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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 577 records · Page 32

10-kHz PLIF Thermometry for Turbulent Jet Flame using Single Burst-mode OPO

Two-color Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TC-PLIF) thermometry techniques that employ two laser systems and two cameras face challenges when implemented in practical combustion facilities because of experimental complexity and multiple laser and camera requirements, particularly for high-speed TC-PLIF. To circumvent those problems, we developed a fast, dual-wavelength switching, burst-mode OPO technology to significantly reduce the experimental complexity of high-speed TC-PLIF thermometry and simplify its implementation in harsh combustion and flow test facilities. A fast, dual-wavelength switched seed laser enabled a high-energy, high-repetition-rate burst-mode laser to generate two 10-kHz pulse trains at wavelengths of ~354.8 nm. The injection-seeded OPO efficiently converts the burst-mode laser output to 285.62 nm and 285.67 nm to excite the Q2(12) andP1(8) OH transitions. PLIF images were collected from each of the two excitation transitions with a single camera and an UV intensifier, and intensity ratios from the images were used to determine local temperatures. Ten kHz hydroxyl radical (OH) TC-PLIF for premixedCH4/Air/H2 jet flame was demonstrated.

thermometry↗

SPHEREx: NASA’s Near-Infrared Spectrophotmetric All-Sky Survey

SPHEREx, the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and ices Explorer, isa NASA MIDEX mission planned for launch in 2024. SPHEREx will carry out the first all-sky spectral survey at wavelengths between 0.75μm and 5μm with spectral resolving power ~40 between 0.75 and 3.8μm and ~120 between 3.8 and 5μm At the end of its two-year mission, SPHEREx will provide 14 billion 0.75-to-5μm spectra of each 6."2 x 6."2 pixel on the sky. This paper updates an earlier description of SPHEREx presenting changes made during the mission's Preliminary Design Phase, including a discussion of instrument integration and test flow and a summary of the data processing, analysis, and distribution plans.

Zemcov, Michael↗

Water Recovery from Bioreactor Mixed Liquors Using Forward Osmosis with Polyelectrolyte Draw Solutions

This paper reports on the use of forward osmosis (FO) with polyelectrolyte draw solutions to recover water from bioreactor mixed liquors. The work was motivated by the need for new regenerative water purification technologies to enable long-duration space missions. Osmotic membrane bioreactors may be an option for water and nutrient recovery in space if they can attain high water flux and reverse solute flux selectivity (RSFS), which quantifies the mass of permeated water per mass of draw solute that has diffused from the draw solution into a bioreactor. Water flux was measured in a direct flow system using wastewater from a municipal wastewater treatment plant and draw solutions prepared with two polyelectrolytes at different concentrations. The direct flow tests displayed a high initial flux (>10 L/m2/h) that decreased rapidly as solids accumulated on the feed side of the membrane. A test with deionized water as the feed revealed a small mass of polyelectrolyte crossover from the draw solution to the feed, yielding an RSFS of 80. Crossflow filtration experiments demonstrated that steady state flux above 2 L/m2·h could be maintained for 70 h following an initial flux decline due to the formation of a foulant cake layer. This study established that FO could be feasible for regenerative water purification from bioreactors. By utilizing a polyelectrolyte draw solute with high RSFS, we expect to overcome the need for draw solute replenishment. This would be a major step towards sustainable operation in long-duration space missions.

Calen R Raulerson↗

A Simple Boundary-Layer Transition Detection Method Using Mean Static Pressure Measurements

A simple method for detecting boundary-layer transition using only mean static pressure port data is presented. The method can be applied to most existing models with pressure taps, and only requires that a fine angle-of-attack sweep be performed. A small but abrupt change in the static pressure is visible when the transition front passes over the pressure tap. Results from a recent Juncture Flow test entry are used to illustrate the technique. Infrared thermography measurements of the transition front compare very well to the transition locations obtained from the static pressure ports. Some differences in behavior occur depending on the dominant transition mechanism. While the technique is somewhat qualitative, it can be an excellent tool for estimating the transition location when other tools are not readily available. Given the simplicity of the technique, and the fact that most wind-tunnel models are already designed with numerous static pressure taps, this method can be applied with very little overhead.

boundary-layer transition↗

Combustor-Turbine Interactions By Using the Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC) and the Glenn-HT Code

