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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 253 records · Page 14

Advanced Jet Noise Exhaust Concepts in NASA's N+2 Supersonics Validation Study and the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project's Upcoming Hybrid Wing Body Acoustics Test

Acoustic and flow-field experiments were conducted on exhaust concepts for the next generation supersonic, commercial aircraft. The concepts were developed by Lockheed Martin (LM), Rolls-Royce Liberty Works (RRLW), and General Electric Global Research (GEGR) as part of an N+2 (next generation forward) aircraft system study initiated by the Supersonics Project in NASA s Fundamental Aeronautics Program. The experiments were conducted in the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The exhaust concepts presented here utilized lobed-mixers and ejectors. A powered third-stream was implemented to improve ejector acoustic performance. One concept was found to produce stagnant flow within the ejector and the other produced discrete-frequency tones (due to flow separations within the model) that degraded the acoustic performance of the exhaust concept. NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project has been investigating a Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) aircraft as a possible configuration for meeting N+2 system level goals for noise, emissions, and fuel burn. A recently completed NRA led by Boeing Research and Technology resulted in a full-scale aircraft design and wind tunnel model. This model will be tested acoustically in NASA Langley's 14-by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel and will include dual jet engine simulators and broadband engine noise simulators as part of the test campaign. The objectives of the test are to characterize the system level noise, quantify the effects of shielding, and generate a valuable database for prediction method development. Further details of the test and various component preparations are described.

Henderson, Brenda S.↗

Fuel-conservative guidance system for powered-lift aircraft

A concept for automatic terminal area guidance, comprising two modes of operation, was developed and evaluated in flight tests. In the predictive mode, fuel efficient approach trajectories are synthesized in fast time. In the tracking mode, the synthesized trajectories are reconstructed and tracked automatically. An energy rate performance model derived from the lift, drag, and propulsion system characteristics of the aircraft is used in the synthesis algorithm. The method optimizes the trajectory for the initial aircraft position and wind and temperature profiles encountered during each landing approach. The design theory and the results of simulations and flight tests using the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft are described.

Erzberger, H.↗

Progress in Validation of Wind-US for Ramjet/Scramjet Combustion

Validation of the Wind-US flow solver against two sets of experimental data involving high-speed combustion is attempted. First, the well-known Burrows- Kurkov supersonic hydrogen-air combustion test case is simulated, and the sensitively of ignition location and combustion performance to key parameters is explored. Second, a numerical model is developed for simulation of an X-43B candidate, full-scale, JP-7-fueled, internal flowpath operating in ramjet mode. Numerical results using an ethylene-air chemical kinetics model are directly compared against previously existing pressure-distribution data along the entire flowpath, obtained in direct-connect testing conducted at NASA Langley Research Center. Comparison to derived quantities such as burn efficiency and thermal throat location are also made. Reasonable to excellent agreement with experimental data is demonstrated for key parameters in both simulation efforts. Additional Wind-US feature needed to improve simulation efforts are described herein, including maintaining stagnation conditions at inflow boundaries for multi-species flow. An open issue regarding the sensitivity of isolator unstart to key model parameters is briefly discussed.

Engblom, William A.↗

An Autonomous Onboard Targeting Algorithm Using Finite Thrust Maneuvers

In earlier investigations, the adaptation and implementation of a modified two-level corrections (or targeting) process as the onboard targeting algorithm for the Trans-Earth Injection phase of Orion is presented. The objective of that targeting algorithm is to generate the times of ignition and magnitudes of the required maneuvers such that the desired state at entry interface is achieved. In an actual onboard flight software implementation, these times of ignition and maneuvers are relayed onto Flight Control for command and execution. Although this process works well when the burn durations or burn arcs are small, this might not be the case during a contingency situation when lower thrust engines are employed to perform the maneuvers. Therefore, a new model for the two-level corrections process is formulated here to accommodate finite burn arcs. This paper presents the development and formulation of the finite burn two-level corrector, used as an onboard targeting algorithm for the Trans-Earth Injection phase of Orion. A performance comparison between the impulsive and finite burn models is also presented. The present formulation ensures all entry constraints are met, without violating the available fuel budget, while allowing for low-thrust scenarios with long burn durations.

