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At least 127 records · Page 7

Cold-air performance of a tip turbine designed to drive a lift fan. 1: Baseline performance

Full admission baseline performance was obtained for a 0.4 linear scale of the LF460 lift fan turbine over a range of speeds and pressure ratios without leakage air. These cold-air tests covered a range of speeds from 40 to 140 percent of design equivalent speed and a range of scroll inlet to diffuser exit static pressure ratios from 2.0 to 4.2. Results are presented in terms of specific work, torque, mass flow, efficiency, and total pressure drop.

Haas, J. E.↗

Stability aspects of diverging subsonic flow

The paper describes the computation of two-dimensional, subsonic, diverging internal flows and how they differ from the corresponding converging flows. Such diverging or decelerating flows occur in such obvious places as subsonic diffusers and inlets; however, such flows also occur in supersonic nozzles in the presence of a normal shock. The flow instability and its relation to the numerical method used, boundary conditions, and viscous effects are assessed both analytically and numerically. The inviscid flow is shown to be physically unstable and a poor representation of the true viscous flow.

Cline, M. C.↗

Efficient solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations with a vectorized multiple-grid algorithm

A multiple-grid algorithm for use in efficiently obtaining steady solutions to the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The convergence of the explicit MacCormack algorithm on a fine grid is accelerated by propagating transients from the domain using a sequence of successively coarser grids. Both the fine and coarse grid schemes are readily vectorizable. The combination of multiple-gridding and vectorization results in substantially reduced computational times for the numerical solution of a wide range of flow problems. Results are presented for subsonic, transonic, and supersonic inviscid flows and for subsonic attached and separated laminar viscous flows. Work reduction factors over a scalar, single-grid algorithm range as high as 76.8.

Navier Stokes simulation↗

A critical evaluation of various turbulence models as applied to internal fluid flows

Models employed in the computation of turbulent flows are described and their application to internal flows is evaluated by examining the predictions of various turbulence models in selected flow configurations. The main conclusions are: (1) the k-epsilon model is used in a majority of all the two-dimensional flow calculations reported in the literature; (2) modified forms of the k-epsilon model improve the performance for flows with streamline curvature and heat transfer; (3) for flows with swirl, the k-epsilon model performs rather poorly; the algebraic stress model performs better in this case; and (4) for flows with regions of secondary flow (noncircular duct flows), the algebraic stress model performs fairly well for fully developed flow, for developing flow, the algebraic stress model performance is not good; a Reynolds stress model should be used. False diffusion and inlet boundary conditions are discussed. Countergradient transport and its implications in turbulence modeling is mentioned. Two examples of recirculating flow predictions obtained using PHOENICS code are discussed. The vortex method, large eddy simulation (modeling of subgrid scale Reynolds stresses), and direct simulation, are considered. Some recommendations for improving the model performance are made. The need for detailed experimental data in flows with strong curvature is emphasized.

Nallasamy, M.↗

Turbulence models and their applications to the prediction of internal flows - A review

The paper presents a brief account of various turbulence models employed in the computation of turbulent flows, and evaluates the application of these models to selected internal flow configurations. The main conclusions of this analysis are: (1) the k-epsilon model is used in a majority of all the two-dimensional flow calculations reported in the literature; (2) modified forms of the k-epsilon model improve the performance for flows with streamline curvature and heat transfer; (3) for flows with swirl, the k-epsilon model performs rather poorly (the algebraic stress model performs better in this case); and (4) for flows with regions of secondary flow (noncircular duct flows), the algebraic stress model performs fairly well. Two important factors in the numerical solution of the model equations, namely false diffusion and inlet boundary conditions, are discussed. The existence of countergradient transport and its implications in turbulence modeling are examined. Finally, some recommendations for improving the model performance are made. The need for detailed experimental data in flows with strong curvature is emphasized.

Nallasamy, M.↗

A Resonant Pulse Detonation Actuator for High-Speed Boundary Layer Separation Control

A variety of different types of actuators have been previously investigated as flow control devices. Potential applications include the control of boundary layer separation in external flows, as well as jet engine inlet and diffuser flow control. The operating principles for such devices are typically based on either mechanical deflection of control surfaces (which include MEMS flap devices), mass injection (which includes combustion driven jet actuators), or through the use of synthetic jets (diaphragm devices which produce a pulsating jet with no net mass flow). This paper introduces some of the initial flow visualization work related to the development of a relatively new type of combustion-driven jet actuator that has been proposed based on a pulse detonation principle. The device is designed to utilize localized detonation of a premixed fuel (Hydrogen)-air mixture to periodically inject a jet of gas transversely into the primary flow. Initial testing with airflow successfully demonstrated resonant conditions within the range of acoustic frequencies expected for the design. Schlieren visualization of the pulsating air jet structure revealed axially symmetric vortex flow, along with the formation of shocks. Flow visualization of the first successful sustained oscillation condition is also demonstrated for one configuration of the current test section. Future testing will explore in more detail the onset of resonant combustion and the approach to conditions of sustained resonant detonation.

