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At least 271 records · Page 15

Evaluation of pressure and thermal data from a wind tunnel test of a large-scale, powered, STOL fighter model

A STOL fighter model employing the vectored-engine-over wing concept was tested at low speeds in the NASA/Ames 40 by 80-foot wind tunnel. The model, approximately 0.75 scale of an operational fighter, was powered by two General Electric J-97 turbojet engines. Limited pressure and thermal instrumentation were provided to measure power effects (chordwise and spanwise blowing) and control-surface-deflection effects. An indepth study of the pressure and temperature data revealed many flow field features - the foremost being wing and canard leading-edge vortices. These vortices delineated regions of attached and separated flow, and their movements were often keys to an understanding of flow field changes caused by power and control-surface variations. Chordwise blowing increased wing lift and caused a modest aft shift in the center of pressure. The induced effects of chordwise blowing extended forward to the canard and significantly increased the canard lift when the surface was stalled. Spanwise blowing effectively enhanced the wing leading-edge vortex, thereby increasing lift and causing a forward shift in the center of pressure.

Howell, G. A.↗

High-angle-of-attack stability characteristics of a 3-surface fighter configuration

A wind tunnel investigation was conducted to study the low speed, high angle of attack stability characteristics of a three surface fighter concept based on the F-15 configuration. Static force data were measured over angle of attack and side-slip ranges of 0 to 85 and -10 and 10 deg, respectively. A force oscillation technique was used to obtain dynamic derivatives at angles of attack from 0 to 60 deg. The tests were conducted for several canard deflections and with the canards removed to investigate the effects of the close coupled canard on the high angle of attack stability characteristics of the configuration. A fuselage strake was developed which significantly improved static lateral directional stability characteristics at high angles of attack while also increasing the maximum lift of the configuration.

Grafton, S. B.↗

Augmentation of Fighter-Aircraft Performance by Spanwise Blowing over the Wing Leading Edge

Spanwise blowing over the wing and canard of a 1:35 model of a close-coupled-canard fighter airplane configuration (similar to the Kfir-C2) was investigated experimentally in low-speed flow. Tests were conducted at airspeeds of 30 m/sec (Reynolds number of 1.8 x 10 to the 5th power based on mean aerodynamic chord) with angle-of-attack sweeps from -8 to 60 deg, and yaw-angle sweeps from -8 to 36 deg at fixed angles of attack 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35 deg. Significant improvement in lift-curve slope, maximum lift, drag polar and lateral/directional stability was found, enlarging the flight envelope beyond its previous low-speed/maximum-lift limit. In spite of the highly swept (60 deg) leading edge, the efficiency of the lift augmentation by blowing was relatively high and was found to increase with increasing blowing momentum on the close-coupled-canard configuration. Interesting possibilities of obtaining much higher efficiencies with swirling jets were indicated.

Seginer, A.↗

Augmentation of fighter-aircraft performance by spanwise blowing over the wing leading edge

Spanwise blowing over the wing and canard of a 1:35 model of a close-coupled-canard fighter-airplane configuration (similar to the Kfir-C2) was investigated experimentally in low-speed flow. Tests were conducted at airspeeds of 30 m/sec (Reynolds number of 1.8 x 10 to the 5th power based on mean aerodynamic chord) with angle-of-attack sweeps from -8 deg to 60 deg, and yaw-angle sweeps from -8 deg to 36 deg at fixed angles of attack 0 deg, 10 deg, 20 deg, 25 deg, 30 deg, and 35 deg. Significant improvement in lift-curve slope, maximum lift, drag polar and lateral/directional stability was found, enlarging the flight envelope beyond its previous low-speed/maximum-lift limit. In spite of the highly swept (60 deg) leading edge, the efficiency of the lift augmentation by blowing was relatively high and was found to increase with increasing blowing momentum on the close-coupled-canard configuration. Interesting possibilities of obtaining much higher efficiencies with swirling jets were indicated.

