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At least 181 records · Page 10

The supersonic through-flow turbofan for high Mach propulsion

A study was done to evaluate the potential improvements in aircraft turbine engine performance by incorporating unique supersonic through-flow fans. Engine performance, weight, and mission studies were carried out for conventional turbofan engines using supersonic through-flow fans. A Mach 3 commercial transport mission was considered. The advantages of the supersonic fan engines were evaluated in terms of mission range comparisons between the supersonic fan engines and conventional engines. The installed specific fuel consumption of the supersonic fan engines was 12 percent better than the conventional engines and the installed weight was projected to be 25 percent lighter. For a takeoff gross weight of 550,000 lbs, the aircraft powered by supersonic fan engines had a range capability of 6600 nm compared to 5300 nm (a 25% improvement) for conventional engines.

Franciscus, Leo C.↗

The supersonic through-flow turbofan for high Mach propulsion

A study was done to evaluate the potential improvements in aircraft turbine engine performance by incorporating unique supersonic through-flow fans. Engine performance, weight, and mission studies were carried out for conventional turbofan engines using supersonic through-flow fans. A Mach 3 commercial transport mission was considered. The advantages of the supersonic fan engines were evaluated in terms of mission range comparisons between the supersonic fan engines and conventional engines. The installed specific fuel consumption of the supersonic fan engines was 12 percent better than the conventional engines and the installed weight was projected to be 25 percent lighter. For a takeoff gross weight of 550,000 lbs, the aircraft powered by supersonic fan engines had a range capability of 6600 nm compared to 5300 nm (a 25 percent improvement) for conventional engines.

Franciscus, Leo C.↗

Internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for SSTOVL aircraft

A generic one-third scale model of a tailpipe offtake system for a supersonic short takeoff vertical landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was tested at LeRC Powered Lift Facility. The model consisted of a tailpipe with twin elbows, offtake ducts, and flow control nozzles, plus a small ventral nozzle and a blind flange to simulate a blocked cruise nozzle. The offtake flow turned through a total angle of 177 degrees relative to the tailpipe inlet axis. The flow split was 45 percent to each offtake and 10 percent to the ventral nozzle. The main test objective was to collect data for comparison to the performance of the same configuration predicted by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Only the experimental results are given - the analytical results are published in a separate paper. Performance tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios up to 5. The total pressure loss through the offtakes was as high as 15.5 percent. All test results are shown as graphs, contour plots, and wall pressure distributions. The complex flow patterns in the tailpipe and elbows at the offtake openings are described with traversing flow angle probe and paint streak flow visualization data.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for SSTOVL aircraft

A generic one-third scale model of a tailpipe offtake system for a supersonic short takeoff vertical landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was tested at LeRC Powered Lift Facility. The model consisted of a tailpipe with twin elbows, offtake ducts, and flow control nozzles, plus a small ventral nozzle and a blind flange to simulate a blocked cruise nozzle. The offtake flow turned through a total angle of 177 degrees relative to the tailpipe inlet axis. The flow split was 45 percent to each offtake and 10 percent to the ventral nozzle. The main test objective was to collect data for comparison to the performance of the same configuration predicted by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. Only the experimental results are given - the analytical results are published in a separate paper. Performance tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios up to 5. The total pressure loss through the offtakes was as high as 15.5 percent. All test results are shown as graphs, contour plots, and wall pressure distributions. The complex flow patterns in the tailpipe and elbows at the offtake openings are described with traversing flow angle probe and paint streak flow visualization data.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

A Large Hemi-Anechoic Enclosure for Community-Compatible Aeroacoustic Testing of Aircraft Propulsion Systems

