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At least 307 records · Page 17

Relative timing of substorm features in MHD simulations

An investigation of the temporal sequence of substorm phenomena based on three dimensional MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) simulations of magnetic reconnection and plasmoid formation is presented. The investigation utilizes a spatially localized resistivity model which leads to a significantly faster evolution than found in previous investigations. The analysis of the results concentrates on substorm features that have received considerable attention in the past. The formation of magnetic neutral lines, the occurrence of fast flows directed both earthward and tailward, and the magnetic field changes leading to the formation of the substorm current wedge, and to the depolarization of the magnetic field earthward of the reconnection region and its dependence on the spatial distribution of resistivity, are discussed. These phenomena are seen as an integral part of the nonlinear evolution of the three dimensional tearing instability.

Hesse, Michael↗

Thin-layer approximation for three-dimensional supersonic corner flows

The thin-layer approximation is extended to an axial corner that is formed by the intersection of two perpendicular plates, one of which has an inclination angle with respect to the free stream. A computer code developed by Hung and MacCormack (1978) is modified for the thin-layer approximation, and a case with Mach 5.9 and a wedge angle of 6 deg is computed. In addition, it is shown that it is not necessary to solve the complete Navier-Stokes equations for a three-dimensional high-Reynolds-number corner flow.

Hung, C. M.↗

Formulas Pertinent to the Calculation of Flow-Field Effects at Supersonic Speeds Due to Wing Thickness

Expressions based on linearized supersonic-flow theory are derived for the perturbation velocity potential in space due to wing thickness for rectangular wings with biconvex airfoil sections and for arrow, delta, and quadrilateral wings with wedge-type airfoil sections. The complete range of supersonic speeds is considered subject to a minor aspect-ratio-Mach number restriction for the rectangular plan form and to the condition that the trailing edge is supersonic for the sweptback wings. The formulas presented can be utilized in determining the induced-flow characteristics at any point in the field and are readily adaptable for either numerical computation or analytical determination of any velocity components desired.

Margolis, Kenneth↗

Fundamental Processes of Atomization in Fluid-Fluid Flows

This report outlines the major results of the grant "Fundamental Processes of Atomization in Fluid-Fluid Flows." These include: 1) the demonstration that atomization in liquid/liquid shear flow is driven by a viscous shear instability that triggers the formation of a long thin sheet; 2) discovery of a new mode of interfacial instability for oscillatory two-layer systems whereby a mode that originates within the less viscous liquid phase causes interfacial deformation as the oscillation proceeds; 3) the demonstration that rivulet formation from gravity front occurs because the local front shape specified by gravity and surface tension changes from a nose to a wedge geometry, thus triggering a large increase in viscous resistance; and 4) extension of the studies on nonlinear wave evolution on falling films and in stratified flow, particularly the evolution towards large-amplitude solitary waves that tend to generate drops.

McCready, M. J.↗

Turbulent-flow separation criteria for overexpanded supersonic nozzles

A comprehensive compilation of available turbulent flow separation data for overexpanded supersonic nozzles is presented with a discussion of correlation techniques, and prediction methods. Data are grouped by nozzle types: conical, contoured, and two dimensional wedge. Correlation of conical nozzle separation is found to be independent of nozzle divergence half-angle above the 9 deg, whereas the contoured nozzle data follow a different correlation curve. Zero pressure gradient prediction techniques are shown to predict adequately the higher divergence angle conical separation data, and an empirical equation is given for the contoured nozzle data correlation. Flow conditions for which the correlations are invalid are discussed and bounded. A nozzle boundary layer transition criterion is presented which can be used to show that much of the noncorrelating data in the literature are concerned with nonturbulent separation and which explains the previously reported external flow effects on nozzle separation.

Morrisette, E. L.↗

Theoretical supersonic lift and drag characteristics of symmetrical wedge-shape-airfoil sections as affected by sweepback outside the Mach cone

The theoretical supersonic section lift and drag characteristics of thin wedge-shape, untapered airfoils with sweepback are presented. The results apply to those parts of the wing in two dimensional flow and are not applicable to wings swept back within the Mach cone of the center section. The results may also be applied to swept-forward wings if the angle of sweep is not enough to put the wing within the Mach cone from the tips.

