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At least 271 records · Page 15

Dynamic Temperature and Pressure Measurements in the Core of a Propulsion Engine

Dynamic temperature and pressure measurements were made in the core of a TECH977 propulsion engine as part of a NASA funded investigation into indirect combustion noise. Dynamic temperature measurements were made in the combustor, the inter-turbine duct, and the mixer using ten two-wire thermocouple probes. Internal dynamic pressure measurements were made at the same locations using piezoresistive transducers installed in semi-infinite coils. Measurements were acquired at four steady state operating conditions covering the range of aircraft approach power settings. Fluctuating gas temperature spectra were computed from the thermocouple probe voltage measurements using a compensation procedure that was developed under previous NASA test programs. A database of simultaneously acquired dynamic temperature and dynamic pressure measurements was produced. Spectral and cross-spectral analyses were conducted to explore the characteristics of the temperature and pressure fluctuations inside the engine, with a particular focus on attempting to identify the presence of indirect combustion noise.

Turbomachinery Noise↗

Dimensional analysis of acoustically propagated signals

Traditionally, long term measurements of atmospherically propagated sound signals have consisted of time series of multiminute averages. Only recently have continuous measurements with temporal resolution corresponding to turbulent time scales been available. With modern digital data acquisition systems we now have the capability to simultaneously record both acoustical and meteorological parameters with sufficient temporal resolution to allow us to examine in detail relationships between fluctuating sound and the meteorological variables, particularly wind and temperature, which locally determine the acoustic refractive index. The atmospheric acoustic propagation medium can be treated as a nonlinear dynamical system, a kind of signal processor whose innards depend on thermodynamic and turbulent processes in the atmosphere. The atmosphere is an inherently nonlinear dynamical system. In fact one simple model of atmospheric convection, the Lorenz system, may well be the most widely studied of all dynamical systems. In this paper we report some results of our having applied methods used to characterize nonlinear dynamical systems to study the characteristics of acoustical signals propagated through the atmosphere. For example, we investigate whether or not it is possible to parameterize signal fluctuations in terms of fractal dimensions. For time series one such parameter is the limit capacity dimension. Nicolis and Nicolis were among the first to use the kind of methods we have to study the properties of low dimension global attractors.

Hansen, Scott D.↗

Investigation of the Dynamics of Coherent Structure, BBF, and Intermittent Turbulence in Earth's Magnetotail: A Study of Complexity in Nonlinear Space Plasmas

We have achieved all the goals stated in our grant proposal. Specifically, these include: 1. The understanding of the complexity induced nonlinear spatiotemporal coherent structures and the coexisting propagating modes. 2. The understanding of the intermittent turbulence and energization process of the observed Bursty Bulk Flows (BBF's) in the Earth s magnetotail. 3. The development of "anisotropic three-dimensional complexity" in the plasma sheet due to localized merging and interactions of the magnetic coherent structures. 4. The study of fluctuation-induced nonlinear instabilities and their role in the reconfiguration of magnetic topologies in the magnetotail based on the concepts of the dynamic renormalization group. 5. The acceleration of ions due to the intermittent turbulence of propagating and nonpropagating fluctuations. In the following, we include lists of our published papers, invited talks, and professional activities. A detailed description of our accomplished research results is given..

Chang, Tom↗

Large eddy interactions in a turbulent channel flow

The dynamic processes of large eddies in a turbulent channel flow have been examined by utilizing an orthogonal expansion of the velocity fluctuation, known in the literature as the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Theorem. The mathematical form of these functions is unknown in contrast to the Fourier analysis. Attention is focused on the nonlinear, turbulence-turbulence interaction process in the dynamical equation for large eddies (the first term in the expansion). The nonlinear interactions of the components of the first mode are treated exactly, but influences of higher modes are modeled. This requires adjustment of both the skewness and the effective Reynolds number so that the energy equilibrium of the large eddies is ensured when the mean velocity distribution is assumed known for experiments. Computational results show that the first mode contributes significantly to turbulent intensities and possesses a structural and statistical character similar to that of the entire flow.

Hong, S. K.↗

Cavitation Effects on the Structural Dynamics of Turbomachinery Components

The structural integrity of inducer and impeller blades in rocket engine turbomachinery must be evaluated in the face of complex excitation mechanisms including fluctuating pressures due to cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the local fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor-filled bubbles. Cavitation can exist to various extents within the typical operating range of rocket engine turbopumps. Despite recent progress towards reducing uncertainties in structural dynamic models of turbomachinery components, the extent to which pump cavitation affects the structural dynamic properties (i.e., natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes) of inducer and impeller blades remains largely unknown. To study the structural dynamic effects of cavitating flows, experiments are conducted in a high-speed water tunnel. The test articles mimic a single inducer blade that is unwrapped from the hub, thus resembling a low aspect ratio cantilevered plate. To induce cavitation, the plates are oriented at a non-zero angle of attack and have rough strips near their leading edges. To control the extent of cavitation, the static pressure of the water tunnel is controlled between roughly 0.5 and 1.5 atm. A high-speed camera is used to quantify the coverage of the cavitations heet. The sheet coverage is then correlated to changes in fluid-added mass and hydroelstic damping. In addition, a corresponding two-way coupled CFD/FE model is under development for test/analysis correlation.

