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Results for “BLADE ELEMENT”

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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Method for the prediction of the installation aerodynamics of a propfan at subsonic speeds

A subsonic flow panel code has been modified to handle the effects of a propeller wake. The effects of the propeller were modelled by a system of ring vortices of constant strength. Principles based on the blade element theory, the vortex theory and the momentum theory were used to evaluate the axial velocity increase, the swirl velocity and the pressure increase across the propeller. Theoretical calculations are compared to experimental results at Mach numbers up to 0.70 over a range of angles of attack. The discrepancies between the theory and the experimental results are analyzed. Suggestions for improvements to enhance the accuracy of the theoretical prediction are indicated.

Chandrasekaran, B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Trimming an aircraft model for flight simulation

Real-time piloted aircraft simulations with digital computers have been performed at Ames Research Center (ARC) for over two decades. For the simulation of conventional aircraft models, the establishment of initial vehicle and control orientations at various operational flight regimes has been adequately handled by either analog techniques or simple inversion processes. However, exotic helicopter configurations have been introduced recently that require more sophisticated techniques because of their expanded degrees of freedom and environmental vibration levels. At ARC, these techniques are used for the backward solutions to real-time simulation models as required for the generation of trim points. These techniques are presented in this paper with examples from a blade-element helicopter simulation model.

Mcfarland, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A high fidelity real-time simulation of a small turboshaft engine

A high-fidelity component-type model and real-time digital simulation of the General Electric T700-GE-700 turboshaft engine were developed for use with current generation real-time blade-element rotor helicopter simulations. A control system model based on the specification fuel control system used in the UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter is also presented. The modeling assumptions and real-time digital implementation methods particular to the simulation of small turboshaft engines are described. The validity of the simulation is demonstrated by comparison with analysis-oriented simulations developed by the manufacturer, available test data, and flight-test time histories.

Ballin, Mark G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Design point variation of 3-D loss and deviation for axial compressor middle stages

The available data on middle-stage research compressors operating near design point are used to derive simple empirical models for the spanwise variation of three-dimensional viscous loss coefficients for middle-stage axial compressor blading. The models make it possible to quickly estimate the total loss and deviation across the blade span when the three-dimensional distribution is superimposed on the two-dimensional variation calculated for each blade element. It is noted that extrapolated estimates should be used with caution since the correlations have been derived from a limited data base.

Roberts, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Experimental investigation of the performance of a supersonic compressor cascade

Supersonic cascade wind tunnel results are presented for a linear, supersonic compressor cascade derived from the near-tip section of a high-throughflow axial flow compressor rotor over the inlet Mach number range of 1.30-1.71. Laser anemometry was used to obtain flow-velocity measurements showing the wave pattern in the entrance region. Attention is given to the unique-incidence relationship for this cascade, which relates the supersonic inlet Mach number to the inlet flow direction. An empirical correlation is obtained for the influence of the independent parameters of back pressure, axial velocity density ratio, and blade element performance.

Tweedt, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Experimental investigation of the performance of a supersonic compressor cascade

Results are presented from an experimental investigation of a linear, supersonic, compressor cascade tested in the supersonic cascade wind tunnel facility at the DFVLR in Cologne, Federal Republic of Germany. The cascade design was derived from the near-tip section of a high-through-flow axial flow compressor rotor with a design relative inlet Mach number of 1.61. Test data were obtained over a range of inlet Mach numbers from 1.23 to 1.71, and a range of static pressure ratios and axial-velocity-density ratios (AVDR) at the design inlet condition. Flow velocity measurements showing the wave pattern in the cascade entrance region were obtained using a laser transit anemometer. From these measurements, some unique-incidence conditions were determined, thus relating the supersonic inlet Mach number to the inlet flow direction. The influence of static pressure ratio and AVDR on the blade passage flow and the blade-element performance is described, and an empirical correlation is used to show the influence of these two (independent) parameters on the exit flow angle and total-pressure loss for the design inlet condition.

Tweedt, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Analysis of an unswept propfan blade with a semiempirical dynamic stall model

The time history response of a propfan wind tunnel model with dynamic stall is studied analytically. The response obtained from the analysis is compared with available experimental data. The governing equations of motion are formulated in terms of blade normal modes which are calculated using the COSMIC-NASTRAN computer code. The response analysis considered the blade plunging and pitching motions. The lift, drag and moment coefficients for angles of attack below the static stall angle are obtained from a quasi-steady theory. For angles above static stall angles, a semiempirical dynamic stall model based on a correction to angle of attack is used to obtain lift, drag and moment coefficients. Using these coefficients, the aerodynamic forces are calculated at a selected number of strips, and integrated to obtain the total generalized forces. The combined momentum-blade element theory is used to calculate the induced velocity. The semiempirical stall model predicted a limit cycle oscillation near the setting angle at which large vibratory stresses were observed in an experiment. The predicted mode and frequency of oscillation also agreed with those measured in the experiment near the setting angle.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Aeroelastic analysis of prop fan blades with a semiempirical dynamic stall model

