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At least 487 records · Page 27

Aerodynamic performance of flared fan nozzles used as inlets

Tests were conducted in a low speed wind tunnel to determine the aerodynamic performance of several flared fan nozzles. Each of the flared nozzles was a downstream-facing inlet to a model fan that was used to simulate a variable pitch fan during reverse thrust operation. The total pressure recovery of each of the flared nozzles as well as that of an unflared nozzle and a serrated flare nozzle was obtained for comparison. The aerodynamic performance of a selected flared nozzle was considered in further detail. The nozzle surface pressures for a flared nozzle were also determined. Results indicated that the differences in aerodynamic performance among the nozzles were most apparent at the wind-tunnel-off condition. A nonzero free stream velocity significantly reduced the perforamnce of all the nozzles, and crosswind flow (free stream flow perpendicular to the model axis) further reduced the performance of the nozzles. The unflared nozzle and the serrated flare nozzle had reduced aerodynamic performance compared to a solid surface flared nozzle.

Dietrich, D. A.↗

Single stage, low noise, advanced technology fan. Volume 2: Structural design

The structural design for a half-scale fan vehicle, which would have application on an advanced transport aircraft, is described. The single stage advanced technology fan was designed to a pressure ratio of 1.8 at a tip speed of 503 m/sec (1,650 ft/sec). This mechanical design report describes the fan rotor design and the design of various structures of the vehicle; eg, stators, casings, splitters, seals, adapters, etc.

Schoener, J. L.↗

Single stage, low noise advanced technology fan. Volume 3: Acoustic design

The acoustic design for a half-scale fan vehicle, which would have application on an advanced transport aircraft, is described. The single stage advanced technology fan was designed to a pressure ratio of 1.8 at a tip speed of 503 m/sec (1,650 ft/sec). The two basic approaches taken in the acoustic design were: (1) minimization of noise at the source, and (2) suppression of the generated noise in the inlet and bypass exhaust duct. Suppression of the generated noise is accomplished in the inlet through use of the hybrid concept (wall acoustic treatment plus airflow acceleration suppression) and in the exhaust duct with extensive acoustic treatment including a splitter. The goal of the design was attainment of twenty effective perceived noise decibels (20 EPNdB) below current Federal Air Regulation noise standards for a full-scale fan at the takeoff, cutback, and approach conditions. Predicted unsuppressed and suppressed fore and aft maximum perceived noise levels indicate that the cutback condition is the most critical with respect to the goal, which is probably unattainable for that condition. This is also true for aft radiated noise in the approach condition.

Kazin, S. B.↗

Aerodynamic Performance of Two Variable-Pitch Fan Stages

The NASA-Lewis Research Center is investigating a variety of fan stages applicable for short haul aircraft. These low-pressure-ratio low-speed fan stages may require variable-pitch rotor blades to provide optimum performance for the varied flight demands and for thrust reversal on landing. A number of the aerodynamic and structural compromises relating to the variable-pitch rotor blades are discussed. The aerodynamic performance of two variable-pitch fan stages operated at several rotor blade setting angles for both forward and reverse flow application are presented. Detailed radial surveys are presented for both forward and reverse flow.

Moore, R. D.↗

Two-stage, low noise advanced technology fan. Volume 2: Aerodynamic data

Aerodynamic data from static tests of a two-stage advanced technology fan designed to minimize noise are presented. Fan design conditions include delivery of 209.1kg/sec/sq m (42.85 lbm/sec/sq ft) specific corrected flow at an overall pressure ratio of 1.9 and an adiabatic efficiency of 85.3 percent. The 0.836m (2.74ft) diameter first stage rotor has a hub/tip ratio of 0.4 and 365.8m/sec (1200ft/sec) design tip speed. In addition to the moderate tip speed and pressure rise per stage, other noise control design features involve widely spaced blade rows and proper selection of blade-vane ratios. Aerodynamic data are presented for tests with unifrom and with hub and tip radially distorted inlet flow. Aerodynamic data are also presented for tests of this fan with acoustic treatments, including acoustically treated casing walls, a flowpath exit acoustic ring, and a translating centerbody sonic inlet device. A complete tabulation of the overall performance data, the blade element data, and the power spectral density information relating to turbulence levels generated by the sonic inlet obtained during these tests is included. For vol. 1, see N74-33789.

