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At least 451 records · Page 25

Accurate simulation of vortical flows

Even with recent supercomputers having a large memory, Navier-Stokes simulations for vortical flows do not provide satisfactory results because of the lack of grid resolution to accurately simulate the strength of separation vortices. To overcome this problem, a zonal method is proposed to increase the number of grid points locally. Interface scheme which is critical for an efficient and stable zonal method is based on the Fortified Navier-Stokes concept. Application to both two-dimensional conical and three-dimensional delta wing problems indicates this simple zonal method can improve the accuracy of vortical flow simulations.

Fujii, Kozo↗

Visualization of Flowfield Modification by RCS Jets on a Capsule Entry Vehicle

Nitric oxide planar laser-induced fluorescence (NO PLIF) has been used to visualize the flow on the aft-body of an entry capsule having an activated RCS jet in NASA Langley Research Center's 31-Inch Mach 10 wind tunnel facility. A capsule shape representative of the Apollo command module was tested. These tests were performed to demonstrate the ability of the PLIF method to visualize RCS jet flow while providing some preliminary input to NASA's Orion Vehicle design team. Two different RCS nozzle designs - conical and contoured - were tested. The conical and contoured nozzles had area ratios of 13.4 and 22.5 respectively. The conical nozzle had a half-angle of 10 . Low- and high-Reynolds number cases were investigated by changing the tunnel stagnation pressure from 350 psi to 1300 psi, resulting in freestream Reynolds numbers of 0.56 and 1.8 million per foot respectively. For both of these cases, three different jet plenum pressures were tested (nominally 56, 250 and 500 psi). A single angle-of-attack was investigated (24 degrees). NO PLIF uses an ultraviolet laser sheet to interrogate a slice in the flow containing seeded NO; this UV light excites fluorescence from the NO molecules which is detected by a high-speed digital camera. The system has spatial resolution of about 200 microns (2 pixel blurring) and has flow-stopping time resolution (approximately 1 microsecond). NO was seeded into the flow two different ways. First, the RCS jet fluid was seeded with approximately 1-5% NO, with the balance N2. This allowed observation of the shape, structure and trajectory of the RCS jets. Visualizations of both laminar and turbulent flow jet features were obtained. Visualizations were obtained with the tunnel operating at Mach 10 and also with the test section held at a constant pressure similar to the aftbody static pressure (0.04 psi) obtained during tunnel runs. These two conditions are called "tunnel on" and "tunnel off" respectively. Second, the forebody flow was seeded with a very low flowrate (<100 standard cubic centimeters per minute) of pure NO. This trace gas was entrained into and allowed visualization of the shear layer forming between the expansion fan on the shoulder of the model and the recirculating separated flow in the wake of the model. This shear layer was observed to be laminar in the absence of the RCS jet operation and turbulent above a certain RCS jet flowrate. Furthermore, the operation of the RCS jet is seen to push the shear layer out away from the model, with a higher jet pressures resulting in larger deflections. Figures show some data from this test, partially processed. In the final paper, these images will be processed and rendered on a three dimensional visualization of the test hardware for clearer visualization and interpretation of the flowfields.

Danehy, P. M.↗

Flow, Noise and Thrust of Supersonic Plug Nozzles

A model-scale experimental study is conducted with a plug nozzle exploring the performance of various plug geometries for supersonic aircraft concepts. All data are acquired with a given outer nozzle that is convergent and has an exit diameter of 2 inches. The shape of the centrally placed plug is varied from conic with various half-angles (lengths), to method of characteristics (MoC) designs, as well as truncated and porous geometries. Noise and schlieren flow visualization data, presented in an earlier paper, are briefly reviewed first. The focus in this paper is on the thrust performance. A newly constructed thrust stand is used to acquire data covering a nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) range from transonic (‘landing and takeoff’, LTO) to supersonic (‘cruise’) conditions. Back-to-back measurements allowed assessment of relative performance. A plug with its ‘crown’ located somewhat inside the nozzle, rather than near the exit, is found to perform better. A longer 10° plug performs better than a shorter 22° plug. A porous plug, that significantly suppresses broadband shock associated noise, is found to incur a modest thrust loss that might be an acceptable tradeoff near LTO conditions. A companion numerical simulation for some of the plug geometries yields data trends bearing reasonable agreement with the experimental results.

