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At least 145 records · Page 8

A comparison of measured and predicted sphere shock shapes in hypersonic flows with density ratios from 4 to 19

Measured shock shapes are presented for sphere and hemisphere models in helium, air, CF4, C2F6, and CO2 test gases, corresponding to normal-shock density ratios (primary factor governing shock detachment distance of blunt bodies at hypersonic speeds) from 4 to 19. These shock shapes were obtained in three facilities capable of generating the high density ratios experienced during planetary entry at hypersonic conditions; namely, the 6-inch expansion tube, with hypersonic CF4 tunnel, and pilot CF4 Mach 6 tunnel (with CF4 replaced by C2F6). Measured results are compared with several inviscid perfect-gas shock shape predictions, in which an effective ratio of specific heats is used as input, and with real-gas predictions which include effects of a laminar viscous layer and thermochemical nonequilibrium.

Miller, C. G., III

Defining constants, equations, and abbreviated tables of the 1975 US Standard Atmosphere

The U.S. Standard Atmosphere, 1975 (COESA, 1975) is an idealized, steady-state representation of the earth's atmosphere from the surface of the earth to 1000-km altitude, as it is assumed to exist in a period of moderate solar activity. From 0 to 86 km, the atmospheric model is specified in terms of the hydrostatic equilibrium of a perfect gas, with that portion of the model from 0 to 51 geopotential kilometers being identical with that of the U.S. Standard Atmosphere, 1962 (COESA, 1962). Between 51 and 86 km, the defining temperature-height profile has been modified from that of the 1962 Standard to lower temperatures between 51 and 69.33 km, and to greater values between 69.33 and 86 km. Above 86 km, the model is defined in terms of quasi-dynamic considerations involving the vertical component of the flux of molecules of individual gas species. These conditions lead to the generation of independent number-density distributions of the major species, N2, O2, O, Ar, Ne, and H, consistent with observations. The detailed definitions of the model are presented along with graphs and abbreviated tables of the atmospheric properties of the 1975 Standard.

Minzner, R. A.

Compressible laminar boundary layers with large acceleration and cooling

The paper extends an approximate prediction method involving the integral form of the momentum equation to deduce the flow quantities of interest when compressibility effects become important and heat transfer may occur. The approximate method is applicable to a two-dimensional laminar boundary layer on an impermeable surface of negligible curvature for a specified integral momentum equation. The proposed approximate method involves the use of similar solutions in conjunction with the integral momentum equation for isentropic freestream flow of a perfect gas by assuming that viscosity is proportional to stagnation condition and Prandtl number is unity. The study pertains to larger values of acceleration (acceleration parameter to 20 rather than 2) than previously considered to account for rapidly accelerating flows such as in supersonic nozzles. A discussion of some applications confirms the advantages of the method in establishing better confidence in the predictions.

Back, L. H.

Engineering flowfields and heating rates for highly swept wing leading edges

An engineering flow model is developed (and verified experimentally) which describes the flowfield that arises when a supersonic stream encounters a wedge/cylinder configuration whose angles are such that the flow includes only weak shock waves. A numerical code using the perfect gas relations is used to describe the flow in the plane of symmetry inboard of the shock interaction region. Theoretical surface-pressure and heat-transfer distributions are computed for freestream velocities ranging from 1167 to 7610 m/sec. Nondimensionalization of the heat-transfer rates in terms of local flow parameters produced a correlation of Stanton number as a function of the local Reynolds number, which is independent of the freestream flow conditions and of the surface temperature.

Bertin, J. J.

The global reference atmospheric model, mod 2 (with two scale perturbation model)

The Global Reference Atmospheric Model was improved to produce more realistic simulations of vertical profiles of atmospheric parameters. A revised two scale random perturbation model using perturbation magnitudes which are adjusted to conform to constraints imposed by the perfect gas law and the hydrostatic condition is described. The two scale perturbation model produces appropriately correlated (horizontally and vertically) small scale and large scale perturbations. These stochastically simulated perturbations are representative of the magnitudes and wavelengths of perturbations produced by tides and planetary scale waves (large scale) and turbulence and gravity waves (small scale). Other new features of the model are: (1) a second order geostrophic wind relation for use at low latitudes which does not "blow up" at low latitudes as the ordinary geostrophic relation does; and (2) revised quasi-biennial amplitudes and phases and revised stationary perturbations, based on data through 1972.