Scarritt, Sara K.↗

CFD Predictions of N+3 Cycle Emissions for a Three-Cup Gas-Turbine Combustor

The National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) was used to perform non-reacting and two-phase reacting flow computations for a unique pre-filming type LDI-3 fuel injector for a three-cup, nineteen-element flametube configuration. All computations were performed with a consistent approach of mesh-generation, spray modeling, reduced finite-rate kinetics and turbulence-chemistry interaction, as developed for CFD analysis of single-element and multi-element LDI-3 designs with OpenNCC. Emissions and flowfield characteristics were predicted for a generic NASA N+3 engine cycle, with particular focus on the 7% and 30% ICAO power operating conditions. For both the conditions studied, the CFD analysis provided very good predictions for EINOx when compared with experimental data measured at NASA Glenn Research Center.

injectors↗

Managing the Digital Thread for Structural Applications With Fit for Purpose Materials

With the increased emphasis on reducing the cost and time to market of new materials, the need for analytical tools that enable the virtual design and optimization of materials throughout their processing - internal structure - property - performance envelope, along with the capturing and storing of the associated material and model information across its lifecycle, has become critical. This need is also fueled by the demands for higher efficiency in material testing; consistency, quality and traceability of data; product design; engineering analysis; as well as control of access to proprietary or sensitive information. Consequently, at NASA Glenn Research Center a robust information management system that manages the digital thread across the full material life (i.e., capture, analysis, maintenance, and dissemination of data) cycle directed at the design of ‘fit-for-purpose materials’ is under development. To this end the Application Table has been incorporated within NASA Glenn Research Center’s ICME Information Management framework within the ANSYS Granta MI tool. The Application Table provides a place where material and structural application information/requirements can be linked to marry the “design-the-material” (structural engineering) and the “design-with-material” (material science) paradigms and thereby enable application-driven design and optimization of materials and structures. In additional several associated toolsets, specifically: AIMAOS (Automated Information Management Across Organizations and Scales), Py MILab, and JARIMIS (Just A Rather Intelligent Material Interrogation System) are also under development to assist in the judicious automation of this process. AIMOAS offers users an interactive graphical user interface for connecting material information management systems with both commercial and in-house simulation tools at various length scales to enable such automation in the handoff across scales and maintenance of material digital twins and the digital thread. Py MILab, is an automatic framework for the capture, analysis, maintenance, and storage of material test data. Py MILab uses a modular approach for capturing raw data, analyzing the data, and storing the data in a database, interfaced by neutral file structures, to promote plug-and-play capabilities for various analysis types. Finally, JARIMIS is an expert system that integrates various materials informatics tools (e.g., MicroNet, Surrogate ML models, ANSYS Granta MI, etc.) to enable inverse design of materials and facilitate the application of machine learning (ML) and data science with human in the loop decision making to rapidly discover and optimize new materials.

Digital Transformation↗

The design and development of a mixer compound exhaust system for a quiet clean general aviation turbofan

Lower engine fuel consumption has become a dominant factor in turbofan engine design due to rapidly increasing fuel costs. One engine component with a large impact on engine performance is the exhaust system. Previous exhaust system studies have demonstrated the significant exhaust system efficiency gains available through mixing of the core and bypass flows. Typically, a large, costly rig and engine program are required to develop and optimize these gains. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the low-cost design system used for the quiet, clean general aviation turbofan mixer nozzle design and development. The scale model and full-scale engine test results confirm the predicted 3 to 5% reduction in cruise fuel consumption. This unique design system, which is based on integrating advanced three-dimensional viscous numerical methods with empirical optimization techniques, is summarized and detailed comparisons with test data are presented. The ability to accurately predict relative performance of mixer systems with substantially reduced development time and cost savings is demonstrated.

Blackmore, W. L.↗

Parametric Modeling Investigation of a Radially-Staged Low-Emission Aviation Combustor

Aviation gas-turbine combustion demands high efficiency, wide operability and minimal trace gas emissions. Performance critical design parameters include injector geometry, combustor layout, fuel-air mixing and engine cycle conditions. The present investigation explores these factors and their impact on a radially staged low-emission aviation combustor sized for a next-generation 24,000-lbf-thrust engine. By coupling multi-fidelity computational tools, a design exploration was performed using a parameterized annular combustor sector at projected 100% takeoff power conditions. Design objectives included nitrogen oxide emission indices and overall combustor pressure loss. From the design space, an optimal configuration was selected and simulated at 7.1, 30 and 85% part-power operation, corresponding to landing-takeoff cycle idle, approach and climb segments. All results were obtained by solution of the steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Species concentrations were solved directly using a reduced 19-step reaction mechanism for Jet-A. Turbulence closure was obtained using a nonlinear K-epsilon model. This research demonstrates revolutionary combustor design exploration enabled by multi-fidelity physics-based simulation.

