Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “THEORIES - FLOW, SUPERSONIC”

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

Some Divergence Characteristics of Low-Aspect-Ratio Wings at Transonic and Supersonic Speeds

The problem of chordwise, or camber, divergence at transonic and supersonic speeds is treated with primary emphasis on slender delta wings having a cantilever support at the trailing edge. Experimental and analytical results are presented for four wing models having apex half-angles of 5 deg, 10 deg, 15 deg, and 20 deg. A Mach number range from 0.8 to 7.3 is covered. The analytical results include calculations based on small-aspect-ratio theory, lifting-surface theory, and strip theory. A closed-form solution of the equilibrium equation is given, which is based on low-aspect-ratio theory but which applies only to certain stiffness distributions. Also presented is an iterative procedure for use with other aerodynamic theories and with arbitrary stiffness distribution.

Woolston, Donald S.↗

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of canard, tailless, and aft-tail configurations for 2 wing planforms

Aerodynamic characteristics of canard, tailless, and aft tail configurations were compared in tests on a general research model (generic fuselage without canopy, inlets, or vertical tails) at Mach 1.60 and 2.00 in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Two uncambered wing planforms (trapezoidal with 44 deg leading edge sweep and delta with 60 deg leading edge sweep) were tested for each configuration. The relative merits of the configurations were also determined theoretically, to evaluate the capabilities of a linear theory code for such analyses. The canard and aft tail configurations have similar measured values for lift curve slope, maximum lift drag ratio, and zero lift drag. The stability decrease as Mach number increases is greatest for the tailless configuration and least for the canard configuration. Because of very limited accuracy in predicting the aerodynamic parameter increments between configurations, the linear theory code is not adequate for determining the relative merits of canard, tailless, and aft tail configurations.

Covell, P. F.↗

Noise from turbomachinery

A review is made of turbomachinery noise from turbofan engines as typified by fan noise. The mechanisms and theories of fan noise are reviewed and concepts for its reduction, including acoustic suppression are discussed. Correlations of the overall noise data from several full-scale fans tested at NASA-Lewis Research Center are presented as indicative of the current state-of-the-art. Estimates are presented to show economics versus reduced noise for two quieted experimental engines, one with subsonic and one with supersonic fan tip speed. Finally, some concepts that may have the potential to reduce fan noise are indicated.

Feiler, C. E.↗

Noise from turbomachinery.

This paper reviews turbomachinery noise from turbofan engines as typified by fan noise. The mechanisms and theories of fan noise are reviewed and concepts for its reduction, including acoustic suppresion are discussed. Correlations of the overall noise data from several full-scale fans tested at NASA-Lewis Research Center are presented as indicative of the current state-of-the-art. Estimates are presented to show economics versus reduced noise for two quieted experimental engines, one with subsonic and one with supersonic fan tip speed. Finally, some concepts that may have the potential to reduce fan noise are indicated.

Feiler, C. E.↗

Supersonic boundary-layer transition on the LaRC F-106 and the DFRF F-15 aircraft. Part 2: Aerodynamic predictions

In the leading edge region, the measured pressure distributions exhibit extreme variations from strong suction peaks to a pressure maximum at the attachment line. These variations occur over short distances on the wing surface, and their character changes with changes in Mach number and angle of attack. The data/theory comparisons show that the character of the measured pressure distributions is well predicted for every Mach number and/or angle of attack condition considered. There is good agreement between theory and experiment for the location of the attachment line and suction peaks. The pressure magnitudes are well represented in the critical leading edge region, including the pressure maximum on the attachment line. The wing/body/inlet results agree well with the wing alone back to about 20 percent of chord where the upper surface suction peak typically occurs. The largest differences between theory and measurement always occur in the vicinity of suction peaks, with the difference being approximately 15 percent or less. In regions of largest error, the predicted pressures underestimate the suction peak strength for each case considered. The ability of the NCOREL code to reproduce wing pressure characteristics is shown.

Rose, Ollie J.↗

Optimal trajectories in atmospheric flight

Aspects of optimization theory and switching theory are discussed, taking into account the necessary conditions for extrema, a solution subject to constraints, the calculus of variations, the Pontryagin maximum principle, the canonical transformation, Contensou's domain of maneuverability, optimal switching, a junction with singular arc, and linearized singular control. Equations of motion are considered along with aerodynamic and propulsive forces, the general properties of optimal trajectories, flight in a horizontal plane, optimal coasting flight, supersonic cruise, the supersonic turn, supersonic maneuvers in a vertical plane, energy state approximation, a modified Chapman's formulation for optimal reentry trajectories, optimal planar reentry trajectories, and an optimal glide of reentry vehicles. Orbital aerodynamic maneuvers are examined, giving attention to aerodynamic capture, a change in the apogee, a change in the eccentricity, a change in the perigee, an orbital maneuver, an aerodynamic maneuver, and a combined maneuver.

