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At least 217 records · Page 12

Ground development and flight correlation of the vortex attenuating spline device

Data presented indicate that the wing-mounted spline is a effective vortex-attenuating device. A comparison of the vortex induced rolling moment results at a separation scale distance of 0.70 km with those measured in full scale flight indicate good agreement for the unattenuated vortex configuration. The comparison also indicates that the spline effectiveness in flight was greater than in the ground facility test. The results of an applications study show that, for the heavy commercial jet aircraft studied, use of the splines does result in some degradation of the climb gradient and rate of climb, but the aircraft should meet certification requirements.

Patterson, J. C., Jr.↗

The role of atmospheric shear, turbulence and a ground plane on the dissipation of aircraft vortex wakes

Enhanced dispersion of two-dimensional trailed vortex pairs within simplified neutral atmospheric backgrounds is studied numerically for three conditions: when the pair is imbedded in a constant turbulent bath (constant dissipation); when the pair is subjected to a mean cross-wind shear; and when the pair is near the ground. Turbulent transport is modeled using second-order closure turbulent transport theory. The turbulent background fields are constructed using a superequilibrium approximation. The computed results allow several general conclusions to be drawn with regard to the reduction in circulation of the vortex pair and the rolling moment induced on a following aircraft: (1) the rate of decay of a vortex pair increases with increasing background dissipation rate; (2) cross-wind shear disperses the vortex whose vorticity is opposite to the background; and (3) the proximity of a ground plane reduces the hazard of the pair by scrubbing. The phenomenon of vortex bounce is explained in terms of secondary vorticity produced at the ground plane. Qualitative comparisons are made with available experimental data, and inferences of these results upon the persistence of aircraft trailing vortices are discussed.

Bilanin, A. J.↗

Hot-wire, laser anemometer and force balance measurements of cross-sectional planes of single and interacting trailing vortices

Single and multiple trailing vortices shed from semi-span wings and a transport model in a wind tunnel were studied by means of a laser-velocimeter, hot-wire anemometer, and a trailing model incorporating a 6-component force balance. Velocity profile and turbulence data from the laser-velocimeter and hot-wire anemometer are presented and shown to compare well with the Betz inviscid circulation model. Lift and rolling moment measurements on the following model are compared with those predicted from the flow field measurements.

Iversen, J. D.↗

Low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of wing fins as trailing-vortex-alleviation devices on a transport airplane model

The trailing-vortex-alleviation effectiveness of both a one- and a two-fin configuration (semicircular with a radius of 0.043 semispan) on a jumbo-jet transport airplane model in its landing configuration was investigated in the Langley V/STOL tunnel, by the trailing-wing sensor technique. The fins were located on the upper surface of the transport model wing along the 30-percent-chord line. The fin configurations were effective in reducing the vortex-induced rolling moment, by amounts varying from 28 to 60 percent, on the trailing wing model located at a distance of 7.8 transport model wing spans downstream of the transport model. The flow over the fins and over the transport airplane model wing downstream of the fins was observed to be separated and turbulent. All fin configurations caused a reduction in maximum lift coefficient, a positive increment in drag coefficient, and an increment in nose-up pitching-moment coefficient on the transport airplane model.

Croom, D. R.↗

Effect of spanwise gust variations

The spanwise, vertical force, and rolling moment effects of random gusts encountered by aircraft are analyzed. Mathematical models are given for approximating atmospheric turbulence.

Houbolt, J. C.↗

Results of two tests in the MSFC 14 by 14-inch trisonic wind tunnel, FA 27 (TWT-655) and FA 28 (TWT-656)

Wind tunnel tests were conducted in a 14- inch wind tunnel with a 0.004 scale model of the space shuttle launch vehicle in order to (1) determine the cause and possible aerodynamic alterations required to eliminate the Orbiter rolling moment couple; (2) determine configuration alterations to alleviate the forward Orbiter external tank loads; and (3) provide data to verify previous data.

Braddock, W. F.↗

Experimental investigation of vortices shed by various wing fin configurations

Forty-six different fins, which were members of twelve plan-form families, were tested. A two dimensional Boeing single element airfoil at an angle of attack of eight degrees and a sweepback angle of thirty-two was used to simulate a portion of the wing of a generator aircraft. Various free stream velocities were used to test any individual fin at its particular angle of attack. While the fin itself was mounted on the upper surface of the generator model, the angle of attack of each fin was varied until stall was reached and/or passed. The relative fin vortex strengths were measured in two ways. First, the maximum angular velocity of a four blade rotor placed in the fin vortex center was measured with the use of a stroboscope. Second, the maximum rolling moment on a following wing model placed in the fin vortex center was measured by a force balance.

