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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11

Wind tunnel investigations at transonic Mach numbers

Investigation utilizes static and fluctuating pressure measurements and oil flow visualization techniques to analyze perturbed flow environments of three-dimensional protuberances and the surrounding structure. Significant findings are given.

Robertson, J. E.↗

Flight directions of passerine migrants in daylight and darkness: A radar and direct visual study

The application of radar and visual techniques to determine the migratory habits of passerine birds during daylight and darkness is discussed. The effects of wind on the direction of migration are examined. Scatter diagrams of daytime and nocturnal migration track directions correlated with wind direction are presented. It is concluded that migratory birds will fly at altitudes where wind direction and migratory direction are nearly the same. The effects of cloud cover and solar obscuration are considered negligible.

Gauthreaux, S. A., Jr.↗

Results of investigations on a 0.0405 scale model PRR version of the NR-SSV orbiter in the North American Aeronautical Laboratory low speed wind tunnel

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted in a low speed wind tunnel on a scale model space shuttle vehicle (SSV) orbiter. The purpose of the test was to investigate the longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics of the space shuttle orbiter. Emphasis was placed on model component, wing-glove, and wing-body fairing effects, as well as elevon, aileron, and rudder control effectiveness. Angles of attack from - 5 deg to + 30 deg and angles of sideslip of - 5 deg, 0 deg, and + 5 deg were tested. Static pressures were recorded on base, fuselage, and wing surfaces. Tufts and talc-kerosene flow visualization techniques were also utilized. The aerodynamic force balance results are presented in plotted and tabular form.

Kingsland, R. B.↗

Results of investigations on a 0.0405 scale model ATP version of the NR-SSV orbiter in the North American Aeronautical Laboratory low speed wind tunnel

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a scale model space shuttle vehicle (SSV) orbiter. The purpose of the test was to investigate the longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics. Emphasis was placed on model component, wing-glove, and wing-body fairing effects, as well as elevon, aileron, and rudder control effectiveness. Angles of attack from - 5 deg to + 30 deg and angles of sideslip from - 5 deg to + 10 deg were tested. Static pressures were recorded on base, fuselage, and wing surfaces. Tufts and talc-kerosene flow visualization techniques were also utilized. The aerodynamic force balance results are presented in plotted and tabular form.

Mennell, R.↗

Results of flow visualization studies in the NASA/MSFC 14 x 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel on a .004 scale model (34-0) space shuttle orbiter and integrated vehicle

Details are presented of flow visualization techniques developed during wind tunnel test IA-52 conducted in a 14 x 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. Testing was conducted from Mach = 0.9 to 5.0 on the orbiter alone and integrated vehicle configurations. Thin film oil paint and ultraviolet light sensitive oil applications were used on a .004 scale model vehicle. Test results presented are in the form of black and white photographs taken after the completion of a test run.

Garton, W. P.↗

Boundary-layer transition on a plate subjected to simultaneous spanwise and chordwise pressure gradients

The boundary-layer transition on a short plate was studied by means of the china-clay visual technique. The plate model was mounted in a wind tunnel so that it was subjected to small simultaneous spanwise and chordwise pressure gradients. Results of the experimental study, which was performed at three subsonic velocities, indicated that the transition pattern was appreciably curved in the spanwise direction but quite smooth and well behaved. Reasonable comparisons between predictions of transition and experiment were obtained from two finite-difference two-dimensional boundary-layer calculation methods which incorporated transition models based on the concept of a transition intermittency factor.

Boldman, D. R.↗

Wind tunnel investigation of a simulated gunship helicopter engine-exhaust-windstream interaction

A wind tunnel investigation of the engine exhaust and windstream flow interaction on a gunship helicopter model was conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel. The investigation utilized a flow visualization technique employing neutrally buoyant helium filled bubbles to determine the cause of exhaust shield overheating during cruising flight and to evaluate means of eliminating the problem. The flow patterns were recorded with still cameras and on television magnetic tape. Exhaust flow impingement on the exhaust shield during cruise was found to cause the problem. Several flow altering devices were evaluated to find suitable ways to correct the problem. A flow deflector located on the model cowling upstream of the exhaust provides an effective solution.

