SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Reduction Potential”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 37 records · Page 2

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2022

Low-Speed Performance Enhancement using Localized Active Flow Control: Program Overview and Summary (1/4)

The Boeing team executed a NASA task order, titled “Low Speed Performance Enhancement using Localized Active Flow Control”, under the BAART framework NNL16AA04B, contract number 80LARC20F0082. The project was executed from Sept. 2020 through April 2022 with the objective to explore localized active flow control (AFC) concepts on a representative commercial aircraft. A detailed literature review solidified the choice of AFC concepts to be explored, including AFC over a deflected aileron, in the leading edge region of the wing, and in the nacelle/pylon/wing region. All three concepts were investigated with numerical tools. The results were used in an integration study to assess the net benefits over the lifetime of a commercial aircraft. The aerodynamic studies concluded that AFC applied over a deflected aileron yields significant net L/D improvements (incl. the penalty of AFC system requirements) of up to potentially 5% L/D. Depending on the configuration, AFC applied in the leading edge region showed improvements in L/D of up to ~1.5%, as well as opportunities for maximum lift and increased lift at fixed angle of attack. AFC applied to the nacelle/pylon/wing region delivered 1.5% increase in L/D during take-off and ~4% increase in CLmax during landing. After considering assumed onboard sources, aspects of system integration and weight penalties, these aerodynamic improvements translate to: ~ 0.5% block fuel reduction potential for AFC over the aileron ~ 0.1% block fuel reduction potential for AFC in the LE slat region ~ 0.2% block fuel reduction potential for AFC in the nacelle/pylon/wing region considering take-off scenarios (potentially larger benefit may be realized considering the landing scenarios which haven’t been fully analyzed yet) The final report is comprised of four separate documents. The current document provides an overview and technical background. The second document details the numerical studies and the third document summarizes the integration and aircraft performance assessment. The fourth document focuses on the Common Research Model, specifically how AFC performs over a deflected aileron and how the NASA 10% scale wind tunnel model may be modified to implement an AFC equipped aileron. Each report offers significantly more detailed summaries and suggestions for future work.

Active flow control↗

NASA NTRS1990

Electrochemistry of cations in diopsidic melt - Determining diffusion rates and redox potentials from voltammetric curves

Results are presented on determinations of reduction potentials and their temperature dependence of selected ions in diopsidic melt, by using linear sweep voltammetry. Diffusion coefficients were measured for cations of Eu, Mn, Cr, and In. Enthalpies and entropies of reduction were determined for the cations V(V), Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Mn(3+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+), Mo(VI), Sn(IV), and Eu(3+). Reduction potentials were used to study the structural state of cations in the melt.

Colson, Russell O.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Distributed Exhaust Nozzles for Jet Noise Reduction

The main objective of this study is to validate the jet noise reduction potential of a concept associated with distributed exhaust nozzles. Under this concept the propulsive thrust is generated by a larger number of discrete plumes issuing from an array of small or mini-nozzles. The potential of noise reduction of this concept stems from the fact that a large number of small jets will produce very high frequency noise and also, if spaced suitably, they will coalesce at a smaller velocity to produce low amplitude, low frequency noise. This is accomplished through detailed acoustic and fluid measurements along with a Computational Fluidic Dynamic (CFD) solution of the mean (DE) Distributed Exhaust nozzle flowfield performed by Northrop-Grumman. The acoustic performance is quantified in an anechoic chamber. Farfield acoustic data is acquired for a DE nozzle as well as a round nozzle of the same area. Both these types of nozzles are assessed numerically using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) techniques. The CFD analysis ensures that both nozzles issued the same amount of airflow for a given nozzle pressure ratio. Data at a variety of nozzle pressure ratios are acquired at a range of polar and azimuthal angles. Flow visualization of the DE nozzle is used to assess the fluid dynamics of the small jet interactions. Results show that at high subsonic jet velocities, the DE nozzle shifts its frequency of peak amplitude to a higher frequency relative to a round nozzle of equivalent area (from a S(sub tD) = 0.24 to 1. 3). Furthermore, the DE nozzle shows reduced sound pressure levels (as much as 4 - 8 dB) in the low frequency part of the spectrum (less than S(sub tD) = 0.24 ) compared to the round nozzle. At supersonic jet velocities, the DE nozzle does not exhibit the jet screech and the shock-associated broadband noise is reduced by as much as 12 dB.

