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At least 739 records · Page 41

Wind-tunnel Tests of the NACA 45-125 Airfoil: A Thick Airfoil for High-Speed Airplanes

Investigations of the pressure distribution, the profile drag, and the location of transition for a 30-inch-chord 25-percent-thick N.A,C.A. 45-125 airfoil were made in the N.A.C.A 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel for the purpose of aiding in the development of a thick wing for high-speed airplanes. The tests were made at a lift coefficient of 0.1 for Reynolds Numbers from 1,750,000 to 8,690,000, corresponding to speeds from 80 to 440 miles per hour at 59 F. The effect on the profile drag of fixing the transition point was also investigated. The effect of compressibility on the rate of increase of pressure coefficients was found to be greater than that predicted by a simplified theoretical expression for thin wings. The results indicated that, for a lift coefficient of 0.1, the critical speed of the N.A.C,A. 45-125 airfoil was about 460 miles per hour at 59 F,. The value of the profile-drag coefficient at a Reynolds Number of 4,500,000 was 0.0058, or about half as large as the value for the N.A,C,A. 0025 airfoil. The increase in the profile-drag coefficient for a given movement of the transition point was about three times as large as the corresponding increase for the N.A.C,A. 0012 airfoil. Transition determinations indicated that, for Reynolds Numbers up to ?,000,000, laminar boundary 1ayers were maintained over approximately 40 percent of the upper and the lower surfaces of the airfoil.

Delano, James B.↗

Effect of Mechanical Stresses on Characteristics of Chip Tantalum Capacitors

The effect of compressive mechanical stresses on chip solid tantalum capacitors is investigated by monitoring characteristics of different part types under axial and hydrostatic stresses. Depending on part types, an exponential increase of leakage currents was observed when stresses exceeded 10 MPa to 40 MPa. For the first time, reversible variations of leakage currents (up to two orders of magnitude) with stress have been demonstrated. Mechanical stresses did not cause significant changes of AC characteristics of the capacitors, whereas breakdown voltages measured during the surge current testing decreased substantially indicating an increased probability of failures of stressed capacitors in low impedance applications. Variations of leakage currents are explained by a combination of two mechanisms: stress-induced scintillations and stress-induced generation of electron traps in the tantalum pentoxide dielectric.

Teverovsky, Alexander A.↗

Heating Augmentation in Laminar Flow Due to Heat-Shield Cavities on the Project Orion CEV

An experimental study has been conducted to assess the effects of compression pad cavities on the aeroheating environment of the Project Orion CEV heat-shield at laminar conditions. Testing was conducted in Mach 6 and Mach 10 perfect-gas wind tunnels to obtain heating measurements on and around the compression pads using global phosphor thermography. Consistent trends in heating augmentation levels were observed in the data and correlations of average and maximum heating at the cavities were formulated in terms of the local boundary-layer parameters and cavity dimensions. Additional heating data from prior testing of Genesis and Mars Science Laboratory models were also examined to extend the parametric range of cavity heating correlations.

Hollis, Brian R.↗

Temperature-Corrected Model of Turbulence in Hot Jet Flows

An improved correction has been developed to increase the accuracy with which certain formulations of computational fluid dynamics predict mixing in shear layers of hot jet flows. The CFD formulations in question are those derived from the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations closed by means of a two-equation model of turbulence, known as the k-epsilon model, wherein effects of turbulence are summarized by means of an eddy viscosity. The need for a correction arises because it is well known among specialists in CFD that two-equation turbulence models, which were developed and calibrated for room-temperature, low Mach-number, plane-mixing-layer flows, underpredict mixing in shear layers of hot jet flows. The present correction represents an attempt to account for increased mixing that takes place in jet flows characterized by high gradients of total temperature. This correction also incorporates a commonly accepted, previously developed correction for the effect of compressibility on mixing.

