New methods for analyzing transport phenomena in supersonic ejectors

This work aims at providing novel insights into the quantification and the location of the transfers and the irreversibilities within supersonic ejectors, and their connection with the entrainment. In this study, we propose two different and complementary approaches. First of all, recent analysis tools based on momentum and energy tubes (Meyers and Meneveau (2013)) are extended to the present compressible flow context and applied to the mean-flow structure of turbulent flow within the ejector. Furthermore, the transport equation for the mean-flow total exergy is derived and exergy transport tubes are proposed as a tool for the investigation of transport phenomena within supersonic ejectors. In addition to this topological approach, an analysis based on classical stream tubes is performed in order to quantitatively investigate transfers between the primary and the secondary streams all along the ejector. Finally, the present work identifies the location of exergy losses and their origins. Throughout this analysis, new local and cumulative parameters related to transfers and irreversibilities are introduced. The proposed methodology sheds light on the complex phenomena at play and may serve as a basis for the analysis of transport phenomena within supersonic ejectors. For the ejector under consideration, although global transfers are more important in on-design conditions, it is shown that the net gain in exergy of the secondary stream is maximum for a value of the back pressure that is close to the critical back pressure, as irreversibilities due to viscous dissipation are significantly lowered compared to other operating points.     

Computational and experimental analysis of supersonic air ejector: Turbulence modeling and assessment of 3D effects

Numerical and experimental analyses are performed on a supersonic air ejector to evaluate the effectiveness of commonly-used computational techniques when predicting ejector flow characteristics. Three series of experimental curves at different operating conditions are compared with 2D and 3D simulations using RANS, steady, wall-resolved models. Four different turbulence models are tested: k–ε, k–ε realizable, k–ω SST, and the stress–ω Reynolds Stress Model. An extensive analysis is performed to interpret the differences between numerical and experimental results. The results show that while differences between turbulence models are typically small with respect to the prediction of global parameters such as ejector inlet mass flow rates and Mass Entrainment Ratio (MER), the k–ω SST model generally performs best whereas ε-based models are more accurate at low motive pressures. Good agreement is found across all 2D and 3D models at on-design conditions. However, prediction at off-design conditions is only acceptable with 3D models, making 3D simulations mandatory to correctly predict the critical pressure and achieve reasonable results at off-design conditions. This may partly depend on the specific geometry under consideration, which in the present study has a rectangular cross section with low aspect ratio.     

Contribution to the theory of the high compression ratio gas ejector with cylindrical mixing chamber

