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At least 163 records · Page 9

Modelling, calibration, and error analysis of seven-hole pressure probes

This report describes the calibration of a nonnulling, conical, seven-hole pressure probe over a large range of flow onset angles. The calibration procedure is based on the use of differential pressures to determine the three components of velocity. The method allows determination of the flow angle and velocity magnitude to within an average error of 1.0 deg and 1.0 percent, respectively. Greater accuracy can be achieved by using high-quality pressure transducers. Also included is an examination of the factors which limit the use of the probe, a description of the measurement chain, an error analysis, and a typical experimental result. In addition, a new general analytical model of pressure probe behavior is described, and the validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing it with experimentally measured calibration data for a three-hole yaw meter and a seven-hole probe.

Zillac, G. G.↗

Pressure measurement at low temperatures

The present discussion centers on the following topics: (1) what types of pressure transducers show good potential for cryogenic use; (2) what are the output characteristics (stability, sensitivity, etc.) of a transducer when subjected to low temperature environments; and (3) are methods or apparatus available to calibrate cryogenically pressure transducers under static and dynamic conditions. Some information is available on the low-temperature performance of relatively few pressure transducer types; however, the information is either in the form of manufacturing specifications or unpublished reports. The results of this study clearly indicate that individual transducers, even from the same manufacturer, can exhibit totally different characteristics when subjected to identical cryogenic test procedures. This indicates the necessity of calibrating each transducer for use at low temperature. Also included in the discussion is the description of a static/dynamic low-temperature pressure transducer calibration facility, which is currently being developed.

Arvidson, J. M.↗

Recent modifications and calibration of the Langley low-turbulence pressure tunnel

Modifications to the Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel are presented and a calibration of the mean flow parameters in the test section is provided. Also included are the operational capability of the tunnel and typical test results for both single-element and multi-element airfoils. Modifications to the facility consisted of the following: replacement of the original cooling coils and antiturbulence screens and addition of a tunnel-shell heating system, a two dimensional model-support and force-balance system, a sidewall boundary layer control system, a remote-controlled survey apparatus, and a new data acquisition system. A calibration of the mean flow parameters in the test section was conducted over the complete operational range of the tunnel. The calibration included dynamic-pressure measurements, Mach number distributions, flow-angularity measurements, boundary-layer characteristics, and total-pressure profiles. In addition, test-section turbulence measurements made after the tunnel modifications have been included with these calibration data to show a comparison of existing turbulence levels with data obtained for the facility in 1941 with the original screen installation.

Mcghee, R. J.↗

Performance and test section flow characteristics of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel

Results from the performance and test section flow calibration of the 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel are presented. Measurements indicating the 80- by 120-ft test section flow quality were obtained throughout the tunnel operational envelope and for atmospheric wind speeds up to approximately 20 knots. Tunnel performance characteristics and a dynamic pressure system calibration were also documented during the process of mapping the test section flow field. Experimental results indicate that the test section flow quality is relatively insensitive to dynamic pressure and the level of atmospheric winds experienced during the calibration. The dynamic pressure variation in the test section is within +/-75 percent of the average. The axial turbulence intensity is less than 0.5 percent up to the maximum test section speed of 100 knots, and the vertical and lateral flow angle variations are within +/-5 deg and +/-7 deg, respectively. Atmospheric winds were found to affect the pressure distribution in the test section only at high ratios of wind speed to test section speed.

Zell, Peter T.↗

On-line calibration of high-response pressure transducers during jet-engine testing

Current jet engine testing is concerned with the effect of inlet pressure and temperature distortions on engine performance and involves the use of numerous miniature pressure transducers. Despite recent improvements in the manufacture of miniature pressure transducers, they still exhibit sensitivity change and zero shift with temperature and time. To obtain meaningful data, a calibration system is needed to determine these changes. A system has been developed which provides for computer selection of appropriate reference pressures selected from nine different sources to provide a two- or three-point calibration. Calibrations are made on command, before and sometimes after each data point. A unique 'no leak' matrix valve design is used in the reference-pressure system. Zero-shift corrections are measured and the values are automatically inserted into the data reduction program.

Armentrout, E. C.↗

On-line calibration of high-response pressure transducers during jet-engine testing

Jet engine testing is reported concerned with the effect of inlet pressure and temperature distortions on engine performance and involves the use of numerous miniature pressure transducers. Despite recent improvements in the manufacture of miniature pressure transducers, they still exhibit sensitivity change and zero-shift with temperature and time. To obtain meaningful data, a calibration system is needed to determine these changes. A system has been developed which provides for computer selection of appropriate reference pressures selected from nine different sources to provide a two- or three-point calibration. Calibrations are made on command, before and sometimes after each data point. A unique no leak matrix valve design is used in the reference pressure system. Zero-shift corrections are measured and the values are automatically inserted into the data reduction program.

