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At least 19 records

Aeroelastic code comparison using the IEA 22MW reference turbine

Reference wind turbine designs and the associated aeroelastic models are widely used in both research and industry. Reference models representing future concepts are of particular interest. Current state of the art aeroelastic tools are relied upon to design the next generation of large wind turbines. However, modelling assumptions may be invalidated by upcoming very large turbines, and different aeroelastic tools may give inconsistent results. A 22MW turbine model has been defined as part of International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind Task 55 on Reference Wind Turbines and Farms to represent future turbines to be deployed in the 2030s. In this study, an aeroelastic model of this turbine has been created in four tools; Bladed, HAWC2, OpenFAST, and QBlade. Code comparisons are presented for steady state operation, linear stability analysis, and time domain power production simulations in steady and turbulent wind. Generally, the codes show a good agreement, but with some differences present in the linear stability analysis, periodic azimuthal variation, and time domain simulations. The models are a good basis for further study with the IEA 22MW turbine, and further code comparison exercises.

17 WIND ENERGY

Comparison between computations and experimental data in unsteady three-dimensional transonic aerodynamics, including aeroelastic applications

Comparisons were made of computed and experimental data in three-dimensional unsteady transonic aerodynamics, including aeroelastic applications. The computer code LTRAN3, which is based on small-disturbance aerodynamic theory, was used to obtain the aerodynamic data. A procedure based on the U-g method was developed to compute flutter boundaries by using the unsteady aerodynamic coefficients obtained from LTRAN3. The experimental data were obtained from available NASA publications. All the studies were conducted for thin, unswept, rectangular wings with circular-arc cross sections. Numerical and experimental steady and unsteady aerodynamic data were compared for a wing with an aspect ratio of 3 and a thickness ratio of 5% at Mach numbers of 0.7 and 0.9. Flutter data were compared for a wing with an aspect ratio of 5. Two thickness ratios, 6% at Mach numbers of 0.715, 0.851, and 0.913, and 4% at Mach number of 0.904, were considered. Based on the unsteady aerodynamic data obtained from LTRAN3, flutter boundaries were computed; they were compared with those obtained from experiments and the code NASTRAN, which uses linear aerodynamics.

Guruswamy, P.

Integrating nonlinear aerodynamic and structural analysis for a complete fighter configuration

The coupling of a nonlinear aerodynamics program with a structural analysis program to include the effects of static aeroelasticity in early preliminary design studies is described. A nonlinear, full potential aerodynamics method with capability to model geometric details of a complete aircraft in supersonic flow is used. The deflections of the lifting surfaces are calculated using an equivalent plate structural representation which can readily accommodate the changes in stiffness and geometric properties required during the preliminary design process. An iterative solution procedure is used to obtain consistent aerodynamic loads and structural deflections at the specified flight conditions. The volume of data transmitted between programs is minimized. The procedure is applied to a complete aircraft and the numerical results illustrate the aeroelastic effects on pressure distribution as well as total forces and moments. During this design study, the thickness distribution of the wing cover skins was initially sized based on rigid loads and subsequently resized under aeroelastic loads. Comparisons are made between these nonlinear aeroelastic results and results obtained from linear aerodynamic methods applied to a rigid shape during conceptual design studies.

Tatum, Kenneth E.

Use of Subsonic Kernel Function in an Influence-Coefficient Method of Aeroelastic Analysis and some Comparisons with Experiment

This paper illustrates the development and application of an influence-coefficient method of analysis for calculating the response of a flexible wing in an airstream to an oscillating disturbing force and for treating such aeroelastic instabilities as flutter and divergence. Aerodynamic coefficients are derived on the basis of lifting - surface theory for subsonic compressible flow by use of the method presented in NASA Technical Report R-48. Application of the analysis is made to a uniform cantilever wing- tip tank configuration for which responses to a sinusoidal disturbing force and flutter speeds were measured over a range of subsonic Mach numbers and densities. Calculated responses and flutter speeds based on flexibility influence coefficients measured at nine stations are in good agreement with experiment, provided the aerodynamic load is distributed over the wing so that local centers of pressure very nearly coincide with these nine influence stations. The use of experimental values of bending and torsional structural damping coefficients in the analysis generally improved the agreement between calculated and experimental responses. Some calculations were made to study the effects on density on responses near the flutter conditions, and linear response trends were obtained over a wide range of densities.