Ways of improving the operation of a gas ejector with a high compression ratio are investigated. The conditions for obtaining the maximal compression ratio at the critical operating regime of the gas ejector are studied theoretically and experimentally with account for mixing of the supersonic injecting and subsonic ejected streams ahead of the choking section. The principles for the rational utilization of the effect of stream mixing in the ejector ahead of the choking section are indicated; the use of these principles permits a several-fold increase of the compression ratio of the supersonic ejector. A theory is given for the critical regime of the gas ejector with uniformly perforated nozzle, and the hydraulic parameters of the required wall perforationss are determined. It is shown that perforation as a hydraulic factor can improve significantly the parameters of the sonic ejector in the critical regime.The foundations of modem gas ejector theory were developed by Khristianovich [1, 2]. In these studies he established the relationship between the parameters of the flow at the end of the mixing chamber (section 3, p ₀ is the total pressure, is the reduced velocity) and the parameters of the ejecting (section 1, p ₀ ,) and the ejected (p₀₁,₁) flows with account for compressibility for the ejector with a cylindrical mixing chamber (Fig. 1a). The ejector theory [1, 2] (see also [3, 4]) is given in the hydraulic approximation: the flow at the end of the mixing chamber is assumed uniform, flow friction on the mixing chamber walls is neglected. The use of the gasdynamic functions [5–9] made it possible to obtain computational equations for the ejector in a convenient form and to extend them to the case of mixing of gases with different thermophysical properties. We note that for subsonic velocities of the ejecting and ejected flows the system of ejector equations [1, 2] is supplemented by the condition of equality of the static pressures p=P₁ at the stream contact section 1.The results of extensive experimental studies of subsonic ejectors are in good agreement with the results of this theory.For sonic or supersonic velocity of the ejecting gas (=1) the condition p=p₁ is not satisfied in the general case. Fundamental for the development of ejector theory was the establishment by Millionshchikov and Ryabinkov in 1948 of the existence of a critical operating regime of the supersonic ejector [7, 10]. They showed that the limiting operating regimes of the gas ejector for high pressure differentials ==p ₀ /p₀₁ are determined by the conditions for the choking of the ejected jet by the expanding supersonic ejecting flow. With the occurrence of the critical regime the velocity of the ejected jet at the choking section (section 2, Fig. 1a) reaches the speed of sound (=1); this limits the further increase of the pressure ratio and the ejector compression ratio =p ₀ /p ₀ for a given ejection coefficient k (k is the ratio of the ejected and ejecting gas flow rates). The relationships between these flow parameters at sections 2 and 1 supplement the system of ejector equations and permit determining its critical characteristics.Millionshchikov and Ryabinkov showed that for moderate values of the pressure ratio good agreement of the theoretical and experimental ejector characteristics are given by the assumption of constant static pressure p₂=const at section 2 (Fig. 1a).The limit of the applicability of the theory based on the condition p₂= = const, was studied experimentally by Lyzhin [10].The theory of the critical regime of the gas ejector was developed in 1953 in studies of Nikol'skii, Shustov, Vasil'ev, Taganov, and Mezhirov [10, 11]. Nikol'skii showed that the condition of constant static pressure at the choking section is not in agreement with the momentum equation.For a more rigorous theoretical determination of the critical ejector regime he proposed joining between sections 1 and 2 (Fig. 1a) the calculation of the ejecting jet using the method of characteristics and the hydraulic calculation of the ejected jet; example calculations were made by Nikol'skii and Shustov. Taganov and Mezhirov suggested a method for calculating the ejector critical regime using a linear distribution of the pressure in the supersonic ejecting jet (at the choking section 2).A simple and successful method for calculating the ejector critical regime was given by Vasil'ev, who used the hydraulic representation of the ejecting and ejected flows in the choking section; both flows are assumed uniform at section 2, the static pressures in these flows in the general case are different and are determined by the momentum equation. A similar theory for the ejector critical regime was developed independently in [12, 13], and the theory with account for the supersonic ejecting flow (ahead of the choking section) was developed using the method of characteristics in [14].It should be noted that the results of the calculations of the critical characteristics of the ejectors using all three of these methods were practically indentical and in good agreement with experiment for large and moderate values of the ejection coefficients. We emphasize that in the theories of the ejector critical regime the flow mixing between sections 1 and 2 is neglected.The critical regime theory imposes significant limitations on the possible characteristics of the gas ejector, first of all, on the achievable compression ratio =p ₀ /p ₀ . Thus, from the data of [10], even for a pressure ratio =1000 the maximal theoretical value of the compression ratio for the supersonic ejector does not exceed 40 (see in Fig. 2 the limiting ejector characteristics based on the critical regime theory); for the sonic air ejector (=1) the theoretical value of 3.5 (see Fig. 9b on p. 26). Therefore it is important to analyze the methods for influencing the critical regime parameters in order to determine ways to improve the operation of the gas ejector with a high compression ratio.     

Supersonic Flow Past a Thermal Source

The results of an experimental investigation and numerical simulation of a gasdynamic structure formed as a result of supersonic flow past a pulsating thermal source are presented. Heat was supplied to the flow by producing a limited plasma volume as a result of the breakdown of the focused radiation of a CO₂ laser operating in the pulse periodic regime. On the basis of the experimental data obtained, a thermal source model was developed and accepted for further numerical calculations. The calculations were carried out within the framework of the inviscid gas model using the TVD scheme and nonreflecting boundary conditions. The effect of the relevant gasdynamic and energetic parameters on the flow pattern associated with the studied phenomenon is established. Data on the flow parameter distributions in the wake of the thermal source are obtained as a function of the freestream Mach number.     