Vinh, N. X.↗

Density fluctuations and radiated noise for a high-temperature supersonic jet

Experimental data on density fluctuations were obtained by the laser Schlieren method in a supersonic jet which at the nozzle exit had a Mach number of 1.43 and a stagnation temperature of about 1090 K. The jet emerged into the ambient atmosphere in an anechoic chamber, correctly expanded from a nozzle which had an exit diameter of 10.8 cm. Using the information on the density fluctuations and the mean shear obtained by probes, the autocorrelation of the radiated noise was calculated by a theory that is suitable for Mach wave emission. This theory is a modification of that developed by Ffowcs Williams and Maidanik (1965). The calculated noise field agrees well with that obtained by using microphones outside the jet.

Parthasarathy, S. P.↗

Prediction of Sound Waves Propagating Through a Nozzle Without/With a Shock Wave Using the Space-Time CE/SE Method

The benchmark problems in Category 1 (Internal Propagation) of the third Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) Work-shop sponsored by NASA Glenn Research Center are solved using the space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) method. The first problem addresses the propagation of sound waves through a nearly choked transonic nozzle. The second one concerns shock-sound interaction in a supersonic nozzle. A quasi one-dimension CE/SE Euler solver for a nonuniform mesh is developed and employed to solve both problems. Numerical solutions are compared with the analytical solution for both problems. It is demonstrated that the CE/SE method is capable of solving aeroacoustic problems with/without shock waves in a simple way. Furthermore, the simple nonreflecting boundary condition used in the CE/SE method which is not based on the characteristic theory works very well.

Wang, Xiao-Yen↗

Go with the Radflow: Thermal radiation experiments in the high energy-density regime [Slides]

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a nuclear weapons laboratory supporting our nation's defense. In support of the mission is a high energy-density physics program in which we design and execute experiments to study radiation-hydrodynamics phenomena and improve the predictive capability of our large-scale multi-physics software codes on our supercomputers. The Radflow Project is maturing a unique spectroscopic measurement that yields a spatially dependent supersonic radiation wavefront profile. The spectroscopic measurement is much more constraining than the typically used radiography, which measures the density changes due to the shock as the radiation wave goes subsonic. Recently, the spectroscopic measurement has been applied to advanced targets with a detailed heterogeneity representing a single realization of a stochastic medium. The Radflow Project also conducts opacity experiments to explain the current conundrum of the experimental iron opacity differing from theory, which is important in modeling the sun. More than that, though, we need to be able to answer these science questions and be able to validate our theory and codes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

High-resolution rovibrational spectroscopy of trans -formic acid in the v 1 OH stretching fundamental: Dark state coupling and evidence for charge delocalization dynamics

High-resolution infrared (IR) reduced-Doppler absorption spectra of jet-cooled gas phase trans-formic acid in the v 1 OH stretching fundamental region are reported for the first time, obtained by supersonically expanding trans- formic acid/Ar mixtures through a slit jet nozzle source and rotationally cooling to T rot ≈ 10.9(5) K, with ab- sorption signals recorded by high-resolution difference-frequency IR absorption spectroscopy. Two a/b-type rovibrational bands of comparable intensity, one ~10-fold weaker b-type band, and one ~6-fold weaker a-type band are observed, with vibrational band origins at 3570.493(5), 3566.793(5), 3560.032(9), and 3534.6869(2) cm –1 , respectively. Based on previous Raman jet spectroscopic work by Nejad and Sibert [A. Nejad, E.L. Sibert III, The Raman jet spectrum of trans-formic acid and its deuterated isotopologs: Combining theory and experi- ment to extend the vibrational database, J. Chem. Phys. 154(6) (2021) 064301.], these four rovibrational bands have been assigned to v 1 , (v 2 + v 7 ), (v 6 + 2v 7 + 2v 9 ), and 2v 3 , respectively. Specifically, two of the three upper dark states (2 1 7 1 (a') and 6 1 7 2 9 2 (a')) are close enough to the “bright” 1 1 (a') state to facilitate strong anharmonic resonance interactions, which results in intensity mixing into the two zero-order bands that would otherwise be “dark”. Furthermore, our high-resolution spectral analysis reveals that there are local rotational crossings be- tween these zero-order 1 1 and 2 1 7 1 states resulting in extra lines (i.e., some upper levels in the nominally v 1 band have majority zero-order 2 1 7 1 state character). This motivates development of a 3 coupled state (1 1 , 2 1 7 1 , and 6 1 7 2 9 2 ) picture to aid in the spectral analysis, which is able to match all 3 observed band origins and relative band intensities, as well as indicate the necessity of multistate (> 2) coupling. Though limited by range of J and Ka levels (J’ ≤ 9 and K a ’ ≤ 3) populated at supersonic jet temperatures, this work offers first precision spec- troscopic analysis of trans-formic acid in the v 1 OH stretch region, which should aid in assignment of the more complete yet highly congested room temperature FTIR spectra. Lastly, and in sharp contrast to the spectral complexity in the three predominantly b-type bands, the lone a-type 2v 3 rovibrational band at 3534.6869(2) cm –1 is well described by a simple, rigid asymmetric top Hamiltonian.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Minimum wave drag for arbitrary arrangements of wings and bodies

