Engineering topics

Coe, P. L., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Coe, P. L., Jr..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1986

Low-speed wind-tunnel tests of single- and counter-rotation propellers

A low-speed (Mach 0 to 0.3) wind-tunnel investigation was conducted to determine the basic performance, force and moment characteristics, and flow-field velocities of single- and counter-rotation propellers. Compared with the eight-blade single-rotation propeller, a four- by four- (4 x 4) blade counter-rotation propeller with the same blade design produced substantially higher thrust coefficients for the same blade angles and advance ratios. The results further indicated that ingestion of the wake from a supporting pylon for a pusher configuration produced no significant change in the propeller thrust performance for either the single- or counter-rotation propellers. A two-component laser velocimeter (LV) system was used to make detailed measurements of the propeller flow fields. Results show increasing slipstream velocities with increasing blade angle and decreasing advance ratio. Flow-field measurements for the counter-rotation propeller show that the rear propeller turned the flow in the opposite direction from the front propeller and, therefore, could eliminate the swirl component of velocity, as would be expected.

Dunham, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Low-speed stability and control characteristics of a transport model with aft-fuselage-mounted advanced turboprops

A limited experimental investigation was conducted in the Langley 4- by 7-Meter Tunnel to explore the effects of aft-fuselage-mounted advanced turboprop installations on the low-speed stability and control characteristics of a representative transport aircraft in a landing configuration. In general, the experimental results indicate that the longitudinal and lateral-directional stability characteristics for the aft-fuselage-mounted single-rotation tractor and counter-rotation pusher propeller configurations tested during this investigation are acceptable aerodynamically. For the single-rotation tractor configuration, the propeller-induced aerodynamics are significantly influenced by the interaction of the propeller slipstream with the pylon and nacelle. The stability characteristics for the counter-rotation pusher configuration are strongly influenced by propeller normal forces. The longitudinal and directional control effectiveness, engine-out characteristics, and ground effects are also presented. In addition, a tabulated presentation of all aerodynamic data presented in this report is included as an appendix.

Applin, Z. T.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Low-speed wind-tunnel tests of an advanced eight-bladed propeller

As part of a research program on advanced turboprop aircraft aerodynamics, a low-speed wind-tunnel investigation was conducted to document the basic performance and force and moment characteristics of an advanced eight-bladed propeller. The results show that in addition to the normal force and pitching moment produced by the propeller/nacelle combination at angle of attack, a significant side force and yawing moment are also produced. Furthermore, it is shown that for test conditions wherein compressibility effects can be ignored, accurate simulation of propeller performance and flow fields can be achieved by matching the nondimensional power loading of the model propeller to that of the full-scale propeller.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Stability and control results for advanced turboprop aft-mount installations

An experimental investigation was recently conducted in the NASA-Langley Research Center 4- by 7-Meter Tunnel to explore the effects of aft-mounted advanced turboprop installations on the low-speed stability and control characteristics of a representative transport aircraft configuration. For the conditions investigated, the experimental results indicate that the longitudinal and directional stability of the configuration was not adversely affected by aft-pylon-mounted single-rotation tractor or counter-rotation pusher propeller installations. The results indicate that for the single-rotation tractor configuration the propeller induced aerodynamics are dominated by the interaction of the propeller slipsteam with the pylon, and that the propeller contribution to the stability characteristics for the counter-rotating pusher configuration is dominated by propeller normal forces. The longitudinal and directional control effectiveness, engine-out characteristics, and ground effects are also presented.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a highly swept, untwisted uncambered arrow wing

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 4- by 7-Meter Tunnel to provide a detailed study of wing pressure distributions and forces and moments acting on a highly swept arrow-wing model at low Mach numbers (0.25). A limited investigation of the effect of spoilers at several locations was also conducted. Analysis of the pressure data shows that for the configuration with undeflected leading edges, vortex separation occurs on the outboard wing panel for angles of attack on the order of only 3 deg, whereas conventional leading-edge separation occurs at a nondimensional semispan station of 0.654 for the same incidence angle. The pressure data further show that vortex separation exists at wing stations more inboard for angles of attack on the order of 7 deg and that these vortices move inboard and forward with increasing angle of attack. The force and moment data show the expected nonlinear increments in lift and pitching moment and the increased drag associated with the vortex separation. The pressure data and corresponding force and moment data confirm that deflecting the entire wing leading edge uniformly to 30 deg is effective in forestalling the onset of flow separation to angles of attack greater than 8.6 deg; however, the inboard portion of the leading edge is overdeflected. The investigation further identifies the contribution of the trailing-edge flap deflection to the leading-edge upwash fields.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1981

High lift technology

The NASA Langley high lift technology program is reviewed and elements of the program which are considered Reynolds number sensitive are discussed. The Energy Efficient Transport (EET) and Supersonic Cruise Research (SCR) models proposed for high lift studies in the National Transonic Facility (NTF) are described. Recommendations regarding the NTF facility and test techniques are presented.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Leading-edge deflection optimization for a highly swept arrow wing configuration

Tests were also conducted to determine the sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral. The optimized leading edge deflection was developed by aligning the leading edge with the incoming flow along the entire span. Owing to the spanwise variation of upwash, the resulting optimized leading edge was a smooth, continuously warped surface. For the particular configuration studied, levels of leading edge suction on the order of 90 percent were achieved with the smooth, continuously warped leading edge contour. The results of tests conducted to determine the sensitivity of C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral indicate values of delta C sub l sub beta/delta T which are in reasonable agreement with estimates provided by simple vortex lattice theories.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a highly swept arrow wing configuration with several deflected leading edge concepts

The effectiveness of leading edge concepts for minimizing or controlling leading edge flow separation was studied. Emphasis was placed on low speed performance, stability, and control characteristics of configurations with highly swept wings. Simple deflection of the leading edge, a variable camber leading edge system, and a leading edge vortex flow system were among the concepts studied. The data are presented without analysis.

