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At least 37 records · Page 2

Aeroelastic problems in turbomachines

An overview is given of aeroelastic problems in turbomachines, emphasizing recent research. Unsteady flow in cascade and turbomachinery rotors is discussed, including supersonic and transonic linearized potential flow and nonlinear flow models. Computational and modeling aspects of the flutter of fan and compressor blades are examined. The correlation of the findings with experimental data is considered. Future directions in turbomachinery aeroelasticity are addressed.

Bendiksen, Oddvar O.↗

Application of a linearized unsteady aerodynamic analysis to standard cascade configurations

A linearized potential flow analysis, which accounts for the effects of nonuniform steady flow phenomena on the linearized unsteady aerodynamic response to prescribed blade motions, has been applied to five cascade configurations. These include the first, fifth, eighth and ninth standard configurations proposed as a result of the Second International Symposium on Aeroelasticity in Turbomachines and a NASA Lewis flutter cascade. Selected results from this study, including comparisons between analytical predictions and the experimental measurements submitted for three of the foregoing configurations, are described. The correlation between theory and experiment for the first standard configuration (a compressor cascade operating at low Mach number and frequency) is quite good. Moreover, the predictions and measurements for the NASA Lewis cascade of symmetric biconvex airfoils show good qualitative agreement. However, wide discrepancies exist between the theoretical predictions and the experimental measurements for the fifth standard configuration (a subsonic transonic fan tip cascade). These can be partially attributed to conditions being imposed in the experiment which differ from those commonly used in unsteady aerodynamic analyses.

Verdon, J. M.↗

Flow analysis of nozzle installations with strong airplane flow interactions

A numerical procedure has been developed to calculate the flow fields resulting from the viscous-inviscid interactions that occur when a strong jet exhaust and aircraft flow field coupling exists. The approach used in the current procedure is to divide the interaction region into zones which are either predominantly viscous or inviscid. The flow in the inviscid zone, which surrounds most of the aircraft, is calculated using an existing linearized potential flow code. The viscous flow zone, which encompasses the jet plume, is modeled using a parabolized Navier-Stokes code. The key feature of the present procedure is the coupling of the zonal solutions such that sufficient information is transferred between the zones to preserve the effects of the interactions. The zonal boundaries overlap with the boundary conditions being the information link between zones. An iteraction scheme iterates the coupled analysis until convergence has been obtained. The procedure has been successfully used for several test cases for which the computed results are presented.

Roberts, D. W.↗

A transonic rectangular grid embedded panel method

In this chapter, a description is given of a nonstandard method which has the ultimate goal to provide a routine solution of transonic flow problems about large, complex configurations. For a number of reasons, it is difficult to extend standard methods to the solution of flows about complicated configurations. According to the particular approach of the considered nonstandard method, in the process of solving for linear potential flow via panel methods, a flow everwhere in space is created, taking into account the interior of the aircraft as well as the external flowfield of interest. Attention is given to the solution of flow problems without interior boundaries, the treatment of interior boundaries, and areas of current and future research.

Johnson, F. T.↗

A linearized unsteady aerodynamic analysis for transonic cascades

The unsteady airloads generated by the vibrations of turbomachine blades operating at transonic Mach numbers are predicted by a linearized potential flow analysis whose unsteady aerodynamics model encompasses the effects of blade geometry, nonzero mean pressure variation across the blade row, high frequency blade motion, and shock motion, all within the framework of a linearized frequency-domain formulation. A numerical solution for the entire unsteady flow field is determined by matching a solution covering an extended blade passage region to another covering, and extending beyond, the supersonic region(s) adjacent to a blade surface. Results are given for cascades of double circular arc and flat plate blades, in order to demonstrate the unsteady analysis and to partially illustrate the effects of blade geometry, inlet Mach number, vibration frequency and shock motion on unsteady response.

Verdon, J. M.↗

Potential Flow Analysis of Dynamic Ground Effect

Interpretation of some flight test data suggests the presence of a 'dynamic ground effect'. The lift of an aircraft approaching the ground depends on the rate of descent and is lower than the aircraft steady state lift at a same height above the ground. Such a lift deficiency under dynamic conditions could have a serious impact on the overall aircraft layout. For example, the increased pitch angle needed to compensate for the temporary loss in lift would reduce the tail strike margin or require an increase in landing gear length. Under HSR2 an effort is under way to clarify the dynamic ground effect issue using a multi-pronged approach. A dynamic ground effect test has been run in the NASA Langley 14x22 ft wind tunnel. Northup-Grumman is conducting time accurate CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Euler analyses on the National Aerodynamic Simulator facility. Boeing has been using linear potential flow methodology which are thought to provide much needed insight in, physics of this very complex problem. The present report summarizes the results of these potential flow studies.

