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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.

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At least 91 records · Page 5

Experimental Surface Pressure Data Obtained on 65 deg Delta Wing Across Reynolds Number and Mach Number Ranges: Small-Radius Leading Edge - Volume 2

An experimental wind tunnel test of a 65 deg. delta wing model with interchangeable leading edges was conducted in the Langley National Transonic Facility (NTF). The objective was to investigate the effects of Reynolds and Mach numbers on slender-wing leading-edge vortex flows with four values of wing leading-edge bluntness. Experimentally obtained pressure data are presented without analysis in tabulated and graphical formats across a Reynolds number range of 6 x 10(exp 6) to 84 x 10(exp 6) at a Mach number of 0.85 and across a Mach number range of 0.4 to 0.9 at Reynolds numbers of 6 x 10(exp 6) and 60 x 10(exp 6). Normal-force and pitching-moment coefficient plots for these Reynolds number and Mach number ranges are also presented.

Chu, Julio↗

Turbulent Boundary Layers in Oscillating Flows. Part 1: an Experimental and Computational Study

An experimental-computational study of the behavior of turbulent boundary layers for oscillating air flows over a plane surface with a small favorable mean pressure gradient is described. Experimental studies were conducted for boundary layers generated on the test section wall of a facility that produces a flow with a mean free stream velocity and a superposed nearly-pure sinusoidal component over a wide range of frequency. Flow at a nominal mean free stream velocity of 50 m/s were studied at atmospheric pressure and temperature at selected axial positions over a 2 m test length for frequencies ranging from 4 to 29 Hz. Quantitative experimental results are presented for unsteady velocity profiles and longitudinal turbulence levels obtained from hot wire anemometer measurements at three axial positions. Mean velocity profiles for oscillating flows were found to exhibit only small deviations from corresponding steady flow profiles, while amplitudes and phase relationships exhibited a strong dependence on axial position and frequency. Since sinusoidal flows could be generated over a wide range of frequency, studies at fixed values of reduced frequency at different axial positions were studied. Results show that there is some utility in the use of reduced frequency to correlate unsteady velocity results. The turbulence level u' sub rms was observed to vary essentially sinusoidally around values close to those measured in steady flow. However, the amplitude of oscillation and phase relations for turbulence level were found to be strongly frequency dependent. Numerical predictions were obtained using an unsteady boundary layer computational code and the Cebeci-Smith and Glushko turbulence models. Predicted quantities related to unsteady velocity profiles exhibit fair agreement with experiment when the Cebeci-Smith turbulence model is used.

Cook, W. J.↗

Improved Testing Capability and Adaptability Through the Use of Wireless Sensors

From the first Saturn V rocket booster (S-II-T) testing in 1966 and the routine Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) testing beginning in 1975, to more recent test programs such as the X-33 Aerospike Engine, the Integrated Powerhead Development (IPD) program, and the Hybrid Sounding Rocket (HYSR), Stennis Space Center (SSC) continues to be a premier location for conducting large-scale testing. Central to each test program is the capability for sensor systems to deliver reliable measurements and high quality data, while also providing a means to monitor the test stand area to the highest degree of safety and sustainability. Sensor wiring is routed along piping and through cable trenches, making its way from the engine test area, through the test stand area and to the signal conditioning building before final transfer to the test control center. When sensor requirements lie outside the reach of the routine sensor cable routing, the use of wireless sensor networks becomes particularly attractive due to their versatility and ease of installation. As part of an on-going effort to enhance the testing capabilities of Stennis Space Center, the Test Technology and Development group has found numerous applications for its sensor-adaptable wireless sensor suite. While not intended for critical engine measurements or control loops, in-house hardware and software development of the sensor suite can provide improved testing capability for a range of applications including the safety monitoring of propellant storage barrels and as an experimental test-bed for embedded health monitoring paradigms.