Harley, K. G.↗

Wind tunnel investigation of a large-scale model of a lift/cruise fan V/STOL aircraft

An investigation was conducted in the Ames 40- by 80-Foot wind tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of a large scale model of a lift/cruise fan V/STOL aircraft. The model was equipped with three fans, one mounted in the forward section of the fuselage in a lift mode, and two mounted on top of the wing adjacent to the fuselage in a lift/cruise mode. The data that were obtained include longitudinal and lateral-directional characteristics of the model, with the horizontal tail on and off, for both the Powered lift and cruise configurations. Powered lift data were obtained at several wind tunnel velocities and at several lift/cruise fan thrust vector angles by varying the position of the hooded deflectors from 0 deg. (the cruise condition) to 90 deg.

Gambucci, B. J.↗

Hamilton Standard Q-fan demonstrator dynamic pitch change test program, volume 1

Tests of a full scale variable pitch fan engine to obtain data on the structural characteristics, response times, and fan/core engine compatibility during transient changes in blade angle, fan rpm, and engine power is reported. Steady state reverse thrust tests with a take off nozzle configuration were also conducted. The 1.4 meter diameter, 13 bladed controllable pitch fan was driven by a T55 L 11A engine with power and blade angle coordinated by a digital computer. The tests demonstrated an ability to change from full forward thrust to reverse thrust in less than one (1) second. Reverse thrust was effected through feather and through flat pitch; structural characteristics and engine/fan compatibility were within satisfactory limits.

Demers, W. J.↗

Data analysis and noise prediction for the QF-1B experimental fan stage

The results of a fan noise data analysis and prediction effort using experimental data obtained from tests on the QF-1B research fan are described. Surface pressure measurements were made with flush mounted sensors installed on selected rotor blades and stator vanes and noise measurements were made by microphones located at the far field. Power spectral density analysis, time history studies, and calculation of coherence functions were made. The emphasis of these studies was on the characteristics of tones in the spectra. The amplitude behavior of spectral tones was found to have a large, often predominant, random component, suggesting that turbulent processes play an important role in the generation of tonal as well as broadband noise. Inputs from the data analysis were used in a prediction method which assumes that acoustic dipoles, produced by unsteady blade and van forces, are the important source of fan noise.

Bliss, D. B.↗

A report on the aerodynamic design and wind tunnel test of a Prop-Fan model

Recent transport aircraft system studies have shown that the Prop-Fan propulsion system offers the potential for significant fuel savings over high bypass turbofans employing the same core engine technology for each. This important finding has encouraged more detailed study of the Prop-Fan aerodynamics and has led to NASA sponsorship of a wind tunnel research program to explore the projected high efficiency levels of advanced propeller configurations for 0.80 Mach number, high-altitude cruise operation. The aerodynamic design philosophy for the Prop-Fan model is discussed. The geometric characteristics and predicted performance of the wind tunnel model are presented. Finally, the preliminary test results are reviewed and compared to the performance goals originally projected.

Rohrbach, C.↗

Aerodynamic performance of two variable-pitch fan stages

NASA-Lewis Research Center is investigating a variety of fan stages applicable for short-haul aircraft. These low-pressure-ratio low-speed fan stages may require variable-pitch rotor blades to provide optimum performance for the varied flight demands and for thrust reversal on landing. A number of the aerodynamic and structural compromises relating to variable-pitch rotor blades are discussed. The aerodynamic performance of two variable-pitch fan stages operated at several rotor-blade setting angles is evaluated for both forward- and reverse-flow application. Detailed radial surveys are presented for both forward and reverse flow.

Moore, R. D.↗

Review of V/STOL lift/cruise fan technology

This paper presents an overview of supporting technology programs conducted to reduce the risk in the joint NASA/Navy Lift/Cruise Fan Research and Technology Aircraft Program. The aeronautical community has endeavored to combine the low-speed and lifting capabilities of the helicopter with the high-speed capabilities of the jet aircraft; recent developments have indicated a lift/cruise fan propulsion system may provide these desired characteristics. NASA and the Navy have formulated a program that will provide a research and technology aircraft to furnish viability of the lift/cruise fan aircraft through flight experiences and obtain data on designs for future naval and civil V/STOL aircraft. The supporting technology programs discussed include: (1) design studies for operational aircraft, a research and technology aircraft, and associated propulsion systems; (2) wind-tunnel tests of several configurations; (3) propulsion-system thrust vectoring tests; and (4) simulation. These supporting technology programs have indicated that a satisfactory research and technology aircraft program can be accomplished within the current level of technology.

Rolls, L. S.↗

Preliminary design-lift/cruise fan research and technology airplane flight control system

This report presents the preliminary design of a stability augmentation system for a NASA V/STOL research and technology airplane. This stability augmentation system is postulated as the simplest system that meets handling qualities levels for research and technology missions flown by NASA test pilots. The airplane studied in this report is a T-39 fitted with tilting lift/cruise fan nacelles and a nose fan. The propulsion system features a shaft interconnecting the three variable pitch fans and three power plants. The mathematical modeling is based on pre-wind tunnel test estimated data. The selected stability augmentation system uses variable gains scheduled with airspeed. Failure analysis of the system illustrates the benign effect of engine failure. Airplane rate sensor failure must be solved with redundancy.

