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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Installation aerodynamics of wing-mounted, single-rotation propfans

The installation of advanced (M = 0.8) turboprop propulsion systems on transport aircraft represents a challenging task to design engineers. The installation aerodynamics of wing-mounted, single-rotation, tractor turboprop systems have been extensively investigated by NASA Ames using a large powered semispan wind tunnel model. Two configurations have been studied: a straight under-the-wing (UTW) nacelle and a contoured over-the-wing (OTW) configuration. The installation characteristics of these two configurations are presented in terms of installed drag, wing pressure distributions, and surface oil flows. Through the use of wing leading-edge modifications, the installed drag of the UTW nacelle was reduced to less than isolated nacelle drag at the cruise condition of M = 0.8 with a wing C(L) of 0.5. At this condition, the favorable interference is attributed to the recovery of a portion of the swirl in the slipstream generated by the single rotation propeller. The OTW installation represented a much more difficult task. For the configuration tested, the installed drag was unacceptably high and demonstrated the sensitive nature of installing a nacelle/slipstream combination in the transonic flow regime.

Bencze, Daniel P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of a tail-control cruciform maneuverable missile with and without wings

The aerodynamic characteristics for a winged and wingless cruciform missile configuration were examined. The configuration had an ogive-cylinder body with a 3.5 caliber forebody; an overall length-to-diameter ratio of 11.667; and had cruciform tails that were trapezoidal in planform. Tests were made both with and without 72.9 degree cruciform delta wings. The investigation was made for Mach numbers from 1.50 to 4.63, roll attitudes of 0 degrees and 45 degrees, angles of attack from -4 degrees to 22 degrees, and tail control deflections from 10 degrees to -40 degrees.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Blended-Wing-Body Transonic Aerodynamics: Summary of Ground Tests and Sample Results

The Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) concept has shown substantial performance benefits over conventional aircraft configuration with part of the benefit being derived from the absence of a conventional empennage arrangement. The configuration instead relies upon a bank of trailing edge devices to provide control authority and augment stability. To determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft, several wind tunnel tests were conducted with a 2% model of Boeing's BWB-450-1L configuration. The tests were conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center's National Transonic Facility and the Arnold Engineering Development Center s 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. Characteristics of the configuration and the effectiveness of the elevons, drag rudders and winglet rudders were measured at various angles of attack, yaw angles, and Mach numbers (subsonic to transonic speeds). The data from these tests will be used to develop a high fidelity simulation model for flight dynamics analysis and also serve as a reference for CFD comparisons. This paper provides an overview of the wind tunnel tests and examines the effects of Reynolds number, Mach number, pitch-pause versus continuous sweep data acquisition and compares the data from the two wind tunnels.

Carter, Melissa B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Aerodynamic performance of slender wings with separated flows

The aerodynamic performance of low aspect ratio sweptback wings with vortex flows was numerically investigated using the free vortex sheet method. The models studied included flat, cambered, strake, and leading edge flapped wings of different planforms. The theoretical results predicted by the method were compared with the existing experimental data wherever available; and the code capabilities and limitations were explored. Also the effects of the wing thickness, fuselage, leading edge flap and multiple vortex modeling on the aerodynamic characteristics were studied.

Reddy, C. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Investigation of chord ratio, stagger, decalage angle, and flap angle for dual wing configurations

Aerodynamical closely coupled dual wing configurations of unequal chords are investigated for medium speed general aviation applications. Vortex panel and momentum boundary layer analysis are utilized for the two-dimensional predictions. A multi-surface vortex lattice method is used for the three-dimensional predictions. In the process of searching for the highest lift to drag ratio upper airfoil to lower airfoil chord ratios, both greater than and less than one, are investigated in terms of stagger, decalage angle, and gap. With the optimum chord ratio, at the optimum stagger and gap, proper spanwise decalage distribution is shown to yield the lowest two dimensional drag results. Various wing taper ratios and wing twists are investigated to increase wing efficiency. Comparisons are made between optimized dual and optimized single wing configurations both with the same fuselage, stabilator surfaces, engines, payload, and fuel. The dual wing configuration is shown to have significantly less drag and hence longer range than the conventional single wing configuration.

