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NASA NTRS2020

Calibration of the 11x11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center

A static pipe calibration characterizing the streamwise static pressure distribution was conducted at the 11-By 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. This data is used to determine the local Mach number within the test section and evaluate buoyancy corrections to axial force measurements. The 60 foot long, 6 inch diameter pipe contained 444 static pressure taps spanning the test section and nozzle regions of the tunnel. The forward end of the pipe extends into the settling chamber and is held by four cables mounting to the tunnel shell, and the aft end is fixed on the institutional model support system. A hydraulic cylinder at the aft end of the pipe provides tension on the system to reduce vibration and to keep the pipe as level as possible throughout the test section. The previous calibration was improved upon by using pressure scanners with greater accuracy, ensuring a uniform pressure tube length for each tap to control pneumatic lag, optically tracking any streamwise movement of the pipe, and more tightly controlling the tunnel condition set points. Typically this calibration is conducted with the pipe on tunnel centerline and 33 inches below centerline for sting-mounted models and semi-span (i.e. floor-mounted) models respectively, however schedule demands permitted only the centerline calibration. The semi-span calibration is planned to be completed in the summer of 2020. Immediately following the static pipe calibration, a shorter, 9 foot static pipe used as the calibration check standard was installed to obtain its first post-calibration pressure dataset. This short static pipe consists of 148 static pressure taps distributed along the pipe section and one total pressure tap at the end of an ogive nose. Performing the calibration test and its check standard back-to-back allows this dataset to establish a reliable baseline for future calibration check standard testing. Over time the use of a calibration check standard offers the ability to assess the stability of the calibration through statistical process control in an efficient and costeffective manner, thereby potentially increasing the time required between full tunnel calibrations.

White, Bethany↗

NASA NTRS1976

Results of test IA137 in the NASA/ARC 14 foot transonic wind tunnel of the 0.07 scale external tank forebody (model 68-T) to determine auxiliary aerodynamic data system feasibility

Tests were conducted in a 14 foot transonic wind tunnel to examine the feasibility of the auxiliary aerodynamic data system (AADS) for determining angles of attack and sideslip during boost flight. The model used was a 0.07 scale replica of the external tank forebody consisting of the nose portion and a 60 inch (full scale) cylindrical section of the ogive cylinder tangency point. The model terminated in a blunt base with a 320.0 inch diameter at external tank (ET) station 1120.37. Pressure data were obtained from five pressure orifices (one total and four statics) on the nose probe, and sixteen surface static pressure orifices along the ET forebody.

Thornton, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Results of the space shuttle vehicle ascent air data system probe calibration test using a 0.07-scale external tank forebody model (68T) in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel (IA-310), volume 1

A recalibration of the Space Shuttle Vehicle Ascent Air Data System probe was conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) transonic wind tunnel. The purpose was to improve on the accuracy of the previous calibration in order to reduce the existing uncertainties in the system. A probe tip attached to a 0.07-scale External Tank Forebody model was tested at angles of attack of -8 to +4 degrees and sideslip angles of -4 to +4 degrees. High precision instrumentation was used to acquire pressure data at discrete Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55. Pressure coefficient uncertainties were estimated at less than 0.0020. Data is given in graphical and tabular form.

Collette, J. G. R.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Adjoint Method and Predictive Control for 1-D Flow in NASA Ames 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel

This paper describes a modeling method and a new optimal control approach to investigate a Mach number control problem for the NASA Ames 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. The flow in the wind tunnel is modeled by the 1-D unsteady Euler equations whose boundary conditions prescribe a controlling action by a compressor. The boundary control inputs to the compressor are in turn controlled by a drive motor system and an inlet guide vane system whose dynamics are modeled by ordinary differential equations. The resulting Euler equations are thus coupled to the ordinary differential equations via the boundary conditions. Optimality conditions are established by an adjoint method and are used to develop a model predictive linear-quadratic optimal control for regulating the Mach number due to a test model disturbance during a continuous pitch

Nguyen, Nhan↗

NASA NTRS2011

Pressure-Sensitive Paint Measurements on the NASA Common Research Model in the NASA 11-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel

The luminescence lifetime technique was used to make pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurements on a 2.7% Common Research Model in the NASA Ames 11ft Transonic Wind Tunnel. PSP data were obtained on the upper and lower surfaces of the wing and horizontal tail, as well as one side of the fuselage. Data were taken for several model attitudes of interest at Mach numbers between 0.70 and 0.87. Image data were mapped onto a three-dimensional surface grid suitable both for comparison with CFD and for integration of pressures to determine loads. Luminescence lifetime measurements were made using strobed LED (light-emitting diode) lamps to illuminate the PSP and fast-framing interline transfer cameras to acquire the PSP emission.

