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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 487 records · Page 27

Heat-transfer distributions on a 0.013-scale shuttle solid rocket booster at Mach 3.70 and angles of attack from 0 deg to 180 deg

An experimental investigation was conducted in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel to estimate the peak aerodynamic heating on the space shuttle solid rocket booster during the descent phase of its flight. Heat transfer measurements were obtained using 0.013 scale models instrumented with thermocouples at a Mach number of 3.70, Reynolds number per meter of 11.48 million, and angles of attack from 0 to 180 deg. At angles of attack of 0 and 180 deg, heat transfer measurements on the cylindrical section of the model between the conical nose and ring interaction region were in good agreement with flat plate strip theory for laminar and turbulent flow. At angles of attack up to 30 deg, measurements on this section of the model were in good agreement with laminar swept-cylinder theory, whereas at angles of attack from 120 to 180 deg, the measurements were in good agreement with turbulent swept-cylinder theory. The good agreement with turbulent theory indicated that large flow disturbances created by the nozzle and afterbody flare at these large angles of attack influenced the downstream heating primarily by promoting boundary layer transition. Measurements obtained at 90 deg angle of attack were indicative of laminar flow.

Lamb, M.↗

Interface shapes during vertical Bridgman growth of (Pb, Sn)Te crystals

Melt-solid interfaces obtained during vertical Bridgman growth of (Pb, Sn)Te crystals were investigated with a quenching technique. The shapes of these interfaces, revealed by etching longitudinally cut sections, were correlated with the composition variations determined by EMPA. These experiments demonstrated that the interface shape can be changed from concave to convex by moving its location from the edge of the cold zone into the hot zone. The metallography and microsegregation near the melt-solid interface were analyzed in detail. A sharp change in composition above the interface indicated the existence of a diffusion boundary layer 40-90 microns thick. This small diffusion boundary layer is consistent with strong convective mixing in the (Pb, Sn)Te melt.

Huang, YU↗

Plasma dynamics on current-carrying magnetic flux tubes

A 1D numerical simulation is used to investigate the evolution of a plasma in a current-carrying magnetic flux tube of variable cross section. A large potential difference, parallel to the magnetic field, is applied across the domain. The result is that density minimum tends to deepen, primarily in the cathode end, and the entire potential drop becomes concentrated across the region of density minimum. The evolution of the simulation shows some sensitivity to particle boundary conditions, but the simulations inevitably evolve into a final state with a nearly stationary double layer near the cathode end. The simulation results are at sufficient variance with observations that it appears unlikely that auroral electrons can be explained by a simple process of acceleration through a field-aligned potential drop.

Swift, Daniel W.↗

Three-dimensional Model of Tissue and Heavy Ions Effects

A three-dimensional tissue model was incorporated into a new Monte Carlo algorithm that simulates passage of heavy ions in a tissue box . The tissue box was given as a realistic model of tissue based on confocal microscopy images. The action of heavy ions on the cellular matrix for 2- or 3-dimensional cases was simulated. Cells were modeled as a cell culture monolayer in one example, where the data were taken directly from microscopy (2-d cell matrix), and as a multi-layer obtained from confocal microscopy (3-d case). Image segmentation was used to identify cells with precise areas/volumes in an irradiated cell culture monolayer, and slices of tissue with many cell layers. The cells were then inserted into the model box of the simulated physical space pixel by pixel. In the case of modeled tissues (3-d), the tissue box had periodic boundary conditions imposed, which extrapolates the technique to macroscopic volumes of tissue. For the real tissue (3-d), specific spatial patterns for cell apoptosis and necrosis are expected. The cell patterns were modeled based on action cross sections for apoptosis and necrosis estimated from current experimental data. A spatial correlation function indicating a higher spatial concentration of damaged cells from heavy ions relative to the low-LET radiation cell damage pattern is presented. The spatial correlation effects among necrotic cells can help studying microlesions in organs, and probable effects of directionality of heavy ion radiation on epithelium and endothelium.

