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At least 433 records · Page 24

Correlation of Preston-tube data with laminar skin friction (Log No. J12984)

Preston tube data within laminar boundary layers obtained on a sharp ten-degree cone in the NASA Ames eleven-foot transonic wind tunnel are correlated with the corresponding values of theoretical skin friction. Data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.30 to 0.95 and unit Reynolds numbers of 9.84, 13.1, and 16.4 million per meter. The rms scatter of skin friction coefficient about the correlation is of the order of one percent, which is comparable to the reported accuracy for calibrations of Preston tubes in incompressible pipe flows. In contrast to previous works on Preston tube/skin friction correlations, which are based on the physical height of the probe's face, this satisfactory correlation for compressible boundary layer flows is achieved by accounting for the effects of a variable "effective" height of the probe. The coefficients, which appear in the correlation, are dependent on the particular tunnel environment. The general procedure can be used to define correlations for other wind tunnels.

Reed, T. D.↗

Influence of the Reynolds number on normal forces of slender bodies of revolution

Comprehensive force, moment, and pressure distribution measurements as well as flow visualization experiments were carried out to determine the influence of the Reynolds number on nonlinear normal forces of slender bodies of revolution. Experiments were performed in transonic wind tunnels at angles of attack up to 90 deg in the Mach number range 0.5 to 2.2 at variable Reynolds numbers. The results were analysed theoretically and an empirical theory was developed which describes the test results satisfactory.

Hartmann, K.↗

Shadowgraph techniques in transonic tests with powered nacelles

Shadowgraph photography techniques in transonic wind tunnel tests are described. The system was used in tests with powered nacelle rings to visualize the shock wave pattern in the exhaust flow. The technique is also used for installed nacelle tests on a floor mounted half model with a turbine powered fan engine simulator.

Hutton, P. G.↗

Holographic interferometry and tomography at Ames Research Center

A YAG laser holographic interferometer system and reconstruction laboratory for the Ames 2- by 2-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel are discussed. This system provides dual plate and double pulse holography for quantitative and qualitative measurements, respectively. Interferometric measurements of two-dimensional airfoils and three-dimensional bodies of revolution for a tomography feasibility study were made. The two-dimensional work included supercritical airfoils, an oscillating airfoil undergoing dynamic stall, and a circulation control airfoil. The tomography experiments centered around hemispherical nose and tangent ogive models. In addition, the tomography work covered the development of a Fourier transform code for the retrieval of the three dimensional density distributions from the interferograms.

Lee, G.↗

Propfan installation aerodynamics of a supercritical swept wing transport configuration

A semispan model with a powered propeller has been tested to provide data on the installation drag penalty of advanced propfan-powered transports designed to cruise at a Mach number of 0.8. These tests, conducted in 14-foot and 11-foot transonic wind tunnels, are a part of a NASA program to develop efficient, high-speed propellers for more fuel-efficient commercial transports for the 1990s and beyond. The model is instrumented for measuring propeller forces, wing/nacelle forces and moments, and pressure distributions over the wing and nacelle. The body in these tests was nonmetric, being connected to the wing by an RTV seal at the wing/body juncture. Tests were run at angles of attack from -3 to +5 deg over the Mach number range 0.6 to 0.85 at a Reynolds number of about 9,000,000. Results of these tests indicate that the nacelle interference drag can be quite large relative to an uninstalled nacelle. However, the losses due to the nacelle were reduced to acceptable levels by changes to the wing leading edge and nacelle intersection. The propeller slipstream causes substantial changes in the wing span load distribution indicating that twist modifications are needed to recover a more favorable span load distribution.

Smith, R. C.↗

Computations of transonic flow over an oscillating airfoil with shock-induced separation

A numerical study is presented on unsteady transonic flow over an airfoil in pitching oscillation at a moderately high incidence. The study was focused on the effects of unsteady shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions and subsequent flow separations. An implicit finite-difference scheme was used to solve the full time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations in conservation-law form. The algorithm adopted for this study is the Beam-Warming spatially factored scheme. It is, however, constructed in a body-fitted curvilinear coordinate system for efficient unsteady flow computations. The computational results are compared with experimental data measured in the Ames 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel.

Chyu, W. J.↗

Correlation of Preston-tube data with laminar skin friction

Preston-tube data have been obtained on a sharp ten-degree cone in the NASA Ames Eleven-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. Data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.30 to 0.95 and unit Reynolds numbers of 9.84, 13.1, and 16.4 million per meter. The portions of these data, that were obtained within laminar boundary layers, have been correlated with the corresponding values of theoretical skin friction. The rms scatter of skin-friction coefficient about the correlation is of the order of one percent, which is comparable to the reported accuracy for calibrations of Preston-tubes in incompressible pipe-flows. In contrast to previous works on Preston-tube/skin-friction correlations, which are based on the physical height of the probe's face, this very satisfactory correlation for compressible boundary-layer flows is achieved by accounting for the effects of a variable 'effective' height of the probe. The coefficients, which appear in the correlation, are dependent on the particular tunnel environment. The general procedure can be used to define correlations for other wind tunnels.

