Engineering topics

Mcghee, Robert J.

Publications and source records attributed to Mcghee, Robert J..

17 records

NASA NTRS1993

Multielement airfoil performance due to Reynolds and Mach number variations

Experimental studies have been conducted to assess Reynolds and Mach number effects on a supercritical multielement airfoil. The airfoil is representative of the stall-critical station of an advanced transport wing design. The experimental work was conducted as part of a cooperative program between the Douglas Aircraft Company and the NASA Langley Research Center to improve current knowledge of high-lift flows and to develop a validation data base with practical geometries/conditions for emerging computational methods. This article describes results obtained for both landing and takeoff multielement airfoils (four- and three-element configurations) for a variety of Mach/Reynolds number combinations up to flight conditions. Effects on maximum lift are considered for the landing configurations, and effects on both lift and drag are reported for the takeoff geometry. The present test results revealed considerable maximum lift effects on the three-element landing configuration for Reynolds number variations, and significant Mach number effects on the four-element airfoil.

Valarezo, Walter O.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Flowfield measurements about a multi-element airfoil at high Reynolds numbers

This paper describes experimental data obtained with a multi-element airfoil at flight Reynolds numbers and lift coefficients including Clmax. The wind tunnel test was conducted in the NASA Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel as part of a cooperative effort between McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and NASA Langley. The airfoil model is a supercritical design configured with a leading-edge slat and a single-segment trailing-edge flap. Data include surface static-pressure distributions (integrated to obtain lift), drag data obtained with wake-rake surveys, and fbwfield surveys obtained with a flat-tube and five-hole probe at nine stations on the configuration's upper surface. Effects of variations in Reynolds number and flap gap on airfoil performance and flowfield survey data are presented.

Chin, Vincent D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Separation control on high Reynolds number multi-element airfoils

Small surface-mounted vortex generators were investigated as means for the control of a boundary-layer separation on a 2D single-flap three-element high-lift system at near-flight Reynolds numbers and in landing configurations. Wind-tunnel results obtained for small vane-type vortex generators mounted on a multielement airfoil showed that vortex generators as small as 0.18 percent of total chord can effectively reduce or eliminate boundary-layer separation on the flap at approach conditions. It was found that both the outerrotating and the corotating streamwise vortices were effective in reducing flow separation.

Lin, John C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Reynolds and Mach number effects on multielement airfoils

Experimental studies were conducted to assess Reynolds and Mach number effects on a supercritical multielement airfoil. The airfoil is representative of the stall-critical station of an advanced transport wing design. The experimental work was conducted as part of a cooperative program between the Douglas Aircraft Company and the NASA LaRC to improve current knowledge of high-lift flows and to develop a validation database with practical geometries/conditions for emerging computational methods. This paper describes results obtained for both landing and takeoff multielement airfoils (four and three-element configurations) for a variety of Mach/Reynolds number combinations up to flight conditions. Effects on maximum lift are considered for the landing configurations and effects on both lift and drag are reported for the takeoff geometry. The present test results revealed considerable maximum lift effects on the three-element landing configuration for Reynolds number variations and significant Mach number effects on the four-element airfoil.

Valarezo, Walter O.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The adverse aerodynamic impact of very small leading-edge ice (roughness) buildups on wings and tails

Systematic experimental studies were performed to establish the aerodynamic impact of very small leading-edge simulated ice (roughness) formations on lifting surfaces. The geometries studied include single element configurations (airfoil and 3-D tail) as well as multi-element high-lift airfoil geometries. Emphasis in these studies was placed on obtaining results at high Reynolds numbers to insure the applicability of the findings to full-scale situations. It was found that the well-known Brumby correlation for the adverse lift impact of discrete roughness elements at the leading edge is not appropriate for cases representative of initial ice build up (i.e., distributed roughness). It was also found that allowing initial ice formations of a size required for removal by presently proposed deicing systems could lead to maximum lift losses of approximately 40 percent for single-element airfoils. Losses in angle-of-attack margin to stall are equally substantial - as high as 6 degrees. Percentage losses for multi-element airfoils are not as severe as for single-element configurations, but degradations of the angle-of-attack-to-stall margin are the same for both.

Lynch, Frank T.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Multi-element airfoil optimization for maximum lift at high Reynolds numbers

An experimental study has been performed to assess the maximum lift capability of a supercritical multielement airfoil representative of an advanced transport aircraft wing. The airfoil model was designed with a leading-edge slat and single or two-segment trailing-edge flaps. Optimization work was performed at various slat/flap deflections as well as gap/overhang positions. Landing configurations and the attainment of maximum lift coefficients of 4.5 with single-element flaps and 5.0 with two-segment flaps was emphasized. Test results showed a relatively linear variation of the optimum gap/overhang positioning of the slat versus slat deflection, considerable differences in optimum rigging between single and double segment flaps, and large Reynolds number effects on multielement airfoil optimization.

