Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons^™

Navier-Stokes Analysis Of Cold Gas Scramjet Nozzle-Afterbody Flowfields, Walter C. Engelund

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The recent renewal of interest in hypersonic aerodynamics, brought about largely in part due to the development of the National Aerospace Plane (NASP), is resulting in an increased reliance on computational fluid dynamics for flowfield data in this flight regime. The design of the nozzle-afterbody section for a hypersonic transport such as the NASP is currently underway, and is being conducted using both computational fluid dynamics and cold, non-reacting, simulant gas experimental models. In this study, a computational analysis is conducted for the flow through a scramjet nozzle-afterbody test section.

Computations have been performed for a cold gas simulation of …

Domain Decomposition For Multigrid, Finite Volume Flow Solvers, Victor Robert Lessard

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Computing the flow fields about three-dimensional complex configurations accurately becomes a difficult task, if it is attempted to generate a single, body fitted grid with proper clustering. The domain decomposition methods, which divide the computational domain into less complex subdomains, are extensively used to decrease the grid generation workload. A domain decomposition technique also allows the use of different solution methods for different subdomains. The objective of this work is to develop a domain decomposition method via overlapping/embedding the component grids, which is to be used by upwind, multigrid, finite volume solution algorithms. A computer code, given the name MaGGiE, …

Evaluation Of Equilibrium Turbulence For A Hypersonic Boundary Layer At Nonadiabatic Wall Conditions, Cindy W. Albertson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This paper presents an experimental study to characterize the compressible turbulent boundary layer produced along a flat plate in the NASA Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel and determine the test conditions necessary to achieve equilibrium turbulence. In addition, the present study extends the data base for equilibrium compressible turbulent boundary layers over quasi-isothermal walls which are far from the adiabatic wall temperature. The measurements consist of pilot pressure, static pressure, and total temperature distributions in the boundary layer. A flat plate measuring 9.7 feet long and 4.3, feet wide was used for the study to provide a naturally turbulent boundary …

Calculations Of Three-Dimensional Transonic Flows Using The Implicit Formulation Of The Isenthalpic Euler Equations With Flux Vector Splitting, Frank E. Cannizzaro

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A numerical method for solving three-dimensional transonic flows using the isenthalpic formulation of the Euler equations is developed. The method uses van Leer's flux vector splitting to solve the implicit formulation of the governing equations, which are applied to a cell centered finite-volume scheme. A three factor spatial approximate factorization is implemented in solving the implicit part of the governing equations. Time marching to a steady state solution requires short computational times due to the relative efficiency of the basic method. Computational times are further reduced by the implementation of the multigrid acceleration technique, which provided converged solutions in approximately …

Numerical Simulation Of Turbulent Flows Past Three-Dimensional Cavities, Shivakumar Srinivasan

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Computations have been performed to simulate turbulent supersonic, transonic, and subsonic flows past three-dimensional deep, transitional, and shallow cavities. Simulation of these self sustained oscillatory flows has been generated through time accurate solutions of Reynolds averaged full Navier-Stokes equations using the explicit MacCormack scheme. The Reynolds stresses have been modeled, using the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic turbulence model with certain modifications. The computational results include instantaneous and time averaged flow properties everywhere in the computational domain. Time series analyses have been performed for the instantaneous pressure values on the cavity floor. Comparison with experimental data is made in terms of the mean …

An Evaluation Of A Taylor-Galerkin Algorithm For High Speed Inviscid Flows Using Quadrilateral And Triangular Elements, Kim S. Bey

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The Taylor-Galerkin finite element algorithm is used to obtain solutions to the two-dimensional compressible Euler equations. The mathematical formulation of the algorithm is presented for a typical scalar equation. The derivation results in element equations which are assembled over the entire solution domain to obtain the system of equations that are solved explicitly. The algorithm has the unique feature that the finite element matrices can be evaluated in closed form, avoiding expensive numerical integration. Aspects of vector programming strategies and mesh generation important to an effective analysis procedure are also described. Solutions to supersonic flow problems with exact solutions are …

Analysis And Optimal Design Of Wind Tunnel Balances, Sung-Ling Twu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The problem of finding the optimal cross-sectional shape of the elastic cage in wind tunnel balance is formulated and solved numerically. A mathematical model to implement the boundary condition associated with the elastic rigid connection into the finite element method is discussed. Numerical results show that the rigid connection at the end of the elastic cage has significant effect on the stress distribution.