Ponomarev, Artem L.↗

Characterization of the Upgraded NASA GRC Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility

In order to meet the emissions and efficiency goals established by the aviation community, next generation aircraft engines will require low pressure ratio, distortion tolerant fans. Maturation of the necessary technologies will require facilities capable of accurately testing the fan performance are needed. To achieve this, the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan facility at NASA Glenn Research Center was upgraded. Details of the goals and upgrades undertaken were documented in the 2022 Turbo Expo paper, “Upgrades to the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility for Low Pressure Ratio Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan Research.” The performance of the upgraded facility will be documented in this paper. This paper will review the challenges associated with testing low pressure ratio and distortion tolerant fans and briefly review the upgrades undertaken and their goals. Then the performance of the facility upgrades and the extent to which they were able to achieve the stated goals. This includes mass flow measurements, test section temperature, pressure, flow angle at two axial locations, and turbulence levels at the inlet and test section. The paper also documents the performance of distortion generating swirl vanes and total pressure screens to achieve desired distorted conditions at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane.

BLI↗

Asymmetrical boundary layer separation at the base of a two cylinder geometry

This paper reports on the experimental description of the three-dimensional horseshoe vortex system occurring at the base of two cylinder mounted side by side on an endwall. The spacing between the two cylinders is adjusted to generate a family of viscous flows. Flow visualization performed in a water tunnel provides a qualitative understanding of the flow over a range of flow variables. A detailed wind tunnel experiment provides a quantitative description of the flow at a single test condition. At Re(D) = 2.5 x 10 to the 5th the measurements show an asymmetrical primary vortex with a wide flat cross section. A small counterrotating vortex is found between the primary vortex and the cylinder leading edge.

Boyle, M. T.↗

Analysis of viscous transonic flow over airfoil sections

A full Navier-Stokes solver has been used to model transonic flow over three airfoil sections. The method uses a two-dimensional, implicit, conservative finite difference scheme for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented as prescribed for the Viscous Transonic Airfoil Workshop to be held at the AIAA 25th Aerospace Sciences Meeting. The NACA 0012, RAE 2822 and Jones airfoils have been investigated for both attached and separated transonic flows. Predictions for pressure distributions, loads, skin friction coefficients, boundary layer displacement thickness and velocity profiles are included and compared with experimental data when possible. Overall, the results are in good agreement with experimental data.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Analysis of viscous transonic flow over airfoil sections

A full Navier-Stokes solver has been used to model transonic flow over three airfoil sections. The method uses a two-dimensional, implicit, conservative finite difference scheme for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented as prescribed for the Viscous Transonic Airfoil Workshop to be held at the AIAA 25th Aerospace Sciences Meeting. The NACA 0012, RAE 2822 and Jones airfoils have been investigated for both attached and separated transonic flows. Predictions for pressure distributions, loads, skin friction coefficients, boundary layer displacement thickness and velocity profiles are included and compared with experimental data when possible. Overall, the results are in good agreement with experimental data.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Three-dimensional modelling of horizontal chemical vapor deposition. I - MOCVD at atmospheric pressure

A systematic numerical study of the MOCVD of GaAs from trimethylgallium and arsine in hydrogen or nitrogen carrier gas at atmospheric pressure is reported. Three-dimensional effects are explored for CVD reactors with large and small cross-sectional aspect ratios, and the effects on growth rate uniformity of tilting the susceptor are investigated for various input flow rates. It is found that, for light carrier gases, thermal diffusion must be included in the model. Buoyancy-driven three-dimensional flow effects can greatly influence the growth rate distribution through the reactor. The importance of the proper design of the lateral thermal boundary conditions for obtaining layers of uniform thickness is emphasized.

Ouazzani, Jalil↗

Experimental investigation of a Mach 6 fixed-geometry inlet featuring a swept external-internal compression flow field

An investigation of a fixed-geometry, swept external-internal compression inlet was conducted at a Mach number of 6.0 and a test-section Reynolds number of 1.55 x 10 to the 7th power per meter. The test conditions was constant for all runs with stagnation pressure and temperature at 20 atmospheres and 500 K, respectively. Tests were made at angles of attack of -5 deg, 0 deg, 3 deg, and 5 deg. Measurements consisted of pitot- and static-pressure surveys in inlet throat, wall static pressures, and surface temperatures. Boundary-layer bleed was provided on the centerbody and on the cowl internal surface. The inlet performance was consistently high over the range of the angle of attack tested, with an overall average total pressure recovery of 78 percent and corresponding adiabatic kinetic-energy efficiency of 99 percent. The inlet throat flow distribution was uniform and the Mach number and pressure level were of the correct magnitude for efficient combustor design. The utilization of a swept compression field to meet the starting requirements of a fixed-geometry inlet produced neither flow instability nor a tendency to unstart.

