Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “parameter sweep”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4

Sensitivity Analysis of Flutter Response of a Wing Incorporating Finite-Span Corrections

Flutter analysis of a wing is performed in compressible flow using state-space representation of the unsteady aerodynamic behavior. Three different expressions are used to incorporate corrections due to the finite-span effects of the wing in estimating the lift-curve slope. The structural formulation is based on a Rayleigh-Pitz technique with Chebyshev polynomials used for the wing deflections. The aeroelastic equations are solved as an eigen-value problem to determine the flutter speed of the wing. The flutter speeds are found to be higher in these cases, when compared to that obtained without accounting for the finite-span effects. The derivatives of the flutter speed with respect to the shape parameters, namely: aspect ratio, area, taper ratio and sweep angle, are calculated analytically. The shape sensitivity derivatives give a linear approximation to the flutter speed curves over a range of values of the shape parameter which is perturbed. Flutter and sensitivity calculations are performed on a wing using a lifting-surface unsteady aerodynamic theory using modules from a system of programs called FAST.

Issac, Jason Cherian↗

Experimental study of pressure and heating rate on a swept cylindrical leading edge resulting from swept shock wave interference

The effects of cylindrical leading edge sweep on surface pressure and heat transfer rate for swept shock wave interference were investigated. Experimental tests were conducted in the Calspan 48-inch Hypersonic Shock Tunnel at a nominal Mach number of 8, nominal unit Reynolds number of 1.5 x 10 to the 6th power per foot, leading edge and incident shock generator sweep angles of 0, 15, and 30 deg, and incident shock generator angle-of-attack fixed at 12.5 deg. Detailed surface pressure and heat transfer rate on the cylindircal leading edge of a swept shock wave interference model were measured at the region of the maximum surface pressure and heat transfer rate. Results show that pressure and heat transfer rate on the cylindrical leading edge of the shock wave interference model were reduced as the sweep was increased over the range of tested parameters. Peak surface pressure and heat transfer rate on the cylinder were about 10 and 30 times the undisturbed flow stagnation point value, respectively, for the 0 deg sweep test. A comparison of the 15 and 30 deg swept results with the 0 deg swept results showed that peak pressure was reduced about 13 percent and 44 percent, respectively, and peak heat transfer rate was reduced about 7 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

Glass, Christopher E.↗

Effect of crossflow on Goertler instability in incompressible boundary layers

Linear stability theory is used to study the effect of crossflow on Goertler instability in incompressible boundary layers. The results cover a wide range of sweep angle, pressure gradient, and wall curvature parameters. It is shown that the crossflow stabilizes Goertler disturbances by reducing the maximum growth rate and shrinking the unstable band of spanwise wave numbers. On the other hand, the effect of concave wall curvature on crossflow instability is destabilizing. Calculations show that the changeover from Goertler to crossflow instabilities is a function of Goertler number, pressure gradient, and sweep angle. The results demonstrate that Goertler instability may still be relevant in the transition process on swept wings even at large angles of sweep if the pressure gradient is sufficiently small. The influence of pressure gradient and sweep can be combined by defining a crossflow Reynolds number. Thus, the changeover from Goertler to crossflow instability takes place at some critical crossflow Reynolds number whose value increases with Goertler number.

Zurigat, Y. H.↗

A computational parametric study of three-dimensional sidewall compression scramjet inlets at Mach 10

A computational parametric study of three-dimensional sidewall compression scramjet inlets has been performed. The parameters considered for the study include the leading edge sweep angle, varied between 30 and 60 degrees, and the cowl position, located at the throat and at two forward positions. Additionally, the effects of laminar and turbulent boundary layers as well as adiabatic and cold wall boundary conditions are assessed. The parametric study is performed for a Mach number of 10 and a unit freestream Reynolds number of 2 x 10 to the 6th/ft at a geometric contraction ratio of 5. Comparisons among the various configurations are made in terms of the gross parameters of mass capture, throat Mach number, total pressure recovery, and area weighted internal pressure ratios, as well as more detailed flow field phenomena comparisons. The inclusion of one 0-deg sweep computation indicates that the leading edge may be swept by up to 30 deg before significant changes in the gross flow field parameters occur. It is found that a 45-deg sweep configuration provides a good compromise of mass capture, total pressure recovery, and internal compression.

