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At least 91 records · Page 5

Comparison of Techniques for Non-Intrusive Fuel Drop Size Measurements in a Subscale Gas Turbine Combustor

In aviation gas turbine combustors, many factors, such as the degree and extent of fuel/air mixing and fuel vaporization achieved prior to combustion, influence the formation of undesirable pollutants. To assist in analyzing the extent of fuel/air mixing, flow visualization techniques have been used to interrogate the fuel distributions during subcomponent tests of lean-burning fuel injectors. Discrimination between liquid and vapor phases of the fuel was determined by comparing planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) images, elastically-scattered light images, and phase/Doppler interferometer measurements. Estimates of Sauter mean diameters are made by ratioing PLIF and Mie scattered intensities for various sprays, and factors affecting the accuracy of these estimates are discussed. Mie calculations of absorption coefficients indicate that the fluorescence intensities of individual droplets are proportional to their surface areas, instead of their volumes, due to the high absorbance of the liquid fuel for the selected excitation wavelengths.

Zaller, Michelle↗

Retrieval of Hydrometeor Drop Size Distributions from TRMM Field Campaign Profiler Doppler Velocity Spectra Observations

Consistent with the original proposal and work plan, this project focused on estimating the raindrop size distributions (DSDs) retrieved from vertically pointing Doppler radar profilers and analyzing the relationship of the retrieved DSDs with the dynamics of the precipitation processes. The first phase of this project focused on developing the model to retrieve the DSD from the observed Doppler velocity spectra. The second phase used this model to perform DSD retrievals from the profiler observations made during the TRMM Ground Validation Field Campaigns of TEFLUN-B, TRMM-LBA, and KWAJEX. The third phase of this project established collaborations with scientists involved with each field campaign in order to validate the profiler DSD estimates and to enable the profiler retrievals to be used in their research. Through these collaborations, the retrieved DSDs were placed into context with the dynamical processes of the observed precipitating cloud systems.

Williams, Christopher R.↗

Combustion Instability Analysis and the Effects of Drop Size on Acoustic Driving Rocket Flow

High frequency combustion instability, the most destructive kind, is generally solved on a per engine basis. The instability often is the result of compounding acoustic oscillations, usually from the propellant combustion itself. To counteract the instability the chamber geometry can be changed and/or the method of propellant injection can be altered. This experiment will alter the chamber dimensions slightly; using a cylindrical shape of constant diameter and the length will be varied from six to twelve inches in three-inch increments. The main flowfield will be the products of a high OF hydrogen/oxygen flow. The liquid fuel will be injected into this flowfield using a modulated injector. It will allow for varied droplet size, feed rate, spray pattern, and location for the mixture within the chamber. The response will be deduced from the chamber pressure oscillations.

Harper, Brent↗

Observing the Full Spectrum of the Rain Drop Size Distribution

GPM DSD retrievals exhibit inconsistencies between GV, DPR and Combined algorithm retrievals. Development of positive bias in convective Dm rain DSD noted, and strongest in KuPR retrieval. Associated epsilons are too low and result in markedly reduced convective rain rates (a current issue in the retrievals). Source may be NUBF. Issues with the large end of the DSD not withstanding, on the small end of the DSD, combined MPS and 2DVD measurements fit with generalized gamma functions exhibit strong potential for representing the entire spectrum of the DSD and subsequently the whole rain rate spectrum.

Hydrology↗

Measurements in liquid fuel sprays

A ground test facility is being established at NASA Lewis Research Center to simulate the environmental and flight conditions needed to study adverse weather effects. One of the most important components is the water spray system which consists of many nozzles fitted on spray bars. Water is injected through air-assisted atomizers to generate uniform size drops to simulate icing in clouds. The primary objective is to provide experimental data on drop size distribution over a wide range of operating conditions. Correlation equations for mean drop size and initial injection parameters are being determined to assist in the design and modification of the Altitude Wind Tunnel. Special emphasis is being placed on the study of the aerodynamic structure of the air-assisted atomizer sprays. Detailed measurements of the variation of drop size distribution and velocity as a function of time and space are being made. Accurate initial and boundary conditions are being provided for computer model evaluation.

