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At least 127 records · Page 7

Computational models for the viscous/inviscid analysis of jet aircraft exhaust plumes

Computational models which analyze viscous/inviscid flow processes in jet aircraft exhaust plumes are discussed. These models are component parts of an NASA-LaRC method for the prediction of nozzle afterbody drag. Inviscid/shock processes are analyzed by the SCIPAC code which is a compact version of a generalized shock capturing, inviscid plume code (SCIPPY). The SCIPAC code analyzes underexpanded jet exhaust gas mixtures with a self-contained thermodynamic package for hydrocarbon exhaust products and air. A detailed and automated treatment of the embedded subsonic zones behind Mach discs is provided in this analysis. Mixing processes along the plume interface are analyzed by two upgraded versions of an overlaid, turbulent mixing code (BOAT) developed previously for calculating nearfield jet entrainment. The BOATAC program is a frozen chemistry version of BOAT containing the aircraft thermodynamic package as SCIPAC; BOATAB is an afterburning version with a self-contained aircraft (hydrocarbon/air) finite-rate chemistry package. The coupling of viscous and inviscid flow processes is achieved by an overlaid procedure with interactive effects accounted for by a displacement thickness type correction to the inviscid plume interface.

Dash, S. M.↗

Rectangular jets in a crossflow

Rectangular jets injected from a flat plate into a crossflow at large angles have been studied. Results were obtained as surface pressure distributions, mean velocity vector plots, turbulence intensities, and Reynolds stresses in the jet plume. The length-to-width ratio of the jets was 4, and the jets were aligned streamwise as single and side-by-side dual jets. The jet injection angles were 90 and 60 deg. Surface pressure distribution results were obtained for jet-to-freestream velocity ratios of 2.2, 4, and 8. Mean flow and turbulence flowfield data were obtained for the side-by-side dual jets, mainly for the jet-to-freestream velocity ratio of 4. The jets featured strong negative pressure peaks near the front nozzle corners. The 60-deg jets produced lower magnitude negative pressures, which are distributed over a lesser area when compared to the 90-deg jets.

Kavsaoglu, M. S.↗

Transitional flight characteristics of a geometrically simplified STOVL model

The transitional flight characteristics of a geometrically simplified Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft configuration were measured in the NASA Ames 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. The experiment was designed to provide detailed data for evaluating the capability of computational fluid dynamics methods to predict the important powered lift flow parameters. The model consists of a 60 deg cropped delta wing planform; a blended fuselage; and tandem, circular, high pressure air jets that exit perpendicular to the flat lower surface. Freestream Mach number is limited to a maximum 0.2. Model angle of attack ranges from -10 deg to +20 deg. The nozzle pressure ratios of both jets are varied between 1 and 3, and the jet exit temperatures are maintained at near ambient conditions. Detailed surface pressure measurements show that suction pressure peaks located on the upper surface of the wing during conventional wingborne flight for angles of attack greater than 5 deg move to the wing lower surface at angles of attack less than 0 deg. A reduction in these suction pressure peaks is observed when the lift jets are operating. With sonic jet exit conditions, a freestream Mach number of 0.14, and 0 deg angle of attack, the jet-induced suckdown is equivalent to a 3.7 deg reduction in angle of attack. Schlieren, laser light sheet flow visualization and total pressure measurements in the jet plumes provide a description of the three-dimensional jet efflux flowfield.

Roth, Karlin R.↗

STOVL CFD model test case

The transitional flight characteristics of a geometrically simplified Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft configuration have been measured in the NASA Ames 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. The experiment is the first in a sequence of tests designed to provide detailed data for evaluating the capability of computational fluid dynamics methods to predict the important flow parameters for powered lift. The model consists of a 60 deg cropped delta wing platform, blended fuselage and two circular in-line jets that exit perpendicularly from the flat lower surface. The measured flows have a maximum freestream Mach number of 0.2. Model angle of attack is varied between -10 and +20 deg. The flow is ambient temperature in both jet exits and the nozzle pressure ratios are varied between 1 and 3. The data presented includes forces and moments, pressures measured at 281 surface pressure ports and the pressures of the jets. Measurements of the flow are also made in the tunnel test section upstream and downstream of the model and at the jet exits to guide boundary condition selection for the planned computations. Flow visualization and total pressure measurements in the jet plumes provide a description of the three-dimensional jet efflux flowfield.