Ivey, H Reese↗

Hydraulically Driven Grips For Hot Tensile Specimens

Pair of grips for tensile and compressive test specimens operate at temperatures up to 1,500 degrees F. Grips include wedges holding specimen inside furnace, where heated to uniform temperature. Hydraulic pistons drive wedges, causing them to exert clamping force. Hydraulic pistons and hydraulic fluid remain outside furnace, at room temperature. Cooling water flows through parts of grips to reduce heat transferred to external components. Advantages over older devices for gripping specimens in high-temperature tests; no need to drill holes in specimens, maintains constant gripping force on specimens, and heated to same temperature as that of specimen without risk of heating hydraulic fluid and acuator components.

Bird, R. Keith↗

A Capillary-Based Static Phase Separator for Highly Variable Wetting Conditions

The invention, a static phase separator (SPS), uses airflow and capillary wetting characteristics to passively separate a two-phase (liquid and air) flow. The device accommodates highly variable liquid wetting characteristics. The resultant design allows for a range of wetting properties from about 0 to over 90 advancing contact angle, with frequent complete separation of liquid from gas observed when using appropriately scaled test conditions. Additionally, the design accommodates a range of air-to-liquid flow-rate ratios from only liquid flow to over 200:1 air-to-liquid flow rate. The SPS uses a helix input section with an ice-cream-cone-shaped constant area cross section (see figure). The wedge portion of the cross section is on the outer edge of the helix, and collects the liquid via centripetal acceleration. The helix then passes into an increasing cross-sectional area vane region. The liquid in the helix wedge is directed into the top of capillary wedges in the liquid containment section. The transition from diffuser to containment section includes a 90 change in capillary pumping direction, while maintaining inertial direction. This serves to impinge the liquid into the two off-center symmetrical vanes by the airflow. Rather than the airflow serving to shear liquid away from the capillary vanes, the design allows for further penetration of the liquid into the vanes by the air shear. This is also assisted by locating the air exit ports downstream of the liquid drain port. Additionally, any droplets not contained in the capillary vanes are re-entrained downstream by a third opposing capillary vane, which directs liquid back toward the liquid drain port. Finally, the dual air exit ports serve to slow the airflow down, and to reduce the likelihood of shear. The ports are stove-piped into the cavity to form an unfriendly capillary surface for a wetting fluid to carryover. The liquid drain port is located at the start of the containment region, allowing for draining the bulk fluid in a continuous circuit. The functional operation of the SPS involves introducing liquid flow (from a human body, a syringe, or other source) to the two-phase inlet while an air fan pulls on the air exit lines. The fan is operated until the liquid is fully introduced. The system is drained by negative pressure on the liquid drain lines when the SPS containment system is full.

Thomas, Evan A.↗

Computation of the inviscid supersonic flow over an external axial corner

A second-order finite-difference procedure is used to evaluate the inviscid supersonic flowfield surrounding an external axial corner composed of swept planar compression surfaces and representing the inlets on existing high-speed aircraft. The governing partial differential equations in conservation-law form are hyperbolic with respect to the axial coordinate and are solved iteratively by means of MacCormack's algorithm. The procedure treats both the peripheral shock wave and vortical singularities as discontinuities. Numerical results are presented for two parametric studies regarding the effects on the flowfield of varying the free-stream Mach number and the leading edge sweep of the horizontal wedge. Results of parametric Mach number study agree with the Mach number independence principle in that as the Mach number increases, such characteristics as shock shape, cross-flow sonic line location, and vortical singularity position approach an asymptote.

