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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of wings having vortex flow using different numerical codes

The aerodynamic characteristics of highly sweptback wings having separation-induced vortex flow were investigated by employing different numerical codes with a view to determining some of the capabilities and limitations of these codes. Flat wings of various configurations-strake wing models, cropped, diamond, arrow and double delta wings, were studied. Cambered and cranked planforms have also been tested. The theoretical results predicted by the codes were compared with the experimental data, wherever possible, and found to agree favorably for most of the configurations investigated. However, large cambered wings could not be successfully modeled by the codes. It appears that the final solution in the free vortex sheet method is affected by the selection of the initial solution. Accumulated span loadings estimated for delta and diamond wings were found to be unusual in comparison with attached flow results in that the slopes of these load curves near the leading edge do not tend to infinity as they do in the case of attached flow.

Reddy, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS2009

One-Hundred-km-Scale Basins on Enceladus: Evidence for an Active Ice Shell

Stereo-derived topographic mapping of 50% of Enceladus reveals at least 6 large-scale, ovoid depressions (basins) 90-175 km across and 800-to-1500 m deep and uncorrelated with geologic boundaries. Their shape and scale are inconsistent with impact, geoid deflection, or with dynamically supported topography. Isostatic thinning of Enceladus ice shell associated with upwellings (and tidally-driven ice melting) can plausibly account for the basins. Thinning implies upwarping of the base of the shell of 10-20 km beneath the depressions, depending on total shell thickness; loss of near-surface porosity due to enhanced heat flow may also contribute to basin lows. Alternatively, the basins may overly cold, inactive, and hence denser ice, but thermal isostasy alone requires thermal expansion more consistent with clathrate hydrate than water ice. In contrast to the basins, the south polar depression (SPD) is larger (~350 wide) and shallower (~0.4-to-0.8 km deep) and correlates with the area of tectonic deformation and active resurfacing. The SPD also differs in that the floor is relatively flat (i.e., conforms roughly to the global triaxial shape, or geoid) with broad, gently sloping flanks. The relative flatness across the SPD suggests that it is in or near isostatic equilibrium, and underlain by denser material, supporting the polar sea hypothesis of Collins and Goodman. Near flatness is also predicted by a crustal spreading origin for the "tiger stripes (McKinnon and Barr 2007, Barr 2008); the extraordinary, high CIRS heat flows imply half-spreading rates in excess of 10 cm/yr, a very young surface age (~250,000 yr), and a rather thin lithosphere (hence modest thermal topography). Topographic rises in places along the outer margin of the SPD correlate with parallel ridges and deformation along the edge of the resurfaced terrain, consistent with a compressional, imbricate thrust origin for these ridges, driven by the spreading.

Schenk, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1956

A flat wing with sharp edges in a supersonic stream

A basic treatment is given for the approximate solution of the problem of two-dimensional supersonic flow past a thin wing at small angles of attack. The pressure distribution at the surface, the lifting force, and the wave drag are determined.

AERODYNAMICS, FUNDAMENTAL↗
NASA NTRS2016

Flow Characterization Studies of the 10-MW TP3 Arc-Jet Facility: Probe Sweeps

This paper reports computational simulations and analysis in support of calibration and flow characterization tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted in the NASA Ames 10-MW TP3 facility using flat-faced stagnation calorimeters at six conditions corresponding to the steps of a simulated flight heating profile. Data were obtained using a conical nozzle test configuration in which the models were placed in a free jet downstream of the nozzle. Experimental surveys of arc-jet test flow with pitot pressure and heat flux probes were also performed at these arc-heater conditions, providing assessment of the flow uniformity and valuable data for the flow characterization. Two different sets of pitot pressure and heat probes were used: 9.1-mm sphere-cone probes (nose radius of 4.57 mm or 0.18 in) with null-point heat flux gages, and 15.9-mm (0.625 in) diameter hemisphere probes with Gardon gages. The probe survey data clearly show that the test flow in the TP3 facility is not uniform at most conditions (not even axisymmetric at some conditions), and the extent of non-uniformity is highly dependent on various arc-jet parameters such as arc current, mass flow rate, and the amount of cold-gas injection at the arc-heater plenum. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested. Comparisons of computations with the experimental measurements show reasonably good agreement except at the extreme low pressure conditions of the facility envelope.

