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At least 433 records · Page 24

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NASA NTRS1996

Flow structure generated by perpendicular blade-vortex interaction and implications for helicopter noise prediction. Volume 1: Measurements

The perpendicular interaction of a streamwise vortex with an infinite span helicopter blade was modeled experimentally in incompressible flow. Three-component velocity and turbulence measurements were made using a sub-miniature four sensor hot-wire probe. Vortex core parameters (radius, peak tangential velocity, circulation, and centerline axial velocity deficit) were determined as functions of blade-vortex separation, streamwise position, blade angle of attack, vortex strength, and vortex size. The downstream development of the flow shows that the interaction of the vortex with the blade wake is the primary cause of the changes in the core parameters. The blade sheds negative vorticity into its wake as a result of the induced angle of attack generated by the passing vortex. Instability in the vortex core due to its interaction with this negative vorticity region appears to be the catalyst for the magnification of the size and intensity of the turbulent flowfield downstream of the interaction. In general, the core radius increases while peak tangential velocity decreases with the effect being greater for smaller separations. These effects are largely independent of blade angle of attack; and if these parameters are normalized on their undisturbed values, then the effects of the vortex strength appear much weaker. Two theoretical models were developed to aid in extending the results to other flow conditions. An empirical model was developed for core parameter prediction which has some rudimentary physical basis, implying usefulness beyond a simple curve fit. An inviscid flow model was also created to estimate the vorticity shed by the interaction blade, and to predict the early stages of its incorporation into the interacting vortex.

Wittmer, Kenneth S.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Active Model Split for Hybrid RANS/LES of Compressible Flows

Hybrid RANS/LES models have consistently shown superior accuracy over RANS in predictions of massively separated flows. However, these models have experienced difficulties with modeled stress depletion, smooth-wall separated flow, and shock-separated flows. The Active Model Split (AMS) hybridization was created to address some of the fundamental shortcomings of traditional hybrid RANS/LES models. While previous work considered incompressible flows, this paper demonstrates how the AMS framework can be extended to address compressible flows. AMS-based hybrid models for the turbulent heat flux and turbulent transport terms in the total energy equation are presented. This compressible hybrid RANS/LES framework is demonstrated on a subsonic channel, a supersonic channel, and a transonic shock-boundary layer interaction. Record includes video of presentation, to view download the mp4 video attached run time of 10 mins 18 secs.

hybrid RANS/LES↗

NASA NTRS1975

A Three-Dimensional Solution of Flows over Wings with Leading-Edge Vortex Separation. Part 1: Engineering Document

A method of predicting forces, moments, and detailed surface pressures on thin, sharp-edged wings with leading-edge vortex separation in incompressible flow is presented. The method employs an inviscid flow model in which the wing and the rolled-up vortex sheets are represented by piecewise, continuous quadratic doublet sheet distributions. The Kutta condition is imposed on all wing edges. Computed results are compared with experimental data and with the predictions of the leading-edge suction analogy for a selected number of wing planforms over a wide range of angle of attack. These comparisons show the method to be very promising, capable of producing not only force predictions, but also accurate predictions of detailed surface pressure distributions, loads, and moments.

Brune, G. W.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Large-eddy simulation of flow past a circular cylinder

Some of the most challenging applications of large-eddy simulation are those in complex geometries where spectral methods are of limited use. For such applications more conventional methods such as finite difference or finite element have to be used. However, it has become clear in recent years that dissipative numerical schemes which are routinely used in viscous flow simulations are not good candidates for use in LES of turbulent flows. Except in cases where the flow is extremely well resolved, it has been found that upwind schemes tend to damp out a significant portion of the small scales that can be resolved on the grid. Furthermore, it has been found that even specially designed higher-order upwind schemes that have been used successfully in the direct numerical simulation of turbulent flows produce too much dissipation when used in conjunction with large-eddy simulation. The objective of the current study is to perform a LES of incompressible flow past a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 3900 using a solver which employs an energy-conservative second-order central difference scheme for spatial discretization and compare the results obtained with those of Beaudan & Moin (1994) and with the experiments in order to assess the performance of the central scheme for this relatively complex geometry.