Holland, Scott D.↗

Measured and calculated inplane stability characteristics for an advanced bearingless main rotor

A program of experimental and analytical research has been performed to demonstrate the effects of rotor and fuselage design parameters on rotor in-plane stability, including aeromechanical stability. The experimental data were obtained from hover and wind-tunnel tests of a scaled advanced bearingless main rotor model. Both isolated-rotor and free-hub conditions were tested. Test parameters included blade built-in cone and sweep angles; rotor inplane structural stiffness and damping; pitch link stiffness and location; and fuselage natural frequency, damping, and inertia. The results show that rotor blade structural damping is one of the most influential design parameters in obtaining acceptable aeromechanical stability margins. Other parameters, such as blade cone angle, pitch link location (rotor delta 3) and anisotropic hub damper configurations, may be used to improve stability margins, but their individual effects are subtle.

Weller, W. H.↗

Flow Separation Control on A Full-Scale Vertical Tail Model Using Sweeping Jet Actuators

This paper describes test results of a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance Active Flow Control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. A full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tail model equipped with sweeping jets AFC was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. The flow separation control optimization was performed at 100 knots, a maximum rudder deflection of 30deg, and sideslip angles of 0deg and -7.5deg. Greater than 20% increments in side force were achieved at the two sideslip angles with a 31-actuator AFC configuration. Flow physics and flow separation control associated with the AFC are presented in detail. AFC caused significant increases in suction pressure on the actuator side and associated side force enhancement. The momentum coefficient (C sub mu) is shown to be a useful parameter to use for scaling-up sweeping jet AFC from sub-scale tests to full-scale applications. Reducing the number of actuators at a constant total C(sub mu) of approximately 0.5% and tripling the actuator spacing did not significantly affect the flow separation control effectiveness.

Andino, Marlyn Y.↗

Correlation and evaluation of inplane stability characteristics for an advanced bearingless main rotor

A program of experimental and analytical research was performed to demonstrate the degree of correlation achieved between measured and computed rotor inplane stability characteristics. The experimental data were obtained from hover and wind tunnel tests of a scaled bearingless main rotor model. Both isolated rotor and free-hub conditions were tested. Test parameters included blade built-in cone and sweep angles; rotor inplane structural stiffness and damping; pitch link stiffness and location; and fuselage damping, inertia, and natural frequency. Analytical results for many test conditions were obtained. In addition, the analytical and experimental results were examined to ascertain the effects of the test parameters on rotor ground and air resonance stability. The results from this program are presented herein in tabular and graphical form.

Weller, W. H.↗

Measured inplane stability characteristics in hover for an advanced bearingless rotor

A study was made of the inplane stability characteristics of a model of an advanced bearingless main rotor. The four-bladed rotor system was tested for aeroelastic stability in hover for both isolated and body-free conditions. Variations in several hub design parameters were tested, including blade coning and sweep angles, blade inplane structural damping, pitch-link location (delta-free effect), and fuselage structural damping. An analysis of the experimental results shows that parametric stability trends observed from isolated-rotor studies may yield incorrect conclusions regarding coupled rotor-body characteristics. For body-free conditions, the baseline rotor configuration resulted in the best stability margins at 1-g thrust as well as at the nominal design rotor speed. Blade built-in coning had little effect on the body-free damping levels at the inplane/body resonance points. Introducing blade sweep destabilized the rotor at the inplane/body pitch resonance.

