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At least 253 records · Page 14

Status of NASA/Army rotorcraft research and development piloted flight simulation

The status of the major NASA/Army capabilities in piloted rotorcraft flight simulation is reviewed. The requirements for research and development piloted simulation are addressed as well as the capabilities and technologies that are currently available or are being developed by NASA and the Army at Ames. The application of revolutionary advances (in visual scene, electronic cockpits, motion, and modelling of interactive mission environments and/or vehicle systems) to the NASA/Army facilities are also addressed. Particular attention is devoted to the major advances made in integrating these individual capabilities into fully integrated simulation environment that were or are being applied to new rotorcraft mission requirements. The specific simulators discussed are the Vertical Motion Simulator and the Crew Station Research and Development Facility.

Condon, Gregory W.↗

Development and refinement of test bed simulations

Lewis Research Center of NASA, with support from Rocketdyne, was engaged in non-real time computer simulation effort for the Space Station Freedom Electric Power System (EPS) EASY5, a simulation package, is used as the primary tool for this activity. Early in the design of the EPS, two test beds were set up at Lewis. The Integrated Test Bed (ITB), that combines and upgrades these test beds, is in the planning stage. The test beds are designed to functionally represent many of the components of the EPS and their interconnections. The simulation effort is primarily directed towards these test beds. Model verification is performed using test bed data.

Dravid, Narayan V.↗

Development and refinement of test bed simulations

Lewis Research Center of NASA, with support from Rocketdyne, has engaged in a nonreal-time computer simulation effort for the Space Station Freedom Electric Power System (EPS). EASYS, a simulation package, is used as the primary tool for this activity. Early in the design of the EPS, two test beds were set up at Lewis. The Integrated Test Bed (ITB) that combines and upgrades these test beds is in the planning stage. The test beds are designed to functionally represent many of the components of the EPS and their interconnections. The simulation effort is primarily directed towards these test beds. Model verification is performed using test bed data.

Dravid, N. V.↗

Progress on Understanding Rayleigh–Taylor Flow and Mixing Using Synergy Between Simulation, Modeling, and Experiment

Simultaneous advances in numerical methods and computing, theoretical techniques, and experimental diagnostics have all led independently to better understanding of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instability, turbulence, and mixing. In particular, experiments have provided significant motivation for many simulation and modeling studies, as well as validation data. Numerical simulations have also provided data that is not currently measurable or very difficult to measure accurately in RT unstable flows. Thus, simulations have also motivated new measurements in this class of buoyancy-driven flows. This overview discusses simulation and modeling studies synergistic with experiments and examples of how experiments have motivated simulations and models of RT instability, flow, and mixing. First, a brief summary of measured experimental and calculated simulation quantities, of experimental approaches, and of issues and challenges in the simulation and modeling of RT experiments is presented. Implicit large-eddy, direct numerical, and large-eddy simulations validated using RT experimental data are then discussed. This is followed by a discussion of modeling using analytical, modal, buoyancy–drag, and turbulent transport models of RT mixing experiments. The discussion will focus on three-dimensional RT mixing arising from multimode perturbations. Finally, this focused review concludes with a perspective on future simulation, modeling, and experimental directions for further research. Research in simulation and modeling of RT unstable flows, coupled with experiments, has made significant progress over the past several decades. This overview serves as an opportunity to both discuss progress and to stimulate future research on simulation and modeling of this unique class of hydrodynamically unstable turbulent flows.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The two axis motion simulator for the large space simulator at ESTEC (European Space Research and Technology Center)

The Large Space Simulator at the European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC) has been recently equipped with a motion simulator capable of handling test items of 5 tons mass and having a volume of 7m in diameter and a length of 7m. The motion simulator has a modular set-up. It consists of a spinbox as a basic unit on which the test article is mounted and which allows continuous rotation (spin) . This spinbox can be used in two operational configurations; the spin axis is vertical to 30 degrees when mounted on a gimbalstand; and the spin axis is horizontal when mounted on a turntable-yoke combination. The turntable provides rotation within plus or minus 90 degrees. This configuration allows one to bring a test article to all possible relative positions viv-a-vis the sun vector (which is horizontal in this case). The spinbox allows fast rotation between 1 to 6 rpm or slow rotation between 1 to 25 rotations per day as well as positioning within plus or minus 0.4 degrees accuracy.