Mittal, R.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Factors Influencing Pitot Probe Centerline Displacement in a Turbulent Supersonic Boundary Layer

When a total pressure probe is used for measuring flows with transverse total pressure gradients, a displacement of the effective center of the probe is observed (designated Delta). While this phenomenon is well documented in incompressible flow and supersonic laminar flow, there is insufficient information concerning supersonic turbulent flow. In this study, three NASA Lewis Research Center Supersonic Wind Tunnels (SWT's) were used to investigate pitot probe centerline displacement in supersonic turbulent boundary layers. The relationship between test conditions and pitot probe centerline displacement error was to be determined. For this investigation, ten circular probes with diameter-to-boundary layer ratios (D/delta) ranging from 0.015 to 0.256 were tested in the 10 ft x 10 ft SWT, the 15 cm x 15 cm SWT, and the 1 ft x 1 ft SWT. Reynolds numbers of 4.27 x 10(exp 6)/m, 6.00 x 10(exp 6)/in, 10.33 x 10(exp 6)/in, and 16.9 x 10(exp 6)/m were tested at nominal Mach numbers of 2.0 and 2.5. Boundary layer thicknesses for the three tunnels were approximately 200 mm, 13 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. Initial results indicate that boundary layer thickness, delta, and probe diameter, D/delta play a minimal role in pitot probe centerline offset error, Delta/D. It appears that the Mach gradient, dM/dy, is an important factor, though the exact relationship has not yet been determined. More data is needed to fill the map before a conclusion can be drawn with any certainty. This research provides valuable supersonic, turbulent boundary layer data from three supersonic wind tunnels with three very different boundary layers. It will prove a valuable stepping stone for future research into the factors influencing pitot probe centerline offset error.

Grosser, Wendy I.↗

NASA NTRS1985

An implicit finite-difference code for a two-equation turbulence model for three-dimensional flows

An implicit finite difference code was developed which solves the transport equations for the turbulence kinetic energy and its dissipation rate in generalized coordinates in three dimensions. The finite difference equations are solved using the Beam-Warming algorithm. The kinetic energy-dissipation code, KEM, provides the closure; i.e., the turbulent viscosity for calculation of either compressible or incompressible flows. Turbulent internal flow over a backward-facing step has been calculated using the present code in conjunction with the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Code, INS3D. The results are in good agreement with experiments and two dimensional computations of other researchers.

Kaul, U. K.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The effects of trailing vorticity on the flow through highly loaded cascades

This paper presents a procedure whereby three-dimensional inviscid flow through a highly loaded turbomachinery cascade of lifting lines can be treated by methods corresponding to classical aerodynamic theory. In contrast to earlier linearized (thin airfoil) three-dimensional theory, the present study allows analysis of the flow corresponding to the large turning and/or large pressure ratios induced by practical rotors or stators. For the sake of simplicity, the present paper is limited to incompressible flow through a highly loaded rectilinear cascade and to the design problem; i.e., given blade loading. Formulas are derived for both the mean and the three-dimensional components of the flow; in particular, the velocities at the blades induced by the trailing vorticity associated with nonuniform blade circulation are determined.

Mccune, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Three-dimensional application of the Johnson-King turbulence model for a boundary-layer direct method

The Johnson-King turbulence model as extended to three-dimensional flows was evaluated using finite-difference boundary-layer direct method. Calculations were compared against the experimental data of the well-known Berg-Elsenaar incompressible flow over an infinite swept-wing. The Johnson-King model, which includes the nonequilibrium effects in a developing turbulent boundary-layer, was found to significantly improve the predictive quality of a direct boundary-layer method. The improvement was especially visible in the computations with increased three-dimensionality of the mean flow, larger integral parameters, and decreasing eddy-viscosity and shear stress magnitudes in the streamwise direction; all in better agreement with the experiment than simple mixing-length methods.