W. M. Feifel↗

Large amplitude flutter of a low aspect ratio panel at low supersonic speeds comparison of theory and experiment

Flutter boundaries, as well as flutter limit cycle amplitudes, frequencies and stresses were computed for a panel of length-width ratio 4.48 exposed to applied in-plane and transverse loads. The Mach number range was 1.1 to 1.4. The method used involved direct numerical integration of modal equations of motion derived from the nonlinear plate equations of von Karman, coupled with linearized potential flow aerodynamic theory. The flutter boundaries agreed reasonably well with experiment, except when the in-plane loading approached the buckling load. Structural damping had to be introduced, to produce frequencies comparable to the experimental values. Attempts to compute panel deflections or stress at a given point met with limited success. There is some evidence, however, that deflection and stress maxima can be estimated with somewhat greater accuracy.

Ventres, C. S.↗

Aerodynamic influence coefficient method using singularity splines

A numerical lifting surface formulation, including computed results for planar wing cases is presented. This formulation, referred to as the vortex spline scheme, combines the adaptability to complex shapes offered by paneling schemes with the smoothness and accuracy of loading function methods. The formulation employes a continuous distribution of singularity strength over a set of panels on a paneled wing. The basic distributions are independent, and each satisfied all the continuity conditions required of the final solution. These distributions are overlapped both spanwise and chordwise. Boundary conditions are satisfied in a least square error sense over the surface using a finite summing technique to approximate the integral. The current formulation uses the elementary horseshoe vortex as the basic singularity and is therefore restricted to linearized potential flow. As part of the study, a non planar development was considered, but the numerical evaluation of the lifting surface concept was restricted to planar configurations. Also, a second order sideslip analysis based on an asymptotic expansion was investigated using the singularity spline formulation.

Mercer, J. E.↗

Some current research in unsteady aerodynamics: A report from the Fluid Dynamics Panel

The highlights of a recent discussion by representatives of the fluid dynamics and structures and materials panels are reported with emphasis on the fundamental aspects of unsteady fluid mechanics. Topics include linearized potential flow theory, transonic flow calculations, unsteady boundary layers, dynamic stall, transonic buffet, and techniques for measuring unsteady pressures.

Mccroskey, W. J.↗

Aeroelastic loads prediction for an arrow wing. Task 2: Evaluation of semi-empirical methods

The development and evaluation of a semi empirical method to predict pressure distributions on a deformed wing by using an experimental data base in addition to a linear potential flow solution is described. The experimental data accounts for the effects of aeroelasticity by relating the pressures to a parameter which is influenced by the deflected shape. Several parameters were examined before the net leading edge suction coefficient was selected as the best.

Wery, A. C.↗

PAN AIR modeling studies

PAN AIR is a computer program that predicts subsonic or supersonic linear potential flow about arbitrary configurations. The code's versatility and generality afford numerous possibilities for modeling flow problems. Although this generality provides great flexibility, it also means that studies are required to establish the dos and don'ts of modeling. The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate a variety of methods for modeling flows with PAN AIR. The areas discussed are effects of panel density, internal flow modeling, forebody modeling in subsonic flow, propeller slipstream modeling, effect of wake length, wing-tail-wake interaction, effect of trailing-edge paneling on the Kutta condition, well- and ill-posed boundary-value problems, and induced-drag calculations. These nine topics address problems that are of practical interest to the users of PAN AIR.

Towne, M. C.↗

PAN AIR analysis of the NASA/MCAIR 279-3: An advanced supersonic V/STOL fighter/attack aircraft

PAN AIR is a computer program for predicting subsonic or supersonic linear potential flow about arbitrary configurations. The program was applied to a highly complex single-engine-cruise V/STOL fighter/attack aircraft. Complexities include a close-coupled canard/wing, large inlets, and four exhaust nozzles mounted directly under the wing and against the fuselage. Modeling uncertainties involving canard wake location and flow-through approximation through the inlet and the exhaust nozzles were investigated. The recently added streamline capability of the program was utilized to evaluate visually the predicted flow over the model. PAN AIR results for Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.9, and angles of attack of 0, 5, and 10 deg. were compared with data obtained in the Ames 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind tunnel, at a Reynolds number of 3.69 x 10 to the 6th power based on c bar.