We develop the methodology of coupling two different computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes, OpenNCC and Glenn-HT, in order to investigate the unsteady flow fields inside the combustor and around the first-stage stator of a high-pressure turbine (HPT) from the energy efficient engine (E 3 ) program. In our coupling strategy, OpenNCC, a time accurate unstructured mesh multi-phase combustion CFD code, is applied to the combustor region and Glenn-HT, a structured mesh CFD code designed for turbine applications, is utilized inside the HPT region. As a proof of concept, we first simulate the three-dimensional airflow over the backward facing step and compared the predicted pressure coefficient against experimental data. We then considered a Jet-A/Air combustor with the NASA single learn direct injector (LDI) as a reacting flow test case. Here, Glenn-HT is used in the downstream of the combustor and assumes that the working fluid is a single gas (i.e., air) where the properties of the gas are taken from time- and area-averaged values at the combustor exit. A fully coupled combustor-turbine simulation using both OpenNCC and Glenn-HT was conducted on the E 3 combustor and a detailed analysis done pertaining to how a realistic combustor outflow affects migration of hot-streaks and its impact on the aerodynamic behavior inside the HPT. It is found that the combustion dynamics (i.e., the switching main and pilot flame strength) significantly alters the aerodynamic behavior inside the HPT including hot-streak migration. Variations of the temperature and the velocity magnitude in the passage could be up to ±75 and ±15. These large variations are an important part of the combustor-turbine interactions, which are overlooked by a single component simulation of the HPT while imposing the steady inflow boundary condition at the HPT inlet. Finally, it is observed the strong density gradient associated with the hot-streaks and the pressure gradient at the passage significantly enhances the baroclinic torque, affecting the vorticity field.

CFD hot-streaks↗

Fuel Heating System Design and Thermal Modeling for Aviation Combustion Research

Aviation fuels offer substantial heat-sink capability that can be applied to aircraft thermal-management strategies and advanced propulsion-system concepts. Accurate control of fuel temperature is critical for understanding combustion behavior and supporting high temperature fuel experimental studies. This work describes the modeling and experimental validation of a portable, high temperature fuel-conditioning system designed for multiple NASA Glenn Research Center’s combustion facilities. The system utilizes a circulating-oil heating unit and modular tube-in-tube heat exchangers capable of conditioning Jet-A to temperatures approaching 600 K. A Thermal Desktop model was created to analyze heat exchanger configurations and predict performance across a range of operating conditions. Model predictions were compared with measurements collected in the CE-13C test facility, showing good agreement across the tested flow range except at low fuel flow rate around 2 kg/hr. Results provide guidance for sizing future fuel heating system for combustion research applications.

Jet fuel heating system↗

Designing transonic wind-tunnel test sections for flow diagnostics and laser velocimeter applications

The design, fabrication, and validation of the Basic Aerodynamic Facility (BARF), developed for the direct comparison of three-dimensional laser velocimetry (LV) and hot-wire techniques at transonic speeds, are discussed. To accommodate the installation of the three-dimensional orthogonal LV system in the BARF, the transonic slots were redesigned to house windows, and the test section mounting was redesigned to facilitate LV transversing. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional code validation tests of the LV test section showed uniform mean flow through the test section to sonic speeds, and fluctuating pressure measurements at subsonic speeds which are consistent with facilities with good flow quality.

Jones, G. S.↗

Test problems for inviscid transonic flow

Solving of test problems with the TRANDES program is discussed. This method utilizes the full, inviscid, perturbation potential flow equation in a Cartesian grid system that is stretched to infinity. This equation is represented by a nonconservative system of finite difference equations that includes at supersonic points a rotated difference scheme and is solved by column relaxation. The solution usually starts from a zero perturbation potential on a very coarse grid (typically 13 by 7) followed by several grid halvings until a final solution is obtained on a fine grid (97 by 49).

Carlson, L. A.↗

Design and Implementation of a Characterization Test Rig for Evaluating High Bandwidth Liquid Fuel Flow Modulators

A test rig was designed and developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) for the purpose of characterizing high bandwidth liquid fuel flow modulator candidates to determine their suitability for combustion instability control research. The test rig is capable of testing flow modulators at up to 600 psia supply pressure and flows of up to 2 gpm. The rig is designed to provide a quiescent flow into the test section in order to isolate the dynamic flow modulations produced by the test article. Both the fuel injector orifice downstream of the test article and the combustor are emulated. The effect of fuel delivery line lengths on modulator dynamic performance can be observed and modified to replicate actual fuel delivery systems. For simplicity, water is currently used as the working fluid, although future plans are to use jet fuel. The rig is instrumented for dynamic pressures and flows and a high-speed data system is used for dynamic data acquisition. Preliminary results have been obtained for one candidate flow modulator.