Solano, Wanda M.↗

Efficiency testing of a helicopter transmission planetary reduction stage

A parametric study of the efficiency of a 310-kW (420-hp) helicopter transmission planetary test section (four planets) was performed. The purpose was to determine the planetary contribution to the overall transmission power loss. Test parameters varied were oil flow rate, oil inlet temperature, lubricant type, shaft speed, and applied torque. The measured efficiency over all the test variables ranged from 99.44 to 99.75 percent. These experimental results were compared with other experimental and computational results.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

Efficiency testing of a helicopter transmission planetary reduction stage

A parametric study of the efficiency of a 310-kW (420-hp) helicopter transmission planetary test section (four planets) was performed. The purpose was to determine the planetary contribution to the overall transmission power loss. Test parameters varied were oil flow rate, oil inlet temperature, lubricant type, shaft speed, and applied torque. The measured efficiency over all the test variables ranged from 99.44 to 99.75 percent. These experimental results were compared with other experimental and computational results.

Handschuh, R. F.↗

Calculated performance map of a 4 1/2-stage 15.0 centimeter (5.9 inch) mean diameter turbine designed for a turbofan simulator

The overall performance of an existing high-ratio turbine is calculated analytically over a range of speed and pressure ratio in order to determine its capability for other applications. The analytical performance covers a speed range from 50 to 120 percent of design and a pressure-ratio range from 5.0 to 35.0. The turbine was designed for a 50.8 centimeter (20.0 in.) tip diameter turbofan simulator. Computed results are compared with the experimental turbine data obtained from testing three fan configurations with the turbofan simulator in air. The comparison indicates good agreement over the range of speeds and pressure ratios covered by the experimental data.

Wasserbauer, C. A.↗

Axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric exhaust jet induced effects on a V/STOL vehicle design. Part 3: Experimental technique

The jet induced effects of several exhaust nozzle configurations (axisymmetric, and vectoring/modulating varients) on the aeropropulsive performance of a twin engine V/STOL fighter design was determined. A 1/8 scale model was tested in an 11 ft transonic tunnel at static conditions and over a range of Mach Numbers from 0.4 to 1.4. The experimental aspects of the static and wind-on programs are discussed. Jet effects test techniques in general, fow through balance calibrations and tare force corrections, ASME nozzle thrust and mass flow calibrations, test problems and solutions are emphasized.

Schnell, W. C.↗

Experimental investigation of piloted flameholders

Four configurations of piloted flameholders were tested. The range of flame stabilization, flame propagation, pressure oscillation during ignition, and pressure drop of the configurations were determined. Some tests showed a very strong effect of inlet flow velocity profile and flameholder geometry on flame stabilization. These tests led to the following conclusions. (1) The use of a piloted flameholder in the turbofan augmentor may minimize the peak pressure rise during ignition. At the present experimental conditions, delta P/P asterisk over 2 is less than 10 percent; therefore, the use of a piloted flameholder is a good method to realize soft ignition. (2) The geometry of the piloted flameholder and the amount of fuel injected into the flameholder have a strong effect on the pressure oscillation during ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the secondary zone. (3) Compared with the V-gutter flameholder with holes in its wall, the V-gutter flameholder without holes not only has advantages such as simple structure and good rigidity but offers a wide combustion stability limit and a high capability of igniting the fuel-air mixture of the secondary zone.

Guo, C. F.↗

Data base for the prediction of inlet external drag

Results are presented from a study to define and evaluate the data base for predicting an airframe/propulsion system interference effect shown to be of considerable importance, inlet external drag. The study is focused on supersonic tactical aircraft with highly integrated jet propulsion systems, although some information is included for supersonic strategic aircraft and for transport aircraft designed for high subsonic or low supersonic cruise. The data base for inlet external drag is considered to consist of the theoretical and empirical prediction methods as well as the experimental data identified in an extensive literature search. The state of the art in the subsonic and transonic speed regimes is evaluated. The experimental data base is organized and presented in a series of tables in which the test article, the quantities measured and the ranges of test conditions covered are described for each set of data; in this way, the breadth of coverage and gaps in the existing experimental data are evident. Prediction methods are categorized by method of solution, type of inlet and speed range to which they apply, major features are given, and their accuracy is assessed by means of comparison to experimental data.

