Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Shock loading”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 289 records · Page 16

Seal Technology for Hypersonic Vehicle and Propulsion: An Overview

Hypersonic vehicles and propulsion systems pose an extraordinary challenge for structures and materials. Airframes and engines require lightweight, high-temperature materials and structural configurations that can withstand the extreme environment of hypersonic flight. Some of the challenges posed include very high temperatures, heating of the whole vehicle, steady-state and transient localized heating from shock waves, high aerodynamic loads, high fluctuating pressure loads, potential for severe flutter, vibration, and acoustic loads and erosion. Correspondingly high temperature seals are required to meet these aggressive requirements. This presentation reviews relevant seal technology for both heritage (e.g. Space Shuttle, X-15, and X-38) vehicles and presents several seal case studies aimed at providing lessons learned for future hypersonic vehicle seal development. This presentation also reviews seal technology developed for the National Aerospace Plane propulsion systems and presents several seal case studies aimed at providing lessons learned for future hypersonic propulsion seal development.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

Wall pressure fluctuations in the reattachment region of a supersonic free shear layer

The primary aim of this research program was to investigate the mechanisms which cause the unsteady wall-pressure fluctuations in shock wave turbulent shear layer interactions. The secondary aim was to find means to reduce the magnitude of the fluctuating pressure loads by controlling the unsteady shock motion. The particular flow under study is the unsteady shock wave interaction formed in the reattachment zone of a separated supersonic flow. Similar flows are encountered in many practical situations, and they are associated with high levels of fluctuating wall pressure. The free shear layer is formed by the flow over a backward facing step, using an existing model, with the base pressure on the step adjusted so that there is no pressure discontinuity at the lip. The shear layer therefore develops in a zero pressure gradient. The primary advantage of this flow configuration is that the reattachment process can be studied in the absence of a separation shock. The mean flow data, and some preliminary hot-wire measurements of the mass-flux fluctuations were made by Baca and Settles, Baca, Williams and Bogdonoff, who showed that the shear layer became self-similar at about 17 delta(sub 0) downstream of the lip, and that it grew at a rate typical of the observed Mach number difference (about 1/3rd the incompressible growth rate). The turbulence measurements were later extended by Hayakawa, Smits and Bogdonoff under NASA Headquarters support.

Smits, Alexander J.↗

Dynamic crushing of metal lattice metamaterials: Shock mode diagrams and transition to topology-independent compaction regime

Additively manufactured lattice metamaterials offer design versatility in strength and energy absorption and provide an additional degree of freedom through the selection of the lattice topology. Under quasistatic loading, the unit cell structure can strongly affect the stiffness, yield, and post-yield behavior, but whether and to what degree the effect of lattice topology persists into dynamic loading scenarios, up to the compaction shock regime, has not been established. LLNL’ s ALE3D hydrocode was used to perform a computational investigation of dynamic loading in multiple lattice types, including the gyroid, octet, Schwarz D, and rhombic dodecahedron, under impact velocities from 0.25 to 2.25 km/s. Shock Hugoniots for each lattice topology are generated and compared, suggesting that above a critical velocity, distinctions between architectures may not persevere and compacted lattices behave similarly. Here, to investigate the transition between topology-dependent quasistatic compression and the topology-independent regime above the critical velocity, a one-dimensional elastic-linear hardening plasticity-densified solid (E-LHP-DS) shock model for lattice materials was developed that relies upon confined compression to link the quasistatic and shock mechanics. Unlike similar works, the model does not assume rigid behavior prior to yield or locking behavior at densification, allowing a richer exploration of lattice mechanics. With only six parameters, the analytical model simultaneously fit quasistatic confined compression simulations for relative densities 0.1 $≤ \bar{ρ} ≤$ 0.9 and predicted dynamic compaction behavior to traverse several distinct shock modes, each defined by a critical impact speed (equivalently, critical stresses). Comparing the numerical results to the one-dimensional E-LHP-DS shock model predictions suggests that the topology-independence under strong shocks is linked to the onset of densification, which can be predicted based on quasistatic confined compression results.