Seginer, A.↗

A forward-swept wing configuration designed for high maneuverability by use of three-dimensional transonic theory

Supercritical technology has been applied to the design of a forward-swept-wing fighter configuration, and an assessment has been made of the relative performance of forward versus aft sweep. The wing and canard for this forward-swept wing configuration were designed for transonic maneuver by the use of a transonic computational analysis method and a transonic design procedure. The computational method calculates the transonic flow over a canard-wing-fuselage combination so that the strong transonic induced-flow effects of the canard on the wing are taken into account. A model of this configuration was constructed and was tested in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The transonic theory gave a reasonably good estimate of the wing pressure distributions at transonic maneuver conditions. Comparison of this configuration with an equivalent aft-swept wing configuration showed that, at a Mach number of 0.9 and a lift coefficient of 0.9, the two configurations have essentially the same drag. This forward-swept wing configuration was also found to have very good maneuver performance relative to the Rockwell International HiMAT highly-maneuverable aircraft configuration.

Mann, M. J.↗

Flight and analytical investigations of a structural mode excitation system on the YF-12A airplane

A structural excitation system, using an oscillating canard vane to generate force, was mounted on the forebody of the YF-12A airplane. The canard vane was used to excite the airframe structural modes during flight in the subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes. Structural modal responses generated by the canard vane forces were measured at the flight test conditions by airframe-mounted accelerometers. Correlations of analytical and experimental aeroelastic results were made. Doublet lattice, steady state double lattice with uniform lag, Mach box, and piston theory all produced acceptable analytical aerodynamic results within the restrictions that apply to each. In general, the aerodynamic theory methods, carefully applied, were found to predict the dynamic behavior of the YF-12A aircraft adequately.

Goforth, E. A.↗

Project Dawdler: a Proposal in Response to a Low Reynolds Number Station Keeping Mission

In direct response to Request for Proposals: Flight at very low Reynolds numbers - a station keeping mission, the members of Design Squad E present Project Dawdler: a remotely-piloted airplane supported by an independently controlled take-off cart. A brief introduction to Project Dawdler's overall mission and design, is given. The Dawdler is a remotely-piloted airplane designed to fly in an environmentally-controlled closed course at a Reynolds number of 10(exp 5) and at a cruise velocity of 25 ft/s. The two primary goals were to minimize the flight Reynolds number and to maximize the loiter time. With this in mind, the general design of the airplane was guided by the belief that a relatively light aircraft producing a fairly large amount of lift would be the best approach. For this reason the Dawdler utilizes a canard rather than a conventional tail for longitudinal control, primarily because the canard contributes a positive lift component. The Dawdler also has a single vertical tail mounted behind the wing for lateral stability, half of which is used as a rudder for yaw control. Due to the fact that the power required to take-off and climb to altitude is much greater than that required for cruise flight and simple turning maneuvers, it was decided that a take-off cart be used. Based on the current design, there are two unknowns which could possibly threaten the success of Project Dawdler. First, the effect of the fully-movable canard with its large appropriation of total lift on the performance of the plane, and secondly, the ability of the take-off procedure to go as planned are examined. These are questions which can only be answered by a prototype.

Bartilotti, Rich↗

A computer module used to calculate the horizontal control surface size of a conceptual aircraft design

The creation of a computer module used to calculate the size of the horizontal control surfaces of a conceptual aircraft design is discussed. The control surface size is determined by first calculating the size needed to rotate the aircraft during takeoff, and, second, by determining if the calculated size is large enough to maintain stability of the aircraft throughout any specified mission. The tail size needed to rotate during takeoff is calculated from a summation of forces about the main landing gear of the aircraft. The stability of the aircraft is determined from a summation of forces about the center of gravity during different phases of the aircraft's flight. Included in the horizontal control surface analysis are: downwash effects on an aft tail, upwash effects on a forward canard, and effects due to flight in close proximity to the ground. Comparisons of production aircraft with numerical models show good accuracy for control surface sizing. A modified canard design verified the accuracy of the module for canard configurations. Added to this stability and control module is a subroutine that determines one of the three design variables, for a stable vectored thrust aircraft. These include forward thrust nozzle position, aft thrust nozzle angle, and forward thrust split.