Ahuja, K. K.↗

NASA NTRS2015

NASA's Vision for Potential Energy Reduction from Future Generations of Propulsion Technology

Through a robust partnership with the aviation industry, over the past 50 years NASA programs have helped foster advances in propulsion technology that enabled substantial reductions in fuel consumption for commercial transports. Emerging global trends and continuing environmental concerns are creating challenges that will very likely transform the face of aviation over the next 20-40 years. In recognition of this development, NASA Aeronautics has established a set of Research Thrusts that will help define the future direction of the agency's research technology efforts. Two of these thrusts, Ultra-Efficient Commercial Vehicles and Transition to Low-Carbon Propulsion, serve as cornerstones for the Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) project. The AATT project is exploring and developing high-payoff technologies and concepts that are key to continued improvement in energy efficiency and environmental compatibility for future generations of fixed-wing, subsonic transports. The AATT project is primarily focused on the N+3 timeframe, or 3 generations from current technology levels. As should be expected, many of the propulsion system architectures technologies envisioned for N+3 vary significantly from todays engines. The use of batteries in a hybrid-electric configuration or deploying multiple fans distributed across the airframe to enable higher bypass ratios are just two examples of potential advances that could enable substantial energy reductions over current propulsion systems.

Airbreathing Propulsion↗

NASA NTRS1987

An electrochemical series of redox couples in silicate melts - A review and applications to geochemistry

An electrochemical series for redox couples in a glass-forming oxide melt is developed. This series is a quantitative numerical scale of reference reduction potentials of the redox couples in a silicate melt that is a model for basaltic magmas. The redox couples are ordered in terms of their reference reduction potentials; the order appears to be relatively independent of the exact melt composition and temperature. Thus, upon calibration to a desired composition, oxygen fugacity, and temperature, this electrochemical series can provide estimates of redox state proportions in basaltic magmas on different planetary bodies. The geochemical electrochemical series can also be used to understand the interrelationship of the redox state of the magma and the presence of volatile species such as oxygen, water, sulfur gases, and carbon gases.

Schreiber, Henry D.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Pollution reduction technology program for small jet aircraft engines, phase 1

A series of combustor pressure rig screening tests was conducted on three combustor concepts applied to the TFE731-2 turbofan engine combustion system for the purpose of evaluating their relative emissions reduction potential consistent with prescribed performance, durability, and envelope contraints. The three concepts and their modifications represented increasing potential for reducing emission levels with the penalty of increased hardware complexity and operational risk. Concept 1 entailed advanced modifications to the present production TFE731-2 combustion system. Concept 2 was based on the incorporation of an axial air-assisted airblast fuel injection system. Concept 3 was a staged premix/prevaporizing combustion system. Significant emissions reductions were achieved in all three concepts, consistent with acceptable combustion system performance. Concepts 2 and 3 were identified as having the greatest achievable emissions reduction potential, and were selected to undergo refinement to prepare for ultimate incorporation within an engine.

Bruce, T. W.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Method for Estimating Thread Strength Reduction of Damaged Parent Holes with Inserts

