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At least 217 records · Page 12

Powered-lift aircraft technology

Powered lift aircraft have the ability to vary the magnitude and direction of the force produced by the propulsion system so as to control the overall lift and streamwise force components of the aircraft, with the objective of enabling the aircraft to operate from minimum sized terminal sites. Power lift technology has contributed to the development of the jet lift Harrier and to the forth coming operational V-22 Tilt Rotor and the C-17 military transport. This technology will soon be expanded to include supersonic fighters with short takeoff and vertical landing capability, and will continue to be used for the development of short- and vertical-takeoff and landing transport. An overview of this field of aeronautical technology is provided for several types of powered lift aircraft. It focuses on the description of various powered lift concepts and their operational capability. Aspects of aerodynamics and flight controls pertinent to powered lift are also discussed.

Deckert, W. H.↗

Power Electronics and Electric Machines for Advanced Aircraft

Power electronics and electric machines are critical components of efficient, high-performance aircraft - from fixed-wing turbine to electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and beyond. Improvements to these components create enormous energy efficiencies, enable cost savings, and ensure fail-safe operations. National Renewable Energy Laboratory researchers are developing innovative power electronics, electric motors, integrated electric traction drives, and thermal management systems to build highly efficient, lightweight, ultrareliable powertrains for aircraft.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Development of an Unmanned Mobile Current Turbine Platform: Preprint

The design and development of a prototype unmanned mobile floating platform, equipped with a custom low-flow marine current turbine for autonomously seeking and harnessing tidal/coastal currents is described. The platform is an unmanned surface vehicle in the form of a catamaran with two electric outboard motors and capabilities for autonomous navigation. An undershot water wheel, aided by a custom flow concentrator, has been selected as the basic design for the marine current turbine, which is mounted on the stern of the unmanned surface vehicle platform. The concept of operation is that the platform would navigate to a designated marine current resource, autonomously anchor at the location, align itself in the current and deploy the current turbine using a custom cable-lift deployment mechanism. As the turbine harnesses the local current, an onboard power-take-off device converts the harnessed mechanical energy to electricity which is stored in onboard batteries. Considerations of deployment in tidal and coastal waters required obtaining the necessary environmental permits for conducting in-water testing; developing required mitigation measures in protecting local wildlife and their habitats; and identifying potential in-water test sites and surveying them for their suitability in terms of the current resource, bottom type, water depth, and local boat traffic. The design and development of the turbine and the results of initial in-water testing are discussed. The potential for scaling up the system for extended capacity is presented.

ENGINEERING,TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

A study of engine variable geometry systems for an advanced high subsonic long range commercial aircraft

Several variable geometry high Mach inlet concepts, aimed at meeting a system noise objective of 15 EPNdB below FAR part 36, for a long range, Mach 0.9 advanced commercial transport are assessed and compared to a fixed geometry inlet with multiple splitters. The effects of a variable exhaust nozzle (mixed exhaust engine) on noise, inlet geometry requirements, and economics are also presented. The best variable geometry inlet configuration identified is a variable cowl design which relies on a high throat Mach number for additional inlet noise suppression only at takeoff, and depends entirely on inlet wall treatment for noise suppression at approach power. Relative economic penalties as a function of noise level are also presented.

Compagnon, M. A.↗

Performance, emissions, and physical characteristics of a rotating combustion aircraft engine, supplement A

Testing was conducted using the basic RC2-75 engine, to which several modifications were incorporated which were designed to reduce the hydrocarbon emissions and reduce the specific fuel consumption. The modifications included close-in surface gap spark plugs, increased compression ratio rotors, and provisions for utilizing either side or peripheral intake ports, or a combination of the two if required. The proposed EPA emissions requirements were met using the normal peripheral porting. The specific fuel economy demonstrated for the modified RC2-75 was 283 g/kW-hr at 75% power and 101 brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) and 272.5 g/kW-hr at 75% power and 111 BMEP. The latter would result from rating the engine for takeoff at 285 hp and 5500 rpm, instead of 6000 rpm.