Saus, Joseph R.↗

Effect of Atmospheric Wind and Upstream Buildings on the Flow Quality in the Test Section of the 80-by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel

The effect of upwind buildings on flow quality in the test section of the 80- by-120-Foot Wind Tunnel housed at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at NASA Ames Research Center was modeled at reduced scale. A 1/50th-scale model of the 80x120 leg was placed on the turntable in the test section of the full-scale NFAC 80x120 wind tunnel. Ambient wind was simulated by means of a fixed linear array of 6 blowers mounted upstream of the NFAC turntable. NFAC turntable rotation was used to change ambient (atmospheric) wind direction. Models of existing upwind buildings and the planned Google Campus buildings (Googleplex) were constructed at 1/50th-scale. In addition, a variety of upwind blockage conditions were studied, using rectangular bodies, to simulate either a 2D or 3D blockage directly ahead of the inlet. Computer-controlled surveys of test section flow quality were measured using a Cobra probe to provide all three orthogonal velocity components. Surprisingly, measurements indicate that test section flow quality will be unaffected or slightly improved by the upwind presence of the Google Campus. A possible explanation is discussed.

open-circuit wind tunnel↗

Tests Of Shear-Flow Model For Acoustic Impedance

Tests described in report conducted to validate two-dimensional shear-flow analytical model for determination of acoustic impedance of acoustic liner in grazing-incidence, grazing-flow environment by use of infinite-waveguide method. Tests successful for both upstream and downstream propagations. Work has potential for utility in testing of engine ducts in commercial aircraft.

Parrot, Tony L.↗

Ultra high bypass Nacelle aerodynamics inlet flow-through high angle of attack distortion test

A flow-through inlet test program was conducted to evaluate inlet test methods and determine the impact of the fan on inlet separation when operating at large angles of attack. A total of 16 model configurations of approximately 1/6 scale were tested. A comparison of these flow-through results with powered data indicates the presence of the fan increased separation operation 3 degrees to 4 degrees over the flow through inlet. Rods and screens located at the fan face station, that redistribute the flow, achieved simulation of the powered-fan results for separation angle of attack. Concepts to reduce inlet distortion and increase angle of attack capability were also evaluated. Vortex generators located on the inlet surface increased inlet angle of attack capability up to 2 degrees and reduced inlet distortion in the separated region. Finally, a method of simulating the fan/inlet aerodynamic interaction using blockage sizing method has been defined. With this method, a static blockage device used with a flow-through model will approximate the same inlet onset of separation angle of attack and distortion pattern that would be obtained with an inlet model containing a powered fan.

Larkin, Michael J.↗

Development of a Flow Field for Testing a Boundary-Layer-Ingesting Propulsor

In order to test embedded-propulsor technology, modifications were required of the 8x6 Supersonic Wind tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center. The extent of the modifications required that a new tunnel calibration be completed to generate a new calibration dataset and operational procedures for the tunnel, as well as to map the boundary layer on the raised floor. This report describes the propulsor inflow that was to be simulated, documents the tunnel modifications that were required, and conveys the results of the calibration test that was completed to measure the resulting flow properties.

boundary layer↗

Flow energizer flight tests on a light twin aircraft

Experiments were conducted to explore the use of flow energizers (i.e., horizontally mounted vortex generators), using a special instrumentation subsystem installed on a light twin aircraft. The data, collected for energizer configurations with convergence ratios of 1.2, 1.5, and 1.7, included measurements of pressure on the wing surface, velocity components in the wake of the energizer, and forces on the flow energizer itself. Surface pressure data showed that flow energizer effects are highly localized. The energizer with the smallest convergence ratio tested produced an energizer lift/drag ratio about 75 percent lower that that of the other two configurations. For highly swept planforms, cambered energizers with overlaps of the order of 12-15 percent of the local chord provide the best results.

Ward, D. T.↗

The Mach number of the cosmic flow - A critical test for current theories

A new cosmological, self-contained test using the ratio of mean velocity and the velocity dispersion in the mean flow frame of a group of test objects is presented. To allow comparison with linear theory, the velocity field must first be smoothed on a suitable scale. In the context of linear perturbation theory, the Mach number M(R) which measures the ratio of power on scales larger than to scales smaller than the patch size R, is independent of the perturbation amplitude and also of bias. An apparent inconsistency is found for standard values of power-law index n = 1 and cosmological density parameter Omega = 1, when comparing values of M(R) predicted by popular models with tentative available observations. Nonstandard models based on adiabatic perturbations with either negative n or small Omega value also fail, due to creation of unacceptably large microwave background fluctuations.

Ostriker, Jeremiah P.↗

Apparatus and method for generating large mass flow of high temperature air at hypersonic speeds

High temperature, high mass air flow and a high Reynolds number test air flow in the Mach number 8-10 regime of adequate test flow duration is attained by pressurizing a ceramic-lined storage tank with air to a pressure of about 100 to 200 atmospheres. The air is heated to temperatures of 7,000 to 8,000 R prior to introduction into the tank by passing the air over an electric arc heater means. The air cools to 5,500 to 6,000 R while in the tank. A decomposable gas such as nitrous oxide or a combustible gas such as propane is injected into the tank after pressurization and the heated pressurized air in the tank is rapidly released through a Mach number 8-10 nozzle. The injected gas medium upon contact with the heated pressurized air effects an exothermic reaction which maintains the pressure and temperature of the pressurized air during the rapid release.

Sabol, A. P.↗