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At least 235 records · Page 13

Linear Interaction Approximation for the Prediction of Noise Generated by Turbulence/Shock Interaction

In this paper we review the basic development of Linear Interaction Approximation (LIA), a linear inviscid approach to study the interaction of weak turbulence with flow discontinuities, and implement a formulation to calculate the acoustic field due to the incidence of vortical and entropic disturbances on a planar shock. The work is motivated by the observance in nozzles with internal mixers and external plugs of a shock formed by local flow accelerations, even at sub-critical pressure ratios. Exhaust systems with internally mixed/externally plugged nozzles are currently under consideration for use in commercial supersonic aircraft and it is important to have an assessment of the impact of this shock on the noise radiated by these nozzles. Numerical results are presented for the fluctuating pressure emitted by (separate) incident single-wave vorticity and entropy modes and for incident isotropic fields of turbulence and entropy. Further applications of the formulation to the flow fields in internally mixed/externally plugged nozzles, and to the modification of mixing noise sources and the scattering of internally generated noise by the shock, are discussed as future work.

Jet noise↗

Study of a Plug Nozzle for Supersonic Aircraft Concepts

Nozzles with external plugs are candidates for the exhaust system of supersonic aircraft concepts in an ongoing research effort at NASA. As part of that effort a fundamental study is being conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Experimental and limited numerical simulation results from this study, for a plug nozzle with a convergent nozzle (cowl),have been reported in recent publications[1,2]. Conventional method-of-characteristics (MoC) design for the plug requires that the flow is choked at the nozzle exit. This is why a sharp convergence of the cowl is invoked in such a design in most previous studies [3-5], leading to the earlier choice of the convergent cowl. Such a nozzle, however, is not suitable for supersonic flights because of large boat tail drag suffered by its outer surface. The boat tail drag consideration dictates that the cowl be more or less cylindrical in shape. While various other shapes have been studied in the past [6], essentially a cylindrical shape is adopted in the larger research program at NASA. The cylindrical shape has certain advantages. With the plug crown located somewhat inside the nozzle, the flow experiences convergence and divergence as with a C-D nozzle. By translating the plug, different throat-to-exit area ratio could be achieved to obtain fully expanded condition at different values of NPR. This offers a relatively easy active control strategy for the nozzle geometry throughout the flight regime from landing and takeoff (LTO) to cruise conditions. A plug nozzle model mimicking the geometry being considered in the NASA program, i.e., having a cylindrical exit, have been fabricated recently for continued fundamental studies. Some of the plugs used with the earlier convergent cowl [1] are readily adopted to this model. In addition, a few other plugs have been obtained following a numerical optimization study [7]. The various configurations are to be investigated for thrust, noise and flow fields, with complementing numerical simulations. Thrust data for a variety of configurations as well as limited noise data are in hand. Further explorations including schlieren visualization are to be conducted in the near future. The proposed paper is to summarize all these results. In the following, a few key results obtained so far are described.

jets↗

Results of the NASA Prediction Uncertainty Reduction Tech Challenge

In January 2021 the Advanced Air Vehicles Program approved a new Tech Challenge (TC) to be run out of the Commercial Supersonic Technology (CST) Project. The objective of the TC was to bring uncertainties in the empirical noise modeling for civilian supersonic aircraft into the same range as that of conventional aircraft. The TC goal statement was to “Produce data and demonstrate tools that reduce the uncertainty in predicting Landing & Takeoff Noise levels of supersonic-relevant designs by 5 EPNdB and are ready for use in studies to inform FAA rule-making.” To make the required improvements in noise prediction methods for supersonic aircraft, NASA decided to validate and use high-fidelity numerical simulations to acquire the needed noise data on supersonic propulsion configurations. High-fidelity component designs were developed, such as a two-stage propulsor behind a supersonic inlet designed by General Electric Aviation and variable area exhaust systems using input from recent contracts with GE and Rolls Royce. A noise database was generated as a function of geometric and flow parameters, providing corrections to the empirical noise models and added new input variables to describe the complexities created by the supersonic-specific design features. Statistically, the new models were able to predict the acoustic impact of supersonic-specific features, the reduction in uncertainty being reduced from the baseline 7.8 EPNdB at the beginning of the TC to 2.0 EPNdB at the end.

