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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of the effects on life of leading-edge holes in an airfoil subjected to arbitrary spanwise and chordwise temperature distributions

The effects of temperature gradients, cooling-hole rim and bulk metal temperatures, and mechanical stress were investigated by using a finite-element structural analysis of a symmetrical airfoil with and without leading-edge holes. The results indicate that leading-edge film cooling is beneficial when large chordwise temperature gradients exist and if the cooling-hole rim temperatures are above the bulk metal temperature. The effects of film cooling at other locations on the airfoil were not considered, and the relative merits of convection or film cooling at the leading edge, in terms of allowable turbine inlet temperature or coolant flow requirements, were not evaluated.

Kaufman, A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Simulation of Flow Through Breach in Leading Edge at Mach 24

A baseline solution for CFD Point 1 (Mach 24) in the STS-107 accident investigation was modified to include effects of holes through the leading edge into a vented cavity. The simulations were generated relatively quickly and early in the investigation by making simplifications to the leading edge cavity geometry. These simplifications in the breach simulations enabled: 1) A very quick grid generation procedure; 2) High fidelity corroboration of jet physics with internal surface impingements ensuing from a breach through the leading edge, fully coupled to the external shock layer flow at flight conditions. These simulations provided early evidence that the flow through a 2 inch diameter (or larger) breach enters the cavity with significant retention of external flow directionality. A normal jet directed into the cavity was not an appropriate model for these conditions at CFD Point 1 (Mach 24). The breach diameters were of the same order or larger than the local, external boundary-layer thickness. High impingement heating and pressures on the downstream lip of the breach were computed. It is likely that hole shape would evolve as a slot cut in the direction of the external streamlines. In the case of the 6 inch diameter breach the boundary layer is fully ingested.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗
NASA NTRS1952

Small-Scale Transonic Investigation of the Effects of Partial-Span Leading-Edge Camber on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a 50 Deg 38' Sweptback Wing of Aspect Ratio 2.98

A small-scale transonic investigation of two semispan wings of the same plan form was made in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel through a Mach number range of 0.70 to 1.10 and a mean-test Reynolds number range of 745,000 to 845,000 to determine the effects of partial-span leading-edge camber on the aerodynamic characteristics of a swept-back wing. This paper presents the results of the investigation of wing-alone and wing-fuselage configurations of the two wings; one, was an uncambered wing and the other had the forward 45 percent of the chord cambered over the outboard 55 percent of the span. The semispan wings had 50deg 38ft sweepback of their quarter-chord lines, aspect ratio of 2.98, taper ratio of 0.45, and modified NACA 64A-series airfoil sections tapered in thickness ratio. Lift, drag, pitching moment, and root-bending moment were obtained for these configurations. The results indicated that, for the wing-alone configuration, use of the partial-span leading-edge camber provided an increase in maximum lift-drag ratios up to a Mach number of 0.95, after which no gain was realized. For the wing-fuselage combination, the partial-span leading-edge camber appeared to cause no gain in maximum lift-drag ratio throughout the test range of Mach numbers. The lift-curve slopes of the partial-span leading-edge camber configurations indicated no significant change over the basic configurations in the subsonic range but resulted in slight reductions at the higher Mach numbers. No significantly large changes in pitching-moment-curve slopes or lateral center of additional loading were indicated because of the modification.

Alford, William J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Leading-Edge "Pop-Up" Spoiler For Airfoil

New concept places spoiler in leading edge of airfoil, hinged along its trailing edge, so airflow helps to deploy it and force it against mechanical stop. Deployed "pop-up" spoiler quickly eliminates almost all aerodynamic lift of stabilator. Designed to be added to leading edge of existing stabilator, without major rework. Though initial application to be on helicopter stabilators, equally applicable to wings or winglike components.

Wilson, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Wind-tunnel investigation of leading-edge thrust on arrow wings in supersonic flow

Six wing models were tested in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel to identify and study leading-edge thrust at supersonic speeds. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, and 2.16, at a stagnation temperature of 125.0 F, and at Reynolds numbers per foot of 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power and 5.0 x 10 the 6th power. Test results showed that significant benefits from leading-edge thrust and nonlinear thickness effects can be obtained with very little airfoil bluntness, that these benefits were lost when the airfoil was severely blunted, and that such benefits seem to be found on wings with supersonic as well as subsonic leading edges.

