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At least 37 records · Page 2

Semi-span model testing in the National Transonic Facility

A semi-span testing technique has been proposed for the NASA Langley Research Center's National Transonic Facility (NTF). Semi-span testing has several advantages including (1) larger model size, giving increased Reynolds number capability; (2) improved model fidelity, allowing ease of flap and slat positioning which ultimately improves data quality; and (3) reduced construction costs compared with a full-span model. In addition, the increased model size inherently allows for increased model strength, reducing aeroelastic effects at the high dynamic pressure levels necessary to simulate flight Reynolds numbers. The Energy Efficient Transport (EET) full-span model has been modified to become the EET semi-span model. The full-span EET model was tested extensively at both NASA LRC and NASA Ames Research Center. The available full-span data will be useful in validating the semi-span test strategy in the NTF. In spite of the advantages discussed above, the use of a semi-span model does introduce additional challenges which must be addressed in the testing procedure. To minimize the influence of the sidewall boundary layer on the flow over the semi-span model, the model must be off-set from the sidewall. The objective is to remove the semi-span model from the sidewall boundary layer by use of a stand-off geometry. When this is done however, the symmetry along the centerline of the full-span model is lost when the semi-span model is mounted on the wind tunnel sidewall. In addition, the large semi-span model will impose a significant pressure loading on the sidewall boundary layer, which may cause separation. Even under flow conditions where the sidewall boundary layer remains attached, the sidewall boundary layer may adversely effect the flow over the semi-span model. Also, the increased model size and sidewall mounting requires a modified wall correction strategy. With these issues in mind, the semi-span model has been well instrumented with surface pressure taps to obtain data on the expected complex flow field in the near wall region. This status report summarizes the progress to date on developing the semi-span geometry definition suitable for generating structured grids for the computational research. In addition, the progress on evaluating three state-of-the-art Navier-Stokes codes is presented.

Chokani, Ndaona↗

Advanced All-Fluorinated Electrolytes for Extended Cycle Life and Stability of Li||SPAN Batteries

Achieving long-term stability and consistent capacity in lithium (Li) metal batteries with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) cathodes requires precisely engineered electrolytes to optimize interphase formation and redox reversibility. Here, this study presents 1,1-difluoro-2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane (DFE)-based localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), incorporating fluorinated components such as salt, solvating solvent, and diluent for improved electrode stability. Molecular dynamics simulations and surface analyses reveal that the DFE-LHCE with 1,2-bis(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (BTFEE) diluent produces uniform and robust interphase layers on both cathode and anode, enriched with inorganic species like LiF and Li 2 O. These properties lead to prolonged redox reversibility of the SPAN cathode, suppressed side reactions, and extended cycle life for Li||SPAN cells. Remarkably, DFE-BTFEE-LHCE enables Li||SPAN coin cells with an areal capacity of ∼7 mAh cm -2 for SPAN to retain 81.3% capacity after 200 cycles and pouch cells of 0.12 Ah with 8 mAh cm -2 of SPAN and lean electrolyte to maintain 96.4% capacity over 80 cycles. These findings pave the way for advancing Li||SPAN battery technologies.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The effect of partial-span split flaps on the aerodynamic characteristics of a Clark Y wing

Aerodynamic force tests were made in the N.A.C.A. 7 by 10 foot wind tunnel on a model Clark Y wing with a 20 percent chord split flap deflected 60 degrees downward. The tests were made to determine the effect of partial-span split flaps, located at various positions along the wing span on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing-and-flap combination. The different lengths and locations of the flaps were obtained by cutting off portions of a full-span flap, first from the tips and then from the center. The results are given in the form of curves of lift, drag, and center of pressure. They show that with partial-span split flaps both the lift and drag are less than with full-span flaps; that the lift for a given length of flap is somewhat greater when the partial span is located at the center of the wing than when it is located at the tip portion, and that the drag for a given length of flap is the same regardless of the location over the flap with respect to the wing span.

Wenzinger, Carl J↗

Semi-span model testing in the National Transonic Facility

The objectives of the present research are: (1) to develop a computational approach to support semi-span model test techniques in the NTF; and (2) to integrate this approach with the conduct of an experimental test program. To meet these objectives, the following approach is taken. A state-of-the-art three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver is employed to compute the flow over both a full-span configuration and a semi-span configuration mounted on the sidewall of the tunnel. The computations are validated by making direct comparisons to experimental data for both configurations. Then, the semi-span computational results are compared to the full-span results to document how the flow over the semi-span configuration differs from that over the full-span configuration. The results of this comparative study will be used to provide a conceptual framework within which a semi-spa model test technique may be implemented in the NTF.