Kutler, P.↗

Experimental studies of hypersonic shock-wave boundary-layer interactions

Two classes of shock-wave boundary-layer interactions were studied experimentally in a shock tunnel in which a low Reynolds number, turbulent flow at Mach 8 was developed on a cold, flat test surface. The two classes of interactions were: (1) a swept interaction generated by a wedge ('fin') mounted perpendicularly on the flat plate; and (2) a two-dimensional, unseparated interaction induced by a shock impinging near an expansion corner. The swept interaction, with wedge angles of 5-20 degrees, was separated and there was also indication that the strongest interactions prossessed secondary separation zones. The interaction spread out extensively from the inviscid shock location although no indication of quasi-conical symmetry was evident. The surface pressure from the upstream influence to the inviscid shock was relatively low compared to the inviscid downstream value but it rose rapidly past the inviscid shock location. However, the surface pressure did not reach the downstream inviscid value and reasons were proposed for this anomalous behavior compared to strongly separated, supersonic interactions. The second class of interactions involved weak shocks impinging near small expansion corners. As a prelude to studying this interaction, a hypersonic similarity parameter was identified for the pure, expansion corner flow. The expansion corner severely damped out surface pressure fluctuations. When a shock impinged upstream of the corner, no significant changes to the surface pressure were found as compared to the case when the shock impinged on a flat plate. But, when the shock impinged downstream of the corner, a close coupling existed between the two wave systems, unlike the supersonic case. This close coupling modified the upstream influence. Regardless of whether the shock impinged ahead or behind the corner, the downstream region was affected by the close coupling between the shock and the expansion. Not only was the mean pressure distribution modified but the unsteadiness in the surface pressure was reduced compared to the flat-plate case.

Lu, Frank K.↗

Hot corrosion of low cobalt alloys

The hot corrosion attack susceptibility of various alloys as a function of strategic materials content are investigated. Preliminary results were obtained for two commercial alloys, UDIMET 700 and Mar-M 247, that were modified by varying the cobalt content. For both alloys the cobalt content was reduced in steps to zero. Nickel content was increased accordingly to make up for the reduced cobalt but all other constituents were held constant. Wedge bar test samples were produced by casting. The hot corrosion test consisted of cyclically exposing samples to the high velocity flow of combustion products from an air-fuel burner fueled with jet A-1 and seeded with a sodium chloride aqueous solution. The flow velocity was Mach 0.5 and the sodium level was maintained at 0.5 ppm in terms of fuel plus air. The test cycle consisted of holding the test samples at 900 C for 1 hour followed by 3 minutes in which the sample could cool to room temperature in an ambient temperature air stream.

Stearns, C. A.↗

Experimental investigation of nozzle/plume aerodynamics at hypersonic speeds

Much of the work involved the Ames 16-Inch Shock Tunnel facility. The facility was reactivated and upgraded, a data acquisition system was configured and upgraded several times, several facility calibrations were performed and test entries with a wedge model with hydrogen injection and a full scramjet combustor model, with hydrogen injection, were performed. Extensive CFD modeling of the flow in the facility was done. This includes modeling of the unsteady flow in the driver and driven tubes and steady flow modeling of the nozzle flow. Other modeling efforts include simulations of non-equilibrium flows and turbulence, plasmas, light gas guns and the use of non-ideal gas equations of state. New experimental techniques to improve the performance of gas guns, shock tubes and tunnels and scramjet combustors were conceived and studied computationally. Ways to improve scramjet engine performance using steady and pulsed detonation waves were also studied computationally. A number of studies were performed on the operation of the ram accelerator, including investigations of in-tube gasdynamic heating and the use of high explosives to raise the velocity capability of the device.

Bogdanoff, David W.↗

Weak incident shock interactions with Mach 8 laminar boundary layers

Weak shock-wave interactions with boundary layers on a flat plate were investigated experimentally in Mach 8 variable-density tunnel for plate-length Reynolds numbers. The undisturbed boundary layers were laminar over the entire plate length. Pressure and heat-transfer distributions were obtained for wedge-generated incident shock waves that resulted in pressure rises ranging from 1.36 to 4.46 (both nonseparated and separated boundary-layer flows). The resulting heat-transfer amplifications ranged from 1.45 to 14. The distributions followed established trends for nonseparated flows, for incipient separation, and for laminar free-interaction pressure rises. The experimental results corroborated established trends for the extent of the pressure rise and for certain peak heat-transfer correlations.