Lamping, R. K.↗

RSRA flight development test in the airplane configuration

The Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) was flown in the airplane configuration. Eleven successful flights were made from May 8 to October 3, 1984. The takeoff and landing method was demonstrated and the resultant parameters were obtained. Control power data were obtained. In addition, main rotor hub drag, airplane configuration acoustics data, and aircraft stability data were obtained. Hub drag, acoustics, and stability will be separately reported in more detail. The tail rotor was installed for all tests.

Erickson, R. E.↗

Experimental performance of three design factors for ventral nozzles for SSTOVL aircraft

An experimental study of three variations of a ventral nozzle system for supersonic short-takeoff and vertical-landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was performed at the NASA LeRC Powered Lift Facility. These test results include the effects of an annular duct flow into the ventral duct, a blocked tailpipe, and a short ventral duct length. An analytical study was also performed on the short ventral duct configuration using the PARC3D computational dynamics code. Data presented include pressure losses, thrust and flow performance, internal flow visualization, and pressure distributions at the exit plane of the ventral nozzle.

Esker, Barbara S.↗

Experimental performance of three design factors for ventral nozzles for SSTOVL aircraft

An experimental study of three variations of a ventral nozzle system for supersonic short-takeoff and vertical-landing (SSTOVL) aircraft was performed at the NASA LeRC Powered Lift Facility. These test results include the effects of an annular duct flow into the ventral duct, a blocked tailpipe, and a short ventral duct length. An analytical study was also performed on the short ventral duct configuration using the PARC3D computational dynamics code. Data presented include pressure losses, thrust and flow performance, internal flow visualization, and pressure distributions at the exit plane of the ventral nozzle.

Esker, Barbara S.↗

Effects of flow-path variations on internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for ASTOVL aircraft

A one-third-scale model of a generic tailpipe offtake system for an advanced short takeoff, vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft was tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center Powered Lift Facility. The basic model consisted of a tailpipe with a center body to form an annulus simulating turbine outflow with no swirl; twin offtake ducts with elbows at the ends to turn the flow to a downward direction; flow control nozzles at the ends of the elbows; and a blind flange at the end of the tailpipe to simulate a closed cruise nozzle. The offtake duct-to-tailpipe diameter ratio was 0.74. Modifications of a generic nature were then made to this basic configuration to measure the effects of flow-path changes on the flow and pressure-loss characteristics. The modifications included adding rounded entrances at the forward edges of the offtake openings, blocking the tailpipe just aft the openings instead of at the cruise nozzle, changing the location of the openings along the tailpipe, removing the center body, and varying the Mach number (flow rate) over a wide range in the tailpipe ahead of the openings by changing the size of the flow control nozzles. The tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios from 1.4 to 5. Results are presented and compared with performance graphs, total-pressure contour plots, paint streak flow visualization photographs, and a flow-angle probe traverse at the offtake entrance.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Effects of flow-path variations on internal reversing flow in a tailpipe offtake configuration for ASTOVL aircraft

A one-third-scale model of a generic tailpipe offtake system for an advanced short takeoff, vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft was tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center Powered Lift Facility. The basic model consisted of a tailpipe with a center body to form an annulus simulating turbine outflow with no swirl; twin offtake ducts with elbows at the ends to turn the flow to a downward direction; flow control nozzles at the ends of the elbows; and a blind flange at the end of the tailpipe to simulate a closed cruise nozzle. The offtake duct-to-tailpipe diameter ratio was 0.74. Modifications of a generic nature were then made to this basic configuration to measure the effects of flow-path changes on the flow and pressure-loss characteristics. The modifications included adding rounded entrances at the forward edges of the offtake openings, blocking the tailpipe just aft the openings instead of at the cruise nozzle, changing the location of the openings along the tailpipe, removing the center body, and varying the Mach number (flow rate) over a wide range in the tailpipe ahead of the openings by changing the size of the flow control nozzles. The tests were made with unheated air at tailpipe-to-ambient pressure ratios from 1.4 to 5. Results are presented and compared with performance graphs, total-pressure contour plots, paint streak flow visualization photographs, and a flow-angle probe traverse at the offtake entrance.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

The Influence of Wing Loading on Turbofan Powered STOL Transports with and Without Externally Blown Flaps