Goekcen, Tahir↗
NASA NTRS2016

Flow Characterization Studies of the 10-MW TP3 Arc-Jet Facility: Probe Sweeps

This paper reports computational simulations and analysis in support of calibration and flow characterization tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted in the NASA Ames 10-MW TP3 facility using flat-faced stagnation calorimeters at six conditions corresponding to the steps of a simulated flight heating profile. Data were obtained using a conical nozzle test configuration in which the models were placed in a free jet downstream of the nozzle. Experimental surveys of arc-jet test flow with pitot pressure and heat flux probes were also performed at these arc-heater conditions, providing assessment of the flow uniformity and valuable data for the flow characterization. Two different sets of pitot pressure and heat probes were used: 9.1-mm sphere-cone probes (nose radius of 4.57 mm or 0.18 in) with null-point heat flux gages, and 15.9-mm (0.625 in) diameter hemisphere probes with Gardon gages. The probe survey data clearly show that the test flow in the TP3 facility is not uniform at most conditions (not even axisymmetric at some conditions), and the extent of non-uniformity is highly dependent on various arc-jet parameters such as arc current, mass flow rate, and the amount of cold-gas injection at the arc-heater plenum. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested. Comparisons of computations with the experimental measurements show reasonably good agreement except at the extreme low pressure conditions of the facility envelope.

CFD↗
NASA NTRS1973

Design and experimental performance of short curved wall diffusers with axial symmetry utilizing slot suction

The feasibility of designing short curved wall axially symmetrical subsonic diffusers utilizing suction through slots in the diffuser walls to prevent flow separation was investigated. A potential flow analysis was made, and a digital computer program was written for determining the diffuser wall contour for prescribed boundary conditions. The flow field included branch flow so that the suction slot geometry could be a part of the diffuser design. One bell shaped diffuser and three annular diffusers with area ratios of either 2.5:1 or 3:1 were designed, fabricated, and tested. Minimum suction requirements of metastable operation ranged from 6.3 percent to 12 percent when operating with inlet air velocities in the 1000 to 250 ft/sec (30 to 76 m/sec) range. For stable operation suction rates from 10 percent to 22 percent were required. In all cases the diffuser effectiveness was above 95 percent based on the conventional definition, and from 81 percent to 94 percent when the suction loss was accounted for. The exit velocity profiles were virtually flat with no more than + or - 9% variation over 95 percent of the exit area when operated with sufficient suction to prevent flow separation.

Yang, T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Comparison of multiequation turbulence models for several shock-separated boundary-layer interaction flows

Several multiequation eddy viscosity models of turbulence are used with the Navier-Stokes equations to compute three classes of experimentally documented shock-separated turbulent boundary-layer flows. The types of flow studied are: (1) a normal shock at transonic speeds in both a circular duct and a two-dimensional channel; (2) an incident oblique shock at supersonic speeds on a flat surface; and (3) a two-dimensional compression corner at supersonic speeds. Established zero-equation (algebraic), one-equation (kinetic energy), and two-equation (kinetic energy plus length scale) turbulence models are each utilized to describe the Reynolds shear stress for the three classes of flows. These models are assessed by comparing the calculated values of skin friction, wall pressure distribution, velocity, Mach number, and turbulent kinetic energy profiles with experimental measurements. Of the models tested the two-equation model results gave the best overall agreement with the data.

Viegas, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Observations of two distinct populations of bow shock ions in the upstream solar wind

Observations upstream of the earth's bow shock with the LASL/MPI fast plasma experiments on ISEE 1 and 2 reveal the presence of two distinct and mutually exclusive populations of low energy (no more than 40 keV) ions apparently accelerated at the bow shock. The first of these, the 'reflected' population, is characterized by (1) sharply peaked spectra seldom extending much above about 10 keV/ion and (2) relatively collimated flow coming from the direction of the shock. On the other hand, the 'diffuse' ions are distinguished by relatively flat energy spectra above about 10 keV and broad angular distributions. They are by far the most commonly observed upstream ion event. A close causal association is suggested between the diffuse ion population in the upstream solar wind and energetic plasma ions observed within the magnetosheath.

Gosling, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Experimental measurements of unsteady turbulent boundary layers near separation

Investigations conducted to document the behavior of turbulent boundary layers on flat surfaces that separate due to adverse pressure gradients are reported. Laser and hot wire anemometers measured turbulence and flow structure of a steady free stream separating turbulent boundary layer produced on the flow of a wind tunnel section. The effects of sinusoidal and unsteadiness of the free stream velocity on this separating turbulent boundary layer at a reduced frequency were determined. A friction gage and a thermal tuft were developed and used to measure the surface skin friction and the near wall fraction of time the flow moves downstream for several cases. Abstracts are provided of several articles which discuss the effects of the periodic free stream unsteadiness on the structure or separating turbulent boundary layers.

