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Muraca, R. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Muraca, R. J..

13 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Shuttle tile environments and loads

This paper presents the Shuttle tile ascent environments and outlines the procedures used to convert these environments into tile loads. Testing which was performed to quantify or verify the loads is also discussed, along with the load combination rationale. The discussion of the ascent environment is limited to the transonic/supersonic portion of the mission since mechanical design loads occur during this time, and to specific regions of the vehicle, in particular those regions in which undensified critical (black) tiles are located.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A perspective of laminar-flow control

A historical review of the development of laminar flow control technology is presented with reference to active laminar boundary-layer control through suction, the use of multiple suction slots, wind-tunnel tests, continuous suction, and spanwise contamination. The ACEE laminar flow control program is outlined noting the development of three-dimensional boundary-layer codes, cruise-noise prediction techniques, airfoil development, and leading-edge region cleaning. Attention is given to glove flight tests and the fabrication and testing of wing box designs.

Braslow, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Laminar flow control overview

Application of laminar flow control technology to future CTOL long range transport aircraft was considered. Topics covered include: (1) airfoil development and test; (2) development and improvement of design methods; (3) evaluation of leading edge contamination; and (4) laminar flow control system definition and concept evaluation.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Wind tunnel investigation of a 14 foot vertical axis windmill

A full scale wind tunnel investigation was made to determine the performance characteristics of a 14 ft diameter vertical axis windmill. The parameters measured were wind velocity, shaft torque, shaft rotation rate, along with the drag and yawing moment. A velocity survey of the flow field downstream of the windmill was also made. The results of these tests along with some analytically predicted data are presented in the form of generalized data as a function of tip speed ratio.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Theoretical performance of cross-wind axis turbines with results for a catenary vertical axis configuration

A general analysis capable of predicting performance characteristics of cross-wind axis turbines was developed, including the effects of airfoil geometry, support struts, blade aspect ratio, windmill solidity, blade interference and curved flow. The results were compared with available wind tunnel results for a catenary blade shape. A theoretical performance curve for an aerodynamically efficient straight blade configuration was also presented. In addition, a linearized analytical solution applicable for straight configurations was developed. A listing of the computer program developed for numerical solutions of the general performance equations is included in the appendix.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A Monte Carlo analysis of the Viking lander dynamics at touchdown

The performance of the Viking lander has been evaluated by using a Monte Carlo simulation, and all results are presented in statistical form. The primary objectives of this analysis were as follows: (1) to determine the three sigma design values of maximum rigid body accelerations and the minimum clearance of the lander body during landing; (2) to determine the probability of an unstable landing; and (3) to determine the probability of the lander body striking a rock. Two configurations were analyzed with the only difference being in the ability of the primary landing gear struts to carry tension loads.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Verification of a landing dynamics computer program using Viking Lander data

An investigation was conducted to verify the accuracy of the Landing Dynamics Computer Program (LDCP) used to simulate the landing event of the Viking Lander (VL) on to the Martian surface. This verification was achieved by comparing the analytical data with results from a test program involving a dynamically scaled model of a VL configuration. A secondary objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the VL to initial rates and orientations, configuration modifications, and footpad friction.

Muraca, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Application of local linearization and the transonic equivalence rule to the flow about slender analytic bodies at Mach numbers near 1.0

The local linearization method for axisymmetric flow is combined with the transonic equivalence rule to calculate pressure distribution on slender bodies at free-stream Mach numbers from .8 to 1.2. This is an approximate solution to the transonic flow problem which yields results applicable during the preliminary design stages of a configuration development. The method can be used to determine the aerodynamic loads on parabolic arc bodies having either circular or elliptical cross sections. It is particularly useful in predicting pressure distributions and normal force distributions along the body at small angles of attack. The equations discussed may be extended to include wing-body combinations.

Tyson, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Gas-powered reentry body erection mechanism

The design, analysis, testing, and flight of the supersonic planetary entry decelerator 2 spacecraft are described. The vehicle was launched in a folded condition and deployed to its required configuration following exit from the atmosphere. This concept was selected primarily because it allows utilization of existing launch vehicle systems in the most economical manner possible.

Muraca, R. J.↗