The effects of wing loading on the design of short takeoff and landing (STOL) transports using (1) mechanical flap systems, and (2) externally blown flap systems are determined. Aircraft incorporating each high-lift method are sized for field lengths of 2,000 feet, 2,500 feet, and 3,500 feet, and for payloads of 40, 150, and 300 passengers, for a total of 18 point-design aircraft. An assumed 1975 level of technology is applied to both concepts in terms of propulsion, weights, active controls, supercritical wing methodology, and acoustics. Low-wing-loading STOL configurations with mechanical flaps are found to be competitive with externally blown flap STOL configurations over wide ranges of payload and field length for the airworthiness rules and technology improvements assumed. Because the results of design studies like this one are sensitive to the ground rules assumed, careful attention is paid to describing the assumptions. These assumptions must be understood before the results are compared with other STOL airplane studies.

Morris, R. L.↗

Prediction of noise constrained optimum takeoff procedures

An optimization method is used to predict safe, maximum-performance takeoff procedures which satisfy noise constraints at multiple observer locations. The takeoff flight is represented by two-degree-of-freedom dynamical equations with aircraft angle-of-attack and engine power setting as control functions. The engine thrust, mass flow and noise source parameters are assumed to be given functions of the engine power setting and aircraft Mach number. Effective Perceived Noise Levels at the observers are treated as functionals of the control functions. The method is demonstrated by applying it to an Advanced Supersonic Transport aircraft design. The results indicate that automated takeoff procedures (continuously varying controls) can be used to significantly reduce community and certification noise without jeopardizing safety or degrading performance.

Padula, S. L.↗

X-57 Mod IV Avionics Power Analysis

The X-57 Mod IV Avionics Power Analysis was developed to provide the design requirements for the X-57 Mod IV Avionics Power System. In the Mod IV configuration, twelve 13kW high lift motors and motor controllers are distributed along the leading edge of the Mod III carbon fiber wing to assist with lift during takeoff and landing. These motors are turned off during the cruise phase of the flight. A high voltage traction battery (460 VDC nominal) supplies power for the high lift motors. The Mod IV avionics power design uses the Mod II and Mod III power architecture as a baseline. Please see the Mod II Avionics Power Analysis (ANLYS-CEPT-020) for a description of the Mod II and Mod III avionics power design.

Franklin Harris↗

RSRA vertical drag test report

The Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA), because of its ability to measure rotor loads, was used to conduct an experiment to determine vertical drag, tail rotor blockage, and thrust augmentation as affected by ground clearance and flight velocity. The RSRA was flown in the helicopter configuration at speeds from 0 to 15 knots for wheel heights from 5 to 150 feet, and to 60 knots out of ground effect. The vertical drag trends in hover, predicted by theory and shown in model tests, were generally confirmed. The OGE hover vertical drag is 4.0 percent, 1.1 percent greater than predicted. The vertical drag decreases rapidly as wheel height is reduced, and is zero at a wheel height of 6 feet. The vertical drag also decreases with forward speed, approaching zero at sixty knots. The test data show the effect of wheel height and forward speed on thrust, gross weight capability, and power, and provide the relationships for power and collective pitch at constant gross weight required for the simulation of helicopter takeoffs and landings.

Flemming, R. J.↗

Optimal take-off trajectories in the presence of windshear

The present consideration of takeoff trajectory optimization in eight different fundamental problems involving wind shears assumes that the power setting is held at the maximum value, and that the aircraft is controlled with respect to angle-of-attack. While the first three problems are least-squares ones of the Bolza type, the remaining five are minimax problems of the Chebyshev type which can be converted to Bolza type by means of suitable transformations. All problems are solved on the basis of the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm for optimal control problems. The trajectory solutions obtained are superior to constant angle-of-attack trajectories.

Miele, A.↗

Experimental and analytical studies of flow through a ventral and axial exhaust nozzle system for STOVL aircraft

Flow through a combined ventral and axial exhaust nozzle system was studied experimentally and analytically. The work is part of an ongoing propulsion technology effort at NASA Lewis Research Center for short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. The experimental investigation was done on the NASA Lewis Powered Lift Facility. The experiment consisted of performance testing over a range of tailpipe pressure ratios from 1 to 3.2 and flow visualization. The analytical investigation consisted of modeling the same configuration and solving for the flow using the PARC3D computational fluid dynamics program. The comparison of experimental and analytical results was very good. The ventral nozzle performance coefficients obtained from both the experimental and analytical studies agreed within 1.2 percent. The net horizontal thrust of the nozzle system contained a significant reverse thrust component created by the flow overturning in the ventral duct. This component resulted in a low net horizontal thrust coefficient. The experimental and analytical studies showed very good agreement in the internal flow patterns.

