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At least 91 records · Page 5

Method for the determination of the three-dimensional aerodynamic field of a rotor-stator combination to compressible flow

Using the lifting surface theory and the acceleration potential method for the flow field of an axial turbocompressor stage, a recursive and a direct method are presented that make use of the eigenfunction solutions of the isolated rotor and stator to solve for the rotor-stator interaction problem. The net pressure distribution on the rotor and stator blades is represented by modified Birnbaum series, whose coefficients are determined using a matrix procedure and satisfying the boundary conditions on the surface of the blades. The relation between the matrix operators of the recursive and the direct methods is also shown. Expressions have been given for the blade circulation, the axial and tangential forces on the blade, the rotor power required, and the induced upwash velocity of the stage.

Ramachandra, Sridhar M.↗

Laser Doppler Velocimeter measurements in a 3-D impinging twin-jet fountain flow

Mean velocity and turbulence measurements were conducted on the three dimensional fountain flow field generated by the impingement of two axisymmetric jets on a ground plane with application to vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The basic instantaneous velocity data were obtained using a two component laser Doppler velocimeter in a plane connecting the nozzle centerlines at different heights above the ground emphasizing the jet impingement region and the fountain upwash region formed by the collision of the wall jets. The distribution of mean velocity components and turbulence quantities, including the turbulence intensity and the Reynolds shear stress, were derived from the basic velocity data. Detailed studies of the characteristics of the fountain revealed self-similarity in the mean velocity and turbulence profiles across the fountain. The spread and mean velocity decay characteristics of the fountain were established. Turbulence intensities of the order of 50% were observed in the fountain.

Saripalli, K. R.↗

An experimental investigation of an advanced turboprop installation on a swept wing at subsonic and transonic speeds

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the effects of a turboprop-nacelle installation on the pressure distributions over a swept, supercritical wing. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.20 to 0.80, at angles of attack from 0 to 5 degrees, nacelle nozzle pressure ratios from 1.0 to 1.6, and at propeller tip speeds from 700 to 800 ft/sec. The results of this study indicate that the turboprop nacelle interference, with and without power, on a swept wing is greater on the inboard wing panel than on the outboard wing panel. The over-the-wing nacelle installation with the propeller upwash on the inboard panel had flow separation problems at a Mach number of 0.80. No severe flow separation problems appear to exist for either propeller rotation direction for the under-the-wing nacelle installation. The local flow disturbances caused by the under-the-wing nacelle installation were in general less severe than for the over-the-wing nacelle installation.

Carlson, John R.↗

Method for the determination of the three dimensional aerodynamic field of a rotor-stator combination in compressible flow

Using the lifting surface theory and the acceleration potential method for the flow field of an axial turbocompressor stage, a recursive and a direct method are presented that make use of the eigenfunction solutions of the isolated rotor and stator to solve for the rotor-stator interaction problem. The net pressure distribution on the rotor and stator blades is represented by modified Birnbaum series, whose coefficients are determined using a matrix procedure and satisfying the boundary conditions on the surface of the blades. The relation between the matrix operators of the recursive and the direct methods is also shown. Expressions have been given for the blade circulation, the axial and tangential forces on the blade, the rotor power required, and the induced upwash velocity of the stage.

Ramachandra, Sridhar M.↗

Advanced turboprop wing installation effects measured by unsteady blade pressure and noise

A single rotation model propeller (SR-7A) was tested at simulated takeoff/approach conditions (Mach 0.2), in the NASA Lewis 9- by 15-Ft Anechoic Wind Tunnel. Both unsteady blade surface pressures and noise measurements were made for a tractor configuration with propeller/straight wing and propeller alone configurations. The angle between the wing chord and propeller axis (droop angle) was varied along with the wing angle of attack to determine the effects on noise and unsteady loading. A method was developed that uses unsteady blade pressure measurements to provide a quantitative indication of propeller inflow conditions, at least for a uniform (across the propeller disk) inflow angle. The wing installation caused a nearly uniform upwash at the propeller inlet as evidenced by the domination of the pressure spectra by the first shaft order. This inflow angle increased at a rate of almost 150 percent of that of the wing angle-of-attack for a propeller-wing spacing of 0.54 wing chords at a constant droop angle. The flyover noise, as measured by the maximum blade passing frequency level, correlates closely with the propeller inflow angle (approx. 0.6 dB per degree of inflow angle) for all droop angles and wing angles of attack tested, including the propeller alone data. Large changes in the unsteady pressure responses on the suction surface of the blade were observed as the advance ratio was varied. The presence of a leading edge vortex may explain this behavior since changes in the location of this vortex would change with loading (advance ratio).