Beck, B. T.↗

Development of an Actuator for Flow Control Utilizing Detonation

Active flow control devices including mass injection systems and zero-net-mass flux actuators (synthetic jets) have been employed to delay flow separation. These devices are capable of interacting with low-speed, subsonic flows, but situations exist where a stronger crossflow interaction is needed. Small actuators that utilize detonation of premixed fuel and oxidizer should be capable of producing supersonic exit jet velocities. An actuator producing exit velocities of this magnitude should provide a more significant interaction with transonic and supersonic crossflows. This concept would be applicable to airfoils on high-speed aircraft as well as inlet and diffuser flow control. The present work consists of the development of a detonation actuator capable of producing a detonation in a single shot (one cycle). Multiple actuator configurations, initial fill pressures, oxidizers, equivalence ratios, ignition energies, and the addition of a turbulence generating device were considered experimentally and computationally. It was found that increased initial fill pressures and the addition of a turbulence generator aided in the detonation process. The actuators successfully produced Chapman-Jouguet detonations and wave speeds on the order of 3000 m/s.

Lonneman, Patrick J.↗

Control-Relevant Modeling, Analysis, and Design for Scramjet-Powered Hypersonic Vehicles

Within this paper, control-relevant vehicle design concepts are examined using a widely used 3 DOF (plus flexibility) nonlinear model for the longitudinal dynamics of a generic carrot-shaped scramjet powered hypersonic vehicle. Trade studies associated with vehicle/engine parameters are examined. The impact of parameters on control-relevant static properties (e.g. level-flight trimmable region, trim controls, AOA, thrust margin) and dynamic properties (e.g. instability and right half plane zero associated with flight path angle) are examined. Specific parameters considered include: inlet height, diffuser area ratio, lower forebody compression ramp inclination angle, engine location, center of gravity, and mass. Vehicle optimizations is also examined. Both static and dynamic considerations are addressed. The gap-metric optimized vehicle is obtained to illustrate how this control-centric concept can be used to "reduce" scheduling requirements for the final control system. A classic inner-outer loop control architecture and methodology is used to shed light on how specific vehicle/engine design parameter selections impact control system design. In short, the work represents an important first step toward revealing fundamental tradeoffs and systematically treating control-relevant vehicle design.

Rodriguez, Armando A.↗

Aeroacoustic performance of scale model sonic inlets

Various means can be used to vary engine inlet throat areas in order to reduce noise generated at takeoff and approach. Low-speed wind-tunnel tests were performed to evaluate the aeroacoustic performance of two takeoff geometries (cylindrical centerbody and bulb-shaped centerbody) and four approach geometries (bulb-shaped centerbody, annular ring, radial vanes, and step diffuser). The effects of inlet internal lip shape and diffuser length on sonic inlet performance were also investigated. It was found that the single-passage geometries, in particular a cylindrical centerbody takeoff geometry and a bulb-shaped centerbody approach geometry, provide the highest level of aeroacoustic performance. Increasing the inlet lip contraction ratio extends the maximum incidence angle for attached lip flow, while increasing the inlet diffuser length increases total pressure recovery for a given amount of noise suppression.

Abbott, J. M.↗

A Computational and Experimental Study of Coflow Laminar Methane/Air Diffusion Flames: Effects of Fuel Dilution, Inlet Velocity, and Gravity