Armentrout, E. C.↗

Application of Pressure-Sensitive Paint to Ice-Accreted Wind Tunnel Models

Pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) has been successfully used to measure global surface pressures on an ice-accreted model in an icing wind tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center. Until now, the PSP technique has been limited to use in normal wind tunnels and clear flight environments. This is the first known application of PSP directly to ice in subfreezing conditions. Several major objectives were achieved in these tests. The procedure for applying the coating in the subfreezing tunnel environment was verified. Inspection of the painted ice surface revealed that the paint did not alter the original ice shape and adhered well over the entire coated area. Several procedures were used to show that the paint responded to changes in air pressure and that a repeatable pressure-dependent calibration could be achieved on the PSP-coated surfaces. Differences in pressure measurements made simultaneously on the ice and the metal test model are not yet fully understood, and techniques to minimize or correct them are being investigated.

Bencic, Timothy J.↗

Luminescent barometry in wind tunnels

A flexible and relatively inexpensive method and apparatus are described for continuous pressure mapping of aerodynamic surfaces using photoluminescence and imaging techniques. Platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) has a phosphorescence known to be quenched by oxygen. When dissolved in a silicone matrix, PtOEP may be distributed over a surface as a thin, uniform film. When the film is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the luminescence intensity provides a readily detectable, qualitative surface flow visualization. Moreover, since the luminescence intensity is found to be inversely proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen, a quantitative measure of pressure change may be obtained using a silicon target vidicon or a charge-coupled device video sensor to measure intensity. Luminescent images are captured by a commercial frame buffer board. Images taken in wind tunnels during airflow are ratioed to images taken under ambient 'wind-off' conditions. The resulting intensity ratio information is converted to pressure using calibration curves of I0/I vs p/p0, where I0 is the intensity at ambient pressure p0 and I is the intensity at any other pressure p.

Kavandi, Janet↗

High-Reynolds Number Active Blowing Semi-Span Force Measurement System Development

Recent wind-tunnel tests at the NASA Langley Research Center National Transonic Facility utilized high-pressure bellows to route air to the model for evaluating aircraft circulation control. The introduction of these bellows within the Sidewall Model Support System significantly impacted the performance of the external sidewall mounted semi-span balance. As a result of this impact on the semi-span balance measurement performance, it became apparent that a new capability needed to be built into the National Transonic Facility s infrastructure to allow for performing pressure tare calibrations on the balance in order to properly characterize its performance under the influence of static bellows pressure tare loads and bellows thermal effects. The objective of this study was to design both mechanical calibration hardware and an experimental calibration design that can be employed at the facility in order to efficiently and precisely perform the necessary loadings in order to characterize the semi-span balance under the influence of multiple calibration factors (balance forces/moments and bellows pressure/temperature). Using statistical design of experiments, an experimental design was developed allowing for strategically characterizing the behavior of the semi-span balance for use in circulation control and propulsion-type flow control testing at the National Transonic Facility.

Lynn, Keith C.↗

Use of a torsional pendulum as a high-pressure gage and determination of viscosity of helium gas at high pressures

Three torsional crystal parameters were examined for suitability in sensing pressure in gases up to 131 million newtons per square meter. The best parameters were found to be the change in crystal decrement at resonance and the change in crystal electrical resistance at resonance. The change in crystal resonant frequency did not appear to be a reliable pressure measuring parameter. Pure argon and pure helium gases were studied for use as working fluids. Helium functioned better over a wider pressure range. Calibration of the gage also provided a measure of the viscosity-density product of the gas as a function of pressure. These data, together with known extrapolated density data, permitted the determination of the viscosity of helium to 131 million N/square meter.

Maisel, J. E.↗

Measurement of Aircraft Speed and Altitude

Problems involved in measuring speed and altitude with pressure-actuated instruments (altimeter, airspeed indicator, true-airspeed indicator, Machmeter, and vertical-speed indicator) are examined. Equations relating total pressure and static pressure to the five flight quantities are presented, and criteria for the design of total and static pressure tubes are given. Calibrations of typical static pressure installations (fuselage nose, wing tip, vertical fin, and fuselage vent) are presented, various methods for flight calibration of these installations are described, and the calibration of a particular installation by two of the methods is described in detail. Equations are given for estimating the effects of pressure lag and leaks. Test procedures for the laboratory calibration of the five instruments are described, and accuracies of mechanical and electrical instruments are presented. Operational use of the altimeter for terrain clearance and vertical separation of aircraft is discussed, along with flight technical errors and overall altitude errors of aircraft in cruise operations. Altitude-measuring techniques based on a variety of properties of the Earth and the atmosphere are included. Two appendixes present airspeed and altitude tables and sample calculations for determining the various flight parameters from measured total and static pressures.