Weller, W. H.↗

Adaptive line enhancers for fast acquisition

Three adaptive line enhancer (ALE) algorithms and architectures - namely, conventional ALE, ALE with double filtering, and ALE with coherent accumulation - are investigated for fast carrier acquisition in the time domain. The advantages of these algorithms are their simplicity, flexibility, robustness, and applicability to general situations including the Earth-to-space uplink carrier acquisition and tracking of the spacecraft. In the acquisition mode, these algorithms act as bandpass filters; hence, the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) is improved for fast acquisition. In the tracking mode, these algorithms simply act as lowpass filters to improve signal-to-noise ratio; hence, better tracking performance is obtained. It is not necessary to have a priori knowledge of the received signal parameters, such as CNR, Doppler, and carrier sweeping rate. The implementation of these algorithms is in the time domain (as opposed to the frequency domain, such as the fast Fourier transform (FFT)). The carrier frequency estimation can be updated in real time at each time sample (as opposed to the batch processing of the FFT). The carrier frequency to be acquired can be time varying, and the noise can be non-Gaussian, nonstationary, and colored.

Yeh, H.-G.↗

Comparison of Far-Field Noise for Three Significantly Different Model Turbofans

Far-field noise sound power level (PWL) spectra and overall sound pressure level (OASPL) directivities were compared for three significantly different model fan stages which were tested in the NASA Glenn 9x15 Low Speed Wind Tunnel. The test fans included the Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Fan1, the baseline Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) fan, and the Quiet High Speed Fan2 (QHSF2) These fans had design rotor tangential tip speeds from 840 to 1474 ft/s and stage pressure ratios from 1.29 to 1.82. Additional parameters included rotor-stator spacing, stator sweep, and downstream support struts. Acoustic comparison points were selected on the basis of stage thrust. Acoustic results for the low tip speed/low pressure ratio fan (ADP Fan1) were thrust-adjusted to show how a geometrically-scaled version of this fan might compare at the higher design thrust levels of the other two fans. Lowest noise levels were typically observed for ADP Fan1 (which had a radial stator) and for the intermediate tip speed fan (Source Diagnostics Test, SDT, R4 rotor) with a swept stator. Projected noise levels for the ADP fan to the SDT swept stator configuration at design point conditions showed the fans to have similar noise levels. However, it is possible that the ADP fan could be 2 to 3 dB quieter with incorporation of a swept stator. Benefits of a scaled ADP fan include avoidance of multiple pure tones associated with transonic and higher blade tip speeds. Penalties of a larger size ADP fan would include increased nacelle size and drag.

Woodward, Richard P.↗

Comparison of Far-field Noise for Three Significantly Different Model Turbofans

Far-field noise sound power level (PWL) spectra and overall sound pressure level (OASPL) directivities were compared for three significantly different model fan stages which were tested in the NASA Glenn 9 15 Low Speed Wind Tunnel. The test fans included the Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Fan1, the baseline Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) fan, and the Quiet High Speed Fan2 (QHSF2). These fans had design rotor tangential tip speeds from 840 to 1474 ft/s and stage pressure ratios from 1.29 to 1.82. Additional parameters included rotor-stator spacing, stator sweep, and downstream support struts. Acoustic comparison points were selected on the basis of stage thrust. Acoustic results for the low tip speed/low pressure ratio fan (ADP Fan1) were thrust-adjusted to show how a geometrically-scaled version of this fan might compare at the higher design thrust levels of the other two fans. Lowest noise levels were typically observed for ADP Fan1 (which had a radial stator) and for the intermediate tip speed fan (Source Diagnostics Test, SDT, R4 rotor) with a swept stator. Projected noise levels for the ADP fan to the SDT swept stator configuration at design point conditions showed the fans to have similar noise levels. However, it is possible that the ADP fan could be 2 to 3 dB quieter with incorporation of a swept stator. Benefits of a scaled ADP fan include avoidance of multiple pure tones associated with transonic and higher blade tip speeds. Penalties of a larger size ADP fan would include increased nacelle size and drag.