Sewall, John L.

Aeroelastic analysis of wings using the Euler equations with a deforming mesh

Modifications to the CFL3D three-dimensional unsteady Euler/Navier-Stokes code for the aeroelastic analysis of wings are described. The modifications involve including a deforming mesh capability which can move the mesh to continuously conform to the instantaneous shape of the aeroelastically deforming wing, and including the structural equations of motion for their simultaneous time-integration with the governing flow equations. Calculations were performed using the Euler equations to verify the modifications to the code and as a first-step toward aeroelastic analysis using the Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented for the NACA 0012 airfoil and a 45 deg sweptback wing to demonstrate applications of CFL3D for generalized force computations and aeroelastic analysis. Comparisons are made with published Euler results for the NACA 0012 airfoil and with experimental flutter data for the 45 deg sweptback wing to assess the accuracy of the present capability. These comparisons show good agreement and, thus, the CFL3D code may be used with confidence for aeroelastic analysis of wings. The paper describes the modifications that were made to the code and presents results and comparisons which assess the capability.

Robinson, Brian A.

Aeroelastic analysis of wings using the Euler equations with a deforming mesh

Modifications to the CFL3D three dimensional unsteady Euler/Navier-Stokes code for the aeroelastic analysis of wings are described. The modifications involve including a deforming mesh capability which can move the mesh to continuously conform to the instantaneous shape of the aeroelastically deforming wing, and including the structural equations of motion for their simultaneous time-integration with the governing flow equations. Calculations were performed using the Euler equations to verify the modifications to the code and as a first step toward aeroelastic analysis using the Navier-Stokes equations. Results are presented for the NACA 0012 airfoil and a 45 deg sweptback wing to demonstrate applications of CFL3D for generalized force computations and aeroelastic analysis. Comparisons are made with published Euler results for the NACA 0012 airfoil and with experimental flutter data for the 45 deg sweptback wing to assess the accuracy of the present capability. These comparisons show good agreement and, thus, the CFL3D code may be used with confidence for aeroelastic analysis of wings.

Robinson, Brian A.

An Analytical Study for Subsonic Oblique Wing Transport Concept

The oblique wing concept has been investigated for subsonic transport application for a cruise Mach number of 0.95. Three different mission applications were considered and the concept analyzed against the selected mission requirements. Configuration studies determined the best area of applicability to be a commercial passenger transport mission. The critical parameter for the oblique wing concept was found to be aspect ratio which was limited to a value of 6.0 due to aeroelastic divergence. Comparison of the concept final configuration was made with fixed winged configurations designed to cruise at Mach 0.85 and 0.95. The crossover Mach number for the oblique wing concept was found to be Mach 0.91 for takeoff gross weight and direct operating cost. Benefits include reduced takeoff distance, installed thrust and mission block fuel and improved community noise characteristics. The variable geometry feature enables the final configuration to increase range by 10% at Mach 0.712 and to increase endurance by as much as 44%.

Bradley, E. S.

Summary and recent results from the NASA advanced High Speed Propeller Research Program

Advanced high-speed propellers offer large performance improvements for aircraft that cruise in the Mach 0.7 to 0.8 speed regime. The current status of the NASA research program on high-speed propeller aerodynamics, acoustics, and aeroelastics is described. Recent wind tunnel results for five 8- to 10-blade advanced models are compared with analytical predictions. Test results show that blade sweep was important in achieving net efficiencies near 80 percent at Mach 0.8 and reducing near-field cruise noise by dB. Lifting line and lifting surface aerodynamic analysis codes are under development and some initial lifting line results are compared with propeller force and probe data. Some initial laser velocimeter measurements of the flow field velocities of an 8-bladed 45 deg swept propeller are shown. Experimental aeroelastic results indicate that cascade effects and blade sweep strongly affect propeller aeroelastic characteristics. Comparisons of propeller near-field noise data with linear acoustic theory indicate that the theory adequate predicts near-field noise for subsonic tip speeds but overpredicts the noise for supersonic tip speeds. Potential large gains in propeller efficiency of 7 to 11 percent at Mach 0.8 may be possible with advanced counter-rotation propellers.

Mitchell, G. A.

