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At least 19 records

Turbofan mixed flow exhaust system

An improved exhaust system including a lobed mixer and an improved exhaust centerbody is provided. The improved exhaust centerbody includes means for cooperating with the lobed mixer to increase mixing effectiveness of the exhaust system without substantially increasing pressure losses attributable thereto. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cooperating means include a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongated deformations, such as grooves and ridges, which deformations extend radially with respect to a reference surface of the exhaust centerbody and which deformations are aligned in an axial direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the centerbody.

Dusa, Donald J.

Diagnosing Noise Features Of Internally Mixed, External Plug Exhaust Systems

In internally mixed exhaust systems, a lobed or forced mixer is employed to mix the core and bypass streams before they exit the common nozzle. For moderate bypass-ratio engines this marginally improves thrust, and provides a significant acoustic benefit. Indeed, it has been thought that a fully mixed jet creates the lowest noise you can get from a two-stream engine. Typically, the forced mixer system produces a bit more noise than a fully mixed equivalent jet, noise that has been called “excess noise”. In recent testing, this excess noise seemed to be amplified when an external plug was employed in the exhaust system to reduce boattail drag. Identifying the mechanism of this excess noise and mitigating it is key to creating commercial supersonic vehicles that are acoustically acceptable around airports. This paper adds to that investigation, analyzing results from recent tests where far-field acoustic data were acquired on two sets of flows with matched fully mixed flow conditions. One set of flows had a heated core stream, making it a dual-stream jet. The other set had both streams heated to the same temperature, making a single-stream jet that matched the fully mixed temperature and velocity of the dual-stream jet. These flows were tested in two lobed-mixer exhaust systems with internal and external plugs. Analysis of flow and noise data from the nozzles with combinations of single- and dual-stream flows, and with and without flight streams, gives insight into how and why the noise of the dual-stream and single-stream jet differ. One additive source, present in nozzles both with and without external plugs, comes from inside the nozzle, likely the internal shear layer coming off the lobed mixer. This noise source is not impacted by a change in flight stream and has a distinctive spectral directivity that is amplified by the presence of the external plug. Finding the exact source mechanism of this new source will be key to making the internally mixed exhaust systems reach their lowest possible sound level.

Noise prediction, supersonic, jet noise

Diagnosing Noise Features Of Internally Mixed, External Plug Exhaust Systems

In internally mixed exhaust systems, a lobed or forced mixer is employed to mix the core and bypass streams before they exit the common nozzle. For moderate bypass-ratio engines this marginally improves thrust, and provides a significant acoustic benefit. Indeed, it has been thought that a fully mixed jet creates the lowest noise you can get from a two-stream engine. Typically, the forced mixer system produces a bit more noise than a fully mixed equivalent jet, noise that has been called “excess noise”. In recent testing, this excess noise seemed to be amplified when an external plug was employed in the exhaust system to reduce boattail drag. Identifying the mechanism of this excess noise and mitigating it is key to creating commercial supersonic vehicles that are acoustically acceptable around airports. This paper adds to that investigation, analyzing results from recent tests where far-field acoustic data were acquired on two sets of flows with matched fully mixed flow conditions. One set of flows had a heated core stream, making it a dual-stream jet. The other set had both streams heated to the same temperature, making a single-stream jet that matched the fully mixed temperature and velocity of the dual-stream jet. These flows were tested in two lobed-mixer exhaust systems with internal and external plugs. Analysis of flow and noise data from the nozzles with combinations of single- and dual-stream flows, and with and without flight streams, gives insight into how and why the noise of the dual-stream and single-stream jet differ. One additive source, present in nozzles both with and without external plugs, comes from inside the nozzle, likely the internal shear layer coming off the lobed mixer. This noise source is not impacted by a change in flight stream and has a distinctive spectral directivity that is amplified by the presence of the external plug. Finding the exact source mechanism of this new source will be key to making the internally mixed exhaust systems reach their lowest possible sound level.

