Search NASASearch

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Geometry”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

Design of various fixed-geometry water-lubricated hydrodynamic journal bearings for maximum stability

This publication is the result of over 260 fractional-frequency-whirl stability tests on a variety of fixed-geometry journal bearings. It is intended principally as a guide in the selection and design of antiwhirl bearings that must operate at high speeds and low loads in low-viscosity fluids such as water or liquid metals. However, the various fixed-geometry configurations can be employed as well in applications where other lubricants, such as oil, are used and fractional-frequency whirl is a problem. The important parameters that effect stability are discussed for each bearing type, and design curves to facilitate the design of optimum-geometry bearings are included. A comparison of the stability of the different bearing configurations tested is also given.

Schuller, F. T.

Experimental investigation of model variable-geometry and ogee tip rotors

An experimental investigation was conducted to systematically explore the effects of inter-blade spatial relationships and pitch variations on rotor performance and wake geometry. Variable-geometry rotors consisting of various combinations of blade length, axial spacing, azimuth spacing, and collective pitch were tested at model scale in hover and forward flight. In addition, a hover test of a model rotor with an ogee blade tip design was conducted to determine its performance and wake characteristics. The results of this investigation indicate that properly selected variable geometry rotor configurations can offer substantial improvements in hover performance without adversely affecting forward flight performance. Axial spacing of alternate blades was found to provide the greatest performance benefit, and further improvements were achieved by combining azimuth spacing with axial spacing. The performance benefit appears to be related to the relief of local adverse aerodynamic phenomena produced by vortex interference. The ogee tip design was found to substantially reduce the concentrated core intensity of the tip vortex, and could thus prove beneficial for the relief of blade-vortex interaction problems. However, the ogee tip was found to reduce hover performance at model scale.

Landgrebe, A. J.

Ground idle performance improvement of a double-annular combustor by using simulated variable combustor geometry

A test program was undertaken to determine if variable combustor geometry could be used to reduce exhaust emissions of a low-pressure-ratio jet engine operating at ground idle conditions. Three techniques for varying combustor geometry were simulated. Other techniques evaluated were radial fuel staging and the use of preheated fuel. When simulated variable combustor geometry was employed with radial fuel staging, combustion efficiency at a fuel-air ratio of 0.01 was increased from 77 to 95 percent, and exhaust emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide were significantly reduced.

Schultz, D. F.

Low speed wind tunnel investigation of the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of several sonic inlet takeoff and approach geometries

A series of tests was conducted to determine the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of several sonic inlet takeoff and approach geometries. The effects of inlet lip shape and diffuser length were also investigated. The tests were conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel at free-stream velocities of 0 and 45 meters per second. Inlet incidence angle was varied from 0 deg to 50 deg. The inlets were sized to fit a 13.97-centimeter-diameter fan. In terms of the highest level of inlet total pressure recovery for a given amount of noise suppression, a cylindrical centerbody takeoff geometry and a bulb-shaped centerbody approach geometry provided the best results over all conditions of free-stream velocity and incidence angle. Increasing inlet lip contraction ratio extended the maximum incidence angle for attached lip flow, while increasing inlet diffuser length resulted in a higher total pressure recovery for a given amount of noise suppression.

Abbott, J. M.

Nozzle and wing geometry effects on OTW aerodynamic characteristics

The effects of nozzle geometry and wing size on the aerodynamic performance of several 5:1 aspect ratio slot nozzles are presented for over-the-wing (OTW) configurations. Nozzle geometry variables include roof angle, sidewall cutback, and nozzle chordwise location. Wing variables include chord size, and flap deflection. Several external deflectors also were included for comparison. The data indicate that good flow turning may not necessarily provide the best aerodynamic performance. The results suggest that a variable exhaust nozzle geometry offers the best solution for a viable OTW configuration.

Vonglahn, U.

Nozzle and wing geometry effects on OTW aerodynamic characteristics

The effects of nozzle geometry and wing size on the aerodynamic performance of several 5:1 aspect ratio slot nozzles are presented for OTW configurations. Nozzle geometry variables include roof angle, sidewall cutback, and nozzle chordwise location. Wing variables include chord size, and flap deflection. Several external deflectors also were included for comparison. The data indicate that good flow turning may not necessarily provide the best aerodynamic performance. The results of the study suggest that a variable exhaust nozzle geometry offers the best solution for a viable OTW configuration.