Chokani, Ndaona↗

Study of Semi-Span Model Testing Techniques

An investigation has been conducted in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel in order to further the development of semi-span testing capabilities. A twin engine, energy efficient transport (EET) model with a four-element wing in a takeoff configuration was used for this investigation. Initially a full span configuration was tested and force and moment data, wing and fuselage surface pressure data, and fuselage boundary layer measurements were obtained as a baseline data set. The semi-span configurations were then mounted on the wind tunnel floor, and the effects of fuselage standoff height and shape as well as the effects of the tunnel floor boundary layer height were investigated. The effectiveness of tangential blowing at the standoff/floor juncture as an active boundary-layer control technique was also studied. Results indicate that the semi-span configuration was more sensitive to variations in standoff height than to variations in floor boundary layer height. A standoff height equivalent to 30 percent of the fuselage radius resulted in better correlation with full span data than no standoff or the larger standoff configurations investigated. Undercut standoff leading edges or the use of tangential blowing in the standoff/ floor juncture improved correlation of semi-span data with full span data in the region of maximum lift coefficient.

Gatlin, Gregory M.↗

Computational analysis of semi-span model test techniques

A computational investigation was conducted to support the development of a semi-span model test capability in the NASA LaRC's National Transonic Facility. This capability is required for the testing of high-lift systems at flight Reynolds numbers. A three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver was used to compute the low-speed flow over both a full-span configuration and a semi-span configuration. The computational results were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The computational results indicate that the stand-off height has a strong influence on the flow over a semi-span model. The semi-span model adequately replicates the aerodynamic characteristics of the full-span configuration when a small stand-off height, approximately twice the tunnel empty sidewall boundary layer displacement thickness, is used. Several active sidewall boundary layer control techniques were examined including: upstream blowing, local jet blowing, and sidewall suction. Both upstream tangential blowing, and sidewall suction were found to minimize the separation of the sidewall boundary layer ahead of the semi-span model. The required mass flow rates are found to be practicable for testing in the NTF. For the configuration examined, the active sidewall boundary layer control techniques were found to be necessary only near the maximum lift conditions.

Milholen, William E., II↗

A Combined Length-of-Day Series Spanning 1832-1997

The Earth's rotation is not constant but exhibits minute changes on all observable time scales ranging from subdaily to secular. This rich spectrum of observed Earth rotation changes reflects the rich variety of astronomical and geophysical phenomena that are causing the Earth's rotation to change, including, but not limited to, ocean and solid body tides, atmospheric wind and pressure changes, oceanic current and sea level height changes, post-glacial rebound, and torques acting at the core-mantle boundary. In particular, the decadal-scale variations of the Earth's rotation are thought to be largely caused by interactions between the Earth's outer core and mantle. Comparing the inferred Earth rotation variations caused by the various core-mantle interactions to observed variations requires Earth rotation observations spanning decades, if not centuries. During the past century many different techniques have been used to observe the Earth's rotation. By combining the individual Earth rotation series determined by each of these techniques, a series of the Earth's rotation can be obtained that is based upon independent measurements spanning the greatest possible time interval. In this study, independent observations of the Earth's rotation are combined to generate a length-of-day series spanning 1832-1997. The observations combined include lunar occultation measurements spanning 1832-1955, optical astrometric measurements spanning 1956-1982, lunar laser ranging measurements spanning 1970-1997, and very long baseline interferometric measurements spanning 1978-1998. These series are combined using a Kalman filter developed at JPL for just this purpose. The resulting combined length-of-day series will be presented and compared with other available length-of-day series of similar duration.

Gross, Richard S.↗

Development of a Semi-Span Test Capability at the National Transonic Facility

A need for low-speed, high Reynolds number test capabilities has been identified for the design and development of advanced subsonic transport high-lift systems. In support of this need, multiple investigations have been conducted in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at the NASA Langley Research Center to develop a semi-span testing capability that will provide the low-speed, flight Reynolds number data currently unattainable using conventional sting-mounted, full-span models. Although a semi-span testing capability will effectively double the Reynolds number capability over full-span models, it does come at the expense of contending with the issue of the interaction of the flow over the model with the windtunnel wall boundary layer. To address this issue the size and shape of the semi-span model mounting geometry have been investigated, and the results are presented herein. The cryogenic operating environment of the NTF produced another semi-span test technique issue in that varying thermal gradients have developed on the large semi-span balance. The suspected cause of these thermal gradients and methods to eliminate them are presented. Data are also presented that demonstrate the successful elimination of these varying thermal gradients during cryogenic operations.