jets↗

Design and Calibration of Custom Flowfield/Rake for the F-15B Propulsion Flight Test Fixture

The Propulsion Flight Test Fixture (PFTF) system at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) provides an innovative and cost effective method of flight testing advanced propulsion concepts and components in a relevant environment using DFRC's F-15B #836. The PFTF attaches to the centerline pylon of the aircraft and Has an integrated 6 axis force balance for flight testing of propulsion experiments The PTFF has undergone two previous flight validation test phases: (1)The Local Mach Investigation (LMT) flights, in which an air data boom was attached to a cylinder with a conical nose cap . This flight test phase quantified the local Mach number and the local flow angle at a single point under the F-155B/PFTF. (2) The Cone Drag Experiment (CDE), in which the cylinder / nosecap assembly was tested in order to validate the PFTF's integral 6-component force balance. The next test phase with the PFTF is the flight test of the channeled centerbody axisymmetric inlet. However, for the flight data from this test to be valid, more information must be gathered concerning the quality of the flow through the aerodynamic interface plane of the inlet. The flow angularity and Mach number must be known at multiple locations on the interface plane. Flight data will be gathered using a custom-design flowfield rake to probe the flow underneath the F-15B at the design flight conditions.

Flynn, Darin C.↗

Dish stirling solar receiver combustor test program

The operational and energy transfer characteristics of the Dish Stirling Solar Receiver (DSSR) combustor/heat exchanger system was evaluated. The DSSR is designed to operate with fossil fuel augmentation utilizing a swirl combustor and cross flow heat exchanger consisting of a single row of 4 closely spaced tubes that are curved into a conical shape. The performance of the combustor/heat exchanger system without a Stirling engine was studied over a range of operating conditions and output levels using water as the working fluid. Results show that the combustor may be started under cold conditions, controlled safety, and operated at a constant air/fuel ratio (10 percent excess air) over the required range of firing rates. Furthermore, nondimensional heat transfer coefficients based on total heat transfer are plotted versus Reynolds number and compared with literature data taken for single rows of closely spaced tubes perpendicular to cross flow. The data show enhanced heat transfer for the present geometry and test conditions. Analysis of the results shows that the present system meets specified thermal requirements, thus verifying the feasibility of the DSSR combustor design for final prototype fabrication.

Bankston, C. P.↗

Experimental study of low Reynolds number nozzles

High-performance electrothermal thrusters operate in a low nozzle-throat Reynolds number regime. Under these conditions, the flow boundary layer occupies a large volume inside the nozzle, contributing to large viscous losses. Four nozzles (conical, bell, trumpet, and modified trumpet) and a sharp-edged orifice were evaluated over a Reynolds number range of 500 to 9000 with unheated nitrogen and hydrogen. The nozzles showed significant decreases in specific impulse efficiency with decreasing Reynolds number. At Reynolds numbers less than 1000, all four nozzles were probably filled with a large boundary layer. The discharge coefficient decreased with Reynolds number in the same manner as the specific impulse efficiency. The bell and modified trumpet nozzles had discharge coefficients 4 to 8 percent higher than those of the cone or trumpet nozzles. The Two-Dimensional Kinetics (TDK) nozzle analysis computer program was used to predict nozzle performance. The results were then compared to the experimental results in order to determine the accuracy of the program within this flow regime.

Grisnik, Stanley P.↗

Experimental study of low Reynolds number nozzles

High-performance electrothermal thrusters operate in a low nozzle-throat Reynolds number regime. Under these conditions, the flow boundary layer occupies a large volume inside the nozzle, contributing to large viscous losses. Four nozzles (conical, bell, trumpet, and modified trumpet) and a sharp-edged orifice were evaluated over a Reynolds number range of 500 to 9000 with unheated nitrogen and hydrogen. The nozzles showed significant decreases in specific impulse efficiency with decreasing Reynolds number. At Reynolds numbers less than 1000, all four nozzles were probably filled with a large boundary layer. The discharge coefficient decreased with Reynolds number in the same manner as the specific impulse efficiency. The bell and modified trumpet nozzles had discharge coefficients 4 to 8 percent higher than those of the cone or trumpet nozzles. The Two-Dimensional Kinetics (TDK) nozzle analysis computer program was used to predict nozzle performance. The results were then compared to the experimental results in order to determine the accuracy of the program within this flow regime.

