Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Wind Speed”

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

Observations of C-Band Brightness Temperatures and Ocean Surface Wind Speed and Rain Rate from the Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) during GRIP and HS3

HIRAD is a new technology developed by NASA/MSFC, in partnership with NOAA and the Universities of Central Florida, Michigan, and Alabama-Huntsville. HIRAD is designed to measure wind speed and rain rate over a wide swath in heavy-rain, strong-wind conditions. HIRAD is expected to eventually fly routinely on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as Global Hawk over hurricanes threatening the U.S. coast and other Atlantic basin areas, and possibly in the Western Pacific as well. HIRAD first flew on GRIP in 2010 and is part of the 2012-14 NASA Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission on the Global Hawk, a high-altitude UAV. The next-generation HIRAD will include wind direction observations, and the technology can eventually be used on a satellite platform to extend the dynamical range of Ocean Surface Wind (OSV) observations from space.

Miller, Timothy L.↗

Low Wind Speed Radar Backscatter Measurements at C- and Ku-Band Obtained During the Surface Wave Dynamics Experiment

Radar backscatter measurements collected at both C- and Ku-Band during the recent SurfaceWaves Dynamics Experiment (SWADE) on 1 March 1991 show dramatic variabilities of thenormalized radar cross section (sigma degree) of the ocean surface at low wind speed. Additionally,measurements of the sigma degree in the cross wind direction fluctuated much more than the sigmadegree in the upwind direction. The C- and Ku-band data are quite similar, both exhibiting a morepronounced roll off of sigma degree with decreasing neutral stability wind than indicated bypreviously published empirical model functions. The data show extremely large azimuthalmodulations, in some cases greater than 20 dB, and show good qualitative agreement with theazimuthal modulation predicted.

Carson, S. C.↗

Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics and determination of control surface hinge moments in the Rockwell International low speed wind tunnel (OA37)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a string-mounted 0.030 scale representation of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter in the 7.75- by 11-foot low speed wind tunnel. The primary test objectives were to establish basic longitudinal and lateral directional stability and control characteristics for the basic configuration plus control surface hinge moments. Aerodynamic force and moment data were measured in the body axis system by an internally mounted, six-component strain gage balance. Additional configurations investigated were sealed rudder hingeline gaps, sealed elevon gaps and compartmentized speedbrakes.

Hughes, T.↗

Analysis of a Split-Plot Experimental Design Applied to a Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Investigation

A procedure to analyze a split-plot experimental design featuring two input factors, two levels of randomization, and two error structures in a low-speed wind tunnel investigation of a small-scale model of a fighter airplane configuration is described in this report. Standard commercially-available statistical software was used to analyze the test results obtained in a randomization-restricted environment often encountered in wind tunnel testing. The input factors were differential horizontal stabilizer incidence and the angle of attack. The response variables were the aerodynamic coefficients of lift, drag, and pitching moment. Using split-plot terminology, the whole plot, or difficult-to-change, factor was the differential horizontal stabilizer incidence, and the subplot, or easy-to-change, factor was the angle of attack. The whole plot and subplot factors were both tested at three levels. Degrees of freedom for the whole plot error were provided by replication in the form of three blocks, or replicates, which were intended to simulate three consecutive days of wind tunnel facility operation. The analysis was conducted in three stages, which yielded the estimated mean squares, multiple regression function coefficients, and corresponding tests of significance for all individual terms at the whole plot and subplot levels for the three aerodynamic response variables. The estimated regression functions included main effects and two-factor interaction for the lift coefficient, main effects, two-factor interaction, and quadratic effects for the drag coefficient, and only main effects for the pitching moment coefficient.

Erickson, Gary E.↗

9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Acoustic Upgrade Part 2: Improvement Comparison

This report describes an acoustic improvement project carried out in the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) 9- by 15-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (9x15 LSWT) and the effect on the acoustic measurement capabilities of the facility. The improvement project began in June 2017 and ended in March 2019, with some work stoppages in between. The main purpose of the project was to reduce the background noise of the facility to enable better signal-to-noise ratio measurements of quiet aircraft propulsion concepts. The term background noise refers to the noise measured inside the facility without a model installed. This report discusses the details of the project, the motivation for the upgrade and the history of the facility background noise levels that motivated the upgrade. This report is one of a two-volume set documenting the 9x15 LSWT acoustic improvement. The companion report[1] documents the “supporting studies” that were conducted as part of the improvement project, but do not relate explicitly to the 9x15 LSWT. The present report is focused specifically on studies conducted by NASA regarding the 9x15 LSWT and thus may be less broadly applicable to other facilities or projects.

