Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “HYPERSONIC SPEED”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25

An aerodynamic analysis of several hypersonic research airplane concepts from M = 0.2 to 6.0

Several conceptual hypersonic research airplanes, designed within the constraints of a B-52 launch aircraft, have been studied experimentally and analytically at Mach numbers from 0.2 to 6.0. Vehicles built to these criteria for Mach 6 cruise were shown to be feasible, if careful attention was paid to the low speed lift, drag, and high angle of attack stability to assure successful landings and transonic pitch angle maneuvers. The integrated scramjet engine drag was high at subsonic speeds and appears to be constant with Reynolds number. The variable geometry airfoil used previously to improve directional stability was shown to be equally adaptable to the improvement of longitudinal stability. The vortex lattice theory gave good subsonic predictions of lift, drag due to lift, and pitching moments. Wind tunnel tests must be relied on for the drag at zero lift, trim, static margins and lateral-directional stability. The Gentry Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program gave good predictions of the trends of lift, drag, and pitching moments with angle of attack at Mach numbers above 3, but the level of the values were not consistently predicted. No currently available theory or program gave accurate predictions of directional stability or dihedral effects at hypersonic speeds.

Penland, J. A.↗

Aeronautical research in the United States: Challenges for the 1990's

New opportunities for greater performance civil air transportation aircraft derive from the continuing advancements in the aeronautical disciplines: advancements in aerodynamics, structures and materials, propulsion, and flight control technologies. These opportunities impact future subsonic transports, high speed civil transports, and hypersonic vehicles. There are, however, new constraints within which progress will be made, including stringent environmental constraints on engine emissions and noise, old and new safety constraints on operations (especially in severe weather), aging airframes, and changing transportation marketplace demands affecting all of these vehicle classes. Some of the NASA aeronautical research programs will be discussed in four areas: (1) advanced subsonic airplanes; (2) next generation high speed civil transport aircraft (SST's); (3) high performance military aircraft; and (4) next century hypersonic vehicles. This presentation overviews the exciting progress which is possible in aeronautics during the 1990's.

Holmes, Bruce J.↗

Flow Quality Parameter Study Low-Speed Regime Review

The flow quality parameters study is an investigation into the importance of flow quality parameters and the current ability of wind tunnel characterization personnel to measure those parameters. The study is divided into five flow regimes, low-speed, subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic. This presentation provides an overview of the results for the low-speed flow regime and prompts for a discussion about how to best proceed with the study.

WTCWG↗

Future ultra-speed tube-flight

Future long-link, ultra-speed, surface transport systems will require electromagnetically (EM) driven and restrained vehicles operating under reduced-atmosphere in very straight tubes. Such tube-flight trains will be safe, energy conservative, pollution-free, and in a protected environment. Hypersonic (and even hyperballistic) speeds are theoretically achievable. Ultimate system choices will represent tradeoffs between amoritized capital costs (ACC) and operating costs. For example, long coasting links might employ aerodynamic lift coupled with EM restraint and drag make-up. Optimized, combined EM lift, and thrust vectors could reduce energy costs but at increased ACC. (Repulsive levitation can produce lift-over-drag l/d ratios a decade greater than aerodynamic), Alternatively, vehicle-emanated, induced-mirror fields in a conducting (aluminum sheet) road bed could reduce ACC but at substantial energy costs. Ultra-speed tube flight will demand fast-acting, high-precision sensors and computerized magnetic shimming. This same control system can maintain a magnetic 'guide way' invariant in inertial space with inertial detectors imbedded in tube structures to sense and correct for earth tremors. Ultra-speed tube flight can complete with aircraft for transit time and can provide even greater passenger convenience by single-model connections with local subways and feeder lines. Although cargo transport generally will not need to be performed at ultra speeds, such speeds may well be desirable for high throughput to optimize channel costs. Thus, a large and expensive pipeline might be replaced with small EM-driven pallets at high speeds.

Salter, Robert M.↗

Algorithmic Enhancements to the VULCAN Navier-Stokes Solver

VULCAN (Viscous Upwind aLgorithm for Complex flow ANalysis) is a cell centered, finite volume code used to solve high speed flows related to hypersonic vehicles. Two algorithms are presented for expanding the range of applications of the current Navier-Stokes solver implemented in VULCAN. The first addition is a highly implicit approach that uses subiterations to enhance block to block connectivity between adjacent subdomains. The addition of this scheme allows more efficient solution of viscous flows on highly-stretched meshes. The second algorithm addresses the shortcomings associated with density-based schemes by the addition of a time-derivative preconditioning strategy. High speed, compressible flows are typically solved with density based schemes, which show a high level of degradation in accuracy and convergence at low Mach numbers (M less than or equal to 0.1). With the addition of preconditioning and associated modifications to the numerical discretization scheme, the eigenvalues will scale with the local velocity, and the above problems will be eliminated. With these additions, VULCAN now has improved convergence behavior for multi-block, highly-stretched meshes and also can solve the Navier-Stokes equations for very low Mach numbers.