Simpson, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Stagnation-point ablation of carbonaceous flat disks. I Theory

The process of ablation is calculated for the stagnation region of a flat disk in a radiation-dominated, massive-blowing environment produced in a ballistic range filled with argon. Flow environments are determined by solving the boundary-layer equations while radiative transfer is calculated through a line-by-line spectral computation. The resulting wall heat-transfer rates are coupled with an existing material's response code to determine surface recession and char thickness. The calculation is performed for six 5-cm-diam models made of carbon-phenolic and carbon-carbon composite launched in the Track-G facility at the Arnold Engineering Development Center. Significant surface recessions are predicted to occur for these models due mostly to radiative heating.

Park, C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Development of gas-to-gas lift pad dynamic seals, volumes 1 and 2

Dynamic tests were performed on self acting (hydrodynamic) carbon face rotary shaft seals to assess their potential, relative to presently used labyrinth seals, for improving performance of aircraft gas turbine engines by reducing air leakage flow rate at compressor end seal locations. Three self acting bearing configurations, designed to supply load support at the interface of the stationary carbon seal and rotating seal race, were tested. Two configurations, the shrouded taper and shrouded flat step, were incorporated on the face of the stationary carbon seal element. The third configuration, inward pumping spiral grooves, was incorporated on the hard faced surface of the rotating seal race. Test results demonstrated seal leakage air flow rates from 75 to 95% lower that can be achieved with best state-of-the-art labyrinth designs and led to identification of the need for a more geometrically stable seal design configuration which is presently being manufactured for subsequent test evaluation.

Pope, A. N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Topographically driven crustal flow and its implication to the development of pinned oroclines

Pinned oroclines, a type of curved orogen which results from lateral pinning of a growing fold-thrust belt, tend to resemble parabolic Newtonian curvature modified by different degrees of flattening at the flow front. It is proposed that such curves can be generated by Newtonian crustal flow driven by topographic variations. In this model, regional topographic differences create a regional flow which produces a parabolic flow front on interaction with lateral bounding obstacles. Local topographic variations modify the parabolic curves and yield more flat-crested, non-Newtonian-type curvatures. A finite-difference thin-skin tectonic simulation demonstrates that both Newtonian and non-Newtonian curved orogens can be produced within a Newtonian crust.

Hsui, Albert T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pressure-strain-rate events in homogeneous turbulent shear flow

A detailed study of the intercomponent energy transfer processes by the pressure-strain-rate in homogeneous turbulent shear flow is presented. Probability density functions (pdf's) and contour plots of the rapid and slow pressure-strain-rate show that the energy transfer processes are extremely peaky, with high-magnitude events dominating low-magnitude fluctuations, as reflected by very high flatness factors of the pressure-strain-rate. A concept of the energy transfer class was applied to investigate details of the direction as well as magnitude of the energy transfer processes. In incompressible flow, six disjoint energy transfer classes exist. Examination of contours in instantaneous fields, pdf's and weighted pdf's of the pressure-strain-rate indicates that in the low magnitude regions all six classes play an important role, but in the high magnitude regions four classes of transfer processes, dominate. The contribution to the average slow pressure-strain-rate from the high magnitude fluctuations is only 50 percent or less. The relative significance of high and low magnitude transfer events is discussed.

Brasseur, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

NASA thermal barrier coatings: Summary and update

A durable, two-layer, plasma-sprayed coating consisting of a ceramic layer over a metallic layer was developed that has the potential of insulating hot engine parts and thereby reducing metal temperatures and coolant flow requirements and/or permitting use of less costly and complex cooling configurations and materials. The results are summarized of analytical and experimental investigations of the coatings on flat metal specimens, turbine vanes and blades, and combustor liners. Discussed are results of investigations to determine coating adherence and durability, coating thermal, strength and fatigue properties, and chemical reactions of the coating with oxides and sulfates. Also presented are the effect of the coating on aerodynamic performance of a turbine vane, measured vane and combustor liner temperatures with and without the coating, and predicted turbine metal temperatures and coolant flow reductions potentially possible with the coating. Included also are summaries of some current research related to the coating and potential applications for the coating.

