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At least 37 records · Page 2

Investigation of Operating Pressure Ratio of a Supersonic Wind Tunnel Utilizing Distributed Boundary-layer Suction in Test Section

Effect of distributed boundary-layer suction on operating pressure ratio of a supersonic wind tunnel was investigated. Investigation was made in 3.84- by 10-inch supersonic tunnel operating at Mach number 2.0 and suction was applied in neighborhood of the normal shock to two walls of a constant-area extension of test section. A reduction of 4 percent of operating pressure ratio was attributed to improved flow conditions at subsonic-diffuser inlet. The theoretical normal shock was, in practice, replaced by a multiple-branch shock configuration across which the flow parameters changed in approximate accordance with the Rankine-Hugoniot values.

Cohen, C B↗

Experiments with a wing from which the boundary layer is removed by pressure or suction

With an unsymmetrical wing and a rotating Magnus cylinder, the lift is produced by the superposition of parallel and circulatory flows. An explanation of the circulatory flow is furnished by the boundary-layer theory of Prandtl and the consequent vortex formation. According to this explanation, it must evidently be possible to increase the circulation either by increasing the size of the stronger (lower) vortex or by decreasing the size of the weaker (upper) vortex. In this sense, according to Professor H. Zickendraht, we have a new type of wing from which the boundary layer is removed by forcing air out or sucking it in through openings in the upper surface of the wing near its trailing edge.

VORTICES - WINGS↗

Results of tests on a Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter (-139 configuration) 0.0175-scale model (no. 29-0) in AEDC tunnel B to determine boundary layer characteristics

Results of wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine boundary layer characteristics on the lower surface of a space shuttle orbiter. Total pressure and temperature profile data at various model stations were obtained using a movable, four-degree-of-freedom probe mechanism and static pressure taps on the model surface. During a typical run, the probe was located over a preselected model location, then driven down through the bondary layer until contact was made with the model surface.

Quan, M.↗

The effect of the wind tunnel wall boundary layer on the acoustic testing of propellers

An approximation based on the representation of the boundary layer by lamina of uniform flow with suitable interlayer boundary conditions is shown to be accurate, efficient, and compatible with finite element formulations. The approximation has been implemented using existing codes to produce a model for assessing the suitability of the acoustic environment in a wind tunnel for the acoustic testing of propellers. It is found that, with suitable acoustic treatment and with measurements made near the propeller and well removed from the walls, the free field directivity and level can be reproduced with good fidelity.

Eversman, Walter↗

Reduction of acoustic disturbances in the test section of supersonic wind tunnels by laminarizing their nozzle and test section wall boundary layers by means of suction

The feasibility of quiet, suction laminarized, high Reynolds number (Re) supersonic wind tunnel nozzles was studied. According to nozzle wall boundary layer development and stability studies, relatively weak area suction can prevent amplified nozzle wall TS (Tollmien-Schlichting) boundary layer oscillations. Stronger suction is needed in and shortly upstream of the supersonic concave curvature nozzle area to avoid transition due to amplified TG (Taylor-Goertler) vortices. To control TG instability, moderately rapid and slow expansion nozzles require smaller total suction rates than rapid expansion nozzles, at the cost of larger nozzle length Re and increased TS disturbances. Test section mean flow irregularities can be minimized with suction through longitudinal or highly swept slots (swept behind local Mach cone) as well as finely perforated surfaces. Longitudinal slot suction is optimized when the suction-induced crossflow velocity increases linearly with surface distance from the slot attachment line toward the slot (through suitable slot geometry). Suction in supersonic blowdown tunnels may be operated by one or several individual vacuum spheres.

Pfenninger, W.↗

Experimental Investigation of a Boundary Layer Ingesting Tailcone Thruster Configuration at the National Transonic Facility

A transonic, high Reynolds number wind tunnel test of a Boundary Layer Ingesting Tailcone System (BLITS) was conducted in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at the NASA Langley Research Center during the spring of 2023. The test was sponsored by the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology Project and produced a large dataset to help in the development and validation of an integrated airframe-turbomachinery computational simulation capability. The Common Research Model with Tail Cone Thruster (CRM-TCT) configuration was tested at Mach numbers from 0.75 to 0.85 and Reynolds number based on mean aerodynamic chord from 5 to 15 million, with the objective of characterizing the tailcone nacelle inlet pressure and flow angle profile, characterizing the aftbody boundary layer (BL), and evaluating the overall airframe configuration performance. The test article included multiple tailcone nacelle assemblies with different measurement objectives, and each assembly was able to be controlled remotely and rotate in small increments, allowing for an increased measurement density for characterizing the nacelle inlet distortion. Additionally, the use of cryogenic-rated miniature BL rakes was successful in measuring boundary layer heights on the aftbody. Sensitivities of the measured quantities of interest to Mach number, Reynolds number, angle of attack, and nacelle weight flow rate are also presented.

boundary layer ingestion (BLI)↗

Experimental Investigation of a Boundary Layer Ingesting Tailcone Thruster Configuration at the National Transonic Facility

A transonic, high Reynolds number wind tunnel test of a Boundary Layer Ingesting Tailcone System (BLITS) was conducted in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at the NASA Langley Research Center during the spring of 2023. The test was sponsored by the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology Project and produced a large dataset to help in the development and validation of an integrated airframe-turbomachinery computational simulation capability. The Common Research Model with Tail Cone Thruster (CRM-TCT) configuration was tested at Mach numbers from 0.75 to 0.85 and Reynolds number based on mean aerodynamic chord from 5 to 15 million, with the objective of characterizing the tailcone nacelle inlet pressure and flow angle profile, characterizing the aftbody boundary layer (BL), and evaluating the overall airframe configuration performance. The test article included multiple tailcone nacelle assemblies with different measurement objectives, and each assembly was able to be controlled remotely and rotate in small increments, allowing for an increased measurement density for characterizing the nacelle inlet distortion. Additionally, the use of cryogenic-rated miniature BL rakes was successful in measuring boundary layer heights on the aftbody. Sensitivities of the measured quantities of interest to Mach number, Reynolds number, angle of attack, and nacelle weight flow rate are also presented.

boundary layer ingestion (BLI)↗

Dynamic ground-effect measurements on the F-15 STOL and Maneuver Technology Demonstrator (S/MTD) configuration

A moving-model ground-effect testing method was used to study the influence of rate-of-descent on the aerodynamic characteristics for the F-15 STOL and Maneuver Technology Demonstrator (S/MTD) configuration for both the approach and roll-out phases of landing. The approach phase was modeled for three rates of descent, and the results were compared to the predictions from the F-15 S/MTD simulation data base (prediction based on data obtained in a wind tunnel with zero rate of descent). This comparison showed significant differences due both to the rate of descent in the moving-model test and to the presence of the ground boundary layer in the wind tunnel test. Relative to the simulation data base predictions, the moving-model test showed substantially less lift increase in ground effect, less nose-down pitching moment, and less increase in drag. These differences became more prominent at the larger thrust vector angles. Over the small range of rates of descent tested using the moving-model technique, the effect of rate of descent on longitudinal aerodynamics was relatively constant. The results of this investigation indicate no safety-of-flight problems with the lower jets vectored up to 80 deg on approach. The results also indicate that this configuration could employ a nozzle concept using lower reverser vector angles up to 110 deg on approach if a no-flare approach procedure were adopted and if inlet reingestion does not pose a problem.

Kemmerly, Guy T.↗

A long-range laser velocimeter

A long-range laser velocimeter (LV) developed for remote operation from within the flow fields of large wind tunnels is described. Emphasis is placed on recent improvements in optical hardware as well as recent additions to data acquisition and processing techniques. The method used for data reduction of photon resolved signals is outlined in detail, and measurement accuracy is discussed. To study the performance of the LV and verify the measurement accuracy, laboratory measurements were made in the flow field of a 10-cm-diameter, 30-m/s axisymetric jet. The measured velocity and turbulence intensity surveys are compared with measurements made with a hot-wire anemometer. Additionally, the LV was used during the flow calibration of the 80-ft x 120-ft wind tunnel to measure the test-section boundary-layer thickness at the maximum wind tunnel speed of 51.5 m/s. The requirements and techniques used to seed the flow are discussed, and boundary-layer surveys of mean velocity and turbulence intensity of the streamwise component and the component normal to the surface are presented. The streamwise component of mean velocity is compared with data obtained with a total pressure rake.

Reinath, Michael S.↗

Results of investigations on the 0.004-scale model 74-0 of the configuration 4 (modified) space shuttle vehicle orbiter in the NASA/MSFC 14-by-14-inch trisonic wind tunnel (oa131)

The results of an oil flow boundary-layer visualization wind tunnel test of an 0.004-scale model of the Space Shuttle Vehicle Orbiter in the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center 14-by-14-inch Trisonic Wind Tunnel are presented. The model was tested at Mach numbers from 0.60 through 2.75, at angles-of-attack from 0 through 25 degrees, and at unit Reynolds numbers from 5.0 to 7.0 million per foot. The test program involved still and motion picture photography of oil-paint flow patterns on the orbiter, during and immediately after tunnel flow, to determine areas of boundary layer separation and regions of potential auxiliary power unit exhaust recirculation during transonic and low supersonic re-entry flight.

Nichols, M. E.↗

Boundary Condition Study for the Juncture Flow Experiment in the NASA Langley 14x22-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel

Because future wind tunnel tests associated with the NASA Juncture Flow project are being designed for the purpose of CFD validation, considerable effort is going into the characterization of the wind tunnel boundary conditions, particularly at inflow. This is important not only because wind tunnel flowfield nonuniformities can play a role in integrated testing uncertainties, but also because the better the boundary conditions are known, the better CFD can accurately represent the experiment. This paper describes recent investigative wind tunnel tests involving two methods to measure and characterize the oncoming flow in the NASA Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. The features of each method, as well as some of their pros and cons, are highlighted. Boundary conditions and modeling tactics currently used by CFD for empty-tunnel simulations are also described, and some results using three different CFD codes are shown. Preliminary CFD parametric studies associated with the Juncture Flow model are summarized, to determine sensitivities of the flow near the wing-body juncture region of the model to a variety of modeling decisions.

Rumsey, C. L.↗

PIV Measurements of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions at Mach 2.5 in a Circular Test Section

The particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement technique has been applied to make detailed measurements in an impinging shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) flowfield in a test section of circular cross-section. By virtue of this test section geometry, the flowfields studied are free from effects of the complex coupling of sidewall and corner interaction into the primary impinging shock interaction typical of a rectangular test section. The cone-cylinder shock generator hardware was arranged in both coaxial alignment with the test section to generate axisymmetric SWBLIs and in offset positions to generate swept SWBLIs. The angle of the conical section was also varied to alter the strength of the impinging shock wave. The application of the PIV technique in this test section required meticulous design to provide adequate optical access without disturbing the SWBLI flow. Details of the stereoscopic PIV apparatus and the velocity measurements obtained for a Mach 2.5 freestream are presented. Key features of the mean velocity and turbulent stress fields are highlighted. This data set should enable validation of computational fluid dynamics results for these flowfields.

Shockwave Boundary Layer Interaction↗

PIV Measurements of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions at Mach 2.5 in a Circular Test Section

The particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement technique has been applied to make detailed measurements in an impinging shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) flowfield in a test section of circular cross-section. By virtue of this test section geometry, the flowfields studied are free from effects of the complex coupling of sidewall and corner interaction into the primary impinging shock interaction typical of a rectangular test section. The cone-cylinder shock generator hardware was arranged in both coaxial alignment with the test section to generate axisymmetric SWBLIs and in offset positions to generate swept SWBLIs. The angle of the conical section was also varied to alter the strength of the impinging shock wave. The application of the PIV technique in this test section required meticulous design to provide adequate optical access without disturbing the SWBLI flow. Details of the stereoscopic PIV apparatus and the velocity measurements obtained for a Mach 2.5 freestream are presented. Key features of the mean velocity and turbulent stress fields are highlighted. This data set should enable validation of computational fluid dynamics results for these flowfields.

Shockwave Boundary Layer Interaction↗