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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 55 records · Page 3

Advanced supersonic propulsion system technology study, phase 2

Variable cycle engines were identified, based on the mixed-flow low-bypass-ratio augmented turbofan cycle, which has shown excellent range capability in the AST airplane. The best mixed-flow augmented turbofan engine was selected based on range in the AST Baseline Airplane. Selected variable cycle engine features were added to this best conventional baseline engine, and the Dual-Cycle VCE and Double-Bypass VCE were defined. The conventional mixed-flow turbofan and the Double-Bypass VCE were on the subjects of engine preliminary design studies to determine mechanical feasibility, confirm weight and dimensional estimates, and identify the necessary technology considered not yet available. Critical engine components were studied and incorporated into the variable cycle engine design.

Allan, R. D.↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55° Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

This paper reports computational analyses of tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using 23.6-cm diameter, 55° sphere-cone models placed in a free jet downstream of the 33.0-cm diameter conical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Some of the sphere-cone models include surface features such as manufactured fences and gaps intended to simulate effects of differential recession, all of which disturb the flow, producing augmented heating locally and downstream. Test calibration data were obtained using slug and Gardon gage stagnation calorimeters, and a sphere-cone calorimeter model with six Gardon heat flux gages and five pressure gages. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested, and comparisons with the experimental measurements. Various issues related to testing are considered: diffuser flow capture, flow characterization based on the calorimeter data, effects of the model surface recession, and prediction of surface quantities for the models with surface features. These simulations take into account nonuniform total enthalpy profiles at the nozzle inlet as well as the expansion waves emanating from the nozzle exit and their effects on the model flowfields.

Arc-jets↗

The effect of ejector augmentation on test-section flow quality in the Calspan 8-ft transonic wind tunnel

Tests to determine the flow disturbances effects of four ejectors located in the corners just downstream of the diffuser in the Calspan wind tunnel are described. The flow quality in the nonejector mode is employed as the base-line configuration, and operating parameters are compared with data from other wind tunnels. During tests with the ejectors working, fluctuation levels increased between Mach 0.4-0.6, while temperature and vorticity levels remained constant. The ejector exhibited broad spectrum noise typical of free jet noise, yet static pressure measurements revealed only a slight increase in the broadband rms levels with the ejectors on, indicating negligible disturbances upstream caused by the ejectors. Choking the diffuser eliminated the jet noise, and the use of ejectors in the Mach range considered is concluded to cause no significant degradation in the Calspan tunnel flow quality.

Rose, W. C.↗

Performance improvements of single-engine business airplanes by the integration of advanced technologies

An assessment is presented of the performance gains and economic impact of the integration in general aviation aircraft of advanced technologies, relating to such aspects of design as propulsion, natural laminar flow, lift augmentation, unconventional configurations, and advanced aluminum and composite structures. All considerations are with reference to a baseline mission of 1300 nm range and 300-knot cruise speed with a 1300-lb payload, and a baseline aircraft with a 40 lb/sq ft wing loading and an aspect ratio of 8. Extensive analytical results are presented from the NASA-sponsored General Aviation Synthesis Program. Attention is given to the relative performance gains to be expected from the single-engined baseline aircraft's use of a low cost general aviation turbine engine, a spark-ignited reciprocating engine, a diesel engine, and a Wankel rotary engine.

Kohlman, D. L.↗

Entrainment and mixing in thrust augmenting ejectors

An experimental investigation of two-dimensional thrust augmenting ejector flows has been conducted. Measurements of the shroud surface pressure distribution, mean velocity, turbulent intensities and Reynolds stresses were made in two shroud geometries at various primary nozzle pressure ratios. The effects of shroud geometry and primary nozzle pressure ratio on the shroud surface pressure distribution, mean flow field and turbulent field were determined. From these measurements the evolution of mixing within the shroud of the primary flow and entrained fluid was obtained. The relationship between the mean flow field, the turbulent field and the shroud surface pressure distribution is discussed.