During normal assembly and disassembly of bolted-joint components, thread damage and/or deformation may occur. If threads are overloaded, thread damage/deformation can also be anticipated. Typical inspection techniques (e.g. using GO-NO GO gages) may not provide adequate visibility of the extent of thread damage. More detailed inspection techniques have provided actual pitch-diameter profiles of damaged-hardware holes. A method to predict the reduction in thread shear-out capacity of damaged threaded holes has been developed. This method was based on testing and analytical modeling. Test samples were machined to simulate damaged holes in the hardware of interest. Test samples containing pristine parent-holes were also manufactured from the same bar-stock material to provide baseline results for comparison purposes. After the particular parent-hole thread profile was machined into each sample a helical insert was installed into the threaded hole. These samples were tested in a specially designed fixture to determine the maximum load required to shear out the parent threads. It was determined from the pristine-hole samples that, for the specific material tested, each individual thread could resist an average load of 3980 pounds. The shear-out loads of the holes having modified pitch diameters were compared to the ultimate loads of the specimens with pristine holes. An equivalent number of missing helical coil threads was then determined based on the ratio of shear-out loads for each thread configuration. These data were compared with the results from a finite element model (FEM). The model gave insights into the ability of the thread loads to redistribute for both pristine and simulated damage configurations. In this case, it was determined that the overall potential reduction in thread load-carrying capability in the hardware of interest was equal to having up to three fewer threads in the hole that bolt threads could engage. One- half of this potential reduction was due to local pitch-diameter variations and the other half was due to overall pitch-diameter enlargement beyond Class 2 fit. This result was important in that the thread shear capacity for this particular hardware design was the limiting structural capability. The details of the method development, including the supporting testing, data reduction and analytical model results comparison will be discussed hereafter.

Johnson, David L.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Far Term Noise Reduction Technology Roadmap for a Large Twin-Aisle Tube-And-Wing Subsonic Transport

Interest in unconventional aircraft architectures has steadily increased over the past several decades. However, each of these concepts has several technical challenges to overcome before maturing to the point of commercial acceptance. In the interim, it is important to identify any technologies that will enhance the noise reduction of conventional tube-and-wing aircraft. A technology roadmap with an assumed acoustic technology level of a 2035 entry into service is established for a large twin-aisle, tube-and-wing architecture to identify which technologies provide the most noise reduction. The noise reduction potential of the architecture relative to NASA noise goals is also assessed. The current roadmap estimates only a 30 EPNdB cumulative margin to Stage 4 for this configuration of a tube-and-wing aircraft with engines under the wing. This falls short of reaching even the 2025 Mid Term NASA goal (32 EPNdB) in the Far Term time frame. Specifically, the lack of additional technologies to reduce the aft fan noise and the corresponding installation effects is the key limitation of the noise reduction potential of the aircraft. Under the same acoustic technology assumptions, unconventional architectures are shown to offer an 8–10 EPNdB benefit from favorable relative placement of the engine when integrated to the airframe.

June, Jason C.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Kinetic and Thermodynamic Characterization of the Cobalt and Manganese Oxyhydroxide Cores Formed in Horse Spleen Ferritin

Horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) containing 800-1500 cobalt or 250-1200 manganese atoms as Co(O)OH and Mn(O)OH mineral cores within the HoSF interior (Co-HoSF and Mn-HoSF) was synthesized, and the chemical reactivity, kinetics of reduction, and the reduction potentials were measured. Microcoulometric and chemical reduction of HoSF containing the M(O)OH mineral core (M = Co or Mn) was rapid and quantitative with a reduction stoichiometry of 1.05+/-0.10 e/M forming a stable M(OH)2 mineral core. At pH 9.0, ascorbic acid (AH2), a two-electron reductant, effectively reduced the mineral cores; however, the reaction was incomplete and rapidly reached equilibrium. The addition of excess AH2 shifted the reaction to completion with a M(3+)/AH2 stoichiometry of 1.9-2.1, consistent with a single electron per metal atom reduction. The rate of reaction between M(0)OH and excess AH2 was measured by monitoring the decrease in mineral core absorbance with time. The reaction was first order in each reactant with second-order rate constants of 0.53 and 4.74/M/min, respectively, for Co- and Mn-HoSF at pH 9.0. From the variation of absorbance with increasing AH2 concentration, equilibrium constants at pH 9.0 of 5.0+/-1.9 for Co-HoSF and 2.9+/-0.9 for Mn-HoSF were calculated for 2M(O)OH + AH2 = 2M(OH)2 f D, where AH2 and D are ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, respectively. Consistent with these equilibrium constants, the standard potential for the reduction of Co(III)-HoSF is 42 mV more positive than that of the ascorbic acid reaction, while the standard potential of Mn(III)-HoSF is 27 mV positive relative to AH2. Fe(2+) in solution with Co- and Mn-HoSF under anaerobic conditions was oxidized to form Fe(O)OH within the HoSF interior, resulting in partial displacement of the Co or Mn by iron.

