Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Wenzel, L. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Wenzel, L. M..

17 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Real-time hybrid computer simulation of a small turboshaft engine and control system

The development of an analytical model of a small turboshaft engine designed for helicopter propulsion systems is described. The model equations were implemented on a hybrid computer system to provide a real time nonlinear simulation of the engine performance over a wide operating range. The real time hybrid simulation of the engine was used to evaluate a microprocessor based digital control module. This digital control module was developed as part of an advanced rotorcraft control program. After tests with the hybrid engine simulation the digital control module was used to control a real engine in an experimental program. A hybrid simulation of the engine's electrical hydromechanical control system was developed. This allowed to vary the fuel flow and torque load inputs to the hybrid engine simulation for simulating transient operation. A steady-state data and the experimental tests are compared. Analytical model equations, analog computer diagrams, and a digital computer flow chart are included.

Hart, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Analytical investigation of nonrecoverable stall

A lumped parameter model of the TF34 engine is formulated to study nonrecoverable stall. Features of the model include forward and reverse flow, radial flow in the fan, and variable corrected speed. The purpose of the study is to point out those parameters to which recoverability is highly sensitive but are not well known. Experimental research may then be directed toward identification of the parameters in that category. Compressor performance in the positive flow region and radial flow in the fan are shown to be important but unknown parameters determining recoverability. Other parameters such as compressor performance during reverse flow and in-stall efficiency have relatively small impact on recoverability.

Wenzel, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Experimental program for the evaluation of turbofan/turboshaft c conversion technology

A TF34 turbofan engine is being modified to produce shaft power from an output coupling on the fan disk when variable inlet guide vanes are closed to reduce fan airflow. The engine, called a convertible engine, could be used on advanced rotorcraft such as X-wing, ABC (Advanced Blade Concept), and Folding Tilt Rotor, and on V/STOL craft in which two engines are cross-coupled. The engine will be tested on an outdoor static test stand at NASA Lewis Research Center. Steady-state tests will be made to measure performance in turbofan, turboshaft, and combined power output modes. Transient tests will be made to determine the response to the engine and a new digital engine control system for several types of rapid changes in thrust and shaft loads. The paper describes the engine modifications, the test facility equipment, proposed testing techniques for several types of tests, and typical test results predicted from engine performance computer programs.

Mcardle, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Power train analysis for the DOE/NASA 100-kW wind turbine generator

Progress in explaining variations of power experienced in the on-line operation of a 100 kW experimental wind turbine-generator is reported. Data are presented that show the oscillations tend to be characteristic of a wind-driven synchronous generator because of low torsional damping in the power train, resonances of its large structure, and excitation by unsteady and nonuniform wind flow. The report includes dynamic analysis of the drive-train torsion, the generator, passive driveline damping, and active pitch control as well as correlation with experimental recordings. The analysis assumes one machine on an infinite bus with constant generator-field excitation.

Seidel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Analysis of dynamic inlet distortion applied to a parallel compressor model

An investigation of surge was conducted by using a parallel compressor model of the J85-13 compressor implement on an analog computer. Surges were initiated by various types of dynamic disturbances in inlet pressure. The compressor model was less sensitive to disturbances of short duration, high frequency, and long duration where the compressor discharge pressure could react. Adding steady distortion to dynamic disturbances reduced the amount of dynamic disturbance required to effect surge. Steady and unsteady distortions combined linearly to reduce surge margin.

Wenzel, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A method to account for variation of average compressor inlet pressure during instantaneous distortion analyses

Instantaneous distortion analyses compare a time-varying value of an index (or 'surge margin used up') with a critical level (or 'available surge margin' of the compressor) to determine inlet-engine compatibility. Unless freestream conditions or propulsion system controls are changing, it is generally assumed that the available surge margin of the compressor is accurately determined from the steady-state operating point. Results are presented which show that variations of average compressor inlet pressure may occur without changes in freestream conditions or propulsion system controls. The volume dynamics of the compressor will cause these pressure variations to be attenuated and delayed by the time they reach the exit. This will cause the compressor pressure ratio (and available surge margin) to vary with time. A method is presented to calculate the available surge margin as a function of time and incorporate it into an instantaneous distortion analysis. Results show that inlet pressure variations which cause only a small change at the compressor exit can cause a significant variation in the available surge margin.

Burstadt, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Performance of a J85-13 compressor with clean and distorted inlet flow

The results presented are of a series of experimental tests in which a J85-13 turbojet engine was subjected to both distorted and undistorted inlet total pressure conditions. A distinctive feature of the data base obtained is that it includes compressor interstage information not previously recorded for a J85-13 engine. Each of the eight compressor stages was instrumented to obtain the characteristics of the individual stages for undistorted inlet conditions, and these data are documented in the report along with the undistorted compressor overall performance. Also included in the report is the overall performance of the compressor exposed to 14 different distorted-inlet conditions - 10 circumferential patterns and 4 radial patterns. The distortion patterns were introduced using screens that spoiled from 8 to 50 percent of the compressor face area; the distortion screen density, or the area blocked by the screen wire per unit area of screen, varied from 26 to 69 percent.

Milner, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

An experimental investigation of compressor stall using an on-line distortion indicator and signal conditioner

The relation of the steady-state and dynamic distortions and the stall margin of a J85-13 turbojet engine was investigated. A distortion indicator capable of computing two distortion indices was used. A special purpose signal conditioner was also used as an interface between transducer signals and distortion indicator. A good correlation of steady-state distortion and stall margin was established. The prediction of stall by using the indices as instantaneous distortion indicators was not successful. A sensitivity factor that related the loss of stall margin to the turbulence level was found.

Costakis, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effect of casing treatment on performance of a multistage compressor

AJ85-GE-13 engine was equipped with a compressor case which allowed changes to the case wall over the rotor tips of six of its stages. The engine was tested with four inlet configurations: undistorted and with 180 deg circumferential, hub radial, and tip radial distortions. Baseline data defining compressor performance and stall regions were taken for these inlet configurations with solid (untreated) compressor case inserts. Circumferentially grooved inserts were installed in the first three and last three stages, and the compressor was mapped under similar conditions. The compressor was mapped a third time with untreated inserts in the first three stages and inserts having slots conforming to blade angles in the last three stages. In most cases, the stall pressure ratio was the same as or lower than the baseline. Pumping capacity with the slotted inserts was reduced. Overall compressor efficiency with the grooved rings installed did not appreciably differ from the baseline, but it was 1 to 2 percentage points lower than the baseline with the slotted rings in place. Average stage characteristics for the undistorted inlet case showed little or no sensitivity to casing treatment.

Wenzel, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Frequency response of an axial-flow compressor exposed to inlet pressure perturbations

Experimental results of a series of engine tests designed to obtain the stage dynamics of an eight-stage axial-flow compressor over the frequency range of 0.5 to 200 hertz are presented. The total pressure at the compressor face was varied by means of a secondary air jet system installed in the engine inlet and positioned to oppose the primary airflow. Total-pressure probes located at each compressor stage were used to obtain the frequency response of each compressor-stage total pressure to the average compressor-inlet total pressure. The engine operating conditions were chosen to illustrate the effects of changing the rotor speed, changing the exhaust nozzle area, and isolating the compressor discharge pressure perturbations from the fuel control and hence, the fuel flow.

Milner, E. J.↗