Ben Davis↗

Cavitation Effects on the Structural Dynamics of Turbomachinery Components

The structural integrity of inducer and impeller blades in rocket engine turbomachinery must be evaluated in the face of complex excitation mechanisms including fluctuating pressures due to cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the local fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor-filled bubbles. Cavitation can exist to various extents within the typical operating range of rocket engine turbopumps. Despite recent progress towards reducing uncertainties in structural dynamic models of turbomachinery components, the extent to which pump cavitation affects the structural dynamic properties (i.e., natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes) of inducer and impeller blades remains largely unknown. To study the structural dynamic effects of cavitating flows, experiments are conducted in a high-speed water tunnel. The test article is a low aspect ratio cantilevered plate, thus mimicing a single inducer blade that is unwrapped from its hub. The test article is oriented at zero angle of attack and has a triangular trip at its leading edge to induce cavitation. To change the extent of cavitation, the static pressure of the water tunnel is controlled. A high-speed camera is used to quantify the coverage of the cavitation sheet.

Fluid-Structure Interaction↗

Analysis of the dynamics and frequency spectrum synthesis of an optical-mechanical scanning device

A two-coordinate optical-mechanical scanning device (OMSD), the operating unit of which is a scanning disk, with directional and focusing optics and a board, on which the data carrier is placed, is examined. The disk and board are kinematically connected by a transmission mechanism, consisting of a worm and complex gear drive and a tightening screw-nut with correcting device, and it is run by a synchronous type motor. The dynamic errors in the system depend, first, on irregularities in rotation of the disk, fluctuations in its axis and vibrations of the table in the plane parallel to the plane of the disk. The basic sources of the fluctuations referred to above are residual disbalance of the rotor and other rotating masses, the periodic component of the driving torque of the synchronous motor, variability in the resistance, kinematic errors in the drive and other things. The fluctuations can be transmitted to the operating units through the kinematic link as a flexural-torsional system, as well as through vibrations of the housing of the device.

Andryushkevichyus, A. I.↗

Thermal fluctuations from an artificial ion beam injection into the ionosphere

Simulations of argon beam experiments flown on two sounding rocket flights (ARCS 1, 2) reveal two bands of electrostatic wave emissions, one at high frequencies around the upper hybrid mode, the other at low frequencies around the lower hybrid mode. The latter is significantly enhanced by the argon beam in the simulations, and the enhancement was clearly observed on ARCS 2. This enhancement at phase velocities greater than the beam velocity is suggested to be due to an increase in the thermal fluctuation level of the plasma when the argon beam is present. Inclusion of electron dynamics and oblique angles of wave propagation with respect to B allows investigation of electron heating. Electron tail heating is observed parallel to B for k-parallel/k-perpendicular proportional to the square root of m(e)/m(0), while background ions are heated perpendicular to B.

Hudson, M. K.↗

Theory and applications of optical fiber lever sensors

The evolution of optical fiber lever concepts is illustrated leading to several designs found useful in air and water applications. In particular, this technology has led to the development of underwater detectors of the pressure and pressure gradient kind. In addition, an optical microphone with features not found in condenser microphones has been utilized in the measurement of pressure fluctuations in high speed boundary layers requiring sensors of small size, extended bandwidth, wide dynamic range, and high temperature capability. Finally, similar concepts have been applied to the design of scale model acoustic arrays intended for acoustic imaging applications in the megahertz frequency range.

Cuomo, F. W.↗

Response of gravity level fluctuations on the Gravity Probe-B spacecraft propellant system

Time-dependent computations have been performed to investigate the dynamical behaviors of fluid under a microgravity environment. A computer algorithm is introduced which can be used to simulate the fluid behavior in that environment, in particular the excitation of sloshing waves due to different gravity environments and rotation speeds. A suggestion on the proper handling and managing of cryogenic fluid propellant to be used in the Gravity Probe-B spacecraft propulsion is made.

Hung, R. J.↗

Surface Flow Visualization of the High-Lift Common Research Model

A 10% scale version of the High-Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL) was tested in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel (14x22) in support of the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) Project. The CRM-HL experiment included various configurations such as conventional and simple-hinged flaps, with and without engine nacelle/pylon, with and without nacelle chine, different Active Flow Control (AFC) methods (sweeping jets, alternating pulsed jets, and preconditioned boundary layer blowing), and their various parameters. This particular study is focused on the surface flow visualization of the conventional CRM-HL model at landing configuration. The conventional CRM-HL model with the single-slotted Fowler flap system serves as a baseline for the AFC-enabled simplified high-lift configuration as well as a high-lift technology development platform due to its publicly open geometry. Surface flow visualizations were performed using fluorescent minitufts, which were found to be nonintrusive to the aerodynamic performance. Tuft flow visualizations are supplemented with the relevant pressure and force measurements in order to understand the flow characteristics developed on the conventional CRM- HL model. In addition, three dimensional, unsteady, compressible Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations were performed for selective cases. The surface streamlines and transverse velocity fluctuations obtained by the CFD simulations are qualitatively compared to the tuft direction and tuft unsteadiness, respectively. Force measurements of the CRM-HL model show performance degradation at higher angles of attack. Surface flow visualizations revealed the performance loss due to the nacelle/pylon wake that grows with angle of attack and eventually promotes flow separation over the inboard wing. This performance loss was successfully recovered by placing a chine on the engine nacelle.