Thrust shock vector control of an axisymmetric conical supersonic nozzle via secondary transverse gas injection

Transverse secondary gas injection into the supersonic flow of an axisymmetric convergent–divergent nozzle is investigated to describe the effects of the fluidic thrust vectoring within the framework of a small satellite launcher. Cold-flow dry-air experiments are performed in a supersonic wind tunnel using two identical supersonic conical nozzles with the different transverse injection port positions. The complex three-dimensional flow field generated by the supersonic cross-flows in these test nozzles was examined. Valuable experimental data were confronted and compared with the results obtained from the numerical simulations. Different nozzle models are numerically simulated under experimental conditions and then further investigated to determine which parameters significantly affect thrust vectoring. Effects which characterize the nozzle and thrust vectoring performances are established. The results indicate that with moderate secondary to primary mass flow rate ratios, ranging around 5 %, it is possible to achieve pertinent vector side forces. It is also revealed that injector positioning and geometry have a strong effect on the shock vector control system and nozzle performances.     

Calculation of the flow in ejector nozzles

A method is proposed for calculating the two-dimensional nonviscous flows in ejector nozzles of arbitrary shape, for two operating cycles: the subsonic flow cycle of a secondary stream and a cycle when the secondary stream attains critical velocity, i.e., it is cut off. In the second case, the possibility is allowed for the appearance of a direct compression shock in the supersonic part of the secondary stream.Translated from Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 111–118, January–February, 1974.The authors thank A. N. Kraiko and M. Ya. Ivanov for useful discussions and assistance, V. V. Polyakov for interest in the project and L. P. Frolova for assistance in drawing up the task.     

Heat Transfer and Gas Flow through Feed Stream within Horizontal Pipe

In the feeding process, the feed stream forms a moving packed bed of particle from the feedstock in the feed channel. When the feeding is at emergency interruption especially in the case of flooding and uncontrollable discharge, the hot gases from reactor would infiltrate into the feed stream. The high heat penetration into feed stream would affect the feeder performance. In this paper, transient thermal response of feed stream within horizontal pipe is described mathematically with a gas flow and heat transfer model. Influences of varied factors on the thermal penetration into feed stream are examined for different conditions. The temperature of the packed-bed particles and the gas velocity distribution curves are obtained for the feeding service at interruption and at normal operating conditions. The numerical results show that the thermal penetration to the packed-bed particles by the seepage flow fluid is high only in the position near the gas entrance. The thermal penetration depth tends to increase with the seepage flow velocity and decrease with feeding rate. There is no appreciable thermal penetration in the feed stream when the feeding service is at normal running. The operating conditions and the porosity of solid bed have importance effects on the gas velocity and temperature field in the thermal penetration zone. A test system is set up to determine the transient thermal response experimentally for the packed bed of particles within a horizontal pipe. The model results are found to compare favorably with the experimental data.     

Choking and shock phenomena in a single component two-phase flow including vibrational effects

An analytical and experimental investigation including vibratory effects of flashing flow in a tube with a sharp edged entrance is presented. A free streamline flow model is applied to predict choking in single-component two-phase flow. By identifying three separate regimes (i.e. jet flow, two-phase homogeneous flow, and single-phase liquid flow) in the flashing flow system, an expression is obtained for the prediction of the minimum stagnation pressure loss under choked flow conditions. A normal shock located between the flashing two-phase mixture and the single-phase liquid was experimentally observed. The location of the shock is predicted as a function of the stagnation pressure drop across the tube. The analytical predictions are verified by experimental data.     