design analysis↗

Conceptual Design of a Gulled-Wing Commercial Transport

Open rotor powerplants have long been discussed as a potential solution to reduce aircraft fuel burn by increasing effective bypass ratio. However, this promising technology presents unique integration challenges. A gulled-wing approach for commercial transports is proposed to accommodate large-diameter powerplants. Integration effects of open rotor powerplants are modeled, analyzed, and discussed. Aerodynamic analysis and refined structural weight estimates are used to inform a preliminary conceptual design. Mission analysis of this model is performed, and the results are compared against NASA’s 154-passenger N+3 Conventional Configuration advanced technology baseline. Results indicate that gulled wings prove a viable solution for integrating large powerplants. Application of an open rotor engine model resulted in a fuel burn benefit on the order of 15% compared to the conventional turbofan configuration.

Conceptual Design↗

Experimental study of the operating characteristics of premixing-prevaporizing fuel/air mixing passages

Fuel spray and air flow characteristics were determined using nonintrusive (optical) measurement techniques in a fuel preparation duct. A very detailed data set was obtained at high pressures (to 10 atm) and temperatures (to 750 K). The data will be used to calibrate an analytical model which will facilitate the design of a lean premixed prevaporized combustor. This combustor has potential for achieving low pollutant emissions and low levels of flame radiation and pattern factors conductive to improved durability and performance for a variety of fuels.

Rohy, D. A.↗

Navier-Stokes turbine heat transfer predictions using two-equation turbulence closures

Navier-Stokes calculations were carried out in order to predict the heat-transfer rates on turbine blades. The calculations were performed using TRAF2D which is a k-epsilon, explicit, finite volume mass-averaged Navier-Stokes solver. Turbulence was modeled using Coakley's q-omega and Chien's k-epsilon two-equation models and the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model. The model equations along with the flow equations were solved explicitly on a nonperiodic C grid. Implicit residual smoothing (IRS) or a combination of multigrid technique and IRS was applied to enhance convergence rates. Calculations were performed to predict the Stanton number distributions on the first stage vane and blade row as well as the second stage vane row of the SSME high-pressure fuel turbine. The comparison serves to highlight the weaknesses of the turbulence models for use in turbomachinery heat-transfer calculations.

Ameri, Ali A.↗

CFD-Based Design of a Filming Injector for N+3 Combustors

An effort was undertaken to perform CFD analysis of fluid flow in Lean-Direct Injection (LDI) combustors with axial swirl-venturi elements coupled with a new fuel-filming injector design for next-generation N+3 combustors. The National Combustion Code (NCC) was used to perform non-reacting and two-phase reacting flow computations on a N+3 injector configuration, in a single-element and a five-element injector array. All computations were performed with a consistent approach towards mesh-generation, spray-, ignition- and kinetics-modeling with the NCC. Computational predictions of the aerodynamics of the injector were used to arrive at an optimal injector design that met effective area, aerodynamics, and fuel-air mixing criteria. LDI-3 emissions (EINOx, EICO and UHC) were compared with the previous generation LDI-2 combustor experimental data at representative engine cycle conditions.

combustion chambers↗

JT8D-100 turbofan engine, phase 1

The JT8D turbofan engine, widely used in short and medium range transport aircraft, contributes substantially to airport community noise. The jet noise is predominant in the JT8D engine and may be reduced in a modified engine, without loss of thrust, by increasing the airflow to reduce jet velocity. A configuration study evaluated the effects of fan airflow, fan pressure ratio, and bypass ratio on noise, thrust, and fuel comsumption. The cycle selected for the modified engine was based upon an increased diameter, single-stage fan and two additional core engine compressor stages, which replace the existing two-stage fan. Modifications were also made to the low pressure turbine to provide the increased torque required by the larger diameter fan. The resultant JT8D-100 engine models have the following characteristics at take-off thrust, compared to the current JT8D engine: Airflow and bypass ratio are increased, and fan pressure ratio and engine speed are reduced. The resultant engine is also longer, larger in diameter, and heavier than the JT8D base model, but these latter changes are compensated by the increased thrust and decreased fuel comsumption of the modified engine, thus providing the capability for maintaining the performance of the current JT8D-powered aircraft.