Noise prediction

Noise of Internally Mixed Exhaust Systems With External Plug For Supersonic Transport Applications

Internally mixed exhaust systems produce more noise than would be expected from an equivalent fully mixed flow. This ‘excess noise’ has never been fully explained and has not been researched recently as it is not as much of a problem for high bypass-ratio exhaust systems. Commercial supersonic vehicles, however, will use more moderate bypass ratio engines. Their exhaust systems will also likely feature external plugs to improve boat tail angle for cruise performance. Thus the problem of excess noise will need to be addressed along with the impacts of having an external plug. Recently, acoustic tests of dual-stream jet flows from both internal and external plug nozzles have been conducted. Measurements of noise from flows with an axisymmetric splitter and lobed forced mixer were made. These measurements show the baseline ‘excess noise’ previously found in forced mixer exhaust systems, and show how this noise source differs depending upon the plug geometry. Background-oriented schlieren measurements acquired simultaneously document the differences in shock structures over the transonic flow regime tested. The far-field acoustic measurements indicate that an external plug can slightly reduce the mixing noise of the jet plume when the flow is completely mixed, e.g. when the core and bypass streams have the same temperature and the flow is a single-stream jet. However, when the flow is not fully mixed, e.g. the usual case of an internally mixed exhaust system, the plug seems to amplify the ‘excess noise’ associated with the mixer. This additional noise source presents a challenge for nozzle designers wanting to use internally mixed exhaust systems with external plug nozzles.

Jet noise

The design and development of a mixer compound exhaust system for a quiet clean general aviation turbofan

Lower engine fuel consumption has become a dominant factor in turbofan engine design due to rapidly increasing fuel costs. One engine component with a large impact on engine performance is the exhaust system. Previous exhaust system studies have demonstrated the significant exhaust system efficiency gains available through mixing of the core and bypass flows. Typically, a large, costly rig and engine program are required to develop and optimize these gains. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the low-cost design system used for the quiet, clean general aviation turbofan mixer nozzle design and development. The scale model and full-scale engine test results confirm the predicted 3 to 5% reduction in cruise fuel consumption. This unique design system, which is based on integrating advanced three-dimensional viscous numerical methods with empirical optimization techniques, is summarized and detailed comparisons with test data are presented. The ability to accurately predict relative performance of mixer systems with substantially reduced development time and cost savings is demonstrated.

Blackmore, W. L.

Acoustic and Laser Doppler Anemometer Results for Confluent and 12-Lobed E(exp 3) Mixer Exhaust Systems for Subsonic Jet Noise Reduction

The research described in this report has been funded by NASA Glenn Research Center as part of the Advanced Subsonic Technologies (AST) initiative. The program operates under the Large Engine Technologies (LET) as Task Order #3 1. Task Order 31 is a three year research program divided into three subtasks. Subtask A develops the experimental acoustic and aerodynamic subsonic mixed flow exhaust system databases. Subtask B seeks to develop and assess CFD-based aero-acoustic methods for subsonic mixed flow exhaust systems. Subtask B relies on the data obtained from Subtask A to direct and calibrate the aero-acoustic methods development. Subtask C then seeks to utilize both the aero-acoustic data bases developed in Subtask A and the analytical methods developed in Subtask B to define improved subsonic mixed-flow exhaust systems. The mixed flow systems defined in Subtask C will be experimentally demonstrated for improved noise reduction in a scale model aero-acoustic test conducted similarly to the test performed in Subtask A. The overall object of this Task Order is to develop and demonstrate the technology to define a -3EPNdB exhaust system relative to 1992 exhaust system technology.

Salikuddin, M.

Acoustic and Laser Doppler Anemometer Results for Confluent, 22-Lobed, and Unique-Lobed Mixer Exhaust Systems for Subsonic Jet Noise Reduction

The objective of this task was to develop a design methodology and noise reduction concepts for high bypass exhaust systems which could be applied to both existing production and new advanced engine designs. Special emphasis was given to engine cycles with bypass ratios in the range of 4:1 to 7:1, where jet mixing noise was a primary noise source at full power takeoff conditions. The goal of this effort was to develop the design methodology for mixed-flow exhaust systems and other novel noise reduction concepts that would yield 3 EPNdB noise reduction relative to 1992 baseline technology. Two multi-lobed mixers, a 22-lobed axisymmetric and a 21-lobed with a unique lobe, were designed. These mixers along with a confluent mixer were tested with several fan nozzles of different lengths with and without acoustic treatment in GEAE's Cell 41 under the current subtask (Subtask C). In addition to the acoustic and LDA tests for the model mixer exhaust systems, a semi-empirical noise prediction method for mixer exhaust system is developed. Effort was also made to implement flowfield data for noise prediction by utilizing MGB code. In general, this study established an aero and acoustic diagnostic database to calibrate and refine current aero and acoustic prediction tools.

Salikuddin, M.