Selberg, B. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effects of vortex breakdown on longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamics of slender wings by the suction analogy

A semi-empirical method based on the suction analogy is developed to predict longitudinal aerodynamics and lateral-directional characteristics of slender wings at high angles of attack, including effects of vortex breakdown. The latter is based on a correlation parameter derived from the predicted leading-edge suction distribution in the attached flow. Empirical formulas, derived from a least-square analysis of data, for the vortex-breakdown angle of attack at the trailing edge, the progression rate of breakdown points and the vortex lift recovery factor in the breakdown region are given. Comparison of predicted results with data in longitudinal aerodynamics and lateral-directional characteristics for wings exhibiting strong vortex flow shows that the present method is reasonably accurate. Explanation for peculiar lateral-directional characteristics is given.

Lan, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Estimation of Supersonic Stage Separation Aerodynamics of Winged-Body Launch Vehicles Using Response Surface Methods

Response surface methodology was used to estimate the longitudinal stage separation aerodynamic characteristics of a generic, bimese, winged multi-stage launch vehicle configuration at supersonic speeds in the NASA LaRC Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The Mach 3 staging was dominated by shock wave interactions between the orbiter and booster vehicles throughout the relative spatial locations of interest. The inference space was partitioned into several contiguous regions within which the separation aerodynamics were presumed to be well-behaved and estimable using central composite designs capable of fitting full second-order response functions. The underlying aerodynamic response surfaces of the booster vehicle in belly-to-belly proximity to the orbiter vehicle were estimated using piecewise-continuous lower-order polynomial functions. The quality of fit and prediction capabilities of the empirical models were assessed in detail, and the issue of subspace boundary discontinuities was addressed. Augmenting the central composite designs to full third-order using computer-generated D-optimality criteria was evaluated. The usefulness of central composite designs, the subspace sizing, and the practicality of fitting lower-order response functions over a partitioned inference space dominated by highly nonlinear and possibly discontinuous shock-induced aerodynamics are discussed.

Erickson, Gary E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Wing Covers For Aerodynamic Studies

Techniques, problems, and solutions described. Report discusses construction of thin covers - known as "gloves" in industry - on wings of airplanes for use in aerodynamic studies. Made of foam cores and fiberglass-and-resin outer layers, contain instrumentation to measure properties of boundary layers, sounds, and pressures. Report focuses on gloves installed on F-14A and F-15A airplanes, and compares techniques used to construct gloves with technique used to construct glove on F-111 airplaine during previous study.

Bohn-Meyer, Marta R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Effect of canard location and size on canard-wing interference and aerodynamic center shift related to maneuvering aircraft at transonic speeds

A generalized wind-tunnel model, typical of highly maneuverable aircraft, was tested in the Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.70 to 1.20 to determine the effects of canard location and size on canard-wing interference effects and aerodynamic center shift at transonic speeds. The canards had exposed areas of 16.0 and 28.0 percent of the wing reference area and were located in the chord plane of the wing or in a position 18.5 percent of the wing mean geometric chord above or below the wing chord plane. Two different wing planforms were tested, one with leading-edge sweep of 60 deg and the other 44 deg; both wings had the same reference area and span. The results indicated that the largest benefits in lift and drag were obtained with the canard above the wing chord plane for both wings tested. The low canard configuration for the 60 deg swept wing proved to be more stable and produced a more linear pitching-moment curve than the high and coplanar canard configurations for the subsonic test Mach numbers.

Gloss, B. B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effects of wing bend on the aerodynamic characteristics of a low aspect ratio oblique wing

Static longitudinal and lateral/directional force and moment results are presented for an elliptical oblique wing (aspect ratio 6) mounted on top of a body of revolution. The wing was tested at various sweep angles ranging from 0 to 60 deg throughout a Mach-number range of 0.6 to 1.4. Increasing the upward bend along the wing span resulted in no significant improvement in the linearity of the moment curves, but required an impractical wing pivot location to eliminate the rolling moments at low lift. Linear theory gave satisfactory predictions of the lift and moment-curve slopes at low lift.

Hopkins, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Validation of a computer code for analysis of subsonic aerodynamic performance of wings with flaps in combination with a canard or horizontal tail and an application to optimization

Extensive correlations of computer code results with experimental data are employed to illustrate the use of a linearized theory, attached flow method for the estimation and optimization of the longitudinal aerodynamic performance of wing-canard and wing-horizontal tail configurations which may employ simple hinged flap systems. Use of an attached flow method is based on the premise that high levels of aerodynamic efficiency require a flow that is as nearly attached as circumstances permit. The results indicate that linearized theory, attached flow, computer code methods (modified to include estimated attainable leading-edge thrust and an approximate representation of vortex forces) provide a rational basis for the estimation and optimization of aerodynamic performance at subsonic speeds below the drag rise Mach number. Generally, good prediction of aerodynamic performance, as measured by the suction parameter, can be expected for near optimum combinations of canard or horizontal tail incidence and leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections at a given lift coefficient (conditions which tend to produce a predominantly attached flow).