Kavsaoglu, Mehmet S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

A viscous/potential flow interaction analysis method for multi-element infinite swept wings, volume 1

An analysis method and computer program have been developed for the calculation of the viscosity dependent aerodynamic characteristics of multi-element infinite swept wings in incompressible flow. The wing configuration consisting at the most of a slat, a main element and double slotted flap is represented in the method by a large number of panels. The inviscid pressure distribution about a given configuration in the normal chord direction is determined using a two dimensional potential flow program employing a vortex lattice technique. The boundary layer development over each individual element of the high lift configuration is determined using either integral or finite difference boundary layer techniques. A source distribution is then determined as a function of the calculated boundary layer displacement thickness and pressure distributions. This source distribution is included in the second calculation of the potential flow about the configuration. Once the solution has converged (usually after 2-5 iterations between the potential flow and boundary layer calculations) lift, drag, and pitching moments can be determined as functions of Reynolds number.

Dvorak, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1949

Two-dimensional compressible flow in turbomachines with conic flow surfaces

A general method of analysis is developed for two-dimensional, steady, compressible flow in stators or rotors of radial and mixed flow turbomachines with conic flow surfaces (surfaces of right circular cones generated by center line of flow passage in the axial-radial plane). The variables taken into account are: (1) tip speed of the rotor, (2) flow rate, (3) blade shape, (4) variation in passage height with radius, (5) number of blades, and (6) cone angle of the flow surface. Relaxation methods are used to solve the nonlinear differential equation for the stream function. Two numerical examples are presented; one for compressible and the other for incompressible flow in a centrifugal compressor with thin, straight blades. The results of these examples are given by plots of the streamlines, constant velocity-ratio lines, and constant pressure-ratio line.

Stanitz, John D↗

NASA NTRS1974

Application of an invariant second-order closure model to compressible turbulent shear layers

A second-order closure model for two-dimensional, compressible shear flows is investigated using the invariant modeling technique developed by Donaldson. The invariant model parameters were originally selected by comparison of model predictions with critical experimental data on basic incompressible flows. Additional modeling for compressible flows has been introduced. A number of different shear flows such as the free shear layer, flat plate boundary layer and a simulation of the mixing region of a chemical laser are computed. The model is consistent with first-order closure turbulence models for equilibrium flows and is further capable of predicting nonequilibrium flows that cannot be correctly solved by eddy viscosity models. The results are in generally good agreement with experimental measurements but suggest the need for inclusion of a Mach number dependent model of the pressure diffusion terms in order to adequately represent high speed compressible flows.

Varma, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Progress in high-lift aerodynamic calculations

The current work presents progress in the effort to numerically simulate the flow over high-lift aerodynamic components, namely, multi-element airfoils and wings in either a take-off or a landing configuration. The computational approach utilizes an incompressible flow solver and an overlaid chimera grid approach. A detailed grid resolution study is presented for flow over a three-element airfoil. Two turbulence models, a one-equation Baldwin-Barth model and a two equation k-omega model are compared. Excellent agreement with experiment is obtained for the lift coefficient at all angles of attack, including the prediction of maximum lift when using the two-equation model. Results for two other flap riggings are shown. Three-dimensional results are presented for a wing with a square wing-tip as a validation case. Grid generation and topology is discussed for computing the flow over a T-39 Sabreliner wing with flap deployed and the initial calculations for this geometry are presented.

Rogers, Stuart E.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Instability Wave-Streak Interactions in a Supersonic Boundary Layer

Optimal initial conditions for transient growth in a two-dimensional boundary layer flow correspond to stationary, counter-rotating vortices that subsequently develop into streamwise elongated streaks, which are characterized by an alternating pattern of low and high streamwise velocity. For incompressible flows, previous studies have shown that boundary layer modulation due to streaks below a threshold amplitude level can stabilize the Tollmien-Schlichting instability waves, resulting in a delay in the onset of laminar-turbulent transition. In the supersonic regime, the linearly, most-amplified waves become three-dimensional, corresponding to oblique, first-mode waves. This change in the character of dominant instabilities leads to an important change in the transition process, which is now dominated by oblique breakdown via nonlinear interactions between pairs of first-mode waves that propagate at equal but opposite angles with respect to the free stream. Because the oblique breakdown process is characterized by a rapid amplification of stationary streamwise streaks, artificial excitation of such streaks may be expected to promote transition in a supersonic boundary layer. Indeed, suppression of those streaks has been shown to delay the onset of transition in prior literature. Consistent with those findings, the present study shows that optimally growing stationary streaks indeed destabilize the first-mode waves, but only when the spanwise wavelength of the instability waves is equal to or smaller than twice the streak spacing. Transition in a benign disturbance environment typically involves first-mode waves with significantly longer spanwise wavelengths, and hence, these waves are stabilized by the optimal growth streaks. Thus, as long as the amplification factors for the destabilized, short wavelength instability waves remain below the threshold level for transition, a significant net stabilization is achieved, yielding a transition delay that is comparable to the length of the laminar region in the uncontrolled case.

