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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Diagnosing Noise Features Of Internally Mixed, External Plug Exhaust Systems

In internally mixed exhaust systems, a lobed or forced mixer is employed to mix the core and bypass streams before they exit the common nozzle. For moderate bypass-ratio engines this marginally improves thrust, and provides a significant acoustic benefit. Indeed, it has been thought that a fully mixed jet creates the lowest noise you can get from a two-stream engine. Typically, the forced mixer system produces a bit more noise than a fully mixed equivalent jet, noise that has been called “excess noise”. In recent testing, this excess noise seemed to be amplified when an external plug was employed in the exhaust system to reduce boattail drag. Identifying the mechanism of this excess noise and mitigating it is key to creating commercial supersonic vehicles that are acoustically acceptable around airports. This paper adds to that investigation, analyzing results from recent tests where far-field acoustic data were acquired on two sets of flows with matched fully mixed flow conditions. One set of flows had a heated core stream, making it a dual-stream jet. The other set had both streams heated to the same temperature, making a single-stream jet that matched the fully mixed temperature and velocity of the dual-stream jet. These flows were tested in two lobed-mixer exhaust systems with internal and external plugs. Analysis of flow and noise data from the nozzles with combinations of single- and dual-stream flows, and with and without flight streams, gives insight into how and why the noise of the dual-stream and single-stream jet differ. One additive source, present in nozzles both with and without external plugs, comes from inside the nozzle, likely the internal shear layer coming off the lobed mixer. This noise source is not impacted by a change in flight stream and has a distinctive spectral directivity that is amplified by the presence of the external plug. Finding the exact source mechanism of this new source will be key to making the internally mixed exhaust systems reach their lowest possible sound level.

Noise prediction↗
NASA NTRS2002

Acoustic and Laser Doppler Anemometer Results for Confluent and 12-Lobed E(exp 3) Mixer Exhaust Systems for Subsonic Jet Noise Reduction

The research described in this report has been funded by NASA Glenn Research Center as part of the Advanced Subsonic Technologies (AST) initiative. The program operates under the Large Engine Technologies (LET) as Task Order #3 1. Task Order 31 is a three year research program divided into three subtasks. Subtask A develops the experimental acoustic and aerodynamic subsonic mixed flow exhaust system databases. Subtask B seeks to develop and assess CFD-based aero-acoustic methods for subsonic mixed flow exhaust systems. Subtask B relies on the data obtained from Subtask A to direct and calibrate the aero-acoustic methods development. Subtask C then seeks to utilize both the aero-acoustic data bases developed in Subtask A and the analytical methods developed in Subtask B to define improved subsonic mixed-flow exhaust systems. The mixed flow systems defined in Subtask C will be experimentally demonstrated for improved noise reduction in a scale model aero-acoustic test conducted similarly to the test performed in Subtask A. The overall object of this Task Order is to develop and demonstrate the technology to define a -3EPNdB exhaust system relative to 1992 exhaust system technology.

Salikuddin, M.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Quadrant CFD Analysis of a Mixer-Ejector Nozzle for HSCT Applications

This study investigates the sidewall effect on flow within the mixing duct downstream of a lobed mixer-ejector nozzle. Simulations which model only one half-chute width of the ejector array are compared with those which model one complete quadrant of the nozzle geometry and with available experimental data. These solutions demonstrate the applicability of the half-chute technique to model the flowfield far away from the sidewall and the necessity of a full-quadrant simulation to predict the formation of a low-energy flow region near the sidewall. The quadrant solutions are further examined to determine the cause of this low-energy region, which reduces the amount of mixing and lowers the thrust of the nozzle. Grid resolution and different grid topologies are also examined. Finally, an assessment of the half-chute and quadrant approaches is made to determine the ability of these simulations to provide qualitative and/or quantitative predictions for this type of complex flowfield.

Yoder, Dennis A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energy Efficient Engine Exhaust Mixer Model Technology

An exhaust mixer test program was conducted to define the technology required for the Energy Efficient Engine Program. The model configurations of 1/10 scale were tested in two phases. A parametric study of mixer design options, the impact of residual low pressure turbine swirl, and integration of the mixer with the structural pylon of the nacelle were investigated. The improvement of the mixer itself was also studied. Nozzle performance characteristics were obtained along with exit profiles and oil smear photographs. The sensitivity of nozzle performance to tailpipe length, lobe number, mixer penetration, and mixer modifications like scalloping and cutbacks were established. Residual turbine swirl was found detrimental to exhaust system performance and the low pressure turbine system for Energy Efficient Engine was designed so that no swirl would enter the mixer. The impact of mixer/plug gap was also established, along with importance of scalloping, cutbacks, hoods, and plug angles on high penetration mixers.