Mcmillan, O. J.↗

Experimental measurements of the ground cloud effluents and cloud growth for the May 20, 1975, Titan 3C launch at Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida

The experiment included surface level and airborne in situ cloud measurements of the exhaust effluents from the Titan IIIC solid rocket boosters. Simultaneous visible spectrum photographic pictures of the ground cloud as well as infrared imaging of the cloud were obtained to study the cloud rise, growth, and direction of travel within the earth's surface mixing layer. The NASA multilayer diffusion model predictions of cloud growth, direction of travel, and expected surface level effluent concentrations were made prior to launch and after launch using measured meteorological conditions. Prelaunch predictions were used to position the effluent monitoring instruments, and the postlaunch predictions were compared with the measured data. Measurement results showed that surface level effluent values were low, often below the detection limits of the instrumentation. The maximum surface level hydrogen chloride concentration measured 50 parts per billion at about 8 km from the launch pad. The maximum observed in-cloud (airborne measurement) hydrogen chloride concentration was 7 per million.

Gregory, G. L.↗

Shock-tunnel combustor testing for hypersonic vehicles

Proposed configurations for the next generation of transatmospheric vehicles will rely on air breathing propulsion systems during all or part of their mission. At flight Mach numbers greater than about 7 these engines will operate in the supersonic combustion ramjet mode (scramjet). Ground testing of these engine concepts above Mach 8 requires high pressure, high enthalpy facilities such as shock tunnels and expansion tubes. These impulse, or short duration facilities have test times on the order of a millisecond, requiring high speed instrumentation and data systems. One such facility ideally suited for scramjet testing is the NASA-Ames 16-Inch shock tunnel, which over the last two years has completed a series of tests for the NASP (National Aero-Space Plane) program at simulated flight Mach numbers ranging from 12-16. The focus of the experimental programs consisted of a series of classified tests involving a near-full scale hydrogen fueled scramjet combustor model in the semi-free jet method of engine testing whereby the compressed forebody flow ahead of the cowl inlet is reproduced (see appendix A). The AIMHYE-1 (Ames Integrated Modular Hypersonic Engine) test entry for the NASP program was completed in April 1993, while AIMHYE-2 was completed in May 1994. The test entries were regarded as successful, resulting in some of the first data of its kind on the performance of a near full scale scramjet engine at Mach 12-16. The data was distributed to NASP team members for use in design system verification and development. Due to the classified nature of the hardware and data, the data reports resulting from this work are classified and have been published as part of the NASP literature. However, an unclassified AIAA paper resulted from the work and has been included as appendix A. It contains an overview of the test program and a description of some of the important issues.

Loomis, Mark P.↗

Hydrogen oxidation mechanism with applications to (1) the chaperon efficiency of carbon dioxide and (2) vitiated air testing

Ignition delay times for the hydrogen/oxygen/carbon dioxide/argon system were obtained behind reflected shock waves. A detailed kinetic mechanism modeled the experimental hydrogen/oxygen data, Skinner and Ringrose's high-pressure data, and Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air data. A carbon dioxide chaperon efficiency of 7.0 +/- 0.2 was determined. The reaction pathway H2O yields H2O2 yields OH yields H was required to model the high-pressure data. It is suggested that some of the lowest temperature data points (1.0 and 0.5 atm) for Slack and Grillo's hydrogen/air experiments are in error. It was found that the technique of simplifying a detailed kinetic mechanism for a limited range of experimental data may render the model useless for other test conditions.

Brabbs, Theodore A.↗

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Trailing Edge Thickness of Simulated CMC Blades on Loss Profiles

To understand such an aerodynamic characteristic of the CMC blades, we numerically simulated three different CMC blades with varying trailing edge thicknesses. We utilized both Large Eddy simulation (LES) with the dynamic subgrid closure as well a recently implemented Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) coupled with an intermittency function-based transition model. We considered two sets of experimental test points with different Reynolds numbers at a given high-free stream turbulence range (Tu=~10-13%). The LES was previously validated by comparing with experimental data. We validated the RANS transition model against the ERCOFTAC experimental zero-pressure gradient smooth flat plate boundary layer at low- and high freestream turbulence offered by the experimental data of the Stripf’s for a turbine blade. We confirmed that the predicted skin friction and the heat flux agree well with the data. Finally, we computed the predicted pressure loading profiles, total loss distributions, and integrated loss of the three different CMC blades and made comparisons against the experimental data acquired at NASA Glenn Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Rig. Our paper will present the aforementioned results and discuss the ability of LES and RANS model of our choice to predict salient aerodynamic characteristics of the blades with the various trailing edge thickness effects.

