Summary of 1989 Computational Fluid Dynamics Highlights

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

This video provides an overview of the role of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in aerospace design. It discusses the importance of flow fields and how they are discretized, applied to a configuration, and generated data. Graphics workstations are used to reduce the data and produce results. If the results of a CFD simulation are validated against experimental data, the technology is disseminated for industry use.

• 00:00:00 NASA Ames Research Center produces information in the form of reports, technical reports, and publications, as well as computer software. CFD simulations help designers produce safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft. There are three aerodynamic simulation scientists at NASA Ames Research Center, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Together, they use CFD to complement both experimental and flight testing. In the event of an emergency, fast step fast Separation of Shuttle Orbiter from the rest of the launch vehicle is possible. This video provides an overview of the role of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in aerospace design. It discusses the importance of flow fields and how they are discretized, applied to a configuration, and generated data. Graphics workstations are used to reduce the data and produce results. If the results of a CFD simulation are validated against experimental data, the technology is disseminated for industry use.
• 00:05:00 This video highlights the work done by the NASA Ames Space Shuttle Flow Simulation Group in developing a computer program that can give a direct impact on the design of future rocket engines. The group focuses on the design of the turbo pump, an important component in a rocket engine. The streamwise particle flow is shown in green and the interaction of the leakage and screen-wise flows results in a region of concentrated vorticity.
• 00:10:00 This video highlights recent advances in computational fluid dynamics, including research on improving aircraft engine performance and artificial heart technology. This research is being applied to simulate the flow in components of the space shuttle main engine.
• 00:15:00 The video discusses how the f-18 jet fighter is used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, its maneuverability and high Gs allowing it to explore regimes of aerodynamics other aircraft don't experience. Researchers are using the jet fighter as a research vehicle to study the flow around a multi-stage compressor, hoping to improve compressor design and reliability while reducing weight and size. Pressure contours within the aircraft engine are shown.
• 00:20:00 This video overviews the 1989 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research conducted on a two-and-a-half stage compressor. The research showed that the pressure fields within the system are very unsteady, and that the slow fluid that sticks to the surface of the air is convected back through the system for three or four cord lengths. This research is important because it shows the potential for using CFD to improve the design of aircraft.