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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Experimental determination of the laminar separation bubble characteristics on an airfoil at low Reynolds numbers

An experimental investigation was conducted in order to document the structure and behavior of laminar separation bubbles at low Reynolds numbers. Data of this type is necessary if the currently insufficient analytical and numerical models are to be improved. The laminar separation bubble which forms on a NACA 66(3)-018 airfoil model was surveyed at chord Reynolds numbers ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 at angles of attack from 8 to 12 degrees. The effects of the various testing conditions on the separation bubble were isolated, and the data was analyzed in relation to existing separation bubble correlations in order to test their low Reynolds number applicability. This analysis indicated that the chord Reynolds number and the disturbance environment strongly influence the experimental pressure distributions. These effects must be included in any analytic prediction technique applied to the low Reynolds number flight regime.

Omeara, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Preliminary Airfoil Design for Low Reynolds Numbers

Advances in the fields of electronics, batteries, and electric motors have enabled broad adoption of small-scale aircraft for various terrestrial applications. Numerous Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) and small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), both civil and military, are in use today. Operation at their design flight condition often requires rotors, propellers, or wings to perform at Reynolds numbers significantly below 500,000 [1]. Airfoil performance at low Reynolds numbers is generally characterized by low aerodynamic performance (i.e. the attainable lift-to-drag ratio) compared to performance of airfoils at higher Reynolds numbers. The critical chord-based Reynolds number for conventional airfoils lies around Rec = 100,000 to Rec = 500,000 [2]. Below this critical Reynolds number, laminar separation of the boundary layer is usually the cause for poor performance. Researchers have found that below the critical Reynolds number, flat and cambered plates can outperform smooth airfoils. Circular-arc cambered plates especially have remarkable performance advantages compared to conventional airfoil shapes [3].

airfoil↗
NASA NTRS2002

Reynolds Number Effects on the Stability and Control Characteristics of a Supersonic Transport

A High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) configuration was tested in the National Transonic Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center as part of NASA's High Speed Research Program. A series of tests included longitudinal and lateral/directional studies at transonic and low speed, high-lift conditions across a range of Reynolds numbers from that available in conventional wind tunnels to near flight conditions. Results presented focus on Reynolds number sensitivities of the stability and control characteristics at Mach 0.30 and 0.95 for a complete HSCT aircraft configuration including empennage. The angle of attack where the pitching-moment departure occurred increased with higher Reynolds numbers for both the landing and transonic configurations. The stabilizer effectiveness increased with Reynolds number for both configurations. The directional stability also increased with Reynolds number for both configurations. The landing configuration without forebody chines exhibited a large yawing-moment departure at high angles of attack and zero sideslip that varied with increasing Reynolds numbers. This departure characteristic nearly disappeared when forebody chines were added. The landing configuration's rudder effectiveness also exhibited sensitivities to changes in Reynolds number.

Owens, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Aerodynamic characteristics of three helicopter rotor airfoil sections at Reynolds number from model scale to full scale at Mach numbers from 0.35 to 0.90

An investigation was conducted in the Langely 6 by 28 inch transonic tunnel to determine the two dimensional aerodynamic characteristics of three helicopter rotor airfoils at Reynolds numbers from typical model scale to full scale at Mach numbers from about 0.35 to 0.90. The model scale Reynolds numbers ranged from about 700,00 to 1,500,000 and the full scale Reynolds numbers ranged from about 3,000,000 to 6,600,000. The airfoils tested were the NACA 0012 (0 deg Tab), the SC 1095 R8, and the SC 1095. Both the SC 1095 and the SC 1095 R8 airfoils had trailing edge tabs. The results of this investigation indicate that Reynolds number effects can be significant on the maximum normal force coefficient and all drag related parameters; namely, drag at zero normal force, maximum normal force drag ratio, and drag divergence Mach number. The increments in these parameters at a given Mach number owing to the model scale to full scale Reynolds number change are different for each of the airfoils.

Noonan, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS1960

Low-Speed Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Model of a Hypersonic Research Airplane at Angles of Attack up to 90 deg for a Range of Reynolds Numbers

Static force tests have been made at low subsonic speeds for a model of a hypersonic research airplane in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel to determine the aerodynamic forces and moments up to an angle of attack of 90 deg for a range of Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds numbers, based on the mean aerodynamic chord, ranged from 740,000 to 1,900,000, which correspond to dynamic pressures from 15 to 100 lb/sq ft (Mach numbers from 0.10 to 0.27). The model was tested in the clean configuration with various horizontal-tail settings, horizontal tail off, lower rudder off, fuselage alone, and with various size strakes and slats on the nose of the model. Representative results of the present investigation are presented in plotted form, and a tabulation of all the data obtained is presented in a table. Appreciable effects on side force, yawing moment, and pitching moment are indicated by changes in Reynolds number for angles of attack of 40 to 90 deg.