noise prediction↗

Ground Test Technology Demonstration for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engines

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) engines have been deemed a key technology to enable human missions to Mars due to their high efficiency, also known as specific impulse (Isp). Ground testing the NTP engine is critical in maturing the technology and increasing the design’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL), thus mitigating risk from NTP engine performance/operations. NTP engine development began with open-air ground testing through the Rover/NERVA program back in the 1960s when regulatory requirements were not as stringent as they are today. Due to the formation of regulatory bodies, increase in oversight and environmental requirements, the exhaust gas released from NTP engines must be captured or processed to gain approval in the case that the exhaust gas contains fission products from the nuclear fuel elements within the reactor. Ground test campaigns following Rover/NERVA focused on the certification of a full scale NTP engine, which led to exhaust processing systems such as the Rocket Exhaust Capture System (RECS) and Real Time (RT) exhaust processing. These systems were deemed favorable for regulatory compliance but have a high initial investment cost. Reassurance on the feasibility of ground testing and the NTP engine technology likely need to be achieved before NASA invests in these systems. Recently the objectives for NTP engine ground testing have shifted from certification testing of a full scale engine to demonstration testing of a subscale engine. The shift to demonstration testing allows for a shorter testing duration and a lower operational thrust (for demo testing purposes only) to demonstrate the NTP engine (5k-12.5k lbf). Due to these factors, the infrastructure, consumables, total footprint, and exhaust system complexity are able to be drastically reduced, thus reducing cost significantly. The High-pressure Exhaust Capture System (HECS) concept was designed for a NTP engine ground test demonstration. The HECS concept greatly reduces cost compared to previous concepts and suggests favorable regulatory acceptance due to its ability to capture all of the exhaust gas from the NTP engine.

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion↗

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine Technology Demonstration Testing

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) engines have been deemed a key technology to enable human missions to Mars due to their high efficiency, also known as specific impulse (Isp). Ground testing the NTP engine is critical in maturing the technology and increasing the design’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL), thus mitigating risk from NTP engine performance/operations. NTP engine development began with open-air ground testing through the Rover/NERVA program back in the 1960s when regulatory requirements were not as stringent as they are today. Due to the formation of regulatory bodies, increase in oversight and environmental requirements, the exhaust gas released from NTP engines must be captured or processed to gain approval in the case that the exhaust gas contains fission products from the nuclear fuel elements within the reactor. Ground test campaigns following Rover/NERVA focused on the certification of a full scale NTP engine, which led to exhaust processing systems such as the Rocket Exhaust Capture System (RECS) and Real Time (RT) exhaust processing. These systems were deemed favorable for regulatory compliance but have a high initial investment cost. Reassurance on the feasibility of ground testing and the NTP engine technology likely need to be achieved before NASA invests in these systems. Recently the objectives for NTP engine ground testing have shifted from certification testing of a full scale engine to demonstration testing of a subscale engine. The shift to demonstration testing allows for a shorter testing duration and a lower operational thrust (for demo testing purposes only) to demonstrate the NTP engine (5k-12.5k lbf). Due to these factors, the infrastructure, consumables, total footprint, and exhaust system complexity are able to be drastically reduced, thus reducing cost significantly. The High-pressure Exhaust Capture System (HECS) concept was designed for a NTP engine ground test demonstration. The HECS concept greatly reduces cost compared to previous concepts and suggests favorable regulatory acceptance due to its ability to capture all of the exhaust gas from the NTP engine.

