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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

Measurement of Turbulent Pressure and Temperature Fluctuations in a Gas Turbine Combustor

The present research concerns the development of high-frequency pressure and temperature probes and related instrumentation capable of performing spectral characterization of unsteady pressure and temperature fluctuations over the 0.05 20 kHz range, at the exit of a gas turbine combustor operating at conditions close to nominal ones for large power generation turbomachinery. The probes used a transient technique pioneered at Oxford University; in order to withstand exposure to the harsh environment the probes were fitted on a rapid injection and cooling system jointly developed by Centrospazio CPR and Syracuse University. The experimental runs were performed on a large industrial test rig being operated by ENEL Produzione. The achieved results clearly show the satisfactory performance provided by this diagnostic tool, even though the poor location of the injection port prevented the tests from yielding more insight of the core flow turbulence characteristics. The pressure and temperature probes survived several dozen injections in the combustor hot jet, while consistently providing the intended high frequency performance. The apparatus was kept connected to the combustor during long duration firings, operating as an unobtrusive, self contained, piggy-back experiment: high frequency flow samplings were remotely recorded at selected moments corresponding to different combustor operating conditions.

Passaro, Andrea↗

Carrier Plus: A sensor payload for Living With a Star Space Environment Testbed (LWS/SET)

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTR4) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center are collaborating to develop the Carrier Plus sensor experiment platform as a capability of the Space Environments Testbed (SET). The Space Environment Testbed (SET) provides flight opportunities for technology experiments as part of NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) program. The Carrier Plus will provide new capability to characterize sensor technologies such as state-of-the-art visible focal plane arrays (FPAs) in a natural space radiation environment. The technical objectives include on-orbit validation of recently developed FPA technologies and performance prediction methodologies, as well as characterization of the FPA radiation response to total ionizing dose damage, displacement damage and transients. It is expected that the sensor experiment will carry 4-6 FPAs and associated radiation correlative environment monitors (CEMs) for a 2006-2007 launch. Sensor technology candidates may include n- and p-charge coupled devices (CCDs), active pixel sensors (APS), and hybrid CMOS arrays. The presentation will describe the Carrier Plus goals and objectives, as well as provide details about the architecture and design. More information on the LWS program can be found at http://lws.gsfc.nasa.gov/. Business announcements for LWS/SET and program briefings are posted at http://lws-set.gsfc.nasa.gov

Marshall, Cheryl J.↗

DSMC Simulations of Hypersonic Flows With Shock Interactions and Validation With Experiments

The capabilities of a relatively new direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code are examined for the problem of hypersonic laminar shock/shock and shock/boundary layer interactions, where boundary layer separation is an important feature of the flow. Flow about two model configurations is considered, where both configurations (a biconic and a hollow cylinder-flare) have recent published experimental measurements. The computations are made by using the DS2V code of Bird, a general two-dimensional/axisymmetric time accurate code that incorporates many of the advances in DSMC over the past decade. The current focus is on flows produced in ground-based facilities at Mach 12 and 16 test conditions with nitrogen as the test gas and the test models at zero incidence. Results presented highlight the sensitivity of the calculations to grid resolution, sensitivity to physical modeling parameters, and comparison with experimental measurements. Information is provided concerning the flow structure and surface results for the extent of separation, heating, pressure, and skin friction.

Moss, James N.↗

DSMC Simulations of Hypersonic Flows With Shock Interactions and Validation With Experiments

The capabilities of a relatively new direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code are examined for the problem of hypersonic laminar shock/shock and shock/boundary layer interactions, where boundary layer separation is an important feature of the flow. Flow about two model configurations is considered, where both configurations (a biconic and a hollow cylinder-flare) have recent published experimental measurements. The computations are made by using the DS2V code of Bird, a general two-dimensional/axisymmetric time accurate code that incorporates many of the advances in DSMC over the past decade. The current focus is on flows produced in ground-based facilities at Mach 12 and 16 test conditions with nitrogen as the test gas and the test models at zero incidence. Results presented highlight the sensitivity of the calculations to grid resolutions, sensitivity to physical modeling parameters, and comparison with experimental measurements. Information is provided concerning the flow structure and surface results for the extent of separation, heating, pressure, and skin friction.