QCGAT mixer compound exhaust system design and static big model test report

A mixer exhaust system was designed to meet the proposed performance and exhaust jet noise goals for the AiResearch QCGAT engine. Some 0.35 scale models of the various nozzles were fabricated and aerodynamically and acoustically tested. Preliminary optimization, engine cycle matching, model test data and analysis are presented. A final mixer exhaust system is selected for optimum performance for the overall flight regime.

Blackmore, W. L.

Scale model performance test investigation of mixed flow exhaust systems for an energy efficient engine /E3/ propulsion system

As part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine program, scale-model performance tests of a mixed flow exhaust system were conducted. The tests were used to evaluate the performance of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow turbofan engines. The tests indicated that: (1) mixer penetration has the most significant affect on both mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss; (2) mixing/tailpipe length improves mixing effectiveness; (3) gap reduction between the mixer and centerbody increases high mixing effectiveness; (4) mixer cross-sectional shape influences mixing effectiveness; (5) lobe number affects mixing degree; and (6) mixer aerodynamic pressure losses are a function of secondary flows inherent to the lobed mixer concept.

Kuchar, A. P.

Empirical Noise Modeling of Internally Mixed Exhaust Systems

There appear to be no non-proprietary methods to predict the noise of internally mixed exhaust systems, and no guidance for how to adapt known jet noise models for these configurations. This paper surveys literature and historical databases acquired at NASA Glenn's Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Lab to give such guidance. The core premise is that an exhaust system with well-designed mixer produces noise that is to first approximation the same as a fully-mixed jet flow. Refinement of what is meant by a “fully mixed jet” can lead to more accurate prediction of the main jet noise. Additional noise is often generated within the nozzle, typically at high frequencies, whose source mechanism(s) are not obvious. However, a noise prediction method can be established that captures some aspects of the excess noise and provide an estimate of the total jet noise. Explorations of source mechanisms associated with the internal mixer have led to a new noise model which includes the effects of having an external plug nozzle, a feature desirable for near-term supersonic aircraft. Statistical analysis of historical data is provided to estimate the uncertainty in using this method given the variations found that cannot be directly computed without detailed mixer geometry.

Noise Prediction

Empirical Noise Modeling of Internally Mixed Exhaust Systems

There appears to be no non-proprietary methods to predict the noise of internally mixed exhaust systems, and no guidance for how to adapt known jet noise models for these configurations. This paper surveys literature and historical databases acquired at NASA Glenn's Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Lab to give such guidance. The core premise is that an exhaust system with well-designed mixer produces noise that is to first approximation the same as a fully-mixed jet flow. Refinement of what is meant by a “fully mixed jet” can lead to more accurate prediction of the main jet noise. Additional noise is often generated within the nozzle, typically at high frequencies, whose source mechanism(s) are not obvious. However, a noise prediction method can be established that captures some aspects of the excess noise and provide an estimate of the total jet noise. Explorations of source mechanisms associated with the internal mixer have led to a new noise model which includes the effects of having an external plug nozzle, a feature desirable for near-term supersonic aircraft. Statistical analysis of historical data is provided to estimate the uncertainty in using this method given the variations found that cannot be directly computed without detailed mixer geometry.

Noise Prediction

Scale model performance test investigation of exhaust system mixers for an Energy Efficient Engine /E3/ propulsion system

A scale model performance test was conducted as part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Program, to investigate the geometric variables that influence the aerodynamic design of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow engines. Mixer configuration variables included lobe number, penetration and perimeter, as well as several cutback mixer geometries. Mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss were determined using measured thrust and nozzle exit total pressure and temperature surveys. Results provide a data base to aid the analysis and design development of the E3 mixed-flow exhaust system.

Kuchar, A. P.

Bithermal Low-Cycle Fatigue Evaluation of Automotive Exhaust System Alloy SS409

This investigation provides, for the first time, cyclic strainrange-controlled, thermomechanical fatigue results for the ferritic stainless steel alloy SS409. The alloy has seen extensive application for automotive exhaust system components. The data were generated to calibrate the Total Strain Version of the Strainrange Partitioning (TS-SRP) method for eventual application to the design and durability assessment of automotive exhaust systems. The thermomechanical cyclic lifetime and cyclic stress-strain constitutive behavior for alloy SS409 were measured using bithermal tests cycling between isothermal extremes of 400 and 800 C. Lives ranged up to 10,000 cycles to failure with hold-times of 0.33 to 2.0 minutes. The bithermal fatigue behavior is compared to isothermal, strain-controlled fatigue behavior at both 400 and 800 C. Thermomechanical cycling was found to have a profound detrimental influence on the fatigue failure resistance of SS409 compared to isothermal cycling. Supplementary bithermal cyclic stress-strain constitutive tests with hold-times ranging from 40 seconds up to 1.5 hours were conducted to calibrate the TS-SRP equation for extrapolation to longer lifetime predictions. Observed thermomechanical (bithermal) fatigue lives correlated well with lives calculated using the calibrated TS-SRP equations: 70% of the bithermal fatigue data fall within a factor of 1.2 of calculated life; 85% within a factor of 1.4; and 100% within a factor of 1.8.

