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At least 73 records · Page 4

Analytical techniques of pilot scanning behavior and their application

The state of the art of oculometric data analysis techniques and their applications in certain research areas such as pilot workload, information transfer provided by various display formats, crew role in automated systems, and pilot training are documented. These analytical techniques produce the following data: real-time viewing of the pilot's scanning behavior, average dwell times, dwell percentages, instrument transition paths, dwell histograms, and entropy rate measures. These types of data are discussed, and overviews of the experimental setup, data analysis techniques, and software are presented. A glossary of terms frequently used in pilot scanning behavior and a bibliography of reports on related research sponsored by NASA Langley Research Center are also presented.

Harris, R. L., Sr.↗

Energy considerations in computational aeroacoustics

A finite-volume multistage time-stepping Euler code is used to investigate the use of CFD algorithms for the direct calculation of acoustics. The 2D compressible inviscid flow about an accelerating or decelerating circular cylinder is used as a model problem. The time evolution of the energy transfer from the cylinder to the fluid, as the cylinder is moved from rest to some nonnegligible velocity, is clearly seen. By examining the temporal and spatial characteristics of the numerical solution, a distinction can be made between the propagating acoustic energy, the convecting energy associated with the entropy change in the fluid, and the energy contained in the local aerodynamic field. Systematic variation of the cylinder acceleration shows that the radiated acoustic energy depends strongly upon the rate of acceleration or deceleration. The computational grid has a large effect on the ratio of acoustic energy to nonphysical entropy associated energy, while the role of the explicit artificial viscosity seems to be of second order. The entropy term was nearly negligible in all cases the cylinder was started slowly.

Brentner, Kenneth S.↗

Identification and measurement of combustion noise from a turbofan engine using correlation and coherence techniques

Fluctuating pressure measurements within the combustor and tailpipe of a turbofan engine are made simultaneously with far field acoustic measurements. The pressure measurements within the engine are accomplished with cooled semi-infinite waveguide probes utilizing conventional condenser microphones as the transducers. The measurements are taken over a broad range of engine operating conditions and for 16 far field microphone positions between 10 deg and 160 deg relative to the engine inlet axis. Correlation and coherence techniques are used to determine the relative phase and amplitude relationships between the internal pressures and far field acoustic pressures. The results indicate that the combustor is a low frequency source region for acoustic propagation through the tailpipe and out to the far field. Specifically, it is found that the relation between source pressure and the resulting sound pressure involves a 180 deg phase shift. The latter result is obtained by Fourier transforming the cross correlation function between the source pressure and acoustic pressure after removing the propagation delay time. Further, it is found that the transfer function between the source pressure and acoustic pressure has a magnitude approximately proportional to frequency squared. These results are shown to be consistent with a model using a modified source term in Lighthill's turbulence stress tensor, wherein the fluctuating Reynolds stresses are replaced with the pressure fluctuations due to fluctuating entropy.

Karchmer, A. M.↗

Visual scanning behavior

This report summarizes the results and knowledge of scan behavior gained in various simulation and laboratory studies. Results were obtained through various analysis techniques such as real-time viewing of the pilot's scanning behavior and quantitative analysis of scan behavior performance parameters (average dwell time, dwell percentages, instrument transition paths, dwell histograms, and entropy rate measures). Pilot scan behavior is discussed in the following areas; scanning is a subconscious conditioned activity, scanning is situation dependent, pilots' scanning pattern is centered around a home base. Scanning behavior data have been shown to be useful in determining pilot's workload, evaluating pilot's strategy and role, determining the rate of information transfer of various displays, and aiding in pilot training.

Harris, R. L., Sr.↗

Visual scanning behavior

This report summarizes the results and knowledge of scan behavior gained in various simulation and laboratory studies. Results were obtained through various analysis techniques such as real-time viewing of the pilot's scanning behavior and quantitative analysis of scan behavior performance parameters (average dwell time, dwell percentages, instrument transition paths, dwell percentages, instrument transition paths, dwell histograms, and entropy rate measures). Pilot scan behavior is discussed in the following areas; scanning is a subconscious conditioned activity, scanning is situation dependent, pilots' scanning pattern is centered around a home base. Scanning behavior data nave been shown to be useful in determining pilot's workload, evaluating pilot's strategy and role, determining the rate of information transfer of various displays, and aiding in pilot training.