Gentry, G. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Overview of the Langley subsonic research effort on SCR configuration

Recent advances achieved in the subsonic aerodynamics of low aspect ratio, highly swept wing designs are summarized. The most significant of these advances was the development of leading edge deflection concepts which effectively reduce leading edge flow separation. The improved flow attachment results in substantial improvements in low speed performance, significant delay of longitudinal pitch up, increased trailing edge flap effectiveness, and increased lateral control capability. Various additional theoretical and/or experimental studies are considered which, in conjunction with the leading edge deflection studies, form the basis for future subsonic research effort.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Effect of outboard vertical-fin position and orientation on the low-speed aerodynamic performance of highly swept wings

A theoretical study was conducted to determine the potential low-speed performance improvements which can be achieved by altering the position and orientation of the outboard vertical fins of low-aspect-ratio highly swept wings. Results show that the magnitude of the performance improvements is solely a function of the span-load distribution. Both the vertical-fin-chordwise position and toe angle provided effective means for adjusting the overall span-load distribution.

Johnson, V. S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Influence of optimized leading-edge deflection and geometric anhedral on the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing configuration

An investigation conducted in the Langley 7 by 10 foot tunnel to determine the influence of an optimized leading-edge deflection on the low speed aerodynamic performance of a configuration with a low aspect ratio, highly swept wing. The sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative to geometric anhedral was also studied. The optimized leading edge deflection was developed by aligning the leading edge with the incoming flow along the entire span. Owing to spanwise variation of unwash, the resulting optimized leading edge was a smooth, continuously warped surface for which the deflection varied from 16 deg at the side of body to 50 deg at the wing tip. For the particular configuration studied, levels of leading-edge suction on the order of 90 percent were achieved. The results of tests conducted to determine the sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative to geometric anhedral indicate values which are in reasonable agreement with estimates provided by simple vortex-lattice theories.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Effects of wing leading-edge deflection on low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing configuration

Static force tests were conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel at a Reynolds number (based on the mean aerodynamic chord) of about 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power for an angle-of-attack range from about - 10 deg to 17 deg and angles of sideslip of 0 and + or - 5 deg. Limited flow visualization studies were also conducted in order to provide a qualitative assessment of leading-edge upwash characteristics.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Aerodynamic characteristics of wheelchairs

The overall aerodynamic drag characteristics of a conventional wheelchair were defined and the individual drag contributions of its components were determined. The results show that a fiftieth percentile man sitting in the complete wheelchair would experience an aerodynamic drag coefficient on the order of 1.4.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Effects of wing leading-edge deflection on the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing configuration

Wing leading-edge deflection effects on the low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing configuration were determined. Static force tests were conducted in a V/STOL tunnel at a Reynolds number of about 2.5 x 1 million for an angle-of-attack range from -10 deg to 17 deg and an angle-of-sideslip range from -5 deg to 5 deg. Limited flow visualization studies were also conducted in order to provide a qualitative assessment of leading-edge upwash characteristics.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Supersonic transport

An aircraft of supersonic transport configuration is described, featuring thrust vectoring in conjunction with wing apex segments used as canard surfaces during takeoff, landing, and low-speed flight. The angle of incidence of the wing apex segments, when the segments were functioning as canard surfaces, was variable with respect to the aircraft angle of attack. The wing apex segments furthermore formed a portion of the main wing panel swept leading edge when not functioning as canard surfaces. The combination of thrust vectoring and deployable wing apex segments resulted in increased aircraft range and improved low speed longitudinal stability while providing acceptable takeoff length capabilities.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of an advanced supersonic cruise arrow-wing configuration

A preliminary assessment of possible means for improving the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of advanced supersonic cruise arrow wing configurations and to extend the existing data base of such configurations has been made. Principle configuration variables included wing-leading and trailing-edge flap deflection, fuselage nose strakes, and engine exhaust nozzle deflection. Results showed that deflecting the wing leading edge apex flaps downward provided improved longitudinal stability but resulted in reduced directional stability. The model exhibited relatively low values of directional stability over the operational angle of attack range and experienced large asymmetric yawing moments at high angles of attack. The use of nose strakes was found to be effective in increasing the directional stability and eliminating the asymmetric yawing moment.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of a large scale advanced arrow-wing supersonic transport configuration with engines mounted above wing for upper-surface blowing

Tests have been conducted in a full scale tunnel to determine the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a large scale advanced arrow wing supersonic transport configuration with engines mounted above the wing for upper surface blowing. Tests were made over an angle of attack range of -10 deg to 32 deg, sideslip angles of + or - 5 deg, and a Reynolds number range of 3,530,000 to 7,330,000. Configuration variables included trailing edge flap deflection, engine jet nozzle angle, engine thrust coefficient, engine out operation, and asymmetrical trailing edge boundary layer control for providing roll trim. Downwash measurements at the tail were obtained for different thrust coefficients, tail heights, and at two fuselage stations.

Shivers, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Effects of upper-surface blowing and thrust vectoring on low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a large-scale supersonic transport model

Tests were conducted in a full scale tunnel to determine the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a large scale arrow wing supersonic transport configured with engines mounted above the wing for upper surface blowing and conventional lower surface engines having provisions for thrust vectoring. Tests were conducted over an angle of attack range of -10 deg to 34 deg and for Reynolds numbers (based on the mean aerodynamic chord) of 5.17 x 1 million and 3.89 x 1 million. A limited number of tests were also conducted for the upper surface engine configuration in the high lift condition at an angle of sideslip of 10 deg in order to evaluate lateral directional characteristics and with the right engine inoperative in order to evaluate the engine out condition.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