Sandlin, Doral R.↗

Experimental study at low supersonic speeds of a missile concept having opposing wraparound tails

A wind-tunnel investigation has been performed at low supersonic speeds (at Mach numbers of 1.60, and 2.16) to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of a missile concept capable of being tube launched and controlled with a simple one-axis canard controller. This concept, which features an axisymmetric body with two planar canards and four wraparound tail fins arranged in opposing pairs, must be in rolling motion to be controllable in any radial plane with the planar canards. Thus, producing a constant rolling moment that is invariant with speed and attitude to provide the motion is desirable. Two tail-fin shaping designs, one shaved and one beveled, were evaluated for their efficiency in producing the needed rolling moments, and the results showed that the shaved fins were much more desirable for this task than the beveled fins.

Allen, Jerry M.↗

Pretest Report for the Full Span Propulsive Wing/Canard Model Test in the NASA Langley 4 x 7 Meter Low Speed Wind Tunnel Second Series Test

A full span propulsive wing/canard model is to be tested in the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) 4 x 7 meter low speed wind tunnel. These tests are a continuation of the tests conducted in Feb. 1984, NASA test No.290, and are being conducted under NASA Contract NAS1-17171. The purpose of these tests is to obtain extensive lateral-directional data with a revised fuselage concept. The wings, canards, and vertical tail of this second test series model are the same as tested in the previous test period. The fuselage and internal flow path have been modified to better reflect an external configuration suitable for a fighter airplane. Internal ducting and structure were changed as required to provide test efficiency and blowing control. The model fuselage tested during the 1984 tests was fabricated with flat sides to provide multiple wing and canard placement variations. The locations of the wing and canard are important variables in configuration development. With the establishment of the desired relative placement of the lifting surfaces, a typically shaped fuselage has been fabricated for these tests. This report provides the information necessary for the second series tests of the propulsive wing/canard model. The discussion in this report is limited to that affected by the model changes and to the second series test program. The pretest report information for test 290 which is valid for the second series test was published in Rockwell report NR 83H-79. This report is presented as Appendix 1 and the modified fuselage stress report is presented as Appendix 2 to this pretest report.

Stewart, V. R.↗

Numerical Simulation of Rolling-Airframes Using a Multi-Level Cartesian Method

A supersonic rolling missile with two synchronous canard control surfaces is analyzed using an automated, inviscid, Cartesian method. Sequential-static and time-dependent dynamic simulations of the complete motion are computed for canard dither schedules for level flight, pitch, and yaw maneuver. The dynamic simulations are compared directly against both high-resolution viscous simulations and relevant experimental data, and are also utilized to compute dynamic stability derivatives. The results show that both the body roll rate and canard dither motion influence the roll-averaged forces and moments on the body. At the relatively, low roll rates analyzed in the current work these dynamic effects are modest, however the dynamic computations are effective in predicting the dynamic stability derivatives which can be significant for highly-maneuverable missiles.