Chigier, N.↗

Measurement in multiphase reacting flows

A survey is presented of diagnostic techniques and measurements made in multiphase reacting flows. The special problems encountered by the presence of liquid droplets, soot and solid particles in high temperature chemically reacting turbulent environments are outlined. The principal measurement techniques that have been tested in spray flames are spark photography, laser anemometry, thermocouples and suction probes. Spark photography provides measurement of drop size, drop size distribution, drop velocity, and angle of flight. Photographs are analysed automatically by image analysers. Photographic techniques are reliable, inexpensive and proved. Laser anemometers have been developed for simultaneous measurement of velocity and size of individual particles in sprays under conditions of vaporization and combustion. Particle/gas velocity differentials, particle Reynolds numbers, local drag coefficients and direct measurement of vaporization rates can be made by laser anemometry. Gas temperature in sprays is determined by direct in situ measurement of time constants immediately prior to measurement with compensation and signal analysis by micro-processors. Gas concentration is measured by suction probes and gas phase chromatography. Measurements of particle size, particle velocity, gas temperature, and gas concentration made in airblast and pressure atomised liquid spray flames are presented.

Chigier, N. A.↗

Spray characteristics of a spill-return airblast atomizer

The spray characteristics of a spill-return airblast atomizer are examined using water as the working fluid. Measurements of mean drop size, drop size distribution, spray cone angle, and circumferential liquid distinction, are carried out over wide ranges of liquid injection pressures and atomizing air velocities. Generally, it is found that an increase in nozzle bypass ratio worsens the atomization quality and widens the spray cone angle. Increase in airblast air velocity may improve or impair atomization quality depending on whether it increases or decreases the relative velocity between the liquid and the surrounding air. Airblast air can also be used to modify the change in spray cone angle that normally accompanies a change in bypass ratio.

Dai, X. F.↗

Laser Disdrometer Quantities (LDQUANTS) and Video Disdrometer Quantities (VDISQUANTS) Value-Added Products Report

Disdrometers are useful instruments that measure the distribution of raindrop sizes (drop size distribution: DSD) and the associated rainfall rates/accumulation as those raindrops fall to the ground. These DSDs are a quantity of interest to members of the modeler and observational communities. However, use of disdrometer data for model evaluation, radar monitoring, or other activities requires careful quality control and processing for key DSD properties of interest (e.g., the number concentration of drops) to ensure appropriate physical (scattering, fall speed) assumptions. The U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Laser Disdrometer Quantities and Video Disdrometer Quantities Value-Added Product (LDQUANTS/VDISQUANTS VAP) uses standard methods from Tokay et al. (e.g., 2013, 2014) to filter drops with unrealistic fall speeds. Further, it estimates several microphysical/geophysical quantities of parameterized DSDs (gamma or exponential assumption type fitting methods) as in previous disdrometer studies and ARM long-term efforts (e.g., Testud et al. 2001, Giangrande et al. 2014, Thompson et al. 2015). Disdrometers are also beneficial for cross-checks with other instrumentation, including rain gauges and radars. To support research interests and related radar monitoring activities, this product calculates radar equivalent quantities, including dual polarization radar quantities (e.g., Z, Differential Reflectivity ZDR, etc.), using T-Matrix scattering and additional wavelength, temperature, and drop shape assumptions (e.g., Thurai et al. 2007). All of these efforts allow disdrometer data sets to become more useful and easily handled by modeling and observational studies, or routine instrumentation checks.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Backscatter and extinction measurements in cloud and drizzle at CO2 laser wavelengths

The backscatter and extinction of laboratory generated cloud and drizzle sized water drops were measured at carbon dioxide laser wavelengths (predominately at lambda = 10.591 micrometers). Two distinctly different drop size regimes were studied: one which covers the range normally encompassed by natural cloud droplets and the other representative of mist or drizzle sized drops. The derivation and verification of the relation between extinction and backscatter at carbon dioxide laser wavelengths should allow the determination of large cloud drop and drizzle extinction coefficient solely from a lidar return signal without requiring knowledge of the drop size distribution. This result will also apply to precipitation sized drops so long as they are spherical.

Jennings, S. G.↗