Reed, T. D.↗

A static investigation of yaw vectoring concepts on two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles

The flow-turning capability and nozzle internal performance of yaw-vectoring nozzle geometries were tested in the NASA Langley 16-ft Transonic wind tunnel. The concept was investigated as a means of enhancing fighter jet performance. Five two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles were equipped for yaw-vectoring and examined. The configurations included a translating left sidewall, left and right sidewall flaps downstream of the nozzle throat, left sidewall flaps or port located upstream of the nozzle throat, and a powered rudder. Trials were also run with 20 deg of pitch thrust vectoring added. The feasibility of providing yaw-thrust vectoring was demonstrated, with the largest yaw vector angles being obtained with sidewall flaps downstream of the nozzle primary throat. It was concluded that yaw vector designs that scoop or capture internal nozzle flow provide the largest yaw-vector capability, but decrease the thrust the most.

Berrier, B. L.↗

Transonic Airfoil Development

This lecture consists of three parts, in which discussions are presented of the current state of development of transonic or supercritical airfoils designed for fully turbulent boundary layers on the surfaces, previous research on subcritical airfoils designed to achieve laminar boundary layers on all or parts of the surfaces, and current research on supercritical airfoils designed to achieve laminar boundary layers. In the first part the use of available two dimensional computer codes in the development of supercritical airfoils and the general trends in the design of such airfoils with turbulent boundary layers are discussed. The second part provides the necessary background on laminar boundary layer phenomena. The last part, which constitutes the major portion of the lecture, covers research by NASA on supercritical airfoils utilizing both decreasing pressure gradients and surface suction for stabilizing the laminar boundary layer. An investigation of the former has been recently conducted in fight using gloves on the wing panels of the U.S. Air Force F111 TACT airplane, research on the later is currently being conducted in a transonic wind tunnel which has been modified to greatly reduce the stream turbulence and noise levels in the tests section.

Whitcomb, R. T.↗

High Reynolds number tests of the cast 10-2/DOA2 transonic airfoil at ambient and cryogenic temperature conditions

The transonic airfoil CAST 10-2/DOA2 was investigated in several major transonic wind tunnels at Reynolds numbers ranging from Re=1 million six hundred thousand to forty five million at ambient and cryogenic temperature conditions. The main objective was to study the degree and extent of the effects of Reynolds on both the airfoil aerodynamic characteristics and the interference effects of various model-wind-tunnel systems. the initial analysis of the 10-2 airfoil results revealed appreciable real Reynolds number effects on this airfoil and, moreover, showed that wall interference, can be significantly affected by changes in Reynolds number thus appearing as true Reynolds number effects.

Stanewsky, E.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of 2 NASA supercritical airfoils with different maximum thickness

Transonic wind tunnel tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.81 to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of two NASA supercritical airfoils. The airfoils had maximum thicknesses of 10 and 11 percent of the chord. Normal forces and pitching moments acting on the airfoils were determined from surface static pressure measurements. Drag forces acting on the airfoils were derived from vertical variations of the total and static pressures measured across the wake. For the thinner airfoil, stall begins at approximately 0.1 higher normal-force coefficient at the higher test Mach numbers, and the drag divergence Mach number at a normal-force coefficient of 0.7 was 0.01 higher.

Harris, C. D.↗

Magnetic suspension and balance system study

A compact design for a superconducting magnetic suspension and balance system is developed for a 8 ft. x 8 ft. transonic wind tunnel. The main features of the design are: a compact superconducting solenoid in the suspended airplane model; permanent magnet wings; one common liquid helium dewar for all superconducting coils; efficient new race track coils for roll torques; use of established 11 kA cryostable AC conductor; acceptable AC losses during 10 Hz control even with all steel structure; and a 560 liter/hour helium liquefier. Considerable design simplicity, reduced magnet weights, and reduced heat leak results from using one common dewar which eliminates most heavy steel structure between coils and the suspended model. Operational availability is thought to approach 100% for such magnet systems. The weight and cost of the magnet system is approximately one-third that of previous less compact designs.

