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Articles 31 - 60 of 166
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Validation Of The Chemistry Module For The Euler Solver In Unified Flow Solver, William C. Humphrey Jr.
Validation Of The Chemistry Module For The Euler Solver In Unified Flow Solver, William C. Humphrey Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
In the world of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), three main types of flow regimes exist: continuum, rarified, and free molecular. Of these regimes, the rarified regime is the most difficult to model because the continuum equations don't apply and using the Boltzmann equation is too computationally expensive to use. The Unified Flow Solver (UFS) is currently being developed to solve this problem by using the kinetic continuum Euler equations where valid, and only using the Boltzmann equation where necessary, thus reducing the computational cost. The use of the kinetic Euler equations helps to aid in the coupling of the Euler …
Computational Analysis And Characterization Of Rc-135 External Aerodynamics, Michael G. Chenery
Computational Analysis And Characterization Of Rc-135 External Aerodynamics, Michael G. Chenery
Theses and Dissertations
Both the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint (RJ) and the RC-135U Combat Sent (CS) aircraft are United States Air Force (USAF) electronics reconnaissance platforms. The RJ is the USAF's standard airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathering platform, while the CS is designed to collect technical intelligence on adversary radar emitter systems. Both aircraft are extensively modified C-135's characterized by protruding cheek fairings along the sides of the fuselage forward of the wings as well as the addition of numerous antennas along the top and bottom of the fuselage. The major distinguishing feature between the two variants is the nose radome, wherein the RJ …
Boundary Layer Measurements In The Trisonic Gas-Dynamics Facility Using Particle Image Velocimetry With Co₂ Seeding, Daniel B. Wolfe
Boundary Layer Measurements In The Trisonic Gas-Dynamics Facility Using Particle Image Velocimetry With Co₂ Seeding, Daniel B. Wolfe
Theses and Dissertations
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is utilized with solid carbon dioxide (CO2) seeding material to conduct boundary layer measurements in the test section of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Trisonic Gas-dynamics Facility (TGF), which has a 24 inch by 24 inch cross-section. Freestream velocity was set at Mach 0.3, Mach 0.5, or Mach 0.8 while stagnation pressure ranged from 500 to 2400 pounds per square foot (psf). High pressure liquid CO2 was directed through expansion nozzles into shroud tubes which led to solidified particles in the wind tunnel stagnation chamber. Two different sets of shroud tubes were used …
Reynolds Number Effects On Thrust Coefficients And Piv For Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles, John P. Tekell
Reynolds Number Effects On Thrust Coefficients And Piv For Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicles, John P. Tekell
Theses and Dissertations
For the last several years the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has conducted research in aerodynamics for flapping wing micro air vehicles (MAVs). The focus of this research was to augment this effort by measuring thrust, velocity, and torque in tanks of water and glycerin using a scale and a reaction torque cell. The results for different flapping mechanisms are compared to a rotating propeller with the goal of elucidating the design trade space between rotorcraft and flapping wings at Reynolds numbers less than 100,000. In addition, flow visualization and quantitative velocity data were captured in the wake of …
Coupled Radiation-Gasdynamic Solution Method For Hypersonic Shock Layers In Thermochemical Nonequilibrium, Christopher L. Martin Jr.
Coupled Radiation-Gasdynamic Solution Method For Hypersonic Shock Layers In Thermochemical Nonequilibrium, Christopher L. Martin Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to develop a highly accurate computational method for calculating the nonequilibrium radiative heat transfer within reentry shock layers. The nonequilibrium state of the flowfield was solved using the multispecies multitemperature nonequilibrium flow solver NH7AIR which is capable of separately tracking the vibrational energy of each diatomic species and the energy of the free electrons. The calculation of radiative heat transfer was performed by utilizing the detailed line-by-line spectral radiation solver SPRADIAN. Two radiative transport schemes were implemented in this coupled code. The first scheme was the standard tangent slab solution method. The second scheme …
An Investigation Of Cavity Resonance And Its Relationship To Store Force And Moment Loading, Christopher J. Coley
An Investigation Of Cavity Resonance And Its Relationship To Store Force And Moment Loading, Christopher J. Coley
Theses and Dissertations
A store which is released from an internal bay is subjected to a highly unsteady flowfield which influences the release characteristics for the store. Pressure transducer information is often used to estimate store loading, although no direct correlation between the observed frequencies from the pressure transducers and the store loading has been developed. The relationship between the acoustic modes present in the cavity and the force and moment loading on a store released from a bay are investigated through a CFD study using the OVERFLOW 2.1 solver. The acoustic modes of the cavity are calculated from the pressure fluctuation histories …
Biological Investigation Of The Stimulated Flapping Motions Of The Moth, Manduca Sexta, Travis B. Tubbs
Biological Investigation Of The Stimulated Flapping Motions Of The Moth, Manduca Sexta, Travis B. Tubbs
Theses and Dissertations
No abstract provided.