Moss, James N.↗

DSMC Simulations of Hypersonic Flows and Comparison With Experiments

This paper presents computational results obtained with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for several biconic test cases in which shock interactions and flow separation-reattachment are key features of the flow. Recent ground-based experiments have been performed for several biconic configurations, and surface heating rate and pressure measurements have been proposed for code validation studies. The present focus is to expand on the current validating activities for a relatively new DSMC code called DS2V that Bird (second author) has developed. Comparisons with experiments and other computations help clarify the agreement currently being achieved between computations and experiments and to identify the range of measurement variability of the proposed validation data when benchmarked with respect to the current computations. For the test cases with significant vibrational nonequilibrium, the effect of the vibrational energy surface accommodation on heating and other quantities is demonstrated.

Moss, James N.↗

DSMC Simulation of Shock/Shock Interactions: Emphasis on Type IV Interactions

This paper presents the results of a numerical study of shock/shock interactions that include both the Edney type IV and type III interactions, with emphasis on the type IV interactions. Computations are made using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method of Bird for Mach 10 air flow, as produced in the ONERA R5Ch low-density wind tunnel. The simulations include the flow about a shock generator which creates a relatively weak oblique shock that impinges on a much stronger cylinder bow shock. The sensitivity and characteristics of the interactions are examined by varying the horizontal distance separating the shock generator leading edge and cylinder. Results of the simulation for one separation distance are compared with wind tunnel measurements. Comparisons are made for surface heating and pressure and for flow-field values of density and rotational temperatures, as obtained with the Dual-line Coherent Anti-Stokes Scattering (DL-CARS) technique. The comparisons between experiment and calculation yield a consistent description of the shock interaction features and a consistent description of the surface heating and pressure distributions, with the exception of the peak values-the computed values being greater than the measured values.

Moss, J. N.↗

Induced radioactivity of LDEF materials and structural components

We present an overview of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) induced activation measurements. The LDEF, which was gravity-gradient stabilized, was exposed to the low Earth orbit (LEO) radiation environment over a 5.8 year period. Retrieved activation samples and structural components from the spacecraft were analyzed with low and ultra-low background HPGe gamma spectrometry at several national facilities. This allowed a very sensitive measurement of long-lived radionuclides produced by proton- and neutron-induced reactions in the time-dependent, non-isotropic LEO environment. A summary of major findings from this study is given that consists of directionally dependent activation, depth profiles, thermal neutron activation, and surface beryllium-7 deposition from the upper atmosphere. We also describe a database of these measurements that has been prepared for use in testing radiation environmental models and spacecraft design.

NASA Discipline Radiation Health↗

Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions in Hypersonic Low Density Flows

Results of numerical simulations of Mach 10 air flow over a hollow cylinder-flare and a double-cone are presented where viscous effects are significant. The flow phenomena include shock-shock and shock- boundary-layer interactions with accompanying flow separation, recirculation, and reattachment. The purpose of this study is to promote an understanding of the fundamental gas dynamics resulting from such complex interactions and to clarify the requirements for meaningful simulations of such flows when using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. Particular emphasis is placed on the sensitivity of computed results to grid resolution. Comparisons of the DSMC results for the hollow cylinder-flare (30 deg.) configuration are made with the results of experimental measurements conducted in the ONERA RSCh wind tunnel for heating, pressure, and the extent of separation. Agreement between computations and measurements for various quantities is good except that for pressure. For the same flow conditions, the double- cone geometry (25 deg.- 65 deg.) produces much stronger interactions, and these interactions are investigated numerically using both DSMC and Navier-Stokes codes. For the double-cone computations, a two orders of magnitude variation in free-stream density (with Reynolds numbers from 247 to 24,7 19) is investigated using both computational methods. For this range of flow conditions, the computational results are in qualitative agreement for the extent of separation with the DSMC method always predicting a smaller separation region. Results from the Navier-Stokes calculations suggest that the flow for the highest density double-cone case may be unsteady; however, the DSMC solution does not show evidence of unsteadiness.

