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DeBonis, J. R.

Publications and source records attributed to DeBonis, J. R..

8 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Comparison of High-Order and Low-Order Methods for Large-Eddy Simulation of a Compressible Shear Layer

The objective of this work is to compare a high-order solver with a low-order solver for performing large-eddy simulations (LES) of a compressible mixing layer. The high-order method is the Wave-Resolving LES (WRLES) solver employing a Dispersion Relation Preserving (DRP) scheme. The low-order solver is the Wind-US code, which employs the second-order Roe Physical scheme. Both solvers are used to perform LES of the turbulent mixing between two supersonic streams at a convective Mach number of 0.46. The high-order and low-order methods are evaluated at two different levels of grid resolution. For a fine grid resolution, the low-order method produces a very similar solution to the high-order method. At this fine resolution the effects of numerical scheme, subgrid scale modeling, and filtering were found to be negligible. Both methods predict turbulent stresses that are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. However, when the grid resolution is coarsened, the difference between the two solvers becomes apparent. The low-order method deviates from experimental results when the resolution is no longer adequate. The high-order DRP solution shows minimal grid dependence. The effects of subgrid scale modeling and spatial filtering were found to be negligible at both resolutions. For the high-order solver on the fine mesh, a parametric study of the spanwise width was conducted to determine its effect on solution accuracy. An insufficient spanwise width was found to impose an artificial spanwise mode and limit the resolved spanwise modes. We estimate that the spanwise depth needs to be 2.5 times larger than the largest coherent structures to capture the largest spanwise mode and accurately predict turbulent mixing.

large eddy simulations↗
NASA NTRS2002

Design Evolution and Performance Characterization of the GTX Air-Breathing Launch Vehicle Inlet

The design and analysis of a second version of the inlet for the GTX rocket-based combine-cycle launch vehicle is discussed. The previous design did not achieve its predicted performance levels due to excessive turning of low-momentum comer flows and local over-contraction due to asymmetric end-walls. This design attempts to remove these problems by reducing the spike half-angle to 10- from 12-degrees and by implementing true plane of symmetry end-walls. Axisymmetric Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations using both perfect gas and real gas, finite rate chemistry, assumptions were performed to aid in the design process and to create a comprehensive database of inlet performance. The inlet design, which operates over the entire air-breathing Mach number range from 0 to 12, and the performance database are presented. The performance database, for use in cycle analysis, includes predictions of mass capture, pressure recovery, throat Mach number, drag force, and heat load, for the entire Mach range. Results of the computations are compared with experimental data to validate the performance database.

DeBonis, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Tests of a Half-axisymmetric 12 Deg-spike Inlet to a Rocket-based Combined-cycle Propulsion System

Results of an isolated inlet test for NASA's GTX air-breathing launch vehicle concept are presented. The GTX is a Vertical Take-off/ Horizontal Landing reusable single-stage-to-orbit system powered by a rocket-based combined-cycle propulsion system. Tests were conducted in the NASA Glenn 1- by 1-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel during two entries in October 1998 and February 1999. Tests were run from Mach 2.8 to 6. Integrated performance parameters and static pressure distributions are reported. The maximum contraction ratios achieved in the tests were lower than predicted by axisymmetric Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD). At Mach 6, the maximum contraction ratio was roughly one-half of the CFD value of 16. The addition of either boundary-layer trip strips or vortex generators had a negligible effect on the maximum contraction ratio. A shock boundary-layer interaction was also evident on the end-walls that terminate the annular flowpath cross section. Cut-back end-walls, designed to reduce the boundary-layer growth upstream of the shock and minimize the interaction, also had negligible effect on the maximum contraction ratio. Both the excessive turning of low-momentum comer flows and local over-contraction due to asymmetric end-walls were identified as possible reasons for the discrepancy between the CFD predictions and the experiment. It is recommended that the centerbody spike and throat angles be reduced in order to lessen the induced pressure rise. The addition of a step on the cowl surface, and planar end-walls more closely approximating a plane of symmetry are also recommended. Provisions for end-wall boundary-layer bleed should be incorporated.