A Structural Dynamic Analysis Of A Manduca Sexta Forewing, Travis W. Sims
A Structural Dynamic Analysis Of A Manduca Sexta Forewing, Travis W. Sims
Theses and Dissertations
Micro air vehicles (MAVs) are intended for future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance use. To adequately fulfill a clandestine capacity, MAVs must operate in close proximity to their intended target without eliciting counter-observation. This objective, along with DARPA’s constraint of a sub-15 centimeter span, requires future MAVs to mimic insect appearance and flight characteristics. This thesis describes an experimental method for conducting a structural analysis of a Manduca Sexta (hawkmoth) forewing. Geometry is captured via computed tomography (CT), and frequency data is collected using laser vibrometry in air and vacuum. A finite element (FE) model is constructed using quadratic beams and …
Development Of Morphing Aircraft Structure Using Smp, Soo-Chan Jee
Development Of Morphing Aircraft Structure Using Smp, Soo-Chan Jee
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S Air Force needs new aircraft which provide longer flight time, less fuel consumption, better aerodynamics in order to perform Air Force missions successfully as the mission environment changes rapidly. A morphing wing aircraft is considered as a potential new aircraft for those missions. This thesis explores Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) properties test results and its application for morphing wing skin. Several SMP composite laminates were considered for investigating shape changing characteristics required for morphing skin. The braided composite preforms used in making SMP composites were explored in morphing wing operating system based on the results of property tests. …
Dive Angle Sensitivity Analysis For Flight Test Safety And Efficiency, Matthew T. Schneider
Dive Angle Sensitivity Analysis For Flight Test Safety And Efficiency, Matthew T. Schneider
Theses and Dissertations
Flutter envelope expansion is one of the most critical types of developmental flight tests. The regions that present the most dangerous flight profiles are those test points in the negative PS realm of the flight envelope. These points develop into high-speed dives and require an accurate predictive model to prevent possible testing accidents. As a flight test is conducted, several conditions such as aircraft weight and ambient air temperature can change, causing a drastic shift in the excess power profiles resulting in significant alteration in the test conditions. Using a dive planning model, a number of parameters were analyzed to …
Cfd Analysis Of Experimental Wing And Winglet For Falconlaunch 8 And The Exfit Program, Benjamin P. Switzer
Cfd Analysis Of Experimental Wing And Winglet For Falconlaunch 8 And The Exfit Program, Benjamin P. Switzer
Theses and Dissertations
Reusable launch vehicles have many benefits over their expendable counterparts. These benefits range from cost reductions to increased functionality of the vehicles. Further research is required in the development of the technology necessary for reusable launch vehicles to come to fruition. The Air Force Institute of Technology’s future involvement in the ExFIT program will entail designing and testing of a new wing tip mounted vertical stabilizer in the hypersonic regime. One proposed venue for experimentation is to utilize the United States Air Force Academy’s FalconLAUNCH Program which annually designs, builds, and launches a sounding rocket capable of reaching hypersonic speeds. …
Investigation Of A Novel Compact Vibration Isolation System For Space Applications, Steven D. Miller
Investigation Of A Novel Compact Vibration Isolation System For Space Applications, Steven D. Miller
Theses and Dissertations
A novel compact vibration isolation system was designed, built, and tested for the Space Chromotomography Experiment (CTEx) being built by Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) researchers. CTEx is a multifunctional experimental imaging chromotomographic spectrometer designed for flight on the International Space Station (ISS) and is sensitive to jitter caused by vibrations both through the support structure as well as those produced on the optical platform by rotating optical components. CTEx demands a compact and lightweight means of vibration isolation and suppression from the ISS structure. Vibration tests conducted on an initial isolator design resulted in changes in the chosen …
Particle Size Control For Piv Seeding Using Dry Ice, Brian T. Love
Particle Size Control For Piv Seeding Using Dry Ice, Brian T. Love
Theses and Dissertations
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) has been carried out using solid carbon dioxide (CO2) particles as the seed material to continue the development of clean seeding for use in large-scale, closed-circuit tunnels. Testing occurred in two wind tunnels at subsonic and supersonic speeds using dry ice particles generated by allowing liquefied CO2 to expand from a small diameter injector tube through a larger diameter shroud tube. The particles were injected into the plenum and discrete solid particles, suitable for PIV measurements, were present in the test section. Data on particle size were first collected using a Malvern particle …
