wing vortices was studied on a generic chine forebody/ 60 deg. delta configuration in the NASA Langley 7 by 10 foot High Speed Tunnel. The decoupling technique involved inboard leading edge flaps of varying span and deflection angle. Six component force/moment characteristics, surface pressure distributions and vapor-screen flow visualizations were acquired, on the basic wing-body configuration and with both single and twin vertical tails at M sub infinity = 0.1 and 0.4, and in the range alpha = 0 to 50 deg and beta = -10 to +10 degs. Results are presented which highlight the potential of vortex decoupling via leading edge flaps for enhanced high alpha lateral/directional characteristics.

Rao, Dhanvada M.

A low-speed wind tunnel study of vortex interaction control techniques on a chine-forebody/delta-wing configuration

A low speed wind tunnel evaluation was conducted of passive and active techniques proposed as a means to impede the interaction of forebody chine and delta wing vortices, when such interaction leads to undesirable aerodynamic characteristics particularly in the post stall regime. The passive method was based on physically disconnecting the chine/wing junction; the active technique employed deflection of inboard leading edge flaps. In either case, the intent was to forcibly shed the chine vortices before they encountered the downwash of wing vortices. Flow visualizations, wing pressures, and six component force/moment measurements confirmed the benefits of forced vortex de-coupling at post stall angles of attack and in sideslip, viz., alleviation of post stall zero beta asymmetry, lateral instability and twin tail buffet, with insignificant loss of maximum lift.

Rao, Dhanvada M.

A low-speed wind tunnel study of vortex interaction control techniques on a chine-forebody/delta-wing configuration

A low speed wind tunnel evaluation was conducted of passive and active techniques proposed as a means to impede the interaction of forebody chine and delta wing vortices, when such interaction leads to undesirable aerodynamic characteristics particularly in the post stall regime. The passive method was based on physically disconnecting the chine/wing junction; the active technique employed deflection of inboard leading edge flaps. In either case, the intent was to forcibly shed the chine vortices before they encountered the downwash of wing vortices. Flow visualizations, wing pressures, and six component force/moment measurements confirmed the benefits of forced vortex de-coupling at post stall angles of attack and in sideslip, viz., alleviation of post stall zero beta asymmetry, lateral instability and twin tail buffet, with insignificant loss of maximum lift.

Rao, Dhanvada M.

Investigation of transonic flow over segmented slotted wind tunnel wall with mass transfer

The flowfield on a segmented multi-slotted wind tunnel wall was studied at transonic speeds by measurements in and near the wall layer using five port cone probes. The slotted wall flowfield was observed to be three-dimensional in nature for a relatively significant distance above the slot. The boundary layer characteristics measured on the single slotted wall were found to be very sensitive to the applied suction through the slot. The perturbation in the velocity components generated due to the flow through the slot decay rapidly in the transverse direction. A vortex-like flow existed on the single slotted wall for natural ventilation but diminished with increased suction flow rate. For flow on a segmented multi-slotted wall, the normal velocity component changes were found to be maximum for measurement points located between the segmented slots atop the active chamber. The lateral influence due to applied suction and blowing, through a compartment, exceeded only slightly that in the downstream direction. Limited upstream influence was observed. Influence coefficients were determined from the data in the least-square sense for blowing and suction applied through one and two compartments. This was found to be an adequate determination of the influence coefficients for the range of mass flows considered.

Bhat, M. K.

Compressible flow in a diffusing S-duct with flow separation

Local flow velocity vectors, as well as static and total pressures along ten radial traverses, were obtained at six stations for secondary flows in a diffusing 30-30-deg S-duct with circular cross section. The strong secondary flow measured in the first bend continued into the second with new vorticity produced in the opposite direction. Contour plots representing the transverse velocity field, as well as total and static pressure contours, have been obtained. As a result of the secondary flow and subsequent separation, substantial total pressure distortion is noted to occur at the duct exit.

Vakili, A. D.

Flow control in a diffusing S-Duct

Accurate measurements have been made of secondary flow in a 1.51 area ratio diffusing 30 deg - 30 deg S-Duct with circulair cross section. Turbulent flow was entering the duct at Mach number of 0.6, the boundary layer thickness at the duct entrance was ten percent of the duct inlet diameter. Through measurements made, local flow velocity vector as well as static and total pressures mapping of the flow at several stations were obtained. Strong secondary flow was measured in the first bend which continued into the second bend with new vorticity produced in there in the opposite direction. Surface oil flow visualization and wall pressures indicated a region of separated flow starting at theta approximately equal to 22 deg on the inside of the first bend up to theta approximately equal to 44 deg on the outside of the second bend. The flow separated in 'cyclone' form and never reattached in the duct. As a result of the secondary flow and the flow separation, significant total pressure distortion was observed at the exit of the duct. Using flow control devices the separation was eliminated while the exit distortion was improved.

Vakili, A. D.

Measurements of compressible secondary flow in a circular S-duct

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of secondary flow in a circular cross section 30 deg - 30 deg S-duct with entrance Mach number of 0.6. Local flow velocity vectors have been measured along the length of the duct at six stations. These measurements have been made using a five-port cone probe. Static and total pressure profiles in the transverse planes are obtained from the cone probe measurements. Wall static pressure measurements along three azimuth angles of 0 deg, 90 deg, and 180 deg along the duct are also made. Contour plots presenting the three dimensional velocity field as well as the total- and static-pressure fields are obtained. Surface oil flow visualization technique has been used to provide details of the flow on the S-duct boundaries. The experimental observations have been compared with typical computational results.

Vakili, A.

Three-dimensional flow studies on a slotted transonic wind tunnel wall

Three-dimensional flow field measurements were made near a transonic slotted wall. Field velocity vectors and static pressure distributions have been obtained. The boundary layer displacement thickness was found to vary in the transverse plane with its maximum at the slot center line but decreased with increasing suction rate through the slot. The boundary layer characteristics were sensitive to the mass transfer through the slot. The projection on the flow field velocity vectors on the transverse plane reveals a vortex-like flow formation. The center of this secondary flow was located nearly at the edge of the wall shear layer and decreased in strength with applied suction. The secondary vortex motion may be attributed to the mean flow skewing, inhomogeneous transverse plane boundary layer and the wall turbulence anisotropy.

Wu, J. M.