Suggested Searches

 

Support of Flight Demonstration Projects

NASA Glenn’s propulsion team supports X-59 supersonic flight with computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel tests, real-time displays, and system integration.

Overview
Publications

Overview

The propulsion team at NASA’s Glenn Research Center supporting the X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft brings critical capabilities to the advancement of low-boom supersonic flight. The team has conducted extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of the X-59’s inlet and nozzle, complemented by wind tunnel testing of the aircraft, inlet configurations, and sonic boom signature.

To support both ground and flight testing, the team developed and implemented advanced control room displays that enable real-time monitoring and data visualization. They are experienced in analyzing data from test campaigns to validate performance and inform design improvements.

The team also provides expertise in both physical integration of propulsion systems and digital integration of engines within a fully digital aircraft architecture, supporting seamless system-level interaction and testing. These combined skills position the Glenn Propulsion team to support future NASA flight demonstration missions.

A metallic aircraft model mounted on a support inside a blue wind tunnel, surrounded by perforated walls and floor for aerodynamic testing.
X-59 Propulsion Test Model in the 8′ x 6′ Supersonic Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.
NASA
An aircraft model mounted on a pole inside a wind tunnel, surrounded by metallic walls with circular perforations and reflective surfaces.
X-59 Sonic Boom Test Model in the 8′ x 6′ Supersonic Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.
NASA
A NASA X-59 aircraft sits partially inside a hangar at dusk, with its engine running and emitting a visible exhaust trail of blue flames into the evening sky.
X-59 aircraft full power propulsion ground testing at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California.
NASA

Key Publications

  • Castner, Raymond S., Simerly, Stephanie R., and Rankin, Michael, “Supersonic Inlet Test for a Quiet Supersonic Transport Technology Demonstrator in the NASA Glenn 8-foot by 6-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel,” AIAA-2018-2850.
  • Dippold, Vance F. III, “High Speed Inlet Distortion Test for the X-59 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator in the NASA Glenn 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel,” NASA TM-20220010443, July 2022.
  • Heberling, Brian, “Inlet Vortex Generator Design for the X-59 Low Boom Flight Demonstrator,” AIAA 2020-2757, June 2020.
  • Friedlander, David J., Heath, Christopher M., and Castner, Raymond S., “Numerical Simulations of A Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) Aircraft Preliminary Design, NASA TM-2018-219967, October, 2018.
  • Castner, Raymond S., Simerly, Stephanie R., “Assessment of the NASA Glenn 8- by 6-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel Supersonic Test Section for Sonic Boom and Supersonic Testing,” NASA TM-20220000420, August 2022.

Read More About Inlets and Nozzles

A color map plot showing velocity difference (u−U)/ΔU across x (mm) and y (mm) axes, with color bar from blue (0) to red (1). The flow pattern varies along staggered measurement sections. Inset text: Mₑ = 0.19.

Fundamental Physics Experiments

Fundamental physics experiments increase our understanding of more complex problems and provide important data for improving and validating physical models.

Read More
Color diagram showing Mach number distribution around a sloped object in a wind tunnel. The flow, labeled M = 2.46, forms shock waves and expansion fans. Axes are labeled in inches; a color bar indicates Mach values from 0 to 2.5.

Physics Modeling and Validation

Improvements in physical modeling and the validation of these methods are critical to advancing numerical simulation capabilities.

Read More
• Rendered 3D diagrams of supersonic jet engine inlets, with internal structures highlighted in yellow, showing side, rear, and angled views of various aerodynamic designs.

Design and Analysis Software

A range of advanced software tools is used to support the design, analysis, and testing of inlets and nozzles for aerospace propulsion systems.

Read More
Return to Main Page

Inlets and Nozzles

NASA is advancing inlets and nozzles for aircraft engines and aerospace applications through research supporting commercial, military aircraft, and space propulsion systems.

Return
An aircraft model mounted on a pole inside a wind tunnel, surrounded by metallic walls with circular perforations and reflective surfaces.
X-59 Sonic Boom Test Model in the 8′ x 6′ Supersonic Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.
NASA