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHOCK-SHOCK INTERACTIONS ON A BLUNT BODY

A numerical study is conducted to simulate the effects of extraneous shock impingement on a blunt body in viscous hypersonic flow. The interaction of extraneous shock with the leading-edge shock results in a very complex flow field that contains local regions of high pressure and intense heating. The heating and pressure can be orders of magnitude higher than the peak values in the absence of shock impingement. The flow field is calculated by solving thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with a finite-volume flux splitting technique developed by van Leer. For a zero or small sweep of the body, a type IV interaction occurs, which produces a lambda shock structure with a supersonic jet embedded in the otherwise subsonic flow; for a moderate sweep of about 25^°, a type V interaction occurs in which a subsonic shear layer sandwiched in supersonic flow is produced with a transmitted shock. In the present study, both type IV and type V interactions are investigated. Results of the present numerical investigation are compared with available experimental results. For the present conditions, the peak pressure is 2.2 times the unimpinged stagnation point pressure and the peak heating is 3 times the unimpinged stagnation point heating. The flow for a type IV interaction is found to be unsteady.     

Rotary wave-ejector enhanced pulse detonation engine

The use of a non-steady ejector based on wave rotor technology is modeled for pulse detonation engine performance improvement and for compatibility with turbomachinery components in hybrid propulsion systems. The rotary wave ejector device integrates a pulse detonation process with an efficient momentum transfer process in specially shaped channels of a single wave-rotor component. In this paper, a quasi-one-dimensional numerical model is developed to help design the basic geometry and operating parameters of the device. The unsteady combustion and flow processes are simulated and compared with a baseline PDE without ejector enhancement. A preliminary performance assessment is presented for the wave ejector configuration, considering the effect of key geometric parameters, which are selected for high specific impulse. It is shown that the rotary wave ejector concept has significant potential for thrust augmentation relative to a basic pulse detonation engine.     

HF-plasmatron experiment and numerical simulation of heat transfer in underexpanded dissociated-nitrogen jets

Experiments on heat transfer in underexpanded supersonic jets of high-enthalpy nitrogen are performed on the VGU-4 induction high-frequency plasmatron at a pressure of 10.4 GPa in a compression chamber. At gas flow rates of 2.4 and 3.6 g/s and HF generator powers of 45 and 64 kW the heat fluxes to the copper, stainless steel, MPG-7 graphite, and quartz surfaces are measured at the stagnation point of a water-cooled cylindrical, flat-ended model, 20 mm in diameter. In the same regimes the stagnation pressures are measured. The effect of the surface catalyticity with respect to nitrogen atom recombination on the heat flux is demonstrated and the qualitative catalyticity scale of the studied materials is established. In the supersonic regimes nonequilibrium nitrogen plasma flow in the discharge channel of the plasmatron and the underexpanded jet flow past the model are numerically simulated for the experimental conditions. The experimental and calculated data on the stagnation pressures and the heat fluxes to cooled surfaces of the metals, graphite, and quartz are compared.     

Axisymmetric and three dimensional flow modeling within thermal vapor compressors

Thermal vapor compressor (TVC) is a device for compressing vapor in water–steam cycles and frequently used in desalination systems. Large amounts of useless vapor can be compressed by this device and the efficiency of a desalination unit is effectively enhanced through this process. Motive steam is injected into the TVC through a convergent–divergent nozzle and accelerated to supersonic velocities. The low pressure steam is entrained at the upstream zone and mixed with this highly compressible motive flow within the TVC. In the current study, the flow field of an experimental TVC is scrutinized in both axisymmetric and three-dimensional approaches and compared with experimental measurements. Since the steam collector at the suction surface of the TVC has a curved shape and may undermine the symmetry of the flow on either side of the central axis, the second objective of this study is to reveal the deviation of the symmetric assumption from the real non-symmetric condition of entering steam flow into the TVC. Results show that the presence of a bending at the inlet side has approximately negligible effects on the mixing phenomenon and the flow remains symmetric around the central axis. Hence, there is no need to consider the collector geometry in further simulations and the performance parameters of the TVC would be sufficiently obtained through an axisymmetric method with a substantial reduction in the computational cost and time.     

