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At least 883 records · Page 49

Supersonic airplane study and design

A supersonic airplane creates shocks which coalesce and form a classical N-wave on the ground, forming a double bang noise termed sonic boom. A recent supersonic commercial transport (the Concorde) has a loud sonic boom (over 100 PLdB) and low aerodynamic performance (cruise lift-drag ratio 7). To enhance the U.S. market share in supersonic transport, an airframer's market risk for a low-boom airplane has to be reduced. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to design airplanes to meet the dual constraints of low sonic boom and high aerodynamic performance. During the past year, a research effort was focused on three main topics. The first was to use the existing design tools, developed in past years, to design one of the low-boom wind-tunnel configurations (Ames Model 3) for testing at Ames Research Center in April 1993. The second was to use a Navier-Stokes code (Overflow) to support the Oblique-All-Wing (OAW) study at Ames. The third was to study an optimization technique applied on a Haack-Adams body to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Cheung, Samson↗

Fluidic Thrust Vectoring of an Axisymmetric Exhaust Nozzle at Static Conditions

A sub-scale experimental static investigation of an axisymmetric nozzle with fluidic injection for thrust vectoring was conducted at the NASA Langley Jet Exit Test Facility. Fluidic injection was introduced through flush-mounted injection ports in the divergent section. Geometric variables included injection-port geometry and location. Test conditions included a range of nozzle pressure ratios from 2 to 10 and a range of injection total pressure ratio from no-flow to 1.5. The results indicate that fluidic injection in an axisymmetric nozzle operating at design conditions produced significant thrust-vector angles with less reduction in thrust efficiency than that of a fluidically-vectored rectangular jet. The axisymmetric geometry promoted a pressure relief mechanism around the injection slot, thereby reducing the strength of the oblique shock and the losses associated with it. Injection port geometry had minimal effect on thrust vectoring.

Wing, David J.↗

A 2-component blend of coconut oil-derived fatty acids as an oviposition deterrent against Drosophila suzukii (Drosophilidae: Diptera)

Abstract Coconut free fatty acid (CFFA), a mixture of 8 fatty acids derived from coconut oil, is an effective repellent and deterrent against a broad array of hematophagous insects. In this study, we evaluated the oviposition deterrent activity of CFFA on spotted-wing drosophila (SWD; Drosophila suzukii), a destructive invasive pest of berries and cherries, and identified bioactive key-deterrent compounds. In laboratory 2-choice tests, CFFA deterred SWD oviposition in a dose-dependent manner with the greatest reduction (99%) observed at a 20-mg dose compared with solvent control. In a field test, raspberries treated with 20-mg CFFA received 64% fewer SWD eggs than raspberries treated with the solvent control. In subsequent laboratory bioassays, 2 of CFFA components, caprylic and capric acids, significantly reduced SWD oviposition by themselves, while 6 other components had no effect. In choice and no-choice assays, we found that a blend of caprylic acid and capric acid, at equivalent concentrations and ratio as in CFFA, was as effective as CFFA, while caprylic acid or capric acid individually were not as effective as the 2-component blend or CFFA at equivalent concentrations, indicating the 2 compounds as the key oviposition deterrent components for SWD. The blend was also as effective as CFFA for other nontarget drosophilid species in the field. Given that CFFA compounds are generally regarded as safe for humans, CFFA and its bioactive components have potential application in sustainably reducing SWD damage in commercial fruit operations, thereby reducing the sole reliance on insecticides.

Entomology↗

An aerodynamic assessment of various supersonic fighter airplanes based on Soviet design concepts

The aerodynamic, stability, and control characteristics of several supersonic fighter airplane concepts were assessed. The configurations include fixed-wing airplanes having delta wings, swept wings, and trapezoidal wings, and variable wing-sweep airplanes. Each concept employs aft tail controls. The concepts vary from lightweight, single engine, air superiority, point interceptor, or ground attack types to larger twin-engine interceptor and reconnaissance designs. Results indicate that careful application of the transonic or supersonic area rule can provide nearly optimum shaping for minimum drag for a specified Mach number requirement. Through the proper location of components and the exploitation of interference flow fields, the concepts provide linear pitching moment characteristics, high control effectiveness, and reasonably small variations in aerodynamic center location with a resulting high potential for maneuvering capability. By careful attention to component shaping and location and through the exploitation of local flow fields, favorable roll-to-yaw ratios may result and a high degree of directional stability can be achieved.