Torrence, M. G.↗

User guide for STRMLN: A boundary-layer program for contoured wind-tunnel liner design

A 2-D boundary layer computer code developed to process data for an arbitrary number of streamlines is presented. Provisions are included for the computer code to determine either mass transfer rates necessary for an effective boundary layer displacement of zero thickness or the effective displacement thickness for a specified mass transfer-rate distribution. The computer code was developed to be compatible with other computer codes which are being modified and/or developed at the NASA-Langley Research Center in order to design the three dimensional, contoured, wind tunnel liner used in transonic testing of a laminar flow control system installed on a supercritical airfoil section. A brief discription of the liner design procedure, representative liner calculations, adaptive-wall design for a two dimensional wind tunnel test, and other applications are reported.

Anderson, E. C.↗

Computational Assessment of a 3-Stage Axial Compressor Which Provides Airflow to the NASA 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel, Including Design Changes for Increased Performance

A 24 foot diameter 3-stage axial compressor powered by variable-speed induction motors provides the airflow in the closed-return 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel (11-Foot TWT) Facility at NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California. The facility is part of the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, which was completed in 1955. Since then, upgrades made to the 11-Foot TWT such as flow conditioning devices and instrumentation have increased blockage and pressure loss in the tunnel, somewhat reducing the peak Mach number capability of the test section. Due to erosion effects on the existing aluminum alloy rotor blades, fabrication of new steel rotor blades is planned. This presents an opportunity to increase the Mach number capability of the tunnel by redesigning the compressor for increased pressure ratio. Challenging design constraints exist for any proposed design, demanding the use of the existing driveline, rotor disks, stator vanes, and hub and casing flow paths, so as to minimize cost and installation time. The current effort was undertaken to characterize the performance of the existing compressor design using available design tools and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes and subsequently recommend a new compressor design to achieve higher pressure ratio, which directly correlates with increased test section Mach number. The constant cross-sectional area of the compressor leads to highly diffusion factors, which presents a challenge in simulating the existing design. The CFD code APNASA was used to simulate the aerodynamic performance of the existing compressor. The simulations were compared to performance predictions from the HT0300 turbomachinery design and analysis code, and to compressor performance data taken during a 1997 facility test. It was found that the CFD simulations were sensitive to endwall leakages associated with stator buttons, and to a lesser degree, under-stator-platform flow recirculation at the hub. When stator button leakages were modeled, pumping capability increased by over 20 of pressure rise at design point due to a large reduction in aerodynamic blockage at the hub. Incorporating the stator button leakages was crucial to matching test data. Under-stator-platform flow recirculation was thought to be large due to a lack of seals. The effect of this recirculation was assessed with APNASA simulations recirculating 0.5, 1, and 2 of inlet flow about stators 1 and 2, modeled as axisymmetric mass flux boundary conditions on the hub before and after the vanes. The injection of flow ahead of the stators tended to re-energize the boundary layer and reduce hub separations, resulting in about 3 increased stall margin per 1 of inlet flow recirculated. In order to assess the value of the flow recirculation, a mixing plane simulation of the compressor which gridded the under-stator cavities was generated using the ADPAC CFD code. This simulation indicated that about 0.65 of the inlet flow is recirculated around each shrouded stator. This collective information was applied during the redesign of the compressor. A potential design was identified using HT0300 which improved overall pressure ratio by removing pre-swirl into rotor 1, replacing existing NASA 65 series rotors with double circular arc sections, and re-staggering rotors and the existing stators. The performance of the new design predicted by APNASA and HT0300 is compared to the existing design.

