Fluid Mechanics

Abstract

Fluid mechanics basic research advances fundamental knowledge, tools, data, concepts, and methods for improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of air and space vehicles. The goals are to improve theoretical models for aerodynamic prediction and design, as well as to originate flow control concepts and predictive methods used to expand current flight performance boundaries through enhanced understanding of key fluid flow (primarily high-speed air) phenomena. Vehicle control principles based upon natural flight sensory and sensorimotor systems applicable to small remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) and ultraslow flight are also examined. Basic research emphasis is on turbulence prediction and control, unsteady and separated flows, subsonic/supersonic/hypersonic flows, and internal fluid dynamics. The primary approach is to perform fundamental experimental investigations and to formulate advanced computational methods for the simulation and study of complex flows, prediction of real gas effects in high-speed flight, and control and prediction of turbulence in flight vehicles and propulsion systems. Primary areas of research investigated by this Project are unsteady aerodynamics, supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and rotating and internal flows characteristic of turbomachinery flows.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
612307_0601102F_1_3600_PB_2012

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Robotics and Automation.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers

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