Roth, Karlin R.↗

Screech tones from free and ducted supersonic jets

It is well known that screech tones from supersonic jets are generated by a feedback loop. The loop consists of three main components. They are the downstream propagating instability wave, the shock cell structure in the jet plume, and the feedback acoustic waves immediately outside the jet. Evidence will be presented to show that the screech frequency is largely controlled by the characteristics of the feedback acoustic waves. The feedback loop is driven by the instability wave of the jet. Thus the tone intensity and its occurrence are dictated by the characteristics of the instability wave. In this paper the dependence of the instability wave spectrum on the azimuthal mode number (axisymmetric or helical/flapping mode, etc.), the jet-to-ambient gas temperature ratio, and the jet Mach number are studied. The results of this study provide an explanation for the observed screech tone mode switch phenomenon (changing from axisymmetric to helical mode as Mach number increases) and the often-cited experimental observation that tone intensity reduces with increase in jet temperature. For ducted supersonic jets screech tones can also be generated by feedback loops formed by the coupling of normal duct modes to instability waves of the jet. The screech frequencies are dictated by the frequencies of the duct modes. Super resonance, resonance involving very large pressure oscillations, can occur when the feedback loop is powered by the most amplified instability wave. It is proposed that the observed large amplitude pressure fluctuations and tone in the test cells of Arnold Engineering Development Center were generated by super resonance. Estimated super-resonance frequency for a Mach 1.3 axisymmetric jet tested in the facility agrees well with measurement.

Tam, C. K. W.↗

Plume and Shock Interaction Effects on Sonic Boom in the 1-foot by 1-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel

The desire to reduce or eliminate the operational restrictions of supersonic aircraft over populated areas has led to extensive research at NASA. Restrictions are due to the disturbance of the sonic boom, caused by the coalescence of shock waves formed by the aircraft. A study has been performed focused on reducing the magnitude of the sonic boom N-wave generated by airplane components with a focus on shock waves caused by the exhaust nozzle plume. Testing was completed in the 1-foot by 1-foot supersonic wind tunnel to study the effects of an exhaust nozzle plume and shock wave interaction. The plume and shock interaction study was developed to collect data for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation of a nozzle plume passing through the shock generated from the wing or tail of a supersonic vehicle. The wing or tail was simulated with a wedgeshaped shock generator. This test entry was the first of two phases to collect schlieren images and off-body static pressure profiles. Three wedge configurations were tested consisting of strut-mounted wedges of 2.5- degrees and 5-degrees. Three propulsion configurations were tested simulating the propulsion pod and aft deck from a low boom vehicle concept, which also provided a trailing edge shock and plume interaction. Findings include how the interaction of the jet plume caused a thickening of the shock generated by the wedge (or aft deck) and demonstrate how the shock location moved with increasing nozzle pressure ratio.

Shock wave interaction↗

A microwave probe for plasma plumes.

Swinging-arm microwave probe to measure electron density and collision frequency profiles transverse to plasma jet plumes

MICROWAVE PLASMA PROBE↗

USM3D Predictions of Supersonic Nozzle Flow

This study focused on the NASA Tetrahedral Unstructured Software System CFD code (USM3D) capability to predict supersonic plume flow. Previous studies, published in 2004 and 2009, investigated USM3D's results versus historical experimental data. This current study continued that comparison however focusing on the use of the volume souring to capture the shear layers and internal shock structure of the plume. This study was conducted using two benchmark axisymmetric supersonic jet experimental data sets. The study showed that with the use of volume sourcing, USM3D was able to capture and model a jet plume's shear layer and internal shock structure.