DeBonis, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Numerical Analysis of the Trailblazer Inlet Flowfield for Hypersonic Mach Numbers

A study of the Trailblazer vehicle inlet was conducted using the Global Air Sampling Program (GASP) code for flight Mach numbers ranging from 4-12. Both perfect gas and finite rate chemical analysis were performed with the intention of making detailed comparisons between the two results. Inlet performance was assessed using total pressure recovery and kinetic energy efficiency. These assessments were based upon a one-dimensional stream-thrust-average of the axisymmetric flowfield. Flow visualization utilized to examine the detailed shock structures internal to this mixed-compression inlet. Kinetic energy efficiency appeared to be the least sensitive to differences between the perfect gas and finite rate chemistry results. Total pressure recovery appeared to be the most sensitive discriminator between the perfect gas and finite rate chemistry results for flight Mach numbers above Mach 6. Adiabatic wall temperature was consistently overpredicted by the perfect gas model for flight Mach numbers above Mach 4. The predicted shock structures were noticeably different for Mach numbers from 6-12. At Mach 4, the perfect gas and finite rate chemistry models collapse to the same result.

Steffen, C. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1999

PARC Analysis of the NASA/GE 2D NRA Mixer/Ejector Nozzle

Interest in developing a new generation supersonic transport has increased in the past several years. Current projections indicate this aircraft would cruise at approximately Mach 2.4, have a range of 5000 nautical miles and carry at least 250 passengers. A large market for such an aircraft will exist in the next century due to a predicted doubling of the demand for long range air transportation by the end of the century and the growing influence of the Pacific Rim nations. Such a proposed aircraft could more than halve the flying time from Los Angeles to Tokyo. However, before a new economically feasible supersonic transport can be built, many key technologies must be developed. Among these technologies is noise suppression. Propulsion systems for a supersonic transport using current technology would exceed acceptable noise levels. All new aircraft must satisfy FAR 36 Stage III noise regulations. The largest area of concern is the noise generated during takeoff. A concerted effort under NASA's High Speed Research (HSR) program has begun to address the problem of noise suppression. One of the most promising concepts being studied in the area of noise suppression is the mixer/ejector nozzle. This study analyzes a typical noise suppressing mixer ejector nozzle at take off conditions, using a Full Navier-Stokes (FNS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code.

DeBonis, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Inlet Development for a Rocket Based Combined Cycle, Single Stage to Orbit Vehicle Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Design and analysis of the inlet for a rocket based combined cycle engine is discussed. Computational fluid dynamics was used in both the design and subsequent analysis. Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes simulations were performed using both perfect gas and real gas assumptions. An inlet design that operates over the required Mach number range from 0 to 12 was produced. Performance data for cycle analysis was post processed using a stream thrust averaging technique. A detailed performance database for cycle analysis is presented. The effect ot vehicle forebody compression on air capture is also examined.

DeBonis, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Rocket-Based Combined Cycle Engine Technology Development: Inlet CFD Validation and Application

A CFD methodology has been developed for inlet analyses of Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) Engines. A full Navier-Stokes analysis code, NPARC, was used in conjunction with pre- and post-processing tools to obtain a complete description of the flow field and integrated inlet performance. This methodology was developed and validated using results from a subscale test of the inlet to a RBCC 'Strut-Jet' engine performed in the NASA Lewis 1 x 1 ft. supersonic wind tunnel. Results obtained from this study include analyses at flight Mach numbers of 5 and 6 for super-critical operating conditions. These results showed excellent agreement with experimental data. The analysis tools were also used to obtain pre-test performance and operability predictions for the RBCC demonstrator engine planned for testing in the NASA Lewis Hypersonic Test Facility. This analysis calculated the baseline fuel-off internal force of the engine which is needed to determine the net thrust with fuel on.

DeBonis, J. R.↗