Grisnik, Stanley P.↗

Acoustic and aerodynamic performance investigation of inverted velocity profile coannular plug nozzles

The results of model scale parametric static and wind tunnel aerodynamic performance tests on unsuppressed coannular plug nozzle configurations with inverted velocity profile are discussed. The nozzle configurations are high-radius-ratio coannular plug nozzles applicable to dual-stream exhaust systems typical of a variable cycle engine for Advanced Supersonic Transport application. In all, seven acoustic models and eight aerodynamic performance models were tested. The nozzle geometric variables included outer stream radius ratio, inner stream to outer stream ratio, and inner stream plug shape. When compared to a conical nozzle at the same specific thrust, the results of the static acoustic tests with the coannular nozzles showed noise reductions of up to 7 PNdB. Extensive data analysis showed that the overall acoustic results can be well correlated using the mixed stream velocity and the mixed stream density. Results also showed that suppression levels are geometry and flow regulation dependent with the outer stream radius ratio, inner stream-to-outer stream velocity ratio and inner stream velocity ratio and inner stream plug shape, as the primary suppression parameters. In addition, high-radius ratio coannular plug nozzles were found to yield shock associated noise level reductions relative to a conical nozzle. The wind tunnel aerodynamic tests showed that static and simulated flight thrust coefficient at typical takeoff conditions are quite good - up to 0.98 at static conditions and 0.974 at a takeoff Mach number of 0.36. At low inner stream flow conditions significant thrust loss was observed. Using an inner stream conical plug resulted in 1% to 2% higher performance levels than nozzle geometries using a bent inner plug.

Knott, P. R.↗

Development of flow distortions in a full-scale nacelle inlet at Mach numbers 0.63 and 1.6 to 2.0

The nature of flow-distortion development in the subsonic diffuser was determined for a typical full-scale axisymmetric nose inlet at Mach numbers to 2.0 and angles of attack to -8 degrees. Inlet design variables studied included 14 degrees and 17 degrees internalcowl lip angles conical compression surfaces with and without boundary-layer removal slots, and cone tip translation. Data presented include the inlet overall pressure recovery, mass flow, and distortion at the diffuser exit. Primary emphasis in the data, however, is placed on critical inlet operation, for which the flow distortion is traced from the inlet throat to the diffuser exit.

Piercy, Thomas G↗

Pitot pressure measurements in flow fields behind circular-arc nozzles with exhaust jets at subsonic free-stream Mach numbers

The flow field behind a circular arc nozzle with exhaust jet was studied at subsonic free stream Mach numbers. A conical probe was used to measure the pitot pressure in the jet and free stream regions. Pressure data were recorded for two nozzle configurations at nozzle pressure ratios of 2.0, 2.9, and 5.0. At each set of test conditions, the probe was traversed from the jet center line into the free stream region at seven data acquisition stations. The survey began at the nozzle exit and extended downstream at intervals. The pitot pressure data may be applied to the evaluation of computational flow field models, as illustrated by a comparison of the flow field data with results of inviscid jet plume theory.

Mason, M. L.↗

Tapered plug foam spray apparatus

A two-component foam spray gun is readily disassembled for cleaning. It includes a body (1) with reactant (12, 14) and purge gas (16) inlet ports. A moldable valve packing (32) inside the body has a tapered conical interior surface (142), and apertures which match the reactant ports. A valve/tip (40) has a conical outer surface (48) which mates with the valve packing (32). The valve/tip (40) is held in place by a moldable packing washer (34), held at non-constant pressure by a screw (36, 38). The interior of the valve/tip (40) houses a removable mixing chamber (50). The mixing chamber (50) has direct flow orifices (60) and an auxiliary flow path (58, 60) which ameliorate pressure surges. The spray gun can be disassembled for cleaning without disturbing the seal, by removing the valve/tip (40) to the rear, thereby breaking it free of the conical packing. Rotation of the valve/tip (40) relative to the body (1) shuts off the reactant flow, and starts the purge gas flow.

