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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 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Identification of state variables and dynamic inflow from rotor model dynamic tests

The paper describes methods for extracting unknown state variables and parameters from dynamic rotor model tests given transient cyclic pitch stirring inputs, blade root flap-bending measurements, and the form of the dynamic rotor equations, including a rotor dynamic inflow description, when none of the physical parameters are known. A simplified version of the maximum likelihood method seems best suited for this purpose. The measurement equation error covariance matrix is assumed constant during each iteration, but updated for the subsequent iteration. A detailed analysis of the suitability of the derived techniques for studying various rotor dynamic inflow effects is provided.

Banerjee, D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Faired instrumentation for aerodynamic tests

Streamlined package is installed and removed without altering aerodynamic properties of structure being tested. Method uses lightweight materials so that blade balance is maintained.

Long, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High speed turboprops for executive aircraft, potential and recent test results

Four high speed propeller models were designed and tested in an 8x6 foot wind tunnel in order to evaluate the potential of advanced propeller technology. Results from these tests show that the combination of: increased blade number, aerodynamically integrated propeller/nacelles, reduced blade thickness, spinner area ruling, and blade sweep are important in achieving high propeller efficiency at the high cruise speeds.

Mikkelson, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Analytical study of the effects of wind tunnel turbulence on turbofan rotor noise

An analytical study of the effects of wind tunnel turbulence on turbofan rotor noise was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the NASA Ames 40 by 80-foot wind tunnel in simulating flight levels of fan noise. A previously developed theory for predicting rotor/turbulence interaction noise, refined and extended to include first-order effects of inlet turbulence anisotropy, was employed to carry out a parametric study of the effects of fan size, blade number, and operating line for outdoor test stand, NASA Ames wind tunnel, and flight inlet turbulence conditions. A major result of this study is that although wind tunnel rotor/turbulence noise levels are not as low as flight levels, they are substantially lower than the outdoor test stand levels and do not mask other sources of fan noise.

Gliebe, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Turbine Blade Temperature Measurements Using Thin Film Temperature Sensors

The development of thin film temperature sensors is discussed. The technology for sputtering 2 micron thin film platinum versus platinum 10 percent rhodium thermocouples on alumina forming coatings was improved and extended to applications on actual turbine blades. Good adherence was found to depend upon achieving a proper morphology of the alumina surface. Problems of adapting fabrication procedures to turbine blades were uncovered, and improvements were recommended. Testing at 1250 K at one atmosphere pressure was then extended to a higher Mach No. (0.5) in combustor flow for 60 hours and 71 thermal cycles. The mean time to failure was 47 hours accumulated during 1 hour exposures in the combustor. Calibration drift was about 0.1 percent per hour, attributable to oxidation of the rhodium in the thin films. An increase in film thickness and application of a protective overcoat are recommended to reduce drift in actual engine testing.

Grant, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Design and evaluation of low-cost stainless steel fiberglass foam blades for large wind driven generating systems

A low cost wind turbine blade based on a stainless steel fiberglass foam Budd blade design concept, was evaluated for its principle characteristics, low cost features, and its advantages and disadvantages. A blade structure was designed and construction methods and materials were selected. A complete blade tooling concepts, various technical and economic analysis, and evaluations of the blade design were performed. A comprehensive fatigue test program is conducted to provide data to verify the design stress allowables.

Eggert, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Forward rotor vortex effects on counter rotating propeller noise

Three configurations of a model counter rotating propeller manipulate the blade tip flow by: placing the CRP at angle of attack, installing shrouds, and turning the upstream blades to provide forward sweep. Flow visualization and flow measurements with thermal anemometry show no evidence of a tip vortex; however, a leading edge vortex was detected on aft swept blades. The modifications served to alter the strength and/or path of the leading edge vortex. The vortical flow is eliminated by forward sweep on the upstream propeller blades. Far field acoustic data from each test indicate only small influences on the level and directivity of the BPFs. The interaction tone at the sum of the two BPF's was significantly altered in a consistent manner. As the vortex system varied, the interaction tone was affected: far field noise levels in the forward quandrant increased and the characteristic noise minimum near the plane of rotation became less pronounced and in some cases were eliminated. If the forward propeller leading edge vortex system does not impact the rear propeller in the standard manner, a net increase in the primary interaction tone occurs for the model tested. If the leading edge vortex is removed, the interaction tone increases.

Laur, Michele↗
NASA NTRS1999

A Mode Detection Method Using the Azimuthal Directivity of a Turbofan Model

The azimuthal, far field directivity of a scale fan model was measured in high resolution. The model is a 12 inch diameter rotor with 16 blades followed by 40 stator vanes. The tests were conducted at the nominal 100% speed corresponding to a tip speed of 905 ft/sec. Measurement of the radiated sound field, forward of the fan, was made in an anechoic chamber with an inflow control device and a baffle separating the aft and forward radiated interaction noise. The acoustic field was surveyed with a circular hoop array of 16 microphones which was moved to 14 axial stations. At each axial station the hoop was rotated in half-degree increments to take 736 points in the azimuthal angle. In addition to sound pressure level, the phase angle relative to a reference microphone was measured at each point. The sound pressure level is shown to vary in patterns by 10-15 dB especially for the fundamental tone but also for the first and second harmonic. A far field mode detection method has been developed and used with the data which determines the modes generated by the fan and which then interact to form the azimuthal directivity.