Heidelberg, Laurence J.↗

Advanced turboprop wing installation effects measured by unsteady blade pressure and noise

A single rotation model propeller (SR-7A) was tested at simulated takeoff/approach conditions (Mach 0.2), in the NASA Lewis 9- by 15-Ft Anechoic Wind Tunnel. Both unsteady blade surface pressures and noise measurements were made for a tractor configuration with propeller/straight wing and propeller alone configurations. The angle between the wing chord and propeller axis (droop angle) was varied along with the wing angle of attack to determine the effects on noise and unsteady loading. A method was developed that uses unsteady blade pressure measurements to provide a quantitative indication of propeller inflow conditions, at least for a uniform (across the propeller disk) inflow angle. The wing installation caused a nearly uniform upwash at the propeller inlet as evidenced by the domination of the pressure spectra by the first shaft order. This inflow angle increased at a rate of almost 150 percent of that of the wing angle-of-attack for a propeller-wing spacing of 0.54 wing chords at a constant droop angle. The flyover noise, as measured by the maximum blade passing frequency level, correlates closely with the propeller inflow angle (approx. 0.6 dB per degree of inflow angle) for all droop angles and wing angles of attack tested, including the propeller alone data. Large changes in the unsteady pressure responses on the suction surface of the blade were observed as the advance ratio was varied. The presence of a leading edge vortex may explain this behavior since changes in the location of this vortex would change with loading (advance ratio).

Heidelberg, Laurence J.↗

A computer module used to calculate the horizontal control surface size of a conceptual aircraft design

The creation of a computer module used to calculate the size of the horizontal control surfaces of a conceptual aircraft design is discussed. The control surface size is determined by first calculating the size needed to rotate the aircraft during takeoff, and, second, by determining if the calculated size is large enough to maintain stability of the aircraft throughout any specified mission. The tail size needed to rotate during takeoff is calculated from a summation of forces about the main landing gear of the aircraft. The stability of the aircraft is determined from a summation of forces about the center of gravity during different phases of the aircraft's flight. Included in the horizontal control surface analysis are: downwash effects on an aft tail, upwash effects on a forward canard, and effects due to flight in close proximity to the ground. Comparisons of production aircraft with numerical models show good accuracy for control surface sizing. A modified canard design verified the accuracy of the module for canard configurations. Added to this stability and control module is a subroutine that determines one of the three design variables, for a stable vectored thrust aircraft. These include forward thrust nozzle position, aft thrust nozzle angle, and forward thrust split.

Sandlin, Doral R.↗

Canard-wing vortex interactions at subsonic through supersonic speeds

The NASA-Ames 6 x 6-foot Transonic/Supersonic Wind Tunnel has been used to conduct a study of canard-wing flowfield interactions at sub-, trans-, and supersonic speeds, giving attention to vortex interactions, vortex breakdown, shock-wave development, and vortex-shock interactions. The results obtained show that the canard-wing flowfield interaction delays vortex breakdown to a higher angle-of-attack at sub- and transonic speeds; while the flowfield interference eliminates shock-induced secondary boundary layer separation on the wing, it does not alter the location and development of a rear shock wave extending laterally across the wing. A canard-induced upwash field accelerates the upward migration of the wing vortex at sub-through-supersonic speeds, but is most pronounced at transonic speeds due to the interaction of the vortical flow with the rear shock wave.