Bernal, L.↗

Calculating Aerodynamic-Stability Derivatives

VORSTAB program developed to calculate lateral-directional characteristics of nonplanar wing/body combinations in subsonic flow. Mathematically determines effects of edge-separated vortex flow, including augmented vortex lift, strake-induced downwash, and vortex breakdown. VORSTAB written in FORTRAN IV.

Lan, C. E.↗

Rocketdyne RBCC Concept Development

Rocketdyne is pursuing the conceptual design and development of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (BBCC) engine for booster and SSTO, advanced reusable space transportation systems under the Advanced Reusable Transportation Technologies contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The Rocketdyne concept is a fixed geometry integrated rocket, ramjet, scramjet which is hydrogen fueled and uses hydrogen regenerative cooling. Vision vehicle integration studies have determined that scramjet operation to the range of Mach 10 to 12 has high payoff for low cost reusable space transportation. Rocketdyne is internally developing versions of the concept for other applications in high speed aircraft and missiles with hydrocarbon fuel systems. A subscale engine ground test program is underway for all modes of operation from takeoff to Mach 8. High altitude rocket tests will only be completed as part of the ground test program to validate high expansion ratio performance. A unique feature of the ground test series is the inclusion of dynamic trajectory simulation with real time Mach number, altitude, engine throttling, and RBCC mode changes in a specially modified freejet test facility at GASL. Preliminary cold flow air augmented rocket and all rocket test results have met program goals and have been used to integrate all modes of operation in a single combustor design with a fixed geometry inlet for design confirmation tests. A water cooled subscale engine is currently being fabricated for test during the early part of 1998.

Ortwerth, P.↗

Rocketdyne Development of RBCC Engine for Low Cost Access to Space

Rocketdyne is pursuing the conceptual design and development of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine for booster and SSTO, advanced reusable space transportation ARTT systems under contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The Rocketdyne concept is fixed geometry integrated Rocket, Ram Scramjet which is Hydrogen fueled and uses Hydrogen regenerative cooling. Vision vehicle integration studies have determined that scramjet operation to Mach 12 has high payoff for low cost reusable space transportation. Rocketdyne is internally developing versions of the concept for other applications in high speed aircraft and missiles with Hydrocarbon fuel systems. Subscale engine ground testing is underway for all modes of operation from takeoff to Mach 8. High altitude Rocket only mode tests will be completed as part of the ground test program to validate high expansion ratio performance. A unique feature of the ground test series is the inclusion of dynamic trajectory simulation with real time Mach number, altitude, engine throttling, and RBCC mode changes in a specially modified freejet test facility at GASL. Preliminary cold flow Air Augmented Rocket mode test results and Short Combustor tests have met program goals and have been used to integrate all modes of operation in a single combustor design with a fixed geometry inlet for design confirmation tests. A water cooled subscale engine is being fabricated and installed for test beginning the last quarter of 1997.

Ortwerth, P.↗

An Earth-Based Equivalent Low Stretch Apparatus to Assess Material Flammability for Microgravity & Extraterrestrial Fire-Safety Applications

One of the performance goals for NASA's enterprise of Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) is to develop methods, data bases, and validating tests for material flammability characterization, hazard reduction, and fire detection/suppression strategies for spacecraft and extraterrestrial habitats. This work addresses these needs by applying the fundamental knowledge gained from low stretch experiments to the development of a normal gravity low stretch material flammability test method. The concept of the apparatus being developed uses the low stretch geometry to simulate the conditions of the extraterrestrial environment through proper scaling of the sample dimensions to reduce the buoyant stretch in normal gravity. The apparatus uses controlled forced-air flow to augment the low stretch to levels which simulate Lunar or Martian gravity levels. In addition, the effect of imposed radiant heat flux on material flammability can be studied with the cone heater. After breadboard testing, the apparatus will be integrated into NASA's White Sands Test Facility's Atmosphere-Controlled Cone Calorimeter for evaluation as a new materials screening test method.