Abdol-Hamid, Khaled S.↗

Global Instability on Laminar Separation Bubbles-Revisited

In the last 3 years, global linear instability of LSB has been revisited, using state-of-the-art hardware and algorithms. Eigenspectra of LSB flows have been understood and classified in branches of known and newly-discovered eigenmodes. Major achievements: World-largest numerical solutions of global eigenvalue problems are routinely performed. Key aerodynamic phenomena have been explained via critical point theory, applied to our global mode results. Theoretical foundation for control of LSB flows has been laid. Global mode of LSB at the origin of observable phenomena. U-separation on semi-infinite plate. Stall cells on (stalled) airfoil. Receptivity/Sensitivity/AFC feasible (practical?) via: Adjoint EVP solution. Direct/adjoint coupling (the Crete connection). Minor effect of compressibility on global instability in the subsonic compressible regime. Global instability analysis of LSB in realistic supersonic flows apparently quite some way down the horizon.

Theofilis, Vassilis↗

Assessment of RANS-based Transition Models based on Experimental Data of the Common Research Model with Natural Laminar Flow

Transition models based on auxiliary transport equations augmenting the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) framework often rely upon transition correlations that were derived from a limited number of low-speed experiments and these models often fail to account for all of the relevant transition mechanisms and/or the variation in those mechanisms with respect to changes in the significant flow parameters. Available data from a recent experiment on the Common Research Model with Natural Laminar Flow (CRM-NLF) in the National Transonic Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center are used to assess the current transition modeling capability in NASA's OVERFLOW 2.3b solver for a swept wing configuration with nonzero taper and transonic cruise conditions. Specifically, the OVERFLOW solutions are used to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the transport-equation-based transition models. Results highlight that the Spalart-Allmaras-based amplification factor transport (AFT-2017b) equation model and Menter’s shear-stress transport equation (SST2003)-based Langtry-Menter transition models (either with or without the modeling of crossflow transition) significantly underpredict the reported extent of laminar flow region over the entire span of the wing, irrespective of which instability mechanism(s) is expected to dominate the onset of the transition process. We show that the transition correlations underlying these models fail to account for the stabilizing effect of compressibility on the Tollmien-Schlichting transition, which is likely to be a major contributor to the underprediction of the laminar flow region on the CRM-NLF. The SST-2003-based Langtry-Menter model also appears to inaccurately predict the chordwise pressure variation along the majority of the wing span at all the flow conditions studied herein, due to how the turbulence intensity levels were enforced in the computations and how that was interfering with the functioning of the underlying turbulence model within the boundary layer. The AFT and Langtry-Menter models appear to be sensitive to the level of the freestream turbulence intensity, but the degree of sensitivity varies across the models.

CFD modeling↗

Out-of-Plane Restraint under Tension In-Plane Loading

The development and description of a test fixture designed to restrict out-of-plane motion in the center region of tension-loaded carbon-epoxy panels are presented herein. The test fixture was used to impose displacement conditions consistent with those in an analytical tool being developed to predict panel behavior in the vicinity of a central notch, which included the assumption that there would be no out-of-plane displacement and no buckling. However, pretest analysis using finite element models for a panel loaded without any out-of-plane restraint in the region of the notch indicated that with an imperfection magnitude equal to 20 percent of the thickness of the thin-skin panel, an unacceptable amount of out-of-plane deformation would occur as Poisson effects induced compression loads in the region of the notch. Therefore, to validate this tool in a test program, a restraint fixture which would suppress out-of-plane motion was required. The panel could not be encased in restraining plates because instrumentation and visibility were required in the vicinity of the notch. Therefore, a fixture that would restrict out-of-plane motion while still allowing access to the surface of the panel at the notch edges for instrumentation and line-of-sight access for cameras was required. To satisfy these requirements, a fixture was designed to restrict only out-of-plane motion near the center of the notch. Two 1.78-m-long test panels were loaded in tension to failure using this fixture. Out-of-plane deformations were not directly measured during testing, so back-to-back strain gages were used to obtain an indication of buckling. Strain results indicated that the restraint fixture performed as designed and buckling did not occur.