Iversen, J.↗

An investigation of a stoppable helicopter rotor with circulation control

A stoppable helicopter rotor with circulation control was investigated in the Ames 40 by 80 foot wind tunnel. The model was tested as a rotating wing, a fixed wing, and during transition start/stop sequences. The capability of the model's control system to maintain pitch and roll moment balance during the start/stop sequence, the ability of the blades to withstand the start/stop loads, the adequacy of the control system to maintain balance in the helicopter mode, and the control system capabilities in the fixed-wind mode were assessed. Time-history data of several start/stop sequences of the X-wing rotor, and the steady-state data relating to the model as both a rotor and as a fixed-wing aircraft are presented. In addition, stability data are presented which were acquired during open-loop and closed-loop tests of the hub moment feedback control system.

Ballard, J. D.↗

Water tunnel flow visualization and wind tunnel data analysis of the F/A-18

Six degree of freedom studies were utilized to extract a band of yawing and rolling moment coefficients from the F/A-18 aircraft flight records. These were compared with 0.06 scale model data obtained in a 16T wind tunnel facility. The results, indicate the flight test yawing moment data exhibit an improvement over the wind tunnel data to near neutral stability and a significant reduction in lateral stability (again to anear neutral level). These data are consistent with the flight test results since the motion was characterized by a relatively slo departure. Flight tests repeated the slow yaw departure at M 0.3. Only 0.16 scale model wind tunnel data showed levels of lateral stability similar to the flight test results. Accordingly, geometric modifications were investigated on the 0.16 scale model in the 30x60 foot wind tunnel to improve high angle of attack lateral stability.

Erickson, G. E.↗

Shuttle entry performance and stability and control derivatives extraction from flight measurement data

Flight data taken from three Shuttle Space Transportation System flights (STS-1, 2, and 3) during entry are analyzed to determine the shuttle performance and aerodynamic characteristics. Correlations of the performance coefficients and the stability and control derivatives with preflight predictions are presented over the hypersonic speed range from Mach 2 to 25. In addition, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the onboard Reaction Control System (RCS) is given and an effort is made to independently quantify the combined impingement and flow-field interaction effects on the spacecraft rolling moment. Comparisons of stability and control derivatives extracted for the same flight conditions, but using data from different onboard sensors are also made. Results obtained using the same flight data, but different computer software are also shown.

Compton, H. R.↗

Shuttle entry GN&C performance during STS-1 and STS-2

Data obtained during the entry segment of the descent phase of the flights are analyzed. The nominal entry profile is defined and a description is given of the guidance, navigation, and control subsystem. Emphasis is placed on the stability and control problems encountered during STS-1 and to the changes made in response to these anomalies. These are: (1) the first roll maneuver was done manually at a reduced roll rate; (2) the nominal elevator position was changed from one degree up to one degree down for Mach numbers greater than 12 to reduce the heat load on the body flap; (3) the pilot was directed to execute small roll maneuvers at dynamic pressures of 4, 8, and 18 psf to help determine the roll moment from the aft yaw jets; (4) the planned test inputs in the transonic region were reduced in magnitude; and (5) the targeted touchdown point was moved 500 feet closer to the runway threshold.

Mcwhorter, L. B.↗

Calculation of lateral-directional stability derivatives of wings by a nonplanar quasi-vortex-lattice method

The nonplanar quasi-vortex-lattice method is applied to the calculation of lateral-directional stability derivatives of wings with and without vortex-lift effect. Results for conventional configurations and those with winglets, V-tail, etc. are compared with available data. All rolling moment derivatives are found to be accurately predicted. The prediction of side force and yawing moment derivatives for some configurations is not as accurate. Causes of the discrepancy are discussed. A user's manual for the program and the program listing are also included.

