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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 361 records · Page 20
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NASA NTRS1980

Shockless airfoils for wings, compressors, and turbines

The major aspects of a code for the design of shockless airfoils in two-dimensional transonic flow are reviewed. The code is based on a method of analytic continuation into the domain of two complex characteristic variables, which makes it possible to associate a shockless airfoil with a given pressure distribution. This procedure is compared with another more direct method based on a two-dimensional analysis code that has had wide acceptance by the aircraft industry.

Garabedian, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Flight evaluation of a simplified gross thrust calculation technique using an F100 turbofan engine in an F-15 airplane

A simplified gross thrust calculation technique was evaluated in flight tests on an F-15 aircraft using prototype F100-PW-100 engines. The technique relies on afterburner duct pressure measurements and empirical corrections to an ideal one-dimensional analysis to determine thrust. In-flight gross thrust calculated by the simplified method is compared to gross thrust calculated by the engine manufacturer's gas generator model. The evaluation was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 1.5 and at altitudes from 6000 meters to 13,700 meters. The flight evaluation shows that the simplified gross thrust method and the gas generator method agreed within plus or minus 3 percent. The discrepancies between the data generally fell within an uncertainty band derived from instrumentation errors and recording system resolution.

Kurtenbach, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Measurements of interactions between acoustic fields and nonuniform mean flow

Two problems crucial to the stability of longitudinal acoustic waves in solid rocket motors were examined experimentally. The first is the dissipation of energy associated with an average flow inward at the lateral boundary. Measurements reported here, though subject to considerable experimental error, show that the actual losses are much larger than predicted by the approximate one dimensional analysis. The second problem is the attenuation of waves accompanying reflection by the nonuniform flow in a choked exhaust nozzle. Emphasis on technique, to provide data relatively easily and inexpensively. It appears that good results can be obtained in a routine manner using small supersonic wind tunnel operated as an open cycle. At least for Mach numbers up to 0.04 at the nozzle entrance, difficulties with signal/noise are satisfactorily overcome with a tracking filter.

Magiawala, K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Three-dimensional separated flows past ground vehicles

The separated flow past a thick body is calculated using a theoretical model based on a discrete wake-vortex representation. Rehbach's unsteady inviscid scheme (1977) was used in the three-dimensional analysis. The obstacle is represented by singularities, and the wake is modeled by vortex particles emitted at the separation line. Calculated results for an axisymmetric body are compared with flow visualization results.

Chometon, F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energy coupling between the solar wind and the magnetosphere

A description is given of the path leading to the first approximation expression for the solar wind-magnetosphere energy coupling function (epsilon), which correlates well with the total energy consumption rate (U sub T) of the magnetosphere. It is shown that epsilon is the primary factor controlling the time development of magnetospheric substorms and storms. The finding of this particular expression epsilon indicates how the solar wind couples its energy to the magnetosphere; the solar wind and the magnetosphere make up a dynamo. In fact, the power generated by the dynamo can be identified as epsilon through the use of a dimensional analysis. In addition, the finding of epsilon suggests that the magnetosphere is closer to a directly driven system than to an unloading system which stores the generated energy before converting it to substorm and storm energies. The finding of epsilon and its implications is considered to have significantly advanced and improved the understanding of magnetospheric processes.

Akasofu, S.-I.↗
NASA NTRS1981

An improved transverse shear deformation theory for laminated antisotropic plates

An improved transverse shear deformation theory for laminated anisotropic plates under bending is presented. The theory eliminates the need for an arbitrarily chosen shear correction factor. For a general laminate with coupled bending and stretching, the constitutive equations connecting resultants with average displacements and rotations are derived. Simplified forms of these relations are also obtained for the special case of a symmetric laminate with uncoupled bending. The governing equation for this special case is obtained as a sixth-order equation for the normal displacement requiring prescription of the three physically natural bounday conditions along each edge. For the limiting case of isotropy, the present theory reduces to an improved version of Mindlin's theory. Numerical results are obtained from the present theory for an example of a laminated plate under cylindrical bending. Comparison with results from exact three-dimensional analysis shows that the present theory is more accurate than other theories of equivalent order.