Gatlin, G. M.↗

A solid electrolyte interphase to protect the sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) composite for Li–S batteries: computational approach addressing the electrolyte/SPAN interfacial reactivity

This study addresses the reactivity of multiple solvents and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) at the interface with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) in multiple stages of lithiation via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Here, both ether 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) proved stable on the lithiated SPAN surface regardless of the lithium content, meaning that neither of these species likely contributes to growing a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) coating to protect the SPAN composite. Conversely, cyclic carbonates, ethylene carbonate (EC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) are shown to be very active. The EC reduction occurs only on a highly lithiated surface with a 3.0 Li/S molar ratio, the equivalent of the SPAN composite in an over-discharge regime with voltages close to 0.0 V vs. Li/Li + . The FEC reduction starts with a 2.0 Li/S molar ratio and above, suggesting that FEC could act as a useful additive in electrolyte formulations with EC. Both EC and FEC follow multiple reduction mechanisms to produce complex reduction products and LiF in the FEC case. We provide a mechanistic description for each detected decomposition path. The LiFSI salt also proves reactive against the lithiated SPAN surface. The FSI – defluorination is the dominant reduction path. However, the SO 2 NSO 2 F – and SO 2 NSO 2 2– species proved stable against S–N cleavage. This behavior makes the LiFSI salt a potential candidate for SPAN-based Li–S batteries because it produces LiF without releasing SO 2 .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Root responses to elevated CO 2 , warming and irrigation in a semi-arid grassland: Integrating biomass, length and life span in a 5-year field experiment

Plant roots mediate the impacts of environmental change on ecosystems, yet knowledge of root responses to environmental change is limited because few experiments evaluate multiple environmental factors and their interactions. Inferences about root functions are also limited because root length dynamics are rarely measured. Using a 5-year experiment in a mixed-grass prairie, we report the responses of root biomass, length and life span to elevated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), warming, elevated CO 2 and warming combined, and irrigation. Root biomass was quantified using soil cores and root length dynamics were assessed using minirhizotrons. By comparing root dynamics with published results for soil resources and above-ground productivity, we provide mechanistic insights into how climate change might impact grassland ecosystems. In the upper soil layer, 0–15 cm depth, both irrigation and elevated CO 2 alone increased total root length by twofold, but irrigation decreased root biomass and elevated CO 2 had only small positive effects on root biomass. The large positive effects of irrigation and elevated CO 2 alone on total root length were due to increases in both root length production and root life span. The increased total root length and life span under irrigation and elevated CO 2 coincided with apparent shifts from water limitation of plant growth to nitrogen limitation. Warming alone had minimal effects on root biomass, length and life span in this shallow soil layer. Warming and elevated CO 2 combined increased root biomass and total root length by c. 25%, but total root length in this treatment was lower than expected if the effects of CO 2 and warming alone were additive. Treatment effects on total root length and root life span varied with soil depth and root diameter. Synthesis. Sub-additive effects of CO 2 and warming suggest studies of elevated CO 2 alone might overestimate the future capacity of grassland root systems to acquire resources. In this mixed-grass prairie, elevated CO 2 with warming stimulated total root length and root life span in deeper soils, likely enhancing plant access to more stable pools of growth-limiting resources, including water and phosphorus. Therefore, these root responses help explain previous observations of higher, and more stable, above-ground productivity in these projected climate conditions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of rectangular and tapered NACA 23012 wings with plain ailerons and full-span split flaps

An investigation was made to determine the aerodynamic properties of rectangular and tapered NACA 23012 wings with plain ailerons and a full-span split flap, the flap retracting ahead of the ailerons. Measurements were made of lift and drag and of pitching, rolling, yawing, and hinge moments for all conditions of full-span flaps neutral and deflected at different chord locations. The results of the tests showed that a 0.20c(sub w) full span split flap located at approximately the 0.75c(sub w) point gave higher lift coefficients than had previously been obtained with a conventional 0.20c(sub w) partial-span split flap of a length to permit satisfactory control with plain ailerons. Still higher lifts were obtained if the full-span flap, when deflected, was moved back to the aileron axis. Moving the flap back to the aileron, in general, improved the aileron characteristics over those with the flap retracted. The most promising arrangement of full-span split flap and plain aileron combination tested, both for high lift and lateral control, was the rectangular wing with 0.20c(sub w) deflected 60 degrees at the 0.90c(sub w) location with 0.10c(sub w) semispan ailerons.