Lan, C. E.↗

Estimation of parameters involved in high angle-of-attack aerodynamic theory using spin flight test data

The difficulty in applying parameter estimation techniques to spinning airplanes is due in part to the unwieldy number of possible combinations of terms in the equations of motion, when the model structure is unknown. The combination of high angle of attack and high rotation rate results in aerodynamic functions which are quite complex. For wing dominated configurations it is advantageous to use aerodynamic theory to generate the model structure. In this way, the number of unknown parameters is reduced and the model accuracy may be increased. Under conditions for which the theory is inadequate, however, model accuracy may be reduced. Strip theory, for example, is incapable of predicting autorotative rolling moments indicated by wind tunnel tests at angles of attack exceeding 40 degrees. An improved aerodynamic theory would be necessary to successfully apply the technique advanced for such regions.

Taylor, L. W., Jr.↗

Experimental investigation of forebody and wing leading-edge vortex interactions at high angles of attack

An experimental investigation was conducted to assess the vortex flow-field interactions on an advanced, twin-jet fighter aircraft configuration at high angles of attack. Flow-field surveys were conducted on a small-scale model in the Northrop 0.41 - by 0.60-meter water tunnel and, where appropriate, the qualitative observations were correlated with low-speed wind tunnel data trends obtained on a large-scale model of the advanced fighter in the NASA Langley Research Center 30- by 60-foot (9.1- by 18.3-meter) facility. Emphasis was placed on understanding the interactions of the forebody and LEX-wing vortical flows, defining the effects on rolling moment variation with sideslip, and identifying modifications to control or regulate the vortex interactions at high angles of attack. The water tunnel flow visualization results and wind tunnel data trend analysis revealed the potential for strong interactions between the forebody and LEX vortices at high angles of attack. In particular, the forebody flow development near the nose could be controlled by means of carefully-positioned radome strakes. The resultant strake-induced flow-field changes were amplified downstream by the more powerful LEX vortical motions with subsequent large effects on wing flow separation characteristics.

Erickson, G. E.↗

Optimum design of rotor blades for vibration reduction in forward flight

Modern structural optimization techniques are applied to vibration reduction of helicopter rotor blades in forward flight. The objective function minimized consists of the oscillatory vertical hub shears or the hub rolling moments at one particular advance ratio. The behavior constraints are the frequency placements of the blade and the requirement that aeroelastic stability margins, in hover, remain unaffected by the optimization process. The aeroelastic stability and response analysis is based on a fully coupled flap-lag-torsional analysis of the blade. Numerical results are presented for some typical soft-in-plane hingeless rotor configurations indicating a 15-40 percent reduction in vibration levels, as well as a blade which is 20 percent lighter than the initial design. These results imply that structural optimization techniques can yield substantial practical benefits in the design process of rotor systems.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

The lateral-directional characteristics of a 74-degree Delta wing employing gothic planform vortex flaps

The low speed lateral/directional characteristics of a generic 74 degree delta wing body configuration employing the latest generation, gothic planform vortex flaps was determined. Longitudinal effects are also presented. The data are compared with theoretical estimates from VORSTAB, an extension of the Quasi vortex lattice Method of Lan which empirically accounts for vortex breakdown effects in the calculation of longitudinal and lateral/directional aerodynamic characteristics. It is indicated that leading edge deflections of 30 and 40 degrees reduce the magnitude of the wing effective dihedral relative to the baseline for a specified angle of attack or lift coefficient. For angles of attack greater than 15 degrees, these flap deflections reduce the configuration directional stability despite improved vertical tail effectiveness. It is shown that asymmetric leading edge deflections are inferior to conventional ailerons in generating rolling moments. VORSTAB calculations provide coarse lateral/directional estimates at low to moderate angles of attack. The theory does not account for vortex flow induced, vertical tail effects.

Grantz, A. C.↗

On the wake hazard alleviation associated with roll oscillations of wake-generating aircraft

An explanation is provided for the difference in wake vortex alleviation achieved by roll oscillations in flight tests with B-747 and L-1011 transport aircraft. Both aircraft had their landing flaps extended and several spoilers deployed. Numerical analysis shows that the growth in amplitude of the initial waves in the vortex filament is brought about by the sinusoidal instability. In the case of the B-747, growth is enhanced by a vortex whose strength is about the same as the tip vortex which is shed near the fuselage by the inboard end of the flaps. Conversely, the L-1011 is estimated to shed a negligible fuselage vortex and to have a relatively strong wingtip vortex. These characteristics bring about a rotation and amplification of the initial waves in the vortex filaments in the wake of the B-747 but not in the L-1011 vortex wake. An aircraft following the B-747 would then experience only intermittent encounters with the intense parts of the wake vortices so that the time-averaged wake-induced rolling moment is substantially reduced.

Rossow, V. J.↗