Thomas, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Overview of Variable-Speed Power-Turbine Research

The vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and high-speed cruise capability of the NASA Large Civil Tilt-Rotor (LCTR) notional vehicle is envisaged to enable increased throughput in the national airspace. A key challenge of the LCTR is the requirement to vary the main rotor speeds from 100% at take-off to near 50% at cruise as required to minimize mission fuel burn. The variable-speed power-turbine (VSPT), driving a fixed gear-ratio transmission, provides one approach for effecting this wide speed variation. The key aerodynamic and rotordynamic challenges of the VSPT were described in the FAP Conference presentation. The challenges include maintaining high turbine efficiency at high work factor, wide (60 deg.) of incidence variation in all blade rows due to the speed variation, and operation at low Reynolds numbers (with transitional flow). The PT -shaft of the VSPT must be designed for safe operation in the wide speed range required, and therefore poses challenges associated with rotordynamics. The technical challenges drive research activities underway at NASA. An overview of the NASA SRW VSPT research activities was provided. These activities included conceptual and preliminary aero and mechanical (rotordynamics) design of the VSPT for the LCTR application, experimental and computational research supporting the development of incidence tolerant blading, and steps toward component-level testing of a variable-speed power-turbine of relevance to the LCTR application.

Welch, Gerard E.↗
NASA NTRS2017

A Comparison of Combustion Dynamics for Multiple 7-Point Lean Direct Injection Combustor Configurations

The combustion dynamics of multiple 7-point lean direct injection (LDI) combustor configurations are compared. LDI is a fuel-lean combustor concept for aero gas turbine engines in which multiple small fuel-air mixers replace one traditionally-sized fuel-air mixer. This 7-point LDI configuration has a circular cross section, with a center (pilot) fuel-air mixer surrounded by six outer (main) fuel-air mixers. Each fuel-air mixer consists of an axial air swirler followed by a converging-diverging venturi. A simplex fuel injector is inserted through the center of the air swirler, with the fuel injector tip located near the venturi throat. All 7 fuel-air mixers are identical except for the swirler blade angle, which varies with the configuration. Testing was done in a 5-atm flame tube with inlet air temperatures from 600 to 800 F and equivalence ratios from 0.4 to 0.7. Combustion dynamics were measured using a cooled PCB pressure transducer flush-mounted in the wall of the combustor test section.

lean direct injection↗
DOE OSTI2012

High-fidelity multiphysics simulation of BWR assembly with coupled TORT-TD/CTF

This paper describes the application of the coupled codes TORT-TD and CTF to the pin-by-pin modeling of a BWR fuel assembly with thermal-hydraulic feedback. TORT-TD, developed at GRS, is a time-dependent three dimensional discrete ordinates code. CTF is the PSU's improved version of the subchannel code COBRA-TF, which uses a two-fluid, three-field model to represent two-phase flow with entrained droplets, and is commonly applied to evaluate LWR safety margins. The coupled codes system TORT-TD/CTF, already applied to several PWR cases involving MOX, was adapted from PWR to BWR applications. The purpose of the research described in this paper is to verify the coupling for modeling two-phase flow at the pin cell level. Using an ATRIUM-10 assembly, the system's steady-state capabilities were tested on two cases: one without control blade insertion and another with partially inserted blades. The influence of the neutron absorber on local axial and radial parameters is presented. The description of an inlet flow reduction transient is an example for the time-dependent capability of the coupled system. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1937

Air Propellers in Yaw

Report presents the results of tests conducted at Stanford University of a 3-foot model propeller at four pitch settings and at 0 degree, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees yaw. In addition to the usual propeller coefficients, cross-wind and vertical forces and yawing, pitching, and rolling moments were determined about axes having their origin at the intersection of the blade axis and the axis of rotation. The tests showed that the maximum efficiency was reduced only slightly for angles of yaw up to 10 degrees but that at 30 degrees yaw the loss in efficiency was about 10 percent. In all cases the cross-wind force was found to be greater than the cross-wind component of the axial thrust. With a yawed propeller an appreciable thrust was found for v/nd for zero thrust at zero yaw. Yawing a propeller was found to induce a pitching moment that increased in magnitude with yaw.