Justus, C. G.

Numerical solution of the viscous hypersonic flow past blunted cones at angle of attack

Hypersonic viscous flow over spherically blunted cones of large half angle is computed at small angles of attack in the plane of symmetry of the flow field. Time-dependent viscous shock-layer equations in body-oriented coordinates are used to describe the flow field. The shock wave is treated as a discontinuity, across which the Rankine-Hugoniot relations are used to compute the flow conditions behind the shock. A time-marching second-order finite-difference method is used to solve the equations for a perfect gas. The local CFL (Courant-Friedrich-Lewy) time increment is used to advance the solution in time at each grid point. A fourth-order damping is used to damp the oscillations in the flow quantities. The numerical results of the present analysis for quantities such as shock standoff distance, surface-pressure distribution, and heating rates compare well with the existing theoretical and experimental results.

Kumar, A.

Recovery of refractivity profiles and pressure and temperature distributions in the lower atmosphere from satellite-to-satellite radio occultation data

The feasibility of recovering parameters from one-way range rate between two earth orbiting spacecraft during occultation of the tracking signal by the earth's lower atmosphere. The tracking data is inverted by an integral transformation (Abel transform) to obtain a vertical refractivity profile above the point of closest approach of the ray connecting the satellites. Pressure and temperature distributions can be obtained from values of dry refractivity using the hydrostatic equation and perfect gas law. Two methods are investigated for recovering pressure and temperature parameters. Results show that recovery is much more sensitive to satellite velocity errors than to satellite position errors. An error analysis is performed. An example is given demonstrating recovery of parameters from radio occultation data obtained during satellite-to-satellite tracking of Nimbus 6 by the ATS 6 satellite.

Murray, C. W., Jr.

Comparison of viscous-shock-layer solutions by time-asymptotic and steady-state methods

Two flow-field codes employing the time- and space-marching numerical techniques were evaluated. Both methods were used to analyze the flow field around a massively blown Jupiter entry probe under perfect-gas conditions. In order to obtain a direct point-by-point comparison, the computations were made by using identical grids and turbulence models. For the same degree of accuracy, the space-marching scheme takes much less time as compared to the time-marching method and would appear to provide accurate results for the problems with nonequilibrium chemistry, free from the effect of local differences in time on the final solution which is inherent in time-marching methods. With the time-marching method, however, the solutions are obtainable for the realistic entry probe shapes with massive or uniform surface blowing rates; whereas, with the space-marching technique, it is difficult to obtain converged solutions for such flow conditions. The choice of the numerical method is, therefore, problem dependent. Both methods give equally good results for the cases where results are compared with experimental data.

Gupta, R. N.

VNAP2: A Computer Program for Computation of Two-dimensional, Time-dependent, Compressible, Turbulent Flow

A computer program, VNAP2, for calculating turbulent (as well as laminar and inviscid), steady, and unsteady flow is presented. It solves the two dimensional, time dependent, compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The turbulence is modeled with either an algebraic mixing length model, a one equation model, or the Jones-Launder two equation model. The geometry may be a single or a dual flowing stream. The interior grid points are computed using the unsplit MacCormack scheme. Two options to speed up the calculations for high Reynolds number flows are included. The boundary grid points are computed using a reference plane characteristic scheme with the viscous terms treated as source functions. An explicit artificial viscosity is included for shock computations. The fluid is assumed to be a perfect gas. The flow boundaries may be arbitrary curved solid walls, inflow/outflow boundaries, or free jet envelopes. Typical problems that can be solved concern nozzles, inlets, jet powered afterbodies, airfoils, and free jet expansions. The accuracy and efficiency of the program are shown by calculations of several inviscid and turbulent flows. The program and its use are described completely, and six sample cases and a code listing are included.