Cellular material↗

Measurement and Analysis of Terminal Shock Oscillation and Buffet Forcing Functions on a Launch Vehicle Payload Fairing

The buffet loads on a launch vehicle payload shroud can be impacted by the unsteadiness associated with a terminal shock at high subsonic speeds. At these conditions, flow accelerates to supersonic speeds on the nose of the payload fairing and is terminated by a normal shock on the cylindrical section downstream of the nose cone/cylinder shoulder. The location of the terminal shock and associated separated boundary layer is affected by the freestream Mach number, Reynolds number, and the pitch/yaw of the launch vehicle. Furthermore, even when the freestream conditions and vehicle attitude are constant, this terminal shock oscillates on the surface of the vehicle. The time-varying surface pressure associated with the terminal shock results in unsteady aerodynamic loads that may interact with vehicle structural dynamic modes and the guidance and control of the vehicle. Buffet testing of a 3-percent scale rigid buffet model of a launch vehicle cargo configuration with a tangent-ogive payload shroud was conducted in 2012 and in 2016. Initial buffet forcing functions (BFFs) utilized a coarse pressure sensor distribution on the vehicle surface in which a single longitudinal station with eight sensors observed the terminal shock environment at Mach 0.90. An examination of these circumferential pressures reveal large impulse-like pressure fluctuations and an asymmetry in pressure when the vehicle is at a nonzeroangle of attack that result in high BFFs. Revisions to the shock integration region were made based on computational fluid dynamics and shadowgraph video of shock motion to better represent the BFFs and reduce the high loads resulting from this environment. To more clearly understand this terminal shock environment, a second wind tunnel test was conducted with a dense distribution of 256 sensors at the terminal shock location. These sensor arrays presents a unique opportunity to observe the unsteady terminal shock environment and to characterize the impact of various integration schemes on the BFFs. This paper presents a summary of the development of BFFs for this terminal shock and a detailed analyses of shock region pressure coefficients, coherence, BFFs, shock location time histories, and power spectral density to help guide development of BFFs for other launch vehicle test and analysis programs.

Piatak, David J.↗

e(sup +/-) Pair Loading and the Origin of the Upstream Magnetic Field in GRB Shocks

We investigate here the effects of plasma instabilities driven by rapid e(sup +/-) pair cascades, which arise in the environment of GRB sources as a result of back-scattering of a seed fraction of their original spectrum. The injection of e(sup +/-) pairs induces strong streaming motions in the ambient medium. One therefore expects the pair-enriched medium ahead of the forward shock to be strongly sheared on length scales comparable to the radiation front thickness. Using three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we show that plasma instabilities driven by these streaming e(sup +/-) pairs are responsible for the excitation of near-equipartition, turbulent magnetic fields. Our results reveal the importance of the electromagnetic filamentation instability in ensuring an effective coupling between e(sup +/-) pairs and ions, and may help explain the origin of large upstream fields in GRB shocks.

Ramirez-Ruiz, Enrico↗

Prediction of unsteady blade surface pressures on an advanced propeller at an angle of attack

The paper considers the numerical solution of the unsteady, three-dimensional, Euler equations to obtain the blade surface pressures of an advanced propeller at an angle of attack. The specific configuration considered is the SR7L propeller at cruise conditions with a 4.6 deg inflow angle corresponding to the +2 deg nacelle tilt of the Propeller Test Assessment (PTA) flight test condition. The results indicate nearly sinusoidal response of the blade loading, with angle of attack. For the first time, detailed variations of the chordwise loading as a function of azimuthal angle are presented. It is observed that the blade is lightly loaded for part of the revolution and shocks appear from hub to about 80 percent radial station for the highly loaded portion of the revolution.

Nallasamy, M.↗

Prediction of Unsteady Blade Surface Pressures on an Advanced Propeller at an Angle of Attack

The numerical solution of the unsteady, three-dimensional, Euler equations is considered in order to obtain the blade surface pressures of an advanced propeller at an angle of attack. The specific configuration considered is the SR7L propeller at cruise conditions with a 4.6 deg inflow angle corresponding to the plus 2 deg nacelle tilt of the Propeller Test Assessment (PTA) flight test condition. The results indicate nearly sinusoidal response of the blade loading, with angle of attack. For the first time, detailed variations of the chordwise loading as a function of azimuthal angle are presented. It is observed that the blade is lightly loaded for part of the revolution and shocks appear from hub to about 80 percent radial station for the highly loaded portion of the revolution.

Nallasamy, M.↗

Wall pressure fluctuations beneath swept shock wave/boundary layer interactions

An experimental research program providing basic knowledge and establishing a database on the fluctuating pressure loads produced on aerodynamic surfaces beneath 3D shock wave/boundary layer interactions is presented. A turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate is subjected to interactions with swept planar shock waves generated by sharp fins at angle of attack. Measurements are made for the first time in the aft areas of these interactions, showing fluctuating pressure levels as high as 160 dB.

