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At least 91 records · Page 5

Some recent developments in the prediction of shock interaction phenomena at hypersonic speeds

The shock strengths for which either Edney type I or type II shock interference patterns can occur when two oblique shocks of opposite families intersect were determined graphically at Mach 10 by using logarithmic shock polar diagrams. The theoretical region of overlap for the two types of interaction was investigated by observing in the Schlieren system of the Langley 15-inch hypersonic flow apparatus the intersection of oblique shocks generated by two sharp 10 degree wedges as the wedge angles of attack and their relative positions were altered. A range of shock strengths for which either of the two interference patterns can exist was demonstrated.

Crawford, D. H.↗

Analytic Study of Induced Pressure on Long Bodies of Revolution with Varying Nose Bluntness at Hypersonic Speeds

Pressure distributions and shock shapes for a series of cylindrical afterbodies having nose fineness ratios from 0.4 to 4 have been calculated by using the method of characteristics for a perfect gas. The fluid mediums investigated were air and helium and the Mach number range was from 5 to 40. Flow parameters obtained from blast-wave analogy gave good correlations of blunt-nose induced pressures and shock shapes. Experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the characteristic calculations. The concept of hypersonic similitude enables good correlation of the results with respect to body shape, Mach number, and ratio of specific heats.

VanHise, Vernon↗

Abort separation study of a shuttle orbiter and external tank at hypersonic speeds

The effects of several parameters on the relative motions of a space shuttle orbiter design and its external tank were determined during staging for the return-to-launch-site abort mode. The parameters included angle of attack, dynamic pressure, flight-path angle, pitch rate, elevon effectiveness and the use of thrust applied to the tank. The relative positions of each component were determined by a separation trajectory computer program which incorporated data obtained in wind-tunnel tests with the orbiter and tank in proximity. These tests were conducted at Mach 10.3 in a continuous-flow hypersonic tunnel. All separation cases were initiated at a constant Mach number of 10 with an assumed sideslip angle of 0 deg.

Bernot, P. T.↗

Experimental boundary-layer edge Mach numbers for two space shuttle orbiters at hypersonic speeds

Pitot-pressure profiles and surface pressure measurements have been obtained at four axial stations along the center lines of space shuttle straight-wing and delta-wing orbiters at angles of attack from 20 deg to approximately 60 deg and Mach numbers of 20.3 (helium) and 6.8 (air). The results show that the Mach number at the edge of the boundary layer is best predicted by tangent-cone theory up to shock detachment.

Ashby, G. C., Jr.↗

Lee-side flow phenomena on space shuttle configurations at hypersonic speeds. Part 1: Flow separation and flow field viscous phenomena of a delta-wing shuttle orbiter configuration

Results of a pitot pressure investigation of the flow field on the lee side of a delta wing shuttle orbiter are presented. The results delineate the extent of the lee side separated flow and give a tentative cross sectional definition to the shock wave structure for angles of attack of 15 deg and 30 deg. It is shown that while, in general, the effects of Reynolds number on the flow field are not large, detailed effects are observed that may have significant bearing on the heating estimate. Two examples are cited for an angle of attack of 15 deg; these are: (1) The scope of the vertical tail exposed to the unseparated flow increases with increasing Reynolds number and (2) the depth of the separated flow adjacent ot where the bow wave crosses the wing appears to decrease with increasing Reynolds number. In addition, it is shown that at a spanwise station outboard of the wing-fuselage juncture, increasing Reynolds number decreased the pitot pressure in the unseparated flow. This defect of pitot pressure appears associated with the flow over the wing-fillet-fuselage juncture.

Cleary, J. W.↗

Correlations of peak heating in shock interference regions at hypersonic speeds.

Correlations are given of measured pressure and heat-transfer peaks for shock/boundary-layer interactions and shear layer attachment on configurations with both two- and three-dimensional interactions. The peak values were obtained from an investigation of shock interference heating on hemispheres, a 30-deg included angle wedge, and a 2.54-cm-diam cylindrical leading-edge fin model. The investigation covers data for Mach numbers of 6 and 20 over freestream Reynolds numbers ranging from (3.3 to 25.6) million per meter, and specific heat ratios of 1.4 and 1.67.

Keyes, J. W.↗

Lee-surface heating and flow phenomena on space shuttle orbiters at large angles of attack and hypersonic speeds

The lee-surface flow phenomena on a delta-wing orbiter and a straight-wing orbiter have been investigated at angles of attack between 0 deg and 50 deg at a Mach number of 6. Limited studies of the delta-wing orbiter were conducted at a Mach number of 19. Heat-transfer data, pressure distributions, and oil-flow studies were employed to experimentally examine the nature of the surface flow and the severity of the lee-surface heating. The effects of Reynolds number on the flow field and heating were investigated. Problem areas are defined and areas for further study are recommended.