Beckel, Kurt A.↗

V/STOL aircraft simulation - Requirements and capabilities at Ames Research Center

Ground-based flight simulation contributes greatly to the development of new aircraft and flight management systems and will be especially important in improving the performance, safety, and environmental characteristics of future civil and military V/STOL aircraft. This paper describes existing simulation facilities at Ames Research Center and discusses their capabilities and limitations for V/STOL aircraft investigations. Simulation requirements for NASA research and support of DOD programs are also discussed, including technology development for advanced rotorcraft and civil and military V/STOL aircraft. Current efforts and future plans are described for the upgrading of Ames simulation facilities to meet those requirements. Recent advances in equipment technology and operational methodology are shown to provide significantly improved simulation fidelity through better motion and visual cues and faster system response to pilot inputs.

Wilcox, D. E.↗

Organomercury Measurements from Sludge Batch 10 Simulant Studies

Researchers at the Savannah River National Laboratory have recently performed testing to evaluate the Sludge Batch 10 flowsheet using simulated sludge waste. In the course of this testing several samples were taken to determine the concentration of organomercury species resulting from sludge batch processing. These samples were submitted to the Savannah River National Laboratory Sensing and Metrology department quantitation using a mercury analyzer. The signal amplifier used to perform organomercury quantitation in the mercury analyzer experienced a malfunction in the course of analysis, leading to uncertainty of organomercury concentrations observed. Seventy-three organomercury samples from six project submissions to the Savannah River National Laboratory Sensing and Metrology department have been critically reviewed.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The development and use of large-motion simulator systems in aeronautical research and development

The paper examines the evolution of manned aircraft simulators with large-motion systems and provides a brief description of important design details along with physical descriptions of a number of systems. Attention is given to the use of large translational motions in providing the simulator pilot with a close approximation of the cues of aircraft flight; examples are cited comparing pilot reactions to simulators with and without motion. How these simulators have been used in programs that effectively influenced aircraft design and operating problems is discussed.

Dusterberry, J. C.↗

Ice Crystal Icing Investigation on a Honeywell Uncertified Research Engine in an Altitude Simulation Icing Facility

A Honeywell Uncertified Research Engine was exposed to various ice crystal conditions in the NASA Glenn Propulsion Systems Laboratory. Simulations using NASA's 1D Icing Risk Analysis tool were used to determine potential inlet conditions that could lead to ice crystal accretion along the inlet of the core flowpath and into the high pressure compressor. These conditions were simulated in the facility to develop baseline conditions. Parameters were then varied to move or change accretion characteristics. Data were acquired at altitudes varying from 5 kft to 45 kft, at nominal ice particle Median Volumetric Diameters from 20 µm to 100 µm, and total water contents of 1 g/m3 to 12 g/m3. Engine and flight parameters such as fan speed, Mach number, and inlet temperature were also varied. The engine was instrumented with total temperature and pressure probes. Static pressure taps were installed at the leading edge of the fan stator, front frame hub, the shroud of the IGV, and first two rotors. Metal temperatures were acquired for vane stators 1-2. In-situ measurements of the particle size distribution were acquired three meters upstream of the engine forward fan flange and one meter downstream of the fan in the bypass in order to study particle break-up behavior. Cameras were installed in the engine to capture ice accretions at the leading edge of the fan stator, splitter lip, and inlet guide vane. Additional measurements acquired but not discussed in this paper include: high speed pressure transducers installed at the trailing edge of the first stage rotor and light extinction probes used to acquire particle concentrations at the fan exit stator plane and at the inlet to the core and bypass. The goal of this study was to understand key parameters of accretion, acquire particle break-up data aft of the fan, and generate a unique icing dataset for model and tool development. This work described in the paper focuses on the effect of particle break-up. It was found that there was significant particle break-up downstream of the fan in the bypass especially with larger initial particle sizes. The metal temperatures on the inlet guide vanes and stators show a temperature increase with increasing MVD. Accretion behavior was very similar across all test cases. However at the inlet guide vanes, the accretion decreased with increasing particle size.