Kozlowski, H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Static jet noise test results of four 0.35 scale-model QCGAT mixer nozzles

As part of the NASA Quiet Clean General Aviation Turbofan (QCGAT) engine mixer-nozzle exhaust system program, static jet exhaust noise was recorded at microphone angles of 45 to 155 deg relative to the nozzle inlet for a conventional profile coaxial nozzle and three 12-lobed coaxial mixer nozzles. Both flows in all four nozzles are internally mixed before being discharged from a single exhaust nozzle. The conventional profile coaxial nozzle jet noise is compared to the current NASA Lewis coaxial jet noise prediction and after applying an adjustment to the predicted levels based on the ratio of the kinetic energy of the primary and secondary flows, the prediction is within a standard deviation of 0.9 dB of the measured data. The mass average (mixed flow) prediction is also compared to the noise data for the three mixer nozzles with a reasonably good fit after applying another kinetic energy ratio adjustment (standard deviation of 0.7 to 1.5 dB with the measured data). The tests included conditions for the full-scale engine at takeoff (T.O.), cutback (86% T.O.) and approach (67% T.O.).

Groesbeck, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Scale model performance test investigation of mixed flow exhaust systems for an energy efficient engine /E3/ propulsion system

As part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine program, scale-model performance tests of a mixed flow exhaust system were conducted. The tests were used to evaluate the performance of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow turbofan engines. The tests indicated that: (1) mixer penetration has the most significant affect on both mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss; (2) mixing/tailpipe length improves mixing effectiveness; (3) gap reduction between the mixer and centerbody increases high mixing effectiveness; (4) mixer cross-sectional shape influences mixing effectiveness; (5) lobe number affects mixing degree; and (6) mixer aerodynamic pressure losses are a function of secondary flows inherent to the lobed mixer concept.

Kuchar, A. P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Noise of Internally Mixed Exhaust Systems With External Plug For Supersonic Transport Applications

Internally mixed exhaust systems produce more noise than would be expected from an equivalent fully mixed flow. This ‘excess noise’ has never been fully explained and has not been researched recently as it is not as much of a problem for high bypass-ratio exhaust systems. Commercial supersonic vehicles, however, will use more moderate bypass ratio engines. Their exhaust systems will also likely feature external plugs to improve boat tail angle for cruise performance. Thus the problem of excess noise will need to be addressed along with the impacts of having an external plug. Recently, acoustic tests of dual-stream jet flows from both internal and external plug nozzles have been conducted. Measurements of noise from flows with an axisymmetric splitter and lobed forced mixer were made. These measurements show the baseline ‘excess noise’ previously found in forced mixer exhaust systems, and show how this noise source differs depending upon the plug geometry. Background-oriented schlieren measurements acquired simultaneously document the differences in shock structures over the transonic flow regime tested. The far-field acoustic measurements indicate that an external plug can slightly reduce the mixing noise of the jet plume when the flow is completely mixed, e.g. when the core and bypass streams have the same temperature and the flow is a single-stream jet. However, when the flow is not fully mixed, e.g. the usual case of an internally mixed exhaust system, the plug seems to amplify the ‘excess noise’ associated with the mixer. This additional noise source presents a challenge for nozzle designers wanting to use internally mixed exhaust systems with external plug nozzles.

Jet noise↗
NASA NTRS2005

Gen 2.0 Mixer/Ejector Nozzle Test at LSAF June 1995 to July 1996

Testing of the HSCT Generation 2.0 nozzle model hardware was conducted at the Boeing Low Speed Aeroacoustic Facility, LSAF. Concurrent measurements of noise and thrust were made at critical takeoff design conditions for a variety of mixer/ejector model hardware. Design variables such as suppressor area ratio, mixer area ratio, liner type and thickness, ejector length, lobe penetration, and mixer chute shape were tested. Parallel testing was conducted at G.E.'s Cell 41 acoustic free jet facility to augment the LSAF test. The results from the Gen 2.0 testing are being used to help shape the current nozzle baseline configuration and guide the efforts in the upcoming Generation 2.5 and 3.0 nozzle tests. The Gen 2.0 results have been included in the total airplane system studies conducted at MDC and Boeing to provide updated noise and thrust performance estimates.

