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At least 235 records · Page 13

Method for Real-Time State Estimation of Structural Modes for an Aeroelastic Wind Tunnel Model

A method for estimating displacements, velocities, and accelerations of structural modes in generalized coordinates from measured sensor data in real time is developed and demonstrated. Data from conventional strain gauges and fiber optic strain sensors (FOSS) were combined with strain mode shapes to produce least-squares estimates of the structural mode displacements. Similarly, accelerometer data were combined with displacement mode shapes to estimate structural mode accelerations. Estimates were then combined using a Kalman filter to refine the displacement estimates and produce structural mode velocity estimates. The approach was demonstrated using simulation data for the NASA-Boeing collaboration called the Integrated Adaptive Wing Technology Maturation (IAWTM) project in both a stable open-loop condition and an unstable condition where estimated displacement and velocity states were used for feedback control. Results supported the feasibility of using this approach for feedback control and system identification applications for wind tunnel tests.

Aeroservoelasticity↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of a powered tilt-proprotor wind tunnel model

An investigation was conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the performance, stability and control, and rotor-wake interaction effects of a powered tilt-proprotor aircraft model with gimbal-hub rotors. Tests were conducted at representative flight conditions for hover, helicopter, transition, and airplane flight. Force and moment data were obtained for the complete model and for each of the two rotors. In addition to wind-speed variation, the angle of attack, angle of sideslip, rotor speed, rotor collective pitch, longitudinal cyclic pitch, rotor pylon angle, and configuration geometry were varied. The results, presented in graphical form, are available in tabular form to facilitate the validation of analytical methods of defining the aerodynamic characteristics of tilt-proprotor configurations.

Wilson, J. C.↗

An inexpensive technique for the fabrication of two-dimensional wind tunnel models.

Description of a new and inexpensive method for fabricating thin, two-dimensional, spanwise-uniform airfoil models with a high density of instrumentation for aerodynamic testing at transonic speeds. The models are produced by casting an epoxy fairing, which provides the desired aerodynamic properties, around a central spar on which all instrumentation has been mounted.

Collins, D. J.↗

An electronic system for measuring thermophysical properties of wind tunnel models

An electronic system is described which measures the surface temperature of a small portion of the surface of the model or sample at high speeds using an infrared radiometer. This data is processed along with heating rate data from the reference heat gauge in a small computer and prints out the desired thermophysical properties, time, surface temperature, and reference heat rate. This system allows fast and accurate property measurements over thirty temperature increments. The technique, the details of the apparatus, the procedure for making these measurements, and the results of some preliminary tests are presented.

Corwin, R. R.↗

A scale model wind tunnel study of dispersion in the Cleveland area. Laboratory simulation of lake breeze effects on diffusion from ground level emissions

A wind tunnel simulation of the diffusion patterns in a sea breeze was attempted. The results indicate that the low level onshore flow was well simulated for neutral, stable, unstable, and elevated inversion conditions. Velocity, turbulence, shear stress, and temperature data were taken, and the spread of emissions from ground level sources was investigated. Comparison is made with theoretical predictions by E. Inoue and with the open, homogeneous plane field results of Pasquill. Agreement with the predictions by Inoue is good, and the comparison with Pasquill's results shows that the wind tunnel flows are shifted two categories towards more stable. The discrepancy may be explained as a matter of averaging time.

Hoydysh, W. G.↗

Acoustic characteristics of a large scale wind-tunnel model of a jet flap aircraft

The expanding-duct jet flap (EJF) concept is studied to determine STOL performance in turbofan-powered aircraft. The EJF is used to solve the problem of ducting the required volume of air into the wing by providing an expanding cavity between the upper and lower surfaces of the flap. The results are presented of an investigation of the acoustic characteristics of the EJF concept on a large-scale aircraft model powered by JT15D engines. The noise of the EJF is generated by acoustic dipoles as shown by the sixth power dependence of the noise on jet velocity. These sources result from the interaction of the flow turbulence with flap of internal and external surfaces and the trailing edges. Increasing the trailing edge jet from 70 percent span to 100 percent span increased the noise 2 db for the equivalent nozzle area. Blowing at the knee of the flap rather than the trailing edge reduced the noise 5 to 10 db by displacing the jet from the trailing edge and providing shielding from high-frequency noise. Deflecting the flap and varying the angle of attack modified the directivity of the underwing noise but did not affect the peak noise. A forward speed of 33.5 m/sec (110 ft/sec) reduced the dipole noise less than 1 db.

Falarski, M. D.↗

Results of an investigation of the acoustic and vibrational environment of a full scale space shuttle orbiter structural test panel with simulated TPS in the Ames unitary plan wind tunnel, model 81-0, test OS8A and B

Results of tests OS8A and B and pertinent test and model information are presented. The test was conducted in two parts. Test OS8A was performed in the NASA/ARC unitary 11-foot section and OS8B was conducted in the NASA/ARC unitary 9 x 7 tunnel. Test objectives were to investigate thermal protection system (TPS) tile sensitivity to extreme pressure gradients and vibration and to define the TPS aerodynamic environment. The model utilized for OS8 was a full-scale representation of a portion of the space shuttle orbiter lower wing carry-through structure forward of the aft tank strut and propellant lines. Thermal protection tiles were simulated on the model. The model was instrumented with static pressure orifices, accelerometers, and dynamic pressure transducers (Kulites). A total rake was utilized to obtain boundary layer surveys.

