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Smith, R. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Smith, R. C..

At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Transonic swept wings studied by the lifting-line theory

Transonic swept wings are analyzed as a lifting-line problem under a small-disturbance approximation. Basic concepts and principal results of the asymptotic theory are discussed. The study focuses on straight oblique wings and V-shaped swept wings, of which the local centerline curvature can be equated to zero. The three-dimensional (3-D) perturbation of the nonlinear component flow admits a similarity flow structure but requires that all wing sections are generated from a single airfoil profile; the reduced 2-D problems in this case are solved only once for all span stations. Examples of solutions involving high subcritical and slightly supercritical component flows are demonstrated and compared with surface pressure data from 3-D computer codes based on the full-potential equation (FLO 22). Except in the neighborhood of leading edges, where the small-disturbance assumption breaks down, and in the vicinities of wing tips and the symmetry plane, where neither the theory nor the 3-D codes may claim full validity, reasonable agreement is consistently found. The explicit results from the upwash analysis, along with the similarity flow structure, provides a rational approach to the control of 3-D effects in transonic aerodynamic design studies.

Cheng, H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Propfan installation aerodynamics of a supercritical swept wing transport configuration

A semispan model with a powered propeller has been tested to provide data on the installation drag penalty of advanced propfan-powered transports designed to cruise at a Mach number of 0.8. These tests, conducted in 14-foot and 11-foot transonic wind tunnels, are a part of a NASA program to develop efficient, high-speed propellers for more fuel-efficient commercial transports for the 1990s and beyond. The model is instrumented for measuring propeller forces, wing/nacelle forces and moments, and pressure distributions over the wing and nacelle. The body in these tests was nonmetric, being connected to the wing by an RTV seal at the wing/body juncture. Tests were run at angles of attack from -3 to +5 deg over the Mach number range 0.6 to 0.85 at a Reynolds number of about 9,000,000. Results of these tests indicate that the nacelle interference drag can be quite large relative to an uninstalled nacelle. However, the losses due to the nacelle were reduced to acceptable levels by changes to the wing leading edge and nacelle intersection. The propeller slipstream causes substantial changes in the wing span load distribution indicating that twist modifications are needed to recover a more favorable span load distribution.

Smith, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Advanced turboprop installation aerodynamics

The expected aerodynamic effects of a propfan installed on a thick supercritical wing are summarized qualitatively. Nacelle/wing and jet interactions, slipstream incremental velocity, nonuniform inflow, and swirl loss recovery are discussed.

Smith, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

AD-1 oblique wing aircraft program

The oblique wing concept for super- and subsonic transport was assessed by analysis and wind tunnel radio control model and remotely piloted vehicle testing. A one-sixth scale wind tunnel model and a low speed manned oblique wing research airplane (AD-1) were developed. Model wind tunnel test data on dynamic structural response characteristics were used in a simulator to develop the control system. The airplane is of simple design with fiber glass skin, weight of approximately 2100 lbs and speeds of up to 175 knots at altitudes up to 15,000 ft. Flight testing will investigate handling and flying qualities, oblique wing flight control characteristics, aeroelastic wing design and will compare actual with predicted aerodynamic characteristics. Nineteen flights were made at 12,000 to 13,000 feet with speeds of 100-160 knots. Flutter clearance as a function of wing sweep angle is now under investigation.

Andrews, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Transonic swept-wing analysis using asymptotic and other numerical methods

The paper presents asymptotic methods for high-aspect-ratio wings in transonic flow developed for straight unyawed wings and for oblique wings. They show that the three-dimensional mixed-flow calculations may be reduced to solving a set of two-dimensional problems at each span station; the development of this theory and the related computational studies are reviewed. Differences between the piloted (oblique) wing, the swept-back wing, and the swept-forward-wing in the induced upwash are discussed; examples of similarity solutions are demonstrated for high subcritical and slightly supercritical component flows, and comparisons made with relaxation solutions of a full potential equation. The examples include oblique and symmetric swept wings, and the adequacy of the existing full-potential computer code is examined.

Cheng, H. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Introduction to ocean optics

The fundamental inherent and apparent optical properties of natural waves are reviewed and relationships between these properties, as related through the radiative transfer equation, are examined. Applications of ocean optics to geophysics, biological oceanography, and ocean remote sensing are discussed.

