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Brownson, J. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Brownson, J. J..

Instrumentation applications to Space Shuttle models and thermal protection system tiles tested in NASA-AMES wind tunnels

The highlights of the many wind-tunnel tests conducted in the course of the Space Shuttle development program are presented with emphasis on instrumentation applications. The examples of tests discussed include airframe aerodynamics, aerodynamic heating, aerodynamic noise, tile dynamic response, and tile loads. Many of the tests were conducted with standard wind-tunnel instrumentation. Most of the more unusual instrumentation requirements were related to the thermal protection system, where some pressure-sensor concepts were adapted to measure airloads on tiles. These measurements provided the only quantitative data that could be used to confirm the airload analysis procedure. Limited applications of computers to experimental control, in conjunction with data taken during Shuttle tests, have resulted in substantial benefits in overall test efficiency.

Coe, C. F.↗

Aerodynamic interactions from reaction controls for lateral control of the M2-F2 lifting-body entry configuration at transonic and supersonic and supersonic Mach numbers

Tests were conducted in the Ames 6 by 6 foot wind tunnel to determine the interaction of reaction jets for roll control on the M2-F2 lifting-body entry vehicle. Moment interactions are presented for a Mach number range of 0.6 to 1.7, a Reynolds number range of 1.2 x 10 to the 6th power to 1.6 x 10 to the 6th power (based on model reference length), an angle-of-attack range of -9 deg to 20 deg, and an angle-of-sideslip range of -6 deg to 6 deg at an angle of attack of 6 deg. The reaction jets produce roll control with small adverse yawing moment, which can be offset by horizontal thrust component of canted jets.

Bailey, R. O.↗

Effect of gaseous and solid simulated jet plumes on an 040A space shuttle launch configuration at m=1.6 to 2.2

The effect of plume-induced flow separation and aspiration effects due to operation of both orbiter and the solid rocket motors on a 0.019-scale model of the launch configuration of the Space Shuttle Vehicle is determined. Longitudinal and lateral-directional stability data were obtained at Mach numbers of 1.6, 2.0, and 2.2 with and without the engines operating. The plumes exiting from the engines were simulated by a cold-gas jet supplied by an auxiliary 200-atm air supply system and solid-body plume simulators. The aerodynamic effects produced by these two simulation procedures are compared. The parameters most significantly affected by the jet plumes are pitching moment, elevon control effectiveness, axial force, and orbiter wing loads. The solid rocket motor (SRM) plumes have the largest effect on the aerodynamic characteristics. The effect of the orbiter plumes in combination with the SRM plumes is also significant. Variations in the nozzle design parameters and configuration changes can reduce the jet plume-induced aerodynamic effects.

Dods, J. B., Jr.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the M2-F2 lifting-body entry configuration at transonic and supersonic Mach numbers

Results are presented for wind tunnel tests of a one to twelve scale model of the M2-F2 lifting body entry configuration at transonic and supersonic speeds. The Mach number was varied from 0.6 to 2.0. Reynolds numbers ranged from 4 to 13 million. Angles of attack and sideslip varied from minus 8 degrees to plus 20 degrees and minus 4 degrees to plus 6 degrees respectively. A brief history of the development of the configuration is included.

Keener, E. R.↗

Effects of Reynolds number and body corner radius on aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle-type vehicle at subsonic Mach numbers

Static aerodynamic forces and moments were measured to study the effects of Reynolds number and body corner radius on the aerodynamic characteristics of a straight wing space shuttle orbiter at subsonic speeds. A 0.02-scale model was tested at Mach numbers from 0.3 to 0.9 and Reynolds numbers from about 600,000 to 3 million, based on body width. The body alone and the body with its wing and horizontal tail attached were tested at angles of attack from 35 to 75 degrees. The effects of rounding the body corners at the junctures connecting the bottom and sides were investigated for corner radii from 0 to 8.5 percent of the body width. At low subsonic Mach numbers (free stream Mach number approximately equal 0.3) the aerodynamic characteristics are affected significantly by changes in Reynolds number and body corner radius. With increase in Mach number to free stream Mach number = 0.9 the effect of Reynolds number seems to vanish, but a significant effect of body corner radius remains.

Jorgensen, L. H.↗