Olson, S. L.↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55-deg Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

This paper reports computational analyses of testsin a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using 55-deg sphere-cone models placed in a free jet downstream of the 13-inch diameter conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Some of the sphere-cone models include surface features such as manufactured fences and gaps intended to simulate effects of differential recession, all of which disturb the flow, producing augmented heating locally and downstream.Test calibration data were obtained using slug and Gardon gage stagnation calorimeters, and a sphere-cone calorimeter model with six Gardon gages and five pressure tabs.The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested, and comparisons with the experimental measurements. These simulations take into account nonuniform total enthalpy and mass flux profiles at the nozzle inlet as well as the expansion waves emanating from the nozzle exit and their effects on the model flowfields.

Arc-jets↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55-deg Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

This paper reports computational analyses of tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using 55-deg sphere-cone models placed in a free jet downstream of the 13-inch diameter conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Some of the sphere-cone models include surface features such as manufactured fences and gaps intended to simulate effects of differential recession, all of which disturb the flow, producing augmented heating locally and downstream. Test calibration data were obtained using slug and Gardon gage stagnation calorimeters, and a sphere-cone calorimeter model with six Gardon gages and five pressure tabs. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested, and comparisons with the experimental measurements. These simulations take into account nonuniform total enthalpy and mass flux profiles at the nozzle inlet as well as the expansion waves emanating from the nozzle exit and their effects on the model flowfields.

Arc-jets↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55-deg Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

This paper reports computational analyses of tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using 55-deg sphere-cone models placed in a free jet downstream of the 13-inch diameter conical nozzle in the Ames 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Some of the sphere-cone models include surface features such as manufactured fences and gaps intended to simulate effects of differential recession, all of which disturb the flow, producing augmented heating locally and downstream. Test calibration data were obtained using slug and Gardon gage stagnation calorimeters, and a sphere-cone calorimeter model with six Gardon gages and five pressure tabs. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested, and comparisons with the experimental measurements. These simulations take into account nonuniform total enthalpy and mass flux profiles at the nozzle inlet as well as the expansion waves emanating from the nozzle exit and their effects on the model flowfields.

Arc-jets↗

Hydroxyl Tagging Velocimetry Demonstration in an Augmented Spark Igniter

Hydroxyl tagging velocimetry (HTV) involves tagging a flow by “writing” a line of OH molecules using a laser beam to dissociate H2O molecules and capturing an image of the line after a short delay using laser-induced fluorescence. Velocity is obtained by a time-of-flight analysis of the data. In this effort, HTV was used for obtaining both instantaneous and average velocity profiles in the flow of an augmented spark igniter. Two modes of camera readout were investigated, called conventional full frame mode and dual image mode feature (DIF) mode. In DIF mode, two images are captured in quick succession and therefore the measurement is immune to vibration effects. Measurement uncertainty for the DIF case varied from 3% at the centerline to 10% at the edges of the profile in a 1000-m/s flow. For the full-frame case, measurement uncertainty varied from 3% at the centerline to 7% at the edges. This demonstration provides evidence that the HTV technique is well suited for obtaining velocity profiles in the challenging environment of either a rocket engine or rocket engine igniter.

Augmented Spark Igniter↗

Numerical Predictions of Dust-Induced Heat Flux Augmentation in Hypersonic Blunt-Body Flows Using a Discontinuous Galerkin Multiphase Flow Solver

Recent interest in human-scale missions to Mars has motivated the need for high-fidelity simulations of reentry flows. During a dust storm, there can be high levels of suspended dust in the Martian atmosphere, which cannot only enhance erosion of thermal protection systems but also transfer energy and momentum to the shock layer, thereby significantly augmenting the surface heat flux. Second-order finite-volume schemes are typically employed for hypersonic flow simulations, but such schemes suffer from a number of disadvantages. An attractive alternative is discontinuous Galerkin methods, which benefit from arbitrarily high spatial order of accuracy, geometric flexibility, and other properties. To enable accurate computations of high-speed particle-laden flows, an Euler-Lagrange methodology was developed in which the Eulerian field of the carrier gas is calculated using a discontinuous Galerkin scheme while the disperse phase is treated with Lagrangian particle tracking. We discuss challenges associated with coupling these two formulations and how to handle them. Momentum and energy transfer between the carrier gas and the particle phase is considered, and the importance of accounting for interparticle collisions is assessed. In addition, we describe the physical model of the particle phase and examine effects of its uncertainties on the numerical solution. We demonstrate the performance of the Euler-Lagrange method in representative testcases, with focus on the accurate prediction of particle trajectories and heating augmentation. Quantitative comparisons with experiments are provided.