Murthy, M. V. V.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Geophysical fluid dynamics

Systematic scaling or dimensional analysis reveals that certain scales of geophysical fluid flows (such as stellar, ocean, and planetary atmosphere circulations) can be accurately modeled in the laboratory using a procedure which differs from conventional engineering modeling. Rather than building a model to obtain numbers for a specific design problem, the relative effects of the significant forces are systematically varied in an attempt to deepen understanding of the effects of these forces. Topics covered include: (1) modeling a large-scale planetary atmospheric flow in a rotating cylindrical annulus; (2) achieving a radial dielectric body force; (3) spherical geophysical fluid dynamics experiments for Spacelab flights; (4) measuring flow and temperature; and (5) the possible effect of rotational or precessional disturbances on the flow in the rotating spherical containers.

Fowlis, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Computation of three-dimensional inviscid flow over hypersonic missile configurations using the GIM code

A three-dimensional computational technique was used to obtain flowfield solutions to the Euler equations over selected hypersonic missile configurations. The General Interpolants Method (GIM) computer code was used with interpolation functions in an algebraic approach to generate a discrete computational grid for each configuration. The spatial marching version of the GIM code, which treats the parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) equations or the Euler equations with a shock capturing, 'MacCormack-like' scheme, was used to advance the solution hyperbolically over each configuration. The inviscid flowfield solutions over the two three-dimensional missile configurations, calculated using the GIM hyperbolic scheme, are presented here. The flow field over a wing/body configuration at zero degree angle of attack is presented. Flow over the fuselage of a tactical missile, termed the TAME 10, at both zero degree and 7.5 degree angles of attack is presented. In addition, an inviscid, two-dimensional analysis of an inlet configuration designed to mount on the TAME 10 is included. Contour maps of velocity and pressure are included for each configuration. Comparison of calculation and data show good agreement.

Xiques, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Impact cratering in viscous targets - Laboratory experiments

To determine the effects of target yield strength and viscosity on the formation and morphology of Martian multilobed, slosh and rampart-type impact craters, 75 experiments in which target properties and impact energies were varied were carried out for high-speed motion picture observation in keeping with the following sequence: (1) projectile initial impact; (2) crater excavation and rise of ejecta plume; (3) formation of a transient central mound which generates a surge of material upon collapse that can partly override the plume deposit; and (4) oscillation of the central mound with progressively smaller surges of material leaving the crater. A dimensional analysis of the experimental results indicates that the dimensions of the central mound are proportional to (1) the energy of the impacting projectile and (2) to the inverse of both the yield strength and viscosity of the target material, and it is determined that extrapolation of these results to large Martian craters requires an effective surface layer viscosity of less than 10 to the 10th poise. These results may also be applicable to impacts on outer planet satellites composed of ice-silicate mixtures.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Two-and-a-half-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence

The homogeneous turbulence for which fluctuating magnetic fields and velocity fields are independent of one spatial coordinate but still possess all three components are studied to form a generalized two-and-half dimensional geometry. The integral of the z-vector potential and the magnetic helicity are shown to be ideal invariants, and the basic dynamical variables and the equations of uniform-density incompressible magnetohydrodynamics are defined. The possibility of simultaneous inverse cascades is considered, and Kolmogoroff dimensional analysis is employed to infer omnidirectional inverse cascade spectra. Implications of a selective decay hypothesis, where a tendency exists in the initial value problem for the ideal invariants directly cascaded to higher wavenumbers to be selectively dissipated, and the possibility of a dynamo action in the considered geometry, are examined.

Montgomery, D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Evaluation of a simplified gross thrust calculation method for a J85-21 afterburning turbojet engine in an altitude facility

A simplified gross thrust calculation method was evaluated on its ability to predict the gross thrust of a modified J85-21 engine. The method used tailpipe pressure data and ambient pressure data to predict the gross thrust. The method's algorithm is based on a one-dimensional analysis of the flow in the afterburner and nozzle. The test results showed that the method was notably accurate over the engine operating envelope using the altitude facility measured thrust for comparison. A summary of these results, the simplified gross thrust method and requirements, and the test techniques used are discussed in this paper.