Spearman, M. L.↗

Complete tank tests of two flying-boat hulls with pointed steps - N.A.C.A. Models 22-A and 35

This note presents the results of complete tank test of N.A.C.A. Models 22-A and 35, two flying-boat hulls of the deep pointed-step type with low dead rise. Model 22-A is a form derived by modification of Model 22, the test results of which are given in N.A.C.A. Technical Note No. 488. Model 35 is a form of the same type but has a higher length-beam ratio than either Model 22 or 22-A. Take-off examples are worked out using data from these tests and a previous test of a conventional model applied to an arbitrary set of design specifications for a 15,000-pound flying boat. The comparison of these examples shows both pointed-step models to be superior to the conventional form, and Model 35 to be the better of the two. Model 35 is applied to a hypothetical 100,000-pound flying boat of the twin-hull type and performance calculations are made both for take-off and range. The results indicate that the high performance of this type of hull will enable the designer to use higher wing and power loadings than are found in current practice, with a resulting increase in range and pay load.

Shoemaker, James M↗

Herschel - PACS Survey Of Protoplanetary Disks In Taurus - Auriga Observations Of [O I] And [C Ii], And Far-Infrared Continuum

The Herschel Space Observatory was used to observe approx. 120 pre-main-sequence stars in Taurus as part of the GASPS Open Time Key project. Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer was used to measure the continuum as well as several gas tracers such as [O I] 63 micron, [O I] 145 micron, [C II] 158, micron OH, H2O, and CO. The strongest line seen is [O I] at 63 micron. We find a clear correlation between the strength of the [O I] 63 micron line and the 63 micron continuum for disk sources. In outflow sources, the line emission can be up to 20 times stronger than in disk sources, suggesting that the line emission is dominated by the outflow. The tight correlation seen for disk sources suggests that the emission arises from the inner disk (<50 AU) and lower surface layers of the disk where the gas and dust are coupled. The [O I] 63 micron is fainter in transitional stars than in normal Class II disks. Simple spectral energy distribution models indicate that the dust responsible for the continuum emission is colder in these disks, leading to weaker line emission. [C II] 158 micron emission is only detected in strong outflow sources. The observed line ratios of [O I] 63 micron to [O I] 145 micron are in the regime where we are insensitive to the gas-to-dust ratio, neither can we discriminate between shock or photodissociation region emission. We detect no Class III object in [O I] 63 micron and only three in continuum, at least one of which is a candidate debris disk.

GASPS Open Time Key project↗

Flame propagation under partially-premixed conditions

This study concentrates on developing a better understanding of triple flames. We relax the assumption of zero heat release, address the issue of stabilization, and, in order to investigate the role that heat release plays in flame propagation in partially premixed combustion, we return to a simple flow field and investigate the behavior of flames in a laminar environment. We solve the compressible Navier-Stokes equations in a two-dimensional domain. At the boundaries, we use an inflow boundary condition on the left and nearly-perfect reflective boundary conditions, required to avoid pressure drift, at the outflow and sides. After the flow and flame are initialized, the mixture fraction is varied at the inlet from its uniform stoichiometric value to a tanh profile varying from zero to one. As the mixture fraction gradient reaches the flame surface only the centerline is exposed to the stoichionetric mixture fraction and locally maintains the planar flame speed and reaction rate. Above this point the mixture is fuel rich, and below fuel lean. As a result, these regions of non-unity equivalence ratio burn less, the reaction rate drops, and the local flame speed is reduced. The excess fuel and oxidizer then combine behind the premixed flame along the stoichiometric surface and burn in a trailing diffusion flame. Thus the 'triple' flame refers to the fuel-rich premixed flame, the fuel-lean premixed flame, and the trailing diffusion flame. Due to heat release, the normal velocity across the flame is increased, whereas the tangential component remains unchanged. Far-field flame speed, local flame speed, and their differences are shown as a function of the local mixing thickness. It was also determined that the lateral position of the flame affects stabilization, and the distribution of the reaction rate along the premixed wings of triple flames affects flame propagation.

