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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 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Hybrid RANS-LES Perspective for the High Lift Common Research Model Using LAVA

An assessment of a Hybrid RANS/LES (HRLES) approach for𝐶𝐿,max prediction is presented for the NASA High-Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL). Both the free air and the wind tunnel configuration of the CRM-HL are investigated and the results are compared to the QinetiQ wind tunnel experiments and to two other numerical approaches: Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulations (WMLES). For the free-air configuration, HRLES was shown to address some of the known shortcomings in RANS methods and prevent inboard and outboard flow separation particularly in the region of𝐶𝐿,max and post-stall. To achieve these improvements over RANS, LES-appropriate grids and numerical discretizations are required. HRLES predicts a weak pitch break at the highest angle-of-attack due to onset of wing-root corner flow separation whereas the free-air corrected experiment values indicate an occurrence of a much stronger pitch break. The improvements of HRLES over a URANS approach has been objectively shown by computing a set of solutions with the same grid, same numerics and time-step size and comparing the solutions. It was also found that when applying HRLES to a RANS best practice grid and numerics that the HRLES method significantly under performed RANS. For the in tunnel configuration, HRLES showed good agreement with the loads, surface pressure and oil-flow photographs obtained in the experiment. HRLES was able to improve upon the RANS simulations, which showed a sharp loss of lift at the two highest angles-of-attack due to large scale inboard and outboard separation on the wing, by correctly predicting the corner flow separation and showing remarkably close agreement in the flow topologies with the experiment.

TTT↗
NASA NTRS1982

RAXJET: A computer program for predicting transonic, axisymmetric flow over nozzle afterbodies with supersonic jet exhausts

A viscous-inviscid interaction method to calculate the subsonic and transonic flow over nozzle afterbodies with supersonic jet exhausts was developed. The method iteratively combines a relaxation solution of the full potential equation for the inviscid external flow, a shock capturing-shock fitting inviscid jet solution, an integral boundary layer solution, a control volume method for treating separated flows, and an overlaid mixing layer solution. A computer program called RAXJET which incorporates the method, illustrates the predictive capabilities of the method by comparison with experimental data is described, a user's guide to the computer program is provided. The method accurately predicts afterbody pressures, drag, and flow field properties for attached and separated flows for which no shock induced separation occurs.

Wilmoth, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A new turbulence closure model for boundary layer flows with strong adverse pressure gradients and separation

A new turbulence closure model designed specifically to treat two-dimensional, turbulent boundary layers with strong adverse pressure gradients and attendant separation, is presented. The influence of history effects are modeled by using an ordinary differential equation (ODE) derived from the turbulence kinetic-energy equation, to describe the streamwise development of the maximum Reynolds shear stress in conjunction with an assumed eddy-viscosity distribution which has as its velocity scale the maximum Reynolds shear stress. In the outer part of the boundary layer, the eddy viscosity is treated as a free parameter which is adjusted in order to satisfy the ODE for the maximum shear stress. Because of this, the model s not simply an eddy-viscosity model, but contains features of a Reynolds-stress model. Comparisons with experiments are presented which clearly show the proposed model to be superior to the Cebeci-Smith model in treating strongly retarded and separated flows. In contrast to two-equation, eddy-viscosity models, it requires only slightly more computational effort than simple models like the Cebeci-Smith model.

Johnson, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Particle-laden weakly swirling free jets: Measurements and predictions

A theoretical and experimental investigation of particle-laden, weakly swirling, turbulent free jets was conducted. Glass particles, having a Sauter mean diameter of 39 microns, with a standard deviation of 15 microns, were used. A single loading ratio (the mass flow rate of particles per unit mass flow rate of air) of 0.2 was used in the experiments. Measurements are reported for three swirl numbers, ranging from 0 to 0.33. The measurements included mean and fluctuating velocities of both phases, and particle mass flux distributions. Measurements were also completed for single-phase non-swirling and swirling jets, as baselines. Measurements were compared with predictions from three types of multiphase flow analysis, as follows: (1) locally homogeneous flow (LHF) where slip between the phases was neglected; (2) deterministic separated flow (DSF), where slip was considered but effects of turbulence/particle interactions were neglected; and (3) stochastic separated flow (SSF), where effects of both interphase slip and turbulence/particle interactions were considered using random sampling for turbulence properties in conjunction with random-walk computations for particle motion. Single-phase weakly swirling jets were considered first. Predictions using a standard k-epsilon turbulence model, as well as two versions modified to account for effects of streamline curvature, were compared with measurements. Predictions using a streamline curvature modification based on the flux Richardson number gave better agreement with measurements for the single-phase swirling jets than the standard k-epsilon model. For the particle-laden jets, the LHF and DSF models did not provide very satisfactory predictions. The LHF model generally overestimated the rate of decay of particle mean axial and angular velocities with streamwise distance, and predicted particle mass fluxes also showed poor agreement with measurements, due to the assumption of no-slip between phases. The DSF model also performed quite poorly for predictions of particle mass flux because turbulent dispersion of the particles was neglected. The SSF model, which accounts for both particle inertia and turbulent dispersion of the particles, yielded reasonably good predictions throughout the flow field for the particle-laden jets.

