Session: 15-01-01: ASME International Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 100698

100698 - Facility Measurement Validation Using Asme Nozzle Vectored Thrust Tests 

The Propulsion Systems Laboratory at NASA Glenn Research Center has performed experimental research to advance engine technologies for several decades. The Ormond 40K Thrust Stand is used to measure the output forces of the subject engines. Thirty years ago, the alignment pins used to locate the thrust stand's load measuring cells were ground off to facilitate the ability to remove and install load cells for maintenance and the thrust stand was reassembled without them. The objective of this paper is to quantify the errors in load measurement due to the possible misalignment of load cells following the thrust stand's reassembly. The ASME  Nozzle, a widely used nozzle for flow metering, was used to vector thrust in different directions. Comparisons of thrust in oppositely vectored directions are utilized to assess any asymmetry in forces measurement and reveal physical load measurement interference as a result of two metal struts mounted on the Station 1 duct. No conclusion towards load cell alignment can be reached because of this, prompting a redesign of the future ASME Nozzle Vectored Thrust testing setups. The Propulsion Systems Laboratory at NASA Glenn Research Center has hosted a number of unique research projects to further engine research technology since its founding in the early 1970s. The PSL is NASA-only grounded facility that can test air-breathing propulsion systems at their true flight conditions. It houses two engine testing Ormong 40K Thrust Stand is in the test section of the PSL-3  and it is utilized for mounting and engine and reading the output forces during testing with the goal of measuring the thrust of the test article. Though virtually all engines are mounted in the same direction and thrust is usually measured along the same axis, it is favorable to also measure any side forces that appear in directions normal to the primary thrust axis. These side forces result from the real thrust axis being out of alignment pin with the usual thrust axis, as is the case in thrust vectoring tests. The Thurst stand has experienced numerous tests and undergoes maintenance several times. The objective of this paper is to utilize vectored thrust test to assess how accurately the thrust stand is still able to take measurements in the three cardinal directions x,y, and z. The Ormond 40K Thrust Stand pairs of load measuring cells around the base of the structure to capture the forces in all three cardinal directions. 

Presenting Author: Anette Lira Prairie View A&M

Presenting Author Biography: My name is Anette Lira I am 20 years old and an undergraduate student at the University of Prairie View A&M. I currently study mechanical engineering with the motion of persuing my doctors degree in the same field.

Authors:

Anette Lira Prairie View A&M
Ziaul Huque Prairie View A&M University
Yuhao Xu Prairie View A&M University
Oliver Michael NASA Glenn Research Center