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At least 37 records · Page 2

Analytical Modeling and Test Correlation of Variable Density Multilayer Insulation for Cryogenic Storage

A unique foam/multilayer insulation (MLI) combination concept for orbital cryogenic storage was experimentally evaluated using a large-scale hydrogen tank. The foam substrate insulates for ground-hold periods and enables a gaseous nitrogen purge as opposed to helium. The MLI, designed for an on-orbit storage period for 45 days, includes several unique features including a variable layer density and larger but fewer perforations for venting during ascent to orbit. Test results with liquid hydrogen indicated that the MLI weight or tank heat leak is reduced by about half in comparison with standard MLI. The focus of this effort is on analytical modeling of the variable density MLI (VD-MLI) on-orbit performance. The foam/VD-MLI model is considered to have five segments. The first segment represents the optional foam layer. The second, third, and fourth segments represent three different MLI layer densities. The last segment is an environmental boundary or shroud that surrounds the last MLI layer. Two approaches are considered: a variable density MLI modeled layer by layer and a semiempirical model or "modified Lockheed equation." Results from the two models were very comparable and were within 5-8 percent of the measured data at the 300 K boundary condition.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Analytical Models for Variable Density Multilayer Insulation Used in Cryogenic Storage

A unique multilayer insulation concept for orbital cryogenic storage was experimentally evaluated at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) using the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB). A combination of foam/Multi layer Insulation (MLI) was used. The MLI (45 layers of Double Aluminized Mylar (DAM) with Dacron net spacers) was designed for an on-orbit storage period of 45 days and included several unique features such as: a variable layer density and larger but fewer DAM perforations for venting during ascent to orbit. The focus of this paper is on analytical modeling of the variable density MLI performance during orbital coast periods. The foam/MLI combination model is considered to have five segments. The first segment represents the foam layer. The second, third, and fourth segments represent the three layers of MLI with different layer densities and number of shields. Finally, the last segment is considered to be a shroud that surrounds the last MLI layer. The hot boundary temperature is allowed to vary from 164 K to 305 K. To simulate MLI performance, two approaches are considered. In the first approach, the variable density MLI is modeled layer by layer while in the second approach, a semi-empirical model is applied. Both models account for thermal radiation between shields, gas conduction, and solid conduction through the separator materials. The heat flux values predicted by each approach are compared for different boundary temperatures and MLI systems with 30, 45, 60, and 75 layers.

Hedayat, A.↗

The characteristics of 78 related airfoil sections from tests in the variable-density wind tunnel

An investigation of a large group of related airfoils was made in the NACA variable-density wind tunnel at a large value of the Reynolds number. The tests were made to provide data that may be directly employed for a rational choice of the most suitable airfoil section for a given application. The variation of the aerodynamic characteristics with variations in thickness and mean-line form were systematically studied. (author)

Jacobs, Eastman N↗

Tests on Models of Three British Airplanes in the Variable Density Wind Tunnel

This report contains the results of tests made in the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics variable density wind tunnel on three airplane models supplied by the British Aeronautical Research Committee. These models, the BE-2E with R.A.F. 19 wings, the British Fighter with R.A.F. 15 wings, and the Bristol Fighter with R.A.F. 30 wings, were tested over a wide range in Reynolds numbers in order to supply data desired by the Aeronautical Research Committee for scale effect studies. The maximum lifts obtained in these tests are in excellent agreement with the published results of British tests, both model and full scale. No attempt is made to compare drag data, owing to the emission of tail surfaces, radiator, etc., from the model, but is shown that the scale effect observed on the drag coefficients in these tests is due to a large extent to the parts of the models other than the wings. (author)

Higgins, George J↗

Second order closure for variable density free shear layer

A full second order closure turbulence model for the prediction of free shear flows with variable density is developed. The importance of density fluctuations due to inhomogeneities in fluid composition is emphasized. Some simplicity is achieved by using density weighted averaging to account implicitly for density fluctuation effects. Transport equations for various second order correlations - such as Reynolds stress, turbulent mass fluxes or density velocity correlations - are derived, modelled and solved, together with the mean equations for momentum and species conservation. Solutions of these equations are compared with the two different sets of experimental data for low speed free mixing layers (helium into nitrogen and freon 12 into air).

Vandromme, D.↗

Interference of Wing and Fuselage from Tests of 28 Combinations in the NACA Variable-Density Tunnel

Report presents the results of tests conducted on 28 wing-fuselage combinations made in the variable-density wind tunnel as a part of the wing-fuselage interference program being conducted therein and in addition to the 209 combinations previously reported in NACA-TR-540. These tests practically complete the study of combinations with a rectangular fuselage and continue the study of combinations with a round fuselage and a tapered wing.

Sherman, Albert↗

Interference of Wing and Fuselage from Tests of the 18 Combinations in the N.A.C.A. Variable-density Tunnel - Combination with Split Flaps

As part of the wing-fuselage interference investigation in progress in the N.A.C.A. variable density wind tunnel, the effects of various split-flap arrangements applied to wing-fuselage combinations were determined. Split flaps were found to exert their influence independently of the interference, and their effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of rectangular-airfoil combinations appeared to be more or less proportional to their exposed span lengths. The interference, moreover, showed the same character with the split flaps as without them.

Sherman, Albert↗

Interference of Wing and Fuselage from Tests of 17 Combinations in the NACA Variable-density Tunnel Combination with Special Junctures

As part of the wing-fuselage interference program in progress in the NACA variable-density wind tunnel, a method of eliminating the interference bubble associated with critical mid wing combinations was investigated. The interference bubble of the critical mid wing combination was shown to respond to modification at the nose of the juncture and to be entirely suppressed with little or no adverse effect on the high-speed drag by special leading edge fillets.