Madson, Michael D.↗

An analytical method for the ditching analysis of an airborne vehicle

A simple analytical method has been introduced for aerohydrodynamic load analysis of an airborne configuration during water ditching. The method employs an aerodynamic panel code, based on linear potential flow theory, to simulate the flow of air and water around an aircraft configuration. The free surface separating the air and water region is represented by doublet sheet singularities. Although all the theoretical load distributions are computed for air, provisions are made to correct the pressure coefficients obtained on the configuration wetted surfaces to account for the water density. As an analytical tool, the Vortex Separation Aerodynamic (VSAERO) code is chosen to carry out the present investigation. After assessing the validity of the method, its first application is to analyze the water ditching of the Space Shuttle configuration at a 12 degree attitude.

Pressure coefficient↗

Static aeroelastic analysis for generic configuration aircraft

A static aeroelastic analysis capability that can calculate flexible air loads for generic configuration aircraft was developed. It was made possible by integrating a finite element structural analysis code (MSC/NASTRAN) and a panel code of aerodynamic analysis based on linear potential flow theory. The framework already built in MSC/NASTRAN was used and the aerodynamic influence coefficient matrix is computed externally and inserted in the NASTRAN by means of a DMAP program. It was shown that deformation and flexible airloads of an oblique wing aircraft can be calculated reliably by this code both in subsonic and supersonic speeds. Preliminary results indicating importance of flexibility in calculating air loads for this type of aircraft are presented.

Lee, IN↗

Analytical method for the ditching analysis of an airborne vehicle

A simple analytical method has been introduced for aerohydrodynamic load analysis of an airborne configuration during water ditching. The method employs an aerodynamic panel code, based on linear potential flow theory, to simulate the flow of air and water around an aircraft configuration. The free surface separating the air and water region is represented by doublet" singularities. Although all the theoretical load distributions are computed for air, provisions are made to correct the pressure coefficients obtained on the configuration-wetted surfaces to account for the water density. As an analytical tool, a vortex aerodynamic code is chosen to carry out the present investigation. After assessing· the validity of the method, an application is presented for the water ditching of the Space Shuttle configuration at a 12-deg attitude.

Pressure coefficient↗

Static aeroelastic analysis for generic configuration wing

A static aeroelastic analysis capability that calculates flexible air loads for generic configuration wings was developed. It was made possible by integrating a finite element structural analysis code (MSC/NASTRAN) and a panel code of aerodynamic analysis based on linear potential flow theory. The framework already built in MSC/NASTRAN was used, and the aerodynamic influence coefficient matrix was computed externally and inserted in the NASTRAN by means of a DMAP program. It was shown that deformation and flexible air loads of an oblique wing configuration including asymmetric wings can be calculated reliably by this code both in subsonic and supersonic speeds.

Lee, IN↗

Aerodynamic Analysis of the Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft Using Vortex-Lattice Superposition Approach

The SUGAR Truss-BracedWing (TBW) aircraft concept is a Boeing-developed N+3 aircraft configuration funded by NASA ARMD FixedWing Project. This future generation transport aircraft concept is designed to be aerodynamically efficient by employing a high aspect ratio wing design. The aspect ratio of the TBW is on the order of 14 which is significantly greater than those of current generation transport aircraft. This paper presents a recent aerodynamic analysis of the TBW aircraft using a conceptual vortex-lattice aerodynamic tool VORLAX and an aerodynamic superposition approach. Based on the underlying linear potential flow theory, the principle of aerodynamic superposition is leveraged to deal with the complex aerodynamic configuration of the TBW. By decomposing the full configuration of the TBW into individual aerodynamic lifting components, the total aerodynamic characteristics of the full configuration can be estimated from the contributions of the individual components. The aerodynamic superposition approach shows excellent agreement with CFD results computed by FUN3D, USM3D, and STAR-CCM+.

vortex lattice method↗

Effect of aspect ratio on the air forces and moments of harmonically oscillating thin rectangular wings in supersonic potential flow

This report treats the effect of aspect ratio on the air forces and moments of an oscillating flat rectangular wing in supersonic potential flow. The linearized velocity potential for the wing undergoing sinusoidal torsional oscillations simultaneously with sinusoidal vertical translations is derived in the form of a power series in terms of a frequency parameter. The series development is such that the differential equation for the velocity potential is satisfied to the required power of the frequency parameter considered and the linear boundary conditions are satisfied exactly. The method of solution can be utilized for other plan forms, that is, plan forms for which certain steady-state solutions are known.

Watkins, Charles E↗