Bulzan, Daniel L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Separation over a flat plate-wedge configuration at oceanic Reynolds numbers

An experimental study of flow over a two-dimensional flat plate-wedge configuration is presented. The investigation encompasses a range of Reynolds numbers characteristics of conditions encountered by deep submersible oceanic vehicles. Flow separation, similar to that found on high speed aircraft control surfaces, is reported and discussed in light of the laminar or transitional nature of the separated shear layer. As discovered in previous high Mach number studies of plate-wedge or ramp configurations, the dependency of the size of the separated region on free stream Reynolds number is reversed for laminar and transitional types of flow separation.

Campbell, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Hot-Film and Hot-Wire Anemometry for a Boundary Layer Active Flow Control Test

Unsteady active flow control (AFC) has been used experimentally for many years to minimize bluff-body drag. This technology could significantly improve performance of rotorcraft by cleaning up flow separation. It is important, then, that new actuator technologies be studied for application to future vehicles. A boundary layer wind tunnel was constructed with a 1ft-x-3ft test section and unsteady measurement instrumentation to study how AFC manipulates the boundary layer to overcome adverse pressure gradients and flow separation. This unsteady flow control research requires unsteady measurement methods. In order to measure the boundary layer characteristics, both hot-wire and hot-film Constant Temperature Anemometry is used. A hot-wire probe is mounted in the flow to measure velocity while a hot-film array lays on the test surface to measure skin friction. Hot-film sensors are connected to an anemometer, a Wheatstone bridge circuit with an output that corresponds to the dynamic flow response. From this output, the time varying flow field, turbulence, and flow reversal can be characterized. Tuning the anemometers requires a fan test on the hot-film sensors to adjust each output. This is a delicate process as several variables drastically affect the data, including control resistance, signal input, trim, and gain settings.

Control Test↗
NASA NTRS2005

Numerical Simulations of Plasma Based Flow Control Applications

A mathematical model was developed to simulate flow control applications using plasma actuators. The effects of the plasma actuators on the external flow are incorporated into Navier Stokes computations as a body force vector. In order to compute this body force vector, the model solves two additional equations: one for the electric field due to the applied AC voltage at the electrodes and the other for the charge density representing the ionized air. The model is calibrated against an experiment having plasma-driven flow in a quiescent environment and is then applied to simulate a low pressure turbine flow with large flow separation. The effects of the plasma actuator on control of flow separation are demonstrated numerically.

Suzen, Y. B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Separation Control at Flight Reynolds Numbers: Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Active separation control, using periodic excitation, was studied experimentally at high Reynolds numbers. The effects of compressibility, mild sweep, location o excitation slot and steady momentum transfer on the efficacy of the method were identified. Tests conducted at chord Reynolds numbers as high as 40 x 10(exp 6) demonstrated that active control using oscillatory flow excitation can effectively delay flow separation from and reattach separated flow to aerodynamic surfaces at flight conditions. The effective frequencies generate one to four vortices over the controlled region at all times, regardless of the Reynolds number. The vortices are initially amplified by the separated shear-layer, and after initiating reattachment, the strength of the vortices decay as they are convected downstream. Large amplitude, low frequency vortices break down to smaller ones upon introduction at the excitation slot. The effects of steady mass transfer were compared to those of periodic excitation. It was found that steady blowing is significantly inferior to periodic excitation in terms o performance benefits and that the response to steady blowing is abrupt, and therefore undesirable from a control point of view. Steady suction and periodic excitation are comparable in effectiveness and both exhibit a gradual response to changes in the magnitude of the control input. The combination of weak steady suction and periodic excitation is extremely effective while the addition of steady blowing could be detrimental. Compressibility effects are weak as long as separation is not caused by a shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction The undesirable effects of the shock-induced separation could be alleviated by the introduction of periodic excitation upstream of the shock wave, inside the region of supersonic flow. The effects of mild sweep were also studied and periodic excitation was found to be very effective in reattaching three-dimensional separated flow. Scaling laws that correlate 2D and 3D controlled flows were tested and verified. Several performance benefits could be gained by applying the method to existing configurations, but it is expected that the full potential of the method can only be realized through the design of new configurations. A comprehensive, fully turbulent, database was generated in order to guide the development, and enable validation, of candidate unsteady CFD design tools.

