Transformational Tools and Technologies Project

&lt;p&gt;The Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT) Project advances state-of-the-art computational and experimental tools and technologies that are vital to aviation applications in the six strategic thrusts. The project develops new computer-based tools, computational fluid dynamics models, and associated scientific knowledge that will provide first-of-a-kind capabilities to analyze, understand, and predict aviation concept performance. These revolutionary tools will be applied to accelerate NASA&amp;rsquo;s research and the community&amp;rsquo;s design and introduction of advanced concepts. The Project also explores technologies that are broadly-critical to advancing ARMD strategic outcomes.&amp;nbsp; Such technologies include the understanding of new types of strong and lightweight materials, innovative controls techniques, and experimental methods.&amp;nbsp; TTT also develops improved MDAO and systems analysis tools to enable multi-disciplinary integration. All of these technologies will support and enable concept development and benefits assessment across multiple ARMD programs and disciplines.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The tools and technologies of interest span many disciplines.&amp;nbsp; The Fluid Mechanics Discipline encompasses advanced turbulence modeling, boundary layer transition prediction and modeling, numerical methods, and flow control development and prediction for a wide range of airframe and propulsion system flow problems of interest.&amp;nbsp; Canonical data is developed and used to validate the modeling improvements developed in this discipline.&amp;nbsp; Development of more accurate physics-based methods such as large eddy simulation (LES) is emphasized.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Structures and Materials Discipline emphasizes improved multifunctional and high temperature materials for airframe and engine application, as well as modeling and simulation tool development to improve validated first-principles materials and structural modeling.&amp;nbsp; Development of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials for high-temperature engine application is of particular emphasis in the discipline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The MDAO (Multi-Disciplinary Design, Analysis &amp;amp; Optimization) and Systems Analysis Discipline develops MDAO and aircraft system-level tools to improve integration of discipline-based technologies and enable improved assessment of system-level benefits.&amp;nbsp; An open-source framework is emphasized to better leverage external partners and increase interaction and benefit to the community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Combustion Discipline is developing more accurate physics-based models for complex multi-species reacting flows representative of aircraft engine combustors.&amp;nbsp; This is done through a combination of high-fidelity benchmark experiments and the use of advanced unsteady turbulence modeling and large eddy simulation (LES) methods.&amp;nbsp; Advanced concepts such as active combustion control and pressure-gain combustion cycles are also investigated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Controls Discipline encompasses work across aircraft flight controls and advanced propulsion controls.&amp;nbsp; Development of technologies to enable distributed engine control systems are an area of emphasis in this discipline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Innovative Measurements Discipline conducts research to advance the state-of-the-art in cross-cutting sensing and measurement technologies for aircraft and propulsion systems.&amp;nbsp; Areas of development include advanced optical measurements, enhanced sensing, and improved data acquisition.&lt;/p&gt;

Tags: active, glenn-research-center, project, t3
Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration