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Multigrid solution of internal flows using unstructured solution adaptive meshes

This is the final report of the NASA Lewis SBIR Phase 2 Contract Number NAS3-25785, Multigrid Solution of Internal Flows Using Unstructured Solution Adaptive Meshes. The objective of this project, as described in the Statement of Work, is to develop and deliver to NASA a general three-dimensional Navier-Stokes code using unstructured solution-adaptive meshes for accuracy and multigrid techniques for convergence acceleration. The code will primarily be applied, but not necessarily limited, to high speed internal flows in turbomachinery.

Smith, Wayne A.

Steady internal flow and aerodynamic loads analysis of shuttle thermal protection system

An analytical model for calculation of ascent steady state tile loading was developed and validated with wind tunnel data. The analytical model is described and results are given. Results are given for loading due to shocks and skin friction. The analysis included calculation of internal flow (porous media flow and channel flow) to obtain pressures and integration of the pressures to obtain forces and moments on an insulation tile. A heat transfer program was modified by using analogies between heat transfer and fluid flow so that it could be used for internal flow calculation. The type of insulation tile considered was undensified reusable surface insulation (RSI) without gap fillers, and the location studied was the lower surface of the orbiter. Force and moment results are reported for parameter variations on surface pressure distribution, gap sizes, insulation permeability, and tile thickness.

Petley, D. H.

Flow Control Device Evaluation for an Internal Flow with an Adverse Pressure Gradient

The effectiveness of several active and passive devices to control flow in an adverse pressure gradient with secondary flows present was evaluated in the 15 Inch Low Speed Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. In this study, passive micro vortex generators, micro bumps, and piezoelectric synthetic jets were evaluated for their flow control characteristics using surface static pressures, flow visualization, and 3D Stereo Digital Particle Image Velocimetry. Data also were acquired for synthetic jet actuators in a zero flow environment. It was found that the micro vortex generator is very effective in controlling the flow environment for an adverse pressure gradient, even in the presence of secondary vortical flow. The mechanism by which the control is effected is a re-energization of the boundary layer through flow mixing. The piezoelectric synthetic jet actuators must have sufficient velocity output to produce strong longitudinal vortices if they are to be effective for flow control. The output of these devices in a laboratory or zero flow environment will be different than the output in a flow environment. In this investigation, the output was higher in the flow environment, but the stroke cycle in the flow did not indicate a positive inflow into the synthetic jet.

Jenkins, Luther N.

Internal Flow Simulation of Enhanced Performance Solid Rocket Booster for the Space Transportation System

An enhanced performance solid rocket booster concept for the space shuttle system has been proposed. The concept booster will have strong commonality with the existing, proven, reliable four-segment Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) with individual component design (nozzle, insulator, etc.) optimized for a five-segment configuration. Increased performance is desirable to further enhance safety/reliability and/or increase payload capability. Performance increase will be achieved by adding a fifth propellant segment to the current four-segment booster and opening the throat to accommodate the increased mass flow while maintaining current pressure levels. One development concept under consideration is the static test of a "standard" RSRM with a fifth propellant segment inserted and appropriate minimum motor modifications. Feasibility studies are being conducted to assess the potential for any significant departure in component performance/loading from the well-characterized RSRM. An area of concern is the aft motor (submerged nozzle inlet, aft dome, etc.) where the altered internal flow resulting from the performance enhancing features (25% increase in mass flow rate, higher Mach numbers, modified subsonic nozzle contour) may result in increased component erosion and char. To assess this issue and to define the minimum design changes required to successfully static test a fifth segment RSRM engineering test motor, internal flow studies have been initiated. Internal aero-thermal environments were quantified in terms of conventional convective heating and discrete phase alumina particle impact/concentration and accretion calculations via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Two sets of comparative CFD simulations of the RSRM and the five-segment (IBM) concept motor were conducted with CFD commercial code FLUENT. The first simulation involved a two-dimensional axi-symmetric model of the full motor, initial grain RSRM. The second set of analyses included three-dimensional models of the RSRM and FSM aft motors with four-degree vectored nozzles.

Ahmad, Rashid A.

Internal flow calculations for axisymmetric supersonic inlets at angle of attack

Several solutions for the internal flow in axisymmetric supersonic inlets at angle of attack were obtained. A shock-capturing finite-difference technique was used to obtain the solutions. Good overall agreement between the shock-capturing solutions and experimental data was obtained, except in regions of strong viscous effects or boundary-layer removal. The required centerbody translation with changes in freestream Mach number and angle of attack was obtained and agrees qualitatively with experimental data.

Presley, L. L.

Investigation of chemically-reacting supersonic internal flows

This report covers work done on the research project Analysis and Computation of Internal Flow Field in a Scramjet Engine. The work is supported by the NASA Langley Research Center (Computational Methods Branch of the High-Speed Aerodynamics Division) through research grant NAG1-423. The governing equations of two-dimensional chemically-reacting flows are presented together with the global two-step chemistry model. The finite-difference algorithm used is illustrated and the method of circumventing the stiffness is discussed. The computer program developed is used to solve two model problems of a premixed chemically-reacting flow. The results obtained are physically reasonable.

