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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 235 records · Page 13

Abort staging characteristics of an external oxygen tank separating from the space shuttle 040-A orbiter (.006 scale model) at Mach numbers of 0.6, 2.0, and 4.0

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a .006 scale model of the space shuttle 040-A orbiter and its external fuel tank utilizing the NASA/MFSC dual sting support system in the MFSC 14 x 14 inch Trisonic Wind Tunnel. Normal force, pitching moment and axial force components were recorded simultaneously on the orbiter and the tank at selected tank field positions beneath the orbiter as both models were pitched through an angle of attack range of -5 deg to 20 deg. Incidence angles between orbiter and tank of 0 deg, 5 deg, 10 deg and 15 deg were investigated. During these tests Mach number was set at 0.6, 2.0 and 4.0.

Fossler, I. H.↗

Scale model performance test investigation of exhaust system mixers for an Energy Efficient Engine /E3/ propulsion system

A scale model performance test was conducted as part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Program, to investigate the geometric variables that influence the aerodynamic design of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow engines. Mixer configuration variables included lobe number, penetration and perimeter, as well as several cutback mixer geometries. Mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss were determined using measured thrust and nozzle exit total pressure and temperature surveys. Results provide a data base to aid the analysis and design development of the E3 mixed-flow exhaust system.

Kuchar, A. P.↗

Investigations of detail design issues for the high speed acoustic wind tunnel using a 60th scale model tunnel. Part 1: Tests with open circuits

This report summarizes the tests on the 1:60 scale model of the High Speed Acoustic Wind Tunnel (HSAWT) performed during the period of November 1989 to December 1990. Throughout the testing the tunnel was operated in the 'open circuit mode', that is when the airflow was induced by a powerful exhaust fan located outside the tunnel circuit. The tests were first performed with the closed test section and were subsequently repeated with the open test section. While operating with the open test section, a novel device, called the 'nozzle-diffuser,' was also tested in order to establish its usefulness of increasing pressure recovery in the first diffuser. The tests established the viability of the tunnel design. The flow distribution in each tunnel component was found acceptable and pressure recovery in the diffusers were found satisfactory. The diffusers appeared to operate without flow separation. All tests were performed at NASA LaRC.

Barna, P. Stephen↗

Scale Model Thruster Acoustic Measurement Results

Subscale rocket acoustic data is used to predict acoustic environments for full scale rockets. Over the last several years acoustic data has been collected during horizontal tests of solid rocket motors. Space Launch System (SLS) Scale Model Acoustic Test (SMAT) was designed to evaluate the acoustics of the SLS vehicle including the liquid engines and solid rocket boosters. SMAT is comprised of liquid thrusters scalable to the Space Shuttle Main engines (SSME) and Rocket Assisted Take Off (RATO) motors scalable to the 5-segment Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSTMV). Horizontal testing of the liquid thrusters provided an opportunity to collect acoustic data from liquid thrusters to characterize the acoustic environments. Acoustic data was collected during the horizontal firings of a single thruster and a 4-thruster (Quad) configuration. Presentation scope. Discuss the results of the single and 4-thruster acoustic measurements. Compare the measured acoustic levels of the liquid thrusters to the Solid Rocket Test Motor V - Nozzle 2 (SRTMV-N2).

Kenny, R. Jeremy↗

High-Speed Wind-Tunnel Tests of Dive-Recovery Flaps of a 0.3-Scale Model of the P-47D Airplane

This report presents the results of tests of a 0.3-Scale Model of the Republic P-47D airplane equipped with several dive-recovery flaps. Results are presented showing the drag coefficient and pitching-moment coefficient produced by the various flaps. The results of computations made to predict the normal acceleration due to deflecting the flaps in a vertical dive, the lift coefficient of the tail required for balance, and the relative magnitudes of the various factors which contribute to the pitching-moment increment are also given.

William T Hamilton↗

Evaluating Precipitation Features and Rainfall Characteristics in a Multi-scale Modeling Framework