Harris, R. L., Sr.↗

Computer program for calculation of real gas turbulent boundary layers with variable edge entropy

A user's manual for a computer program which calculates real gas turbulent boundary layers with variable edge entropy on a blunt cone or flat plate at zero angle of attack is presented. An integral method is used. The method includes the effect of real gas in thermodynamic equilibrium and variable edge entropy. A modified Crocco enthalpy velocity relationship is used for the enthalpy profiles and an empirical correlation of the N-power law profile is used for the velocity profile. The skin-friction-coefficient expressions of Spalding and Chi and Van Driest are used in the solution of the momentum equation and in the heat-transfer predictions that use several modified forms of Reynolds analogy.

Boney, L. R.↗

Solar wind: Internal parameters driven by external source

A new concept interpreting solar wind parameters is suggested. The process of increasing twofold of a moving volume in the solar wind (with energy transfer across its surface which is comparable with its whole internal energy) is a more rapid process than the relaxation for the pressure. Thus, the solar wind is unique from the point of view of thermodynamics of irreversible processes. The presumptive source of the solar wind creation - the induction electric field of the solar origin - has very low entropy. The state of interplanetary plasma must be very far from the thermodynamic equilibrium. Plasma internal energy is contained mainly in non-degenerate forms (plasma waves, resonant plasma oscillations, electric currents). Microscopic oscillating electric fields in the solar wind plasma should be about 1 V/m. It allows one to describe the solar wind by simple dissipative MHD equations with small effective mean free path (required for hydrodynamical description), low value of electrical conductivity combined with very big apparent thermal conductivity (required for observed solar wind acceleration). These internal parameters are interrelated only due to their origin: they are externally driven. Their relation can change during the interaction of solar wind plasma with an obstacle (planet, spacecraft). The concept proposed can be verified by the special electric field measurements, not ruining the primordial plasma state.

Chertkov, A. D.↗

Heat transfer in space systems; Proceedings of the Symposium, AIAA/ASME Thermophysics and Heat Transfer Conference, Seattle, WA, June 18-20, 1990

Theoretical and experimental studies of heat-tranfer in a space environment are discussed in reviews and reports. Topics addressed include a small-scale two-phase thermosiphon to cool high-power electronics, a low-pressure-drop heat exchanger with integral heat pipe, an analysis of the thermal performance of heat-pipe radiators, measurements of temperature and concentration fields in a rectangular heat pipe, and a simplified aerothermal heating method for axisymmetric blunt bodies. Consideration is given to entropy production in a shock wave, bubble-slug transition in a two-phase liquid-gas flow under microgravity, plasma arc welding under normal and zero gravity, the Microgravity Thaw Experiment, the flow of a thin film on stationary and rotating disks, an advanced ceramic fabric body-mounted radiator for Space Station Freedom phase 0 design, and lunar radiators with specular reflectors.

Chan, S. H.↗

Conservation equations and physical models for hypersonic air flows over the aeroassist flight experiment vehicle

The code development and application program for the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm (LAURA), with emphasis directed toward support of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) in the near term and Aeroassisted Space Transfer Vehicle (ASTV) design in the long term is reviewed. LAURA is an upwind-biased, point-implicit relaxation algorithm for obtaining the numerical solution to the governing equations for 3-D, viscous, hypersonic flows in chemical and thermal nonequilibrium. The algorithm is derived using a finite volume formulation in which the inviscid components of flux across cell walls are described with Roe's averaging and Harten's entropy fix with second-order corrections based on Yee's Symmetric Total Variation Diminishing scheme. Because of the point-implicit relaxation strategy, the algorithm remains stable at large Courant numbers without the necessity of solving large, block tri-diagonal systems. A single relaxation step depends only on information from nearest neighbors. Predictions for pressure distributions, surface heating, and aerodynamic coefficients compare well with experimental data for Mach 10 flow over an AFE wind tunnel model. Predictions for the hypersonic flow of air in chemical and thermal nonequilibrium over the full scale AFE configuration obtained on a multi-domain grid are discussed.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗

The Superorbital Expansion Tube concept, experiment and analysis

In response to the need for ground testing facilities for super orbital re-entry research, a small scale facility has been set up at the University of Queensland to demonstrate the superorbital expansion tube concept. This unique device is a free piston driven, triple diaphragm, impulse shock facility which uses the enthalpy multiplication mechanism of the unsteady expansion process and the addition of a secondary shock driver to further heat the driver gas. The pilot facility has been operated to produce quasi-steady test flows in air with shock velocities in excess of 13 km/s and with a usable test flow duration of the order of 15 micro sec. an experimental condition produced in the facility with total enthalpy of 108 MJ/kg and a total pressure of 335 MPa is reported. A simple analytical flow model which accounts for non-ideal rupture of the light tertiary diaphragm and the resulting entropy increase in the test gas is discussed. It is shown that equilibrium calculations more accurately model the unsteady expansion process than calculations assuming frozen chemistry. This is because the high enthalpy flows produced in the facility can only be achieved if the chemical energy stored in the test flow during shock heating of the test gas is partially returned to the flow during the process of unsteady expansion. Measurements of heat transfer rates to a flat plate demonstrate the usability of test flow for aerothermodynamic testing and comparison of these rates with empirical calculations confirms the usable accuracy of the flow model.

Neely, A. J.↗

Modeling Orifice Pulse Tube Coolers

We have developed a calculational model that treats all the components of an orifice pulse tube cooler. We base our analysis on 1-dimensional thermodynamic equations for the regenerator and we assume that all mass flows, pressure oscillations and temperature oscillations are small and sinusoidal. Non-linear pressure drop effects are included in the regenerator to account for finite pressure amplitude effects. The resulting mass flows and pressures are matched at the boundaries with the other components of the cooler: compressor, aftercooler, cold heat exchanger, pulse tube, hot heat exchanger, orifice and reservoir. The results of the calculation are oscillating pressures, mass flows and enthalpy flows in the main components of the cooler. By comparing with the calculations of other available models, we show that our model is very similar to REGEN 3 from NIST and DeltaE from Los Alamos National Lab. Our model is much easier to use than other available models because of its simple graphical interface and the fact that no guesses are required for the operating pressures or mass flows. In addition, the model only requires a few minutes of running time allowing many parameters to be optimized in a reasonable time. A version of the model is available for use over the World Wide Web at http://irtek.arc.nasa.gov. Future enhancements include adding a bypass orifice and including second order terms in steady mass streaming and steady heat transfer. A two-dimensional anelastic approximation of the fluid equations will be used as the basis for the latter analysis. Preliminary results are given in dimensionless numbers appropriate for oscillating compressible flows. The model shows how transverse heat transfer reduces enthalpy flow, particularly for small pulse tubes. The model also clearly shows mass recirculation in the open tube on the order of the tube length. They result from the higher order Reynolds stresses. An interesting result of the linearized approach is that the steady mass streaming does not affect the enthalpy flow at second order. The major effect of recirculating mass streaming is to increase transverse temperature gradients, which leads to higher entropy production and reduced efficiency.

Roach, Kittel P.↗

Preliminary measurements of velocity, density and total temperature fluctuations in compressible subsonic flow

The heat transfer characteristics of a three-wire hot-wire probe operated with a constant temperature anemometer were investigated in the subsonic compressible flow regime. The sensitivity coefficients, with respect to velocity, density and total temperature, were measured and the results were used to calculate the velocity, density, and total temperature fluctuations in the test section of the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT). These results were extended to give estimates for fluctuations due to vorticity, sound, and entropy. In addition, attempts were made to determine the major source of disturbances in the 0.3-m TCT.

Stainback, P. C.↗

Interaction of a Tunnel-like Acoustic Disturbance Field with a Blunt Cone Boundary Layer at Mach 8