Summary of recent NASA propeller research

Advanced high-speed propellers offer large performance improvements for aircraft that cruise in the Mach 0.7 to 0.8 speed regime. At these speeds, studies indicate that there is a 15 to near 40 percent block fuel savings and associated operating cost benefits for advanced turboprops compared to equivalent technology turbofan powered aircraft. Recent wind tunnel results for five eight to ten blade advanced models are compared with analytical predictions. Test results show that blade sweep was important in achieving net efficiencies near 80 percent at Mach 0.8 and reducing nearfield cruise noise by about 6 dB. Lifting line and lifting surface aerodynamic analysis codes are under development and some results are compared with propeller force and probe data. Also, analytical predictions are compared with some initial laser velocimeter measurements of the flow field velocities of an eightbladed 45 swept propeller. Experimental aeroelastic results indicate that cascade effects and blade sweep strongly affect propeller aeroelastic characteristics. Comparisons of propeller near-field noise data with linear acoustic theory indicate that the theory adequately predicts near-field noise for subsonic tip speeds but overpredicts the noise for supersonic tip speeds.

Mikkelson, D. C.

Summary of recent NASA propeller research

Advanced high speed propellers offer large performance improvements for aircraft that cruise in the Mach 0.7 to 0.8 speed regime. At these speeds, studies indicate that there is a 15 to near 40 percent block fuel savings and associated operating cost benefits for advanced turboprops compared to equivalent technology turbofan powered aircraft. Recent wind tunnel results for five eight to ten blade advanced models are compared with analytical predictions. Test results show that blade sweep was important in achieving net efficiencies near 80 percent at Mach 0.8 and reducing nearfield cruise noise about 6 dB. Lifting line and lifting surface aerodynamic analysis codes are under development and some results are compared with propeller force and probe data. Also, analytical predictions are compared with some initial laser velocimeter measurements of the flow field velocities of an eight bladed 45 swept propeller. Experimental aeroelastic results indicate that cascade effects and blade sweep strongly affect propeller aeroelastic characteristics. Comparisons of propeller nearfield noise data with linear acoustic theory indicate that the theory adequately predicts nearfield noise for subsonic tip speeds, but overpredicts the noise for supersonic tip speeds.

Mikkelson, D. C.

A Comparative Study of Some Dynamic Stall Models

Three semi-empirical aerodynamic stall models are compared with respect to their lift and moment hysteresis loop prediction, limit cycle behavior, easy implementation, and feasibility in developing the parameters required for stall flutter prediction of advanced turbines. For the comparison of aeroelastic response prediction including stall, a typical section model and a plate structural model are considered. The response analysis includes both plunging and pitching motions of the blades. In model A, a correction to the angle of attack is applied when the angle of attack exceeds the static stall angle. In model B, a synthesis procedure is used for angles of attack above static stall angles and the time history effects are accounted through the Wagner function. In both models the life and moment coefficients for angle of attack below stall are obtained from tabular data for a given Mach number and angle of attack. In model C, referred to an the ONERA model, the life and moment coefficients are given in the form of two differential equations, one for angles below stall, and the other for angles above stall. The parameters of those equations are nonlinear functions of the angle of attack.

Reddy, T. S. R.

Stall flutter analysis of propfans

Three semi-empirical aerodynamic stall models are compared with respect to their lift and moment hysteresis loop prediction, limit cycle behavior, easy implementation, and feasibility in developing the parameters required for stall flutter prediction of advanced turbines. For the comparison of aeroelastic response prediction including stall, a typical section model and a plate structural model are considered. The response analysis includes both plunging and pitching motions of the blades. In model A, a correction of the angle of attack is applied when the angle of attack exceeds the static stall angle. In model B, a synthesis procedure is used for angles of attack above static stall angles, and the time history effects are accounted for through the Wagner function.

Reddy, T. S. R.

Three dimensional full potential method for the aeroelastic modeling of propfans

A three-dimensional time dependent full potential aerodynamic analysis of single rotation propellers has been developed. The primary purpose of the code is to provide a capability of doing propfan aeroelastic analysis in the nonlinear transonic regime. A secondary purpose is to provide a validation of the unsteady lifting surface panel method that has been have developed. Results will be shown for steady state aerodynamic loading, unsteady aerodynamic response to forced aeroelastic deformations, and free aeroelastic response. Comparisons are made to experimental data and corresponding panel code results.