Lu, Gui-Ying

Noise Measurements of High Aspect Ratio Distributed Exhaust Systems

This paper covers far-field acoustic measurements of a family of rectangular nozzles with aspect ratio 8, in the high subsonic flow regime. Several variations of nozzle geometry, commonly proposed for embedded exhaust systems, are explored, including bevels, slants, single broad chevrons and notches, and internal septae. Far-field acoustic results, presented previously for the simple rectangular nozzle, showed that increasing aspect ratio increases the high frequency noise, especially directed in the plane containing the minor axis of the nozzle. Detailed changes to the nozzle geometry generally made little difference in the noise, and the differences were greatest at low speed. Having an extended lip on one broad side ('bevel') did produce up to 3dB more noise in all directions, while extending the lip on the narrow side ('slant') produced up to 2dB more noise, primarily on the side with the extension. Adding a single, non-intrusive chevron, made no significant change to the noise, while inverting the chevron ('notch') produced up to 2dB increase in the noise. Having internal walls ('septae') within the nozzle, such as would be required for structural support or when multiple fan ducts are aggregated, reduced the noise of the rectangular jet, but could produce a highly directional shedding tone from the septae trailing edges. Finally, a nozzle with both septae and a beveled nozzle, representative of the exhaust system envisioned for a distributed propulsion aircraft with a common rectangular duct, produced almost as much noise as the beveled nozzle, with the septae not contributing much reduction in noise.

Noise

Noise Measurements of High Aspect Ratio Distributed Exhaust Systems

This paper covers far-field acoustic measurements of a family of rectangular nozzles with aspect ratio 8, in the high subsonic flow regime. Several variations of nozzle geometry, commonly found in embedded exhaust systems, are explored, including bevels, slants, single broad chevrons and notches, and internal septae. Far-field acoustic results, presented previously for the simple rectangular nozzle, showed that increasing aspect ratio increases the high frequency noise, especially directed in the plane containing the minor axis of the nozzle. Detailed changes to the nozzle geometry generally made little difference in the noise, and the differences were greatest at low speed. Having an extended lip on one broad side (bevel) did produce up to 3 decibels more noise in all directions, while extending the lip on the narrow side (slant) produced up to 2 decibels more noise, primarily on the side with the extension. Adding a single, non-intrusive chevron, made no significant change to the noise, while inverting the chevron (notch) produced up to 2decibels increase in the noise. Having internal walls (septae) within the nozzle, such as would be required for structural support or when multiple fan ducts are aggregated, reduced the noise of the rectangular jet, but could produce a highly directional shedding tone from the septae trailing edges. Finally, a nozzle with both septae and a beveled nozzle, representative of the exhaust system envisioned for a distributed electric propulsion aircraft with a common rectangular duct, produced almost as much noise as the beveled nozzle, with the septae not contributing much reduction in noise.

Noise

Comparison of full-scale engine and subscale model performance of a mixed flow exhaust system for an energy efficient engine (E3) propulsion system

A full scale engine test of the NASA/General Electric Company (GE) Energy Efficient Engine (E3) was conducted to demonstrate the E3 engine concept and evaluate its performance. The test program, performed at the GE outdoor engine test facilities in Peebles, OH, included a detailed evaluation of the total pressure and temperature profiles at the exit of the mixed flow exhaust system to determine its mixing effectiveness. Subscale model tests of the same mixed flow exhaust system had been previously conducted at FluiDyne Engineering Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota as part of the GE E3 mixer aerodynamic technology development program. The scale model and full scale engine nozzle exit survey data and the calculated mixing effectiveness are compared and discussed. Results indicate the full scale engine mixing effectiveness to be five percent higher than the scale model as a result of a geometric difference and higher turbulence levels in the engne exhaust flowfield.

Kuchar, A. P.