Von Glahn, U.

OTW noise correlation for several nozzle/wing geometries using a 5:1 slot nozzle with external deflectors

Acoustic spectral data obtained from a model-scale study of several over the wing (OTW) configurations with a 5:1 slot nozzle using various external deflectors are correlated in terms of deflector geometry and flow parameters. Variations in the deflector geometry include deflector size and deflector angle. In addition, geometry variations in flap setting and nozzle chordwise location are included. Three dominant noise sources are correlated: fluctuating lift noise, flap trailing edge noise, and jet mixing noise. Aerodynamic characteristics including lift and thrust measurements, obtained for the various configurations are summarized.

Vonglahn, U. H.

OTW noise correlation for several nozzle/wing geometries using a 5:1 slot nozzle with external deflectors

Acoustic spectral data obtained from a model-scale study of several OTW configurations with a 5:1 slot nozzle using various external deflectors are correlated in terms of deflector geometry and flow parameters. Variations in the deflector geometry include deflector size and deflector angle. In addition, geometry variations in flap setting and nozzle chordwise location are included. Three dominant noise sources are correlated: fluctuating lift noise, flap trailing edge noise, and jet mixing noise. Aerodynamic characteristics, including lift and thrust measurements, obtained for the various configurations are summarized.

Von Glahn, U.

GEMPAK: An arbitrary aircraft geometry generator

A computer program, GEMPAK, has been developed to aid in the generation of detailed configuration geometry. The program was written to allow the user as much flexibility as possible in his choices of configurations and the detail of description desired and at the same time keep input requirements and program turnaround and cost to a minimum. The program consists of routines that generate fuselage and planar-surface (winglike) geometry and a routine that will determine the true intersection of all components with the fuselage. This paper describes the methods by which the various geometries are generated and provides input description with sample input and output. Also included are descriptions of the primary program variables and functions performed by the various routines. The FORTRAN program GEMPAK has been used extensively in conjunction with interfaces to several aerodynamic and plotting computer programs and has proven to be an effective aid in the preliminary design phase of aircraft configurations.

Stack, S. H.

A geometry package for generation of input data for a three-dimensional potential-flow program

The preparation of geometric data for input to three-dimensional potential flow programs was automated and simplified by a geometry package incorporated into the NASA Langley version of the 3-D lifting potential flow program. Input to the computer program for the geometry package consists of a very sparse set of coordinate data, often with an order of magnitude of fewer points than required for the actual potential flow calculations. Isolated components, such as wings, fuselages, etc. are paneled automatically, using one of several possible element distribution algorithms. Curves of intersection between components are calculated, using a hybrid curve-fit/surface-fit approach. Intersecting components are repaneled so that adjacent elements on either side of the intersection curves line up in a satisfactory manner for the potential-flow calculations. Many cases may be run completely (from input, through the geometry package, and through the flow calculations) without interruption. Use of the package significantly reduces the time and expense involved in making three-dimensional potential flow calculations.

Halsey, N. D.

Dayside merging and cusp geometry

Geometrical considerations are presented to show that dayside magnetic merging when constrained to act only where the fields are antiparallel results in lines of merging that converge at the polar cusps. An important consequence of this geometry is that no accelerated flows are predicted across the dayside magnetopause. Acceleration owing to merging acts in opposition to the magnetosheath flow at the merging point and produces the variably directed, slower-than-magnetosheath flows observed in the entry layer. Another consequence of the merging geometry is that much of the time closed field lines constitute the subsolar region of the magnetopause. The manner in which the polar cap convection patterns predicted by the proposed geometry change as the interplanetary field is rotated through 360 deg provides a unifying description of how the observed single circular vortex and the crescent-shaped double vortex patterns mutually evolve under the influence of a single operating principle.

Crooker, N. U.

The grabens of Canyonlands National Park, Utah - Geometry, mechanics, and kinematics

Results are reported for three years of field and analytical study of a system of young and very well exposed grabens in southeastern Utah. A kinematic and mechanical model is developed for these specific grabens with the hope that this will aid in interpreting graben systems elsewhere on the earth and other planets. Because studies on other planets must be based entirely on photo analysis, an attempt is made to determine to what extent three-dimensional geometry could be inferred from photographs alone. An equation based on the model of graben geometry and kinematics relates thickness of faulted plates to graben parameters measurable on photographs. The initial width of a nascent graben is a simple function of the dip of the faults bounding the graben and of the thickness of the faulted brittle plate. The uniform spacing of the grabens is a natural result of the geometry of the system.