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Heat Exchange between Underexpanded High-Enthalpy Air Jets and Cylindrical Models

Experiments on heat transfer in supersonic underexpanded high-enthalpy air jets are conducted on the VGU-4 induction plasmatron at the pressure in the compression chamber of 8.5 hPa. At the air flow rate of 3.6 g/s and the high-frequency generator powers of 45 kW(regime 1) and 64 kW (regime 2) the heat fluxes to the copper surface at the stagnation point of watercooled cylindrical models along the axes of dissociated air jets are measured. The models, 30 mm in diameter, could have a flat face or a hemispherical nose. In the same regimes, the stagnation pressures are measured using the Pitot tube in the shape of a cylinder, 30 mm in diameter, having either a flat face or a hemispherical bluntness with a receiving hole, 14 mm in diameter. For the experimental conditions calculations of flows in the plasmatron discharge channel and supersonic underexpanded jets issuing from the discharge channel are performed within the framework of the Navier–Stokes and Maxwell equations. The heat fluxes to the experimental models are computed and compared with the experimental data.     

Aerodynamic experimentation with ducted models as applied to hypersonic air-breathing vehicles

 A methodology of experimentation in high supersonic wind tunnels for studying aerodynamic characteristics of hypersonic flying vehicles powered by air-breathing engines is discussed. Investigations of such total aerodynamic forces as drag, lift and pitching moment at testing the models are implicit when the air flow through the model ducts is accomplished so that to provide the simulation of the external flow around the airplane and flow over the inlets, but the operating engines and, hence, the exhaust jets are not modeled. The methods used for testing such models are based on the measurement of duct stream parameters alongside with the balance measurement of aerodynamic forces acting on the models. In the tests, aerometric tools are used such as narrow metering nozzles (plugs), pitot and static pressure probes, stagnation temperature probes and pressure orifices in walls of the model duct. The aerometric data serve to determine the flow rate and momentum of the stream at the duct exit. The internal non-simulated forces of the model ducts are also determined using the conservation equations for energy, mass flow and momentum, and these forces are eliminated from the aerodynamic test results. The techniques of the said model testing have been well developed as applied to supersonic aircraft, however their application for hypersonic vehicles whose models are tested at high supersonic speeds, Mach number M _∞>4, implies some specific features. In the present paper, the results of experimental and theoretical study of these features are discussed. Some experimental data on aerodynamics of hypersonic aircraft models received in methodological tests are also presented. The tunnel experiments have been carried out in the Mach number range M _∞=2–6. Received: 25 July 1996/ Accepted: 14 December 1998     

Interaction of a jet exhausting from a body with an opposing supersonic stream of rarefied gas

The experimental investigation of supersonic flow past a sphere with a jet exhausting from the front point of the sphere into the flow at large [1] and moderate [2] Reynolds numbers Re has revealed an effect of shielding from the oncoming stream, this leading to a decrease in the drag coefficient of the sphere and of the energy flux to it. A numerical simulation of the flow has been made in the case of supersonic flow past a sphere with a sonic jet from a nozzle situated on the symmetry axis in the continuum regime [3]. In the present paper, this problem is investigated for flow of a rarefied gas on the basis of numerical solution of a model kinetic equation for a monatomic gas.     