Lesley, E P↗
NASA NTRS1991

Tiltrotor Acoustic Flight Test: Terminal Area Operations

This paper provides a comprehensive description of an acoustic flight test of the XV- 15 Tiltrotor Aircraft with Advanced Technology Blades (ATB) conducted in August and September 1991 at Crows Landing, California. The purpose of this cooperative research effort of the NASA Langley and Ames Research Centers was to obtain a preliminary, high quality database of far-field acoustics for terminal area operations of the XV-15 at a takeoff gross weight of approximately 14,000 lbs for various glide slopes, airspeeds, rotor tip speeds, and nacelle tilt angles. The test also was used to assess the suitability of the Crows Landing complex for full scale far-field acoustic testing. This was the first acoustic flight test of the XV-15 aircraft equipped with ATB involving approach and level flyover operations. The test involved coordination of numerous personnel, facilities and equipment. Considerable effort was made to minimize potential extraneous noise sources unique to the region during the test. Acoustic data from the level flyovers were analyzed, then compared with data from a previous test of the XV-15 equipped with Standard Metal Blades

SantaMaria, O. L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Blade Vibration Measurement System for Unducted Fans

With propulsion research programs focused on new levels of efficiency and noise reduction, two avenues for advanced gas turbine technology are emerging: the geared turbofan and ultrahigh bypass ratio fan engines. Both of these candidates are being pursued as collaborative research projects between NASA and the engine manufacturers. The high bypass concept from GE Aviation is an unducted fan that features a bypass ratio of over 30 along with the accompanying benefits in fuel efficiency. This project improved the test and measurement capabilities of the unducted fan blade dynamic response. In the course of this project, Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) collaborated with GE Aviation to (1) define the requirements for fan blade measurements; (2) leverage MSI's radar-based system for compressor and turbine blade monitoring; and (3) develop, validate, and deliver a noncontacting blade vibration measurement system for unducted fans.

Marscher, William↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energy efficient engine high-pressure turbine single crystal vane and blade fabrication technology report

The objective of the High-Pressure Turbine Fabrication Program was to demonstrate the application and feasibility of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft-developed two-piece, single crystal casting and bonding technology on the turbine blade and vane configurations required for the high-pressure turbine in the Energy Efficient Engine. During the first phase of the program, casting feasibility was demonstrated. Several blade and vane halves were made for the bonding trials, plus solid blades and vanes were successfully cast for materials evaluation tests. Specimens exhibited the required microstructure and chemical composition. Bonding feasibility was demonstrated in the second phase of the effort. Bonding yields of 75 percent for the vane and 30 percent for the blade were achieved, and methods for improving these yield percentages were identified. A bond process was established for PWA 1480 single crystal material which incorporated a transient liquid phase interlayer. Bond properties were substantiated and sensitivities determined. Tooling die materials were identified, and an advanced differential thermal expansion tooling concept was incorporated into the bond process.

Giamei, A. F.↗
DOE OSTI2023

The inclusion of uncertainty in circularity transition modeling: A case study on wind turbine blade end-of-life management

The transition to a more circular economy (CE) is complex and hard to predict, including in sustainable energy technologies. Many sources of uncertainty make it challenging to model CE scenarios and their potential benefits. As an example, the high variability in costs and revenues of different recycling options makes future wind turbine blade recycling highly uncertain. To better understand this challenge, the circular economy, life cycle assessment and visualization (CELAVI) framework - a discrete event simulation and life cycle assessment framework - is modified to incorporate uncertainty analysis capabilities. Moreover, a 3-step procedure that covers different aspects of uncertainty in CE studies and includes a Monte-Carlo analysis is proposed. The procedure is tested in a case study on wind turbine blade recycling using CELAVI. Results highlight that grinding and landfilling costs are the most influential parameters for wind power circularity. The model's output coefficients of variation (when input parameter uncertainties are propagated) are between 92% and 384% depending on the indicator. The approach developed in this study may help researchers and decision-makers who study circularity prioritize their data collection effort. Finally, our method contributes to a mounting yet critical body of research: the measurement of uncertainty in circularity transitions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1979

Low-cost directionally-solidified turbine blades, volume 2

An endothermically heated technology was used to manufacture low cost, directionally solidified, uncooled nickel-alloy blades for the TFE731-3 turbofan engine. The MAR-M 247 and MER-M 100+Hf blades were finish processed through heat treatment, machining, and coating operations prior to 150 hour engine tests consisting of the following sequences: (1) 50 hours of simulated cruise cycling (high fatigue evaluation); (2) 50 hours at the maximum continuous power rating (stress rupture endurance (low cycle fatigue). None of the blades visually showed any detrimental effects from the test. This was verified by post test metallurgical evaluation. The specific fuel consumption was reduced by 2.4% with the uncooled blades.

Dennis, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Design, fabrication and testing of two electrohydraulic vibration isolation systems for helicopter environments

Two electrohydraulic vibration isolation systems were designed and fabricated to reduce the vertical vibrations transmitted to the XH-51N research helicopter cabin at the blade passage frequency (18 Hz) and its first harmonic (36 Hz). Hydraulic power and electrical control are provided to two separate servoactuators from a common power supply and control electronics package located behind the pilot's seat. One servoactuator is installed between the cabin and fuselage and replaces an existing passive spring. A second servoactuator is mounted between the existing seat and cabin floor. Both servoactuators incorporate a mechanical failsafe design. The control electronics circuitry provides automatic tracking of the blade passage frequency. Results of laboratory, environmental and ground vibration tests employing an XH-51A stripped down helicopter fuselage show that the active cabin isolator reduces the vertical vibrations transmitted from the fuselage attachment point to the cabin attachment point at 18 and 36 Hz (or as an alternative, 6 Hz) by better than 90 percent.

Allen, R. E.↗