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion↗

An integrated exhaust gas analysis system with self-contained data processing and automatic calibration

An integrated gas analysis system designed to operate in automatic, semiautomatic, and manual modes from a remote control panel is described. The system measures the carbon monoxide, oxygen, water vapor, total hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen. A pull through design provides increased reliability and eliminates the need for manual flow rate adjustment and pressure correction. The system contains two microprocessors to range the analyzers, calibrate the system, process the raw data to units of concentration, and provides information to the facility research computer and to the operator through terminal and the control panels. After initial setup, the system operates for several hours without significant operator attention.

Anderson, R. C.↗

Integrated Exhaust-Gas-Analysis System

Gas-Analysis system includes eight commercial gas analyzers and data-processing and calibration electronics. Two microprocessors range analyzers, calibrate system, process raw data to units of concentration, and make all system information available to facility research computer and to operator. After initial setup, system operates several hours without significant operator attention. Saves considerable operator time.

Anderson, R.↗

Propulsive lift noise

Propulsive life noise is the increase in noise that occurs when airframe surfaces are placed in the propulsive system's exhaust to increase their lift force. Increased local flow velocities and turbulence levels, due to the propulsive system exhaust gases passing along the airframe lifting surfaces, cause an increase in maximum lift coefficient. The airplane's flight speed required for takeoff and landing can then be significantly reduced, allowing operation from shorter runways than those of conventional commercial airports. Unfortunately, interaction of high velocity turbulent exhaust flow with the airframe's solid surfaces generates additional noise radiation. Aeroacoustic processes that cause propulsive lift noise also are present in airframe noise and propulsive system installation noise. Research studies of propulsive lift noise led to development of improved methods of predicting noise radiation from surfaces in turbulent flows. Noise reduction and prediction methods of aircraft noise are discussed.

Fink, Martin R.↗

Megawatt level electric propulsion perspectives

For long range space missions, deliverable payload fraction is an inverse exponential function of the propellant exhaust velocity or specific impulse of the propulsion system. The exhaust velocity of chemical systems are limited by their combustion chemistry and heat transfer to a few km/s. Nuclear rockets may achieve double this range, but are still heat transfer limited and ponderous to develop. Various electric propulsion systems can achieve exhaust velocities in the 10 km/s range, at considerably lower thrust densities, but require an external electrical power source. A general overview is provided of the currently available electric propulsion systems from the perspective of their characteristics as a terminal load for space nuclear systems. A summary of the available electric propulsion options is shown and generally characterized in the power vs. exhaust velocity plot. There are 3 general classes of electric thruster devices: neutral gas heaters, plasma devices, and space charge limited electrostatic or ion thrusters.

Jahn, Robert G.↗

Exhaust Nozzles for Propulsion Systems with Emphasis on Supersonic Cruise Aircraft

This compendium summarizes the contributions of the NASA-Lewis and its contractors to supersonic exhaust nozzle research from 1963 to 1985. Two major research and technology efforts sponsored this nozzle research work; the U.S. Supersonic Transport (SST) Program and the follow-on Supersonic Cruise Research (SCR) Program. They account for two generations of nozzle technology: the first from 1963 to 1971, and the second from 1971 to 1985. First, the equations used to calculate nozzle thrust are introduced. Then the general types of nozzles are presented, followed by a discussion of those types proposed for supersonic aircraft. Next, the first-generation nozzles designed specifically for the Boeing SST and the second-generation nozzles designed under the SCR program are separately reviewed and then compared. A chapter on throttle-dependent afterbody drag is included, since drag has a major effect on the off-design performance of supersonic nozzles. A chapter on the performance of supersonic dash nozzles follows, since these nozzles have similar design problems, Finally, the nozzle test facilities used at NASA-Lewis during this nozzle research effort are identified and discussed. These facilities include static test stands, a transonic wind tunnel, and a flying testbed aircraft. A concluding section points to the future: a third generation of nozzles designed for a new era of high speed civil transports to produce even greater advances in performance, to meet new noise rules, and to ensure the continuity of over two decades of NASA research.