Williams, Marc H.

Data Comparisons and Summary of the Second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop

This paper presents the computational results generated by participating teams of the second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop and compare them with experimental data. Aeroelastic and rigid configurations of the Benchmark Supercritical Wing (BSCW) wind tunnel model served as the focus for the workshop. The comparison data sets include unforced ("steady") system responses, forced pitch oscillations and coupled fluid-structure responses. Integrated coefficients, frequency response functions, and flutter onset conditions are compared. The flow conditions studied were in the transonic range, including both attached and separated flow conditions. Some of the technical discussions that took place at the workshop are summarized.

Heeg, Jennifer

Comparison of wind tunnel and theoretical aeroelastic predictions with flight measured airloads for the B-1 aircraft

An aeroelastic analysis of the B-1 aircraft was generated using the FLEXSTAB computer program. Relatively simple aerodynamic and structural models were employed. Theoretical wing and horizontal stabilizer airloads were compared to wind tunnel predictions and flight data measured during quasi-steady pitch maneuvers at Mach numbers of 0.85 and 1.2 with the wing in the 67.5 degree full aft sweep position. The basic objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the FLEXSTAB program for pre-flight airloads analysis of large flexible aircraft. Significant aeroelastic increments were noted between rigid and flexible vehicle results. FLEXSTAB predicted airloads for the outer wing panel were in good agreement with measured data for both rigid airloads and elastic increments. FLEXSTAB results for the horizontal stabilizer were useful for defining general aeroelastic trends, but absolute load levels were not well predicted due to theoretical limitations and difficulties encountered in modelling the complex B-1 configuration. Overall, the FLEXSTAB program is viewed as a useful integrated tool for static aeroelastic analysis in support of flight programs.

Sims, R. L.

A comparison of theory and experiment for aeroelastic stability of a hingeless rotor model in hover

Theoretical predictions of aeroelastic stability are compared with experimental, isolated, hingeless-rotor data. The six cases selected represent a torsionally soft rotor having either a stiff or soft pitch-control system in combination with zero precone and droop, 5 degree precone, or -5 degree droop. Analyses from Bell Helicopter Textron, Boeing Vertol, Hughes Helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the U.S. Army Aeromechanics Laboratory were compared with the experimental data. The correlation ranged from poor to fair.

Sharpe, David L.

Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Static Aeroelastic Loads and Deflections of a Thin 45 deg Delta Wing in Supersonic Flow

Wind tunnel tests showing the effects of static aeroelasticity for a thin 45 degree delta wing in supersonic flow are presented and compared with theory in the Mach number range 1.30 t o 4.00. Calculated deformations, normal-force coefficients, and pitching-moment coefficients based on a linearized potential theory for subsonic leading edges at a Mach number of 1.30 and a linearized potential theory for supersonic leading edges at Mach numbers of 1.64, 3.00, and 4.00 are shown to compare favorably with the wind-tunnel results. Calculations of these same deformations and coefficients based on piston theory are shown to compare satisfactorily with experiment at a Mach number of 4.00 but not so well at a Mach number of 3.00. A factor modification of piston theory is suggested which improves the correlation of these results with experiment and also with the potential-theory results.

Bennett, Floyd V.

Effects of symmetric and asymmetric modes on transonic aeroelastic characteristics of full-span wing-body configurations

To accurately study the transonic aeroelastic characteristics, it is important to model the full aircraft configuration, including asymmetry. Recently, an accurate method of computing unsteady transonic flows on full-span wing-body configurations was developed using the transonic potential flow theory. In this work, the method is further developed to account for the aeroelasticity of full-span wing-body configurations. This is accomplished by simultaneously integrating the unsteady aerodynamic forces and modal structural equations of the wing-body configurations. To validate the method, aeroelastic computations are made for a wing-body configuration with a rectangular wing. The aeroelastic responses of this configuration are correlated with the responses of a similar isolated wing. The comparisons are favorable. Aeroelastic computations associated with symmetric and asymmetric modes are also made to study the influence of modal asymmetry on responses. This new development is further illustrated by computing aeroelastic characteristics of a typical fighter aircraft. The results from this study will be useful in accurately computing the transonic flutter boundaries of aircraft, including those associated with asymmetric modes.

Guruswamy, Guru P.