HPCCP/Numerical Propulsion System Simulation
Initiates Development of the National Cycle Program

Objective: To provide a framework to facilitate the construction of complex aerothermal computer simulations based upon the philosophy of the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS). These simulations will be used to perform steady state and transient performance prediction, test data reduction, cycle optimization, customer deck generation, and other traditional engine simulation tasks. Additionally, the framework will provide support for distribution of engine simulation components across multiple computers, as well as support for "numerical zooming" from one component up to a component of greater fidelity and the coupling of multidisciplinary codes.

Approach: Representatives from a number of U.S. aerospace companies have teamed together within the NASA Lewis/NPSS Industry Cooperative Effort (NICE) to build the National Cycle Program (NCP). The NASA/Industry team exists to ensure that the NCP customers have significant input into all phases of the NCP design, build and acceptance process. The NCP project is the first phase in the building of the NPSS Environment for aeropropulsion engine design and analysis. The software will be developed using an object-oriented design methodology and implemented in C++.

Accomplishments: In 1996, the requirements gathering and analysis phases of the NCP were completed. A Software Requirements Specification and a Systems Analysis Document have also been produced in 1996. These completed phases position the NCP team to begin design of the National Cycle Program in 1997.

Significance: Providing the US Aeropropulsion companies with a common and modern design tool such as NCP stands to save the industry millions of dollars. Reduced time to a better solution, common training and accepted modeling principles all lead to substantial savings. A common tool also facilitates teaming within industry and NASA.

Status/Plans: The Beta release of the NCP which will be a batch version will be released in May 1997 with planned use in the High Speed Research (HSR) program. In October of 1997, NCP will contain a Graphical User Interface an have Transient capabilities.

Contact: Don VanDrei
         NASA Lewis Research Center
         dvandrei@lerc.nasa.gov
         (216) 433-9089