Engineering topics

Campbell, J. F.

Publications and source records attributed to Campbell, J. F..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1992

Vortex flow aerodynamics

The principal emphasis of the meeting was to be on the understanding and prediction of separation-induced vortex flows and their effects on vehicle performance, stability, control, and structural design loads. This report shows that a substantial amount of the papers covering this area were received from a wide range of countries, together with an attendance that was even more diverse. In itself, this testifies to the current interest in the subject and to the appropriateness of the Panel's choice of topic and approach. An attempt is made to summarize each paper delivered, and to relate the contributions made in the papers and in the discussions to some of the important aspects of vortex flow aerodynamics. This reveals significant progress and important clarifications, but also brings out remaining weaknesses in predictive capability and gaps in understanding. Where possible, conclusions are drawn and areas of continuing concern are identified.

Smith, J. H. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Vortex Flow Aerodynamics, volume 1

Vortex modeling techniques and experimental studies of research configurations utilizing vortex flows are discussed. Also discussed are vortex flap investigations using generic and airplane research models and vortex flap theoretical analysis and design studies.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Leading-edge vortex research: Some nonplanar concepts and current challenges

Some background information is provided for the Vortex Flow Aerodynamics Conference and that current slender wing airplanes do not use variable leading edge geometry to improve transonic drag polar is shown. Highlights of some of the initial studies combining wing camber, or flaps, with vortex flow are presented. Current vortex flap studies were reviewed to show that there is a large subsonic data base and that transonic and supersonic generic studies have begun. There is a need for validated flow field solvers to calculate vortex/shock interactions at transonic and supersonic speeds. Many important research opportunities exist for fundamental vortex flow investigations and for designing advanced fighter concepts.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The National Transonic Facility - A research perspective

The capabilities of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA-Langley and its impact on aerodynamics investigations are surveyed. The fan-driven, closed-circuit transonic wind tunnel has an 8.2 sq ft slotted test section. Trials can be run from Mach 0.2-1.2, pressures of 1-8.9 atm, and temperatures of -320 to 150 F using nitrogen as the working gas. Instrumentation has been developed for monitoring force, pressure, attitude, deformation, temperature, skin friction, flow transition, and flow velocity as well as visualizing flows around the models. Pressures of 15-130 psi are available, as are Re up to 120 million at Mach 1. Correlations are being made with flight data from the Shuttle, 767, X-29A, and TACT aircraft for real-world extrapolations. The NTF, when combined with computational fluid dynamics techniques, will permit testing of aerodynamically sophisticated shapes while narrowing the design goals for each model during basic research in fluid mechanics, transport, and aerodynamic phenomena.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Vortex flaps - Advanced control devices for supercruise fighters

Prompted by the extensive experience obtained with vortex lift-generating leading edges in the SR-71, Concorde and F-16 supersonic aircraft, development efforts have recently been made toward the use of variable incidence angle delta wing leading edge 'vortex flaps' for supersonic cruise and maneuvering performance improvements in fighter aircraft. Vortex lift flaps have been wind tunnel tested on scale models, and it has been noted that a variety of effects can be obtained through the use of folding, hinged, and tabbed flap designs. Flap planforms can, moreover, be varied in length and in total area, as well as segmented, to yield unique combinations of drag reduction, vortex generation, longitudinal stability, and vortex flow reattachment. It is speculated that the vortex flap may be applicable to multimission fighters, and promote STOL performance.

Lamar, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Recent studies at NASA-Langley of vortical flows interacting with neighboring surfaces

The importance of leading edge vortical flows, which occur near and interact with neighboring surfaces, is stressed. Research in this area conducted or sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center since 1978 is surveyed. Particular attention is given to the cumulative results of a number of theoretical and experimental studies. It is noted that these studies have been carried out in order to understand and use this kind of flow. Much of the work has been devoted to improving the lift-to-drag ratio and pitch characteristics for wings in this flow, although work has also been done on examining the unsteady and lateral characteristics.

Lamar, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Recent studies at NASA-Langley of vortical flows interacting with neighboring surfaces

The importance of leadingedge vortical flows, which occur near and interact with neighboring surfaces, is stressed. Research in this area conducted or sponsored by the NASA Langley Research Center since 1978 is surveyed. Particular attention is given to the cumulative results of a number of theoretical and experimental studies. It is noted that these studies have been carried out in order to understand and use this kind of flow. Much of the work has been devoted to improving the lift-to-drag ratio and pitch characteristics for wings in this flow, although work has also been done on examining the unsteady and lateral characteristics.