Erickson, Gary E.↗

Free-stream turbulence and concave curvature effects on heated, transitional boundary layers

An experimental investigation of the transition process on flat-plate and concave curved-wall boundary layers for various free-stream turbulence levels was performed. Results show that for transition of a flat-plate, the two forms of boundary layer behavior, identified as laminar-like and turbulent-like, cannot be thought of as separate Blasius and fully-turbulent profiles, respectively. Thus, simple transition models in which the desired quantity is assumed to be an average, weighted on intermittency, of the theoretical laminar and fully turbulent values is not expected to be successful. Deviation of the flow identified as laminar-like from theoretical laminar behavior is shown to be due to recovery after the passage of a turbulent spot, while deviation of the flow identified as turbulent-like from the full-turbulent values is thought to be due to incomplete establishment of the fully-turbulent power spectral distribution. Turbulent Prandtl numbers for the transitional flow, computed from measured shear stress, turbulent heat flux and mean velocity and temperature profiles, were less than unity. For the curved-wall case with low free-stream turbulence intensity, the existence of Gortler vortices on the concave wall within both laminar and turbulent flows was established using liquid crystal visualization and spanwise velocity and temperature traverses. Transition was found to occur via a vortex breakdown mode. The vortex wavelength was quite irregular in both the laminar and turbulent flows, but the vortices were stable in time and space. The upwash was found to be more unstable, with higher levels of u' and u'v', and lower skin friction coefficients and shape factors. Turbulent Prandtl numbers, measured using a triple-wire probe, were found to be near unity for all post-transitional profiles, indicating no gross violation of Reynolds analogy. No evidence of streamwise vortices was seen in the high turbulence intensity case.

Kim, J.↗

Preliminary flight-determined subsonic lift and drag characteristics of the X-29A forward-swept-wing airplane

The X-29A subsonic lift and drag characteristics determined, met, or exceeded predictions, particularly with respect to the drag polar shapes. Induced drag levels were as great as 20 percent less than wind tunnel estimates, particularly at coefficients of lift above 0.8. Drag polar shape comparisons with other modern fighter aircraft showed the X-29A to have a better overall aircraft aerodynamic Oswald efficiency factor for the same aspect ratio. Two significant problems arose in the data reduction and analysis process. These included uncertainties in angle of attack upwash calibration and effects of maneuver dynamics on drag levels. The latter problem resulted from significantly improper control surface automatic camber control scheduling. Supersonic drag polar results were not obtained during this phase because of a lack of engine instrumentation to measure afterburner fuel flow.

Hicks, John W.↗

Calculation of unsteady linearized Euler flows in cascades using harmonically deforming grids

A method for calculating unsteady, inviscid, compressible flows in cascades is presented. Using the linearized Euler technique, the flow is decomposed into a steady or mean flow plus a harmonically varying small disturbance flow. The equations that describe the small disturbance flow are linear variable coefficient equations, and are solved using a pseudo-time time marching Lax-Wendroff technique. Unlike previous linearized methods, however, the solution is computed on a harmonically deforming computational grid that conforms to the motion of the vibrating airfoils. The mean flow and perturbation flow solutions are defined in the deforming coordinate system rather than in a coordinate system fixed in space. Hence, no extrapolation terms are required to implement the upwash boundary conditions at the airfoil surfaces, significantly improving the accuracy of the method. For transonic flow calculations, unsteady shock motions are modelled using shock capturing. The unsteady loads due to the shock motion are then seen as pressure impulses. Representative computational results are presented for transonic channel flows and subsonic and transonic cascade flows.

Hall, Kenneth C.↗

Aeroacoustic environment of an advanced STOVL aircraft in hover

The near-field aeroacoustic environment of a 6.02 pct scale advanced short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft is investigated in proximity to a simulated ground plane. The screech and impingement-tone characteristics of twin supersonic round and rectangular plumes are shown to be highly dependent on nozzle geometry and height above the ground plane. Shadowgraph and laser-sheet flow visualization are used to clarify the flowfield mechanisms responsible for time-dependent loads due to screech, impingement tones, and unsteady impingement of the upwash on the fuselage undersurface. Detailed dynamic pressure measurements from an array of transducers on the fuselage confirms that fountain impingement is responsible for the greatest unsteady loading.

Wlezien, Richard W.↗

An experimental study of wall adaptation and interference assessment using Cauchy integral formula

This paper summarizes the results of an experimental study of combined wall adaptation and residual interference assessment using the Cauchy integral formula. The experiments were conducted on a supercritical airfoil model in the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel solid flexible wall test section. The ratio of model chord to test section height was about 0.7. The method worked satisfactorily in reducing the blockage interference and demonstrated the primary requirement for correcting for the blockage effects at high model incidences to correctly determine high lift characteristics. The studies show that the method has potential for reducing the residual interference to considerably low levels. However, corrections to blockage and upwash velocities gradients may still be required for the final adapted wall shapes.