Cline, M. C.

A heat exchanger computational procedure for temperature-dependent fouling

A novel heat exchanger computational procedure is described which provides a means of rapidly calculating the distributions of fluid and wall temperatures, deposit formation, and pressure loss at various points in a heat exchanger. The procedure is unique in that it is capable of treating wide variations in heat exchanger geometry without recourse to restrictive assumptions concerning heat exchanger type (e.g., co-flow, counterflow, cross flow devices, etc.). The analysis has been used extensively to predict the performance of cross-counterflow heat exchangers in which one fluid behaves as a perfect gas (e.g., air) while the other fluid is assumed to be a distillate fuel. The model has been extended to include the effects on heat exchanger performance of time varying inflow conditions. Heat exchanger performance degradation due to deposit formation with time can be simulated, making this procedure useful in predicting the effects of temperature-dependent fouling.

Chiappetta, L. M.

A vectorized, finite-volume, adaptive grid algorithm applied to planetary entry problems

An adaptive grid, finite-volume method has been applied to problems in planetary entry for computing complete flowfields. The adaption algorithm is implicit in nature and is keyed to resolve user specified gradients. The finite-volume algorithm is explicit, utilizing a maximum time step advancement at each grid point to accelerate convergence to the steady state. The present version of the code is for the laminar flow of a perfect gas. The role of the adaption algorithm in resolving various features of blunt body/wake flow for planetary entry conditions is emphasized.

Gnoffo, P. A.

'Coriolis resonance' within a rotating duct

An investigation of the unsteady disturbances of a fixed frequency within a radial duct rotating at a set speed is presented. The flow is assumed to be compressible, inviscid, and of a fluid which is a perfect gas. Equations are developed for the steady and the unsteady parts of the flow in cylindrical coordinates. The unsteady disturbances are expressed by Fourier decomposition in angular position, distance into the duct, and in time. It is found that a resonance is possible when the frequency of flow disturbances is twice the shaft-rotation frequency, considering only the radial and tangential disturbances and not the radial and circumferential disturbances. The particular point at which the resonance occurs indicates the occurrence is due to the Coriolis force, which is only present in the radial and tangential directions. It is noted that the Coriolis force can only be present in open-ended ducts, such as those found in centrifugal compressors.

Kurosaka, M.

Computer program for solving laminar, transitional, or turbulent compressible boundary-layer equations for two-dimensional and axisymmetric flow

A numerical algorithm and computer program are presented for solving the laminar, transitional, or turbulent two dimensional or axisymmetric compressible boundary-layer equations for perfect-gas flows. The governing equations are solved by an iterative three-point implicit finite-difference procedure. The software, program VGBLP, is a modification of the approach presented in NASA TR R-368 and NASA TM X-2458, respectively. The major modifications are: (1) replacement of the fourth-order Runge-Kutta integration technique with a finite-difference procedure for numerically solving the equations required to initiate the parabolic marching procedure; (2) introduction of the Blottner variable-grid scheme; (3) implementation of an iteration scheme allowing the coupled system of equations to be converged to a specified accuracy level; and (4) inclusion of an iteration scheme for variable-entropy calculations. These modifications to the approach presented in NASA TR R-368 and NASA TM X-2458 yield a software package with high computational efficiency and flexibility. Turbulence-closure options include either two-layer eddy-viscosity or mixing-length models. Eddy conductivity is modeled as a function of eddy viscosity through a static turbulent Prandtl number formulation. Several options are provided for specifying the static turbulent Prandtl number. The transitional boundary layer is treated through a streamwise intermittency function which modifies the turbulence-closure model. This model is based on the probability distribution of turbulent spots and ranges from zero to unity for laminar and turbulent flow, respectively. Several test cases are presented as guides for potential users of the software.

Harris, J. E.