Carter, Melissa B.↗

Orbiter operations in close proximity to free-flying satellites or formation flying in space

The seventh orbital flight of the Space Shuttle had as one of its primary objectives the testing of the vehicle's capability for proximity operations (defined as anytime the Orbiter is within 1000 feet of another satellite). The goals of these tests were to obtain flight data on different techniques for separation from, stationkeeping with, and approach and capture of a free-flying satellite. This included the acquisition of data on technique evaluation as to propellant usage, time required, crew workload, plume disturbance to the payload by the reaction control system, and jet plume impingement. The tests were also to provide data on the rendezvous radar and optical sighting devices performance in this environment. It is concluded that the Orbiter proved to be a very responsive vehicle that ws straightforward to fly in the vicinity of another satellite given the proper experience base with ground simulations.

Crippen, R. L.↗

Jet Noise Suppression

The objectives of this chapter are to review and summarize the jet noise suppression technology, to provide a physical and theoretical model to explain the measured jet noise suppression characteristics of different concepts, and to provide a set of guidelines for evolving jet noise suppression designs. The underlying principle for all jet noise suppression devices is to enhance rapid mixing (i.e., diffusion) of the jet plume by geometric and aerothermodynamic means. In the case of supersonic jets, the shock-cell broadband noise reduction is effectively accomplished by the elimination or mitigation of the shock-cell structure. So far, the diffusion concepts have predominantly concentrated on jet momentum and energy (kinetic and thermal) diffusion, in that order, and have yielded better noise reduction than the simple conical nozzles. A critical technology issue that needs resolution is the effect of flight on the noise suppression potential of mechanical suppressor nozzles. A more thorough investigation of this mechanism is necessary for the successful development and design of an acceptable noise suppression device for future high-speed civil transports.

Gliebe, P. R.↗

Fluid dynamics and noise emission associated with supersonic jets

Methods have long been sought to find an efficient means for reduction of jet noise using either active or passive turbulence control measures. Progress in this area is limited by unclear understanding of the physical supersonic jet noise source mechanisms as they relate to the jet plume turbulence structure. These mechanisms have been extensively studied using round jets. This paper shows that jets with nonround jet exit geometry can provide beneficial noise reduction relative to round jets. Both the fluid dynamic structure and noise of several nonround jets are examined in the paper.

Seiner, John M.↗

Arcjet plasma plume effect on a microwave reflector antenna

The effect of plasma produced by an arc-jet thruster on the performance of on-board reflector antennas was investigated using a configuration in which the arc-jet plume is modeled as an inhomogeneous scatterer with a smoothly varying refractive index. On the basis of laws of geometrical optics, used to calculate the wave propagation, the trajectory, phase, amplitude, and polarization of the high-frequency ray field are computed numerically. The experiments performed to validate the calculated results experimentally are described.

Birkner, B. W.↗

Fifty Years of Fluidic Injection for Jet Noise Reduction

The paper reviews 50 years of research investigating jet noise reduction through fluidic injection. Both aqueous and gaseous injection concepts for supersonic and subsonic jet exhausts are discussed. Aqueous injection reduces jet noise by reducing main jet temperature through evaporation and main jet velocity through momentum transfer between water droplets and the main jet. In the launch vehicle environment where large quantities of fluid do not have to be carried with the vehicle, water injection is very effective at reducing excess overpressures. For in-flight use, aqueous injection is problematic as most studies show that either large quantities of water or high injection pressures are required to achieve noise reduction. The most effective noise reduction injection systems require water pressures above 2000 kPa (290 psi) and water-to-mainjet mass flow rates above 10% to achieve overall sound pressure level reductions of roughly 6 dB in the peak jet noise direction. Injection at lower pressure (roughly 1034 kPa or 150 psi) has resulted in a 1.6 EPNdb reduction in effective perceived noise level. Gaseous injection reduces noise through jet plume modifications resulting from the introduction of streamwise vorticity in the main jet. In subsonic single-stream jets, air injection usually produces the largest overall sound pressure level reductions (roughly 2 dB) in the peak jet noise direction. In dual-stream jets, properly designed injection systems can reduce overall sound pressure levels and effective perceived noise levels but care must be taken to choose injector designs that limit sound pressure level increases at high frequencies. A reduction of 1.0 EPNdB has been achieved with injection into the fan and core streams. However, air injection into dual-stream subsonic jets has received little attention and the potential for noise reduction is uncertain at this time. For dual-stream supersonic jets, additional research needs to be conducted to determine if reductions can be achieved with injection pressures available from current aircraft engines. 1.