Valarezo, Walter O.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Experiments on a separation bubble over an Eppler 387 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers using thin-film arrays

Experiments carried out at the NASA Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel on an Eppler 387 airfoil at several angles of attack for Reynolds numbers of 100,000 to 300,000 are discussed. Cross-correlations and phase diagrams are used in calculating velocities, while spectra are used in checking for amplified frequencies, and coherence plots for causality. Hot-film measurements, oil-flow visualization, pressure measurements, and Drela code are compared for finding the leading and trailing edges of the bubble. It is observed that all methods agree in showing the beginning and end of the separation bubble, the velocity measurements agree in magnitude for the lower velocities, and wave packets appear in the cross-correlation.

Mousseux, Marc C.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Performance measurements of an airfoil at low Reynolds numbers

Performance characteristics of an Eppler 387 airfoil using both direct (force) and indirect (pressure) measurement techniques have been obtained at Reynolds numbers from 60,000 to 460,000 in the Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel. Lift, drag, and pitching-moment data were obtained from two internally-mounted strain-gage balances specifically designed for small aerodynamic loads. Comparisons of these results with data from a pressure model of an Eppler 387 airfoil are included. Drag data for both models using the wake traverse method are compared with the balance data. Oil flow visualization and surface mounted hot-film sensors were used to determine laminar-separation and turbulent-reattachment locations. Problems associated with obtaining accurate wind-tunnel data at low Reynolds numbers are discussed.

Mcghee, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Correlation of theory to wind-tunnel data at Reynolds numbers below 500,000

This paper presents results obtained from two airfoil analysis methods compared with previously published wind tunnel test data at chord Reynolds numbers below 500,000. The analysis methods are from the Eppler-Somers airfoil design/analysis code and from ISES, the Drela-Giles Airfoil design/analysis code. The experimental data are from recent tests of the Eppler 387 airfoil in the NASA Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel. For R not less than 200,000, lift and pitching moment predictions from both theories compare well with experiment. Drag predictions from both theories also agree with experiment, although to different degrees. However, most of the drag predictions from the Eppler-Somers code are accompanied with separation bubble warnings which indicate that the drag predictions are too low. With the Drela-Giles code, there is a large discrepancy between the computed and experimental pressure distributions in cases with laminar separation bubbles, although the drag polar predictions are similar in trend to experiment.

Evangelista, Raquel↗

NASA NTRS1988

Experimental results for the Eppler 387 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers in the Langley low-turbulence pressure tunnel

Experimental results were obtained for an Eppler 387 airfoil in the Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel. The tests were conducted over a Mach number range from 0.03 to 0.13 and a chord Reynolds number range for 60,000 to 460,000. Lift and pitching moment data were obtained from airfoil surface pressure measurements and drag data for wake surveys. Oil flow visualization was used to determine laminar separation and turbulent reattachment locations. Comparisons of these results with data on the Eppler 387 airfoil from two other facilities as well as the Eppler airfoil code are included.

Mcghee, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Performance characteristics from wind-tunnel tests of a low-Reynolds-number airfoil

Wind tunnel lift and pitching-moment data have been obtained from pressure measurements, and drag data from wake surveys, for an Eppler 387 low Reynolds number airfoil over the Re range of 60,000 to 460,000; oil flow visualizations were also used to determine laminar separation and turbulent reattachment locations. Airfoil performance is found to be dominated by laminar separation bubbles below Re 200,000, and two flow regimes, namely laminar separations with and without turbulent reattachment, were observed at the same angle-of-attack for an Re of 60,000.

Mcghee, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Wind tunnel results of the low-speed NLF(1)-0414F airfoil

The large performance gains predicted for the Natural Laminar Flow (NLF)(1)-0414F airfoil were demonstrated in two-dimensional airfoil tests and in wind tunnel tests conducted with a full scale modified Cessna 210. The performance gains result from maintaining extensive areas of natural laminar flow, and were verified by flight tests conducted with the modified Cessna. The lift, stability, and control characteristics of the Cessna were found to be essentially unchanged when boundary layer transition was fixed near the wing leading edge. These characteristics are very desirable from a safety and certification view where premature boundary layer transition (due to insect contamination, etc.) must be considered. The leading edge modifications were found to enhance the roll damping of the Cessna at the stall, and were therefore considered effective in improving the stall/departure resistance. Also, the modifications were found to be responsible for only minor performance penalties.