Cloud and precipitation systems over the tropics and subtropics are simulated with a multi-scale modeling framework (MMF) and compared against the TRMM radar precipitation features (RPFs) product. A methodology, in close analogy to the TRMM RPFs, is developed to analyze simulated cloud precipitating structures from the embedded two-dimensional cloud-resolving models (CRMs) within an MMF. Despite the two-dimensionality of the CRMs, the simulated RPFs population distribution, and horizontal and vertical structure are in good agreement with TRMM observations. However, some deficits are also found in the model simulations. The model tends to overestimate mean convective precipitation rates for RPFs with a size less than 100 km, contributing to the excessive precipitation biases in the warm pool and western Pacific, western and northern India Ocean, and eastern Pacific commonly found in most MMFs. For large features with a size greater than 150 km, both convective and stratiform rain rates are underestimated. The distribution of maximum radar echo top heights as a function of RPF size is well simulated except the model tends to underestimate the occurrence frequency of maximum heights greater than 15 km. The maximum echo top heights for convective cells embedded within large RPFs with a size greater than 150 km are also underestimated. The cyclic lateral boundary with a limited model domain generates artificial occurrences for RPFs with a size close to the model domain size, producing a significant contribution to the total rainfall due to their sizes. This cyclic lateral boundary effect can be easily identified and quantified in both probability and cumulative distribution functions of RPFs. The geophysical distribution of the population of the largest RPFs in the control experiment shows they are mainly located in the Subtropics but also partially contribute to the common MMF biases of excessive precipitation in the Tropics. Sensitivity experiments using CRMs with different domain sizes and different grid spacings show larger domains (higher resolution) tend to shift the RPFs distribution to large (small) sizes. The cyclic lateral boundary biases increase as CRM domain size decreases. The impacts of model horizontal and vertical resolution on simulated convective systems are also investigated.

Chern, Jiun-Dar↗

Development of test methods for scale model simulation of aerial applications in the NASA Langley Vortex Research Facility

As part of basic research to improve aerial applications technology, methods were developed at the Langley Vortex Research Facility to simulate and measure deposition patterns of aerially-applied sprays and granular materials by means of tests with small-scale models of agricultural aircraft and dynamically-scaled test particles. Interactions between the aircraft wake and the dispersed particles are being studied with the objective of modifying wake characteristics and dispersal techniques to increase swath width, improve deposition pattern uniformity, and minimize drift. The particle scaling analysis, test methods for particle dispersal from the model aircraft, visualization of particle trajectories, and measurement and computer analysis of test deposition patterns are described. An experimental validation of the scaling analysis and test results that indicate improved control of chemical drift by use of winglets are presented to demonstrate test methods.

Jordan, F. L., Jr.↗

Large-eddy Simulation of Stratocumulus-topped Atmospheric Boundary Layers with Dynamic Subgrid-scale Models

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the dynamic procedure in LES of stratocumulus topped atmospheric boundary layer and assess the relative importance of subgrid-scale modeling, cloud microphysics and radiation modeling on the predictions. The simulations will also be used to gain insight into the processes leading to cloud top entrainment instability and cloud breakup. In this report we document the governing equations, numerical schemes and physical models that are employed in the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model (GCEM3D). We also present the subgrid-scale dynamic procedures that have been implemented in the GCEM3D code for the purpose of the present study.

Senocak, Inane↗

Large space telescope engineering scale model optical design

The objective is to develop the detailed design and tolerance data for the LST engineering scale model optical system. This will enable MSFC to move forward to the optical element procurement phase and also to evaluate tolerances, manufacturing requirements, assembly/checkout procedures, reliability, operational complexity, stability requirements of the structure and thermal system, and the flexibility to change and grow.

Facey, T. A.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics of a 0.237-scale model of a remotely piloted research vehicle with a thick, high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing

A 0.237-scale model of a remotely piloted research vehicle equipped with a thick, high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing was tested in the Langley 8-foot transonic tunnel to provide experimental data for a prediction of the static stability and control characteristics of the research vehicle as well as to provide an estimate of vehicle flight characteristics for a computer simulation program used in the planning and execution of specific flight-research mission. Data were obtained at a Reynolds number of 16.5 x 10 to the 6th power per meter for Mach numbers up to 0.92. The results indicate regions of longitudinal instability; however, an adequate margin of longitudinal stability exists at a selected cruise condition. Satisfactory effectiveness of pitch, roll, and yaw control was also demonstrated.

Byrdsong, T. A.↗

Investigations of detail design issues for the high speed acoustic wind tunnel using a 60th scale model tunnel. Part 2: Tests with the closed circuit

This report summarizes the tests on the 1:60 scale model of the High Speed Acoustic Wind Tunnel (HSAWT) performed during the period June - August 1991. Throughout the testing the tunnel was operated in the 'closed circuit mode,' that is when the airflow was set up by an axial flow fan, which was located inside the tunnel circuit and was directly driven by a motor. The tests were first performed with the closed test section and were subsequently repeated with the open test section, the latter operating with the nozzle-diffuser at its optimum setting. On this subject, reference is made to the report (1) issued January 1991, under contract 17-GFY900125, which summarizes the result obtained with the tunnel operating in the 'open circuit mode.' The tests confirmed the viability of the tunnel design, and the flow distributions in most of the tunnel components were considered acceptable. There were found, however, some locations where the flow distribution requires improvement. This applies to the flow upstream of the fan where the flow was found skewed, thus affecting the flow downstream. As a result of this, the flow appeared separated at the end of the large diffuser at the outer side. All tests were performed at NASA LaRC.