Source record↗

Determination of the static performance of a Cuyuna cc model UL-430RR engine

The results of static performance tests were carried out on an ultralight engine. A Cuyuna 430 cc, 2 stroke, 2 cylinder model was used to measure thrust, torque, propeller RPM, fuel flow, cylinder head temperature, and change in pressure through the propeller. Measurement of each of the above parameters was taken at specific values of RPM. The propeller's RPM's ranged from idle at approximately 750 RPM to a maximum value of 2810 RPM. The test results were then manipulated to obtain thrust coefficient, power coefficient, shaft horse power, and shaft specific fuel consumption.

Roskam, J.↗

Calculations of gaseous H2/O2 thruster

Calculations were made for the gaseous H2/O2 thruster for the Space Station by using the RPLUS code which employs an implicit finite volume, LUSSOR scheme to solve the Navier-Stokes equations and the species equations. The combustion processes of hydrogen and oxygen are modeled by a 9 species and 18 step reaction mechanism and the turbulence is simulated by the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model for the thruster wall boundary layer and the modified Prandtl's mixing length model for the reacting shear layer. Results are presented for different mixture ratios and fuel film cooling percents and compared with the experimental data. The calculated performance predictions for the thruster agree well with the experimental data and the results demonstrate that the RPLUS code can be used for design and analysis of thrusters and rockets.

Kim, S. C.↗

Detailed measurements in the SSME high pressure fuel turbine with smooth rotor blades

Several tests of the Rocketdyne configuration of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP) Turbine have been completed in the Turbine Test Equipment (TTE) at Marshall Space Flight Center. The tests involved using scaled performance parameters and model measurements to predict the performance of the turbine. The overall performance has been the primary objective of the tests to date, but more detailed measurements are also of interest. During the most recent test of the Rocketdyne configuration of the HPFTP turbine with smooth rotor blades, several different measurement techniques were used to study the turbine inlet and exit velocity profiles, boundary layer thicknesses, turbulence intensities, etc. Data has been obtained using various hot film probes and three-hole cobra probes. Laser Velocimeter measurements were also made. The test plan and test data will be presented and discussed as well as lessons learned on how to obtain the various types of data.

Hudson, Susan T.↗

Structural Evaluation of a Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbopump Turbine Blade

Thermal and structural finite-element analyses were performed on the first high pressure fuel turbopump turbine blade of the space shuttle main engine (SSME). A two-dimensional (2-D) finite-element model of the blade and firtree disk attachment was analyzed using the general purpose MARC (finite-element) code. The loading history applied is a typical test stand engine cycle mission, which consists of a startup condition with two thermal spikes, a steady state and a shutdown transient. The blade material is a directionally solidified (DS) Mar-M 246 alloy, the blade rotor is forged with waspalloy material. Thermal responses under steady-state and transient conditions were calculated. The stresses and strains under the influence of mechanical and thermal loadings were also determined. The critical regions that exhibited high stresses and severe localized plastic deformation were the blade-rotor gaps.

Abdul-Aziz, Ali↗

Solid Fuel Burning in Steady, Strained, Premixed Flow Fields: The Graphite/Air/Methane System

A detailed numerical investigation was conducted on the simultaneous burning of laminar premixed CH4/air flames and solid graphite in a stagnation flow configuration. The graphite and methane were chosen for this model, given that they are practical fuels and their chemical kinetics are considered as the most reliable ones among solid and hydrocarbon fuels, respectively. The simulation was performed by solving the quasi-one-dimensional equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species. The GRI 2.1 scheme was used for the gas-phase kinetics, while the heterogeneous kinetics were described by a six-step mechanism including stable and radical species. The effects of the graphite surface temperature, the gas-phase equivalence ratio, and the aerodynamic strain rate on the graphite burning rate and NO, production and destruction mechanisms were assessed. Results indicate that as the graphite temperature increases, its burning rate as well as the NO, concentration increase. Furthermore, it was found that by increasing the strain rate, the graphite burning rate increases as a result of the augmented supply of the gas-phase reactants towards the surface, while the NO, concentration decreases as a result of the reduced residence time. The effect of the equivalence ratio on both the graphite burning rate and NO, concentration was found to be non-monotonic and strongly dependent on the graphite temperature. Comparisons between results obtained for a graphite and a chemically inert surface revealed that the chemical activity of the graphite surface can result to the reduction of NO through reactions of the CH3, CH2, CH, and N radicals with NO.

Egolfopoulos, Fokion N.↗