Allen, Peter B.↗

Least-squares/parabolized Navier-Stokes procedure for optimizing hypersonic wind tunnel nozzles

A new procedure is demonstrated for optimizing hypersonic wind-tunnel-nozzle contours. The procedure couples a CFD computer code to an optimization algorithm, and is applied to both conical and contoured hypersonic nozzles for the purpose of determining an optimal set of parameters to describe the surface geometry. A design-objective function is specified based on the deviation from the desired test-section flow-field conditions. The objective function is minimized by optimizing the parameters used to describe the nozzle contour based on the solution to a nonlinear least-squares problem. The effect of the changes in the nozzle wall parameters are evaluated by computing the nozzle flow using the parabolized Navier-Stokes equations. The advantage of the new procedure is that it directly takes into account the displacement effect of the boundary layer on the wall contour. The new procedure provides a method for optimizing hypersonic nozzles of high Mach numbers which have been designed by classical procedures, but are shown to produce poor flow quality due to the large boundary layers present in the test section. The procedure is demonstrated by finding the optimum design parameters for a Mach 10 conical nozzle and a Mach 6 and a Mach 15 contoured nozzle.

Korte, John J.↗

Effect of configuration variation on externally blown flap noise

The sensitivity of flap interaction noise to variations in engine-under-the-wing externally blown flap geometry was investigated with a large cold-flow model. Both 2- and 3-flap wing sections (7-ft chord) with trailing flap angles up to 60 deg were employed. Exhaust nozzles included coaxial, plug, and 8- and 13-inch diameter conical configurations. These nozzles were tested at two positions below the wing. The effects of these geometry variations on noise level, directivity, and spectral shape are summarized in terms of exhaust flow parameters evaluated at the nozzle exit and at the flap impingement station. The results are also compared with limited flap noise data available from tests using real engines.

Dorsch, R. G.↗

Preliminary investigation of cooling-air ejector performance at pressure ratios from 1 to 10

Preliminary investigation was made of conical cooling air ejector at primary pressure ratios from 1 to 10. The cooling-air flow was maintained at zero and the resulting pressure variation in the shroud indicated pumping ability. The cooling-air flow was maintained at zero and the resulting pressure variation in the shroud indicated pumping ability. The gross thrust of the ejector and nozzle were compared. Several ratios of the spacing between the nozzle and shroud exit to the nozzle exit diameter were investigated for several shroud to nozzle exit diameter ratios. Maximum gross thrust loss occurred under conditions of zero cooling-air flow and was as much as 35 percent below nozzle jet thrust. For minimum thrust loss, ejector should be designed with as low diameter and spacing ratio as possible.

PUMPS, JET AND THRUST AUGMENTORS↗

Experimental study of the stability and flow characteristics of floating liquid columns confined between rotating disks

A low Bond number simulation technique was used to establish the stability limits of cylindrical and conical floating liquid columns under conditions of isorotation, equal counter rotation, rotation of one end only, and parallel axis offset. The conditions for resonance in cylindrical liquid columns perturbed by axial, sinusoidal vibration of one end face are also reported. All tests were carried out under isothermal conditions with water and silicone fluids of various viscosities. A technique for the quantitative measurement of stream velocity within a floating, isothermal, liquid column confined between rotatable disks was developed. In the measurement, small, light scattering particles were used as streamline markers in common arrangement, but the capability of the measurement was extended by use of stereopair photography system to provide quantitative data. Results of velocity measurements made under a few selected conditions, which established the precision and accuracy of the technique, are given. The general qualitative features of the isothermal flow patterns under various conditions of end face rotation resulting from both still photography and motion pictures are presented.

Fowle, A. A.↗