Gracey, W.↗

Piston manometer as an absolute standard for vacuum gage calibration in the range 10 to 700 microtorr

Total pressure in a calibration chamber is determined by measuring the force on a disk suspended in an orifice in the baseplate of the chamber. The disk forms a narrow annular gap with the orifice. A continuous flow of calibration gas passes through the chamber and annulus to a downstream pumping system. The ratio of pressures on the two faces of the disk exceeds 100:1, so that chamber pressure is substantially equal to the product of disk area and net force on the disk. This force is measured with an electrodynamometer that can be calibrated in situ with dead weights. Probable error in pressure measurement is plus or minus (0.5 microtorr + 0.6 percent).

Warshawsky, I.↗

Calibration of ruby and matlockite luminescence lines from the melting of mercury: constraints on the initial slopes

We have measured the luminescence shifts of the ruby’s R1- and R2-lines and the line of 5 D 0 → 7 F 0 from Sm 2+ :SrFCl corresponding to the melting pressure of mercury that is recommended by the AIRAPT task force as an International Practical Pressure Scale (IPPS). The linear coefficients of the pressure dependence of the R1-, R2-lines, and the luminescence line of Sm 2+ :SrFCl are determined to be 0.3722 ± 0.002, 0.3796 ± 0.002, and 1.123 ± 0.002 nm/GPa, respectively. The results not only put tight constraints on the initial slopes of ruby and Sm 2+ :SrFCl gauges, but also link the luminescence-based pressure gauges to the more fundamental primary piston gauges.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of Neural Network for X-59 Air Data Probe Calibration

Two wind tunnel tests were conducted in the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel to calibrate the nose-mounted air data probe for the X-59. The probe will be the primary instrument for the flight test of the X-59 for determining angle of attack, angle of sideslip, airspeed, and pressure altitude of the aircraft in flight. This paper documents the development of several neural net algorithms that can be used to relate air data probe port pressures from those tests to relevant X-59 flight parameters, such as angle of attack, angle of sideslip, mach number, and static and dynamic pressure. These calibration algorithms address accuracy effects for significant real-world conditions, such as initial sensor measurement uncertainties, assumed parameter constraints on NN modelling errors, and malfunctioning or plugged ports. Resultant integrated uncertainties are provided for each algorithm; these uncertainties are then used to estimate the effects on relevant X-59 mission parameters.

Kurtis Roy Long↗

Description and evaluation of an interference assessment for a slotted-wall wind tunnel

A wind-tunnel interference assessment method applicable to test sections with discrete finite-length wall slots is described. The method is based on high order panel method technology and uses mixed boundary conditions to satisfy both the tunnel geometry and wall pressure distributions measured in the slotted-wall region. Both the test model and its sting support system are represented by distributed singularities. The method yields interference corrections to the model test data as well as surveys through the interference field at arbitrary locations. These results include the equivalent of tunnel Mach calibration, longitudinal pressure gradient, tunnel flow angularity, wall interference, and an inviscid form of sting interference. Alternative results which omit the direct contribution of the sting are also produced. The method was applied to the National Transonic Facility at NASA Langley Research Center for both tunnel calibration tests and tests of two models of subsonic transport configurations.

Kemp, William B., Jr.↗

High-Pressure Gaseous Burner (HPGB) Facility Completed for Quantitative Laser Diagnostics Calibration

A gas-fueled high-pressure combustion facility with optical access, which was developed over the last 2 years, has just been completed. The High Pressure Gaseous Burner (HPGB) rig at the NASA Glenn Research Center can operate at sustained pressures up to 60 atm with a variety of gaseous fuels and liquid jet fuel. The facility is unique as it is the only continuous-flow, hydrogen-capable, 60-atm rig in the world with optical access. It will provide researchers with new insights into flame conditions that simulate the environment inside the ultra-high-pressure-ratio combustion chambers of tomorrow's advanced aircraft engines. The facility provides optical access to the flame zone, enabling the calibration of nonintrusive optical diagnostics to measure chemical species and temperature. The data from the HPGB rig enables the validation of numerical codes that simulate gas turbine combustors, such as the National Combustor Code (NCC). The validation of such numerical codes is often best achieved with nonintrusive optical diagnostic techniques that meet these goals: information-rich (multispecies) and quantitative while providing good spatial and time resolution. Achieving these goals is a challenge for most nonintrusive optical diagnostic techniques. Raman scattering is a technique that meets these challenges. Raman scattering occurs when intense laser light interacts with molecules to radiate light at a shifted wavelength (known as the Raman shift). This shift in wavelength is unique to each chemical species and provides a "fingerprint" of the different species present. The facility will first be used to gather a comprehensive data base of laser Raman spectra at high pressures. These calibration data will then be used to quantify future laser Raman measurements of chemical species concentration and temperature in this facility and other facilities that use Raman scattering.

Nguyen, Quang-Viet↗