Bowman, James S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

A finite Reynolds number approach for the prediction of boundary layer receptivity in localized regions

Previous theoretical work on the boundary layer receptivity problem has utilized large Reynolds number asymptotic theories, thus being limited to a narrow part of the frequency - Reynolds number domain. An alternative approach is presented for the prediction of localized instability generation which has a general applicability, and also accounts for finite Reynolds number effects. This approach is illustrated for the case of Tollmien-Schlichting wave generation in a Blasius boundary layer due to the interaction of a free stream acoustic wave with a region of short scale variation in the surface boundary condition. The specific types of wall inhomogeneities studied are: regions of short scale variations in wall suction, wall admittance, and wall geometry (roughness). Extensive comparison is made between the results of the finite Reynolds number approach and previous asymptotic predictions, which also suggests an alternative way of using the latter at Reynolds numbers of interest in practice.

Choudhari, Meelan↗
NASA NTRS1978

On an acoustic field generated by subsonic jet at low Reynolds numbers

An acoustic field generated by subsonic jets at low Reynolds numbers was investigated. This work is motivated by the need to increase the fundamental understanding of the jet noise generation mechanism which is essential to the development of further advanced techniques of noise suppression. The scope of this study consists of two major investigation. One is a study of large scale coherent structure in the jet turbulence, and the other is a study of the Reynolds number dependence of jet noise. With this in mind, extensive flow and acoustic measurements in low Reynolds number turbulent jets (8,930 less than or equal to M less than or equal to 220,000) were undertaken using miniature nozzles of the same configuration but different diameters at various exist Mach numbers (0.2 less than or equal to M less than or equal to 0.9).

Yamamoto, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

High Reynolds number tests of a NASA SC(3)-0712(B) airfoil in the Langley 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel

A wind tunnel investigation of a NASA 12-percent-thick, advanced-technology supercritical airfoil was conducted in the Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT). This investigation represents another in the series of NASA/U.S. industry two-dimensional airfoil studies to be completed in the Advanced Technology Airfoil Tests program. Test temperature was varied from 220 K to 96 K at pressures ranging from 1.2 to 4.3 atm. Mach number was varied from 0.60 to 0.80. These variables provided a Reynolds number range from 4,400,000 to 40,000,000 based on a 15.24-cm (6.0-in.) airfoil chord. This investigation was designed to test a NASA advanced-technology airfoil from low to flight-equivalent Reynolds numbers, provide experience in cryogenic wind tunnel model design and testing techniques, and demonstrate the suitability of the 0.3-m TCT as an airfoil test facility. The aerodynamic results are presented as integrated force and moment coefficients and pressure distributions. Data are included which demonstrate the effects of fixed transition, Mach number, and Reynolds number on the aerodynamic characteristics. Also included are remarks on the model design, the model structural integrity, and the overall test experience.

Johnson, W. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A finite Reynolds-number approach for the prediction of boundary-layer receptivity in localized regions

Previous theoretical work on the boundary layer receptivity problem has utilized large Reynolds number asymptotic theories, thus being limited to a narrow part of the frequency-Reynolds number domain. An alternative approach is presented for the prediction of localized instability generation which has a general applicability, and also accounts for finite Reynolds number effects. This approach is illustrated for the case of Tollmien-Schlichting wave generation in a Blasius boundary layer due to the interaction of a free stream acoustic wave with a region of short scale variation in the surface boundary condition. The specific types of wall inhomogeneities studied are: regions of short scale variations in wall suction, wall admittance, and wall geometry (roughness). Extensive comparison is made between the results of the finite Reynolds number approach and previous asymptotic predictions, which also suggests an alternative way of using the latter at Reynolds numbers of interest in practice.

Choudhari, Meelan↗
NASA NTRS1987

Highlights of unsteady pressure tests on a 14 percent supercritical airfoil at high Reynolds number, transonic condition

Steady and unsteady pressures were measured on a two-dimensional supercritical airfoil in the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel at Reynolds numbers (6-35) x 10 to the 6th. The airfoil was oscillated in pitch at amplitudes from + or - .25 degrees to + or - 1.0 degrees at frequencies from 5 Hz to 60 Hz. The special requirements of testing an unsteady pressure model in a pressurized cryogenic tunnel are discussed. Selected steady measured data are presented and are compared with GRUMFOIL calculations at Reynolds number 6 x 10 to the 6th and 30 x 10 to the 6th. Experimental unsteady results at the same Reynolds numbers are examined for Reynolds-number effects. Measured unsteady results at two mean angles of attack at Reynolds number of 30 x 10 to the 6th are also examined.