Murthy, A. V.↗

A Study of Dean Vortex Development and Structure in a Curved Rectangular Channel with Aspect Ratio of 40 at Dean Numbers up to 430

Flow in a curved channel with mild curvature, an aspect ratio of 40 to 1, and an inner to outer radius ratio of 0.979 is studied at Dean numbers De ranging from 35 to 430. For positions from the start of curvature ranging from 85 to 145 degrees, the sequence of transition events begins with curved channel Poiseuille flow at De less than 40-64. As the Dean number increases, observations show initial development of Dean vortex pairs, followed by symmetric vortex pairs which, when viewed in spanwise/radial planes, cover the entire channel height (De=90-100). At De from 40 to 125-130, the vortex pairs often develop intermittent waviness in the form of vortex undulations. Splitting and merging of vortex pairs is also observed over the same experimental conditions as well as at higher De. When Dean numbers range from 130 to 185-200, the undulating wavy mode is replaced by a twisting mode with higher amplitudes of oscillation and shorter wavelengths. The twisting wavy mode results in the development of regions where turbulence intensity is locally augmented at Dean numbers from 150 to 185-200, principally in the upwash regions between the two individual vortices which make up each vortex pair. These turbulent regions eventually increase in intensity and spatial extent as the Dean number increases further, until individual regions merge together so that the entire cross section of the channel contains chaotic turbulent motions. When Dean numbers then reach 400-435, spectra of velocity fluctuations then evidence fully turbulent flow.

Ligrani, Phillip M.↗

The Spectral and Statistical Properties of Turbulence Generated by a Vortex/Blade-Tip Interaction

The perpendicular interaction of a streamwise vortex with the tip of a lifting blade was studied in incompressible flow to provide information useful to the accurate prediction of helicopter rotor noise and the understanding of vortex dominated turbulent flows. The vortex passed 0.3 chord lengths to the suction side of the blade tip, providing a weak interaction. Single and two-point turbulence measurements were made using sub-miniature four sensor hot-wire probes 15 chord lengths downstream of the blade trailing edge; revealing the mean velocity and Reynolds stress tensor distributions of the turbulence, as well as its spanwise length scales as a function of frequency. The single point measurements show the flow downstream of the blade to be dominated by the interaction of the original tip vortex and the vortex shed by the blade. These vortices rotate about each other under their mutual induction, winding up the turbulent wakes of the blades. This interaction between the vortices appears to be the source of new turbulence in their cores and in the region between them. This turbulence appears to be responsible for some decay in the core of the original vortex, not seen when the blade is removed. The region between the vortices is not only a region of comparatively large stresses, but also one of intense turbulence production. Velocity autospectra measured near its center suggests the presence quasi-periodic large eddies with axes roughly parallel to a line joining the vortex cores. Detailed two-point measurements were made on a series of spanwise cuts through the flow so as to reveal the turbulence scales as they would be seen along the span of an intersecting airfoil. The measurements were made over a range of probe separations that enabled them to be analyzed not only in terms of coherence and phase spectra but also in terms of wave-number frequency (kappa-omega) spectra, computed by transforming the measured cross-spectra with respect to the spanwise separation of the probes. These data clearly show the influence of the coherent eddies in the spiral wake and the turbulent region between the cores. These eddies produce distinct peaks in the upwash velocity kappa-omega spectra, and strong anisotropy manifested both in the decay of the kappa-omega spectrum at larger wave-numbers and in differences between the kappa-omega spectra of different components. None of these features are represented in the von Karman spectrum for isotropic turbulence that is often used in broadband noise computations. Wave-number frequency spectra measured in the cores appear to show some evidence that the turbulence outside sets tip core waves, as has previously been hypothesized. These spectra also provide for the first time a truly objective method for distinguishing velocity fluctuations produced by core wandering from other motions.