Back-Pressure Effect On Shock-Train Location In A Scramjet Engine Isolator, Richard I. Paek
Back-Pressure Effect On Shock-Train Location In A Scramjet Engine Isolator, Richard I. Paek
Theses and Dissertations
The isolator of the scramjet decelerates the incoming high Mach flow to a lower Mach number and stabilizes the flow before it enters the combustor. Because of the unsteady combustion phenomenon and inconsistent completeness of the combustion, pressures within the combustor can vary drastically. These pressure variations can propagate forward and affect the flow field in the isolator - worst case unstarting the inlet. In this research, the shock train location versus the back-pressure is examined experimentally. The back-pressure is artificially created by symmetric (top & bottom) ramps that can close the flow area. Raising/lowering ramps result in higher/lower back-pressure. …
Flow Measurements Using Particle Image Velocimetry In The Ultra Compact Combustor, Levi M. Thomas
Flow Measurements Using Particle Image Velocimetry In The Ultra Compact Combustor, Levi M. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
Velocity measurements were performed using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique on the Ultra Compact Combustor (UCC) test rig at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Velocity patterns and time-averaged turbulence statistics were calculated for data taken with the UCC burning hydrogen fuel in the straight cavity vane and curved cavity vane configurations. The equivalence ratio was varied from 0.7 to 1.5, while the ratio of cavity air to main air was varied from 5% to 20% in testing performed on the straight vane configuration. Spanwise velocity was observed to decrease linearly with distance from the cavity vane over …
Flow Visualization Study Of Passive Flow Control Features On A Film-Cooled Turbine Blade Leading Edge, Daniel R. Carroll
Flow Visualization Study Of Passive Flow Control Features On A Film-Cooled Turbine Blade Leading Edge, Daniel R. Carroll
Theses and Dissertations
A flow visualization study was conducted on a model of a film-cooled turbine blade leading edge in a closed-loop water channel at ReD = 30k. The model consisted of an 8.89 cm diameter half-cylinder with flat afterbody joined at the ninety degree point. A single radial coolant hole (dc / D = 0.054) drilled 21.5° from the stagnation line, angled 20° to the surface and 90° to the flow direction generated a coolant jet transverse to the freestream. Water channel testing assessed the hydrodynamic effects of 16 passive flow control features, to include a variety of …
Least-Squares, Continuous Sensitivity Analysis For Nonlinear Fluid-Structure Interaction, Douglas P. Wickert
Least-Squares, Continuous Sensitivity Analysis For Nonlinear Fluid-Structure Interaction, Douglas P. Wickert
Theses and Dissertations
A least-squares, continuous sensitivity analysis method is developed for transient aeroelastic gust response problems to support computationally efficient analysis and optimization of aeroelastic design problems. A key distinction between the local and total derivative forms of the sensitivity system is introduced. The continuous sensitivity equations and sensitivity boundary conditions are derived in local derivative form which is shown to be superior for several applications. The analysis and sensitivity problems are both posed in a first-order form which is amenable to a solution using the least-squares finite element method. Several example and validation problems are presented and solved, including elasticity, fluid, …
An Investigation Of Shock Wave Physics Via Hybrid Cfd-Bgk Solution Methods For Nonequilibrium Flows, Brook I. Bentley
An Investigation Of Shock Wave Physics Via Hybrid Cfd-Bgk Solution Methods For Nonequilibrium Flows, Brook I. Bentley
Theses and Dissertations
The Unified Flow Solver, a hybrid continuum-rarefied code, is used to investigate the internal structure of a normal shock wave for a Mach range of 1.55 to 9.0 for Argon, and 1.53 to 3.8 for diatomic Nitrogen. Reciprocal shock thickness, density, temperature, heat flux, and the velocity distribution function are calculated for a one-dimensional shock wave and compared with experimental data from Alsmeyer and DSMC results from Bird. Using the Euler, Navier-Stokes, BGK model, and Three-Temperature BGK model schemes, results from UFS compare well with experiment and DSMC. The Euler scheme shows atypical results, possibly resulting from modifications made to …
Least-Squares Finite Element Formulation For Fluid-Structure Interaction, Cody C. Rasmussen
Least-Squares Finite Element Formulation For Fluid-Structure Interaction, Cody C. Rasmussen
Theses and Dissertations