The finite dimensional approach for a three dimensional design sensitivity analysis is derived. Using both the free and rigid boundary conditions, numerical examples are performed and comparisons of the accuracy of design sensitivity analysis between the proposed …

Effect Of Wall Temperature Control On Low-Speed Axisymmetric Body Drag, John C. Lin

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This paper presents results of a numerical study of the effect of wall temperature control on the low speed aerodynamic drag of axisymmetric bodies at turbulent Reynolds numbers and zero angle of attack.

Results for both skin-friction and pressure drag were computed for slender bodies using first-order viscous-inviscid interaction theory. Computations using boundary-layer theory were conducted to evaluate the effect of wall heat transfer on bluff-body separation control. Wall heat transfer with 100 percent surface coverage (for all bodies) as well as some partial surface coverage cases were investigated. The wall-to­ tota1-freestream temperature ratio was varied between 0.08 and 2. …

Implementation Of Uniform Perturbation Method For Potential Flow Past Axisymmetric And Two-Dimensional Bodies, Tin Chee Wong

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The aerodynamic characteristics of potential flow past an axisymmetric slender body and a thin airfoil are calculated by using a uniform perturbation analysis method. The method is based on the superposition of potentials of point singularities distributed inside the body. The strength distribution satisfies a linear integral equation by enforcing the flow tangency condition on the surface of the body. The complete uniform asymptotic expansion of its solution is obtained with respect to the slenderness ratio by modifying and adapting an existing technique. Results calculated by the perturbation analysis method are compared with the existing surface-singularity-panel method and some available …

An Analytical Design Procedure For The Determination Of Effective Leading Edge Extensions On Thick Delta Wings, Farhad Ghaffari

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An analyt1cal des1gn procedure for Lead1ng-Edge Extensions (LEE) has been developed for thick delta wings. This LFE device is des1gned to be mounted to a w1ng along the pseudo-stagnation stream surface associated w1th the attached flow design lift coeff1cient of greater than zero. The intended purpose of the device is to improve the aerodynamic performance of high subsonic and low super son1c aircraft at incidences above that of attached flow design lift coefficient, by us1ng a vortex system emanating along the leading edges of the device. The low pressure assoc1ated with these vort1ces would act on the LEE upper surface …

Viscous Modeling And Computation Of Leading-And Trailing-Edge Vortex Cores Of Delta Wings, Balakrishnan Lakshmanan

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A Finite-Difference method is presented for calculating steady quasi-axisymmetric flow of an incompressible fluid at large Reynolds number. Approximations of the boundary-layer type are employed to reduce the Navier-Stokes equations to a pair of non-linear parabolic equations. Along with the governing equations, initial conditions are specified at some upstream cross section and boundary conditions are specified at the axis of symmetry and on the outer bounding surface.