Turbomachinery↗

Experimental studies of transpiration cooling with shock interaction in hypersonic flow, part B

This report describes the result of experimental studies conducted to examine the effects of the impingement of an oblique shock on the flowfield and surface characteristics of a transpiration-cooled wall in turbulent hypersonic flow. The principal objective of this work was to determine whether the interaction between the oblique shock and the low-momentum region of the transpiration-cooled boundary layer created a highly distorted flowfield and resulted in a significant reduction in the cooling effectiveness of the transpiration-cooled surface. As a part of this program, we also sought to determine the effectiveness of transpiration cooling with nitrogen and helium injectants for a wide range of blowing rates under constant-pressure conditions in the absence of shock interaction. This experimental program was conducted in the Calspan 48-Inch Shock Tunnel at nominal Mach numbers of 6 and 8, for a Reynolds number of 7.5 x 10(exp 6). For these test conditions, we obtained fully turbulent boundary layers upstream of the interaction regions over the transpiration-cooled segment of the flat plate. The experimental program was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we examined the effects of mass-addition level and coolant properties on the cooling effectiveness of transpiration-cooled surfaces in the absence of shock interaction. In the second phase of the program, we examined the effects of oblique shock impingement on the flowfield and surface characteristics of a transpiration-cooled surface. The studies were conducted for a range of shock strengths with nitrogen and helium coolants to examine how the distribution of heat transfer and pressure and the characteristics of the flowfield in the interaction region varied with shock strength and the level of mass addition from the transpiration-cooled section of the model. The effects of the distribution of the blowing rate along the interaction regions were also examined for a range of blowing rates through the transpiration-cooled panels. The regions of shockwave/boundary layer interaction examined in these studies were induced by oblique shocks generated with a sharp, flat plate, inclined to the freestream at angles of 5 degrees, 7.5 degrees, and 10 degrees. It was found that, in the absence of an incident shock, transpiration cooling was a very effective method for reducing both the heat transfer and the skin friction loads on the surface. The helium coolant was found to be significantly more effective than nitrogen, because of its low molecular weight and high specific heat. The studies of shock-wave/transpiration-cooled surface interaction demonstrated that the interaction region between the incident shock and the low-momentum transpiration-cooled boundary layer did not result in a significant increase in the size of attached or separated interaction regions, and did not result in significant flowfield distortions above the interaction region. The increase in heating downstream of the shock-impingement point could easily be reduced to the values without shock impingement by a relatively small increase in the transpiration cooling in this region. Surprisingly, this increase in cooling rate did not result in a significant increase in size of the region ahead of the incident shock or create a significantly enlarged interaction region with a resultant increase in the distortion level in the inviscid flow. Thus, transpiration cooling appears to be a very effective technique to cool the internal surfaces of scramjet engines, where shocks in the engine would induce large local increases in wall heating and create viscous/inviscid interactions that could significantly disturb the smooth flow through the combustor. However, if hydrogen is used as the coolant, burning upstream of shock impingement might result in localized hot spots. Clearly, further research is needed in this area.

Holden, Michael S.↗

Calculation of transonic flow over supercritical airfoil sections

Two numerical methods for calculating the transonic flow, including viscous effects over lifting airfoil sections and experimental data are compared for turbulent flow over a supercritical airfoil. In addition, results for a NACA 64A010 airfoil at nonzero angle of attack are compared to demonstrate the applicability of the numerical methods to classical, lifting airfoils. One numerical method is a solution to the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations throughout the entire flow field. The other is a hybrid method that combines inviscid, boundary-layer, and Navier-Stokes equations in appropriate regions of the flow field. Both methods adequately predict the surface pressures and flow field about the 64A010 airfoil at M = 0.8 and alpha = 2 deg when an appropriate turbulence model is used. The methods are not as successful for the supercritical airfoil.

Rose, W. C.↗

The University of Minnesota oscillating flow experiments

Hot-wire anemometry techniques used to document laminar-to-turbulent transition in oscillating flow are discussed, and two transition mechanisms proposed by Seume (1988) are reviewed. Reliable near-wall data, and the convergence of ensemble-averaged velocities and rms velocity fluctuations will aid in evaluating wall shear stresses and calculating various boundary-layer parameters. Special consideration was given to a detailed measurement program which documents transition at different axial positions for the space power research engine (SPRE) operating point. Future work on the effect of entry geometry and measurements of heat transfer are outlined. In order to better simulate flow conditions in actual Stirling engine heat exchangers, the effects of various inflow geometries are investigated. Once the hydrodynamic conditions in the test section are documented, a measurement program to assess the effect of flow oscillation on heat transfer will commence.