LES↗

Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Trailing Edge Thickness of Simulated CMC Blades on Loss Profiles

To understand such an aerodynamic characteristic of the CMC blades, we numerically simulated three different CMC blades with varying trailing edge thicknesses. We utilized both Large Eddy simulation (LES) with the dynamic subgrid closure as well a recently implemented Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) coupled with an intermittency function-based transition model. We considered two sets of experimental test points with different Reynolds numbers at a given high-free stream turbulence range (Tu=~10-13%). The LES was previously validated by comparing with experimental data. We validated the RANS transition model against the ERCOFTAC experimental zero-pressure gradient smooth flat plate boundary layer at low- and high freestream turbulence offered by the experimental data of the Stripf’s for a turbine blade. We confirmed that the predicted skin friction and the heat flux agree well with the data. Finally, we computed the predicted pressure loading profiles, total loss distributions, and integrated loss of the three different CMC blades and made comparisons against the experimental data acquired at NASA Glenn Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade Rig. Our paper will present the aforementioned results and discuss the ability of LES and RANS model of our choice to predict salient aerodynamic characteristics of the blades with the various trailing edge thickness effects.

LES↗

Experimental Study of Torsional Column Failure

Thirty-three 24ST aluminum-alloy 2- by 2- by 0.10-inch channels, with lengths ranging from 10 to 90 inches were tested at Stanford University in compression to obtain an experimental verification of the theoretical formulas for torsional failure developed by Eugene E. Lundquist of the N.A.C.A. The observed critical loads and twist-axis locations were sufficiently close to the values obtained from the formulas to establish the substantial validity of the latter. The differences between observed and computed results were small enough to be accounted for by small and mostly unavoidable differences between actual test conditions and those assumed in deriving the formulas. Some data were obtained from the shorter specimens regarding the growth of the buckles that resulted in local buckling failure.

Nile, Alfred S↗

Auto-ignition of hydrocarbons behind reflected shock waves.

The paper reports on the study of auto-ignition of hydrocarbon-oxygen mixtures behind reflected shock waves. Because of their bearing on the problem of knock in internal combustion engines, n-heptane and iso-octane were chosen as the combustible species. Their stoichiometric mixtures with oxygen had to be diluted with 70% argon to reduce the influence of the boundary layer. Photographic records demonstrated the existence of two different modes of ignition, as has been previously established for the hydrogen-oxygen system. The pressure-temperature limits between these regions of mild and strong ignition were determined. From the same experimental tests, induction time data were obtained over the pressure range of 1-4 atm and the temperature interval of 1200-1700 K.

Vermeer, D. J.↗

Experimental test of general relativity using time-delay data from Mariner 6 and Mariner 7

Range and Doppler data from Mariner 6 and Mariner 7 have been analyzed for purposes of measuring the effect of the sun's gravity field on S-band radio transmissions to the spacecraft. The prediction of general relativity, that the round-trip time delays between the station and the spacecraft will be increased by about 200 microsec near superior conjunction, has been verified with an uncertainty of 3 per cent or less. The dominant error source on the experiment is the stochastic nongravitational forces which act on the spacecraft and which limit the accuracy of the determination of the Mariner orbits. Effects of free coronal electrons on the round-trip propagation also make the measurement difficult, but the coronal contribution to the error is only about 1 per cent. Separate analyses of data from Mariner 6 and Mariner 7 yield two values near unity for the parameter gamma* which differ by about 0.3 per cent from each other. This and other considerations suggest that the error in the experiment is perhaps less than 3 per cent.

Anderson, J. D.↗

Acoustic propagation in rigid ducts with blockage

Acoustic levitation has been suggested for moving nonmagnetic material in furnaces for heat processing in space experiments. Basically, acoustic standing waves under resonant conditions are excited in the cavity of the furnace while the material blockage is located at a pressure node and thus at a maximum gradient. The position of the blockage is controlled by displacing the node as a result of frequency change. The present investigation is concerned with the effect of blockage on the longitudinal and transverse resonances of a cylindrical cavity, taking into account the results of a one-dimensional and three-dimensional (3-D) analysis. Based on a Green's function surface element method, 3-D analysis is tested experimentally and proved to be accurate over a wide range of geometric parameters and boundary shapes. The shift in resonance depends on the change in pressure gradient and duct shortening caused by the blockage.

El-Raheb, M.↗