Woodward, Richard P.↗

Space Launch System Upper Stage Technology Assessment

The Space Launch System (SLS) is envisioned as a heavy-lift vehicle that will provide the foundation for future beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) exploration missions. Previous studies have been performed to determine the optimal configuration for the SLS and the applicability of commercial off-the-shelf in-space stages for Earth departure. Currently NASA is analyzing the concept of a Dual Use Upper Stage (DUUS) that will provide LEO insertion and Earth departure burns. This paper will explore candidate in-space stages based on the DUUS design for a wide range of beyond LEO missions. Mission payloads will range from small robotic systems up to human systems with deep space habitats and landers. Mission destinations will include cislunar space, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Given these wide-ranging mission objectives, a vehicle-sizing tool has been developed to determine the size of an Earth departure stage based on the mission objectives. The tool calculates masses for all the major subsystems of the vehicle including propellant loads, avionics, power, engines, main propulsion system components, tanks, pressurization system and gases, primary structural elements, and secondary structural elements. The tool uses an iterative sizing algorithm to determine the resulting mass of the stage. Any input into one of the subsystem sizing routines or the mission parameters can be treated as a parametric sweep or as a distribution for use in Monte Carlo analysis. Taking these factors together allows for multi-variable, coupled analysis runs. To increase confidence in the tool, the results have been verified against two point-of-departure designs of the DUUS. The tool has also been verified against Apollo moon mission elements and other manned space systems. This paper will focus on trading key propulsion technologies including chemical, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), and Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP). All of the key performance inputs and relationships will be presented and discussed in light of the various missions. For each mission there are several trajectory options and each will be discussed in terms of delta-v required and transit duration. Each propulsion system will be modeled, sized, and judged based on their applicability to the whole range of beyond LEO missions. Criteria for scoring will include the resulting dry mass of the stage, resulting propellant required, time to destination, and an assessment of key enabling technologies. In addition to the larger metrics, this paper will present the results of several coupled sensitivity studies. The ultimate goals of these tools and studies are to provide NASA with the most mass-, technology-, and cost-effective in-space stage for its future exploration missions.

Holladay, Jon↗

Active Learning for Directed Exploration of Complex Systems

Physics-based simulation codes are widely used in science and engineering to model complex systems that would be infeasible to study otherwise. Such codes provide the highest-fidelity representation of system behavior, but are often so slow to run that insight into the system is limited. For example, conducting an exhaustive sweep over a d-dimensional input parameter space with k-steps along each dimension requires k(sup d) simulation trials (translating into k(sup d) CPU-days for one of our current simulations). An alternative is directed exploration in which the next simulation trials are cleverly chosen at each step. Given the results of previous trials, supervised learning techniques (SVM, KDE, GP) are applied to build up simplified predictive models of system behavior. These models are then used within an active learning framework to identify the most valuable trials to run next. Several active learning strategies are examined including a recently-proposed information-theoretic approach. Performance is evaluated on a set of thirteen synthetic oracles, which serve as surrogates for the more expensive simulations and enable the experiments to be replicated by other researchers.

oracles↗

Estimation of Handling Qualities Parameters of the Tu-144 Supersonic Transport Aircraft from Flight Test Data

Low order equivalent system (LOES) models for the Tu-144 supersonic transport aircraft were identified from flight test data. The mathematical models were given in terms of transfer functions with a time delay by the military standard MIL-STD-1797A, "Flying Qualities of Piloted Aircraft," and the handling qualities were predicted from the estimated transfer function coefficients. The coefficients and the time delay in the transfer functions were estimated using a nonlinear equation error formulation in the frequency domain. Flight test data from pitch, roll, and yaw frequency sweeps at various flight conditions were used for parameter estimation. Flight test results are presented in terms of the estimated parameter values, their standard errors, and output fits in the time domain. Data from doublet maneuvers at the same flight conditions were used to assess the predictive capabilities of the identified models. The identified transfer function models fit the measured data well and demonstrated good prediction capabilities. The Tu-144 was predicted to be between level 2 and 3 for all longitudinal maneuvers and level I for all lateral maneuvers. High estimates of the equivalent time delay in the transfer function model caused the poor longitudinal rating.