Moss, James N.↗

Rarefied Transitional Bridging of Blunt Body Aerodynamics

The bridging procedures discussed provide an accurate engineering method for predicting rarefied transitional aerodynamics of spherically-blunted cone entry vehicles. The single-point procedure offers a way to improve the bridging procedures while minimizing the computational effort. However, the accuracy of these procedures ultimately depends on accurate knowledge of the aerodynamics in the free-molecular and continuum limits. The excellent agreement shown for DSMC predictions and bridging relations with the Viking flight data in transitional regime enhance the coincidence in these procedures.

Wilmoth, R. G.↗

Low-Density Aerodynamics of the Stardust Sample Return Capsule

The aerodynamics of the Stardust Sample Return Capsule are analyzed in the low- density, transitional flow regime using free-molecular, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo, Navier-Stokes, and Newtonian methods to provide inputs for constructing a transitional flow bridging relation. The accuracy of this bridging relation in reconstructing the aero- dynamic coefficients given by the more exact methods is presented for a range of flight conditions and vehicle attitudes. There is good agreement between the various prediction methods, and a simple sine-squared bridging relation is shown to provide a reasonably good description of the axial force, normal force, and pitching moment over a range of Knudsen numbers from 0.001 to 10. The predictions show a static instability of the Star- dust capsule in the free-molecular regime that persists well into the transitional flow. The addition of a thin disk to the base of the capsule is shown to remove this static instability. However, the extremely high entry velocity of 12.6 km/s for the proposed trajectory introduces difficult design issues for incorporating this disk caused by the high aerothermal loads that occur even under relatively rarefied conditions.

Wilmoth, Richard G.↗

DSMC Simulations of Blunt Body Flows for Mars Entries: Mars Pathfinder and Mars Microprobe Capsules

The hypersonic transitional flow aerodynamics of the Mars Pathfinder and Mars Microprobe capsules are simulated with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Calculations of axial, normal, and static pitching coefficients were obtained over an angle of attack range comparable to actual flight requirements. Comparisons are made with modified Newtonian and free-molecular-flow calculations. Aerothermal results were also obtained for zero incidence entry conditions.

Moss, James N.↗

Aerodynamics of the Mars Microprobe Entry Vehicles

The selection of the unique aeroshell shape for the Mars Microprobes is discussed. A description of its aerodynamics in hypersonic rarefied, hypersonic continuum, supersonic and transonic flow regimes is then presented. This description is based on Direct Simulation Monte Carlo analyses in the rarefied-flow regime, thermochemical nonequilibrium Computational Fluid Dynamics in the hypersonic regime, existing wind tunnel data in the supersonic and transonic regime, additional computational work in the transonic regime, and finally, ballistic range data. The aeroshell is shown to possess the correct combination of aerodynamic stability and drag to convert the probe's initial tumbling attitude and high velocity at atmospheric-interface into the desired surface-impact orientation and velocity.

Mitcheltree, R. A.↗

DSMC Simulations of Ballute Aerothermodynamics Under Hypersonic Rarefied Conditions

This paper presents computational results obtained with the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for towed ballute applications. A ballute is an inflatable drag device that can be used to create a large amount of drag at high altitudes. Consequently, ballutes provide a potential technology for achieving aerocapture when the primary spacecraft velocity reduction (ΔV) is achieved at much higher altitudes than with the conventional rigid aeroshell. Since the ΔV is achieved at relatively high altitudes, rarefaction can be significant and is the motivation for the current study with the DSMC method. Computed surface and flow-field results are presented for a toroidal ballute, isolated tethers when exposed to free-stream flow conditions, and the flow interactions resulting from a toroidal ballute when towed by a six meter diameter Mars Pathfinder shaped (without tethers) spacecraft. All results presented are for Earth entry at velocities of 14 to 7 km/s (primary focus is at 8.55 km/s, same as some previous Titan aerocapture studies) and altitudes of 200 to 100 km. Variations of drag and heating coefficients as a function of rarefaction are presented. A description of the flow structure is provided and also an explanation of how it is affected by shock interactions produced solely by the ballute and those resulting from the two body combination of towed ballute and spacecraft is also given.