Hefner, J. N.↗

Apparatus and method for generating large mass flow of high temperature air at hypersonic speeds

High temperature, high mass air flow and a high Reynolds number test air flow in the Mach number 8-10 regime of adequate test flow duration is attained by pressurizing a ceramic-lined storage tank with air to a pressure of about 100 to 200 atmospheres. The air is heated to temperatures of 7,000 to 8,000 R prior to introduction into the tank by passing the air over an electric arc heater means. The air cools to 5,500 to 6,000 R while in the tank. A decomposable gas such as nitrous oxide or a combustible gas such as propane is injected into the tank after pressurization and the heated pressurized air in the tank is rapidly released through a Mach number 8-10 nozzle. The injected gas medium upon contact with the heated pressurized air effects an exothermic reaction which maintains the pressure and temperature of the pressurized air during the rapid release.

Sabol, A. P.↗

Shock-wave-induced turbulent boundary-layer separation at hypersonic speeds

An experiment is described that tests and guides computations of the interaction of a shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer. Numerical solutions of the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the entire flow field employing algebraic eddy viscosity and turbulent Prandtl number models for shear stress and heat flux are presented and used to illustrate the dependence of the computations on the particulars of the turbulence models. To guide modifications in the models, the mean flow profiles and surface measurements of pressure, shear, and heat flux are analyzed critically. The results show that the models of eddy viscosity require substantial modifications in the interaction region. Improved solutions employing the experimentally modified models are presented.

Horstman, C. C.↗

An experimental and numerical investigation of shock-wave induced turbulent boundary-layer separation at hypersonic speeds

An experiment designed to test and guide computations of the interaction of an impinging shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer is described. Detailed mean flow-field and surface data are presented for two shock strengths which resulted in attached and separated flows, respectively. Numerical computations, employing the complete time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations along with algebraic eddy-viscosity and turbulent Prandtl number models to describe shear stress and heat flux, are used to illustrate the dependence of the computations on the particulars of the turbulence models. Models appropriate for zero-pressure-gradient flows predicted the overall features of the flow fields, but were deficient in predicting many of the details of the interaction regions. Improvements to the turbulence model parameters were sought through a combination of detailed data analysis and computer simulations which tested the sensitivity of the solutions to model parameter changes. Computer simulations using these improvements are presented and discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

An experimental and numerical investigation of shock wave induced turbulent boundary layer separation at hypersonic speeds

A thoroughly documented experiment is reported that was specifically designed to test and guide computations of the interaction of an impinging shock wave with a turbulent boundary layer. Detailed mean flow field and surface data are presented for two shock strengths which resulted in attached and separated flows, respectively. Numerical computations are used to illustrate the dependence of the computations on the particulars of the turbulence models. Models appropriate for zero pressure gradient flows predicted the overall features of the flow fields, but were deficient in predicting many of the details of the interaction regions. Improvements to the turbulence model parameters were sought through a combination of detailed data analysis and computer simulations which tested the sensitivity of the solutions to model parameter changes. Computer simulations using these improvements are presented and discussed.

Marvin, J. G.↗

Entry dynamics of space shuttle orbiter with longitudinal stability and control uncertainties at supersonic and hypersonic speeds

A six-degree-of-freedom simulation analysis was conducted to examine the effects of longitudinal static aerodynamic stability and control uncertainties on the performance of the space shuttle orbiter automatic (no manual inputs) entry guidance and control systems. To establish the acceptable boundaries, the static aerodynamic characteristics were varied either by applying a multiplier to the aerodynamic parameter or by adding an increment. With either of two previously identified control system modifications included, the acceptable longitudinal aerodynamic boundaries were determined.

Stone, H. W.↗

Entry dynamics of space shuttle orbiter with lateral-directional stability and control uncertainties at supersonic and hypersonic speeds

A six-degree-of-freedom simulation analysis was conducted to examine the effects of the lateral-directional static aerodynamic stability and control uncertainties on the performance of the automatic (no manual inputs) entry-guidance and control systems of the space shuttle orbiter. To establish the acceptable boundaries of the uncertainties, the static aerodynamic characteristics were varied either by applying a multiplier to the aerodynamic parameter or by adding an increment. Control-system modifications were identified that decrease the sensitivity to off-nominal aerodynamics. With these modifications, the acceptable aerodynamic boundaries were determined.

Stone, H. W.↗

Stability and control over the supersonic and hypersonic speed range

The performance and aerodynamic characteristics of the Space Shuttle Columbia are analyzed over the speed range from Mach 2 to 26 using flight data taken from the first five Space Transportation System flights. These data are used to reconstruct the entry trajectory, calculate vehicle performance, and estimate lateral stability and control derivatives including those assocated with the onboard Reaction Control System. The trajectory reconstruction process is discussed in its relationship to the determination of the vehicle flight characteristics. Vehicle performance results are presented which show that lift and drag were generally overpredicted by 3 percent and that the life-to-drag ratio was underpredicted by 1 percent. Anomalies in pitching-moment trim characteristics are shown and noted to be due to real-gas and Mach-number effects. Lateral stability and control derivatives estimated using programmed test input maneuvers are corrected with preflight predictions and are usually within the uncertainties associated with the predictions. The lateral reaction-control system effectiveness is evaluated.

Compton, H. R.↗