Seifert, Avi↗
NASA NTRS2000

Separation Control at Flight Reynolds Numbers: Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Active separation control, using periodic excitation, was studied experimentally at high Reynolds numbers. The effects of compressibility, mild sweep, location of excitation slot and steady momentum transfer on the efficacy of the method were identified. Tests conducted at chord Reynolds numbers as high as 40 x 10(exp 6) demonstrated that active control using oscillatory flow excitation can effectively delay flow separation from, and reattach separated flow to aerodynamic surfaces at flight conditions. The effective frequencies generate one to four vortices over the controlled region at all times, regardless of the Reynolds number. The vortices are initially amplified by the separated shear-layer, and after initiating reattachment, the strength of the vortices decay as they are convected downstream. Large amplitude, low frequency vortices break down to smaller ones upon introduction at the excitation slot. The effects of steady mass transfer were compared to those of periodic excitation. It was found that steady blowing is significantly inferior to periodic excitation in terms of performance benefits and that the response to steady blowing is abrupt, and therefore undesirable from a control point of view. Steady suction and periodic excitation are comparable in effectiveness and both exhibit a gradual response to changes in the magnitude of the control input. The combination of weak steady suction and periodic excitation is extremely effective while the addition of steady blowing could be detrimental. Compressibility effects are weak as long as separation is not caused by a shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction. The undesirable effects of the shock-induced separation could be alleviated by the introduction of periodic excitation upstream of the shock wave, inside the region of supersonic flow. The effects of mild sweep were also studied and periodic excitation was found to be very effective in reattaching three-dimensional separated flow. Scaling laws that correlate 2D and 3D controlled flows were tested and verified. Several performance benefits could be gained by applying the method to existing configurations, but it is expected that the full potential of the method can only be realized through the design of new configurations. A comprehensive, fully turbulent, database was generated in order to guide the development, and enable validation, of candidate unsteady CFD design tools.

Pack, LaTunia G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Assessment of preliminary prediction techniques for wing leading-edge vortex flows at supersonic speeds

The applicability of existing theoretical models for predicting wing leading edge separated flow characteristics for high-lift supersonic flight was examined with regard to previous experimental force, pressure and flow visualization data. Correlations of data on uncambered delta wings revealed that the upper surface normal force and minimum pressure coefficients decreased nonlinearly with increasing angles of attack. The attainable vacuum pressure decreased with increasing Mach number, while the lower surface normal force increased nonlinearly with increasing speed. The LISTAR and VORCAM linear theory aerodynamic codes generated predictions for comparison with the data. LISTAR displayed better agreement with measured vortex strength and position and lifting characteristics than did VORCAM. The Euler code SWINT was ill-suited to calculating wing performance in separated flows at high lift and low supersonic speeds.

Wood, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Suppressing Transient Side Loads in Supersonic Nozzles

Fins added to nozzle wall. Fins protrude from rocket nozzle wall at equal intervals about circumference. Inhibit circumferential growth of local flow separations, reducing sideways vibration of nozzle. Transientsuppressing fins helpful in rocket nozzles, jet engines, gas turbines, laser nozzles, flow diffusers, flow separators and other devices with supersonic flows.