Wilson, J. C.↗

Flow visualization of vortex interactions in multiple vortex wakes behind aircraft

A flow visualization technique was developed which allows the nature of lift-generated wakes behind aircraft models to be investigated. The technique was applied to models being towed underwater in a ship model basin. Seven different configurations of a small-scale model of a 747 transport aircraft were used to allow observation of typical vortex interactions and merging in multiple vortex wakes. It was established that the motion of the wake vortices is often sensitive to small changes in either wing span loading or model attitude. Landing gear deployement was found to cause a far-field reformation of vorticity behind a model configuration which dissipated concentrated vorticity in the near-field wake. Alleviation of wake vorticity is achievable by configuring the wing span loading to cause the wake vortices to move in paths that result in their interactions and merging. The vortices shed from the horizontal stabilizer always moved down rapidly into the wake and merged with the other vortices, primarily the inboard flap vortices.

Ciffone, D. L.↗

Intrepretation of surface features and surface processes on Mars

Eolian erosion and deposition on earth was studied in order to interpret the eolian land forms of Mars. Emphasis of the wind tunnel studies was on the flow field around models of eolian forms. Areas of the wind tunnel studies include: simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer; velocity profile measurements around different models in the desert boundary layer, and estimating shear stress distributions on the model surfaces; flow visualization techniques; streamline mapping using tuft photographs; and roughness contrasts.

Gad-El-hak, M.↗

Heat-flux gage measurements on a flat plate at a Mach number of 4.6 in the VSD high speed wind tunnel, a feasibility test (LA28)

The feasibility of employing thin-film heat-flux gages was studied as a method of defining boundary layer characteristics at supersonic speeds in a high speed blowdown wind tunnel. Flow visualization techniques (using oil) were employed. Tabulated data (computer printouts), a test facility description, and photographs of test equipment are given.

Source record↗

Vortex interactions in multiple vortex wakes behind aircraft

A flow visualization technique has been developed which allows the nature of lift-generated wakes behind aircraft models to be investigated. Several different configurations of a 0.61-m span model of a Boeing 747-type transport aircraft were tested to allow observation of typical vortex interactions and merging in multiple vortex wakes. The vortices were identified by emitting tracer dyes from selected locations on the model. Wing span loading and model attitude were found to effect both vortex motions within the wake and resulting far-field wake velocity. Landing gear deployment caused a far-field reformation of vorticity behind a model configuration which dissipated concentrated vorticity in the near-field wake. A modified landing configuration was developed which appeared to significantly alleviate the concentrated wake vorticity.

Ciffone, D. L.↗

Holographic flow visualization

Holographic visualization techniques are presented of the vortex wake of a lifting wing. The motions of tracer particles in vortical flows are described along with the development of a liquid-drop tracer generator. An analysis is presented of the motion of particles of arbitrary density and size in solid body and potential vortex flows.

Charwat, A. F.↗

Float-zone processing in a weightless environment

The results were reported of investigations to: (1) test the validity of analyses which set maximum practical diameters for Si crystals that can be processed by the float zone method in a near weightless environment, (2) determine the convective flow patterns induced in a typical float zone, Si melt under conditions perceived to be advantageous to the crystal growth process using flow visualization techniques applied to a dimensionally scaled model of the Si melt, (3) revise the estimates of the economic impact of space produced Si crystal by the float zone method on the U.S. electronics industry, and (4) devise a rational plan for future work related to crystal growth phenomena wherein low gravity conditions available in a space site can be used to maximum benefit to the U.S. electronics industry.