Mack, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Applicability of linearized-theory attached-flow methods to design and analysis of flap systems at low speeds for thin swept wings with sharp leading edges

Low-speed experimental force and data on a series of thin swept wings with sharp leading edges and leading and trailing-edge flaps are compared with predictions made using a linearized-theory method which includes estimates of vortex forces. These comparisons were made to assess the effectiveness of linearized-theory methods for use in the design and analysis of flap systems in subsonic flow. Results demonstrate that linearized-theory, attached-flow methods (with approximate representation of vortex forces) can form the basis of a rational system for flap design and analysis. Even attached-flow methods that do not take vortex forces into account can be used for the selection of optimized flap-system geometry, but design-point performance levels tend to be underestimated unless vortex forces are included. Illustrative examples of the use of these methods in the design of efficient low-speed flap systems are included.

Carlson, Harry W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Summary of some recent studies of subsonic vortex lift and parameters affecting the leading-edge vortex stability

Various subsonic configurations which develop vortex lift are examined herein. Comparisons are made with data and the combination of direct and indirect edge forces through use of the suction analogy. For most configurations, the use of the indirect or augmented vortex lift leads to improved agreement with data. The studies conducted showed that it is possible for the leading-edge vortex to exhibit bursting on a cropped wing and the wing aerodynamic characteristics not show the effect. It was further found that the distributions of leading-edge suction correlate well with the maintenance of vortex flow aerodynamic characteristics. Lastly, a method is presented for relating the initial value of circulation and axial velocity of the leading-edge shed vortex to the wing geometry.

Lamar, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Design and Analysis of UHTC Leading Edge Attachment

NASA Glenn Research Center was contacted to provide technical support to NASA Ames Research Center in the design and analysis of an ultra high temperature ceramic (UHTC) leading edge. UHTC materials are being considered for reusable launch vehicles because their high temperature capability may allow for un-cooled sharp leading edge designs. While ceramic materials have the design benefit of allowing subcomponents to run hot, they also provide a design challenge in that they invariably must be in contact with cooler subcomponents elsewhere in the structure. NASA Glenn Research Center proposed a modification to an existing attachment design. Thermal and structural analyses of the leading edge assembly were carried out using ABAQUS finite element software. Final results showed that the proposed modifications aided in thermally isolating hot and cold subcomponents and reducing bearing stresses at the attachment location.

Thomas, David J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Control in Hypersonic Leading Edges Using Liquid Metal High Temperature Oscillating Heat Pipes

The desire to increase the range and speed of hypersonic vehicles requires sharp, shape-stable Wing Leading Edges (WLE) with performance capabilities well beyond the current state of the art. The concentrated heat flux on sharp leading edges can lead to runaway thermal and mechanical failures. Heat pipes provide a passive solution to minimize the peak temperature, thermal gradients, and resulting thermal stresses near the WLE. Conventional heat pipes have been shown to address these issues at conditions as high as Mach 8. Oscillating heat pipes (OHPs) could be used to extend this benefit to missions with higher Mach numbers since their heat transport capacity typically exceeds that of conventional heat pipes. In the current investigation, several identical liquid metal high-temperature oscillating heat pipes (LMHOHPs) were constructed and tested to demonstrate the concept. The LMHOHPs had six turns, internal diameters of 2 mm, and total lengths of 100 mm. They were additively manufactured from C103 niobium alloy and charged with lithium to reach a fill ratio of approximately 50%. The boundary conditions of the experiment were designed to resemble those of various hypersonic flight profiles. Testing was performed with a system consisting of flow-controlled acetylene torch heating and radiation dominated heat rejection. The LMHOHP’s performance was measured using temperature data from an infrared camera and pyrometer. The experimental results were used to evaluate the capability of C103/lithium LMHOHPs under various flight regimes. A heat transfer model of the LMHOHP was proposed and validated against test data. Insights from the model were then extrapolated to evaluate a Tungsten-RHC/Gallium LMHOHP with anticipated capabilities beyond that of the C103/lithium system.