Arney, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Scale model performance test investigation of exhaust system mixers for an Energy Efficient Engine /E3/ propulsion system

A scale model performance test was conducted as part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Program, to investigate the geometric variables that influence the aerodynamic design of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow engines. Mixer configuration variables included lobe number, penetration and perimeter, as well as several cutback mixer geometries. Mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss were determined using measured thrust and nozzle exit total pressure and temperature surveys. Results provide a data base to aid the analysis and design development of the E3 mixed-flow exhaust system.

Kuchar, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Analytical modeling of under-the-wing externally blown flap powered-lift noise

The sound field produced by the interaction of a subsonic jet with a large-scale model of the under the wing externally blown flap in an approach attitude was analyzed. The analysis was performed to obtain a better understanding of the dominant noise sources and the mechanisms governing the peak sound pressure level frequencies of the broadband spectra. An analytical expression is derived which incorporates two available theories and experimental data; the expression predicts the sound field along a circular arc of approximately 120 deg measured from the upstream jet axis in the fly-over plane. The analysis compares favorably with test results obtained from two large-scale models, one using cold air from a conical nozzle and the other using hot gas from a TF-34 turbofan engine having a conical exhaust nozzle with a 12 lobe internal forced mixer. The frequency at which the peak sound pressure level occurs appears to be governed by a phenomenon which produces periodic formation and shedding of large-scale turbulence structures from the nozzle lip.

Mckinzie, D. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Oxide_Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Exhaust Mixer Development in the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project

Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc. (LibertyWorksLW) began considering the development of CMC exhaust forced mixers in 2008, as a means of obtaining reduced weight and hotter operating temperature capability, while minimizing shape distortion during operation, which would improve mixing efficiency and reduce fuel burn. Increased component durability, enhanced ability to fabricate complex-shaped components, and engine noise reduction are other potential advantages of CMC mixers (compared to metallic mixers). In 2010, NASA was pursuing the reduction of NOx emissions, fuel burn, and noise from turbine engines in Phase I of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project. ERA subtasks, including those focused on CMC components, were formulated with the goal of maturing technology from proof of concept validation (TRL 3) to a systemsubsystem or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL 6). In April 2010, the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and LibertyWorks jointly initiated a CMC Exhaust System Validation Program within the ERA Project, teaming on CMC exhaust mixer development for subsonic jet engines capable of operating with increased performance. Our initial focus was on designing, fabricating, and characterizing the thrust and acoustic performance of a roughly quarter-scale 16-lobe oxide oxide CMC mixer and tail cone along with a conventional low bypass exhaust nozzle. Support Services, LLC (Allendale, MI) and ATK COI Ceramics, Inc. (COIC, in San Diego, CA) supported the design of a subscale nozzle assembly that consisted of an oxide oxide CMC mixer and center body, with each component mounted on a metallic attachment ring. That design was based upon the operating conditions a mixer would experience in a turbofan engine. Validation of the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the subscale mixer via testing and the achievement of TRL 4 encouraged the NASALWCOIC team to move to the next phase where a full scale CMC mixer sized for a RR AE3007 engine and a compatible attachment flange were designed, followed by CMC component fabrication by COIC, and vibration testing at GRC under conditions simulating the structural and dynamic environment encountered during engine operation. AFRL (WPAFB) supported this testing by performing 3D laser vibrometry to identify the mixer mode shapes and modal frequencies. The successful fabrication and testing of such a component has been achieved. The CMC mixer demonstrated good durability during vibration testing at room and elevated temperature (TRL5). This has cleared the article for a ground-based test on a Rolls-Royce AE3007 engine, where the performance and benefits of the component can be further assessed.

exhaust nozzles↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mixing effectiveness test of an exhaust gas mixer in a high bypass turbofan at altitude

Thermal mixing effectiveness characteristics of an eighteen lobe, scalloped and unscalloped, partial, forced mixer were measured in a high-bypass turbofan engine. Data were also obtained without the mixer installed, i.e., free mixing. Tests were conducted at four combinations of simulated flight conditions from 0.3 to 0.8 Mach number and from 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) to 13,715 m (45,000 ft) altitude, mixing chamber lengths of L/D=0.52 and 0.65 were tested. For this range of test conditions and mixer configurations, the forced mixing effectiveness varied from 59 to 68 percent. Values of mixing effectiveness and total pressure loss were calculated from temperature and pressure data obtained at the mixer inlet and exhaust nozzle exit.