Wenzinger, Carl J↗

Investigation of a Spoiler-Type Lateral Control System on a Wing with Full-Span Flaps in the Langley 19-Foot Pressure Tunnel

Tests of a partial-span model of a large bomber-type air1ane were conducted to determine the. aerodynamic characteristics of the wing equipped with full-span flaps and a retractable spoiler end aileron lateral control system. The arrangement consisted of (1) a double slotted flap extending over aproximate1y 86 percent of the wing semispan, (2) a 20-percent constant-percentage-chord aileron extending from the outboard end of the flap to the wing tip, and (3) a retractable spoiler, located at the 65-percent wing-chord station and extending from approximately 63 percent of the wing semispan to the wing tip. In addition, tests were made of a wing vent (of 1 and 2 percent of the wing chord located directly behind the spoiler), perforations in the spoiler, a blot or cut-out along the lower edge of the spoiler and spoilers of various spans. With full-span flaps deflected and with the 2-percent vent open or closed the initial stalling of the wing occurred at the tips, but with the vents closed there probably would be no appreciable loss in lateral control until maximum lift was reached. The l-percent vent increased the rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at small spoi1er deflections, particularly at high angles of attack with flaps deflected. With flaps deflected the 2-percent vent caused a large reduction in both the wing lift and rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at large angles of attack. However, at small angle of attack the 2-percent vent increased the rolling effectiveness of the spoiler at small spoiler deflections. The simultaneous operation of the spoiler and vent (in contrast to a vent fixed in the wing) would result in a large increase in the effectiveness of the spoiler and would avoid any loss in wing lift as in a fixed vent arrangement. The tests of the spoiler modifications revealed that (1) the spoiler perforations reduced the rolling-moment and yawing-moment coefficients but caused the spoiler hinge-moment coefficients to become more positive; (2) the spoiler slot had no notable effect on the rolling-moment and yawing-moment characteristics but produced a positive increase in the spoiler hinge-moment coefficients at large spoiler deflections; (3) the effects produced by the individual modifications were additive when the various modifications were combined. In general, progressively decreasing the spoiler span by removing the segments from the inboard end of the spoiler caused a decrease in rolling effectiveness approximately proportional to the span of the segment.

WING FLAPS, SLOTTED & AILERONS↗

Effect of Horizontal-Tail Chord on the Calculated Subsonic Span Loads and Stability Derivatives of Isolated Unswept Tail Assemblies in Sideslip and Steady Roll

Subsonic span loads and the resulting stability derivatives have been calculated using the discrete-horseshoe-vortex method for a systematic series of horizontal tails in combination with a vertical tail of aspect ratio 1.0 in order to provide information on the effect of varying the chord of the horizontal tail for isolated tail assemblies performing sideslip and steady-roll motions. In addition, the effects of horizontal-tail dihedral angle for the sideslip case were obtained. Each tail surface considered had a taper ratio of 0.5 and an unswept quarter-chord line. The investigation covered variations in horizontal-tail chord, horizontal-tail span, and vertical location of the horizontal tail. The span loads and the resulting total stability derivatives as well as the vertical- and horizontal-tail contributions to these tail-assembly derivatives are presented in the figures for the purpose of showing the influence of the geometric variables. The results of this investigation showed trends that were in agreement with the results of previous investigations for variations in horizontal-tail span and vertical location of the horizontal tail. Variations in horizontal-tail chord expressed herein in terms of the root-chord ratio, that is, the ratio of horizontal-tail root chord to vertical-tail root chord, were found to have a pronounced influence on most of the span loads and the resulting stability derivatives. For most of the cases considered, the rate of change of the span load coefficients and the stability derivatives with the root-chord ratio was found to be a maximum for small values of root-chord ratio and to decrease as root-chord ratio increased.

Booth, Katherine W.↗

Computational Investigation of a Semi-Span Flap

The current study computationally examines one of the principle three-dimensional features of the flow over a high-lift system, the flow associated with a flap edge. Structured, overset grids were used in conjunction with an incompressible Navier-Stokes solver to compute the flow over a two-element high-lift configuration. The computations were run in a fully turbulent mode using the one-equation Baldwin-Barth model. Specific interest was given to the details of the flow in the vicinity of the flap edge, so the geometry was simplified to isolate this region. The geometry consisted of an unswept wing, which spanned a wind tunnel test section, equipped with a single element flap. Two flap configurations were computed; a full-span and a half-span Fowler flap. The chord based Reynolds number was 3.7 million for all cases. The results for the full-span flap agreed with two-dimensional experimental results and verified the method. Grid topologies and related issues for the half-span flap geometry are discussed. Results of the half-span flap case are presented with emphasis on the flow features associated with the flap edge.