Wind Tunnel↗

Solar wind iron abundance variations at solar wind speeds up to 600 km s sup -1, 1972 to 1976

The Fe/H ratios in the peaks of high speed streams (HSS) were analyzed during the decline of Solar Cycle 20 and the following minimum (October 1972 to December 1976). The response of the 50 to 200 keV ion channel of the APL/JHU energetic particle experiment (EPE) on IMP-7 and 8 was utilized to solar wind iron ions at high solar wind speeds (V or = 600 km/sec). Fe measurements with solar wind H and He parameters were compared from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) instruments on the same spacecraft. In general, the Fe distribution parameters (bulk velocity, flow direction, temperature) are found to be similar to the LANL He parameters. Although the average Fe/H ration in many steady HSS peaks agrees within observational uncertainties with the nominal coronal ratio of 4.7 x 0.00001, abundance variations of a factor of up to 6 are obtained across a given coronal-hole associated HSS.

Mitchell, D. G.↗

AAFE RADSCAT 13.9-GHz measurements and analysis - Wind-speed signature of the ocean

The Advanced Applications Flight Experiment Radiometer Scatterometer, or 'AAFE RADSCAT', was developed as a research tool for the evaluation of the use of microwave remote sensors in gathering data on wind speed at the ocean's surface. The most important function of AAFE RADSCAT was to furnish a data base of ocean normalized radar cross section (NRCS) measurements as a function of surface wind vector at 13.9 GHz. The NRCS measurements cover a wide parametric range of incidence and azimuth angles and winds. Attention is presently given to analyses of data from the 26 RADSCAT flights during which the quality of the sensors and the surface wind measurements were felt to be understood; subsets of the data base are used to model the relationship between the Ku-band radar signature and the ocean surface wind vector.

Schroeder, L. C.↗

Stability correction functions for the mean wind speed and temperature in the unstable surface layer

In accordance with a theoretical analysis by Kader and Yaglom, interpolation expressions are proposed for the Monin-Obukhov functions for the wind speed and temperature profiles under unstable conditions in the surface layer of the atmospheric boundary layer. The values of the parameters are adjusted to agree with earlier work under weak instability, as reviewed by Hogstrom. The resulting formulations are valid for considerably larger values of their argument than those that were hitherto available. Their advantage is that they yield concise and closed-form stability correction functions which can be readily applied in profile analysis and model calculations.

Brutsaert, Wilfried↗

Results of an investigation elevon hinge moments and dual panel elevon effectiveness using an .0405-scale model (16-0) of the configuration 140C space shuttle orbiter in the Rockwell International NAAL low speed wind tunnel (OA119B)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting mounted .0405-scale representation of the 140C outer mold line space shuttle orbiter in a 7.75 x 11.00 foot low speed wind tunnel during the time period from August 22, 1974 to September 6, 1974. The primary test objectives were to define dual panel elevon/aileron effectiveness and to investigate elevon hinge-moments for the 140C orbiter configuration with wing/elevon upper hingeline sealing flapper doors. The elevon parametric variations, consisting of the basic elevons with 6 inch gaps and flapper doors, elevons with no flapper doors and completely open upper hingeline gap, and an entirely sealed solid elevon, were tested with elevon deflections from +20 to -35 deg at various aileron deflections. Aerodynamic force and moment data were measured in the body axis system by a 2.5 inch task type internal strain gage balance.

Mennell, R. C.↗

Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics in the NAAL low speed wind tunnel (0A62b), volume 1

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting-mounted 0.0405 scale representation of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter in a 7.75 ft by 11 ft low speed wind tunnel during the time period from November 14, 1973, to December 6, 1973, with the primary test objectives being to establish basic longitudinal stability characteristics in and out of ground effect, as well as lateral-directional stability characteristics in free air. Two dual podded nacelle configurations were also tested, one with three dual podded nacelles on the lower wing surface, and the other with a single dual nacelle on the lower centerline with dual nacelle pylons mounted above each wing. Stability and control characteristics were investigated at nominal elevon, rudder, aileron, and body flap deflections. Pressure bugs were used to determine pressures on the vertical tail at spanwise stations, and aerodynamic force and moment data were measured in the stability axis system by an internally mounted, six component strain gage balance.

Mennell, R.↗

Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics in the NAAL low speed wind tunnel (OA62B), volume 2

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting-mounted 0.0405 scale representation of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter in a 7.75 ft by 11 ft low speed wind tunnel during the period from November 14, 1973 to December 6, 1973. Establishment of basic longitudinal stability characteristics in and out of ground effect, and the establishment of lateral-directional stability characteristics in free air were the primary test objectives. The following effects and configurations were tested: (1) two dual podded nacelle configurations; (2) stability and control characteristics at nominal elevon deflections, rudder deflections, airleron deflections, rudder flare angles, and body flap deflections; (3) effects of various elevon and elevon/fuselage gaps on longitudinal stability and control; (4) pressures on the vertical tail at spanwise stations using pressure bugs; (5) aerodynamic force and moment data measured in the stability axis system by an internally mounted, six-component strain gage balance. For Vol. 1, see N74-32324.