Fixtures↗

Out-of-Plane Restraint under Tension In-Plane Loading

The development and description of a test fixture designed to restrict out-of-plane motion in the center region of tension-loaded carbon-epoxy panels are presented herein. The test fixture was used to impose displacement conditions consistent with those in an analytical tool being developed to predict panel behavior in the vicinity of a central notch, which included the assumption that there would be no out-of-plane displacement and no buckling. However, pretest analysis using finite element models for a panel loaded without any out-of-plane restraint in the region of the notch indicated that with an imperfection magnitude equal to 20 percent of the thickness of the thin-skin panel, an unacceptable amount of out-of-plane deformation would occur as Poisson effects induced compression loads in the region of the notch. Therefore, to validate this tool in a test program, a restraint fixture which would suppress out-of-plane motion was required. The panel could not be encased in restraining plates because instrumentation and visibility were required in the vicinity of the notch. Therefore, a fixture that would restrict out-of-plane motion while still allowing access to the surface of the panel at the notch edges for instrumentation and line-of-sight access for cameras was required. To satisfy these requirements, a fixture was designed to restrict only out-of-plane motion near the center of the notch. Two 1.78-m-long test panels were loaded in tension to failure using this fixture. Out-of-plane deformations were not directly measured during testing, so back-to-back strain gages were used to obtain an indication of buckling. Strain results indicated that the restraint fixture performed as designed and buckling did not occur.

Composite structures↗

An Experimental Parametric Study of Geometric, Reynolds Number, and Ratio of Specific Heats Effects in Three-Dimensional Sidewall Compression Scramjet Inlets at Mach 6

Since mission profiles for airbreathing hypersonic vehicles such as the National Aero-Space Plane include single-stage-to-orbit requirements, real gas effects may become important with respect to engine performance. The effects of the decrease in the ratio of specific heats have been investigated in generic three-dimensional sidewall compression scramjet inlets with leading-edge sweep angles of 30 and 70 degrees. The effects of a decrease in ratio of specific heats were seen by comparing data from two facilities in two test gases: in the Langley Mach 6 CF4 Tunnel in tetrafluoromethane (where gamma=1.22) and in the Langley 15-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel in perfect gas air (where gamma=1.4). In addition to the simulated real gas effects, the parametric effects of cowl position, contraction ratio, leading-edge sweep, and Reynolds number were investigated in the 15-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel. The models were instrumented with a total of 45 static pressure orifices distributed on the sidewalls and baseplate. Surface streamline patterns were examined via oil flow, and schlieren videos were made of the external flow field. The results of these tests have significant implications to ground based testing of inlets in facilities which do not operate at flight enthalpies.

Holland, Scott D.↗

Direct numerical simulation of compressible free shear flows

Direct numerical simulations of compressible free shear layers in open domains are conducted. Compact finite-difference schemes of spectral-like accuracy are used for the simulations. Both temporally-growing and spatially-growing mixing layers are studied. The effect of intrinsic compressibility on the evolution of vortices is studied. The use of convective Mach number is validated. Details of vortex roll up and pairing are studied. A simple explanation of the stabilizing effect of compressibility is offered. Acoustic radiation from vortex roll up, pairing and shape oscillations is studied and quantified.

Lele, Sanjiva K.↗

Direct numerical simulation of compressible free shear flows

Direct numerical simulations of compressible free shear layers in open domains are conducted. Compact finite-difference schemes of spectral-like accuracy are used for the simulations. Both temporally-growing and spatially-growing mixing layers are studied. The effect of intrinsic compressibility on the evolution of vortices is studied. The use of convective Mach number is validated. Details of vortex roll up and pairing are studied. A simple explanation of the stabilizing effect of compressibility is offered. Acoustic radiation from vortex roll up, pairing and shape oscillations is studied and quantified.

Lele, Sanjiva K.↗

Fast Lossless Compression of Multispectral-Image Data

An algorithm that effects fast lossless compression of multispectral-image data is based on low-complexity, proven adaptive-filtering algorithms. This algorithm is intended for use in compressing multispectral-image data aboard spacecraft for transmission to Earth stations. Variants of this algorithm could be useful for lossless compression of three-dimensional medical imagery and, perhaps, for compressing image data in general.