Fluid-structure interaction problems prove difficult due to the coupling between fluid and solid behavior. Typically, different theoretical formulations and numerical methods are used to solve fluid and structural problems separately. The least-squares finite element method is capable of accurately solving both fluid and structural problems. This capability allows for a simultaneously coupled fluid structure interaction formulation using a single variational approach to solve complex and nonlinear aeroelasticity problems. The least-squares finite element method was compared to commonly used methods for both structures and fluids individually. The fluid analysis was compared to finite differencing methods and the structural analysis type compared …
Wind Tunnel Analysis And Flight Test Of A Wing Fence On A T-38, Michael D. Williams
Wind Tunnel Analysis And Flight Test Of A Wing Fence On A T-38, Michael D. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
A low-speed wind tunnel study and flight tests were performed to examine the effects of a wing fence on the T-38A. Wind tunnel results were based upon force and moment data collected with a six-component balance and flow visualization at Reynolds numbers up to 0.3 x 106, based on mean aerodynamic chord. The model did not include the last 7.79 feet of the aircraft, and the engine and exhaust were modeled as through-holes. Five fence geometries, placed at wing station 125 (± 0.825 semispan), were compared. The best performer of these designs, based on drag polar, was the …
Dynamic Supersonic Base Store Ejection Simulation Using Beggar, Michael D. Johnson
Dynamic Supersonic Base Store Ejection Simulation Using Beggar, Michael D. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Static and dynamic conditions throughout various aft supersonic store separation events are examined using the Beggar Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code from Air Force SEEK Eagle Office at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. An 8.9 deg half angle sphere cone is used for the carrier vehicle with an identically shaped store stowed within a hollow compartment in the aft section of the carrier body. Dynamic store separation simulations are implemented at a free-stream Mach of 2.9 with a Reynolds number of Re = 6.9 x 106/m referenced against carrier base diameter. Analysis covers multiple dynamic separation events along …
Filtered Rayleigh Scattering Measurements In A Buoyant Flow Field, Steven M. Meents
Filtered Rayleigh Scattering Measurements In A Buoyant Flow Field, Steven M. Meents
Theses and Dissertations
Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) is a non-intrusive, laser-based flow characterization technique that consists of a narrow linewidth laser, a molecular absorption filter, and a high resolution camera behind the filter to record images. Gases of different species have different molecular scattering cross-sections that become apparent as they pass through the interrogating laser light source, and this difference is used to discriminate between the different gaseous components. This study focuses on the behavior of a buoyant helium jet exiting horizontally into ambient air, and more specifically this jet’s tendency to form side lobes that are discharged from the core fluid under …
Characterization And Control Of Carbon Dioxide Seed Particle Image Velocimetry, Bartt G. Greene
Characterization And Control Of Carbon Dioxide Seed Particle Image Velocimetry, Bartt G. Greene
Theses and Dissertations
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data was acquired in two separate supersonic wind tunnels with carbon dioxide (CO2) particles utilized as the seed material. Previous work in clean seeding showed CO2 could be used as seed material to produce velocity maps. This research provides the first quantitative assessment of particle response, particle size control via purge gas, and scalability using CO2 particles. A variety of feed tube and shroud configurations, in combination with varying volumetric flow rates of purge air were measured using a laser diffraction device. The CO2 particles were injected into the stilling chamber …
Determination Of Static And Dynamic Stability Derivatives Using Beggar, Michael E. Bartowitz
Determination Of Static And Dynamic Stability Derivatives Using Beggar, Michael E. Bartowitz
Theses and Dissertations
The static and dynamic pitch and roll stability derivatives of a finned, axisymmetric missile known as the Basic Finner were examined using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach. Stability derivatives are used to characterize vehicle motion, and knowledge of them is critical to the design of stable uncontrolled vehicles and control systems for controlled vehicles. Using CFD to characterize the motion of new munition designs has the potential to improve overall performance and reduce research and testing costs. The present analysis simulated forced oscillation and free oscillation of the Basic Finner model using the Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office's Beggar …