A large hemi-anechoic (absorptive walls and acoustically hard floor) noise control enclosure has been erected around a complex of test stands at the NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This new state-of-the-art Aeroacoustic Propulsion Laboratory (APL) provides an all-weather, semisecure test environment while limiting noise to acceptable levels in surrounding residential neighborhoods. The 39.6 m (130 ft) diameter geodesic dome structure houses the new Nozzle Aeroacoustic Test Rig (NATR), an ejector-powered M = 0.3 free jet facility for acoustic testing of supersonic aircraft exhaust nozzles and turbomachinery. A multi-axis, force-measuring Powered Lift Facility (PLF) stand for testing of Short Takeoff Vertical Landing (STOVL) vehicles is also located within the dome. The design of the Aeroacoustic Propulsion Laboratory efficiently accomodates the research functions of two separate test rigs, one of which (NATR) requires a specialized environment for taking acoustic measurements. Absorptive fiberglass wedge treatment on the interior surface of the dome provides a hemi-anechoic interior environment for obtaining the accurate acoustic measurements required to meet research program goals. The APL is the first known geodesic dome structure to incorporate transmission-loss properties as well as interior absorption into a free-standing, community-compatible, hemi-anechoic test facility.

Cooper, Beth A.↗

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas Turbine↗

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas turbine↗

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas turbine↗

Considering Turbofan Operability in Hybrid Electric Aircraft Propulsion System Design

This paper explores the design of a hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system that uses a turbofan to power an electric system. In such a system, the gas turbine will experience a loss of power generation as altitude increases, however the electric system will not. This difference results in designs that may over size the electric system at high altitude or under size at low altitude. Two studies are performed within this paper. The first looks at extracting power from the engine for use with electric aircraft propulsion at cruise and the second reviews a design of an engine that uses thrust assist for takeoff. Both studies look at the effects of changing altitude on the amount of power extraction or insertion that can be taken from the turbofan as dictated by operability limits. Results of the paper show that low-pressure compressor surge margin and high-pressure compressor speed can be pushed to unaccepted limits with large scale power extraction or insertion, however these issues can be mitigated by adding power extraction or insertion at off design operating points to compensate. Additionally, the benefits of thrust assist are quantified for this configuration demonstrating a reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption at cruise of over 5%.

Gas Turbine↗

Satellite Broadcast of Graphical Weather Data Flight Tested

NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field's aviation Weather Information Communications (WINCOMM) and NASA Langley Research Center's Aviation Weather Information (AWIN) programs collaborated in a flight test and evaluation of a worldwide weather data-link capability using satellites. This successful flight testing moves NASA closer to its goal of developing advanced communications and information technologies to enable high-quality and timely dissemination of aviation weather information to all relevant users on the aviation information network. Recognized as a major contributing factor in aviation accidents and incidents, weather contributes directly or indirectly to nearly 80 percent of fatal general aviation (small private aircraft) accidents. In 1997, the Aeronautics Safety Investment Strategy Team s weather team produced a prioritized list of investment areas under weather accident prevention. Weather data dissemination is the most critical and highest ranked priority on the list. NASA's Aviation Safety Program founded the Aviation Weather Information initiative to focus efforts on significantly reducing the number of weather-related aviation fatalities. Access to accurate and timely weather data could contribute to a major reduction of weather-related incidents and accidents. However, a cost-effective solution has eluded most general aviation pilots because of the high cost of onboard weather radar equipment. Rockwell Collins, through a contract with NASA and in cooperation with WorldSpace Corporation, successfully completed ground and flight testing of a receiver and antenna in Johannesburg, South Africa. This NASA/Rockwell Collins project is an evaluation of worldwide weather data-link capability using transmissions from the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (S DARS) AfriStar satellite. Owned and operated by WorldSpace, AfriStar is a geostationary satellite that broadcasts commercial digital audio services to stationary and mobile platforms. S DARS satellites are the most powerful communications satellites produced to date, allowing users to receive signals using simple, low-cost patch antennas instead of more expensive, beam-steered antenna arrays. Engineers connected an inexpensive, commercially available radio receiver to a laptop computer and an antenna designed and built by Rockwell Collins, enabling them to receive WorldSpace signals from the AfriStar satellite during flight tests. WorldSpace broadcast their composite color graphical weather data files, which were multiplexed with normal audio streams, to the flat patch antenna mounted on a single-engine aircraft. The aircraft was equipped with a modified commercial S-DARS receiver, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver, and a laptop computer with color display. Continuous data reception occurred during normal aircraft maneuvers performed throughout takeoff, cruise, and landing operations. In addition, engineers monitored receiver power levels during steep turns and banks. In most instances, the receiver was able to maintain acceptable power levels during all phases of flight and to obtain weather data with little or with the successful completion of ground and flight testing of a receiver and antenna in Johannesburg, South Africa, the team has started to prepare for experiments using highspeed aircraft in areas of the world with limited access to timely weather data. NASA plans to provide a more advanced antenna design and consultation support. This successful test of real-time aviation-related weather data is a positive step toward solving communications-specific issues associated with the dissemination of weather data directly to the cockpit.