Curry, Timothy J.↗

An Overview of Active Flow Control Enhanced Vertical Tail Technology Development

This paper summarizes a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance Active Flow Control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency of a vertical tail. Sweeping jet AFC technology was successfully tested on subscale and full-scale models as well as in flight. The subscale test was performed at Caltech on a ~14% scale model. More than 50% side force enhancement was achieved by the sweeping jet actuation when the momentum coefficient was 1.7%. AFC caused significant increases in suction pressure on the actuator side and associated side force enhancement. Subsequently, a full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tail model equipped with sweeping jets was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. There, flow separation control optimization was performed at near flight conditions. Greater than 20% increase in side force were achieved for the maximum rudder deflection of 30deg at the key sideslip angles (0deg and -7.5deg) with a 31-actuator AFC configuration. Based on these tests, the momentum coefficient is shown to be a necessary, but not sufficient parameter to use for design and scaling of sweeping jet AFC from subscale tests to full-scale applications. Leveraging the knowledge gained from the wind tunnel tests, the AFC-enhanced vertical tail technology was successfully flown on the Boeing 757 ecoDemonstrator in the spring of 2015.

Lin, John C.↗

Shape sensitivity analysis of wing static aeroelastic characteristics

A method is presented to calculate analytically the sensitivity derivatives of wing static aeroelastic characteristics with respect to wing shape parameters. The wing aerodynamic response under fixed total load is predicted with Weissinger's L-method; its structural response is obtained with Giles' equivalent plate method. The characteristics of interest include the spanwise distribution of lift, trim angle of attack, rolling and pitching moments, wind induced drag, as well as the divergence dynamic pressure. The shape parameters considered are the wing area, aspect ratio, taper ratio, sweep angle, and tip twist angle. Results of sensitivity studies indicate that: (1) approximations based on analytical sensitivity derivatives can be used over wide ranges of variations of the shape parameters considered, and (2) the analytical calculation of sensitivity derivatives is significantly less expensive than the conventional finite-difference alternative.

Barthelemy, Jean-Francois M.↗

Shape sensitivity analysis of wing static aeroelastic characteristics

A method is presented to calculate analytically the sensitivity derivatives of wing static aeroelastic characteristics with respect to wing shape parameters. The wing aerodynamic response under fixed total load is predicted using Weissinger's L-method; its structural response is obtained with Giles' equivalent plate method. The characteristics of interest in this study include the spanwise distribution of lift, trim angle of attack, rolling and pitching moments, wing induced drag as well as the divergence dynamic pressure. The shape parameters considered are the wing area, aspect ratio, taper ratio, sweep angle and tip twist angle. Results of sensitivity studies indicate that (1) approximations based on analytical sensitivity derivatives can be used for wide ranges of variations of the shape parameters considered and (2) the analytical calculation of sensitivity derivatives is significantly less expensive than the conventional finite difference alternative.

Barthelemy, Jean-Francois M.↗

Analysis and design of planar and non-planar wings for induced drag minimization

Improvements in the aerodynamic efficiency of commercial transport aircraft will reduce fuel usage with subsequent reduced cost, both monetary and environmental. To this end, the current research is aimed at reducing the overall drag of these aircraft with specific emphasis on reducing the drag generated by the lifting surfaces. The ultimate goal of this program is to create a wing design methodology which optimizes the geometry of the wing for lowest total drag within the constraints of a particular design specification. The components of drag which must be considered include profile drag, and wave drag. Profile drag is dependent upon, among other things, the airfoil section and the total wetted area. Induced drag, which is manifested as energy left in the wake by the trailing vortex system is mostly a function of wing span, but also depends on other geometric wing parameters. Wave drag of the wing, important in the transonic flight regime, is largely affected by the airfoil section, wing sweep, and so forth. The optimization problem is that of assessing the various parameters which contribute to the different components of wing drag, and determining the wing geometry which generates the best overall performance for a given aircraft mission. The primary thrust of the research effort to date was in the study of induced drag. Results from the study are presented.

Straussfogel, Dennis M.↗