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Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2006

Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamic Characteristics of Several Airplane Configurations Designed to Fly in the Mars Atmosphere at Subsonic Speeds

A 1/4-scale wind tunnel model of an airplane configuration developed for short duration flight at subsonic speeds in the Martian atmosphere has been tested in the Langley Research Center Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The tunnel was pumped down to extremely low pressures to represent Martian Mach/Reynolds number conditions. Aerodynamic data were obtained and upper and lower surface wind pressures were measured at one spanwise station on some configurations. Three unswept wings of the same planform but different airfoil sections were tested. Horizontal tail incidence was varied as was the deflection of plain and split trailing-edge flaps. One unswept wing configuration was tested with the lower part of the fuselage removed and the vertical/horizontal tail assembly inverted and mounted from beneath the fuselage. A sweptback wing was also tested. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.50 to 0.90. Wing chord Reynolds number was varied from 40,000 to 100,000 and angles of attack and sideslip were varied from -10deg to 20deg and -10deg to 10deg, respectively.

Re, Richard J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Design and Testing of a Blended Wing Body With Boundary Layer Ingestion Nacelles at High Reynolds Numbers

A knowledge-based aerodynamic design method coupled with an unstructured grid Navier-Stokes flow solver was used to improve the propulsion/airframe integration for a Blended Wing Body with boundary-layer ingestion nacelles. A new zonal design capability was used that significantly reduced the time required to achieve a successful design for each nacelle and the elevon between them. A wind tunnel model was built with interchangeable parts reflecting the baseline and redesigned configurations and tested in the National Transonic Facility (NTF). Most of the testing was done at the cruise design conditions (Mach number = 0.85, Reynolds number = 75 million). In general, the predicted improvements in forces and moments as well as the changes in wing pressures between the baseline and redesign were confirmed by the wind tunnel results. The effectiveness of elevons between the nacelles was also predicted surprisingly well considering the crudeness in the modeling of the control surfaces in the flow code. A novel flow visualization technique involving pressure sensitive paint in the cryogenic nitrogen environment used in high-Reynolds number testing in the NTF was also investigated.

Campbell, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Flow Visualization at Cryogenic Conditions Using a Modified Pressure Sensitive Paint Approach

A modification to the Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) method was used to visualize streamlines on a Blended Wing Body (BWB) model at full-scale flight Reynolds numbers. In order to achieve these conditions, the tests were carried out in the National Transonic Facility operating under cryogenic conditions in a nitrogen environment. Oxygen is required for conventional PSP measurements, and several tests have been successfully completed in nitrogen environments by injecting small amounts (typically < 3000 ppm) of oxygen into the flow. A similar technique was employed here, except that air was purged through pressure tap orifices already existent on the model surface, resulting in changes in the PSP wherever oxygen was present. The results agree quite well with predicted results obtained through computational fluid dynamics analysis (CFD), which show this to be a viable technique for visualizing flows without resorting to more invasive procedures such as oil flow or minitufts.

Watkins, A. Neal↗
NASA NTRS2000

Test-to-Test Repeatability of Results From a Subsonic Wing-Body Configuration in the National Transonic Facility

Results from three wind tunnel tests in the National Transonic Facility of a model of an advanced-technology, subsonic-transport wing-body configuration have been analyzed to assess the test-to-test repeatability of several aerodynamic parameters. The scatter, as measured by the prediction interval, in the longitudinal force and moment coefficients increases as the Mach number increases. Residual errors with and without the ESP tubes installed suggest a bias leading to lower drag with the tubes installed. Residual errors as well as average values of the longitudinal force and moment coefficients show that there are small bias errors between the different tests.

Mineck, Raymond E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Effect of pylon cross-sectional geometries on propulsion integration for a low-wing transport

An experimental program was conducted in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to evaluate the performance effects of various types of pylons on a 1/17th-scale, low-wing transport model. The model wing was designed for cruise at a Mach number of 0.77 and a lift coefficient of 0.55. The pylons were tested at two wing semispan locations over a range of toe-in angles. The effects of toe-in angle were found to be minimal, but the variation in geometry had a more pronounced effect on the lift characteristics of the model. A pylon whose maximum thickness occurred at the wing trailing edge, known as a compression pylon, proved to be the best choice in terms of retaining the flow characteristics of the wing without pylons. Practical considerations such as structural viability may necessitate modification of the compression pylon concept in order to take advantage of its apparent benefits.