Barna, P. Stephen↗

Cloud Feedbacks on Greenhouse Warming in a Multi-Scale Modeling Framework with a Higher-Order Turbulence Closure

Five-year simulation experiments with a multi-scale modeling Framework (MMF) with a advanced intermediately prognostic higher-order turbulence closure (IPHOC) in its cloud resolving model (CRM) component, also known as SPCAM-IPHOC (super parameterized Community Atmospheric Model), are performed to understand the fast tropical (30S-30N) cloud response to an instantaneous doubling of CO2 concentration with SST held fixed at present-day values. SPCAM-IPHOC has substantially improved the low-level representation compared with SPCAM. It is expected that the cloud responses to greenhouse warming in SPCAM-IPHOC is more realistic. The change of rising motion, surface precipitation, cloud cover, and shortwave and longwave cloud radiative forcing in SPCAM-IPHOC from the greenhouse warming will be presented in the presentation.

Cheng, Anning↗

A Scaled Model Study of the PSL Facility for Alleviating Low-Frequency Howl

This report documents results from a scaled model experimental study of howl occurring in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL)during engine tests. The aim is to understand the sources of the howling noise and find possible remedies. It is shown that a jet discharged into the model of the duct gives rise to high levels of low frequency noise which occurs apparently due to excitation of duct acoustic modes randomly excited by the jet. A wire-mesh screen placed at the end of the duct model immediately downstream of the jet nozzle is shown to alleviate such noise significantly. Based on these results, an end treatment for the duct in the PSL facility is recommended.

engine test↗

A global-scale model of aerosol backscatter at CO2 wavelengths for satellite-based lidar sensors

The status of a global-scale model of background aerosol backscatter cross-sections at CO2 wavelengths is described. The model needs, strategy, concept, parameters, and capabilities are addressed, and the data base is discussed, concluding data selection, CO2 backscatter measurements, aerosol optical measurements, aerosol microphysical measurements, water vapor measurements, and data analysis. Strong evidence is reported for a 'universal' background tropospheric aerosol population. Typical background backscatter values at CO2 wavelengths appear to be about 3 x 10 to the -11th to 8 x 10 to the -11th/m/sr. Background signatures are evident in most aerosol data sets which have global-scale coverage in space or time.

Bowdle, David A.↗

Free-Spinning-Tunnel Tests of a 0.057-Scale Model of the Chance Vought XF7U-1 Airplane

An investigation of the spin and recovery characteristics of a 0.057-scale model of the Chance Vought XF7U-1 airplane has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel. The effects of control settings and movements on the erect and inverted spin and recovery characteristics were determined, as were also the effects of extending the wing slats, of center-of-gravity movement, and-of variation in the mass distribution. The investigation also included wing-tip spin-recovery-parachute tests, pilot-escape tests, and rudder-control-force tests. The investigation indicated that the spin and recovery characteristics of the airplane will be satisfactory for all conditions. It was found that a single 4.24-foot (full-scale) parachute when opened alone from the outboard wing tip or two 8.77-foot (full-scale) parachutes when opened simultaneously, one from each wing tip, would effect satisfactory emergency recoveries (the drag coefficients of the parachutes, based on the surface area of the parachute, were 0.83 and 0.70 for the 4.24- and 8.77-foot parachutes, respectively). The towline length in both cases was 25 feet (full scale). Tests results showed that, if the pilot should have to leave the airplane during a spin, he should jump from the outboard side (left side in a right spin) of the cockpit. The rudder-control force necessary for recovery from a spin was found to be rather high but appeared to be within the upper limits of a pilot's capabilities.

Daughtridge, Lee T., Jr.↗

Transition heating rates obtained on a matted and isolated 0.006 scale model (41-OT) space shuttle orbiter and external tank in the NASA/LaRC variable density hypersonic tunnel (IH17)

Model information and data obtained from wind tunnel tests performed on a 0.006 scale model of the Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter and external tank in the 18 inch Variable Density Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (VDHT) at NASA Langley Research Center are presented. Tests were performed at a Mach number of 8.0 over a Reynolds Number range from 0.1 to 10.0 million per foot at 0 deg and -5 deg angle of attack and 0 deg sideslip angle. Transition heating rates were determined using thin skin thermocouples located at various locations on the orbiter and ET. The test was conducted in three stages: orbiter plus external tank (mated configuration); orbiter alone, and external tank alone. The effects of boundary layer trips were also included in the test sequence. The plotted results presented show the effect of configuration interference on the orbiter lower surface and on the ET. Tabulated data are given.

Cummings, J.↗