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At least 163 records · Page 9

Conceptual design, evaluation and research identification for Remote Augmented Propulsive Lift Systems (RALS) with ejectors for VTOL aircraft

Ejector concepts for use with a remote augmented lift system (RALS) exhaust nozzle were studied. A number of concepts were considered and three were selected as having the greatest promise of providing the desired aircraft and exhaust gas cooling and lift enhancement. A scale model test program is recommended to explore the effects of the more important parameters on ejector performance.

Willis, W. S.↗

Forced mixer lobes in ejector designs

Forced mixer lobes in augmentor primary ejectors obtain a 100-percent increase in pumping over conventional design, together with nearly complete mixing in very short mixing ducts, through the generation of large scale axial vorticity in the mixing duct. The vorticity causes rapid mixing of the primary and secondary flows with low losses; since mixing length is minimized, wall friction losses are reduced, allowing more secondary flow to be pumped for a given total pressure in the primary flow. Analytical results are presented that are judged to have significant implications for future ejector test work.

Presz, W. M., Jr.↗

Effect of vertical ejector-jet on the vortex-lift of delta wings

The effect of adding an ejector jet to a 76-deg delta wing was investigated experimentally and theoretically in terms of the resulting longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics. A small-scale wind-tunnel experiment served for the investigation and a simplified vortex lattice model was constructed to simulate the first order effects of this complex flow field. The major benefits of this combined approach over the use of more developed computer schemes lies in the relative ease in tailoring the mathematical model to a new problem. Results of both the wind-tunnel experiment and the theoretical model showed measurable lift loss due to the ejector jet throughout the whole angle-of-attack range, which will intensify at lower flight speeds.

Katz, Joseph↗

A control-volume method for analysis of unsteady thrust augmenting ejector flows

A method for predicting transient thrust augmenting ejector characteristics is presented. The analysis blends classic self-similar turbulent jet descriptions with a control volume mixing region discretization to solicit transient effects in a new way. Division of the ejector into an inlet, diffuser, and mixing region corresponds with the assumption of viscous-dominated phenomenon in the latter. Inlet and diffuser analyses are simplified by a quasi-steady analysis, justified by the assumptions that pressure is the forcing function in those regions. Details of the theoretical foundation, the solution algorithm, and sample calculations are given.

Drummond, Colin K.↗

A modeling technique for STOVL ejector and volume dynamics

New models for thrust augmenting ejector performance prediction and feeder duct dynamic analysis are presented and applied to a proposed Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft configuration. Central to the analysis is the nontraditional treatment of the time-dependent volume integrals in the otherwise conventional control-volume approach. In the case of the thrust augmenting ejector, the analysis required a new relationship for transfer of kinetic energy from the primary flow to the secondary flow. Extraction of the required empirical corrections from current steady-state experimental data is discussed; a possible approach for modeling insight through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is presented.

Drummond, C. K.↗

A modeling technique for STOVL ejector and volume dynamics

New models for thrust augmenting ejector performance prediction and feeder duct dynamic analysis are presented and applied to a proposed Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft configuration. Central to the analysis is the nontraditional treatment of the time-dependent volume integrals in the otherwise conventional control-volume approach. In the case of the thrust augmenting ejector, the analysis required a new relationship for transfer of kinetic energy from the primary flow to the secondary flow. Extraction of the required empirical corrections from current steady-state experimental data is discussed; a possible approach for modeling insight through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is presented.

Drummond, C. K.↗

Static performance tests of a flight-type STOVL ejector

The design and development of thrust augmenting STOVL ejectors has typically been based on experimental iteration (i.e., trial and error). Static performance tests of a full scale vertical lift ejector were performed at primary flow temperatures up to 1560 R (1100 F). Flow visualization (smoke generators and yarn tufts) were used to view the inlet air flow, especially around the primary nozzle and end plates. Performance calculations are presented for ambient temperatures close to 480 R (20 F) and 535 R (75 F) which simulate seasonal aircraft operating conditions. Resulting thrust augmentation ratios are presented as functions of nozzle pressure ratio and temperature.

Barankiewicz, Wendy S.↗

Static performance tests of a flight-type STOVL ejector

The design and development of thrust augmenting STOVL ejectors has typically been based on experimental iteration (i.e., trial and error). Static performance tests of a full scale vertical lift ejector were performed at primary flow temperatures up to 1560 R (1100 F). Flow visualization (smoke generators and yarn tufts) were used to view the inlet air flow, especially around the primary nozzle and end plates. Performance calculations are presented for ambient temperatures close to 480 R (20 F) and 535 R (75 F) which simulate seasonal aircraft operating conditions. Resulting thrust augmentation ratios are presented as functions of nozzle pressure ratio and temperature.