Mcgill, G. E.

Ideal spiral bevel gears: A new approach to surface geometry

The fundamental geometrical characteristics of spiral bevel gear tooth surfaces are discussed. The parametric representation of an ideal spiral bevel tooth is developed based on the elements of involute geometry, differential geometry, and fundamental gearing kinematics. A foundation is provided for the study of nonideal gears and the effects of deviations from ideal geometry on the contact stresses, lubrication, wear, fatigue life, and gearing kinematics.

Huston, R. L.

Ideal spiral bevel gears - A new approach to surface geometry

This paper discusses the fundamental geometrical characteristics of spiral bevel gear tooth surfaces. The parametric representation of an ideal spiral bevel tooth is developed. The development is based on the elements of involute geometry, differential geometry, and fundamental gearing kinematics. A foundation is provided for the study of nonideal gears and the effects of deviations from ideal geometry on the contact stresses, lubrication, wear, fatigue life, and gearing kinematics.

Huston, R. L.

An investigation of dynamic-analysis methods for variable-geometry structures

Selected space structure configurations were reviewed in order to define dynamic analysis problems associated with variable geometry. The dynamics of a beam being constructed from a flexible base and the relocation of the completed beam by rotating the remote manipulator system about the shoulder joint were selected. Equations of motion were formulated in physical coordinates for both of these problems, and FORTRAN programs were developed to generate solutions by numerically integrating the equations. These solutions served as a standard of comparison to gauge the accuracy of approximate solution techniques that were developed and studied. Good control was achieved in both problems. Unstable control system coupling with the system flexibility did not occur. An approximate method was developed for each problem to enable the analyst to investigate variable geometry effects during a short time span using standard fixed geometry programs such as NASTRAN. The average angle and average length techniques are discussed.

Austin, F.

Effect of sun and sensor geometry, canopy structure and density, and atmospheric condition on the spectral response of vegetation, with particular emphasis on across-track pointing

A computer modeling and simulation study carried out to assess the effects of various sun and sensor geometries and atmospheric conditions on the directional reflected radiance of several vegetated targets is described. Spectral responses at two wavelengths, 0.68 micron and 0.80 micron, are simulated at nine sensor zenith angles, five sensor azimuths, and nine solar zenith angles for six vegetation canopies under three atmspheric conditions. The six canopies comprise two different geometries of grass canopies at low, medium, and high leaf density. The results suggest that off-nadir viewing effects are more pronounced in the red than in the IR. However, the use of such transformations as the normalized difference index is found to reduce much of the variability seen in the bands. The magnitude of off-nadir viewing effects is found to be a function of canopy geometry.

Schnetzler, C. C.

An interactive graphics program for manipulation and display of panel method geometry

Modern aerodynamic panel methods that handle large, complex geometries have made evident the need to interactively manipulate, modify, and view such configurations. With this purpose in mind, the GEOM program was developed. It is a menu driven, interactive program that uses the Tektronix PLOT 10 graphics software to display geometry configurations which are characterized by an abutting set of networks. These networks are composed of quadrilateral panels which are described by the coordinates of their corners. GEOM is divided into fourteen executive controlled functions. These functions are used to build configurations, scale and rotate networks, transpose networks defining M and N lines, graphically display selected networks, join and split networks, create wake networks, produce symmetric images of networks, repanel and rename networks, display configuration cross sections, and output network geometry in two formats. A data base management system is used to facilitate data transfers in this program. A sample session illustrating various capabilities of the code is included as a guide to program operation.

Hall, J. F.

Experimental investigation of geometry and flow effects on acoustic radiation from duct inlets

An experimental study of the effects of geometry, flow, frequency and source structure on the radiation and reflection of sound from duct inlets has been conducted. This work extends a previous study by comparing two inlet shapes typical of static and flight testing and by considering higher order radial modes. Measurements of the internal and radiated acoustic fields are presented in terms of modal reflection coefficients and absolute radiated pressure directivity. Results indicate that geometry effects associated with these practical inlet shapes become less important for a fixed cutoff ratio as the mode order and frequency are increased. Also, static inflow, while reducing the reflected wave amplitude, is shown to have little effect on radiation directivity regardless of inlet geometry.

Silcox, R. J.