Ingraldi, Anthony M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Installation effects of wing-mounted turbofan nacelle-pylons on a 1/17-scale, twin-engine, low-wing transport model

A twin-engine, low-wing transport model, with a supercritical wing of aspect ratio 10.8 designed for a cruise Mach number of 0.77 and a lift coefficient of 0.55, was tested in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The purpose of this test was to compare the wing-nacelle interference effects of flow-through nacelles simulating superfan engines (very high bypass ratio (BPR is approx. = 18) turbofan engines) with the wing-nacelle interference effects of current-technology turbofans (BPR is approx. = 6). Forces and moments on the complete model were measured with a strain-gage balance, and extensive external static-pressure measurements (383 orifice locations) were made on the wing, nacelles, and pylons of the model. Data were taken at Mach numbers from 0.50 to 0.80 and at model angles of attack from -4 deg to 8 deg. Test results indicate that flow-through nacelles with a very high bypass ratio can be installed on a low-wing transport model with a lower installation drag penalty than for a conventional turbofan nacelle at a design cruise Mach number of 0.77 and lift coefficient of 0.55.

Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A user's guide to the Langley 16- by 24-inch water tunnel

The Langley 16 x 24 inch Water Tunnel is described in detail, along with all the supporting equipment used in its operation as a flow visualization test facility. These include the laser and incandescent lighting systems; and the photographic, video, and laser fluorescence anemometer systems used to make permanent records of the test results. This facility is a closed return water tunnel capable of test section velocities from 0 to 0.75 feet per second with flow through the 16 x 24 inch test section in a downward (vertical) direction. The velocity normally used for testing is 0.25 feet per second where the most uniform flow occurs, and is slow enough to easily observe flow phenomena such as vortex flow with the unaided eye. An overview is given of the operational characteristics, procedures, and capabilities of the water tunnel to potential users of the facility so that they may determine if the facility meets their needs for a planned study.

Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Experimental study of pylon geometries for transport aircraft

Pylon cross-sectional geometries that are intended to reduce propulsion system installation drag were investigated on a 1/17th-scale low-wing transport model in the NASA Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The basic design philosophy for these pylons was to alleviate flow acceleration without introducing severe adverse pressure gradients near the pylon/wing junction. This was achieved by means of a gradually, diverging pylon with maximum thickness occurring at the wing trailing edge. The pylon closure occurs aft of the wing trailing edge. The force, surface pressure and surface flow visualization data obtained support this concept.

Naik, Dinesh A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Study of external dynamic flap loads on a 6 percent B-1B model

The origin of dynamic pressure loads on external divergent engine nozzle flaps of the B-1B aircraft was investigated in the NASA/LaRC 16 foot transonic tunnel using a 6 percent full span model with powered engine nacelles. External flap dynamic loads and afterbody drag associated with flap removal were measured using this model. Both dry and max. A/B power nozzles were evaluated in this study. As a result of this study, the principal mechanisms responsible for high dynamic external flap loads were determined along with performance penalty associated with flap removal.

Seiner, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Interference effects of very high bypass ratio nacelle installations on a low-wing transport

A twin-engine, low-wing transport model, with a supercritical wing designed for a cruise Mach number of 0.77 and a lift coefficient of 0.55 was tested in the 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. The purpose of this test was to compare the wing/nacelle interference effects of superfans (BPR 18) with the interference effects of advanced turbofans (BPR 6). Flow-through nacelles were used. Forces and moments on the complete model were measured using a strain gage balance, and extensive surface static pressure measurements were made on the model's wing, nacelles, and pylons. Results of the investigation indicate that superfan nacelles can be installed with approximately the same drag penalty as conventional turbofan nacelles.

Ingraldi, Anthony M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Static thrust-vectoring performance of nonaxisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzles with post-exit yaw vanes

A static (wind-off) test was conducted in the Static Test Facility of the 16-ft transonic tunnel to determine the performance and turning effectiveness of post-exit yaw vanes installed on two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzles. One nozzle design that was previously tested was used as a baseline, simulating dry power and afterburning power nozzles at both 0 and 20 degree pitch vectoring conditions. Vanes were installed on these four nozzle configurations to study the effects of vane deflection angle, longitudinal and lateral location, size, and camber. All vanes were hinged at the nozzle sidewall exit, and in addition, some were also hinged at the vane quarter chord (double-hinged). The vane concepts tested generally produced yaw thrust vectoring angles much less than the geometric vane angles, for (up to 8 percent) resultant thrust losses. When the nozzles were pitch vectored, yawing effectiveness decreased as the vanes were moved downstream. Thrust penalties and yawing effectiveness both decreased rapidly as the vanes were moved outboard (laterally). Vane length and height changes increased yawing effectiveness and thrust ratio losses, while using vane camber, and double-hinged vanes increased resultant yaw angles by 50 to 100 percent.

Foley, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

External nozzle flap dynamic load measurements on F-15 S/MTD model

Dynamic pressure loads were obtained on 1/12 scale models of the F-15B production aircraft and the F-15 S/MTD experimental aircraft with rectangular nozzles and canards. Flight Mach numbers from 0.51 to 1.20 were studied for aircraft angles of attack from 0 to 10 deg and nozzle pressure ratios from 1.00 to 5.09. The results show that dynamic levels are lower in the internozzle region of twin rectangular nozzles than are levels found with twin axisymmetric nozzles. At other locations, the levels associated with both geometries are of the same order of magnitude when normalized by aircraft dynamic Q. At Mach number of 0.51, the loads spectrum is dominated by plume shock noise processes for both geometries. Above Mach 0.51, this mechanism is associated with either vortex bursting from a forward location or turbulent boundary layer separation over the nozzle external flaps. At supersonic speeds both geometries show significantly decreased load levels.