Barankiewicz, Wendy S.↗

Supercharged ejector ramjet

The Supercharged Ejector Ramjet (SERJ) engine is a highly flexible and promising composite propulsion system offering significant payoffs in high performance vehicle systems. Its basic subsystems such as fan, ejector, and ramjet have been experimentally demonstrated. These components have also been integrated into engine demonstrators and tested in Marquardt Cell 2 facilities. It is recommended that Marquardt's past SERJ related test data and studies be reviewed and updated by incorporating state-of-the art technologies.

Rosevear, Jerry↗

Initial development of the axisymmetric ejector shear layer

An experimental investigation designed to study the development of shear layers in an axisymmetric single-nozzle ejector has been completed. In this study, combinations of air/air, argon/air and helium/air were used as the supersonic primary and subsonic secondary, respectively. Mixing of the gases occurred in a constant-area tube, where the inlet pressure was maintained at 5 psia. The cases studied resulted in convective Mach numbers between 0.3 and 1.9. The resulting data shows dramatic differences in the shear-layer development for the various combinations of independent variables utilized in the investigation. Further, in the region immediately after the inlet to the mixing tube, the axisymmetric shear layers seem to behave in a manner similar to that of two-dimensional mixing layers. The results have enhanced the ability to analyze and design ejector systems as well as providing a better understanding of the physics.

Dufflocq, M.↗

Experimental investigation of an ejector-powered free-jet facility

The Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR) is a large free-jet test facility powered by an ejector system. Prior to the operation of the actual facility a 1/5-scale model of the NATR was built and tested to assess the pumping performance of the ejector concept as well as its sensitivity to various design parameters. The 1/5 scale model and full-scale facility are described as well as the design parameters which were investigated. The results of the scale model tests are discussed and compared with the findings of the full-scale tests.

Long, Mary J.↗

Experimental investigation of an ejector-powered free-jet facility

NASA Lewis Research Center's (LeRC) newly developed Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR) is a large free-jet test facility powered by an ejector system. In order to assess the pumping performance of this ejector concept and determine its sensitivity to various design parameters, a 1/5-scale model of the NATR was built and tested prior to the operation of the actual facility. This paper discusses the results of the 1/5-scale model tests and compares them with the findings from the full-scale tests.

Long, Mary JO↗

A full-scale STOVL ejector experiment

The design and development of thrust augmenting short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) ejectors has typically been an iterative process. In this investigation, static performance tests of a full-scale vertical lift ejector were performed at primary flow temperatures up to 1560 R (1100 F). Flow visualization (smoke generators, yarn tufts and paint dots) was used to assess inlet flowfield characteristics, especially around the primary nozzle and end plates. Performance calculations are presented for ambient temperatures close to 480 R (20 F) and 535 R (75 F) which simulate 'seasonal' aircraft operating conditions. Resulting thrust augmentation ratios are presented as functions of nozzle pressure ratio and temperature. Full-scale experimental tests such as this are expensive, and difficult to implement at engine exhaust temperatures. For this reason the utility of using similarity principles -- in particular, the Munk and Prim similarity principle for isentropic flow -- was explored. At different primary temperatures, exit pressure contours are compared for similarity. A nondimensional flow parameter is then shown to eliminate primary nozzle temperature dependence and verify similarity between the hot and cold flow experiments. Under the assumption that an appropriate similarity principle can be established, then properly chosen performance parameters should be similar for both hot flow and cold flow model tests.

Barankiewicz, Wendy S.↗

Initial development of the two-dimensional ejector shear layer - Experimental results

An experimental investigation designed to study the development of shear layers in a two-dimensional single-nozzle ejector has been completed. In this study, combinations of air/air, argon/air, helium/air, and air/helium were used as the supersonic primary and subsonic secondary, respectively. Mixing of the gases occurred in a constant-area tube 39.1 mm high by 25.4 mm wide, where the inlet static pressure was maintained at 35 kPa. The cases studied resulted in convective Mach numbers between 0.058 and 1.64, density ratios between 0.102 and 3.49, and velocity ratios between 0.065 and 0.811. The resulting data shows the differences in the shear-layer development for the various combinations of independent variables utilized in the investigation. The normalized growth-rates in the near-field were found to be similar to two-dimensional mixing layers. These results have enhanced the ability to analyze and design ejector systems as well as providing a better understanding of the physics.