Stepka, F. S.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Dynamics of Diffusion Flames in von Karman Swirling Flows Studied

Von Karman swirling flow is generated by the viscous pumping action of a solid disk spinning in a quiescent fluid media. When this spinning disk is ignited in an oxidizing environment, a flat diffusion flame is established adjacent to the disk, embedded in the boundary layer (see the preceding illustration). For this geometry, the conservation equations reduce to a system of ordinary differential equations, enabling researchers to carry out detailed theoretical models to study the effects of varying strain on the dynamics of diffusion flames. Experimentally, the spinning disk burner provides an ideal configuration to precisely control the strain rates over a wide range. Our original motivation at the NASA Glenn Research Center to study these flames arose from a need to understand the flammability characteristics of solid fuels in microgravity where slow, subbuoyant flows can exist, producing very small strain rates. In a recent work (ref. 1), we showed that the flammability boundaries are wider and the minimum oxygen index (below which flames cannot be sustained) is lower for the von Karman flow configuration in comparison to a stagnation-point flow. Adding a small forced convection to the swirling flow pushes the flame into regions of higher strain and, thereby, decreases the range of flammable strain rates. Experiments using downward facing, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) disks spinning in air revealed that, close to the extinction boundaries, the flat diffusion flame breaks up into rotating spiral flames (refs. 2 and 3). Remarkably, the dynamics of these spiral flame edges exhibit a number of similarities to spirals observed in biological systems, such as the electric pulses in cardiac muscles and the aggregation of slime-mold amoeba. The tail of the spiral rotates rigidly while the tip executes a compound, meandering motion sometimes observed in Belousov-Zhabotinskii reactions.

Nayagam, Vedha↗
NASA NTRS1993

Generation of pseudo-waves in the middle atmosphere by flow accelerations due to breaking gravity waves?

Low frequency, large amplitude waves are often observed at mesospheric heights in radar and lidar wind measurements. A series of individual profiles of 1-hr averages of velocity data that were taken in October 1981 using the MST radar at Poker Flat, Alaska are presented. The vertical wavelength of this wave-like event is about 15 km and has a period close to 10 hours. A clear downward phase propagation can be seen, and so these oscillations are usually, and probably correctly, interpreted as being gravity wave flow perturbations. We investigate an alternative explanation that may also be possible; specifically, we investigate the possibility that the perturbed flow is a pseudo-wave structure produced by mean flow acceleration due to gravity waves propagating upward from below and breaking in the mesosphere. The question is whether effects similar to those that produce the much longer period Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) in the equatorial stratosphere can produce mesospheric pseudo-waves (MPW) at much shorter periods.

Jacobson, Raymond A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Sulfur volcanoes on Io?

The unusual rheological properties of sulfur are discussed in order to determine the distinctive volcanic flow morphologies which indicate the presence of sulfur volcanoes on the Saturnian satellite Io. An analysis of high resolution Voyager imagery reveals three features which are considered to be possible sulfur volcanoes: Atar Patera, Daedalus Patera, and Kibero Patera. All three features are distinguished by circular-to-oval central masses surrounded by irregular widespread flows. The central zones of the features are interpreted to be domes formed of high temperature sulfur. To confirm the interpretations of the satellite data, molten sulfur was extruded in the laboratory at a temperature of 210 C on a flat surface sloping 0.5 deg to the left. At this temperature, the sulfur formed a viscous domelike mass over the event. As parts of the mass cooled to 170 C the viscosity decreased to a runny stage, forming breakout flows. It is concluded that a case can be made for sulfur volcanoes on Io sufficient to warrant further study, and it is recommended that the upcoming Galileo mission examine these phenomena.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Convection of tin in a Bridgman system. I - Flow characterization by effective diffusivity measurements

An electrochemical titration method was used to investigate the dynamic states in a cylindrical layer of convecting tin. The liquid tin was contained in a cell, with curved boundaries made of quartz and flat boundaries made of a solid state electrolyte - yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The electrolyte acted as a window through which a trace amount of oxygen could be pumped in or out by the application of a constant voltage. The concentration at the YSZ interface was monitored by operating the electrochemical cell in the galvanic mode. Experimentally determined effective diffusivities of oxygen were compared with the molecular diffusivity. Dynamic states in the convective flow were thus inferred. Temperature measurements were simultaneously made in order to identify the onset of oscillations from a steady convective regime. The experiments were conducted for two different aspect ratios for various imposed temperature gradients and two different orientations with respect to gravity. Transcritical states were identified and comparison to two-dimensional numerical models were made.

Sears, B.↗