The existing measurements of laminar-to-turbulent transition over circular cones in conventional (i.e., “noisy”) hypersonic wind tunnels have established that the transition location moves downstream when the nose radius is increased from zero. However, this initially downstream movement slows down and ultimately reverses beyond a critical value of the nose radius, and may be related to external forcing in the form of freestream disturbances and/or surface roughness. To understand the effects of freestream acoustic disturbances on transition reversal over a blunt body, hypersonic boundary-layer receptivity to broadband freestream acoustic disturbances from the nozzle wall of a digital conventional wind tunnel is investigated by both direct numerical simulations (DNS) and modal and nonmodal stability analysis. A Mach 8 flow over a 7 deg half-angle cone with a nose radius of 𝑅 𝑛 = 5.2mm and freestream Reynolds number of 12.2 × 10 6 m -1 is considered. The results show that the broadband tunnel noise in the free stream of a convectional hypersonic wind tunnel (i.e., outside of the nozzle-wall turbulent boundary layer) can be well represented by an acoustic model with an ansatz of slow acoustic waves. With successful calibration of the model parameters against the precursor tunnel DNS, such an acoustic ansatz can successfully reproduce both the frequency-wavenumber spectra and the temporal evolution of the broadband tunnel noise radiated from the nozzle wall. Additionally, the DNS of the Mach 8 blunt cone with tunnel-like acoustic input above the bow shock showed that the spectra of wall-pressure and heat-transfer fluctuations recovers the signature of the axisymmetric waves predicted by the nonmodal analysis. Furthermore, the azimuthal wavenumber and frequency spectrum of the temperature fluctuations as a function of the wall-normal distance show higher amplitudes for three-dimensional waves above the boundary-layer edge. The numerical schlieren contours show the inclined structures commonly observed in blunt cone experiments, demonstrating that they correspond to three-dimensional structures due to freestream disturbances in the presence of an entropy layer.

Boundary layer transition↗

Interactions among convection, magnetic fields and p-mode oscillations in the sun

Two papers on different aspects of the excitation and damping of solar oscillations were accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. The first paper evaluates the rate at which turbulent convection feeds energy into individual p-modes. It is shown that stochastic excitation by turbulent convection provides a satisfactory fit to the product of the mode energies and linewidths. A somewhat surprising conclusion is that entropy fluctuations are about an order of magnitude more significant than are fluctuations of the Reynolds stress in exciting p-modes. However, entropy fluctuations cannot excite f-modes. This may account for the relatively low energies of the f-modes compared to those of the p-modes. The second paper explores the role of scattering of acoustic modes by turbulent velocity fluctuations. Scattering of a mode is concentrated near the top of its acoustic cavity. Because the turbulence has low Mach number, scattering couples modes having similar frequencies. Its net effects are to increase the linewidths of all modes and to transfer energy from p-modes to f-modes. Scattering is likely to be the dominant source for the linewidths of p-modes. In particular, it may account for the unexpectedly large linewidths measured for low frequency modes. Copies of preprints of the two papers referred to above are attached. The remainder of the report is devoted to a description of unpublished results.

Goldreich, Peter↗

Investigation of Injector Slot Geometry on Curved-Diffuser Aerodynamic Performance

The Compressor Branch vision is to be recognized as world-class leaders in research for fluid mechanics of compressors. Its mission is to conduct research and develop technology to advance the state of the art of compressors and transfer new technology to U.S. industries. Maintain partnerships with U.S. industries, universities, and other government organizations. Maintain a balance between customers focused and long range research. Flow control comprises enabling technologies to meet compression system performance requirements driven by emissions and fuel reduction goals (e.g., in UEET), missions (e.g., access-to-space), aerodynamically aggressive vehicle configurations (e.g., UAV and future blended wing body configurations with highly distorted inlets), and cost goals (e.g., in VAATE). The compression system requirements include increased efficiency, power-to-weight, and adaptability (i.e., robustness in terms of wide operability, distortion tolerance, and engine system health and reliability). The compressor flow control task comprises efforts to develop, demonstrate, and transfer adaptive flow control technology to industry to increase aerodynamic loading at current blade row loss levels, to enable adaptive1 y wide operability, and to develop plant models for adaptive compression systems. In this context, flow control is the controlled modification of a flow field by a deliberate means beyond the natural (uncontrolled) shaping of the solid surfaces that define the principal flow path. The objective of the compressor flow control task is to develop and apply techniques that control circulation, aerodynamic blockage, and entropy production in order to enhance the performance and operability of compression systems for advanced aero-propulsion applications. This summer I would be working with a curved-diffuser because it simulates what happens with flow in the stator blades in the compressor. With this experiment I will be doing some data analysis and parametric study of the injector slot geometries to get the best aerodynamic performance of it. This includes some data reduction, redesign and fast prototyping of the injector nozzle.