Ruetsch, Gregory R.↗

Exploratory flight investigation of aircraft response to the wing vortex wake generated by jet transport aircraft

The effect of intercepting wing tip vortices generated by large jet transports, including jumbo jets, over separation distances from 1 nautical mile to 15 nautical miles is evaluated on the basis of the response of a vortex probe airplane in the roil mode. The vortex probe test aircraft included a representative general aviation airplane, an executive jet, a fighter, and light and medium weight jet transports. The test conditions and airplane configurations were comparable to those normally used during takeoff, landing, or holding pattern operations. For flight safety the tests were performed at altitudes from 9500 feet to 12,500 feet. In addition to an evaluation of the probe airplane response, a flight test technique is suggested for determining minimum separation distance, using as variable the ratio of vortex-induced roll acceleration to maximum lateral control acceleration and the gross weight of the generating aircraft.

Andrews, W. H.↗

Summary of the Large Civil Tiltrotor (LCTR2) Engine Gearbox Study

In support of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program, Subsonic Rotary Wing Project, NASA is continuing to study the Large Civil Tiltrotor (LCTR) concept to help define/refine vehicle, system and subsystem attributes. These attributes can then be used to define performance requirements and identify new or advanced technologies to achieve an operational vehicle class. As part of this goal, NASA contracted with The Boeing Company and its subcontractor Rolls-Royce to perform an investigation of different combinations of engine and gearbox variability to achieve a maximum of 50 percent rotor tip speed reduction from hover to cruise conditions. Previous NASA studies identified the 50 percent rotor speed reduction minimized vehicle gross weight and fuel burn. The LCTR2 (LCTR-iteration 2) was the contracted study baseline for initial sizing. Rotor tip speed ratios (cruise to hover) of 100, 77, and 54 percent were analyzed for each combination of engine and gearbox speed reduction to achieve the chosen rotor tip speed ratio. Three different engine and gearbox technology levels were assumed; commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), entry-in-service (EIS) in 2025 and EIS in 2035. These technology levels were applied to determine each particular effect on vehicle gross weight and fuel burn, while other vehicle technologies were assumed constant. This report summarizes the work performed that is being put together into a comprehensive NASA contractor report. Some background on the LCTR concept and baseline vehicle will be given and then a discussion concerning the technical approach utilized. Major study assumptions and results will be presented and discussed. Finally conclusions will be drawn as well as suggestions provided for future efforts.

Snyder, Christopher A.↗

Design Study of Propulsion and Drive Systems for the Large Civil TiltRotor (LCTR2) Rotorcraft

Boeing, Rolls Royce, and NASA have worked together to complete a parametric sizing study for NASA's Large Civil Tilt Rotor (LCTR2) concept 2nd iteration. Vehicle gross weight and fuel usage were evaluated as propulsion and drive system characteristics were varied to maximize the benefit of reduced rotor tip speed during cruise conditions. The study examined different combinations of engine and gearbox variability to achieve rotor cruise tip speed reductions down to 54% of the hover tip speed. Previous NASA studies identified that a 54% rotor speed reduction in cruise minimizes vehicle gross weight and fuel burn. The LCTR2 was the study baseline for initial sizing. This study included rotor tip speed ratios (cruise to hover) of 100%, 77% and 54% at different combinations of engine RPM and gearbox speed reductions, which were analyzed to achieve the lightest overall vehicle gross weight (GW) at the chosen rotor tip speed ratio. Different engine and gearbox technology levels are applied ranging from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) engines and gearbox technology to entry-in-service (EIS) dates of 2025 and 2035 to assess the benefits of advanced technology on vehicle gross weight and fuel burn. Interim results were previously reported1. This technical paper extends that work and summarizes the final study results including additional engine and drive system study accomplishments. New vehicle sizing data is presented for engine performance at a single operating speed with a multispeed drive system. Modeling details for LCTR2 vehicle sizing and subject engine and drive sub-systems are presented as well. This study was conducted in support of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program, Subsonic Rotary Wing Project.