Ching, Eric J.↗

Control-Volume Analysis Of Thrust-Augmenting Ejectors

New method of analysis of transient flow in thrust-augmenting ejector based on control-volume formulation of governing equations. Considered as potential elements of propulsion subsystems of short-takeoff/vertical-landing airplanes.

Drummond, Colin K.↗

Magnetogasdynamic Power Extraction and Flow Conditioning for a Gas Turbine

An extension of the Russian AJAX concept to a turbojet is being explored. This magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy bypass engine cycle incorporating conventional gas turbine technology has MHD flow conditioning at the inlet to electromagnetically extract part of the inlet air kinetic energy. The electrical power generated can be used for various on-board vehicle requirements including plasma flow control around the vehicle or it may be used for augmenting the expanding flow in the high speed nozzle by MHD forces to generate more thrust. In order to achieve this interaction, the air needs to be ionized by an external means even up to fairly high flight speeds, and the leading candidates may be classified as electrical discharge devices. The present kinetic modeling calculations suggest that the use of electron beams with characteristics close to the commercially available e-beam systems (electron energy approx. 60 keV, beam current approx. 0.2 mA/sq cm) to sustain ionization in intermediate pressure, low-temperature (P = 0.1 atm, T = 300 K) supersonic air flows allows considerable reduction of the flow kinetic energy (up to 10 to 20 percent in M = 3 flows). The calculations also suggest that this can be achieved at a reasonable electron beam efficiency (eta approx. 5), even if the e-beam window losses are taken into account. At these conditions, the exit NO and O atom concentrations due to e-beam initiated chemical reactions do not exceed 30 ppm. Increasing the beam current up to approx. 2 mA/sq cm, which corresponds to a maximum electrical conductivity of sigma(sub max) approx. 0.8 mho/m at the loading parameter of K = 0.5, would result in a much greater reduction of the flow kinetic energy (up to 30 to 40 percent). The MHD channel efficiency at these conditions would be greatly reduced (to eta approx. 1) due to increased electron recombination losses in the channel. At these conditions, partial energy conversion from kinetic energy to heat would result in a significant total pressure loss (P(sub 0)/P(sub 0i) approx. 0.3). The total pressure loss can be reduced operating at the loading parameter closer to unity, at the expense of the reduced electrical power output. Raising the beam current would also result in the increase of the exit O atom concentrations (up to 600 ppm) and NO (up to 150 ppm).

Adamovich, Igor V.↗

Turbofan forced mixer lobe flow modeling. Part 3: Application to augment engines

Military engines frequently need large quantities of thrust for short periods of time. The addition of an augmentor can provide such thrust increases but with a penalty of increased duct length and engine weight. The addition of a forced mixer to the augmentor improves performance and reduces the penalty, as well as providing a method for siting the required flame holders. In this report two augmentor concepts are investigated: a swirl-mixer augmentor and a mixer-flameholder augmentor. Several designs for each concept are included and an experimental assessment of one of the swirl-mixer augmentors is presented.

Barber, T.↗

Flow visualization of vortices locked by spanwise blowing over wings featuring a unique leading and trailing-edge flap system

Flow visualization studies were conducted to qualitatively determine the effects of active generation and augmentation of vortex flow over wings by blowing a discrete jet in a spanwise direction in the channel formed by extension of upper surface leading- and trailing-edge flaps. Spanwise blowing from a reflection plane over a rectangular wing was found to generate and lock a dual corotating vortex system within the channel and, at sufficient blowing rates, cause the separated flow off the upper end of the leading-edge flap to reattach to the trailing-edge flap. Test parameters included wing angle of attack, jet momentum coefficient, leading- and trailing-edge flap deflection angle, and jet location above the wing surface. Effects due to removal of the leading- and trailing-edge flap were also investigated.

Erickson, G. E.↗