Bell, James H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Results of the space shuttle vehicle ascent air data system probe calibration test using a 0.07-scale external tank forebody model (68T) in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel (IA-310), volume 2

A recalibration of the Space Shuttle Vehicle Ascent Air Data System probe was conducted in the Arnold Engineering and Development Center (AEDC) transonic wind tunnel. The purpose was to improve on the accuracy of the previous calibration in order to reduce the existing uncertainties in the system. A probe tip attached to a 0.07-scale External Tank Forebody model was tested at angles of attack of -8 to +4 degrees and sideslip angles of -4 to +4 degrees. High precision instrumentation was used to acquire pressure data at discrete Mach numbers ranging from 0.6 to 1.55. Pressure coefficient uncertainties were estimated at less than 0.0020. Additional information is given in tabular form.

Collette, J. G. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Flow quality measurements in transonic wind tunnels and planned calibration of the National Transonic Facility

The need for mean flow and dynamic flow quality measurements for the National Transonic Facility (NTF) was considered. Past experience in making flow quality measurements in transonic flows and at cryogenic temperatures was used to guide the selection of methods to be used in the NTF. It appears that suitable instrumentation will be available and adequate experience has been obtained to insure that the proper calibration of the NTF can be made.

Stainback, P. C.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Wall interference measurements for three-dimensional models in transonic wind tunnels: Experimental difficulties

The purpose is not to provide a detailed discussion of several wall interference experiments, but rather to use these experiments (recently accomplished in the Boeing Transonic Wind Tunnel (BTWT) to illustrate the problems associated with many of the measurements required by current wall interference assessment/correction (WIAC) procedures. The wall correction to lift is emphasized. It is shown that, because conventional tunnels and relatively small models continue to be used, the flow field or flow boundary measurements to be made impose severe requirements on the experiment itself. In some cases, existing instrumentation and test techniques may not be adequate to obtain the data accuracies needed.

Bengelink, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Wall Interference Correction System of the NASA Ames 11-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel

The document for review is a chapter for a new AGARD document on wind tunnel wall interference. The chapter describes NASA's current approach to wind tunnel wall interference assessment by using the implementation of the wall interference correction system of the NASA Ames 11-ft Transonic Wind Tunnel as an example.

wind tunnel wall interference↗

NASA NTRS1994

Experimental/analytical approach to understanding mistuning in a transonic wind tunnel compressor

This paper will briefly set forth some of the basic tenets of mistuned rotating bladed-disk assemblies. The experience with an existing three stage compressor in a transonic wind tunnel will be documented. The manner in which the theoretical properties manifest themselves in this non-ideal compressor will be described. A description of mistuning behaviors that can and cannot be accurately substantiated will be discussed.

Kaiser, Teri↗

NASA NTRS1994

Fiber-optic-based laser vapor screen flow visualization system for aerodynamic research in larger scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnels

Laser vapor screen (LVS) flow visualization systems that are fiber-optic based were developed and installed for aerodynamic research in the Langley 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel and the Langley 7- by 10-Foot High Speed Tunnel. Fiber optics are used to deliver the laser beam through the plenum shell that surrounds the test section of each facility and to the light-sheet-generating optics positioned in the ceiling window of the test section. Water is injected into the wind tunnel diffuser section to increase the relative humidity and promote condensation of the water vapor in the flow field about the model. The condensed water vapor is then illuminated with an intense sheet of laser light to reveal features of the flow field. The plenum shells are optically sealed; therefore, video-based systems are used to observe and document the flow field. Operational experience shows that the fiber-optic-based systems provide safe, reliable, and high-quality off-surface flow visualization in smaller and larger scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnels. The design, the installation, and the application of the Langley Research Center (LaRC) LVS flow visualization systems in larger scale wind tunnels are highlighted. The efficiency of the fiber optic LVS systems and their insensitivity to wind tunnel vibration, the tunnel operating temperature and pressure variations, and the airborne contaminants are discussed.

Gary E Erickson↗

NASA NTRS1995

Computational Modeling of the Ames 11-Ft Transonic Wind Tunnel in Conjunction with IofNEWT

Technical advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics have now made it possible to simulate complex three-dimensional internal flows about models of various size placed in a Transonic Wind Tunnel. TWT wall interference effects have been a source of error in predicting flight data from actual wind tunnel measured data. An advantage of such internal CFD calculations is to directly compare numerical results with the actual tunnel data for code assessment and tunnel flow analysis. A CFD capability has recently been devised for flow analysis of the NASA/Ames 11-Ft TWT facility. The primary objectives of this work are to provide a CFD tool to study the NASA/Ames 11-Ft TWT flow characteristics, to understand the slotted wall interference effects, and to validate CFD codes. A secondary objective is to integrate the internal flowfield calculations with the Pressure Sensitive Paint data, a surface pressure distribution capability in Ames' production wind tunnels. The effort has been part of the Ames IofNEWT, Integration of Numerical and Experimental Wind Tunnels project, which is aimed at providing further analytical tools for industrial application. We used the NASA/Ames OVERFLOW code to solve the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. Viscosity effects near the model are captured by Baldwin-Lomax or Baldwin-Barth turbulence models. The solver was modified to model the flow behavior in the vicinity of the tunnel longitudinal slotted walls. A suitable porous type wall boundary condition was coded to account for the cross-flow through the test section. Viscous flow equations were solved in generalized coordinates with a three-factor implicit central difference scheme in conjunction with the Chimera grid procedure. The internal flow field about the model and the tunnel walls were descretized by the Chimera overset grid system. This approach allows the application of efficient grid generation codes about individual components of the configuration; separate minor grids were developed to resolve the model and overset onto a main grid which discretizes the interior of the tunnel test section. Individual grid components axe not required to have mesh boundaries joined in any special way to each other or to the main tunnel grid. Programs have been developed to rotate the model about the tunnel pivot point and rotation axis, similar to that of the tunnel turntable mechanism for adjusting the pitch of the physical model in the test section.