Lamar, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Vortex-flow aerodynamics - An emerging design capability

Promising current theoretical and simulational developments in the field of leading edge vortex-generating delta, arrow ogival wings are reported, along with the history of theory and experiment leading to them. The effects of wing slenderness, leading edge nose radius, Mach number and incidence variations, and planform on the onset of vortex generation and redistribution of aerodynamic loads are considered. The range of design possibilities in this field are consequential for the future development of strategic aircraft, supersonic transports and commercial cargo aircraft which will possess low-speed, high-lift capability by virtue of leading edge vortex generation and control without recourse to heavy and expensive leading edge high-lift devices and compound airfoils. Attention is given to interactive graphics simulation devices recently developed.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Effects of spanwise blowing on the surface pressure distribution and vortex-lift characteristics of a trapezoidal wing-strake configuration

The effects of spanwise blowing on the surface pressures of a 44 deg swept trapezoidal wing-strake configuration were measured. Wind tunnel data were obtained at a free stream Mach number of 0.26 for a range of model angle of attack, jet thrust coefficient, and nozzle chordwise location. Results showed that spanwise blowing delayed the leading edge vortex breakdown to larger span distances and increased the lifting pressures. Vortex lift was achieved at span stations immediately outboard of the strake-wing junction with no blowing, but spanwise blowing was necessary to achieve vortex lift at increased span distances. Blowing on the wing in the presence of the strake was not as effective as blowing on the wing alone. Spanwise blowing increased lift throughout the angle-of-attack range, improved the drag polars, and extended the linear pitching moment to higher values of lift. The leading edge suction analogy can be used to estimate the effects of spanwise blowing on the aerodynamic characteristics.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Improvement of maneuver aerodynamics by spanwise blowing

Spanwise blowing was used to test a generalized wind-tunnel model to investigate component concepts in order to provide improved maneuver characteristics for advanced fighter aircraft. Primary emphasis was placed on performance, stability, and control at high angles of attack and subsonic speeds. Test data were obtained in the Langley high speed 7 by 10 foot tunnel at free stream Mach numbers up to 0.50 for a range of model angles of attack, jet momentum coefficients, and leading and trailing edge flap deflection angles. Spanwise blowing on a 44 deg swept trapezoidal wing resulted in leading edge vortex enhancement with subsequent large vortex induced lift increments and drag polar improvements at the higher angles of attack. Small deflections of a leading edge flap delayed these lift and drag benefits to higher angles of attack. In addition, blowing was more effective at higher Mach numbers. Spanwise blowing in conjunction with a deflected trailing edge flap resulted in lift and drag benefits that exceeded the summation of the effects of each high lift device acting alone. Asymmetric blowing was an effective lateral control device at the higher angles of attack.

Erickson, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Augmentation of maneuver performance by spanwise blowing

A generalized wind tunnel model was tested to investigate new component concepts utilizing spanwise blowing to provide improved maneuver characteristics for advanced fighter aircraft. Primary emphasis was placed on high angle of attack performance, stability, and control at subsonic speeds. Spanwise blowing on a 44 deg swept trapezoidal wing resulted in leading edge vortex enhancement with subsequent large vortex-induced lift increments and drag polar improvements at the higher angles of attack. Small deflections of a leading edge flap delayed these lift and drag benefits to higher angles of attack. In addition, blowing was more effective at higher Mach numbers. Spanwise blowing in conjunction with a deflected trailing edge flap resulted in lift and drag benefits that exceeded the summation of the effects of each high lift device acting alone. Asymmetric blowing was an effective lateral control device at the higher angles of attack. Spanwise blowing on the wing reduced horizontal tail loading and improved the lateral-directional stability characteristics of a wing-horizontal tail-vertical tail configuration.