Chitsomboon, T.

Application of a computational model for vortex generators in subsonic internal flows

A model for the analysis of vortex generators in a fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. A vorticity source term is used in a modified form of the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations to model the shed vortex. Computed results are compared with idealized flow vortex paths, and with experimental data for vortex generators embedded in a thick turbulent boundary layer. The analysis is also compared with experimental data for a separated diffusing S-duct and for a diffusing S-duct with vortex generators. Quantitative comparisons are shown for the latter three cases. Emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the model to predict global distortions in the flow field.

Kunik, W. G.

Application of a computational model for vortex generators in subsonic internal flows

A model for the analysis of vortex generators in a fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. A vorticity source term is used in a modified form of the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations to model the shed vortex. Computed results are compared with idealized flow vortex paths, and with experimental data for vortex generators embedded in a thick turbulent boundary layer. The analysis is also compared with experimental data for a separated diffusing S-duct and for a diffusing S-duct with vortex generators. Quantitative comparisons are shown for the latter three cases. Emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the model to predict global distortions in the flow field.

Kunik, W. G.

Theoretical and experimental internal flow characteristics of a 13.97-centimeter-diameter inlet at STOL takeoff and approach conditions

The theoretical and experimental internal flow characteristics of a 13.97-cm-diam inlet with centerbody retracted and extended are presented at STOL takeoff and approach operating conditions. The theoretical results were obtained from incompressible potential flow corrected for compressibility and boundary layer. Comparisons between theoretical internal surface static-pressure distributions and experimental data are presented for free-stream velocities of 0, 24, 32, and 45 m/sec for a range of inlet incidence angles from 0 to 50 deg. Surface static-pressure distributions are illustrated at circumferential locations of 0, 60, 120, and 180 deg. Surface Mach number distributions from the stagnation point to the diffuser exit are presented along with turbulent boundary-layer shape factors. In general, good agreement was found between the theoretical and experimental surface static pressure distributions.

Albers, J. A.

Turbulence models and their applications to the prediction of internal flows - A review

The paper presents a brief account of various turbulence models employed in the computation of turbulent flows, and evaluates the application of these models to selected internal flow configurations. The main conclusions of this analysis are: (1) the k-epsilon model is used in a majority of all the two-dimensional flow calculations reported in the literature; (2) modified forms of the k-epsilon model improve the performance for flows with streamline curvature and heat transfer; (3) for flows with swirl, the k-epsilon model performs rather poorly (the algebraic stress model performs better in this case); and (4) for flows with regions of secondary flow (noncircular duct flows), the algebraic stress model performs fairly well. Two important factors in the numerical solution of the model equations, namely false diffusion and inlet boundary conditions, are discussed. The existence of countergradient transport and its implications in turbulence modeling are examined. Finally, some recommendations for improving the model performance are made. The need for detailed experimental data in flows with strong curvature is emphasized.

Nallasamy, M.

Aspects of internal-flow-system design for helicopter propulsive units

Pertinent items relating to the design of internal-flow systems for reciprocating engine, turbine engine, and pressure-jet installations in helicopters are discussed. The importance of the following items is emphasized: controllable exit and ram recovery for reciprocating-engine cooling; performance penalties possible in turbine-engine installations attributed to distortions in the flow distribution at the face of the axial compressor; the effects of high subsonic flow velocities on the performance of duct elements; and the effects of centrifugal forces on the flow in a ducted helicopter rotor. Data on the maximum flow capacities of bends are included.

John R Henry

Internal-flow systems for aircraft

An investigation has been made to determine efficient arrangements for an internal-flow system of an aircraft when such a system operates by itself or in combination with other flow systems. The investigation included a theoretical treatment of the problem and tests in the NACA 5-foot vertical wind tunnel of inlet and outlet openings in a flat plate and in a wing.

Rogallo, F M

Effect of a 180 deg-extent inlet pressure distortion on the internal flow conditions of a TF30-P-3

The measured effects of inlet pressure distortion on the internal flow temperatures and pressures of a TF30-P-3 afterburning turbofan engine are reported. Extensive inner-stage instrumentation combined with stepwise rotation of pressure distortion provided a high degree of circumferential resolution in the data. The steady-state spatial variation in pressures, temperature, and calculated flow velocity and the amplitude and extent of the distorted sectors are given. Data are presented for runs of 77 and 90 percent of low-speed-rotor design speed at pressure distortion levels two-thirds of that required to stall the engine. These data are compared with data taken at clean-inlet conditions. Results indicate that the inlet pressure distortion was quickly attenuated within the compressor, except at the hub of the low-pressure compressor. The distorted sectors also swirled and varied in extent as they passed through the engine. Average velocities within the compressor were about equal to the clean-inlet values.

Debogdan, C. E.