Max Pawlick↗
NASA NTRS1975

Flow visualization of leading-edge vortex enhancement by spanwise blowing

Flow visualization studies were conducted in a small pilot wind tunnel to determine qualitative effects of blowing a discrete jet essentially parallel to the leading edge of a 45 deg-swept trapezoidal wing featuring leading- and trailing-edge flaps. Test parameters included wing angle-of-attack, jet momentum coefficient, leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections, and nozzle chordwise displacement. Results of this study indicate that blowing from a reflection plane over the wing enhances the leading-edge vortex and delays vortex bursting to higher angles-of-attack and greater span distances. Increased blowing rates decrease vortex size, growth rate, and vertical displacement above the wing surface at a given span station and also extend the spanwise effectiveness of lateral blowing. Deflection of a leading-edge flap delays the beneficial effects of spanwise blowing to higher angles-of-attack. Nozzle chordwise locations investigated for the wing with and without leading-edge flap deflection appear equally effective in enhancing the separated leading-edge flow.

Erickson, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Experimental Study of Shock Wave Interference Heating on a Cylindrical Leading Edge

An experimental study of shock wave interference heating on a cylindrical leading edge representative of the cowl of a rectangular hypersonic engine inlet at Mach numbers of 6.3, 6.5, and 8.0 is presented. Stream Reynolds numbers ranged from 0.5 x 106 to 4.9 x 106 per ft. and stream total temperature ranged from 2100 to 3400 R. The model consisted of a 3" dia. cylinder and a shock generation wedge articulated to angles of 10, 12.5, and 15 deg. A fundamental understanding was obtained of the fluid mechanics of shock wave interference induced flow impingement on a cylindrical leading edge and the attendant surface pressure and heat flux distributions. The first detailed heat transfer rate and pressure distributions for two dimensional shock wave interference on a cylinder was provided along with insight into the effects of specific heat variation with temperature on the phenomena. Results show that the flow around a body in hypersonic flow is altered significantly by the shock wave interference pattern that is created by an oblique shock wave from an external source intersecting the bow shock wave produced in front of the body.

Wieting, Allan R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Aerothermal Performance Constraint Analysis of Sharp Nosecaps and Leading Edges

The main objective of this work is to predict the Aerothermal Performance Constraint (APC) for a class of Crew Transfer Vehicles (CTV) with shap noses and wing leading edges made out of UHTC which is a family of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics materials developed at NASA Ames. The APC is based on the theoretical temperature limit of the material which is usually encountered at the CTV nose or wing leading edge. The APC places a lower limit on the trajectory of the CTV in the altitude velocity space. The APC is used as one of the constraints in developing reentry and abort trajectories for the CTV. The trajectories are then used to generate transient thermal response of the nosecaps and wing leading edges which are represented as either a one piece of UHTC or two piece (UHTC + RCC) with perfect axial contact. The final paper will include more details about the analysis procedure and will also include results for reentry and abort design trajectories.

Rizk, Yehia↗
NASA NTRS1980

Numerical lifting line theory applied to drooped leading-edge wings below and above stall

A numerical iterative solution to the classical Prandtl lifting-line theory, suitably modified for poststall behavior, is used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of straight rectangular finite wings with and without leading-edge droop. This study is prompted by the use of such leading-edge modifications to inhibit stall/spins in light general aviation aircraft. The results indicate that lifting-line solutions at high angle of attack can be obtained that agree with experimental data to within 20%, and much closer for many cases. Therefore, such solutions give reasonable preliminary engineering results for both drooped and undrooped wings in the poststall region. However, as predicted by von Karman, the lifting-line solutions are not unique when sectional negative lift slopes are encountered. In addition, the present numerical results always yield symmetrical lift distributions along the span, in contrast to the asymmetrical solutions observed by Schairer in the late 1930's. Finally, a series of parametric tests at low angle of attack indicate that the effect of drooped leading edges on aircraft cruise performance is minimal.