Seiner, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Nacelle/pylon interference study on a 1/17th-scale, twin-engine, low-wing transport model

NASA-Langley has conducted wind tunnel tests of a twin-engine, low-wing transport aircraft configuration with 10.8-aspect ratio supercritical wing, in order to ascertain and compare the wing/nacelle interference effects of through-flow nacelled simulating 'superfan' very high bypass ratio (BPR=20) turbofans and current-technology (BPR=6) turbofans. Measurements of model forces and moments have been obtained, together with extensive external static pressure measurement on the model's wings, nacelles, and pylons in the Mach 0.5-0.8 range, at angles of attack in the -4 to +8 deg range. The superfan nacelles exhibit a significant advantage over current-technology turbofan nacelles, when the superfan's SFC gains are taken into account.

Pendergraft, Odis C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A water tunnel study of Gurney flaps

Several Gurney flap configurations were tested in the NASA Langley 16 x 24 inch Water Tunnel. These devices provided an increased region of attached flow on a wing upper surface relative to the wing without the flaps. The recirculation region behind the flap was visualized and shown to be consistent with hypotheses stated in previous research. Although the test Reynolds number for this study was several orders of magnitude below those in previous investigations, the effect of the Gurney flaps is in qualitative agreement with them. This is as would be expected from first order effects for high lift devices.

Neuhart, Dan H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Intergration effects of D-shaped, underwing, aft-mounted, separate-flow, flow-through nacelles on a high-wing transport

An experimental investigation was conducted in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel at freestream Mach numbers from 0.70 to 0.82 and angles of attack from -3.0 to 4.0 deg to determine the integration effects of D-shaped, underwing, aft-mounted, separate-flow, flow-through nacelles on a high-wing transonic transport configuration. The results showed that the aft-mounted nacelle/pylon produced an increase in lift over that of the wing-body configuration by pressurizing much of the wing lower surface in front of the pylon. For the D-shaped nacelle, a substantial region of supersonic flow over the wing, aft of the lip of the nacelle, cancelled the reduction in drag caused by the increase in pressures ahead of the lip, to increase interference and form drag compared with a similar circular-shaped nacelle. The installed drag of the D=shaped nacelle was essentially the same as that of an aft-mounted circular nacelle from a previous investigation.

Lamb, Milton↗
NASA NTRS1987

An experimental investigation of an advanced turboprop installation on a swept wing at subsonic and transonic speeds

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the effects of a turboprop-nacelle installation on the pressure distributions over a swept, supercritical wing. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.20 to 0.80, at angles of attack from 0 to 5 degrees, nacelle nozzle pressure ratios from 1.0 to 1.6, and at propeller tip speeds from 700 to 800 ft/sec. The results of this study indicate that the turboprop nacelle interference, with and without power, on a swept wing is greater on the inboard wing panel than on the outboard wing panel. The over-the-wing nacelle installation with the propeller upwash on the inboard panel had flow separation problems at a Mach number of 0.80. No severe flow separation problems appear to exist for either propeller rotation direction for the under-the-wing nacelle installation. The local flow disturbances caused by the under-the-wing nacelle installation were in general less severe than for the over-the-wing nacelle installation.

Carlson, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Comparison of wind tunnel and flight test afterbody and nozzle pressures for a twin-jet fighter aircraft at transonic speeds

Afterbody and nozzle pressures measured on a 1/12-scale model and in flight on a twin-jet fighter aircraft were compared as Mach number varied from 0.6 to 1.2, Reynolds number from 17.5 million to 302.5 million, and angle of attack from 1 to 7 deg. At Mach 0.6 and 0.8, nozzle pressure coefficient distributions and nozzle axial force coefficients agreed and showed good recompression. At Mach 0.9 and 1.2, flow complexity caused a loss in recompression for both flight and wind tunnel nozzle data. The flight data exhibited less negative values of pressure coefficient and lower axial force coefficients than did the wind tunnel data. Reynolds number effects were noted only at these Mach numbers. Jet temperature and mass flux ratio did not affect the comparisons of nozzle axial flow coefficient. At subsonic speeds, the levels of pressure coefficient distributions on the upper fuselage and lower nacelle surfaces for flight were less negative than those for the model. The model boundary layer thickness at the aft rake station exceeded that for the forward rake station and increased with increasing angle of attack. The flight boundary layer thickness at the aft rake station was less than that for the forward rake station and decreased with increasing angle of attack.

Nugent, Jack↗