Robuck, Mark↗

Low-Speed Performance Enhancement Using Localized Active Flow Control: Localized Active Flow Control Simulations on a Reference Aircraft (2/4)

A study of the potential implementations of localized active flow control (AFC) technology onto future airplanes is presented. This collaborative investigation addresses key objectives of the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) Project, in terms of reduction in fuel consumption and lower emission. It specifically targets the goals set forth in a roadmap developed by the NASA/Boeing team. The roadmap is a result of a series of meetings held between the two parties over the years and it represents a shared vision for practical implementations, leading up to flight demonstrations of localized flow control. If successful, localized flow control may lead to important ramifications for next generation airplanes from both the economic and environmental perspectives. Under this contract localized AFC has been used to improve aerodynamic performance during high-lift operations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Specifically, AFC has been applied at the aileron and at various location in the wing leading edge (LE) regions. The applications target reduced drag and enhanced lift over the range of practical angles of attack, including stall. These benefits translate to airplane performance improvements, such as longer range or larger payload. The CFD results are used to quantify potential aerodynamic benefits, as well as the input required for actuation. This helps identify the most promising candidates, which potentially provide material net airplane level enhancements using onboard fluidic sources. The airplane configuration selected for the CFD study is a representative of a future short/medium-range twin-engine airplane dubbed the Reference Aircraft. A slew of AFC applications has been explored and their aerodynamic performance enhancements were benchmarked against the baseline Reference Aircraft. Promising AFC candidates have been deemed practical and potentially suitable for both the aileron and the wing LE implementations. The findings on the Reference Aircraft are used to guide the development of the AFC-enhanced aileron for the CRM-HL. The wind-tunnel model of the CRM-HL will be used by NASA to validate the AFC concepts, complementing the CFD-based analysis and the integration study (final report document #3).

CFD↗

Stratospheric measurements of continuous absorption near 2400 per cm

Measurements of continuous absorption near 2400 per cm by N2 and CO2 over long path lengths in the lower stratosphere are presented. The continua were measured in a stratospheric solar spectrum obtained during sunset with a balloon-borne Michelson interferometer in the 2380-2500 per cm region, and transmittances were calculated by ratioing the amplitudes to those of a high-sun spectrum in order to eliminate the wavelength dependence of the measured flux. Comparison of the measured transmittances with those calculated for a multilayered atmospheric model using laboratory absorption measurements results in a fair agreement, and reveals the primary component of the absorption throughout most of the range to be N2, with the CO2 contribution equal to that of N2 only at the CO2 band head. In this region, the shape of the continuum is very sensitive to the sub-Lorentzian line shape assumed in the calculations, and so, if the shape of the N2 continuum at low temperatures can be determined through laboratory measurements, may be used to infer air-broadened far-wing CO2 line shape.

Rinsland, C. P.↗

X-Ray Spectrum of a Narrow Line Quasi-Stellar Object

This AO-3 observation of a new narrow-line QSO was motivated by our extensive study of the unclassified X-ray sources from the ROSAT/IRAS survey of Boller et al. IRAS 2018.1-2244 was observed to have Balmer lines and forbidden lines of roughly equal width. There are possibly weak broad wings on the H-alpha line. One of the questions to be addressed by hard X-ray spectroscopy is whether or not these wings are to be interpreted as scattered or weakly transmitted flux from a hidden broad-line region. The optical spectrum of this QSO also has very weak permitted Fe II lines, possibly indicative of a hidden broad line region. A new wrinkle on the concept of the narrow-line QSO is the gradual realization that luminous objects with very strong but narrow Fe II lines are showing up preferentially in soft X-ray surveys. The AO-1 objective was to detect the Geminga Pulsar and to interpret its 2-10 keV spectrum and pulse profile in terms of its X-ray emission spectra. Also, the AO-1 observed the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3516 to obtain a high signal-to-noise ratio spectrum. We expected NGC 3516 to be one of the best candidates for a successful demonstration of the details of the warm-absorber model.

Halpern, Jules P.↗

Design of Distributed Mail-Slot Propulsion System on a Hybrid Wingbody Aircraft

This paper deals with designing a thrust distribution strategy when a Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) system of 16 embedded propulsors is installed on an aerodynamically optimized hybrid wing-body configuration. This HWB previously designed to satisfy conditions of trim, longitudinally static stability and specific cargo space is employed as the baseline configuration for the current study of seeking an optimal propulsion/power system. According to the nature of the entrance flow condition for each distributed propulsion passage in hybrid wing-body aircraft, the ingested boundary layer thickness differs and results in different propulsive reaction. An optimal distribution of thrust and power output is determined by how the system utilizes the propulsive characteristics of each passage. The design space and the number of design variables are selected and described accordingly. An actuator disk model is employed to model thrust generation and shaft power from the propulsor. To carry out the optimization of the propulsion/power system on a computationally expensive CFD model, a Kriging method in conjunction with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied. Throughout the design process, the propulsion performances of the sampled propulsion/power system are analyzed and compared to those of a clean flow engine. The performance metrics includes mass flow rate, fan pressure ratio besides the thrust and shaft power. Minimization of total shaft power from the distributed engine is performed at multiple thrust levels. The benefit of boundary layer ingestion propulsion system is quantified via comparison of thrust equivalent, shaft power and mass flow equivalent clean flow engines with CFD based system design.

