Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool for Scramjets and Other Engines

The UCDS process is the result of 50 years of research into combustion instability by the worlds leading scientists and engineers. The breakthroughs that created UCDS have provided a solid analytical foundation upon which tools can be developed and applied. One of these is the UCDS nonlinear tool, which GTL has been applying with much success in the investigations of the dynamics of solid rockets, liquid rockets and turbojets. In the proposed effort, GTL shall enhance this tool in preparation for its application to scramjets and ramjets by incorporating mean flow effects in the acoustic models used in the nonlinear algorithms. Since the Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool (NDAT) shares the same nonlinear algorithm with the UCDS nonlinear tool, this enhancement shall also improve the ability of NDAT to transform nonlinear test data into linear parameters. Taking this to the next step, GTL shall increase the functionality of NDAT by implementing changes to the algorithm that allow it to utilize the data from multiple pressure transducers in the data analysis rather than restricting the tool to the current single data channel. This will be accomplished by developing algorithm routines that use the relative location of the pressure transducers and the intervening acoustic environment to account for the temporal and phase relationships between the data streams. When implemented, these changes will allow NDAT to automatically identify the orientation of the oscillating modes and reduce the nonlinear pressure oscillation data into a clear and concise set of linear parameters. The last part of the Phase I effort will be to examine the role of nonlinear energy dissipation in scramjets in preparation for further refinement in the Phase II effort.

UCDS is a paradigm shifting development that provides an effective and reliable means to predict the dynamic characteristics of a flow field or propulsion system. This insight is critical to the development process, since it allows engineers to assess the physical implications of the oscillations and make any design changes needed to ensure success. Since UCDS is built from a general formulation, it can be used to predict the dynamic behavior of practically any combustion device, including rockets, turbojets, ramjets, and scramjets. The Nonlinear Data Analysis Tool (NDAT) being developed in this effort will find immediate application in the evaluation of engine test data for rockets, turbojets and scramjets, as well as laboratory experiments. By transforming the nonlinear pressure oscillation data into concise linear parameters, researchers and developers will have the means to directly relate the dynamic behavior to design and operational parameters. This clarity should greatly enhance the ability to mitigate oscillations encountered during testing and open the door to designs with increased performance.

Other potential customers for UCDS services and tools include government agencies, such as the Air Force, Army, Navy, MDA, and DARPA, and propulsion system developers, such as ATK, Aerojet, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and many others. Since the UCDS process is built from a general formulation, and can be used to analyze practically any combustion device, including rockets (liquid, solid, hybrid), turbojets (combustors, augmentors), ramjets, and scramjets.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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