Glenn Research Center Propulsion Systems Laboratory 2026 Customer Guide

Paul J Lizanich; Alicia R Graham; Christopher E Morris; Kyle D Zimmerle; Jack Kowalewski; Daniel J Meter; Angela M Donajkowski; Bryan M Rosine; Clint D Shrewsbury; Peter W Brown; Patrick J Rachow; Daniel B Sloan; Gunnar J Kadlic

NASA NTRS · 20260002119

Glenn Research Center Propulsion Systems Laboratory 2026 Customer Guide

Paul J Lizanich·Alicia R Graham·Christopher E Morris·Kyle D Zimmerle·Jack Kowalewski·Daniel J Meter·Angela M Donajkowski·Bryan M Rosine·Clint D Shrewsbury·Peter W Brown·Patrick J Rachow·Daniel B Sloan·Gunnar J Kadlic

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Abstract

This guide describes the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL) at the NASA Glenn Research Center. It was written to help customers understand the various components involved in conducting a test program within the PSL. The PSL complex supports two large-engine test cells that simulate altitude flight conditions for a wide range of research and experimental tests. These test cells operate at altitudes up to 90,000 ft and speeds from subsonic to above supersonic. Test points such as pressure, temperature, and Mach number can be set at the engine or test article inlet based on customer requirements. The facility’s support systems include the heated and cooled combustion air systems; altitude exhaust system; hydraulic system; nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen systems; thrust measurement system, which includes the facility’s single- and multi-axis thrust stands; inlet system; and electrical systems. In addition to providing a detailed description of PSL systems and capabilities, this guide discusses the facility’s history and past tests and addresses facility safety procedures, pretest requirements, and test operation standards.

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Engine Icing Test Facility Turbine Engine Test Facility Direct Connect Test Facility Air Breathing Propulsion Test Facility Altitude Simulation Propulsion Test Facility Propulsion Systems Laboratory PSL Customer Guide

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Paul J Lizanich, Alicia R Graham, Christopher E Morris, Kyle D Zimmerle, Jack Kowalewski, Daniel J Meter, Angela M Donajkowski, Bryan M Rosine, Clint D Shrewsbury, Peter W Brown, Patrick J Rachow, Daniel B Sloan, Gunnar J Kadlic. 2026-06-11. Glenn Research Center Propulsion Systems Laboratory 2026 Customer Guide. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20260002119

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Turbines component Air Breathing Propulsion Test Facility subject Altitude Simulation Propulsion Test Facility subject Direct Connect Test Facility subject Engine Icing Test Facility subject

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Flight test is at the core of what organizations must do in order to validate the operation and systems on an aircraft. While the AGARDograph series 300 and 160 series deal with aspects of this testing, this volume pulls it all together as an introduction to the process required to do effective flight test engineering. This volume was originally published in 1995. Its utility has been proven in that many flight test organizations and universities have requested copies for their engineers and students. It was felt that re-issuing it in a new format designed for electronic publication would be valuable to the community. This second printing changes none of the text, but rather reformats it. All the original references to AGARD (instead of RTO) are left in place so that none of the flavor of the original publication is lost. This is the Introductory Volume to the Flight Test Techniques Series. It is a general introduction to the various activities and aspects of Flight Test Engineering that must be considered when planning, conducting, and reporting a flight test program. Its main intent is to provide a broad overview to the novice engineer or to other people who have a need to interface with specialists within the flight test community. The first two Sections provide some insight into the question of why flight test and give a short history of flight test engineering. Sections 3 through 10 deal with the preparation for flight testing. They provide guidance on the preliminary factors that must be considered; the composition of the test team; the logistic support requirements; the instrumentation and data processing requirements; the flight test plan; the associated preliminary ground tests; and last, but by no means least, discuss safety aspects. Sections 11 through 27 describe the various types of flight tests that are usually conducted during the development and certification of a new or modified aircraft type. Each Section offers a brief introduction to the topic under consideration, and the nature and the objectives of the tests to be conducted. It lists the test instrumentation (and, where appropriate, other test equipment and facilities) required, describes the test maneuvers to be executed, and indicates the way in which the test data is selected, analyzed, and presented. The various activities that should take place between test flights are presented next. Items that are covered are: who to debrief; what type of reports to send where: types of data analysis required for next flight; review of test data to make a comparison to predicted data and some courses of action if there is not good agreement; and comments on selecting the next test flight. The activities that must take place upon completion of the test program are presented. The types of reports and briefings that should take place and a discussion of some of the uses of the flight test data are covered. A brief forecast is presented of where present trends may be leading.

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

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