Hybrid Wingbody↗

The heating environment during Martian atmospheric descent

It has been shown that a vehicle with a lift/drag ratio of 2.3 entering the Martian atmosphere at parabolic speed of 5 km/sec, or from a low orbit at 3.5 km/sec, has a very large landing footprint. At the 5-km/sec entry speed, the trajectory exhibits large skipping motions; however, a lateral range of up to 3300 km is attainable. The entries from low satellite orbit yield a gliding lateral range of 2500 km. The distances correspond to latitude changes of 57 and 42 deg, respectively. The high-speed, skipping entries were accompanied by the most intense heating. The peak stagnation point convective rates varied from 59 W/sq cm to 88 W/sq cm for partially and fully catalytic walls, respectively; the corresponding equilibrium wall temperatures were 1900 K and 2100 K. The peak heating at a wing leading-edge point reached 50 W/sq cm because of the presence of a transitional boundary layer. The lower-speed, gliding entries experienced much milder heating with a peak stagnation point rate of about 14 W/sq cm, resulting in a wall temperature near 1300 K. However, the longer duration of the gliding entries resulted in comparable heat loads for both entry speeds. The highest heat loads approached values experienced by the Shuttle orbiter stagnation point during a typical entry.

Tauber, Michael E.↗

Development of a Multiobjective Optimization Procedure for Sonic Boom Minimization

A design optimization procedure for improved sonic boom and aerodynamic performance of high speed aircraft is presented. The multiobjective optimization procedure simultaneously minimizes the sonic boom at a given distance from the aircraft and the drag-to-lift ratio (C(sub D)/C(sub L)) Of the aircraft. Upper and lower bounds are also imposed on the lift coefficient. The Kreisselmeier - Steinhauser function is used for the multiobjective optimization formulation. A discrete semi-analytical aerodynamic sensitivity analysis procedure coupled with an analytical grid sensitivity analysis technique is used for evaluating design sensitivities. The use of the semi-analytical sensitivity analysis techniques results in significant computational savings. The flow equations are solved using a three-dimensional parabolized Navier-Stokes solver. Sonic boom analysis is performed using an extrapolation procedure. A nonlinear programming technique and an approximate analysis procedure are used for the optimization. The optimization procedure developed is applied to the design of two high speed configurations, namely, a doubly swept wing-body configuration and a delta wing-body configuration. For the two sweep case only, minimization of the first peak in the pressure signature is performed first by optimizing only the nose radius and length of the aircraft. Minimization of the second peak in the pressure signature is performed next by optimizing only the wing geometric parameters. Significant improvements are obtained in the sonic boom characteristics and the aerodynamic performance of the wing-body configurations.

Narayan, J. R.↗

A Simulator Study of Take-Off Characteristics of Proposed Supersonic Transports

Fixed-cockpit piloted simulator studies of delta-planform and variable-wing-sweep supersonic transport configurations are being conducted at the Ames Research Center to investigate the handling qualities and certification requirements related to the take-off maneuver. Validation of the simulation was achieved by duplicating the take-off certification program of a subsonic jet transport. Evaluation of the simulator was made by NASA pilots as well as company and FAA pilots involved in the actual certification flights of the airplane. The present paper is limited to a discussion of normal take-off, minimum control speed (ground), rotation characteristics, and initial climbout. Comparisons of the take-off characteristics are made between the supersonic transport and the current class of subsonic jet transports. Results indicate that minimum control speed (ground) characteristics are a function of thrust-weight ratio, the time provided for SST rotation should be at least as long as that for the subsonic jet transports, abused take-offs are more likely to result in tail scrapes, and climbout below the minimum drag speed requires that the pilot carefully monitor airspeed.

Jackson, Charles T., Jr.↗