Various arrangements of wings and bodies designed to provide favorable wave interference at supersonic speeds lead to the problem of determining the minimum possible value of the wave resistance obtainable by any disposition of the elements of an aircraft within a definitely prescribed region. Under the assumptions that the total lift and the total volume of the aircraft are given, conditions that must be satisfied if the drag is to be a minimum are found. The report concludes with a discussion of recent developments of the theory which lead to an improved understanding of the drag associated with the production of lift.

Jones, R. T.↗

Minimum Wave Drag for Arbitrary Arrangements of Wings and Bodies

Studies of various arrangements of wings and bodies designed to provide favorable wave interference at supersonic speeds lead to the problem of determining the minimum possible valve of the wave resistance obtainable by any disposition of the elements of an aircraft within a definitely prescribed region. Under the assumptions that the total lift and the total volume of the aircraft are given, conditions that must be satisfied if the drag is to be a minimum are found. The report concludes with a discussion of recent developments of the theory which lead to an improved understanding of the drag associated with the production of lift.

Jones, Robert T↗

Some anomalies observed in wind-tunnel tests of a blunt body at transonic and supersonic speeds

An investigation of anomalies observed in wind tunnel force tests of a blunt body configuration was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.20 to 1.35 in the Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel and at Mach numbers of 1.50, 1,80, and 2.16 in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel. At a Mach number of 1.35, large variations occurred in axial force coefficient at a given angle of attack. At transonic and low supersonic speeds, the total drag measured in the wind tunnel was much lower than that measured during earlier ballistic range tests. Accurate measurements of total drag for blunt bodies will require the use of models smaller than those tested thus far; however, it appears that accurate forebody drag results can be obtained by using relatively large models. Shock standoff distance is presented from experimental data over the Mach number range from 1.05 to 4.34. Theory accurately predicts the shock standoff distance at Mach numbers up to 1.75.

Brooks, J. D.↗

Advanced Mach 3.5 Axisymmetric Quiet Nozzle

To advance boundary-layer stability and transition research and to ultimately provide reliable predictions of transition for supersonic flight vehicles, a wind tunnel is required with very low stream disturbance levels comparable to free flight conditions. Experimental and theoretical research to develop a low-disturbance supersonic wind tunnel has achieved a breakthrough. A new concept for nozzle design is presented which promises a large increase in the length of the quiet test core. The Advanced Mach 3.5 Axisymmetric Quiet Nozzle is the first prototype built to prove the new design concept. Experimental results from this new nozzle on the extent of laminar wall boundary layers are compared with data from other nozzles and with theoretical predictions based on linear stability theory. The Reynolds numbers based on the measured length of the quiet test core for this new nozzle are in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. The effect of surface finish on the nozzle performance is also discussed.

Chen, Fang-Jenq↗

Measurements of Aerodynamic Heat Transfer and Boundary-Layer Transition on a 15 deg. Cone in Free Flight at Supersonic Mach Numbers up to 5.2