Boom, R. W.↗

Results of the AFRSI detailed-environment test of the 0.035-scale SSV pressure-loads model 84-0 in the Ames 11x11 ft. TWT and the Lewis 8x6 ft. and 10x10 ft. SWT (OA-310A, B, C), volume 1

Detailed orbiter aerodynamic and aeroacoustic pressure data were obtained in a three-part experimental investigation (OA-310A, B and C). The tests were conducted in three NASA facilities: OA-310A in the Ames 11x11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel; OA-310B in the Lewis 8x6-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel; and OA-310C in the Lewis 10x10-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. Test data were obtained to support analysis of the Space Transportation System (STS)-6 advanced flexible reusable surface insulation (AFRSI) anomaly using the 0.035-scale space shuttle vehicle pressure-loads Model 84-0. Data were obtained in the areas of the orbiter where AFRSI is to be applied to OV-099 and OV-103. Emphasis was placed on acquiring detailed aeroacoustic data and time-averaged pressure distributions on five affected areas: (1) canopy; (2) side of fuselage; (3) upper surface of wing; (4) OMS pods; and (5) vertical tail. Data were obtained at nominal ascent and entry atmospheric flight trajectory conditions between M=0.6 through M-3.5. Sample plotted data are given. aba M.G.

Marshall, B. A.↗

Flow-field measurements on an airfoil with an oscillating trailing-edge using holographic interferometry

Holographic interferometry data were acquired on an NACA 64A010 airfoil with an oscillating flap. The airfoil was installed in the Ames 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel between splitter plates. Recordings were made at discrete phase angles of the oscillation. The interferometry results provided detailed flow visualization of the shock boundary-layer interaction and the separated flow. Quantitative results were extracted from the interferograms to produce pressure data. These results were compared to the surface pressures obtained with the surface pressure taps. Excellent agreement was found for low angles of incidence. At larger angles of incidence, the flow had greater three-dimensionality, and the results were not in good agreement in some regions of the flow field. Mach contours were traced for representative flow conditions. Wake profiles were also obtained using the assumption of constant pressure across the wake and the Crocco relationship.

Bachalo, W. D.↗

Nd:YAG holographic interferometer for aerodynamic research

A holographic interferometer system has been installed in the NASA Ames 2- by 2-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. The system incorporates a modern 10 pps, Nd:YAG pulsed laser which provides reliable operation and is easy to align. The spatial filtering requirements of the unstable resonator beam are described, as well as the integration of the system into the existing schlieren system. A two-plate holographic interferometer is used to reconstruct flow field data. For static wind tunnel models, the single exposure holograms are recorded in the usual manner; however, for dynamic models such as oscillating airfoils, synchronous laser hologram recording is used.

Craig, J. E.↗

The National Transonic Facility - A research perspective

The capabilities of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA-Langley and its impact on aerodynamics investigations are surveyed. The fan-driven, closed-circuit transonic wind tunnel has an 8.2 sq ft slotted test section. Trials can be run from Mach 0.2-1.2, pressures of 1-8.9 atm, and temperatures of -320 to 150 F using nitrogen as the working gas. Instrumentation has been developed for monitoring force, pressure, attitude, deformation, temperature, skin friction, flow transition, and flow velocity as well as visualizing flows around the models. Pressures of 15-130 psi are available, as are Re up to 120 million at Mach 1. Correlations are being made with flight data from the Shuttle, 767, X-29A, and TACT aircraft for real-world extrapolations. The NTF, when combined with computational fluid dynamics techniques, will permit testing of aerodynamically sophisticated shapes while narrowing the design goals for each model during basic research in fluid mechanics, transport, and aerodynamic phenomena.

Campbell, J. F.↗

Response time correlations for platinum resistance thermometers in flowing fluids

The thermal response of two types of Platinum Resistance Thermometers (PRT's), which are being considered for use in the National Transonic Wind Tunnel Facility, were studied. Response time correlations for each PRT, in flowing water, oil and air, were established separately. A universal correlation, tau WOA = 2.0 + 1264, 9/h, for a Hy-Cal Sensor (with a reference resistance of 100 ohm) within an error of 20% was established while the universal correlation for the Rosemount Sensor (with a reference resistance of 1000 ohm), tau OA = 0.122 + 1105.6/h, was found with a maximum percentage error of 30%. The correlation for the Rosemount Sensor was based on air and oil data only which is certainly not sufficient to make a correlation applicable to every condition. Therefore, the correlation needs more data to be gathered in different fluids. Also, it is necessary to state that the calculation of the parameter, h, was based on the available heat transfer correlations, whose accuracies are already reported in literature uncertain within 20-30%. Therefore, the universal response constant correlations established here for the Hy-Cal and Rosemount sensors are consistent with the uncertainty in the input data and are recommended for future use in flowing liquids and gases.

Pandey, D. K.↗

An evaluation of three helicopter rotor sections

Three helicopter rotor sections were tested in the NASA Ames Research Center 2- by 2-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel over a Mach range from 0.2 to 0.88. The sections tested had maximum thickness/chord ratios of 0.078, 0.09, and 0.10. The thickest section was of early technology and had been tested previously in other wind tunnels. This section was included in the investigation to establish a basis for comparing the two thinner sections, which were of recent design. The results of the investigation showed that the pitching-moment characteristics for the three airfoil sections were acceptable. The drag divergence Mach numbers for the three sections were 0.80, 0.825, and 0.845 in order of decreasing thickness.

Hicks, R. M.↗