Friedman, G. T.↗

Suevite superposition on the Bunte breccia in Noerdlinger Ries, Germany: New findings on the transport mechanism of impactites

Research undertaken in the last decades in Noerdlinger Ries, Germany, has repeatedly emphasized the sharp contact between Bunte breccia and suevite. However, extensive investigations into this layer boundary have not yet been possible due to insufficient outcrop ratios. New outcrops enabled an in-depth investigation into the superposition of suevite on the Bunte breccia, which is assigned a key role in interpreting the transport mechanisms of ejecta of large impact. In two quarries lying several kilometers east and south-southwest of the crater, the contact between the suevite and Bunte breccia was recorded in detailed sections on outcrops of over 50 m in length.

Bringemeier, D.↗

Polarimetric Retrievals of Cloud Droplet Number Concentrations

Cloud droplet number concentration (Nd) is an important parameter of liquid clouds and is crucial to understanding aerosol-cloud interactions. It couples boundary layer aerosol composition, size and concentration with cloud reflectivity. It affects cloud evolution, precipitation, radiative forcing, global climate and, through observation, can be used to partially monitor the first indirect effect. With its unique combination of multi-wavelength, multi-angle, total and polarized reflectance measurements, the Research Scanning Polarimeter (RSP) retrieves Nd with relatively few assumptions. The approach involves measuring cloud optical thickness, mean droplet extinction cross-section and cloud physical thickness. Polarimetric observations are capable of measuring the effective variance, or width, of the droplet size distribution. Estimating cloud geometrical thickness is also an important component of the polarimetric Nd retrieval, which is accomplished using polarimetric measurements in a water vapor absorption band to retrieve the amount of in-cloud water vapor and relating this to physical thickness. We highlight the unique abilities and quantify uncertainties of the polarimetric approach. We validate the approach using observational data from the North Atlantic and Marine Ecosystems Study (NAAMES). NAAMES targets specific phases in the seasonal phytoplankton lifecycle and ocean-atmosphere linkages. This study provides an excellent opportunity for the RSP to evaluate its approach of sensing Nd over a range of concentrations and cloud types with in situ measurements from a Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP). The RSP and CDP, along with an array of other instruments, are flown on the NASA C-130 aircraft, which flies in situ and remote sensing legs in sequence. Cloud base heights retrieved by the RSP compare well with those derived in situ (R=0.83) and by a ceilometer aboard the R.V. Atlantis (R=0.79). Comparing geometric mean values from 12 science flights throughout the NAAMES-1 and NAAMES-2 campaigns, we find a strong correlation between Nd retrieved by the RSP and CDP (R=0.96). A linear least squares fit has a slope of 0.92 and an intercept of 0.3 cm−3. Uncertainty in this comparison can be attributed to cloud 3D effects, nonlinear liquid water profiles, multilayered clouds, measurement uncertainty, variation in spatial and temporal sampling, and assumptions used within the method. Radiometric uncertainties of the RSP measurements lead to biases on derived optical thickness and cloud physical thickness, but these biases largely cancel out when deriving Nd for most conditions and geometries. We find that a polarimetric approach to sensing Nd is viable and the RSP is capable of accurately retrieving Nd for a variety of cloud types and meteorological conditions.

Droplet concentration↗

Characterization of the Upgraded NASA GRC Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility

In order to meet the emissions and efficiency goals established by the aviation community, next generation aircraft engines will require low pressure ratio, distortion tolerant fans. Maturation of the necessary technologies will require facilities which are capable of accurately testing the fan performance. To achieve this, the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan facility at NASA Glenn Research Center was upgraded. Details of the goals and upgrades undertaken were documented in the 2022 Turbo Expo paper, “Upgrades to the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility for Low Pressure Ratio Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan Research.” The performance of the upgraded facility will be documented in this paper. This paper will review the challenges associated with testing low pressure ratio and distortion tolerant fans and briefly review the upgrades undertaken and their goals. Then the performance of the facility upgrades and the extent to which they were able to achieve the stated goals will be discussed. This includes mass flow measurements, test section temperature, pressure, flow angle at two axial locations, and turbulence levels at the inlet and test section. The paper also documents the performance of distortion generating swirl vanes and total pressure screens to achieve desired distorted conditions at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane.

BLI↗