Boundary layer transition↗

NASA NTRS1981

Advanced stability analysis for laminar flow control

Five classes of problems are addressed: (1) the extension of the SALLY stability analysis code to the full eighth order compressible stability equations for three dimensional boundary layer; (2) a comparison of methods for prediction of transition using SALLY for incompressible flows; (3) a study of instability and transition in rotating disk flows in which the effects of Coriolis forces and streamline curvature are included; (4) a new linear three dimensional instability mechanism that predicts Reynolds numbers for transition to turbulence in planar shear flows in good agreement with experiment; and (5) a study of the stability of finite amplitude disturbances in axisymmetric pipe flow showing the stability of this flow to all nonlinear axisymmetric disturbances.

Orszag, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Reynolds number effects on the turbulence field in compressible boundary layers

Detailed experiments were conducted in a zero pressure gradient, supersonic turbulent boundary layer, including measurements of the three components of velocity fluctuations and the turbulent shear stress, for Reynolds numbers ranging from 11.7 million to 105 million at a freestream Mach number of 2.3. The mean flow measurements established the fully developed and equilibrium nature of the boundary layer. Measurements of the turbulence field show that the vertical and transverse fluctuations are essentially equal throughout the boundary layer at all Reynolds numbers, a feature that is different from observations in incompressible flows. The data show that the boundary layer exhibits similarity in the turbulence profiles for the entire Reynolds number range and agrees with previous compressible and incompressible data using Morkovin's scaling to account for compressibility effects.

Acharya, M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A quasi-three-dimensional blade surface boundary layer analysis for rotating blade rows

A quasi-three-dimensional approximation has been developed for a blade boundary layer which involves the calculation of the effect of nonzero pressure gradients, turbulent flow, and blade twist, but includes only a simple coupling between streamlines. The resulting set of equations is solved using Keller's box scheme. The solution scheme is checked against available incompressible flow solutions and then applied to a NASA low aspect ratio transonic compressor stage for which extensive experimental and computational data are available. It is found that the three-dimensional boundary layer separates significantly sooner and has a much larger influence on rotor performance than would be expected from a two-dimensional analysis.

Thompkins, W. T., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Transonic airfoil analysis and design in nonuniform flow

A nonuniform transonic airfoil code is developed for applications in analysis, inverse design and direct optimization involving an airfoil immersed in propfan slipstream. Problems concerning the numerical stability, convergence, divergence and solution oscillations are discussed. The code is validated by comparing with some known results in incompressible flow. A parametric investigation indicates that the airfoil lift-drag ratio can be increased by decreasing the thickness ratio. A better performance can be achieved if the airfoil is located below the slipstream center. Airfoil characteristics designed by the inverse method and a direct optimization are compared. The airfoil designed with the method of direct optimization exhibits better characteristics and achieves a gain of 22 percent in lift-drag ratio with a reduction of 4 percent in thickness.

Chang, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Numerical study of juncture flows

The present paper describes a computational study of laminar/turbulent and subsonic/supersonic horseshoe vortex systems generated by a cylindrical protuberance mounted on a flat plate. Various vortex structures are predicted and discussed. Low-speed laminar juncture flows are computed to determine the Reynolds number effect with the same incoming boundary-layer thickness. For a low subsonic laminar flow, the number of vortex arrays increases with the Reynolds number, in agreement with both experimental and numerical observations. Qualitative comparisons are made along with the computations, experimental observations, and analytical work. For incompressible flow, the relationships among pressure extrema, vorticity, and singular points in flow structure are discussed. A parametric study of the effect of the free-stream Mach number on the flow structure for laminar flow is conducted. The juncture flow when the incoming flow is turbulent and supersonic is computed.

Chen, Chung-Lung↗