Stitt, Leonard E.↗

Aero-acoustic design and test of a multiple splitter exhaust noise suppressor for a 0.914m diameter lift fan

A lift fan exhaust suppression system to meet future VTOL aircraft noise goals was designed and tested. The test vehicle was a 1.3 pressure ratio, 36 inch (91.44 cm) diameter lift fan with two chord rotor to stator spacing. A two splitter fan exhaust suppression system thirty inches (76.2 cm) long achieved 10 PNdB exhaust suppression in the aft quadrant compared to a design value of 20 PNdB. It was found that a broadband noise floor limited the realizable suppression. An analytical investigation of broadband noise generated by flow over the treatment surfaces provided very good agreement with the measured suppression levels and noise floor sound power levels. A fan thrust decrement of 22% was measured for the fully suppressed configuration of which 11.1% was attributed to the exhaust suppression hardware.

Stimpert, D. L.↗

Qualification of Mixing Criteria by Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for the 325 Building Stack Revision

Additional ventilation capacity has been designed for the 325 Building filtered exhaust stack system. The four (4) existing main facility exhaust fans are past the end of their useful life. The fans are being replaced to provide additional exhaust capacity for future growth and to provide a more robust system. Stack operations will involve running various fan combinations at any given time. The air monitoring system of the existing stack previously was found to comply with the American National Standards Institute/Health Physics Society (ANSI/HPS) N13.1-1999 standard. Full-scale, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was used to evaluate the modified four-fan system for compliance with the ANSI/HPS N13.1-2021 standard, which essentially is equivalent in mixing requirements to the ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999 standard (and ANSI/HPS N13.1-2011). The four mixing criteria evaluated are 1) flow angle, 2) velocity, 3) gas tracer, and 4) particle tracer. In addition to the evaluating the modified four-fan system a temporary single fan stack configuration was also evaluated with CFD modeling. The temporary stack is planned to be used while the four-fan system is being modified. Modeling of the modified four-fan design and temporary ductwork showed that flow angles, velocity uniformity, gas tracer, and particle tracer were acceptable.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A study of ingestion and dispersion of engine exhaust products in trailing vortex systems

Analysis has been made of the ingestion and dispersion of engine exhaust products into the trailing vortex system of supersonic aircraft flying in the stratosphere. The rate of mixing between the supersonic jet and the co-flowing supersonic stream was found to be an order of magnitude less than would be expected on the basis of subsonic eddy-viscosity results. The length of the potential core was 66 nozzle exit radii so that the exhaust gases remain at elevated temperatures and concentrations over much longer distances than previsously estimated. Ingestion started at the end of the potential core and all hot gas from the engine was ingested into the trailing vortex within two core lengths. Comparison between the buoyancy calculations for the supersonic case with nondimensionalized subsonic aircraft contrail data on wake spreading showed good agreement. Velocity and temperature profiles have been specified at various stages of the wake, and the analysis in this report can be used to predict variations of concentrations of species such as nitrogen oxides under conditions of chemical reaction.

Nielsen, J. N.↗

Heat Pumps and Energy Recovering Ventilators in Northern Alaska

The intended purpose of this project was to bring alternative heat and ventilation options to rural communities off the road system in Northwestern Alaska. Most of the residents of these communities are reliant upon kerosene or other fossil fuels to provide heat to their homes. Our intention was to offer an alternative to using those sources by providing heat pumps to 45 homes in the communities of Elim and Koyuk. When projecting energy use for these units based on the fuel prices at the time, it was discovered that energy costs for heat pumps would equal or slightly exceed the costs of existing kerosene units. Secondly, as part of our E&l grant we installed 45 energy recovery ventilators (ERV’s) in those same homes. This was important given our experience over the years with moisture and comfort issues in most homes within this region. Exhaust-only systems are rarely used due to the high heating costs. Additionally, exhaust-only systems have a potential risk of back drafting due to tight building construction. Balanced systems like this eliminate that risk while improving indoor air quality. Another benefit to these types of systems is the fact that they help transfer heat from a single heat source equally throughout the building. Our overall goal was to offer new technology options to improve these structures and the families that reside in them where, given their location and extreme seasonal temperature swings, they have historically never been offered.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