Henderson, Brenda↗

Phased Array Noise Source Localization Measurements of an F404 Nozzle Plume at Both Full and Model Scale

A 48-microphone planar phased array system was used to acquire jet noise source localization data on both a full-scale F404-GE-F400 engine and on a 1/4th scale model of a F400 series nozzle. The full-scale engine test data show the location of the dominant noise sources in the jet plume as a function of frequency for the engine in both baseline (no chevron) and chevron configurations. Data are presented for the engine operating both with and without afterburners. Based on lessons learned during this test, a set of recommendations are provided regarding how the phased array measurement system could be modified in order to obtain more useful acoustic source localization data on high-performance military engines in the future. The data obtained on the 1/4th scale F400 series nozzle provide useful insights regarding the full-scale engine jet noise source mechanisms, and document some of the differences associated with testing at model-scale versus fullscale.

Podboy, Gary G.↗

Reductions in Multi-Component Jet Noise by Water Injection

An experimental investigation was performed in the NASA Langley Low Speed Aeroacoustics Wind Tunnel to determine the extent of jet exhaust noise reduction that can be obtained using water injection in a hot jet environment. The effects of water parameters such as mass flow rate, injection location, and spray patterns on suppression of dominant noise sources in both subsonic and supersonic jets were determined, and extrapolations to full-scale engine noise reduction were made. Water jets and sprays were injected in to the shear layers of cold and hot circular jets operating at both subsonic and supersonic exhaust conditions. Use of convergent-divergent and convergent nozzles (2.7in. D) allowed for simulations of all major jet noise sources. The experimental results show that water injection clearly disrupts shock noise sources within the jet plume, with large reductions in radiated shock noise. There are smaller reductions in jet mixing noise, resulting in only a small decrease in effective perceived noise level when projections are made to full scale. The fact that the measured noise reduction in the direction upstream of the nozzle was consistently larger than in the noisier downstream direction contributed to keeping effective perceived noise reductions small. Variations in the operation of the water injection system clearly show that injection at the nozzle exit rather than further downstream is required for the largest noise reduction. Noise reduction increased with water pressure as well as with its mass flow, although the type of injector had little effect.

Norum, Thomas D.↗

Heated Supersonic Axisymmetric Jet Cases for the NASA Turbulence Modeling Resource

This paper will describe three new supersonic jet cases for the NASA Turbulence Modeling Resource (TMR). These cases were taken from the 6th AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop (PAW) nozzle test problem, which utilized data taken at NASA GRC consisting of non-intrusive measurements of jet plume velocities and temperatures, including both mean values and turbulence statistics. The three jet cases all used a Mach 1.63 axisymmetric nozzle: A heated jet for each at on-design conditions, a temperature-matched on-design condition at Mach 1.63, and an off-design heated condition for the Mach 1.63 nozzle. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions are obtained using three established Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) codes: Wind-US, FUN3D, and Vulcan, all using the Menter Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model. The NASA TMR requires at least two CFD codes yielding essentially identical results to certify that the approaches are verified, that is - providing solutions that may not necessarily provide close comparisons with experimental data, but solve the posed CFD equations as intended.

nozzle↗

Shock structure and noise of supersonic jets in simulated flight to Mach 0.4

Measured jet plume static pressure distributions and far-field acoustic spectra are presented for underexpanded jets in simulated flight up to a Mach number of 0.4. A gradual stretching of the downstream shock cells is found as the Mach number increases, with no perceptible change in the shock strength. There appears to be little effect of flight on the broadband shock noise amplitudes, and the small changes in its peak frequency for the same emission angle are correlated with the slightly longer shock cells in flight. The larger changes in the broadband peak frequency found at the same angle in wind tunnel coordinates are attributable to convection. Jet mixing noise production decreases significantly with increasing flight speed.

Norum, Thomas D.↗