Mallasch, Paul G.↗

High-Lift Systems on Commercial Subsonic Airliners

The early breed of slow commercial airliners did not require high-lift systems because their wing loadings were low and their speed ratios between cruise and low speed (takeoff and landing) were about 2:1. However, even in those days the benefit of high-lift devices was recognized. Simple trailing-edge flaps were in use, not so much to reduce landing speeds, but to provide better glide-slope control without sideslipping the airplane and to improve pilot vision over the nose by reducing attitude during low-speed flight. As commercial-airplane cruise speeds increased with the development of more powerful engines, wing loadings increased and a real need for high-lift devices emerged to keep takeoff and landing speeds within reasonable limits. The high-lift devices of that era were generally trailing-edge flaps. When jet engines matured sufficiently in military service and were introduced commercially, airplane speed capability had to be increased to best take advantage of jet engine characteristics. This speed increase was accomplished by introducing the wing sweep and by further increasing wing loading. Whereas increased wing loading called for higher lift coefficients at low speeds, wing sweep actually decreased wing lift at low speeds. Takeoff and landing speeds increased on early jet airplanes, and, as a consequence, runways worldwide had to be lengthened. There are economical limits to the length of runways; there are safety limits to takeoff and landing speeds; and there are speed limits for tires. So, in order to hold takeoff and landing speeds within reasonable limits, more powerful high-lift devices were required. Wing trailing-edge devices evolved from plain flaps to Fowler flaps with single, double, and even triple slots. Wing leading edges evolved from fixed leading edges to a simple Krueger flap, and from fixed, slotted leading edges to two- and three-position slats and variable-camber (VC) Krueger flaps. The complexity of high-lift systems probably peaked on the Boeing 747, which has a VC Krueger flap and triple-slotted, inboard and outboard trailing-edge flaps. Since then, the tendency in high-lift system development has been to achieve high levels of lift with simpler devices in order to reduce fleet acquisition and maintenance costs. The intent of this paper is to: (1) review available high-lift devices, their functions, and design criteria; (2) appraise high-lift systems presently in service on commercial air liners; (3) present personal study results on high-lift systems; (4) develop a weight and cost model for high-lift systems; and (5) discuss the development tendencies of future high-lift systems.

Rudolph, Peter K. C.↗

Supersonic through-flow fan engine and aircraft mission performance

A study was made to evaluate potential improvement to a commercial supersonic transport by powering it with supersonic through-flow fan turbofan engines. A Mach 3.2 mission was considered. The three supersonic fan engines considered were designed to operate at bypass ratios of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 at supersonic cruise. For comparison a turbine bypass turbojet was included in the study. The engines were evaluated on the basis of aircraft takeoff gross weight with a payload of 250 passengers for a fixed range of 5000 N.MI. The installed specific fuel consumption of the supersonic fan engines was 7 to 8 percent lower than that of the turbine bypass engine. The aircraft powered by the supersonic fan engines had takeoff gross weights 9 to 13 percent lower than aircraft powered by turbine bypass engines.

Franciscus, Leo C.↗

A fully reusable, horizontal takeoff space transport concept with two small turbojet boosters

Results of a preliminary study of a space transport concept are presented. The concept consists of a winged orbiter containing ascent propellants and two small turbojet-powered winged boosters, used for acceleration to supersonic speeds. The concept offers full reuse and horizontal takeoff from numerous existing airports. With current structure and rocket technology, this transport concept has lower gross weight for a selected payload than single-stage-to-orbit concepts, which require structural advancements. Discussion includes alternatives to the baseline space transport concept which improve performance; such as advanced structures, dual-fuel rockets, and lightweight scramjets for the orbiter. A concept of using a stretched shuttle orbiter instead of an all-new configuration is discussed for two payload-class vehicles.