Klimesh, Matthew↗

Fusion for Space Propulsion

There is little doubt that humans will attempt to explore and develop the solar system in this century. A large amount of energy will be required for accomplishing this. The need for fusion propulsion is discussed. For a propulsion system, there are three important thermodynamical attributes: (1) The absolute amount of energy available, (2) the propellant exhaust velocity, and (3) the jet power per unit mass of the propulsion system (specific power). For human exploration and development of the solar system, propellant exhaust velocity in excess of 100 km/s and specific power in excess of 10 kW/kg are required. Chemical combustion can produce exhaust velocity up to about 5 km/s. Nuclear fission processes typically result in producing energy in the form of heat that needs to be manipulated at temperatures limited by materials to about 2,800 K. Using the energy to heat a hydrogen propellant increases the exhaust velocity by only a factor of about two. Alternatively the energy can be converted into electricity which is then used to accelerate particles to high exhaust velocity. The necessary power conversion and conditioning equipment, however, increases the mass of the propulsion system for the same jet power by more than two orders of magnitude over chemical system, thus greatly limits the thrust-to-weight ratio attainable. The principal advantage of the fission process is that its development is relatively mature and is available right now. If fusion can be developed, fusion appears to have the best of all worlds in terms of propulsion - it can provide the absolute amount, the propellant exhaust velocity, and the high specific jet power. An intermediate step towards pure fusion propulsion is a bimodal system in which a fission reactor is used to provide some of the energy to drive a fusion propulsion unit. The technical issues related to fusion for space propulsion are discussed. The technical priorities for developing and applying fusion for propulsion are somewhat different from those for terrestrial electrical power generation. Thus fusion schemes that are initially attractive for electrical power generation might not necessarily be attractive also for propulsion and vice versa, though the underlying fusion science and engineering enjoy much overlap. Parallel efforts to develop these qualitatively differently fusion schemes for the two applications could benefit greatly from each other due to the synergy in the underlying physics and engineering. Pulsed approaches to fusion have not been explored to the same degree as steady-state or long-pulse approaches to fusion in the fusion power research program. The concerns early on were several. One was that the pulsed power components might not have the service lifetimes meeting the requirements of a practical power generating plant. Another was that, for many pulsed fusion schemes, it was not clear whether the destruction of hardware per pulse could be minimized or eliminated or recycled to such an extent as to make economical electrical power generation feasible, Significant development of the underlying pulsed power component technologies have occurred in the last two decades because of defense and other energy requirements. The state of development of the pulsed power technologies are sufficiently advanced now to make it compelling to visit or re-visit pulsed fusion approaches for application to propulsion where the cost of energy is not so demanding a factor as in the case of terrestrial power application. For propulsion application, the overall mass of the fusion system is the critical factor. Producing fusion reactions require extreme states of matter. Conceptually, these extreme states of matter are more readily realizable in the pulsed states, at least within appropriate bounds, than in the steady states. Significant saving in system mass may result in such systems. Magnetic fields are effective in confining plasma energy, whereas inertial compression is an effective way of heating and containing the plasma. Intensive research in developing magnetic energy containment and inertial plasma compression are being pursued in distinctively different fusion experiments in the terrestrial fusion power program. Fusion schemes that attempt to combine the favorable attributes of these two aspects into one single integrated fusion scheme appear to have benefits that are worth exploring for propulsion application.

Thio, Y. C. Francis↗

Effect of PBX Prill Size on the Compressive Properties of PBX 9502

Plastic-Bonded Explosive (PBX) prills are agglomerates a few millimeters in diameter composed of High Explosive crystals non-uniformly distributed in and surrounded by a polymer binder. When pressed at elevated temperatures at or above the binder melt temperature the polymer flows to uniformly coat the HE crystals to create a well-consolidated compaction. In reality it does so imperfectly, such that x-ray tomographic scans often look like a collection of prills mashed together. It is speculated that the larger the prill, the more non-uniform the binder distribution, but this has never been proven. Even if that were not so, the larger the prill the farther binder must flow toward the middle to homogenize during pressing. Thus, the degree of homogenization depends in part on prill size. The degree to which binder flows during pressing in turn affects the void distribution within pressed charges, which one suspects will affect shock sensitivity and material strength. In this paper we explore, for ~30 PBX 9502 formulation batches using the same TATB powder lot, how prill size effects the compressive mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