Ashlie B Flegel↗

Ice-Crystal Icing Investigation on a Honeywell Uncertified Research Engine in an Altitude Simulation Icing Facility

A Honeywell Uncertified Research Engine was exposed to various ice-crystal conditions in the NASA Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL). Simulations using NASA's one-dimensional (1D) Icing Risk Analysis tool were used to determine potential inlet conditions that could lead to ice-crystal accretion along the inlet of the core flowpath and into the high-pressure compressor. Baseline conditions were established, and parameters were varied to observe accretion characteristics. Data were acquired at altitudes varying from 5 kft to 45 kft, at nominal ice particle median volumetric diameters from 20 µm to 100 µm, and total water contents of 1 g/m3 to 12 g/m3. Metal temperatures were acquired for the inlet guide vane and vane stators 1–2. In situ measurements of the particle size distribution were acquired upstream and downstream of the engine fan face in order to study particle breakup behavior. Cameras were installed in the engine to capture ice accretions at the leading edge of the fan stator, splitter lip, and inlet guide vane. The goal of this study was to understand the key parameters of accretion, acquire particle breakup data aft of the fan, and generate a unique icing dataset for model development. Significant particle breakup downstream of the fan in the bypass was observed. The metal temperatures on the inlet guide vanes (IGVs) and stators show a temperature increase with increasing particle size. Accretion behavior at the fan stator and splitter lip across was very similar. However, accretion decreased with increasing particle size at the IGVs.

Ashlie B. Flegel↗

Evaluation of RANS vs. LES simulation of fluid flow through 3 × 3 rod bundle with a simple spacer grid as a precursor to coupled fluid–structure interaction simulations

The research literature on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of coolant flow through rod bundles with spacer-grids and mixing vanes is replete, ranging from high fidelity Large Eddy Simulation (LES)/Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) simulations to Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) modeled studies. The mixing of flow between subchannels and the pressure drop through the bundle are fundamental quantities useful for comparing and evaluating CFD methods. Less commonly observed and compared are the forces exerted onto the structure by the fluid. The present study seeks to evaluate the use of RANS simulations for predicting the structural response to fluid flow. Wall resolved RANS simulations are benchmarked against LES simulations of fluid flow at a Reynolds number of 15,000 through a 3 × 3 fuel rod bundle with a simple spacer grid. Velocity line-plots are compared showing good agreement between RANS and LES results, ascertaining that the former is capable of capturing the essential time-averaged velocity profile. Additionally, the distribution of forces on the spacer grid and fuel rods are collected as a function of time and space. The RANS methods are evaluated using the frequency and magnitude of the fluctuating forces on various portions of the structure as compared to LES. In conclusion, the power spectral density evaluation of the models reveal underprediction of force amplitude on the rod walls by RANS and also discrepancy in the prediction of high frequency spectra, especially in the immediate vicinity of spacer-grid structure, which may be attributed to the lack of random turbulence fluctuation or insufficient modeling of small-scale eddies in RANS simulation.

FIV↗

Human factor design of habitable space facilities

Current fundamental and applied habitability research conducted as part of the U.S. space program is reviewed with emphasis on methods, findings, and applications of the results to the planning and design of the International Space Station. The discussion covers the following six concurrent directions of habitability research: operational simulation, functional interior decor research, space crew privacy requirements, interior layout and configuration analysis, human spatial habitability model, and analogous environments research.