Djomehri, M. Jahed↗

NASA NTRS2017

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↗

NASA NTRS1997

Static Aeroelastic Analysis of Transonic Wind Tunnel Models Using Finite Element Methods

A computational method for accurately predicting the static aeroelastic deformations of typical transonic transport wind tunnel models is described. The method utilizes a finite element method (FEM) for predicting the deformations. Extensive calibration/validation of this method was carried out using a novel wind-off wind tunnel model static loading experiment and wind-on optical wing twist measurements obtained during a recent wind tunnel test in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA LaRC. Further validations were carried out using a Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) flow solver to calculate wing pressure distributions about several aeroelastically deformed wings and comparing these predictions with NTF experimental data. Results from this aeroelastic deformation method are in good overall agreement with experimentally measured values. Including the predicted deformations significantly improves the correlation between CFD predicted and experimentally measured wing & pressures.

Hooker, John R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Optical boundary-layer transition detection in a transonic wind tunnel

A high-sensitivity interferometer has been developed and used to detect boundary-layer transitions over a symmetric airfoil. The tests, which included both natural and roughness-induced transitions, were performed in a transonic wind tunnel. The measurements showed a peak amplitude rms and higher energy in the spectrum of the signal associated with transition. The tests revealed that the interferometer system can be used to locate the transition region over three-dimensional aerodynamic models.

Azzazy, M.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Preparations for Tomographic Background-Oriented Schlieren Measurements in the 11-by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel

Efforts from a collaboration involving NASA’s Langley, Glenn, and Ames Research Centers to construct and test a tomographic background-oriented schlieren system in preparation for testing at the Ames 11-by 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel are discussed. To prepare for the test and to evaluate the probability of success, a mock-up of the tunnel test section was constructed at Langley. Schematics and renderings of the tunnel were used to place eight gigabit Ethernet CMOS cameras circumferentially around approximately 180° of the mock-up. Camera modules designed in-house were used to provide on-axis lighting to get maximum intensity return from the retroreflective backgrounds. A data acquisition system was designed to control the eight cameras and light sources with an acquisition rate of 4 Hz. A novel method for creation of the speckled background was developed for the test, enabling simple application and removal of the material on the tunnel walls. A tea light candle and a heat gun with two different nozzle shape attachments were used to provide an index of refraction gradient field to assess the quality of the 2D and tomographic results from the system. The heat gun was again used as an initial test article after the camera system had been set up at the Ames tunnel, giving similar results to those seen at the mock-up, and indicating a high probability of success for the testing campaign.

Joshua M. Weisberger↗

NASA NTRS1974

Static and control investigations of an 0.030-scale space shuttle orbiter configuration 140A/B model in the Ames Research Center 11 by 11-foot transonic wind tunnel (OA53A), Volume 1

A wind tunnel test of an 0.030 scale model of the Rockwell International Configuration 140A/B Space Shuttle Vehicle Orbiter were conducted in the Ames Research Center 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. This part (part A) of test series 0A53 was conducted at Mach numbers of 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 1.05, and 1.20, and at Reynolds numbers from 1.8 x to 6.5 million per foot. The objective of this test was to establish and verify longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic performance, stability, and control characteristics for the Configuration 140A/B SSV Orbiter. Reynolds number studies were performed for certain nominal control-settings. An alternate leading-edge wing configuration and sealed elevon-split arrangement were tested. Bodyflap, elevon, speedbrake, and rudder hinge moments were measured in addition to standard six-component forces and moments and base pressure data. Furthermore, six-component force and moment data were measured for the vertical tail assembly.

Nichols, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The cryogenic transonic wind tunnel for high Reynolds number research

Based on theoretical studies and experience with a low speed cryogenic tunnel and with the transonic cryogenic tunnel, the cryogenic wind tunnel concept has been shown to offer many advantages with respect to the attainment of full scale Reynolds number at reasonable levels of dynamic pressure in a ground based facility. The unique modes of operation available in a pressurized cryogenic tunnel make possible for the first time the separation of Mach number, Reynolds number, and aeroelastic effects.

Kilgore, R. A.↗