Devenport, William J.↗

Parametric Time-Dependent Navier-Stokes Computations for a YAV-8B Harrier in Ground Effect

The Harrier Jump Jet has the distinction of being the only powered-lift aircraft in the free world to achieve operational status and to have flown in combat. This V/STOL aircraft can take-off and land vertically or utilize very short runways by directing its four exhaust nozzles towards the ground. Transition to forward flight is achieved by rotating these nozzles into a horizontal position. Powered-lift vehicles have certain advantages over conventional strike fighters. Their V/STOL capabilities allow for safer carrier operations, smaller carrier size, and quick reaction time for troop support. Moreover, they are not dependent on vulnerable land-based runways. The AV-8A Harrier first entered service in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) during 1969, and the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in 1971. The AV-8B was a redesign to achieve improved payload capacity, range, and accuracy. This modified design first entered service with the USMC and RAF in 1985. The success and unique capabilities of the Harrier has prompted the design of a powered-lift version of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The flowfield for the Harrier near the ground during low-speed or hover flight operations is very complex and time-dependent. A sketch of this flowfield is shown. Warm air from the fan is exhausted from the front nozzles, while a hot air/fuel mixture from the engine is exhausted from the rear nozzles. These jets strike the ground and move out radially forming a ground jet-flow. The ambient freestream, due to low-speed forward flight or - headwind during hover, opposes the jet-flow. This interaction causes the flow to separate and form a ground vortex. The multiple jets also interact with each other near the ground and form an upwash or jet fountain, which strikes the underside of the fuselage. If the aircraft is sufficiently close to the ground, the inlet can ingest ground debris and hot gases from the fountain and ground vortex. This Hot Gas Ingestion (HGI) can cause a sudden loss of thrust (powered lift), and the vehicle may crash. The high-speed jet flow along the ground can also entrain the ambient flow, resulting in a low pressure region underneath the vehicle. The accompanied loss of lift is referred to as the suckdown effect. The ground vortex may also be highly unsteady, dramatically changing its size and position with time at low frequencies, e.g., 1 Hz.

Chaderjian, Neal M.↗

Inflow/Outflow Conditions for Unsteady Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics in Nonuniform Flow

The effect of a nonuniform mean flow on the normal modes; the inflow/outflow nonreflecting boundary conditions; and the sound power are studied. The normal modes in an annular duct are computed using a spectral method in combination with a shooting method. The swirl causes force imbalance which couples the acoustic and vortical modes. The acoustic modes are distinguished from the vortical modes by their large pressure and small vorticity content. The mean swirl also produces a Doppler shift in frequency. This results in more counter-spinning modes cut-on at a given frequency than modes spinning with the swirl. Nonreflecting boundary conditions are formulated using the normal mode solutions. The inflow/outflow boundary conditions are implemented in a linearized Euler scheme and validated by computing the propagation of acoustic and vortical waves in a duct for a variety of swirling mean flows. Numerical results show that the evolution of the vortical disturbances is sensitive to the inflow conditions and the details of the wake excitations. All three components of the wake velocity must be considered to correctly compute the wake evolution and the blade upwash. For high frequencies, the acoustic-vortical mode coupling is weak and a conservation equation for the acoustic energy can be derived. Sound power calculations show significant mean flow swirl effects, but mode interference effects are small.

Atassi, Oliver V.↗

The Performance of a Subsonic Diffuser Designed for High Speed Turbojet-Propelled Flight

An initial-phase subsonic diffuser has been designed for the turbojet flowpath of the hypersonic x43B flight demonstrator vehicle. The diffuser fit into a proposed mixed-compression supersonic inlet system and featured a cross-sectional shape transitioning flowpath (high aspect ratio rectangular throat-to-circular engine face) and a centerline offset. This subsonic diffuser has been fabricated and tested at the W1B internal flow facility at NASA Glenn Research Center. At an operating throat Mach number of 0.79, baseline Pitot pressure recovery was found to be just under 0.9, and DH distortion intensity was about 0.4 percent. The diffuser internal flow stagnated, but did not separate on the offset surface of this initial-phase subsonic diffuser. Small improvements in recovery (+0.4 percent) and DH distortion (-32 percent) were obtained from using vane vortex generator flow control applied just downstream of the diffuser throat. The optimum vortex generator array patterns produced inflow boundary layer divergence (local downwash) on the offset surface centerline of the diffuser, and an inflow boundary layer convergence (local upwash) on the centerline of the opposite surface.

Biesiadny, Thomas J.↗