A comparative study of time-marching and space-marching numerical methods

Menees (1981) has conducted an evaluation of three different flowfield codes for the Jupiter entry conditions. However, a comparison of the codes has been made difficult by the fact that the three codes use different solution procedures, different computational mesh sizes, and a different convergence criterion. There are also other differences. For an objective evaluation of the different numerical solution methods employed by the codes, it would be desirable to select a simple no-blowing perfect-gas flowfield case for which the turbulent models are well established. The present investigation is concerned with the results of such a study. It is found that the choice of the numerical method is rather problem dependent. The time-marching and the space-marching method provide both comparable results if care is taken in selecting the appropriate mesh size near the body surface.

Gupta, R. N.

Thermal structure of the atmosphere of Venus from Pioneer Venus radio occultations

The processing and analysis results from 87 radio occultation experiments performed with the Pioneer Venus Orbiter are detailed. Atmospheric structure data were obtained with S-band (2293 MHz) and X-band (8407 MHz) signals transmitted through the 40 and 85 km levels of the Venus atmosphere. Latitudes of -68 to 88 deg at solar zenith angles of 8-166 deg were explored. The conversion of the data into acceptable form for the barometric equation to use the perfect gas law to obtain the temperature profiles is described. The temperature structures were more dependent on latitude than solar illumination conditions, with the greatest changes occurring in the circumpolar region. The polar tropopause altitude was about 4.8 km above its value at lower altitudes, with a temperature drop of 60 K and a pressure drop of 240 mb.

Kliore, A. J.

Heating analysis of bent-nose biconics at high angles of attack using the parabolized Navier-Stokes equations

A method based on the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations is used to calculate the flow field and heat transfer of lifting entry vehicles. The method is based on the Bean and Warming implicit algorithm and uses a new procedure for preventing departure solutions. Calculations are carried out for blunt on-axis and bent biconics, assuming a perfect gas and laminar flow, and compared with available heat transfer, surface pressure and shock shape measurements for a range of Mach numbers and angles of attack. In all calculations presented here, the starting solution is obtained from available inviscid and boundary layer codes. Good agreement with experiment is indicated. Thus, the method provides an accurate and rather inexpensive procedure for calculating three-dimensional flows at supersonic Mach numbers.

Stephenson, B. L.

The computation of inviscid rotational gasdynamic flows using an alternate velocity decompositon

The present investigation has the objective to present a method which can be considered to be a modification of existing potential flow algorithms. The method can be employed for the accurate and efficient solution of rotational gasdynamic flows. The general approach to computing inviscid rotational flows considered makes use of a velocity decomposition discussed by Clebsch (1859). Recent applications of the Clebsch representation in inviscid flows have involved the convection of an externally generated vorticity. Attention is given to the case of a steady, inviscid flow of a perfect gas with a uniform incoming stream. The developed procedure makes it possible to obtain a rapid solution to inviscid, compressible, rotational flows with solution algorithms which are a modification of existing potential flow codes. An application of the procedure to supersonic rotational conical flow is discussed.

Grossman, B.

Three-dimensional viscous-shock-layer applications for the Space Shuttle orbiter

A nonorthogonal three-dimensional viscous-shock-layer code was modified and used to compute the windward surface flowfield over a Shuttle-like configuration. Code modifications were made in the methods used to evaluate shock boundary conditions and in the implementation of the equilibrium air models. Additional viscous terms were also retained in the governing equations. Effects of these modifications are demonstrated. Three-dimensional flowfield solutions obtained with the modified code showed good comparison of surface heating and pressure with actual flight data. An apparently three-dimensional effect, characterized by a drop in surface heating on the Shuttle windward centerline in the wing root area, was predicted by the present method. A preliminary review of Shuttle ground-based experimental and flight data confirmed this trend. The present three-dimensional solutions were also compared with the predictions of several approximate methods. Those comparisons showed the approximate methods to be valid for predicting heating along the Shuttle windward centerline uner both perfect gas and equilibrium air conditions.

Thompson, R. A.