The governing equations are replaced by a set of quasilinear finite-difference equations. The solution is obtained by a marching technique, which proceeds step-by-step in the axial direction. At each axial station, an iterative …

Interaction Of A Two-Dimensional Transverse Jet With A Supersonic Mainstream, Gilbert Otto Kraemer

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A experimental investigation of the interaction of a twodimensional sonic jet injected transversely into a confined main flow has been conducted. The main flow consisted of air at a Mach number of 2.9. The effects of varying the jet parameters on the flow field were examined using surface pressure and composition data. Also, the downstream flow field was examined using static pressure, pitot pressure, and composition profile data. The jet parameters varied were gapwidth, jet static pressure, and injectant species of either helium or nitrogen. The values of the jet parameters used were 0.039, 0.056,and 0.109 cm for the gapwidth …

Analysis Of Aerothermodynamic Environment Of A Titan Aerocapture Vehicle, Hsing Chow

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The extent of convective and rad1ative heating for a Titan entry vehicle is invest1gated. The flow in the shock layer is assumed to be axisymmtric, steady, viscous, and compressible. It is further assumed that the gas is in chemical and local thermodynamic equilibrium and tangent slab approximation is used for the rad1ative transport. The effect of slip boundary conditions on the body surface and at the shock wave are included in the analysis of high altitude entry conditions. The implicit finite difference technique is used to .solve the viscous shock layer equations for a 45-degree sphere cone at zero angle …

Experimental Study Of Delta Wing Leading-Edge Devices For Drag Reduction At High Lift, Thomas Dwight Johnson Jr.

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Future fighter aircraft requirements specify efficient supersonic cruise and high-g maneuverability at high lift. The slender delta wing meets the first requirement but has large lift induced drag increments at high lift. One method to alleviate the drag is to control the flow at the wing leading edge (LE) by means of small LE devices, so as to maintain locally attached flow to higher angles of attack and thus increase the level of aerodynamic thrust.

The devices selected for evaluation were the fence, slot, pylon-type vortex generator (VG), and sharp leading-edge extension (SLEE). These devices were tested on a 60° …

Static Temperature Measurements In Supersonic Flow Using Lasar Raman Spectroscopy, Paul A. Nystrom

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Laser Raman spectroscopy is a nonintrusive technique which can generate mean static temperature (MST) data within flow fields. By ratioing two simultaneously gathered portions of the Raman scattered spectrum, absolute intensity measurements were not needed. This method was applied to a supersonic cold air jet, where the NST ranged from 160'K to 300'K. Accurate measurements were not realized due to the presence of flow contaminates, especially water vapor.

An Experimental Investigation Of A Cold Jet With Solid Centerbody Emitting From A Flat Plate Into A Subsonic Free Stream, Danny K. Livingston

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A study of the influence of a solid center body on lift loss and pitching moment has been conducted. It has been well established that a round free jet emitted from a flat plate at right angles to a cross flow causes an induced pressure distribution on the plate which adversely affects the lift and pitching stability of the flat plate.

This investigation has employed a 2.58 - cm diameter round jet with a 1.91 - cm diameter solid rounded core in order to modify the induced flow field and attempt to reduce the lift loss and pitching moment. Preliminary …

Computer-Aided Design Of Light Aircraft To Meet Certain Aerodynamic And Structural Requirements, Joanne Lynn Walsh

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Nonlinear mathematical programming techniques are applied to a particular aircraft design problem, that of determining the maximum range design for light aircraft subject to certain aerodynamic and structural requirements. Search techniques available in an existing nonlinear optimization computer program, AESOP, are applied to the design problem. Seven design variables are used to define the wing dimensions, the wing skin thickness, the cruise velocity, the amount of fuel carried, and the engine horsepower. The influence of different design requirements on the range is observed and discussed.

The Analysis Of A Subsonic Jet Issuing Perpendicular To A Freestream Flow From A Flat Plate And A Body Of Revolution, Donald R. Haberman

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An investigation was undertaken to determine the nature of the pressure region around a jet issuing perpendicular to a free stream flow from a flat plate and a cylindrical surface, and to determine the forces which resulted from such a pressure region. It was also attempted to develop an empirical relation to enable the prediction of surface pressure regions from known physical parameters.

The jet was exhausted from a 0.375 inch nozzle perpendicular to a free stream flow of about 90 ft./sec. The flow rate of the jet was then varied to give three free stream to jet velocity ratios …