Mennell, R.↗

Comparison of conventionally measured sea surface temperature and wind speed with data retrieved from satellite-borne microwave radiometry

The Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer aboard both the Seasat and Nimbus-7 satellites was designed to estimate sea surface temperature (SST) and wind speed (WS) over an extended range of atmospheric conditions. The retrieval technique is described briefly, and it is demonstrated in a case study that the instrument design goals (SST:1.5 C; WS:2 m/s) appear to be feasible.

Hofer, R.↗

Data and code repository for "How do the weather regimes drive wind speed and power production at the sub-seasonal to seasonal timescales over the CONUS?"

There has been an increasing need for forecasting power generation at the sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescales to support the operation, management, and planning of the wind-energy system. At the S2S timescales, atmospheric variability is largely related to recurrent and persistent weather patterns, referred to as weather regimes (WRs). In the study "How do the weather regimes drive wind speed and power production at the sub-seasonal to seasonal timescales over the CONUS?", we identify four WRs that influence wind resources over North America using a self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm. These WRs are responsible for large-scale wind and power production anomalies over the CONUS at the S2S timescales. The WR-based reconstruction explains up to 50% of the monthly variance of power production over the western United States, and the explanatory power generally increases with the increase of timescales. The identified relationship between WRs and power production reveals the potential and limitations of the regional WR-based wind resource assessment over different regions of the CONUS across multiple timescales. This repository includes all the data and codes we use for analyses in this study. Users may use them to reproduce the results of this study on their end.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

A low speed wind tunnel test of a 0.050 scale model of shuttle orbiter (model 089B) to investigate the longitudinal and lateral directional effects of canard and tail configurational modifications in the LTV LSWT (MA14)

A low speed wind tunnel test was conducted to determine the effects of 6 canard configurations on the 0.050 scale model of shuttle orbiter 089B. In addition, two horizontal tail configurations were tested at two positions on the model as were two wing configurations. Since this test was restricted to 103 runs, only a limited number of permutations of the configurational changes could be tested. The testing was done in the 15 by 20 foot section of the LSWT and consisted of pitch polars, one yawed polar and several yaw runs. The pitch polars encompassed an alpha range from 0 to 28 deg; the yawed polar was run at beta = +2 degrees and the yaw runs covered a beta range from -6 to +6 deg at angles-of-attack of 0, 4, 10, 16, and 20 deg.

Chambliss, E. B.↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter Crew Hatch Jettison Test using a 0.0405-scale model (16-0) in the Texas A/M low speed wind tunnel (OA362). Space Shuttle aerothermodynamic data report

This report contains post-test information for the Space Shuttle Orbiter Crew Hatch Jettison Test OA362 which was conducted in the Texas A&M Low Speed Wind Tunnel from 6/15/87 to 6/22/87. The test objective was to verify that the crew hatch, once jettisoned, would clear the orbiter under various simulated flight conditions. Several model hatches were used with the 0.0405-scale orbiter (Model 16-0). The model's angle of attack was set at 10, 15, and 20 degrees while the sideslip had values of minus 5, 0, and plus 5 degrees. The full scale Qbars that were simulated were 105, 128, 160, and 210 psf. In the hatch jettison mechanism itself, the plunger pressure was varied to achieve horizontal velocities of 3, 5, 7, and 20.1 feet per second model scale, and the plunger location was varied to achieve a variety of rotational velocities. The orbiter model was subjected to 122 runs with 13 different hatches. Of these, 60 were good runs.

Mitchell, C. E.↗

Pratt & Whitney Two Dimensional HSR Nozzle Test in the NASA Lewis 9- By 15- Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel: Aerodynamic Results

This paper discusses a test that was conducted jointly by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Engines and NASA Lewis Research Center. The test was conducted in NASA's 9- by 15-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (9x15 LSWT). The test setup, methods, and aerodynamic results of this test are discussed. Acoustical results are discussed in a separate paper by J. Bridges and J. Marino.

Wolter, John D.↗

9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Acoustic Free Field Evaluation; Part 1: Qualification Report Summary and Part 2: Anechoic Environment Characterization Field Test Report

This report describes test results from an assessment of the acoustically treated 9x15 Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio in July of 2016. The tests were conducted in accordance with the recently adopted international standard ISO 26101-2012 on Qualification of Free Field Test Environments. This method involves moving a microphone relative to a source and comparing the sound pressure level versus distance measurements with theoretical inverse square law spreading.

propulsion↗