Esker, Barbara S.↗

Experimental and analytical studies of flow through a ventral and axial exhaust nozzle system for STOVL aircraft

Flow through a combined ventral and axial exhaust nozzle system was studied experimentally and analytically. The work is part of an ongoing propulsion technology effort at NASA Lewis Research Center for short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. The experimental investigation was done on the NASA Lewis Powered Lift Facility. The experiment consisted of performance testing over a range of tailpipe pressure ratios from 1 to 3.2 and flow visualization. The analytical investigation consisted of modeling the same configuration and solving for the flow using the PARC3D computational fluid dynamics program. The comparison of experimental and analytical results was very good. The ventral nozzle performance coefficients obtained from both the experimental and analytical studies agreed within 1.2 percent. The net horizontal thrust of the nozzle system contained a significant reverse thrust component created by the flow overturning in the ventral duct. This component resulted in a low net horizontal thrust coefficient. The experimental and analytical studies showed very good agreement in the internal flow patterns.

Esker, Barbara S.↗

The Effect of Bypass Nozzle Exit Area on Fan Aerodynamic Performance and Noise in a Model Turbofan Simulator

The design of effective new technologies to reduce aircraft propulsion noise is dependent on identifying and understanding the noise sources and noise generation mechanisms in the modern turbofan engine, as well as determining their contribution to the overall aircraft noise signature. Therefore, a comprehensive aeroacoustic wind tunnel test program was conducted called the Fan Broadband Source Diagnostic Test as part of the NASA Quiet Aircraft Technology program. The test was performed in the anechoic NASA Glenn 9- by 15-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel using a 1/5 scale model turbofan simulator which represented a current generation, medium pressure ratio, high bypass turbofan aircraft engine. The investigation focused on simulating in model scale only the bypass section of the turbofan engine. The test objectives were to: identify the noise sources within the model and determine their noise level; investigate several component design technologies by determining their impact on the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the fan stage; and conduct detailed flow diagnostics within the fan flow field to characterize the physics of the noise generation mechanisms in a turbofan model. This report discusses results obtained for one aspect of the Source Diagnostic Test that investigated the effect of the bypass or fan nozzle exit area on the bypass stage aerodynamic performance, specifically the fan and outlet guide vanes or stators, as well as the farfield acoustic noise level. The aerodynamic performance, farfield acoustics, and Laser Doppler Velocimeter flow diagnostic results are presented for the fan and four different fixed-area bypass nozzle configurations. The nozzles simulated fixed engine operating lines and encompassed the fan stage operating envelope from near stall to cruise. One nozzle was selected as a baseline reference, representing the nozzle area which would achieve the design point operating conditions and fan stage performance. The total area change from the smallest to the largest nozzle was 12.9 percent of the baseline nozzle area. The results will show that there are significant changes in aerodynamic performance and farfield acoustics as the fan nozzle area is increased. The weight flow through the fan model increased between 7 and 9 percent, the fan and stage pressure dropped between 8 and 10 percent, and the adiabatic efficiency increased between 2 and 3 percent--the magnitude of the change dependent on the fan speed. Results from force balance measurements of fan and outlet guide vane thrust will show that as the nozzle exit area is increased the combined thrust of the fan and outlet guide vanes together also increases, between 2 and 3.5 percent, mainly due to the increase in lift from the outlet guide vanes. In terms of farfield acoustics, the overall sound power level produced by the fan stage dropped nearly linearly between 1 dB at takeoff condition and 3.5 dB at approach condition, mainly due to a decrease in the broadband noise levels. Finally, fan swirl angle survey and Laser Doppler Velocimeter mean velocity and turbulence data obtained in the fan wake will show that the swirl angles and turbulence levels within the wake decrease as the fan nozzle area increases, which helps to explain the drop in the fan broadband noise at all fan speeds.

Hughes, Christopher E.↗