The influences of fuel dilution, inlet velocity, and gravity on the shape and structure of laminar coflow CH4-air diffusion flames were investigated computationally and experimentally. A series of nitrogen-diluted flames measured in the Structure and Liftoff in Combustion Experiment (SLICE) on board the International Space Station was assessed numerically under microgravity (mu g) and normal gravity (1g) conditions with CH4 mole fraction ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 and average inlet velocity ranging from 23 to 90 cm/s. Computationally, the MC-Smooth vorticity-velocity formulation was employed to describe the reactive gaseous mixture, and soot evolution was modeled by sectional aerosol equations. The governing equations and boundary conditions were discretized on a two-dimensional computational domain by finite differences, and the resulting set of fully coupled, strongly nonlinear equations was solved simultaneously at all points using a damped, modified Newton's method. Experimentally, flame shape and soot temperature were determined by flame emission images recorded by a digital color camera. Very good agreement between computation and measurement was obtained, and the conclusions were as follows. (1) Buoyant and nonbuoyant luminous flame lengths are proportional to the mass flow rate of the fuel mixture; computed and measured nonbuoyant flames are noticeably longer than their 1g counterparts; the effect of fuel dilution on flame shape (i.e., flame length and flame radius) is negligible when the flame shape is normalized by the methane flow rate. (2) Buoyancy-induced reduction of the flame radius through radially inward convection near the flame front is demonstrated. (3) Buoyant and nonbuoyant flame structure is mainly controlled by the fuel mass flow rate, and the effects from fuel dilution and inlet velocity are secondary.

flames↗

The influence of inlet design on the aeroacoustic performance of a JT15D turbofan engine as measured in the NASA-Ames 40 x 80 foot wind tunnel

The influence of inlet design on the aeroacoustic performance of a JT15D turbofan engine was investigated in the NASA-Ames 40 x 80 ft wind tunnel. Four inlet designs representative of those found in commercial service were evaluated at a forward velocity of 80 kn. The inlet designs considered were selected to evaluate the importance of circumferential static pressure distortion (SPD) for a diffusing sound suppressing inlet and throat Mach number (Mth) for a hardwall inlet on the acoustic characteristics of the JT15D engine. Several speed points were studied simulating the operating conditions spanning approach to take-off. Results demonstrated that the dependency of the forward radiated noise on inlet aerodynamic design parameters was significant (about 5 dB) for the range of SPD (0.1-3.0%) and Mth (0.3-0.6) tested. The performance of the bulk absorber acoustic treatment used in the diffusing sound suppressing inlet is also discussed.

Holm, R. G.↗

Investigation of Perforated Convergent-divergent Diffusers with Initial Boundary Layer

An experimental investigation was made at Mach number 1.90 of the performance of a series of perforated convergent-divergent supersonic diffusers operating with initial boundary layer, which was induced and controlled by lengths of cylindrical inlets affixed to the diffusers. Supercritical mass-flow and peak total-pressure recoveries were decreased slightly by use of the longest inlets (4 inlet diameters in length). Combinations of cylindrical inlets, perforated diffusers, and subsonic diffuser were evaluated as simulated wind tunnels having second throats. Comparisons with noncontracted configurations of similar scale indicated conservatively computed power reductions of 25 percent.

DIFFUSERS, SUPERSONIC↗

Nozzle diffuser for use with an open test section of a wind tunnel

The nozzle diffuser has an inlet in fluid communication with the narrowed inlet of an open test chamber in a conventional wind tunnel. The nozzle diffuser has a passageway extending from its inlet to an outlet in communication with the open test section. The passageway has an internal cross sectional area which increases from its inlet to its outlet and which may be defined by top and bottom isosceles trapezoid walls of a particular flare angle and by isosceles trapezoid side walls of a different flare angle. In addition, a collector having a decreasing internal cross sectional area from inlet to outlet may be provided at the opposite end of the test chamber such that its outlet is in communication with a diffuser located at this outlet.

Barna, P. Stephen↗

Joint US/Russia TU-144 Engine Ground Tests

Two engine research experiments were recently completed in Moscow, Russia using an engine from the Tu-144 supersonic transport airplane. This was a joint project between the United States and Russia. Personnel from the NASA Lewis Research Center, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney, the Tupolev Design Bureau, and EBP Aircraft LTD worked together as a team to overcome the many technical and cultural challenges. The objective was to obtain large scale inlet data that could be used in the development of a supersonic inlet system for a future High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). The-first experiment studied the impact of typical inlet structures that have trailing edges in close proximity to the inlet/engine interface plane on the flow characteristics at that plane. The inlet structure simulated the subsonic diffuser of a supersonic inlet using a bifurcated splitter design. The centerbody maximum diameter was designed to permit choking and slightly supercritical operation. The second experiment measured the reflective characteristics of the engine face to incoming perturbations of pressure amplitude. The basic test rig from the first experiment was used with a longer spacer equipped with fast actuated doors. All the objectives set forth at the beginning of the project were met.

Acosta, Waldo A.↗