Garg, S.↗

Analysis of Unsteady Tip and Endwall Heat Transfer in a Highly Loaded Transonic Turbine Stage

In a previous study, vane-rotor shock interactions and heat transfer on the rotor blade of a highly loaded transonic turbine stage were simulated. The geometry consists of a high pressure turbine vane and downstream rotor blade. This study focuses on the physics of flow and heat transfer in the rotor tip, casing and hub regions. The simulation was performed using the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) code MSU-TURBO. A low Reynolds number k-epsilon model was utilized to model turbulence. The rotor blade in question has a tip gap height of 2.1 percent of the blade height. The Reynolds number of the flow is approximately 3x10(exp 6) per meter. Unsteadiness was observed at the tip surface that results in intermittent "hot spots". It is demonstrated that unsteadiness in the tip gap is governed by inviscid effects due to high speed flow and is not strongly dependent on pressure ratio across the tip gap contrary to published observations that have primarily dealt with subsonic tip flows. The high relative Mach numbers in the tip gap lead to a choking of the leakage flow that translates to a relative attenuation of losses at higher loading. The efficacy of new tip geometry is discussed to minimize heat flux at the tip while maintaining choked conditions. In addition, an explanation is provided that shows the mechanism behind the rise in stagnation temperature on the casing to values above the absolute total temperature at the inlet. It is concluded that even in steady mode, work transfer to the near tip fluid occurs due to relative shearing by the casing. This is believed to be the first such explanation of the work transfer phenomenon in the open literature. The difference in pattern between steady and time-averaged heat flux at the hub is also explained.

Shyam, Vikram↗

The shock tube as a tool for dynamic testing of fabrics

Specimens of fabric and Mylar were loaded to failure both statically and dynamically. Static tests were accomplished by pressurizing the specimens and dynamic tests were conducted by firing a shock tube. The results of the study indicate that seam efficiency is degraded by dynamic loads and that a need exists to investigate a seaming procedure which gives an optimum dynamic efficiency. The study also illustrates the lack of correspondence between static and dynamic breaking strengths thereby indicating that fabrics which have dynamic applications should be evaluated using dynamic testing procedures such as the shock tube loading used in the present program.

Madden, R.↗

Shock absorber operates over wide range

Piston-type hydraulic shock absorber, with a metered damping system, operates over a wide range of kinetic energy loading rates. It is used for absorbing shock and vibration on mounted machinery and heavy earth-moving equipment.

Creasy, W. K.↗

Holographic flow visualization within a rotating compressor blade row

Rapid double-pulsed holographic techniques were used to visualize the shock configurations in the tip region of a lightly loaded, high tip speed fan stage. The holograms showed the passage shock emanating from the blade leading edge, a moderately strong conical shock originating at the intersection of the part span shroud leading edge and the blade suction surface, and a second conical shock originating at the intersection of the part span shroud and the blade pressure surface. Due to a limited viewing angle, the bow waves upstream of the rotor could not be observed, and only limited details of the trailing edge shocks were obtained. Reasonable details of the shock patterns were obtained from holograms which were made without extensive rig modifications. Results indicate that larger viewing windows and and holographic plates would permit a wider viewing angle and give much more coverage of the regions of interest. Also, shorter time delay for double-pulsed holograms is also desirable, and would minimize blade movement and give clearer holograms.

Benser, W. A.↗

Properties of silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon nitride matrix composites

The mechanical properties of NASA Lewis developed SiC/RBSN composites and their thermal and environmental stability havd been studied. The composites consist of nearly 30 vol pct of aligned 142 micron diameter chemically vapor-deposited SiC fibers in a relatively porous silicon nitride matrix. In the as-fabricated condition, the unidirectional and 2-D composites exhibited metal-like stress-strain behavior, graceful failure, and showed improved properties when compared with unreinforced matrix of comparable density. Furthermore, the measured room temperature tensile properties were relativley independent of tested volume and were unaffected by artifical notches normal to the loading direction or by thermal shocking from temperatures up to 800 C. The four-point bend strength data measured as a function of temperature to 1400 C in air showed that as-fabricated strength was maintained to 1200 C. At 1400 C, however, nearly 15 pct loss in strength was observed. Measurement of room temperature tensile strength after 100 hr exposure at temperatures to 1400 C in a nitrogen environment indicated no loss from the as-fabricated composite strength. On the other hand, after 100 hr exposure in flowing oxygen at 1200 and 1400 C, the composites showed approximately 40 pct loss from their as-fabricated ultimate tensile strength. Those exposed between 400 to 1200 C showed nearly 60 pct strength loss. Oxidation of the fiber/matrix interface as well as internal oxidation of the porous Si3N4 matrix are likely mechanisms for strength degradation. The excellent strength reproducibility, notch insensitivity, and high temperature strength of the composite makes it an ideal candidate for advanced heat engine applications provided coating or densification methods are developed to avoid internal oxidation attack.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗

Fiber reinforced superalloys for rocket engines

High-pressure turbopumps for advanced reusable liquid-propellant rocket engines such as that for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) require turbine blade materials that operate under extreme conditions of temperature, hydrogen environment, high-cycle fatigue loading, thermal fatigue and thermal shock. Such requirements tax the capabilities of current blade materials. Based on projections of properties for tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy (FRS) composites, it was concluded that FRS turbine blades offer the potential of a several-fold increase in life and over a 200C increase in temperature capability over current SSME blade material. FRS composites were evaluated with respect to mechanical property requirements for SSME blade applications. Compared to the current blade material, the thermal shock resistance of FRS materials is excellent, two to nine times better, and their thermal fatigue resistance is equal to or higher than the current blade material. FRS materials had excellent low and high-cycle fatigue strengths, and thermal shock-induced surface microcracks had no influence on their fatigue strength. The material also exhibited negligible embrittlement when exposed to a hydrogen environment.

Petrasek, Donald W.↗

Fiber reinforced superalloys for rocket engines

High pressure turbopumps for advanced reusable liquid propellant rocket engines such as that for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) require turbine blade materials that operate under extreme conditions of temperature, hydrogen environment, high-cycle fatigue loading, thermal fatigue and thermal shock. Such requirements tax the capabilities of current blade materials. Based on projections of properties for tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy (FRS) composites, it was concluded that FRS turbine blades offer the potential of a several fold increase in life and over a 200 C increase in temperature capability over the current SSME blade material. FRS composites were evaluated with respect to mechanical property requirements for SSME blade applications. Compared to the current blade material, the thermal shock resistance of FRS materials is excellent, two to nine times better, and their thermal fatigue resistance is equal to or higher than the current blade material. FRS materials had excellent low and high-cycle fatigue strengths, and thermal shock-induced surface microcracks had no influence on their fatigue strength. The material also exhibited negligible embrittlement when exposed to a hydrogen environment.

Petrasek, Donald W.↗

An assessment of wind tunnel test data on flexible thermal protection materials and results of new fatigue tests of threads

Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI) was developed as a replacement for the low-temperature (white) tiles on the Space Shuttle. The first use of the AFRSI for an Orbiter flight was on the OMS POD of Orbiter (OV-099) for STS-6. Post flight examination after STS-6 showed that damage had occurred to the AFRSI during flight. The failure anomaly between previous wind-tunnel tests and STS-6 prompted a series of additional wind tunnel tests to gain an insight as to the cause of the failure. An assessment of all the past STS-6 wind tunnel tests pointed out the sensitivity of the test results to scaling of dynamic loads due to the difference of boundary layer thickness, and the material properties as a result of exposure to heating. The thread component of the AFRSI was exposed to fatigue testing using an apparatus that applied pulsating aerodynamic loads on the threads similar to the loads caused by an oscillating shock. Comparison of the mean values of the number-of-cycles to failure showed that the history of the thread was the major factor in its performance. The thread and the wind tunnel data suggests a mechanism of failure for the AFRSI.

Coe, Charles F.↗

Transonic Cruise Slotted Wing Design for Commercial Transport Aircraft using CDISC

A knowledge-based aerodynamic design method, CDISC, has been extended to enable the computational design of transonic cruise slotted wings for commercial transport aircraft. The cruise slotted wing is a multielement wing concept with a forward main element and an aft flap element, separated to form an intermediate slot. This slot favorably redirects airflow from the main element lower surface toward the low-momentum, upper-surface boundary layer of the flap. Relative to the supercritical wing, the cruise slotted wing enables greater aft loading that helps to reduce shock strength and transonic pressure drag. The cruise slotted wing may be considered a passive drag reduction technology with potential fuel-burn savings and increased vehicle range for next-generation aircraft. The current paper seeks to quantify the drag-saving benefits of cruise slotted wing technology in application to single-aisle commercial transport aircraft. A series of multielement design constraints were developed within CDISC for the design of a partial-span, cruise slotted wing for a Mach-0.8 variant of the Common Research Model. To mitigate the skin-friction drag penalty associated with cruise slotted wings, the design features a flap with natural laminar flow over approximately 75% of the flap surface area. Cruise drag estimates from the NASA USM3D-ME flow solver between a supercritical wing and the partial-span, cruise slotted wing design were within one drag count. Near-cruise, off-design analyses showed limited laminar-flow sensitivity to angle of attack and a more gradual drag rise compared to a supercritical wing. Based on this observed benefit, future work is motivated to design a cruise slotted wing with laminar flow on both wing elements to achieve a significant reduction in cruise drag while delaying drag divergence.

CDISC↗