Litton, D. K.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Turbulence modeling for hypersonic flows

Turbulence modeling for high speed compressible flows is described and discussed. Starting with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, methods of statistical averaging are described by means of which the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are developed. Unknown averages in these equations are approximated using various closure concepts. Zero-, one-, and two-equation eddy viscosity models, algebraic stress models and Reynolds stress transport models are discussed. Computations of supersonic and hypersonic flows obtained using several of the models are discussed and compared with experimental results. Specific examples include attached boundary layer flows, shock wave boundary layer interactions and compressible shear layers. From these examples, conclusions regarding the status of modeling and recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Metals strengthen with increasing temperature at extreme strain rates

The strength of materials depends on the rate at which they are tested, as defects, for example dislocations, that move in response to applied strains have intrinsic kinetic limitations. As the deformation strain rate increases, more strengthening mechanisms become active and increase the strength. However, the regime in which this transition happens has been difficult to access with traditional micromechanical strength measurements. Here, with microballistic impact testing at strain rates greater than 10 6 s −1 , and without shock conflation, we show that the strength of copper increases by about 30% for a 157 °C increase in temperature, an effect also observed in pure titanium and gold. This effect is counterintuitive, as almost all materials soften when heated under normal conditions. This anomalous thermal strengthening across several pure metals is the result of a change in the controlling deformation mechanism from thermally activated strengthening to ballistic transport of dislocations, which experience drag through phonon interactions. These results point to a pathway to better model and predict materials properties under various extreme strain rate conditions, from high-speed manufacturing operations to hypersonic transport.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surface Properties of Double-Fin Generated Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions

Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interaction (SBLI) is ubiquitous in high-speed air vehicles. SBLI surface flowfield properties of crossing shocks induced by symmetric Double-Fins (DFs) at fin angles of 8° and 10° at Mach 2 are experimentally investigated; a 10° Single-Fin (SF) is also explored as a comparison. Surface visualization is used to capture distinct flowfield structures such as separation and upstream influence. Steady and unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paints (PSPs) are used to obtain global surface pressure fields. Characteristics of DF-SBLI surface topology are discussed by comparing the corresponding SF-SBLI. Here, the effect of fin angle on DF-SBLI is characterized, and unsteady dynamics of the pressure field are examined. Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD) is performed on unsteady PSP, and traveling surface pressure waves and their frequency-dependent behavior are discussed. Dispersion relation of surface pressure waves is revealed by performing two-dimensional space–time Fourier transform on unsteady PSP, and the results are compared with the phase velocity distributions obtained from SPOD. Accompanying group velocity behavior is examined for distinct SBLI regions wherein wave propagation is found dependent on its frequency. Steady surface pressures along the centerline are compared with previous experimental data. Fin-tip spacing is found to be an essential parameter for scaling of upstream influence length.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Sonic boom reduction through aircraft design and operation.

Means of reducing or eliminating the sonic boom through aerodynamic design or aircraft operation are discussed. These include designing aircraft to minimize or eliminate certain features of the overpressure signature, operating aircraft at slightly supersonic speeds so that the sonic boom does not reach the ground, and seeking reductions through the high altitude-high speed flight conditions of hypersonic transports.

Seebass, A. R.↗

The design or operation of aircraft to minimize their sonic boom.

Means of reducing or eliminating the sonic boom through aerodynamic design or aircraft operation are discussed. These include designing aircraft to minimize or eliminate certain features of the overpressure signature, operating aircraft at slightly supersonic speeds so that the sonic boom does not reach the ground, and seeking reductions through the high altitude-high speed flight conditions of hypersonic transports. A simple computer program has been developed that determines the area development of the equivalent body of revolution required to minimize various sonic boom signature parameters.

Seebass, A. R.↗

Prediction of forces and moments for flight vehicle control effectors. Part 2: An analysis of delta wing aerodynamic control effectiveness in ground effect

Many types of hypersonic aircraft configurations are currently being studied for feasibility of future development. Since the control of the hypersonic configurations throughout the speed range has a major impact on acceptable designs, it must be considered in the conceptual design stage. Here, an investigation of the aerodynamic control effectiveness of highly swept delta planforms operating in ground effect is presented. A vortex-lattice computer program incorporating a free wake is developed as a tool to calculate aerodynamic stability and control derivatives. Data generated using this program are compared to experimental data and to data from other vortex-lattice programs. Results show that an elevon deflection produces greater increments in C sub L and C sub M in ground effect than the same deflection produces out of ground effect and that the free wake is indeed necessary for good predictions near the ground.