Kaufman, L. G., II↗

Propagation of aircraft noise

The major tasks undertaken were (1) analytical and laboratory experiments on the propagation of sound from sources near a flat surface of finite acoustic impedance; (2) laboratory experiments dealing with the reflection of sound from finite sized plane patches; and (3) the diffraction of sound by wedge-and trapezoidal-shape barriers. In addition, a series of measurements were made of the background noise levels for various jet flow conditions in the Anechoic Noise Facility of the Langley Research Center's Acoustic and Noise Reduction Laboratory.

Pierce, A. D.↗

Numerical Investigation of PLIF Gas Seeding for Hypersonic Boundary Layer Flows

Numerical simulations of gas-seeding strategies required for planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) in a Mach 10 air flow were performed. The work was performed to understand and quantify adverse effects associated with gas seeding and to compare different flow rates and different types of seed gas. The gas was injected through a slot near the leading edge of a flat plate wedge model used in NASA Langley Research Center's 31- Inch Mach 10 Air Tunnel facility. Nitric oxide, krypton, and iodine gases were simulated at various injection rates. Simulation results showing the deflection of the velocity field for each of the cases are presented. Streamwise distributions of velocity and concentration boundary layer thicknesses as well as vertical distributions of velocity, temperature, and mass distributions are presented for each of the cases. Relative merits of the different seeding strategies are discussed.

Johanson, Craig T.↗

Critical Velocities in Open Capillary Flow

This paper describes the proposed research program on open capillary flow and the preliminary work performed theoretically and in drop tower experiments. The work focuses on the fundamental physical understanding of the flow through capillary bound geometries, where the circumference of the cross section of the flow path contains free surfaces. Examples for such a flow configuration are capillary vanes in surface tension tanks, flow along edges and corners and flow through liquid bridges. The geometries may be classified by their cross section areas, wetted circumferences and the radii of curvature of the free surfaces. In the streaming float zone the flow path is bound by a free surface only. The ribbon vane is a model for vane types used in surface tension tanks, where a structure in proximity to the tank wall forms a capillary gap. A groove is used in heat pipes for the transportation of the condensed working fluid to the heat source and a wedge may occur in a spaceborne experiment where fluid has to be transported by the means of surface tension. The research objectives are the determination of the maximum volume flux, the observation of the free surfaces and the liquid flow inside the flow path as well as the evaluation of the limiting capillary wave speed. The restriction of the maximum volume flux is due to convective forces (flow velocity exceeding the capillary wave speed) and/or viscous forces, i.e. the viscous head loss along the flow path must be compensated by the capillary pressure due to the curved free surface. Exceeding the maximum volume flux leads to the choking of the flow path, thus the free surface collapses and.gas ingestion occurs at the outlet. The means are ground-based experimental work with plateau tanks and in a drop tower, a sounding rocket flight, and theoretical analysis with integral balances as well as full three dimensional CFD solutions for flow with free surfaces.

Dreyer, Michael↗

Comparison of continuum and particle simulations of expanding rarefied flows

Comparisons of Navier-Stokes solutions and particle simulations for a simple two-dimensional model problem at a succession of altitudes are performed in order to assess the importance of rarefaction effects on the base flow region. In addition, an attempt is made to include 'Burnett-type' extensions to the Navier-Stokes constitutive relations. The model geometry consists of a simple blunted wedge with a 0.425 meter nose radius, a 70 deg cone half angle, a 1.7 meter base length, and a rounded shoulder. The working gas is monatomic with a molecular weight and viscosity similar to air and was chosen to focus the study on the continuum and particle methodologies rather than the implementation of thermo-chemical modeling. Three cases are investigated, all at Mach 29, with densities corresponding to altitudes of 92 km, 99 km, and 105 km. At the lowest altitude, Navier-Stokes solutions agree well with particle simulations. At the higher altitudes, the Navier-Stokes equations become less accurate. In particular, the Navier-Stokes equations and particle method predict substantially different flow turning angle in the wake near the after body. Attempts to achieve steady continuum solutions including 'Burnett-type' terms failed. Further research is required to determine whether the boundary conditions, the equations themselves, or other unknown causes led to this failure.

Lumpkin, Forrest E., III↗