Silva, Odlanier↗

Hybrid Reduced Order Model for N2-N2 Interactions for Application to Dissociation and Energy Transfer Processes

Recent work in the aerothermodynamics community has focused on the development of reduced-order models for thermo-chemical non-equilibrium which avoid the restrictive assumptions of multi-temperature models and the prohibitive cost associated with State-to-State (StS) models. In the present work, this is accomplished by lumping energy states together and assuming groups of states are roughly in equilibrium. As a result, the non-equilibrium behavior of a gas can be captured at a reduced computational cost from a full StS simulation. In this work, we present a hybrid grouping model for studying energy transfer and dissociation in a mixture of nitrogen molecules due to N2-N2 reactions. This is accomplished by making use of a grouping strategy informed by data from the N2-N StS kinetic data. However, due to the massive computational cost associated with constructing StS data for the N2-N2 system, the kinetic data for the hybrid grouping model are calculated using the quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) method by sampling states for trajectory within the groups. This general framework is called the Maximum-Entropy Quasi-Classical Trajectory (ME-QCT) method. The primary challenge associated with this method is that rates for reverse grouped reactions cannot be obtained through detailed balance at a group level, due to the variation of group internal temperatures. To construct the full model for N2-N2 grouped kinetics using the ME-QCT method, detailed balance is invoked at the microscopic level, allowing for the calculation of the full kinetic data from QCT. Results will be presented using the full ME-QCT model for the N2-N2 system in an isothermal and isochoric reactor simulation. In addition, simple CFD test cases for a one-dimensional standing shock and for a quasi-one-dimensional nozzle will be used for demonstration of the ME-QCT method. This method allows for the calculation of non-equilibrium behavior for the N2-N2 system without the prohibitive cost of a full StS simulation. Moreover, it enables the construction of a unified model for the dissociating and recombining non-equilibrium flows.

nonequilibrium modeling↗

Effects of shock strength on shock turbulence interaction

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) and linear analysis (LIA) of isotropic turbulence interacting with a shock wave are performed for several upstream shock normal Mach numbers (M(sub 1)). Turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) is amplified across the shock wave, but this amplification tends to saturate beyond M(sub 1) = 3.0. TKE amplification and Reynolds stress anisotropy obtained in DNS are consistent with LIA predictions. Rapid evolution of TKE immediate downstream of the shock wave persists for all shock strengths and is attributed to the transfer between kinetic and potential modes of turbulence energy through acoustic fluctuations. Changes in energy spectra and various length scales across the shock wave are predicted by LIA, which is consistent with DNS results. Most turbulence length scales decrease across the shock. Dissipation length scale (rho-bar q(exp 3) / epsilon), however, increases slightly for shock waves with M(sub 1) less than 1.65. Fluctuations in thermodynamic variables behind the shock wave stay nearly isentropic for M(sub 1) less than 1.2 and deviate significantly from isentropy for the stronger shock waves due to large entropy fluctuation generated through the interaction.

Lee, Sangsan↗

Boundary-Layer Edge Conditions and Transition Reynolds Number Data for a Flight Test at Mach 20 (Reentry F)

A flight experiment, designated Reentry F, was conducted to measure heat-transfer rates for laminar, transitional, and turbulent boundary layers on a 5 deg half-angle cone 3.962 m (13 ft) long with a preflight nose radius of 2.54 mm (0.10 in.). Data were obtained over an altitude range from 36.58 to 18.29 km (120 000 to 60 000 ft) at a flight velocity of about 6.096 km/sec (20 000 ft/sec). The nominal values of the free-stream total enthalpy, sharp-cone Mach number, and the wall-to-total enthalpy ratio were 18 MJ/kg (8000 Btu/lb), 15, and 0.03, respectively. Calculated boundary-layer edge conditions that account for effects of the entropy layer and corresponding local transition Reynolds numbers are reported in the present paper. Fully developed turbulent flow occurred with essentially constant boundary-layer edge conditions near the sharp-cone values. Transition data were obtained with local edge Mach numbers ranging from about 5.55 to 15. Transition Reynolds numbers, based on local condition, were as high as 6.6 x 10(exp 7) with an edge Mach number of about 14.4 at an altitude of 24.38 km (80 000 ft). The transition could be correlated with previous flight data taken over a Mach number range from 3 to 12 in terms of parameters including the effects of local unit Reynolds number, boundary-layer wall-to-edge enthalpy ratio, and local Mach number.

Johnson, Charles B.↗