Benjamin, M. A.↗

Experimental Investigation of Ejector-nozzle Metal Temperatures

Metal temperatures were obtained on a full-scale ejector nozzle installed on an afterburner operating at exhaust-gas temperatures up to 3450 degrees R. A favorable afterburner-outlet temperature profile helped keep the primary-jet nozzle components cool. The ejector shroud temperatures were much more sensitive to secondary airflow than were temperatures on the primary-jet nozzle.

Shillito, Thomas B↗

Theory and Experiments on Supersonic Air-to-Air Ejectors.

A comparison of experiment with theory is made for air ejectors having cylindrical mixing sections and operating under conditions of supersonic primary flow and either mixed or supersonic regimes of mixing. The effect on ejector performance of such parameters as mixer length and cross section, terminating diffuser, primary Mach number, and primary nozzle position is presented in terms of mass flow and pressure ratio.

Fabri, J↗

A mathematical model for simulating noise suppression of lined ejectors

A mathematical model containing the essential features embodied in the noise suppression of lined ejectors is presented. Although some simplification of the physics is necessary to render the model mathematically tractable, the current model is the most versatile and technologically advanced at the current time. A system of linearized equations and the boundary conditions governing the sound field are derived starting from the equations of fluid dynamics. A nonreflecting boundary condition is developed. In view of the complex nature of the equations, a parametric study requires the use of numerical techniques and modern computers. A finite element algorithm that solves the differential equations coupled with the boundary condition is then introduced. The numerical method results in a matrix equation with several hundred thousand degrees of freedom that is solved efficiently on a supercomputer. The model is validated by comparing results either with exact solutions or with approximate solutions from other works. In each case, excellent correlations are obtained. The usefulness of the model as an optimization tool and the importance of variable impedance liners as a mechanism for achieving broadband suppression within a lined ejector are demonstrated.

Watson, Willie R.↗

Evaluation of an Ejector Ramjet Based Propulsion System for Air-Breathing Hypersonic Flight

A Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine system is designed to combine the high thrust to weight ratio of a rocket along with the high specific impulse of a ramjet in a single, integrated propulsion system. This integrated, combined cycle propulsion system is designed to provide higher vehicle performance than that achievable with a separate rocket and ramjet. The RBCC engine system studied in the current program is the Aerojet strutjet engine concept, which is being developed jointly by a government-industry team as part of the Air Force HyTech program pre-PRDA activity. The strutjet is an ejector-ramjet engine in which small rocket chambers are embedded into the trailing edges of the inlet compression struts. The engine operates as an ejector-ramjet from take-off to slightly above Mach 3. Above Mach 3 the engine operates as a ramjet and transitions to a scramjet at high Mach numbers. For space launch applications the rockets would be re-ignited at a Mach number or altitude beyond which air-breathing propulsion alone becomes impractical. The focus of the present study is to develop and demonstrate a strutjet flowpath using hydrocarbon fuel at up to Mach 7 conditions. Freejet tests of a candidate flowpath for this RBCC engine were conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center's Hypersonic Tunnel Facility between July and September 1996. This paper describes the engine flowpath and installation, outlines the primary objectives of the program, and describes the overall results of this activity. Through this program 15 full duration tests, including 13 fueled tests were made. The first major achievement was the further demonstration of the HTF capability. The facility operated at conditions up to 1950 K and 7.34 MPa, simulating approximately Mach 6.6 flight. The initial tests were unfueled and focused on verifying both facility and engine starting. During these runs additional aerodynamic appliances were incorporated onto the facility diffuser to enhance starting. Both facility and engine starting were achieved. Further, the static pressure distributions compared well with the results previously obtained in a 40% subscale flowpath study conducted in the LERC 1X1 supersonic wind tunnel (SWT), as well as the results of CFD analysis. Fueled performance results were obtained for the engine at both simulated Mach 6 (1670 K) and Mach 6.6 (1950 K) conditions. For all these tests the primary fuel was liquid JP-10 with gaseous silane (a mixture of 20% SiH4 and 80% H2 by volume) as an ignitor/pilot. These tests verified performance of this engine flowpath in a freejet mode. High combustor pressures were reached and significant changes in axial force were achieved due to combustion. Future test plans include redistributing the fuel to improve mixing, and consequently performance, at higher equivalence ratios.

Thomas, Scott R.↗