Anderson, J. D., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2002

HfB2-SiC Materials for Sharp Leading Edges

Future reentry vehicles will need better maneuverability to improve safety and performance. Vehicles with sharp leading edges, as opposed to the blunt nose and leading edges on the current space shuttle, can provide improved lift-to-drag and thus improved maneuverability. Materials capable of operating at temperatures in excess of 2000 C are required. Ultrahigh temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are one class of material being investigated for this application. These materials are diborides of hafnium or zirconium with a second phase of sic. The benefits of using these materials will be discussed as developments in the processing of HfB2/SiC.

Johnson, Sylvia M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Material Modeling of Space Shuttle Leading Edge and External Tank Materials For Use in the Columbia Accident Investigation

Upon the commencement of the analytical effort to characterize the impact dynamics and damage of the Space Shuttle Columbia leading edge due to External Tank insulating foam, the necessity of creating analytical descriptions of these materials became evident. To that end, material models were developed of the leading edge thermal protection system, Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC), and a low density polyurethane foam, BX-250. Challenges in modeling the RCC include its extreme brittleness, the differing behavior in compression and tension, and the anisotropic fabric layup. These effects were successfully included in LS-DYNA Material Model 58, *MAT_LAMINATED_ COMPOSITE_ FABRIC. The differing compression and tension behavior was modeled using the available damage parameters. Each fabric layer was given an integration point in the shell element, and was allowed to fail independently. Comparisons were made to static test data and coupon ballistic impact tests before being utilized in the full scale analysis. The foam's properties were typical of elastic automotive foams; and LS-DYNA Material Model 83, *MAT_FU_CHANG_FOAM, was successfully used to model its behavior. Material parameters defined included strain rate dependent stress-strain curves for both loading and un-loading, and for both compression and tension. This model was formulated with static test data and strain rate dependent test data, and was compared to ballistic impact tests on load-cell instrumented aluminum plates. These models were subsequently utilized in analysis of the Shuttle leading edge full scale ballistic impact tests, and are currently being used in the Return to Flight Space Shuttle re-certification effort.

Carney, Kelly↗
NASA NTRS1982

Application of an aerodynamic analysis method including attainable thrust estimates to low speed leading-edge flap design for supersonic cruise vehicles

A study of low speed leading-edge flap design for supersonic cruise vehicle was conducted. Wings with flaps were analyzed with the aid of a newly developed subsonic wing program which provides estimates of attainable leading-edge thrust. Results indicate that the thrust actually attainable can have a significant influence on the design and that the resultant flaps can be smaller and simpler than those resulting from more conventional approaches.

Carlson, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Effects of wing leading-edge radius and Reynolds number on longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of highly swept wing-body configurations at subsonic speeds

An investigation was conducted in the Langley low turbulence pressure tunnel to determine the effects of wing leading edge radius and Reynolds number on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a series of highly swept wing-body configurations. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers below 0.30, angles of attack up to 16 deg, and Reynolds numbers per meter from 6.57 million to 43.27 million. The wings under study in this investigation had leading edge sweep angles of 61.7 deg, 64.61 deg, and 67.01 deg in combination with trailing edge sweep angles of 0 deg and 40.6 deg. The leading edge radii of each wing planform could be varied from sharp to nearly round.

Henderson, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Two and three-dimensional shock-shock interactions on the blunt leading edges of the hypersonic inlets

The effect of shock impingement on the blunt leading edges of the top and sidewall compression type inlet of a scramjet engine is studied numerically. The impinging shock is caused by the vehicle forebody. The interaction of this forebody shock with the inlet leading edge shock results in a very complex flowfield containing local regions of high pressure and intense heating. This complex flowfield in calculated by solving the Navier-Stokes equations using a finite volume flux splitting technique due to van Leer. To resolve the finer details of the flow structure as well as to predict the surface heat transfer accurately, adaptive grid technique is used in the analysis. Results of the present numerical study are compared with available experimental results.

Singh, D. J.↗