Gotlieb, P.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of a large-scale model of a lift-cruise fan V/STOL aircraft with extended lift-cruise nacelles

The aerodynamic characteristics of a large-scale model of a lift/cruise fan V/STOL aircraft were determined. The model was equipped with three fans, one mounted in the forward section of the fuselage in a lift mode, and two mounted on top of the wing adjacent to the fuselage in a lift/cruise mode. The data that were obtained include longitudinal and lateral-directional characteristics of the model, with the horizontal tail on and off, for both the powered-lift and cruise configurations. Lateral-directional characteristics were obtained with the horizontal and vertical tail sections removed. Powered-lift data were obtained at several wind-tunnel velocities and at several lift-cruise fan thrust vector angles by varying the position of the hooded deflectors from 0 deg (the cruise condition) to 90 deg.

Gambucci, B. J.↗

A program for calculating turbofan-driven lift-fan propulsion system performance

The performance of a turbofan-powered lift fan propulsion system for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is calculated. The program formulation consists of taking bleed air from a turbofan engine, heating the bleed air in an interburner, and passing it through a tip turbine to drive a lift fan. Two options are available: bleed air from the engine exhaust, or bleed air that has passed through the engine fan only. This computer program will benefit persons unfamiliar with the thermodynamics of engine cycle analysis.

Tauber, M. E.↗

Acoustic Signatures of a Model Fan in the NASA-Lewis Anechoic Wind Tunnel

One-third octave band and narrowband spectra and continuous directivity patterns radiated from an inlet are presented over ranges of fan operating conditions, tunnel velocity, and angle of attack. Tunnel flow markedly reduced the unsteadiness and level of the blade passage tone, revealed the cutoff design feature of the blade passage tone, and exposed a lobular directivity pattern for the second harmonic tone. The full effects of tunnel flow are shown to be complete above a tunnel velocity of 20 meters/second. The acoustic signatures are also shown to be strongly affected by fan rotational speed, fan blade loading, and inlet angle of attack.

Dietrich, D. A.↗

Energy consumption characteristics of transports using the prop-fan concept

The fuel saving and economic potentials of the prop-fan high-speed propeller concept were evaluated for twin-engine commercial transport airplanes designed for 3333.6 km range, 180 passengers, and Mach 0.8 cruise. A fuel saving of 9.7% at the design range was estimated for a prop-fan airplane having wing-mounted engines, while a 5.8% saving was estimated for a design having the engines mounted on the aft body. The fuel savings and cost were found to be sensitive to the propeller noise level and to aerodynamic drag effects due to wing-slipstream interaction. Uncertainties in these effects could change the fuel savings as much as + or - 50%. A modest improvement in direct operating cost (DOC) was estimated for the wing-mounted prop-fan at current fuel prices. This improvement could become substantial in the event of further relative increases in the price of oil. The improvement in DOC requires the achievement of the nominal fuel saving and reductions in propeller and gearbox maintenance costs relative to current experience.

Source record↗

Detailed design of a quiet high flow fan

A single stage fan was designed to demonstrate the noise abatement properties of near-sonic inlet flow and long-chord stator vanes for the reduction of both upstream and downstream propagated fan source noise. It is designed to produce a pressure ratio of 1.653:1 with an adiabatic efficiency of 83.9%. The fan has a 508 mm inlet diameter with a hub/tip ratio of 0.426 and a design tip speed of 533.4 m/sec. The design inlet specific flow rate is 219.71 kg/sec sq m and there are 10 tandem stator vanes with a combined aspect ratio of 0.54.

Soltau, J. D.↗

Effect of inlet disturbances on fan inlet noise during a static test

Measurements of fan rotor inlet noise taken during static test situations are at variance with aircraft engine flight data. In particular, static tests generally yield a significantly higher tone at blade passage frequency than that measured during flight. To explain this discrepancy, the extent of the influence of inlet ground vortices and large-scale inlet turbulence on the forward-radiated fan noise measured at a static test facility was investigated. While such inlet disturbances were generated intentionally in an anechoic test chamber, far-field acoustic measurements and inlet flow-field hot-film mappings of a fan rotor were obtained. Experimental results indicate that the acoustic effect of such disturbances appears to be less severe for supersonic than for subsonic tip speeds. Further, a reverse flow that occurs on the exterior cowl in static test facilities appears to be an additional prime candidate for creating inlet disturbances and causing variance between flight and static acoustic data.

Bekofske, K. L.↗