Mixing of high speed coaxial jets

In this study, five different supersonic nozzles – conical, elliptical, tabbed, radially lobed and two-dimensional lobed – are compared experimentally for their mixing performance. With the background of studies by various groups conducted on the above nozzles, the present paper aims to provide an experimental comparison of their respective mixing performances with that of a conventional conical nozzle under identical operating conditions. The mixing of the supersonic stream coming from such nozzles with a coaxial sonic stream is investigated. The investigation is performed non-intrusively, using digital image processing of planar Mie-scattering images of the flow field. The results of these investigations reveal the superiority of mixing performance of the two-dimensional lobed nozzle over conventional circular and other non-conventional nozzles. Received: 15 July 1999/Accepted: 3 July 2000     

Multi-Parameter Optimization of an Ejector

The aim of this project is implementation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for numerical simulation of the ejector flow. Optimal values of the ejector geometry that ensure the maximum ejector performance and the minimum noise level are determined.     

Calculation of supersonic viscid flow near stagnation line of a blunt body

A numerical study is made of supersonic flow of a viscous gas in the vicinity of the stagnation line of plane and axisymmetric blunt bodies (cylinder, sphere). As in [1–5], which consider the compressed layer of a viscous gas in the vicinity of the stagnation point, use is made of the locally self-similar approximation, which is used to transform the Navier-Stokes equations into a system of ordinary differential equations. In the present paper the solution is sought with the simplifications of [5] and with more general conditions, which makes it possible to study a broad class of flows. The proposed numerical algorithm permits obtaining the structure of the compressed layer near the stagnation line, including the shock wave and the boundary layer. The calculations made on a computer for different flow conditions are illustrated by graphs.The author wishes to thank G. I. Petrov, G. F. Telenin, and L. A., Chudov for their interest in the study and for their helpful discussions. discussions.     

Magnetogasdynamic generation of electrical energy in models of aircraft with a high-speed jet engine

The possibility of generating electric power in a plane model of an integral high-speed hydrogen-burning jet engine by mounting a magnetogasdynamic (MHD) generator at the combustion chamber exit is discussed. Attention is concentrated on clarifying the effect of MHD energy extraction from the stream on the aircraft’s thrust characteristics. The internal and external flows are simulated numerically. The two-dimensional supersonic gasdynamic flow inside the engine (in the air-intake, combustion chamber, MHD generator, and nozzle) and the supersonic flow past the aircraft are described on the basis of the complete averaged system of Navier-Stokes equations (in the presence of turbulence), which includes MHD force and heat sources, a one-parameter turbulence model, the electrodynamic equations for an ideal segmented MHD generator, and the equations of the detailed chemical kinetics of hydrogen burning in air. The numerical solution is obtained by means of a computer program that uses a relaxation scheme and an implicit higher-order version of the Godunov method. It is shown that MHD electric power generation can be realized without disturbing the positive balance in the relation between the thrust and the drag of the aircraft with the engine operating with allowance for the MHD drag, but with some loss of effective thrust.     

The elimination of severe slugging-experiments and modeling

Severe slugging can occur in a pipeline-riser system operating at low liquid and gas rates. The flow of gas into the riser can be blocked by liquid accumulation at the base of the riser. This can cause formation of liquid slugs of a length equal to or longer than the height of the riser. A cyclic process results in which a period of no liquid production into the separator occurs, followed by a period of very high liquid production. This study is an experimental and theoretical investigation of two methods for eliminating this undesirable phenomenon, using choking and gas lift. Choking was found to effectively eliminate or reduce the severity of the slugging. However, the system pressure might increase to some extent. Gas lift can also eliminate severe slugging. While choking reduces the velocities in the riser, gas lift increases the velocities, approaching annular flow. It was found that a relatively large amount of gas was needed before gas injection would completely stabilize the flow through the riser. However, gas injection reduces the slug length and cycle time, causing a more continuous production and a lower system pressure. Theoretical models for the elimination of severe slugging by gas lift and choking have been developed. The models enable the prediction of the flow behavior in the riser. One model is capable of predicting the unstable flow conditions for severe slugging based on a static force balance. The second method is a simplified transient model based on the assumption of a quasi-equilibrium force balance. This model can be used to estimate the characteristics of the flow, such as slug length and cycle time. The models were tested against new severe slugging data acquired in this study. An excellent agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical models was found.