Koklu, Mehti↗

Cavitation Effects on the Structural Dynamics of Turbomachinery Components

The structural integrity of inducer and impeller blades in rocket engine turbo machinery must be evaluated in the face of complex excitation mechanisms including fluctuating pressures due to cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the local fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor-filled bubbles. Cavitation can exist to various extents within the typical operating range of rocket engine turbo pumps. Despite recent progress towards reducing uncertainties in structural dynamic models of turbo machinery components, the extent to which pump cavitation affects the structural dynamic properties (i.e., natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes) of inducer and impeller blades remains largely unknown. To study the structural dynamic effects of cavitating flows, experiments are conducted in a high-speed water tunnel. The test article is a low aspect ratio cantilevered plate, thus mimicing a single inducer blade that is unwrapped from its hub. The test article is oriented at zero angle of attack and has a triangular trip at its leading edge to induce cavitation. To change the extent of cavitation, the static pressure of the water tunnel is controlled. A high-speed camera is used to quantify the coverage of the cavitation sheet.

Structural Dynamics↗

Investigation of steady and fluctuating pressures associated with the transonic buffeting and wing rock of a one-seventh scale model of the F-5A aircraft

A wind tunnel test of a 1/7 scale F-5A model is described. The pressure, force, and dynamic response measurements during buffet and wing rock are evaluated. Effects of Mach number, angle of attack, sideslip angle, and control surface settings were investigated. The mean and fluctuating static pressure data are presented and correlated with some corresponding flight test data of a F-5A aircraft. Details of the instrumentation and the specially designed support system which allowed the model to oscillate in roll to simulate wing rock are also described. A limit cycle mechanism causing wing rock was identified from this study, and this mechanism is presented.

Hwang, C.↗

Chromospheric dynamics based on infrared solar brightness variations

The NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory was used to observe far-infrared continuum brightness fluctuations in the lower chromosphere due to solar 5 minute oscillations on the quiet sun. Brightness measurements made at 50, 100, 200, and 400 microns show a strong correlation with visible-line Doppler measurements from photospheric and chromospheric altitudes. The motion of the chromosphere is nearly in phase over a large range of heights, while the infrared brightness lags the Doppler velocity by phases varying from significantly less than 90 deg at low altitudes to nearly 90 deg at higher altitudes. It is proposed that this is the result of a nonadiabatic response of the chromospheric gas to compression and may indicate an important mechanism for wave dissipation. Thermal relaxation times ranging from about 40 s at 340 km above the tau(5000) = 1 photosphere to about 300 s at 600 km are proposed.

Kopp, G.↗

Heliospheric Neutral Atom Spectra Between 0.01 and 6 keV fom IBEX

Since 2008 December, the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) has been making detailed observations of neutrals from the boundaries of the heliosphere using two neutral atom cameras with overlapping energy ranges. The unexpected, yet defining feature discovered by IBEX is a Ribbon that extends over the energy range from about 0.2 to 6 keV. This Ribbon is superposed on a more uniform, globally distributed heliospheric neutral population. With some important exceptions, the focus of early IBEX studies has been on neutral atoms with energies greater than approx. 0.5 keV. With nearly three years of science observations, enough low-energy neutral atom measurements have been accumulated to extend IBEX observations to energies less than approx. 0.5 keV. Using the energy overlap of the sensors to identify and remove backgrounds, energy spectra over the entire IBEX energy range are produced. However, contributions by interstellar neutrals to the energy spectrum below 0.2 keV may not be completely removed. Compared with spectra at higher energies, neutral atom spectra at lower energies do not vary much from location to location in the sky, including in the direction of the IBEX Ribbon. Neutral fluxes are used to show that low energy ions contribute approximately the same thermal pressure as higher energy ions in the heliosheath. However, contributions to the dynamic pressure are very high unless there is, for example, turbulence in the heliosheath with fluctuations of the order of 50-100 km/s.

Fuselier, S. A.↗

A summary of ship deck motion dynamics as applied to VSTOL aircraft

Ship deck motions are considered in terms of the landing/takeoff of V/STOL aircraft from small ships. Fluctuations in the air turbulence shed by the ship's superstructures, wind direction and velocity, and wind turbulence loads on the aircraft are among the factors discussed. Roll stabilization using antiroll tanks, fins, and rudders is covered.

Baitis, A. E.↗

VEGA balloon dynamics and vertical winds in the Venus middle cloud region

The VEGA balloons provided a long-term record of vertical wind fluctuations in a planetary atmosphere other than earth's. The vertical winds were calculated from the observed displacement of the balloon relative to its equilibrium float altitude. The winds were intermittent; a large burst lasted several hours, and the peak velocity was 3 meters per second.

Linkin, V. M.↗