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Gumbert, C. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Gumbert, C. R..

Effect of Random Geometric Uncertainty on the Computational Design of a 3-D Flexible Wing

The effect of geometric uncertainty due to statistically independent, random, normally distributed shape parameters is demonstrated in the computational design of a 3-D flexible wing. A first-order second-moment statistical approximation method is used to propagate the assumed input uncertainty through coupled Euler CFD aerodynamic / finite element structural codes for both analysis and sensitivity analysis. First-order sensitivity derivatives obtained by automatic differentiation are used in the input uncertainty propagation. These propagated uncertainties are then used to perform a robust design of a simple 3-D flexible wing at supercritical flow conditions. The effect of the random input uncertainties is shown by comparison with conventional deterministic design results. Sample results are shown for wing planform, airfoil section, and structural sizing variables.

Gumbert, C. R.↗

Breakdown of the conservative potential equation

The breakdown of the conservative potential approximation occurs for all the airfoils tested. It develops as soon as the shock waves appear in the flow field. Since shock waves are not properly represented by the potential approximation, it is conjectured that the breakdown is due to the isentropic shock jump condition of the potential approximation.

Salas, M. D.↗

Breakdown of the conservative potential equation

The conservative full-potential equation is used to study transonic flow over five airfoil sections. The results of the study indicate that once shock are present in the flow, the qualitative approximation is different from that observed with the Euler equations. The difference in behavior of the potential eventually leads to multiple solutions.

Salas, M. D.↗

User's manual for a 0.3-m TCT wall interference assessment/correction procedure: 8- by 24-inch airfoil test section

A transonic Wall-Interference Assessment/Correction (WIAC) procedure has been developed and verified for the 8- by 24-inch airfoil test section of the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. This report is a user's manual for the correction procedure. It includes a listing of the computer procedure file as well as input for and results from a step-by-step sample case.

Gumbert, C. R.↗

Breakdown of the conservative potential equation

The conservative full-potential equation is used to study transonic flow over five airfoil sections. The results of the study indicate that once shock waves are present in the flow, the qualitative approximation is different from that observed with the Euler equations. The difference in behavior of the potential eventually leads to multiple solutions.

Salas, M. D.↗

Validation of a wall-interference assessment/correction procedure for airfoil tests in the Langley 0.3-meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel

Validation of a wall-interference assessment/correction (WIAC) procedure for a given facility requires its application to several sets of test data. It is necessary therefore to create a somewhat automated method for processing data through the various steps in the procedure. An automated procedure is also welcomed by the test engineer or eventual user in order to reduce the required effort and opportunity for error. Such a procedure has been developed for the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel using the TWINTN4 WIAC code. This code provides a four-wall, 2-D, transonic correction; that is, it accounts for sidewall boundary-layer effects, as well as for top and bottom wall effects on the airfoil tests. The TWINTN4 code utilizes measured pressure data at the tunnel walls and on the airfoil model; thus, classical homogeneous-wall boundary conditions are not used in the correction procedure.

Gumbert, C. R.↗

Nonunique solutions to the transonic potential flow equation

Steinhoff and Jameson (1981) have shown that within a certain range of angle of attack and freestream Mach number, numerical solutions of the full-potential equation for flow past an airfoil are not unique. This study was mainly concerned with showing that the anomaly is inherent to the partial-differential equation governing the flow and not a result of its discrete representation. Steinhoff and Jameson conjectured that the anomaly may have a physical basis. The present investigation has two objectives. Results are to be presented which indicate that the anomaly is due to a breakdown in the potential approximation, rather than a phenomenon associated with the inviscid flowfield. The second objective is to show that the lift coefficient, predicted by the potential equation, is a smooth but multivalued function of the angle of attack.

Salas, M. D.↗

Adaptation of a four-wall interference assessment/correction procedure for airfoil tests in the 0.3-m TCT

Based upon limited, initial observations of wall interference corrections obtained for one airfoil test, there is a need for assessing the upstream flow direction. If there is no direct measurement then a two-pass correction procedure similar to the one described here is required. Questions have arisen pertaining to the correct interpretation of the pressure coefficients measured on the slats of a slotted tunnel wall, the interpretation of just what the calculated equivalent body encompasses or should include, and what can or should be considered as quantitative criteria for data correctability. Further studies using this modified procedure will address these questions. Hopefully, a meaningful WIAC procedure can be validated for the airfoil tests in the 0.3-m TCT.

Gumbert, C. R.↗