Zhang, Bo↗

NASA NTRS1974

A review of air transport noise

Flight vehicles are characterized according to their manner of operation and type of propulsion system, and their associated sources of noise are identified. Available noise reduction technology as it relates to engine cycle design and to power plant component design is summarized. Such components as exhaust jets, fans, propellers, rotors, airflow-surface interactions, and reciprocating engine exhausts are discussed, along with their noise reduction potentials. Significant aircraft noise reductions are noted to have been accomplished by the application of available technology in support of noise certification rules. Improved analytical prediction methods, and well controlled validation experiments supported by advanced design aeroacoustic facilities, are required as a basis for an effective integrated systems approach to aircraft noise control.

Hubbard, H. H.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Trends in aircraft noise control

Flight vehicles are characterized according to their manner of operation and type of propulsion system; and their associated sources of noise are identified. Available noise reduction technology as it relates to engine cycle design and to powerplant component design is summarized. Such components as exhaust jets, fans, propellers, rotors, blown flaps, and reciprocating-engine exhausts are discussed, along with their noise reduction potentials. Significant aircraft noise reductions are noted to have been accomplished by the application of available technology in support of noise certification rules. Further noise reductions to meet more stringent future noise regulations will require substantial additional technology developments. Improved analytical prediction methods, and well-controlled validation experiments supported by advanced-design aeroacoustic facilities, are required as a basis for an effective integrated systems approach to aircraft noise control.

Hubbard, H. H.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Overview of Aeroacoustic Testing of the High-Lift Common Research Model

This paper presents an overview of the experimental data obtained in a 2020/2021 aeroacoustic test of the high-lift variant of the common research model. The breadth of the aerodynamic and acoustic measurements is highlighted along with some key results. Aerodynamic data were observed to be consistent with previous observations, and the acoustic measurements were repeatable once some background noise and shear layer issues were resolved. The primary purpose of the test was to evaluate the noise reduction potential of slat noise reduction devices, and a slat-gap filler was found to produce substantial noise reduction over a broad frequency range. The gap filler was designed to meet practical implementation considerations at full scale and constructed out of shape-memory alloys that would allow the slat to be articulated. However, additional structural testing will be required to demonstrate the performance of the gap filler during slat deployment and retraction. Over 3,500 test points were collected during the test, and only a small fraction of the experimental data has been processed in a preliminary manner. Nonetheless, the results presented demonstrate the quality of the dataset and reveal some insights about slat noise.

Aeroacoustics↗

NASA NTRS1978

Characteristics of future air cargo demand and impact on aircraft development: A report on the Cargo/Logistic Airlift Systems Study (CLASS) project

Current domestic and international air cargo operations are studied and the characteristics of 1990 air cargo demand are postulated from surveys conducted at airports and with shippers, consignees, and freight forwarders as well as air, land, and ocean carriers. Simulation and route optimization programs are exercised to evaluate advanced aircraft concepts. The results show that proposed changes in the infrastructure and improved cargo loading efficiencies are as important enhancing the prospects of air cargo growth as is the advent of advanced freighter aircraft. Potential reductions in aircraft direct operating costs are estimated and related to future total revenue. Service and cost elasticities are established and utilized to estimate future potential tariff reductions that may be realized through direct and indirect operating cost reductions and economies of scale.