Maughmer, Mark D.↗

Carrier aircraft

The Ohio State University planned to conduct a conceptual design of a single research vehicle that could be used to explore the flight regime from Mach 6 to Mach 12. Since this aircraft will be a special purpose vehicle, it need not take off and land in a conventional manner. Indeed, if this aircraft were launched from a larger aircraft that carried it to altitude, then conventional landing gear would not be needed and the extra weight of the fuel needed to take off and climb into the stratosphere would be eliminated. The focus of the students' project was on the design of a carrier aircraft answering to the specifications. Its mission is to take off with the research aircraft from runways of less than 15,000 feet, climb to 40,000 feet, and release the hypersonic aircraft at the speed of Mach 8, and return to base. The range of this mission is 2000 n.m. This study includes the conception of an optimized aircraft (geometry, weights, propulsion, aerodynamics, interactions between the two aircraft, etc.), the longitudinal stability of the composite, and the separation critical phase.

Source record↗

Overview and major characteristics of future aeronautical and space systems

A systematic projection is made of prospective materials and structural systems' performance requirements in light of emerging applications. The applications encompass high-speed/long-range rotorcraft, advanced subsonic commercial aircraft, high speed (supersonic) commercial transports, hypersonic aircraft and missiles, extremely high-altitude cruise aircraft and missiles, and aerospace craft and launch vehicles. A tabulation is presented of the materials/structures/dynamics requirements associated with future aerospace systems, as well as the further development needs foreseen in each such case.

Venneri, Samuel L.↗

Validation of a Pressure-Based Combustion Simulation Tool Using a Single Element Injector Test Problem

The traditional design and analysis practice for advanced propulsion systems, particularly chemical rocket engines, relies heavily on expensive full-scale prototype development and testing. Over the past decade, use of high-fidelity analysis and design tools such as CFD early in the product development cycle has been identified as one way to alleviate testing costs and to develop these devices better, faster and cheaper. Increased emphasis is being placed on developing and applying CFD models to simulate the flow field environments and performance of advanced propulsion systems. This necessitates the development of next generation computational tools which can be used effectively and reliably in a design environment by non-CFD specialists. A computational tool, called Loci-STREAM is being developed for this purpose. It is a pressure-based, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solver for generalized unstructured grids, which is designed to handle all-speed flows (incompressible to hypersonic) and is particularly suitable for solving multi-species flow in fixed-frame combustion devices. Loci-STREAM integrates proven numerical methods for generalized grids and state-of-the-art physical models in a novel rule-based programming framework called Loci which allows: (a) seamless integration of multidisciplinary physics in a unified manner, and (b) automatic handling of massively parallel computing. The objective of the ongoing work is to develop a robust simulation capability for combustion problems in rocket engines. As an initial step towards validating this capability, a model problem is investigated in the present study which involves a gaseous oxygen/gaseous hydrogen (GO2/GH2) shear coaxial single element injector, for which experimental data are available. The sensitivity of the computed solutions to grid density, grid distribution, different turbulence models, and different near-wall treatments is investigated. A refined grid, which is clustered in the vicinity of the solid walls as well as the flame, is used to obtain a steady state solution which may be considered as the best solution attainable with the steady-state RANS methodology. From a design point of view, quick turnaround times are desirable; with this in mind, coarser grids are also employed and the resulting solutions are evaluated with respect to the fine grid solution.

Thakur, Siddarth↗

Loci-STREAM Version 0.9

Loci-STREAM is an evolving computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software tool for simulating possibly chemically reacting, possibly unsteady flows in diverse settings, including rocket engines, turbomachines, oil refineries, etc. Loci-STREAM implements a pressure- based flow-solving algorithm that utilizes unstructured grids. (The benefit of low memory usage by pressure-based algorithms is well recognized by experts in the field.) The algorithm is robust for flows at all speeds from zero to hypersonic. The flexibility of arbitrary polyhedral grids enables accurate, efficient simulation of flows in complex geometries, including those of plume-impingement problems. The present version - Loci-STREAM version 0.9 - includes an interface with the Portable, Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc) library for access to enhanced linear-equation-solving programs therein that accelerate convergence toward a solution. The name "Loci" reflects the creation of this software within the Loci computational framework, which was developed at Mississippi State University for the primary purpose of simplifying the writing of complex multidisciplinary application programs to run in distributed-memory computing environments including clusters of personal computers. Loci has been designed to relieve application programmers of the details of programming for distributed-memory computers.

Wright, Jeffrey↗

Wind Tunnel Testing of Next-Generation High-Speed Engines

This talk will introduce students to supersonic and hypersonic flows as well as cover why these high-speed flow regimes are important to us today. The main focus is on the different propulsion systems used in Mach 3+ flight and how they are tested in wind tunnel facilities. Different wind tunnels at NASA Langley will used to demonstrate how ground tests facilitate the development of new engines from a proof-of-concept to a mature flight qualified design. There are many opportunities in field of high-speed aeronautics. I'll discuss my path to NASA Langley then give advice for internship and job opportunities at NASA.

Robin Hunt↗