Hess, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Analysis and Design of Rotors at Ultra-Low Reynolds Numbers

Design tools have been developed for ultra-low Reynolds number rotors, combining enhanced actuator-ring / blade-element theory with airfoil section data based on two-dimensional Navier-Stokes calculations. This performance prediction method is coupled with an optimizer for both design and analysis applications. Performance predictions from these tools have been compared with three-dimensional Navier Stokes analyses and experimental data for a 2.5 cm diameter rotor with chord Reynolds numbers below 10,000. Comparisons among the analyses and experimental data show reasonable agreement both in the global thrust and power required, but the spanwise distributions of these quantities exhibit significant deviations. The study also reveals that three-dimensional and rotational effects significantly change local airfoil section performance. The magnitude of this issue, unique to this operating regime, may limit the applicability of blade-element type methods for detailed rotor design at ultra-low Reynolds numbers, but these methods are still useful for evaluating concept feasibility and rapidly generating initial designs for further analysis and optimization using more advanced tools.

Kunz, Peter J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Trends of Reynolds number effects on two-dimensional airfoil characteristics for helicopter rotor analyses

The primary effects of Reynolds number on two dimensional airfoil characteristics are discussed. Results from an extensive literature search reveal the manner in which the minimum drag and maximum lift are affected by the Reynolds number. C sub d sub min and C sub l sub max are plotted versus Reynolds number for airfoils of various thickness and camber. From the trends observed in the airfoil data, universal scaling laws and easily implemented methods are developed to account for Reynolds number effects in helicopter rotor analyses.

Yamauchi, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1982

High Reynolds number tests of a Boeing BAC I airfoil in the Langley 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel

A wind tunnel investigation of an advanced-technology airfoil was conducted in the Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT). This investigation represents the first in a series of NASA/U.X. industry two dimensional airfoil studies to be completed in the Advanced Technology Airfoil Test program. Test temperature was varied from ambient to about 100 K at pressures ranging from about 1.2 to 6.0 atm. Mach number was varied from about 0.40 to 0.80. These variables provided a Reynolds number (based on airfoil chord) range from about .0000044 to .00005. This investigation was specifically designed to: (1) test a Boeing advanced airfoil from low to flight-equivalent Reynolds numbers; (2) provide the industry participant (Boeing) with experience in cryogenic wind-tunnel model design and testing techniques; and (3) demonstrate the suitability of the 0.3-m TCT as an airfoil test facility. All the objectives of the cooperative test were met. Data are included which demonstrate the effects of fixed transition, Mach number, and Reynolds number on the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil. Also included are remarks on the model design, the model structural integrity, and the overall test experience.

Johnson, W. G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Comments on Reynolds number effects and the role of NTF in the development of air vehicles

The National Transonic Facility (NTF) capability to match the full scale Reynolds numbers of all but the largest airplanes is discussed. Conversion factors to enable calculation of Sl-unit equivalents for all U.S. units are listed. Using data from several facilities, analytic methods, and flight test data, a competetive aircraft in the relatively low Reynolds number was developed. The NTF offers the capability to obtain data at full scale Reynolds numbers in the cruise condition for most of the products, and will be much closer than previous tunnels to full scale Reynolds number for the operating envelopes. It is primarily on the operating envelope that Reynolds number effects are most important and least predictable.

Nagel, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Flight and wind tunnel investigation of the effects of Reynolds number on installed boattail drag at subsonic speeds

A flight and wind tunnel investigation was conducted to determine the effects of Reynolds number on the installed boattail drag of an underwing nacelle. Tests were run on a modified F-106B aircraft and 0.05 and 0.22 scale wind tunnel models. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 0.6 and 0.9 and over a 16 to 1 range of Reynolds numbers. Highest drag was obtained at intermediate Reynolds numbers corresponding to about the lowest flight values and that of the 0.22 scale model. Significantly lower drag was obtained at both higher and lower Reynolds numbers.

Chamberlin, R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flight and wind tunnel investigation of the effects of Reynolds number on installed boattail drag at subsonic speeds.

A flight and wind tunnel investigation was conducted to determine the effects of Reynolds number on the installed boattail drag of an underwing nacelle. Tests were run on a modified F-106B aircraft and 0.05 and 0.22 scale wind tunnel models. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 0.6 and 0.9 and over a 16 to 1 range of Reynolds numbers. Highest drag was obtained at intermediate Reynolds numbers corresponding to about the lowest flight values and that of the 0.22 scale model. Significantly lower drag was obtained at both higher and lower Reynolds numbers.

Chamberlin, R.↗