Fowle, A. A.↗

Instrumentation and data acquisition systems

A comprehensive and integrated measurement system was identified and a design and development effort initiated to meet the criteria imposed by the National Transonic Facility operating environment. Specific measurement areas receiving concentrated attention include: data acquisition, force measurement, pressure instrumentation, flow visualization techniques, model attitude and model deformation measurement, and temperature measurement. The NTF instrument complex will be centered around four 32-bit, 1-microsecond-cycle-time central processing units connected in a multipoint-distributed network configuration. The principal activities to be supported by these computers are: (1) data base management and processing; (2) research measurement data acquisition and display; (3) tunnel and model control; and (4) process monitoring and communication control. The distributed network approach was chosen to modularize the functional software into definable and implementable parts by the various groups involved in the design and to permit use of similar hardware configurations to improve reliability and maintainability.

Guarino, J. F.↗

A methodology for producing small scale rural land use maps in semi-arid developing countries using orbital imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Results have shown that it is feasible to design a methodology that can provide suitable guidelines for operational production of small scale rural land use maps of semiarid developing regions from LANDSAT MSS imagery, using inexpensive and unsophisticated visual techniques. The suggested methodology provides immediate practical benefits to map makers attempting to produce land use maps in countries with limited budgets and equipment. Many preprocessing and interpretation techniques were considered, but rejected on the grounds that they were inappropriate mainly due to the high cost of imagery and/or equipment, or due to their inadequacy for use in operational projects in the developing countries. Suggested imagery and interpretation techniques, consisting of color composites and monocular magnification proved to be the simplest, fastest, and most versatile methods.

Vangenderen, J. L.↗

Precision processing of earth image data

Precise corrections of Landsat data are useful for generating land-use maps, detecting various crops and determining their acreage, and detecting changes. The paper discusses computer processing and visualization techniques for Landsat data so that users can get more information from the imagery. The elementary unit of data in each band of each scene is the integrated value of intensity of reflected light detected in the field of view by each sensor. To develop the basic mathematical approach for precision correction of the data, differences between positions of ground control points on the reference map and the observed control points in the scene are used to evaluate the coefficients of cubic time functions of roll, pitch, and yaw, and a linear time function of altitude deviation from normal height above local earth's surface. The resultant equation, termed a mapping function, corrects the warped data image into one that approximates the reference map. Applications are discussed relative to shade prints, extraction of road features, and atlas of cities.

Bernstein, R.↗

Vortices induced in a stagnation region by wakes - Their incipient formation and effects on heat transfer from cylinders

Horseshoe-like vortices, induced by wakes in the stagnation region of bluff bodies, are proposed as an efficient mechanism for augmentation of convective heat transfer. The vortex 'flow module' induced by single or multiple wakes, which had not been observed previously, was first documented and the resulting flow field was studied using various visualization techniques and hot-wire anemometry. In an attempt to understand the driving force behind this flow module, the conditions at which incipient formation of the vortices occurs were investigated. Existence of such a threshold is essential and was hitherto an open question in analytical studies of stability of flow in stagnation region. Finally, effects of the flow module on heat transfer from a cylinder were measured.

Nagib, H. M.↗

Experimental results of large-scale structures in jet flows and their relation to jet noise production

Experiments have been performed to determine the role of large-scale turbulent structures in the production of jet noise. Axisymmetric turbulent jet flows at ambient stagnation temperature have been observed with the aid of flow visualization techniques. Jet Mach numbers at the nozzle exit ranged between 0.1 and 0.9, and the Reynolds number, based on nozzle exit diameter, was approximately 10 to the 6th. Large organized turbulent structures existed as far downstream of the nozzle exit as 7 diameters. High-speed schlieren motion pictures synchronized with near-field pressure measurements of an excited jet indicated that strong instantaneous peaks in the pressure signal occurred whenever a merging process between two large-scale organized structures occurred. This pressure pulse propagated at a speed which was somewhat larger than the velocity of the jet at the nozzle exit.

Sarohia, V.↗