Erickson, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Theoretical prediction of over-wing-blowing aerodynamics

A theoretical method is developed for predicting the aerodynamic characteristics of wings with over-wing-blowing jet. The method allows the jet to stay above the wing surface as well as to wash the surface. It accounts for the wing-jet interaction due to differences between the jet and freestream dynamic pressures and Mach numbers, in addition to the jet entrainment. For the former effect, the quasi-vortex-lattice method is used to satisfy the jet and wing boundary conditions. For the latter, a new theory was developed to calculate the jet entrained flow for given jet properties. Comparison of predicted results with available data of various configurations shows reasonably good agreement. Further theoretical analysis indicates that it is aerodynamically advantageous to locate the jet exit near and ahead of the wing leading edge, and that the camber shape has significant effect on the induced drag.

Lan, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A wing-jet interaction theory for USB configurations

The aerodynamic interaction between the wing and an inviscid upper-surface blowing (USB) thick jet with Mach number nonuniformity is treated within the framework of a linear inviscid subsonic compressible flow theory. A two-vortex-sheet model for the jet surface is used to represent the induced flowfields inside and outside the jet. Comparison of the predicted results with experimental data shows good agreement in lift, induced drag, and pitching moment. It is shown that the thin jet flap theory is inadequate for USB configurations with thick jet.

Lan, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Vortex maneuver lift for super-cruise configurations

Some of the theoretical and experimental research conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center is presented to investigate the subsonic vortex-lift producing capabilities for two classes of Super-Cruise designs: a close-coupled wing-canard arrangement and a slender wing configuration. In addition, several analytical methods are discussed for estimating critical structural design loads for thin, highly swept wings having separated leading-edge vortex flows.

Campbell, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Theoretical predictions of jet interaction effects for USB and OWB configurations

A wing jet interaction theory is presented for predicting the aerodynamic characteristics of upper surface blowing and over wing blowing configurations. For the latter configurations, a new jet entrainment theory is developed. Comparison of predicted results with some available data showed good agreement. Some applications of the theory are also presented.

Lan, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Flow visualization of vortices locked by spanwise blowing over wings featuring a unique leading and trailing-edge flap system

Flow visualization studies were conducted to qualitatively determine the effects of active generation and augmentation of vortex flow over wings by blowing a discrete jet in a spanwise direction in the channel formed by extension of upper surface leading- and trailing-edge flaps. Spanwise blowing from a reflection plane over a rectangular wing was found to generate and lock a dual corotating vortex system within the channel and, at sufficient blowing rates, cause the separated flow off the upper end of the leading-edge flap to reattach to the trailing-edge flap. Test parameters included wing angle of attack, jet momentum coefficient, leading- and trailing-edge flap deflection angle, and jet location above the wing surface. Effects due to removal of the leading- and trailing-edge flap were also investigated.

Erickson, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Theoretical aerodynamics of upper-surface-blowing jet-wing interaction

A linear, inviscid subsonic compressible flow theory is formulated to treat the aerodynamic interaction between the wing and an inviscid upper-surface-blowing (USB) thick jet with Mach number nonuniformity. The predicted results show reasonably good agreement with some available lift and induced-drag data. It was also shown that the thin-jet-flap theory is inadequate for the USB configurations with thick jet. Additional theoretical results show that the lift and induced drag were reduced by increasing jet temperature and increased by increasing jet Mach number. Reducing jet aspect ratio, while holding jet area constant, caused reductions in lift, induced drag, and pitching moment at a given angle of attack but with a minimal change in the curve of lift coefficient against induced-drag coefficient. The jet-deflection effect was shown to be beneficial to cruise performance. The aerodynamic center was shifted forward by adding power or jet-deflection angle. Moving the jet away from the wing surface resulted in rapid changes in lift and induced drag. Reducing the wing span of a rectangular wing by half decreased the jet-circulation lift by only 24 percent at a thrust coefficient of 2.

Lan, C. E.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Turbulent wall jet in a coflowing stream

A theoretical investigation was undertaken to develop a relatively simple model of a two-dimensional, turbulent wall jet in a coflowing stream. The incompressible jet flow was modeled by using an integral method which includes turbulent shear stress, entrainment, and heat transfer. The method solves the conservation equations for the average jet flow properties and uses the velocity profile suggested by Escudier and Nicoll to obtain detailed characteristics of the jet on a flat plate. The analytical results compare favorably with experimental data for a range of injection velocities, which demonstrates the usefulness of the theory for estimating jet growth, velocity decay, and wall skin friction. The theory, which was applied to a Coanda jet on a circular cylinder, provided estimates of suction pressures aft of the jet exit that were in close agreement with experimental values.

Campbell, J. F.↗