Gordon, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Propeller slipstream wing interactions at Mach no. 0.8

Configuration and results of a wind tunnel test of the aerodynamic interactions between propeller slipstream and a supercritical wing at transonic Mach numbers are discussed. The test was conducted over a free-stream Mach number range from 0.7 to 0.84, with the slipstream simulator and the wing-body model installed in the tunnel. The angle of attack and the spanning lift coefficients were varied from 1 to 3 deg and from 0.4 to 0.7 deg respectively, while the slipstream swirl angle was varied from 0 to 11 deg with an upwash on the inboard side of the wing. It was found that at a free-stream Mach number of 0.8 and a lift coefficient of 0.5, incremental drag results for 7 deg of swirl and a slipstream Mach number of 0.87 indicated a penalty equivalent to a 0.024 loss in propeller efficiency, whereas at 11 deg the drag increment was favorable. Swirl had significant effects on the chordwise pressure distributions of the inboard section of the wing within the slipstream. Neither surface nor wake pressures showed signs of significant flow separation induced by the slipstream.

Bencze, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Closed cycle electric discharge laser design investigation

Closed cycle CO2 and CO electric discharge lasers were studied. An analytical investigation assessed scale-up parameters and design features for CO2, closed cycle, continuous wave, unstable resonator, electric discharge lasing systems operating in space and airborne environments. A space based CO system was also examined. The program objectives were the conceptual designs of six CO2 systems and one CO system. Three airborne CO2 designs, with one, five, and ten megawatt outputs, were produced. These designs were based upon five minute run times. Three space based CO2 designs, with the same output levels, were also produced, but based upon one year run times. In addition, a conceptual design for a one megawatt space based CO laser system was also produced. These designs include the flow loop, compressor, and heat exchanger, as well as the laser cavity itself. The designs resulted in a laser loop weight for the space based five megawatt system that is within the space shuttle capacity. For the one megawatt systems, the estimated weight of the entire system including laser loop, solar power generator, and heat radiator is less than the shuttle capacity.

Baily, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The transonic multi-foil Augmentor-Wing

The paper describes the development of a transonic blown multi-foil Augmentor-Wing airfoil section that has a thickness/chord (t/c) value of 0.18. In comparison with an unblown single-foil supercritical section of the same overall t/c the new multi-foil section is characterized by an increased drag rise Mach number, increased buffet boundaries, and a reduction in 'effective' drag due to blowing. Potential advantages of the Augmentor-Wing are considered and the testing of three high-speed models in a trisonic pressurized wind tunnel (possessing a two-dimensional transonic insert) is discussed. The data indicate that a very thick wing is feasible since separations toward the rear of the main foil can be controlled both by shroud location and augmentor blowing.

Farbridge, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Transonic lateral and longitudinal control characteristics of an F-8 airplane model equipped with an oblique wing

The aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of a 0.087-scale model of an F-8 airplane fitted with an oblique wing was studied. The wing had an elliptical planform (axis ratio = 8:1), a maximum thickness of 12 percent, and was tested at three sweep angles, 0, 45, and 60 deg. Six-component force and moment data were measured at zero sideslip for angles of attack between -6 and +16 deg, with the left and right ailerons deflected one at a time at angles between -14 deg and +14. Further tests were made with the horizontal tail deflected -5 and +2.5 deg. Test Mach numbers ranged from 0.6 to 1.4 at a Reynolds number of 20 million/m.

Smith, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Transonic wind-tunnel tests of an F-8 airplane model equipped with 12 and 14-percent thick oblique wings

An experimental investigation was conducted in the Ames 14-foot transonic wind tunnel to study the aerodynamic performance and stability characteristics of a 0.087-scale model of an F-8 airplane fitted with an oblique wing. Two elliptical planform (axis ratio = 8:1) wings, each having a maximum thickness of 12 and 14 percent, were tested. Longitudinal stability data were obtained with no wing and with each of the two wings set at sweep angles of 0, 45, and 60 deg. Lateral directional stability data were obtained for the 12 percent wing only. Test Mach numbers ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 in the unit Reynolds number range from 11.2 to 13.1 million per meter. Angles of attack were between -6 and 22 deg at zero sideslip. Angles of sideslip were between -6 and +6 deg for two angles of attack, depending upon the wing configuration.

Smith, R. C.↗