Clearwater, Yvonne A.↗

The Lewis Research Center geomagnetic substorm simulation facility

A simulation facility was established at the NASA-Lewis Research Center to determine the response of typical spacecraft materials to the geomagnetic substorm environment and to evaluate instrumentation that will be used to monitor spacecraft system response to this environment. Space environment conditions simulated included the thermal-vacuum conditions of space, solar simulation, geomagnetic substorm electron fluxes and energies, and the low energy plasma environment. Measurements for spacecraft material tests included sample currents, sample surface potentials, and the cumulative number of discharges. Discharge transients were measured by means of current probes and oscilloscopes and were verified by a photomultiplier.

Berkopec, F. D.↗

Full-coverage film cooling. II - Heat transfer data and numerical simulation

Experimental research into heat transfer from full-coverage film-cooled surfaces with three injection geometries was described in Part I. This part has two objectives. The first is to present a simple numerical procedure for simulation of heat transfer with full-coverage film cooling. The second objective is to present some of the Stanton number data that was used in Part I of the paper. The data chosen for presentation are the low-Reynolds number, heated-starting-length data for the three injection geometries with five-diameter hole spacing. Sample data sets with high blowing ratio and with ten-diameter hole spacing are also presented. The numerical procedure has been successfully applied to the Stanton number data sets.

Crawford, M. E.↗

Preliminary Analysis of Separation Standards for Urban Air Mobility using Unmitigated Fast-Time Simulation

This research provides a preliminary analysis of various separation standards for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations. This study focuses on understanding and analyzing potential conflicts between UAM flights and conflicts between UAM and conventional aircraft. Fast-time simulations are conducted with a projected high-density of UAM traffic scenario and historical conventional non-UAM traffic flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airspace. The conflicts are analyzed by examining losses of separation and near mid-air collisions of UAM flights and unmitigated risk of collision. A set of varied separation standards are used to investigate the impact of the new UAM operations on safety. The preliminary conflict analysis results will help inform separation standards development and in airspace and route design activities for future UAM operations.

Urban air mobility↗

Preliminary Analysis of Separation Standards for Urban Air Mobility using Unmitigated Fast-Time Simulation

This research provides a preliminary analysis of various separation standards for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations. This study focuses on understanding and analyzing potential conflicts between UAM flights and conflicts between UAM and conventional aircraft. Fast-time simulations are conducted with a projected high-density of UAM traffic scenario and historical conventional non-UAM traffic flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airspace. The conflicts are analyzed by examining losses of separation and near mid-air collisions of UAM flights and unmitigated risk of collision. A set of varied separation standards are used to investigate the impact of the new UAM operations on safety. The preliminary conflict analysis results will help inform separation standards development and in airspace and route design activities for future UAM operations.

Urban Air Mobility↗

The Dynamics of Miscible Interfaces: Simulations

This research project focuses on the dynamics of interfacial regions between miscible fluids. While much attention has focused on immiscible interfaces in the past, miscible interfaces have been explored to a much lesser degree, so that there are many open questions regarding their dynamics at this time. Among the more pressing issues is the role that nonconventional stresses can play in such interfacial regions. Such stresses are typically not accounted for in efforts to model the dynamics of miscible flows. Our research aims to clarify under which circumstances these stresses do have to be taken into account, and what quantitative approaches are most suitable in this regard. In order to address these issues, we have focused on conducting linear stability analyses and nonlinear simulations for capillary tube and Hele-Shaw flows, and to compare the results with corresponding experiments performed in the labs of our co-investigators Prof. Maxworthy at USC, and Dr. Balasubramaniam at NASA. Over the duration of the project we have, among other things, focused on the effects of variable diffusion coefficients in such flows, and specifically on their influence in the growth of instabilities. Furthermore, our three-dimensional spectral element simulations have made good progress, so that we have come to a point where we can conduct more detailed comparisons with experimental observations. We are currently focusing our efforts on reproducing the tip-splitting instability observed by Maxworthy. Finally, we have discovered a new core-annular flow instability in the Stokes flow regime during the last year. This represents a significant finding, as this instability does not have an immiscible counterpart.

Meiburg, Eckart↗