Sherman, Albert↗

Heat transfer tests of the NASA-MSC space shuttle configuration at the Langley Research Center Mach 8 Variable Density Facility

The experimental investigations performed on the NASA-Manned Spacecraft Center Space Shuttle orbiter and booster configurations at a Mach 8 variable density facility are presented. The test program was a series of aerothermodynamic wind tunnel tests that were run over a range of angles of attack, yaw angles, and Reynolds numbers. Objectives of the test program were to obtain heat transfer data over the NASA-Manned Spacecraft Center Space Shuttle orbiter, booster, and launch configurations for a range of angles of attack from - 20 to + 30 deg, yaw angles of 0 and + or - 6 deg, and Reynolds numbers of 0.6, 2.0, and 3.7 x one million. The phase-change coating technique was used to obtain heat transfer data. Information received from these tests will be instrumental in performing thermal protection systems studies and vehicle aerodynamic design.

Connor, L. E.↗

Transition heating rates determined on a 0.006 scale space shuttle orbiter model (no. 50-0) in the NASA/LaRC Mach 8 variable density wind tunnel test (OH14)

Data obtained from wind tunnel tests of an .006-scale space shuttle orbiter model in the 18 in. Variable Density Wind Tunnel are presented. The tests, denoted as OH14, were performed to determine transition heating rates using thin skin thermocouples located at various locations on the space shuttle orbiter. The model was tested at M = 8.0 for a range of Reynolds numbers per foot varying from 1.0 to 10.0 million with angles-of-attack from 20 to 35 degrees incremented by 5 degrees.

Cummings, J.↗

Heat transfer phase change paint test (OH-42) of a Rockwell International SSV orbiter in the NASA/LRC Mach 8 variable density wind tunnel

Phase change paint tests of a Rockwell International .00593-scale space shuttle orbiter were conducted in the Langley Research Center's Variable Density Wind Tunnel. The test objectives were to determine the effects of various wing/underbody configurations on the aerodynamic heating rates and boundary layer transition during simulated entry conditions. Several models were constructed. Each varied from the other in either wing cuff radius, airfoil thickness, or wing-fuselage underbody blending. Two ventral fins were glued to the fuselage underside of one model to test the interference heating effects. Simulated Mach 8 entry data were obtained for each configuration at angles of attack ranging from 25 to 40 deg, and a Reynolds number variation of one million to eight million. Elevon, bodyflap, and rudder flare deflections were tested. Oil flow visualization and Schlieren photographs were obtained to aid in reducing the phase change paint data as well as to observe the flow patterns peculiar to each configuration.

Jones, R.↗

Interference of Tail Surfaces and Wing and Fuselage from Tests of 17 Combinations in the N.A.C.A. Variable-Density Tunnel

An investigation of the interference associated with tail surfaces added to wing-fuselage combinations was included in the interference program in progress in the NACA variable-density tunnel. The results indicate that, in aerodynamically clean combinations, the increment of the high-speed drag can be estimated from section characteristics within useful limits of accuracy. The interference appears mainly as effects on the downwash angle and as losses in the tail effectiveness and varies with the geometry of the combination. An interference burble, which markedly increases the glide-path angle and the stability in pitch before the actual stall, may be considered a means of obtaining satisfactory stalling characteristics for complete combination.

Sherman, Albert↗

Interference of Tail Surfaces and Wing and Fuselage from Tests of 17 Combinations in the N.A.C.A. Variable-Density Tunnel

An investigation of the interference associated with tail surfaces added to wing-fuselage combinations was included in the interference program in progress in the NACA variable-density tunnel. The results indicate that, in aerodynamically clean combinations, the increment to the high-speed drag can be estimated from section characteristics within useful limits of accuracy. The interference appears mainly as effects on the downwash angel and as losses in the tail. An interference burble, which markedly increases the glide-path angle and the stability in pitch before the actual stall, may be considered a means of obtaining satisfactory stalling characteristics for a complete combination.

Sherman, Albert↗

Tests in the variable-density wind tunnel of related airfoils having the maximum camber unusually far forward

A family of related airfoils having the position of maximum camber unusually far forward was investigated in the variable-density tunnel as an extension of the study recently completed of a large number of related airfoils. The new airfoils gave improved characteristics over those previously investigated, especially in regard to the pitching moment. Some of the new sections are markedly superior to well-known and commonly used sections and should replace them in applications requiring a slightly cambered section of moderate thickness having a small pitching-moment coefficient.

Jacobs, Eastman N↗

Transition heating rates obtained on a matted and isolated 0.006 scale model (41-OT) space shuttle orbiter and external tank in the NASA/LaRC variable density hypersonic tunnel (IH17)

Model information and data obtained from wind tunnel tests performed on a 0.006 scale model of the Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter and external tank in the 18 inch Variable Density Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (VDHT) at NASA Langley Research Center are presented. Tests were performed at a Mach number of 8.0 over a Reynolds Number range from 0.1 to 10.0 million per foot at 0 deg and -5 deg angle of attack and 0 deg sideslip angle. Transition heating rates were determined using thin skin thermocouples located at various locations on the orbiter and ET. The test was conducted in three stages: orbiter plus external tank (mated configuration); orbiter alone, and external tank alone. The effects of boundary layer trips were also included in the test sequence. The plotted results presented show the effect of configuration interference on the orbiter lower surface and on the ET. Tabulated data are given.

Cummings, J.↗