Baer-Riedhart, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The modification stage of basin formation - Conditions of ring formation

The impact cratering process may be divided into three stages, including a short high pressure phase of initial contact between the projectile and target, a longer cratering flow phase during which material is both ejected and displaced to form the transient crater, and a still longer modification phase during which the transient crater is modified into the final observed form. The present investigation is concerned with the nature of the modification stage as constrained by the initial boundary condition which comprises the transient crater and its surroundings, and the final boundary condition which comprises the structure of observed craters and basins. A brief description is provided of an interpretation of basin ring structure based on geophysical, geological, and dimensional analysis of craters and basins on the moon, Mercury, and Mars, on structural observations of terrestrial impact and explosion craters, and on an empirical crater restoration model. A scenario of basin formation is constructed, and relations of this scenario to observed morphology are discussed.

Croft, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Computation of viscous flow in curved ducts and comparison with experimental data

A three dimensional analysis for fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. The analysis, designated PEPSIG, solves an approximate form of the Navier-Stokes equations by an implicit spatial marching procedure. Results of calculations are presented for laminar flow through two different circular cross-sectioned 180 degree bends, and for laminar and turbulent flow through circular and square cross-sectioned 22.5 to 22.5 degree S-ducts. Quantitative comparisons with experimental data are shown for all cases. Special emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the analysis to accurately predict the distorted flow fields resulting from pressure-driven secondary flows.

Towne, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Computation of viscous flow in curved ducts and comparison with experimental data

A three dimensional analysis for fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. The analysis, designated PEPSIG, solves an approximate form of the Navier-Stokes equations by an implicit spatial marching procedure. Results of calculations are presented for laminar flow through two different circular cross-sectioned 180 degree bends, and for laminar and turbulent flow through circular and square cross-sectioned 22.5 to 22.5 degree S-ducts. Quantitative comparisons with experimental data are shown for all cases. Special emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the analysis to accurately predict the distored flow fields resulting from pressure-driven secondary flows. Previously announced in STAR as N84-13404

Towne, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Investigation of mixing in a turbofan exhaust duct. II Computer code application and verification

A three-dimensional analysis of turbofan forced mixer nozzle aerodynamics demonstrates that the complex flow structure is dominated by geometrically induced secondary flow rather than by turbulence. The test apparatus consisted of a fixed upstream model section and a rotating shroud. The Mach number of the fan and core streams at the mixing plane (lobe exit) was 0.45, the bypass ratio was about 4, and the Reynolds number based on the shroud radius was 1,100,000. The three velocity components near the exit plane of the lobes were measured using flow angularity probes to provide information about the mixer inflow conditions for turbulent computations. The validity of a previous computer code was demonstrated in a comparison of the nozzle exit temperature data with the computed temperature distributions. The mechanism most responsible for the generation of secondary flow within the lobes is due to the turning of the fan and core streams in opposite radial directions.

Povinelli, L. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Numerical Investigation of the Micromechanics of Composite Fracture

A generalized program for the two-dimensional analysis of static crack growth problems was developed and is being tested. In addition to a detailed examination and development of fracture criteria needed to track cracks in composites at the micromechanical level, the program employs fully automatic finite element mesh generation. This is an entirely new approach in program structure that is being taken to allow for the automatic tracking of discrete crack growth. The maximum strain energy density criterion (T-criterion) was found to be a good alternative to the minimum strain energy density criterion (S-criterion).

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

First zonal harmonic component of cosmic ray neutron intensity

Cosmic ray neutron data from the cosmic ray stations from the worldwide network in 1966, 1967 and 1969 are analyzed by means of the three dimensional analysis method by Nagashima. The variations of the north-south anisotropy, which is the first zonal harmonic component obtained from the analysis are studied. The result obtained confirms earlier findings. Relationship of the anisotropy to the interplanetary magnetic field sector polarity is also studied.

Takahashi, H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Characterization of terrestrial ecosystems for biogeochemical studies using remote sensing

Work is in progress to estimate leaf area index (LAI) of temperate closed canopy coniferous forests using transects in Oregon and California. This variable will be measured using remote sensing techniques including correlations of ground dimensional analysis with linear waveband combinations. LAI will be related to important biological variables such as net primary productivity, biomass, and biogenic gas emission fluxes. The spatial variation in LAI, when coupled with species composition, will be used in part to describe the spatial variation and temporal dynamics of biogeochemical cycling.

Peterson, D. L.↗