Wagner, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Structure of nonevaporating sprays. II - Drop and turbulence properties

This is the second part of a study reporting structure measurements in the dilute portion of axisymmetric nonevaporating sprays. Measurements are compared with predictions of three typical methods for analyzing sprays: (1) locally homogeneous flow (LHF) analysis, where slip between the phases is neglected; (2) deterministic separated flow (DSF) analysis, where slip is considered but effects of drop interactions with turbulence are ignored; and (3) stochastic separated flow (SSF) analysis, where both slip and effects of drop interactions with turbulence are considered. This part of the study reports measurements of mean and fluctuating drop velocities, the variation of Sauter mean diameter, and gas-phase turbulence properties in the dilute portion of the sprays. Best agreement between predictions and measurements was obtained with the SSF analysis. For present measurements in the dilute region (void fraction greater than 99.1 percent), effects of drops on gas-phase turbulence properties (turbulence modulation) were small. However, as the dense spray regions near the injector were approached, the measurements indicated modification of turbulence properties by drop motion.

Solomon, A. S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Visualization of boundary-layer development on turbomachine blades with liquid crystals

This report documents a study of the use of liquid crystals to visualize boundary layer development on a turbomachine blade. A turbine blade model in a linear cascade of blades was used for the tests involved. Details of the boundary layer development on the suction surface of the turbine blade model were known from previous research. Temperature sensitive and shear sensitive liquid crystals were tried as visual agents. The temperature sensitive crystals were very effective in their ability to display the location of boundary layer flow separation and reattachment. Visualization of natural transition from laminar to turbulent boundary layer flow with the temperature sensitive crystals was possible but subtle. The visualization of separated flow reattachment with the shear sensitive crystals was easily accomplished when the crystals were allowed to make a transition from the focal-conic to a Grandjean texture. Visualization of flow reattachment based on the selective reflection properties of shear sensitive crystals was achieved only marginally because of the larger surface shear stress and shear stress gradient levels required for more dramatic color differences.

Vanzante, Dale E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A comparison of the predictive capabilities of several turbulence models using upwind and central-difference computer codes

Four turbulence models are described and evaluated for transonic flows using the upwind code CFL3D and the central-difference code TLNS3D. In particular, the effects of recent modifications to the half-equation model of Johnson-King are explored in detail, and different versions of the model are compared. This model can obtain good results for both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) separated flows. The one-equation models of Baldwin-Barth and Spalart-Allmaras perform well for separated airfoil flows, but can predict the shock too far forward at the outboard stations of a separated wing. The equilibrium model of Baldwin-Lomax predicts the shock location too far aft for both 2D and 3D separated flows, as expected. In general, all models perform well for attached or mildly separated flows.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Comparison of the Predictive Capabilities of Several Turbulence Models using Upwind and Central-Difference Computer Codes

Four turbulence models are described and evaluated for transonic flows using the upwind code CFL3D and the central-difference code TLNS3D. In particular, the effects of recent modifications to the half-equation model of Johnson-King are explored in detail, and different versions of the model are compared. This model can obtain good results for both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) separated flows. The one-equation models of Baldwin-Barth and Spalart-Allmaras perform well for separated airfoil flows, but can predict the shock too far forward at the outboard stations of a separated wing. The equilibrium model of Baldwin-Lomax predicts the shock location too far aft for both 2D and 3D separated flows, as expected. In general, all models perform well for attached or mildly separated flows.

Rumsey, Christopher L.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Numerical Simulation of Fluidic Actuators for Flow Control Applications

Active flow control technology is finding increasing use in aerospace applications to control flow separation and improve aerodynamic performance. In this paper we examine the characteristics of a class of fluidic actuators that are being considered for active flow control applications for a variety of practical problems. Based on recent experimental work, such actuators have been found to be more efficient for controlling flow separation in terms of mass flow requirements compared to constant blowing and suction or even synthetic jet actuators. The fluidic actuators produce spanwise oscillating jets, and therefore are also known as sweeping jets. The frequency and spanwise sweeping extent depend on the geometric parameters and mass flow rate entering the actuators through the inlet section. The flow physics associated with these actuators is quite complex and not fully understood at this time. The unsteady flow generated by such actuators is simulated using the lattice Boltzmann based solver PowerFLOW R . Computed mean and standard deviation of velocity profiles generated by a family of fluidic actuators in quiescent air are compared with experimental data. Simulated results replicate the experimentally observed trends with parametric variation of geometry and inflow conditions.

Vasta, Veer N.↗