Piv-Based Examination Of Deep Stall On An Oscillating Air Foil, Daniel E. Fredberg
Piv-Based Examination Of Deep Stall On An Oscillating Air Foil, Daniel E. Fredberg
Theses and Dissertations
A number of studies suggest that the deep stall flow fields produced by a pure-pitch and a pure-plunge oscillating airfoil are equivalent, when effective angles of attack are matched. This assumption is examined using particle image velocimetry (PIV). Sinusoidal oscillations of a pure-plunge and pure-pitch airfoil with matched reduced frequency k = 3.93 and with kinematically equivalent amplitudes of effective angle of attack are comparatively examined using results of PIV in a free surface water tunnel at AFRL/RB, Wright Patterson AFB. Experiments were conducted at Re = 10,000 and Re = 40,000, based on free stream velocity and airfoil chord, …
Extending Cfd Modeling To Near-Continuum Flows Using Enhanced Thermophysical Modeling, Abram E. Claycomb
Extending Cfd Modeling To Near-Continuum Flows Using Enhanced Thermophysical Modeling, Abram E. Claycomb
Theses and Dissertations
The constitutive relations found in traditional Navier-Stokes-based computational fluid dynamics solvers are known to be limited in altitude. The presence of nonequilibrium phenomena beyond what these methods are able to predict becomes more prevalent at higher altitudes, or increasing Knudsen number. The bulk viscosity, normally assumed to be zero in most computational fluid dynamics applications, is examined as a means of increasing the range of applicability of computational fluid dynamics. The bulk viscosity model used was from recent calculations available in the literature, from a new anisotropic potential energy surface, and is restricted to temperatures below 2000 K. The normal …
Flight Dynamic Response Of Hale Aircraft To Kc-135 Flowfield, Amanda J. Devuono
Flight Dynamic Response Of Hale Aircraft To Kc-135 Flowfield, Amanda J. Devuono
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort examines the static effects of a KC-135 flowfield on a flexible winged Sensorcraft model. The KC-135 flowfield data is generated by a vortex lattice code and integrated into Sensorcraft model for analysis. Building on previous research, a refueling situation was modeled to note the effects of the Sensorcraft at varying locations within the flowfield. The Sensorcraft model was analyzed for both rigid and flexible wings as a means of comparision. Flowfield locations of interest were determined and trimmed conditions were computed for each flowfield location. Utilizing the trimmed condition and flowfield locations, the nonlinear set of EOM's …
Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw
Comparative Study Of Aerodynamic Interference During Aft Dispense Of Munitions, Matthew G. Burkinshaw
Theses and Dissertations
Based on forthcoming USAF needs, an investigation was launched to further the understanding of aft dispense of munitions in a high-speed environment. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed followed by a wind tunnel experiment. The study consisted of a strut-mounted cone simulating a parent vehicle and a sting mounted cone-cylinder store situated directly behind the cone. The CFD modeled the test objects inside a supersonic wind tunnel in which the experiments took place. The CFD study consisted of evaluating a new strut designed to reduce asymmetry in the airflow aft of the cone. The CFD study also included …
Cfd Analysis Of A T-38 Wing Fence, Daniel A. Solfelt
Cfd Analysis Of A T-38 Wing Fence, Daniel A. Solfelt
Theses and Dissertations
A computational study of the effects of a wing fence on the T-38 Talon was performed. RANS simulations were conducted using the CFD solver AVUS to examine the flow around the T-38 and the fence at a Reynolds number of 10 million. The T-38 was modeled as a half aircraft with a symmetry plane down the center line and did not include the empennage. The engine inlet and exhaust were modeled as sink and source boundary conditions using mass flow and pressure specifications. Two fence geometries placed 26" from the wing tip were tested. The first fence, called a simple …
Cfd Investigation Of Effect Of Depth To Diameter Ratio On Dimple Flow // Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation Of Effect Of Depth To Diameter Ratio On Dimple Flow Dynamics, Robert B. Etter
Theses and Dissertations
This study aimed to further the understanding of laminar flow through a dimple with the goal of mitigating flow separation. Dimples of various depth to diameter ratios (0.05, 0.15) were examined for three different dimple diameters and chordwise locations, corresponding to diameter based (ReD) and chordwise location based (Rex) Reynolds number combinations of ReD 20500\Rex 5000, ReD 20500 Rex 77000, and ReD 9000 Rex 21000. For the last combination, a dimple of depth to diameter ratio of 0.25 was also examined. The dimples were placed in a flat plate located in a diverging channel causing an adverse pressure gradient encouraging …