Carlson, Harry W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamic loads on rectangular and delta wings

Nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic loads on rectangular and delta wings in an incompressible flow are calculated by using an unsteady vortex-lattice model. Examples include flows past fixed wings in unsteady uniform streams and flows past wings undergoing unsteady motions. The unsteadiness may be due to gusty winds or pitching oscillations. The present technique establishes a reliable approach which can be utilized in the analysis of problems associated with the dynamics and aeroelasticity of wings within a wide range of angles of attack.

Atta, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Numerical Simulations of the Steady and Unsteady Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Circulation Control Wing Airfoil

The aerodynamic characteristics of a Circulation Control Wing (CCW) airfoil have been numerically investigated, and comparisons with experimental data have been made. The configuration chosen was a supercritical airfoil with a 30 degree dual-radius CCW flap. Steady and pulsed jet calculations were performed. It was found that the use of steady jets, even at very small mass flow rates, yielded a lift coefficient that is comparable or superior to conventional high-lift systems. The attached flow over the flap also gave rise to lower drag coefficients, and high L/D ratios. Pulsed jets with a 50% duty cycle were also studied. It was found that they were effective in generating lift at lower reduced mass flow rates compared to a steady jet, provided the pulse frequency was sufficiently high. This benefit was attributable to the fact that the momentum coefficient of the pulsed jet, during the portions of the cycle when the jet was on, was typically twice as much as that of a steady jet.

Liu, Yi↗
NASA NTRS1985

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of canard, tailless, and aft-tail configurations for 2 wing planforms

Aerodynamic characteristics of canard, tailless, and aft tail configurations were compared in tests on a general research model (generic fuselage without canopy, inlets, or vertical tails) at Mach 1.60 and 2.00 in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. Two uncambered wing planforms (trapezoidal with 44 deg leading edge sweep and delta with 60 deg leading edge sweep) were tested for each configuration. The relative merits of the configurations were also determined theoretically, to evaluate the capabilities of a linear theory code for such analyses. The canard and aft tail configurations have similar measured values for lift curve slope, maximum lift drag ratio, and zero lift drag. The stability decrease as Mach number increases is greatest for the tailless configuration and least for the canard configuration. Because of very limited accuracy in predicting the aerodynamic parameter increments between configurations, the linear theory code is not adequate for determining the relative merits of canard, tailless, and aft tail configurations.

Covell, P. F.↗
NASA NTRS1959

Effects of Cross-Sectional Shape, Solidity, and Distribution of Heat-Transfer Coefficient on the Torsional Stiffness of Thin Wings Subjected to Aerodynamic Heating

A study has been made of the effects of varying the shape, solidity, and heat-transfer coefficient of thin wings with regard to their influence on the torsional-stiffness reduction induced by aerodynamic heating. The variations in airfoil shape include blunting, flattening, and combined blunting and flattening of a solid wing of symmetrical double-wedge cross section. Hollow double-wedge wings of constant skin thickness with and without internal webs also are considered. The effects of heat-transfer coefficients appropriate for laminar and turbulent flow are investigated in addition to a step transition along the chord from a lower to a higher constant value of heat-transfer coefficient. From the results given it is concluded that the flattening of a solid double wedge decreases the reduction in torsional stiffness while slight degrees of blunting increase the loss. The influence of chordwise variations in heat-transfer coefficient due to turbulent and laminar boundary-layer flow on the torsional stiffness of solid wings is negligible. The effect of a step transition in heat-transfer coefficient along the chord of a solid wing can, however, become appreciable. The torsional-stiffness reduction of multiweb and hollow double-wedge wings is substantially less than that calculated for a solid wing subjected to the same heating conditions.

Thomson, Robert G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Lateral aerodynamics of delta wings with leading edge separation

An unsteady vortex lattice method is presented for the calculation of the aerodynamic forces acting on lifting surfaces undergoing complex three dimensional motion. For the present case the nonsymmetric motion of a slender delta wing was considered and the resulting lateral characteristics were calculated. The flow separation line was specified along the wing leading edge and the emanating vortex sheet shape and rollup was then calculated. Numerical results are presented for the combined high angle of attack and side slip condition and for the wing constant roll and coning motions.

Katz, J.↗