The time-history response of a propfan wind-tunnel model with dynamic stall was studied analytically. The response obtained from the analysis was compared with available experimental data. The governing equations of motion were formulated in terms of blade normal modes calculated using the COSMIC-NASTRAN computer code. The response analysis considered the blade plunging and pitching motions. The lift, drag, and moment coefficients for angles of attack below the static stall angle were obtained from a quasi-steady theory. For angles above static stall angles, a semiempirical dynamic stall model based on a correction to the angle of attack was used to obtain lift, drag, and moment coefficients. Using these coefficients, the aerodynamic forces were calculated at a selected number of strips, and integrated to obtain the total generalized forces. The combined momentum-blade element theory was used to calculate the induced velocity. The semiempirical stall model predicted a limit cycle oscillation near the setting angle at which large vibratory stresses were observed in an experiment. The predicted mode and frequency of oscillation also agreed with those measured in the experiment near this setting angle. The results also correlated well with the other published data that used a semiempirical dynamic stall model based on a synthesized procedure.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A study of the effects of Rotating Frame Turbulence (RFT) on helicopter flight mechanics

The turbulence actually experienced by a helicopter blade-element significantly differs from the space-fixed free atmospheric turbulence. The turbulence in the rotor disk requires a rotationally sampled description in a rotating frame of reference. It is referred to as the rotating frame turbulence or RFT which exhibits a striking phenomenon. The RFT spectral density versus frequency shows high peak values at 1P,2P, or 3P, frequencies. The energy increase at these peaks is balanced by an energy decrease primarily at the lower-than-1P frequency range. Particularly for low altitude flight regimes of pure helicopters, such as the nap-of-the-earth maneuvers, the conventional space-fixed description of turbulence is not a good approximation, since the turbulence scale length can have values comparable to the rotor radius. Accordingly the flight mechanics characteristics with RFT description are compared with those based on the conventional space-fixed turbulence description. The results demonstrate that the RFT qualitatively and quantitatively affects the prediction of helicopter flight mechanics characteristics in turbulence. Such comparisons should play an important role in the new development of handling qualities specifications for helicopters.

Schrage, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Quiet mode for nonlinear rotor models

High frequency harmonics are generated by helicopter rotor systems, and nonlinear blade-element models of these systems create the same harmonics. In discrete real-time rotorcraft simulation, however, especially for handling qualities research, they are more of a nuisance than a benefit. The cycle times required to adequately represent them are rarely obtainable. The result is that distinct frequencies alias into the pilot and simulator bandwidths, thereby decreasing simulation fidelity. However, use of an interpolation procedure permits the observation of harmonics at their proper frequency locations, and an accompanying notch filter may then be used to attenuate the harmonics prior to decimation. Rotorcraft simulations using these techniques are not contaminated with the spurious frequencies that create variable trim points, produce erroneous stability and control derivative data, and obscure time histories.

Mcfarland, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A new method for simulating atmospheric turbulence for rotorcraft applications

Simulation of atmospheric turbulence as seen by a rotating blade element involves treatment of cyclostationary processes. Conventional filtering techniques do not lend themselves well to the generation of such turbulence sample functions as are required in rotorcraft flight dynamics simulation codes. A method to generate sample functions containing second order statistics of mean and covariance is presented. Compared to ensemble averaging involving excessive computer time, the novelty is to exploit cycloergodicity and thereby, replace ensemble averaging by averaging over a single path sample function of long duration. The method is validated by comparing its covariance results with the analytical and ensemble averaged results for a widely used 1-D turbulence approximation.

J. Riaz↗
NASA NTRS1991

Forward flight trim calculation and frequency response validation of a high-order helicopter simulation model

This paper describes a new trim procedure, that includes the calculation of the steady-state response of the rotor blades, and that is applicable to straight flight and steady coordinated turns. This paper also describes the results of a validation study for a high order linearized model of helicopter flight dynamics, that includes rotor, inflow, and actuator dynamics. The model is obtained by numerical perturbations of a nonlinear, blade element type mathematical model. Predicted responses are compared with flight test data for two values of flight speed. The comparison is carried out in the frequency domain. Numerical simulations show that the trim algorithm is very accurate, and preserves the periodicity of the aircraft states. The results also indicate that the predictions of the linearized model are in good agreement with flight test data, especially at medium and high frequencies.