Cullom, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mixing effectiveness test of an exhaust gas mixer in a high bypass turbofan at altitude

Thermal mixing effectiveness characteristics of an eighteen lobe, scalloped and unscalloped, partial, forced mixer were measured in a high-bypass turbofan engine. Data were also obtained without the mixer installed, i.e. free mixing. Tests were conducted at four combinations of simulated flight conditions from 0.3 to 0.8 Mach number and from 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) to 13,715 m (45,000 ft) altitude. Mixing chamber lengths of L/D = 0.52 and 0.65 were tested. For this range of test conditions and mixer configurations the forced mixing effectiveness varied from 59 to 68 percent. Values of mixing effectiveness and total pressure loss were calculated from temperature and pressure data obtained at the mixer inlet and exhaust nozzle exit.

Cullom, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Flight effects on noise generated by the JT8D-17 engine in a quiet nacelle and a conventional nacelle as measured in the NASA-Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel

A JT8D-17 turbofan engine was tested in the NASA-Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel to determine flight effects on jet and fan noise. Baseline, quiet nacelle with 20-lobe ejector/suppressor, and internal mixer configurations were tested over a range of engine power settings and tunnel velocities. Flight effects derived from the 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel test are compared with 727/JT8D flight test data and with model data obtained in a smaller wind tunnel. Procedures are defined for measuring noise data in a wind tunnel relatively near the sources and analyzing the results to obtain far-field flight effects. Wind tunnel and 727 flight test noise results compare favorably for both the baseline and quiet nacelle configurations. Two reports are provided, including a comprehensive version with extensive test results and analysis and the subject summary version that emphasizes data analysis and program finding.

Strout, F. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hot-flow tests of a series of 10-percent-scale turbofan forced mixing nozzles

An approximately 1/10-scale model of a mixed-flow exhaust system was tested in a static facility with fully simulated hot-flow cruise and takeoff conditions. Nine mixer geometries with 12 to 24 lobes were tested. The areas of the core and fan stream were held constant to maintain a bypass ratio of approximately 5. The research results presented in this report were obtained as part of a program directed toward developing an improved mixer design methodology by using a combined analytical and experimental approach. The effects of lobe spacing, lobe penetration, lobe-to-centerbody gap, lobe contour, and scalloping of the radial side walls were investigated. Test measurements included total pressure and temperature surveys, flow angularity surveys, and wall and centerbody surface static pressure measurements. Contour plots at various stations in the mixing region are presented to show the mixing effectiveness for the various lobe geometries.

Head, V. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Turbofan forced mixer-nozzle internal flowfield. Volume 1: A benchmark experimental study

An experimental investigation of the flow field within a model turbofan forced mixer nozzle is described. Velocity and thermodynamic state variable data for use in assessing the accuracy and assisting the further development of computational procedures for predicting the flow field within mixer nozzles are provided. Velocity and temperature data suggested that the nozzle mixing process was dominated by circulations (secondary flows) of a length scale on the order the lobe dimensions which were associated with strong radial velocities observed near the lobe exit plane. The 'benchmark' model mixer experiment conducted for code assessment purposes is discussed.

Paterson, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Noise measurements for various configurations of a model of a mixer nozzle externally blown flap system

Noise data were taken for variations to a large scale model of an externally blown flap lift augmentation system. The variations included two different mixer nozzles (7 and 8 lobes), two different wing models (2 and 3 flaps), and different lateral distances between the wing chord line and the nozzle centerline. When the seven lobe was used with the trailing flap in the 60 deg position, increasing the wing to nozzle distance had no effect on the sound level. When the eight lobe nozzle was used there was a decrease in sound level. With the 20 deg flap setting the noise level decreased when the distance was increased using either nozzle.

Goodykoontz, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Flight effects on JT8D engine jet noise as measured in the NASA Ames 40-by 80-foot wind tunnel

A JT8D-17 turbofan engine was tested in a 40 x 80 ft wind tunnel to determine flight effects on jet noise. The engine was configured as a baseline with conical nozzle, a quiet nacelle 20-lobe ejector/suppressor, and an internal mixer with conical nozzle. Tunnel-off and tunnel-on noise tests were conducted over a range of nozzle pressure ratios (1.2 to 2.1), primary jet velocities (275 to 550 m/s), and tunnel velocities up to 100 m/s. Aft quadrant noise data were measured by a pair of traversing microphones located on a 3-m sideline relative to the engine centerline. Unique correlations and analysis procedures were developed in order to define far-field flight effects from the relatively near-field noise measurements. The ejector/suppressor experienced a significant loss of suppression relative to static measurements during flight while the internal mixer indicated a slight gain in suppression. It is concluded that the wind tunnel is a viable method for studying flight effects on engine jet noise.

Strout, F. G.↗