Murri, Daniel G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Wind tunnel results of the high-speed NLF(1)-0213 airfoil

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to evaluate a natural laminar flow airfoil designed for the high speed jet aircraft in general aviation. The airfoil, designated as the High Speed Natural Laminar Flow (HSNLF)(1)-0213, was tested in two dimensional wind tunnels to investigate the performance of the basic airfoil shape. A three dimensional wing designed with this airfoil and a high lift flap system is also being evaluated with a full size, half span model.

Sewall, William G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Low-speed wind-tunnel results for symmetrical NASA LS(1)-0013 airfoil

A wind-tunnel test has been conducted in the Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel to evaluate the performance of a symmetrical NASA LS(1)-0013 airfoil which is a 13-percent-thick, low-speed airfoil. The airfoil contour was obtained from the thickness distribution of a 13-percent-thick, high-performance airfoil developed for general aviation airplanes. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.10 tp 0.37 over a Reynolds number range from about 0.6 to 12.0 X 10 to the 6th power. The angle of attack varied from about -8 to 20 degrees. The results indicate that the aerodynamic characteristics of the present airfoil are similar to, but slightly better than, those of the NACA 0012 airfoil.

Ferris, James C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

A study of high-lift airfoils at high Reynolds numbers in the Langley low-turbulence pressure tunnel

An experimental study was conducted in the Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel to determine the effects of Reynolds number and Mach number on the two-dimensional aerodynamic performance of two supercritical type airfoils, one equipped with a conventional flap system and the other with an advanced high lift flap system. The conventional flap system consisted of a leading edge slat and a double slotted, trailing edge flap with a small chord vane and a large chord aft flap. The advanced flap system consisted of a leading edge slat and a double slotted, trailing edge flap with a large chord vane and a small chord aft flap. Both models were tested with all elements nested to form the cruise airfoil and with the leading edge slat and with a single or double slotted, trailing edge flap deflected to form the high lift airfoils. The experimental tests were conducted through a Reynolds number range from 2.8 to 20.9 x 1,000,000 and a Mach number range from 0.10 to 0.35. Lift and pitching moment data were obtained. Summaries of the test results obtained are presented and comparisons are made between the observed aerodynamic performance trends for both models. The results showing the effect of leading edge frost and glaze ice formation is given.

Morgan, Harry L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Advanced natural laminar flow airfoil with high lift to drag ratio

An experimental verification of a high performance natural laminar flow (NLF) airfoil for low speed and high Reynolds number applications was completed in the Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel (LTPT). Theoretical development allowed for the achievement of 0.70 chord laminar flow on both surfaces by the use of accelerated flow as long as tunnel turbulence did not cause upstream movement of transition with increasing chord Reynolds number. With such a rearward pressure recovery, a concave type deceleration was implemented. Two-dimensional theoretical analysis indicated that a minimum profile drag coefficient of 0.0026 was possible with the desired laminar flow at the design condition. With the three-foot chord two-dimensional model constructed for the LTPT experiment, a minimum profile drag coefficient of 0.0027 was measured at c sub l = 0.41 and Re sub c = 10 x 10 to the 6th power. The low drag bucket was shifted over a considerably large c sub l range by the use of the 12.5 percent chord trailing edge flap. A two-dimensional lift to drag ratio (L/D) was 245. Surprisingly high c sub l max values were obtained for an airfoil of this type. A 0.20 chort split flap with 60 deg deflection was also implemented to verify the airfoil's lift capabilities. A maximum lift coefficient of 2.70 was attained at Reynolds numbers of 3 and 6 million.

Viken, Jeffrey K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Wind tunnel results for a high-speed, natural laminar-flow airfoil designed for general aviation aircraft

Two dimensional wind tunnel tests were conducted on a high speed natural laminar flow airfoil in both the Langley 6 x 28 inch Transonic Tunnel and the Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel. The test conditions consisted of Mach numbers ranging from 0.10 to 0.77 and Reynolds numbers ranging from 3 x 1 million to 11 x 1 million. The airfoil was designed for a lift coefficient of 0.20 at a Mach number of 0.70 and Reynolds number of 11 x 1 million. At these conditions, laminar flow would extend back to 50 percent chord of the upper surface and 70 percent chord of the lower surface. Low speed results were also obtained with a 0.20 chord trailing edge split flap deflected 60 deg.

Sewall, William G.↗