Whitehead, A. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Blended Wing Body (BWB) Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) Inlet Configuration and System Studies

A study was conducted to determine the potential reduction in fuel burned for BLI (boundary layer ingestion) inlets on a BWB (blended wing body) airplane employing AFC (active flow control). The BWB is a revolutionary type airplane configuration with engines on the aft upper surface where thick boundary layer offers the greatest opportunity for ram drag reduction. AFC is an emerging technology for boundary layer control. Several BLI inlet configurations were analyzed in the NASA-developed RANS Overflow CFD code. The study determined that, while large reductions in ram drag result from BLI, lower inlet pressure recovery produces engine performance penalties that largely offset this ram drag reduction. AFC could, however, enable a short BLI inlet that allows surface mounting of the engine which, when coupled with a short diffuser, would significantly reduce drag and weight for a potential 10% reduction in fuel burned. Continuing studies are therefore recommended to achieve this reduction in fuel burned considering the use of more modest amounts of BLI coupled with both AFC and PFC (Passive Flow Control) to produce a fail-operational system.

Kawai, Ronald T.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Evaluation of a staged fuel combustor for turboprop engines

Proposed EPA emission regulations require emission reduction by 1979 for various gas turbine engine classes. Extensive combustion technology advancements are required to meet the proposed regulations. The T56 turboprop engine requires CO, UHC, and smoke reduction. A staged fuel combustor design was tested on a combustion rig to evaluate emission reduction potential in turboprop engines from fuel zoning. The can-type combustor has separately fueled-pilot and main combustion zones in series. The main zone fueling system was arranged for potential incorporation into the T56 with minor or no modifications to the basic engine. Three combustor variable geometry systems were incorporated to evaluate various airflow distributions. Emission results with fixed geometry operation met all proposed EPA regulations over the EPA LTO cycle. CO reduction was 82 percent, UHC reduction was 96 percent, and smoke reduction was 84 percent. NOx increased 14 percent over the LTO cycle. At high power, NOx reduction was 40 to 55 percent. This NOx reduction has potential application to stationary gas turbine powerplants which have different EPA regulations.

Verdouw, A. J.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Challenges with Material Interfaces in a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine Heat Exchanger

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) technology is an enabling technology to send humans to Mars and for agile cis-lunar mobility. NTP systems operate by flowing a propellent through a nuclear reactor. The resulting heated propellent is expulsed through a nozzle to create thrust. A key component in an NTP engine is the heat exchange tubes located within the nuclear reactor. The heat exchange tubes must be able to operate structurally at temperatures up to 2900 K. Carbon-Carbon is a potential material choice for the heat exchange tubes as the material maintains structural integrity at high temperatures. To achieve desired propulsion performance, NTP engines operate at extreme temperatures. In the extreme environment, differences in material coefficients of thermal expansion must be taken into account to avoid potential reduction of engine performance or system failure. Identified potential problems and proposed solutions to material interface challenges in the material interfaces of the heat exchange tubes are discussed, along with lessons learned for future work on NTP engine designs.

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Challenges with Material Interfaces in a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine Heat Exchanger

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion↗

NASA NTRS2002

Revolutionary Concepts for Helicopter Noise Reduction: SILENT Program

As part of a NASA initiative to reduce helicopter main rotor noise, a Phase 1 study has been performed of candidate noise reduction concepts. Both conventional and novel design technologies have been analyzed that reduce the community impact of helicopter operations. In this study the noise reduction potential and design implications are assessed for conventional means of noise reduction, e.g., tip speed reduction, tip shapes and airfoil tailoring, and for two innovative design concepts: modulated blade spacing and x-force control. Main rotor designs that incorporate modulated blade spacing are shown to have reduced peak noise levels in most flight operations. X-force control alters the helicopter's force balance whereby the miss distance between main rotor blades and shed vortices can be controlled. This control provides a high potential to mitigate BVI noise radiation. Each concept is evaluated using best practice design and analysis methods, achieving the study's aim to significantly reduce noise with minimal performance degradation and no vibration increase. It is concluded that a SILENT main rotor design, incorporating the modulated blade spacing concept, offers significantly reduced noise levels and the potential of a breakthrough in how a helicopter's sound is perceived and judged. The SILENT rotor represents a definite advancement in the state-of-the-art and is selected as the design concept for demonstration in Phase 2. A Phase 2 Implementation Plan is developed for whirl cage and wind tunnel evaluations of a scaled model SILENT rotor.

Edwards, Bryan↗