Kim, Frederick D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A new method for simulating atmospheric turbulence for rotorcraft applications

Simulation of atmospheric turbulence as seen by a rotating blade element involves treatment of cyclostationary processes. Conventional filtering techniques do not lend themselves well to the generation of such turbulence sample functions as are required in rotorcraft flight dynamics simulation codes. A method to generate sample functions containing second-order statistics of mean and covariance is presented. Compared to ensemble averaging involving excessive computer time, the novelty is to exploit cycloergodicity and thereby, replace ensemble averaging by averaging over a single-path sample function of long duration. The method is validated by comparing its covariance results with the analytical and ensemble-averaged results for a widely used one-dimensional turbulence approximation.

Prasad, J. V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

High-order state space simulation models of helicopter flight mechanics

This paper describes the formulation and validation of a high-order linearized mathematical model of helicopter flight mechanics, which includes rotor flap and lag degrees of freedom as well as inflow dynamics. The model is extracted numerically from an existing nonlinear, blade element, time simulation model. Extensive modifications in the formulation and solution process of the nonlinear model, required for a theoretically rigorous linearization, are described in detail. The validation results show that the linearized model successfully captures the coupled rotor-fuselage dynamics in the frequency band most critical for the design of advanced flight control systems. Additional results quantify the extent to which the order of the model can be reduced without loss of fidelity.

Kim, Frederick D.↗
NASA NTRS1926

Navy propeller section characteristics as used in propeller design

This report contains artificial aerodynamic characteristics of a set of propeller sections to be used in designing propellers by means of the blade element theory. Characteristics computed from model propeller tests for a single section are extended to cover sections of Navy propeller sections at high Reynolds Number in the variable density tunnel of the NACA.

Weick, Fred E↗
NASA NTRS1939

Propeller Tests to Determine the Effect of Number of Blades at Two Typical Solidities

Propellers with equal total blade area, but with different numbers, were tested at Stanford University. The tests show generally that, for equal total blade area, propellers with the larger number of blades absorb the greater power and, provided hubs have equal drag, develop the higher efficiency. It is shown that the differences found are in agreement, qualitatively, with what might be predicted from simple blade-element theory.

Lesley, E P↗
NASA NTRS1948

Preliminary Investigation to Determine Propeller Section Characteristics by Measuring the Pressure Distribution on an NACA 10-(3)(08)-03 Propeller Under Operating Conditions

An investigation has been made in the Langley 16-foot high-speed tunnel to determine the propeller-section characteristics by measuring the pressure distribution on the airfoil sections of a rotating propeller. The pressures were measured at nine radial stations on an NACA 10-(3)(08)-03 design two-blade propeller. This paper presents the results of the pressure measurements in the form of normal-force and moment coefficients and covers a range of nominal angle of attack (simple blade element theory) from 0 degrees to 4 degrees for a section Mach number range of approximately 0.6 to 1.15 for the outboard stations and approximately 0.3 to 0.6 for inboard stations.

Evans, Albert J↗
NASA NTRS1993

Navier-Stokes flowfield computation of wing/rotor interaction for a tilt rotor aircraft in hover

The download on the wing produced by the rotor-induced downwash of a tilt rotor aircraft in hover is of major concern because of its severe impact on payload-carrying capability. A method has been developed to help gain a better understanding of the fundamental fluid dynamics that causes this download, and to help find ways to reduce it. In particular, the method is employed in this work to analyze the effect of a tangential leading edge circulation-control jet on download reduction. Because of the complexities associated with modeling the complete configuration, this work focuses specifically on the wing/rotor interaction of a tilt rotor aircraft in hover. The three-dimensional, unsteady, thin-layer compressible Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a time-accurate, implicit, finite difference scheme that employs LU-ADI factorization. The rotor is modeled as an actuator disk which imparts both a radical and an azimuthal distribution of pressure rise and swirl to the flowfield. A momentum theory blade element analysis of the rotor is incorporated into the Navier-Stokes solution method. Solution blanking at interior points of the mesh has been shown here to be an effective technique in introducing the effects of the rotor and tangential leading edge jet. Results are presented both for a rotor alone and for wing/rotor interaction. The overall mean characteristics of the rotor flowfield are computed including the flow acceleration through the rotor disk, the axial and swirl velocities in the rotor downwash, and the slipstream contraction. Many of the complex tilt rotor flow features are captured including the highly three-dimensional flow over the wing, the recirculation fountain at the plane of symmetry, wing leading and trailing edge separation, and the large region of separated flow beneath the wing. Mean wing surface pressures compare fairly well with available experimental data, but the time-averaged download/thrust ratio is 20-30 percent higher than the measured value. The discrepancy is due to a combination of factors that are discussed. Leading edge tangential blowing, of constant strength along the wing span, is shown to be effective in reducing download. The jet serves primarily to reduce the pressure on the wing upper surface. The computation clearly shows that, because of the three-dimensionality of the flowfield, optimum blowing would involve a spanwise variation in blowing strength.

Fejtek, Ian G.↗