James N Moss↗

DSMC Simulations of Apollo Capsule Aerodynamics for Hypersonic Rarefied Conditions

Direct simulation Monte Carlo DSMC simulations are performed for the Apollo capsule in the hypersonic low density transitional flow regime. The focus is on ow conditions similar to that experienced by the Apollo Command Module during the high altitude portion of its reentry Results for aerodynamic forces and moments are presented that demonstrate their sensitivity to rarefaction that is for free molecular to continuum conditions. Also aerodynamic data are presented that shows their sensitivity to a range of reentry velocity encompasing conditions that include reentry from low Earth orbit lunar return and Mars return velocities to km/s. The rarefied results are anchored in the continuum regime with data from Navier Stokes simulations

Moss, James N.↗

Aerothermodynamic Analyses of Towed Ballutes

A ballute (balloon-parachute) is an inflatable, aerodynamic drag device for application to planetary entry vehicles. Two challenging aspects of aerothermal simulation of towed ballutes are considered. The first challenge, simulation of a complete system including inflatable tethers and a trailing toroidal ballute, is addressed using the unstructured-grid, Navier-Stokes solver FUN3D. Auxiliary simulations of a semi-infinite cylinder using the rarefied flow, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo solver, DSV2, provide additional insight into limiting behavior of the aerothermal environment around tethers directly exposed to the free stream. Simulations reveal pressures higher than stagnation and corresponding large heating rates on the tether as it emerges from the spacecraft base flow and passes through the spacecraft bow shock. The footprint of the tether shock on the toroidal ballute is also subject to heating amplification. Design options to accommodate or reduce these environments are discussed. The second challenge addresses time-accurate simulation to detect the onset of unsteady flow interactions as a function of geometry and Reynolds number. Video of unsteady interactions measured in the Langley Aerothermodynamic Laboratory 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel and CFD simulations using the structured grid, Navier-Stokes solver LAURA are compared for flow over a rigid spacecraft-sting-toroid system. The experimental data provides qualitative information on the amplitude and onset of unsteady motion which is captured in the numerical simulations. The presence of severe unsteady fluid - structure interactions is undesirable and numerical simulation must be able to predict the onset of such motion.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗

Blunt Body Aerodynamics for Hypersonic Low Density Flows

Numerical simulations are performed for the Apollo capsule from the hypersonic rarefied to the continuum regimes. The focus is on flow conditions similar to those experienced by the Apollo 6 Command Module during the high altitude portion of its reentry. The present focus is to highlight some of the current activities that serve as a precursor for computational tool assessments that will be used to support the development of aerodynamic data bases for future capsule flight environments, particularly those for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). Results for aerodynamic forces and moments are presented that demonstrate their sensitivity to rarefaction; that is, free molecular to continuum conditions. Also, aerodynamic data are presented that shows their sensitivity to a range of reentry velocities, encompassing conditions that include reentry from low Earth orbit, lunar return, and Mars return velocities (7.7 to 15 km/s). The rarefied results obtained with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) codes are anchored in the continuum regime with data from Navier-Stokes simulations.

Moss, James N.↗

Orion Aerodynamics for Hypersonic Free Molecular to Continuum Conditions

Numerical simulations are performed for the Orion Crew Module, previously known as the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) Command Module, to characterize its aerodynamics during the high altitude portion of its reentry into the Earth's atmosphere, that is, from free molecular to continuum hypersonic conditions. The focus is on flow conditions similar to those that the Orion Crew Module would experience during a return from the International Space Station. The bulk of the calculations are performed with two direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) codes, and these data are anchored with results from both free molecular and Navier-Stokes calculations. Results for aerodynamic forces and moments are presented that demonstrate their sensitivity to rarefaction, that is, for free molecular to continuum conditions (Knudsen numbers of 111 to 0.0003). Also included are aerodynamic data as a function of angle of attack for different levels of rarefaction and results that demonstrate the aerodynamic sensitivity of the Orion CM to a range of reentry velocities (7.6 to 15 km/s).

Moss, James N.↗