Measurements of aerodynamic heat transfer have been made at several stations on the 15 deg total-angle conical nose of a rocket-propelled model in free flight at Mach numbers up to 5.2. Data are presented for a range of local Mach number just outside the boundary layer from 1.40 to 4.65 and a range of local Reynolds number from 3.8 x 10(exp 6) to 46.5 x 10(exp 6), based on length from the nose tip to a measurement station. Laminar, transitional, and turbulent heat-transfer coefficients were measured. The laminar data were in agreement with laminar theory for cones, and the turbulent data agreed well with turbulent theory for cones using Reynolds number based on length from the nose tip. At a nearly constant ratio of wall to local static temperature of 1.2 the Reynolds number of transition increased from 14 x 10(exp 6) to 30 x 10(exp 6) as Mach number increased from 1.4 to 2.9 and then decreased to 17 x 10(exp 6) as Mach number increased to 3.7. At Mach numbers near 3.5, transition Reynolds numbers appeared to be independent of skin temperature at skin temperatures very cold with respect to adiabatic wall temperature. The transition Reynolds number was 17.7 x 10(exp 6) at a condition of Mach number and ratio of wall to local static temperature near that for which three-dimensional disturbance theory has been evaluated and has predicted laminar boundary-layer stability to very high Reynolds numbers (approximately 10(exp 12)).

Rumsey, Charles B.↗

An Investigation of Some Aspects of the Sonic Boom by Means of Wind-Tunnel Measurements of Pressures About Several Bodies at a Mach Number of 2.01

An investigation of some aspects of the sonic boom has been made with the aid of wind-tunnel measurements of the pressure distributions about bodies of various shapes. The tests were made in the Langley 4- by 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel at a Mach number of 2.01 and at a Reynolds number per foot of 2.5 x 10(exp 6). Measurements of the pressure field were made at orifices in the surface of a boundary-layer bypass plate. The models which represented both fuselage and wing types of thickness distributions were small enough to allow measurements as far away as 8 body lengths or 64 chords. The results are compared with estimates made using existing theory. To the first order, the boom-producing pressure rise across the bow shock is dependent on the longitudinal development of body area and not on local details. Nonaxisymmetrical shapes may be replaced by equivalent bodies of revolution to obtain satisfactory theoretical estimates of the far-field pressures.

Carlson, Harry W.↗

Modeling Aerodynamically Generated Sound of Helicopter Rotors

A great deal of progress has been made in the modeling of aerodynamically generated sound of rotors over the past decade. Although the modeling effort has focused on helicopter main rotors, the theory is generally valid for a wide range of rotor configurations. The Ffowcs Williams Hawkings (FW-H) equation has been the foundation for much of the development. The monopole and dipole source terms of the FW-H equation account for the thickness and loading noise, respectively. Bladevortex-interaction noise and broadband noise are important types of loading noise, hence much research has been directed toward the accurate modeling of these noise mechanisms. Both subsonic and supersonic quadrupole noise formulations have been developed for the prediction of high-speed impulsive noise. In an effort to eliminate the need to compute the quadrupole contribution, the FW-H equation has also been utilized on permeable surfaces surrounding all physical noise sources. Comparisons of the Kirchhoff formulation for moving surfaces with the FW-H equation have shown that the Kirchhoff formulation for moving surfaces can give erroneous results for aeroacoustic problems. Finally, significant progress has been made incorporating the rotor noise models into full vehicle noise prediction tools.

Brentner, Kenneth S.↗

The Problem of Obtaining High Lift-Drag Ratios at Supersonic Speeds

The importance of the lift to drag ratio is well known to all aircraft designers since it gives, to a great extent, the aerodynamic efficiency of the airplane. Aerodynamic efficiency, however, is only one component of the grand compromise that a completed airplane represents. At subsonic speeds, lift-drag ratios of well over 200 have been measured in wind tunnels on airfoil sections; but few powered aircraft have attained (L/D) value of 20. It is invariably true that the requirements of stability and control, structure, and flight operation all contribute to reducing the design (L/D) (sub max)) considerably below those exotic values which can be predicted from unrestricted aerodynamic theory. If, however, a certain range or operating efficiency is required, there is most certainly a minimum (L/D) (sub max)) value for which the goals are just attainable. If we examine the range equation we see that range is proportional to the lift-drag ratio, the thermopropulsive efficiency, and the logarithm of the initial to final weight ratio. The appearance of the lift-drag ratio as a linear factor in the range equation indicates that every attempt should be made to increase (L/D) (sub max)); however, the search for higher (L/D)max may lead to strange and unorthodox configurations. Most frequently, such configurations are ruled out by the adverse effects of their geometry on the weight ratios. In the present paper, we will deal with the maximum lift-drag ratio problem for conventional configurations having a wing and a body in close proximity to each other. No attempt will be made to select a particular configuration as being the best. However, the promising direction to go from the aerodynamic view will be stressed with the understanding that the other factors may outweight the aerodynamics

Brown, Clinton E.↗