Kingsland, R. B.↗

A method for predicting full scale buffet response with rigid wind tunnel model fluctuating pressure data. Volume 1: Prediction method development and assessment

The method requires unsteady aerodynamic forces, natural airplane modes, and the measured pressure data as input. A gust response computer program is used to calculate buffet response due to the forcing function posed by the measured pressure data. By calculating both symmetric and antisymmetric solutions, upper and lower bounds on full-scale buffet response are formed. Comparisons of predictions with flight test results are made and the effects of horizontal tail loads and static aeroelasticity are shown. Discussions are also presented on the effects of primary wing torsion modes, chordwise and spanwise phase angles, and altitude.

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.↗

A method for predicting full scale buffet response with rigid wind tunnel model fluctuating pressure data. Volume 2: Power spectral densities for method assessment

The predicted upper and lower bounds power spectra for all of the cases and response items given in Volume 1 are plotted. The flight test power spectra are shown on each prediction plot for the nominal value of angle of attack that most closely agrees with the flexible angle for the prediction. The flight test and prediction conditions are given in tabular form for all cases considered.

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.↗

Performance evaluation of Space Shuttle SRB parachutes from air drop and scaled model wind tunnel tests

The aerodynamic performance characteristics have been determined for the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster drogue, main, and pilot parachutes. The performance evaluation on the 20-degree conical ribbon parachutes is based primarily on air drop tests of full scale prototype parachutes. In addition, parametric wind tunnel tests were performed and used in parachute configuration development and preliminary performance assessments. The wind tunnel test data are compared to the drop test results and both sets of data are used to determine the predicted performance of the Solid Rocket Booster flight parachutes. Data from other drop tests of large ribbon parachutes are also compared with the Solid Rocket Booster parachute performance characteristics. Parameters assessed include full open terminal drag coefficients, reefed drag area, opening characteristics, clustering effects, and forebody interference.

Moog, R. D.↗

Some aerodynamic considerations related to wind tunnel model surface definition

The aerodynamic considerations related to model surface definition are examined with particular emphasis in areas of fabrication tolerances, model surface finish, and orifice induced pressure errors. The effect of model surface roughness texture on skin friction is also discussed. It is shown that at a given Reynolds number, any roughness will produce no skin friction penalty.

Gloss, B. B.↗

Static tests of the J97 powered, external augmenter V/STOL wind tunnel model

Results of the static testing (zero forward speed) of the J97-powered, external augmentor, large scale, V/STOL model are discussed. With a ground clearance of 7.5 feet, believed to have put the model essentially out of ground effect, a gross thrust augmentation ratio of 1.60 at nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) = 3.0 was measured for the fuselage augmentor. A similar figure was apparent for the wing augmentor. An overall ratio of model thrust to bare engine thrust of 1.52 was determined at NPR = 3.0. The structural integrity of the model was well demonstrated and duct pressure losses were small.

Garland, D. B.↗

Transonic flutter study of a wind-tunnel model of an arrow-wing supersonic transport

A 1/20-size, low-speed flutter model of the SCAT-15F complete airplane was tested on cables to simulate a near free-flying condition. Only the model wing and fuselage were flexible. Flutter boundaries were measured for a nominal configuration and a configuration with wing fins removed at Mach numbers M from 0.76 to 1.2. For both configurations, the transonic dip in the wing flutter dynamic pressure q boundary was relatively small and the minimum flutter q occurred near M = 0.92. Removing the wing fins increased the flutter q about 14 percent and changed the flutter mode from symmetric to antisymmetric. Vibration and flutter analyses were made using a finite-element structural representation and subsonic kernel-function aerodynamics. For the nominal configuration, the analysis (using calculated modal data) predicted the experimental flutter q levels within 10 percent but did not predict the correct flutter mode at the higher M. For the configuration without wing fins, the analysis predicted 16 to 36 percent unconservative (higher than experimental) flutter q levels and showed extreme sensitivity to mass representation details that affected wing tip mode shapes. For high subsonic M, empennage aerodynamics had a significant effect on the predicted flutter boundaries of several symmetric modes.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Transonic flutter and gust-response tests and analyses of a wind-tunnel model of a torsion free wing airplane

An exploratory study of a 1/5.5 size, complete airplane version of a torsion free wing (TFW) fighter aircraft was conducted. The TFW consisted of a wing/boom/canard assembly on each fuselage side that was interconnected by a common pivot shaft so that the TFW could rotate freely in pitch. The effect of the TFW was evaluated by comparing data obtained with the TFW free and the TFW locked to the fuselage. With the model mounted on cables to simulate an airplane free flying condition, flutter boundaries were measured at Mach number (M) from 0.85 to 1.0 and gust responses at M = 0.65 and 0.90. The critical flutter mode for the TFW free configuration was found experimentally to occur at M = 0.95 and had the rigid TFW pitch mode as its apparent aerodynamic driver.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Computation of wind tunnel model deflections

The experimental deflections for a transport type solid wing model were measured for several single point load conditions. These deflections were compared with those obtained by structural modeling of the wing by using plate and solid elements of Structural Performance Analysis and Redesign (SPAR) program. The solid element representation of the wing showed better agreement with the experimental deflections than the plate representation. The difference between the measured and calculated deflections is about 5 percent.

Mehrotra, S. C.↗