Jackson, L. R.↗

Flight testing a V/STOL aircraft to identify a full-envelope aerodynamic model

Flight-test techniques are being used to generate a data base for identification of a full-envelope aerodynamic model of a V/STOL fighter aircraft, the YAV-8B Harrier. The flight envelope to be modeled includes hover, transition to conventional flight and back to hover, STOL operation, and normal cruise. Standard V/STOL procedures such as vertical takeoff and landings, and short takeoff and landings are used to gather data in the powered-lift flight regime. Long (3 to 5 min) maneuvers which include a variety of input types are used to obtain large-amplitude control and response excitations. The aircraft is under continuous radar tracking; a laser tracker is used for V/STOL operations near the ground. Tracking data are used with state-estimation techniques to check data consistency and to derive unmeasured variables, for example, angular accelerations. A propulsion model of the YAV-8B's engine and reaction control system is used to isolate aerodynamic forces and moments for model identification. Representative V/STOL flight data are presented. The processing of a typical short takeoff and slow landing maneuver is illustrated.

Mcnally, B. David↗

Flight testing a V/STOL aircraft to identify a full-envelope aerodynamic model

Flight-test techniques are being used to generate a data base for identification of a full-envelope aerodynamic model of a V/STOL fighter aircraft, the YAV-8B Harrier. The flight envelope to be modeled includes hover, transition to conventionally flight and back to hover, STOL operation, and normal cruise. Standard V/STOL operation, and normal cruise. Standard V/STOL procedures such as vertical takeoff and landings, and short takeoff and landings are used to gather data in the powered-lift flight regime. Long (3-5-min) maneuvers which include a variety of input types are used to obtain large-amplitude control and response excitations. The aircraft is under continuous radar tracking; a laser tracker is used for V/STOL operations near the ground. Tracking data are used with state-estimation techniques to check data consistency and to derive unmeasured variables, for example, angular accelerations. A propulsion model of the YAV-8B's engine and reaction control system is used to isolate aerodynamic forces and moments for model identification. Representative V/STOL flight data are presented. The processing of a typical short-takeoff and slow-landing maneuver is illustrated.

Mcnally, B. David↗

YAV-8B reaction control system bleed and control power usage in hover and transition

Using a calibrated Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine and existing aircraft instrumentation and pressure taps, total and individual nozzle reaction control system (RCS) bleed flow rates have been measured on a YAV-8B Harrier during typical short takeoff, transition, hover, and vertical landing maneuvers. RCS thrust forces were calculated from RCS nozzle total pressure measurements, and control power was determined from the moments produced by these thrusts and the aircraft's moments of inertia. These data document the characteristics of the YAV-8B RCS with its basic stability augmentation system (SAS) engaged. Advanced control system designs for the YAV-8B can be compared to the original SAS based on the total bleed use and the percentage of available bleed used. In addition, the peak and mean values of the bleed and control power data can be used for sizing the reaction controls for a future short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft.

Borchers, Paul F.↗

Aerodynamic and performance characteristics of externally blown flap configurations

The application of externally blown flaps for improving the performance of short takeoff aircraft is discussed. The characteristics of externally blown flap powered lift are examined. A method for predicting the aerodynamic performance of a particular externally blown flap configuration is presented. The following specific effects are analyzed: (1) induced aerodynamics, (2) static turning, (3) flap span and deflection, and (4) engine size and chord flap.

Johnson, W. G., Jr.↗

Accident of the DC-10 EC-DEG aircraft at Malaga on September 13, 1982

The present analysis of the abortive takeoff-type accident of a DC-10 at Malaga airport gives attention to the velocity profiles of the aircraft from takeoff to ground impact. A fire followed ground impact. Takeoff was initiated by the crew with only 1295 m of runway left beneath the aircraft. On the basis of the data obtained by this analysis, it is recommended that both pilots and other flight crew members be trained to respond to takeoff failures due to causes other than loss of engine power, such as landing gear collapse.

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