Mathias, Donovan, L.↗

Development of Semi-Span Model Test Techniques

A computational investigation was performed to support the development of a semi-span model test capability in the NASA Langley Research Center's National Transonic Facility. This capability is desirable for the testing of advanced subsonic transport aircraft at full-scale Reynolds numbers. A state-of-the-art three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver was used to examine methods to improve the flow over a semi-span configuration. First, a parametric study is conducted to examine the influence of the stand-off height on the flow over the semi-span model. It is found that decreasing the stand-off height, below the maximum fuselage radius, improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the semi-span model. Next, active sidewall boundary layer control techniques are examined. Juncture region blowing jets, upstream tangential blowing, and sidewall suction are found to improve the flow over the aft portion of the semi-span model. Both upstream blowing and suction are found to reduce the sidewall boundary layer separation. The resulting near surface streamline patterns are improved, and found to be quite similar to the full-span results. Both techniques however adversely affect the pitching moment coefficient.

Pulnam, L. Elwood↗

Investigation of Seal-to-Floor Effects on Semi-Span Transonic Models

In an effort to achieve the maximum possible Reynolds number (Re) when conducting production testing for flight loads aerodynamic databases, it has been the preferred practice of The Boeing Company / Commercial Airplanes (BCA) -- Loads and Dynamics Group since the early 1990's to test large scale semi-span models in the 11- By 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel (TWT) leg of the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). There are many problems related to testing large scale semi-span models of high aspect ratio flexible transport wings, such as; floor boundary layer effects, wing spanwise wall effects, solid blockage buoyancy effects, floor mechanical interference effects, airflow under the model effects, or tunnel flow gradient effects. For most of these issues, BCA has developed and implemented either standard testing methods or numerical correction schemes and these will not be discussed in this document. Other researchers have reported on semi-span transonic testing correction issues, however most of the reported research has been for low Mach testing. Some of the reports for low Mach testing address the difficult problem of preventing undesirable airflow under a semi-span model while ensuring unrestricted main balance functionality, however, for transonic models this issue has gone unresolved. BCA has been cognizant for sometime that there are marked differences in wing pressure distributions from semi-span transonic model testing than from full model or flight testing. It has been suspected that these differences are at least in part due to airflow under the model. Previous efforts by BCA to address this issue have proven to be ineffective or inconclusive and in one situation resulted in broken hardware. This paper reports on a Boeing-NASA collaborative investigation based on a series of small tests conducted between June 2006 and November 2007 in the 11 by 11 foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames on three large commercial jet transport configurations to assess the effects of sealing a semi-span model to the floor and to investigate efficient sealing and testing techniques. This document will show how sealing the model to the floor has a small but remarkably far reaching spanwise effect on wing pressures, wing local section forces and wing force summations.

Sleppy, Mark A.↗

Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile (SPAN): Changes in Mechanical Properties during Electrochemical Lithiation

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is a promising material for stable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries that can potentially satisfy the demand for high-density energy storage devices for electric vehicles (EVs). However, important physical and chemical properties of the SPAN cathode material are not yet well understood. For example, the SPAN mechanical behavior that depends on the structure and chemistry of the material generated during synthesis, and the mechanical response evolution during battery discharge have been scarcely investigated. This work addresses the effects of electrochemical lithiation on the SPAN mechanical integrity via uniaxial tensile loading tests using molecular dynamics with the ReaxFF potential. Here, we evaluate the volume expansion, Young’s modulus, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength with increasing lithium contents. Our results show how the degree of graphitization of the carbonized skeleton impacts the SPAN ability to withstand the volume expansion-induced structural stresses upon lithiation. We describe the fracture mechanisms and find out a ductility loss with increasing lithium contents

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural and Interphasial Stabilities of Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) Cathode

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) has attracted a lot of attention because of its low cost, high capacity, and great reversibility. Due to its structural complexity and amorphous nature, reaction mechanism of SPAN is little understood. Here, for this paper, we study the structural and interphasial changes of SPAN using synchrotron-based pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). PDF identifies key structural features, including C–S bond, sulfur dimer, and sulfur chain in SPAN. The sulfur dimer bridging the pyridine network partially converts to sulfur chain during the first charging. In the following cycles, sulfur chain goes through lithiation and delithiation with reversibility dependent on the electrolytes. SXAS reveals surface changes of SPAN. After the first cycle, a negatively charged carbon or fused benzene layer is formed, on top of which is another layer formed by the electrolyte decomposition. The layer formed by localized high concentration electrolyte is stable during cycling.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