Murman, Scott M.↗

Use of ILTV Control Laws for LaNCETS Flight Research

A report discusses the Lift and Nozzle Change Effects on Tail Shock (LaNCETS) test to investigate the effects of lift distribution and nozzle-area ratio changes on tail shock strength of an F-15 aircraft. Specific research objectives are to obtain inflight shock strength for multiple combinations of nozzle-area ratio and lift distribution; compare results with preflight prediction tools; and update predictive tools with flight results. The objectives from a stability and control perspective are to ensure adequate aircraft stability for the changes in lift distribution and plume shape, and ensure manageable transient from engaging and disengaging the ILTV research control laws. In order to change the lift distribution and plume shape of the F-15 aircraft, a decade-old Inner Loop Thrust Vectoring (ILTV) research control law was used. Flight envelope expansion was performed for the test configuration and flight conditions prior to the probing test points. The approach for achieving the research objectives was to utilize the unique capabilities of NASA's NF-15B-837 aircraft to allow the adjustment of the nozzle-area ratio and/or canard positions by engaging the ILTV research control laws. The ILTV control laws provide the ability to add trim command biases to canard positions, nozzle area ratios, and thrust vectoring through the use of datasets. Datasets consist of programmed test inputs (PTIs) that define trims to change the nozzle-area ratio and/or canard positions. The trims are applied as increments to the normally commanded positions. A LaNCETS non-linear, six-degrees-of-freedom simulation capable of realtime pilot-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and non-real-time batch support was developed and validated. Prior to first flight, extensive simulation analyses were performed to show adequate stability margins with the changes in lift distribution and plume shape. Additionally, engagement/disengagement transient analysis was also performed to show manageable transients.

Moua, Cheng↗

Analysis of the Effects of Streamwise Lift Distribution on Sonic Boom Signature

Investigation of sonic boom has been one of the major areas of study in aeronautics due to the benefits a low-boom aircraft has in both civilian and military applications. This work conducts a numerical analysis of the effects of streamwise lift distribution on the shock coalescence characteristics. A simple wing-canard-stabilator body model is used in the numerical simulation. The streamwise lift distribution is varied by fixing the canard at a deflection angle while trimming the aircraft with the wing and the stabilator at the desired lift coefficient. The lift and the pitching moment coefficients are computed using the Missile DATCOM v. 707. The flow field around the wing-canard- stabilator body model is resolved using the OVERFLOW-2 flow solver. Overset/ chimera grid topology is used to simplify the grid generation of various configurations representing different streamwise lift distributions. The numerical simulations are performed without viscosity unless it is required for numerical stability. All configurations are simulated at Mach 1.4, angle-of-attack of 1.50, lift coefficient of 0.05, and pitching moment coefficient of approximately 0. Four streamwise lift distribution configurations were tested.

Yoo, Paul↗

Effects of cruise engine location and power on interference

Data are presented, in plotted form, of tests for determining the interference effects of space shuttle booster cruise engine location for power-on and power-off conditions. The tests were conducted in a 7 x 10 foot transonic wind tunnel; the model was a 0.015-scale space shuttle booster specially equipped for propulsion effects testing. Data were obtained over a Mach number range of 0.4 to 1.13 at angles of attack from -4 deg to 20 deg at zero degrees sideslip and at angles of sideslip from -6 deg to +6 deg at constant angles of attack of 0 deg, 6 deg, 15 deg, and in some cases 10 deg. Additional parameters investigated were: elevon deflection, canard deflection, aileron deflection, rudder deflection, canard position, and mass flow rate.

Bradley, D.↗

Impact of subsonic aerodynamic considerations on a space shuttle booster configuration

Considerations of cruise-back efficiency and subsonic flying qualities are shown to have resulted in a configuration with an aft high wing of moderate aspect ratio and with vertical tails located at the wing tips. The need to protect the air breathing engines during ascent and reentry and the desire for a low trim penalty longitudinal control surface led to consideration of a jet-flap canard. The advantages of this application of STOL technology to a space system are examined and the results of both wind tunnel tests and flight simulations are discussed. Since the use of the jet-flap canard concept offers the potential for a minimum weight vehicle, a proposed technology development program is outlined in order that the full benefit of this concept may be realized.

Roensch, R. L.↗

Space shuttle: MSFC booster (B-005) low speed static stability and landing investigation, high speed grit study

An experimental wind tunnel investigation on the Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) booster configuration of the space shuttle system is discussed. Tests were conducted in the MSFC 14" x 14" trisonic wind tunnel. Parameters investigated include; (1) a landing study at Mach number of .3 with the booster at three discrete heights above a ground plane (maximum height above ground plane was six inches) and: (2) a static stability study at subsonic Mach numbers, which included eleven deflections of 0, 10, 20 and 30 degrees with canard deflections of 0, 5, 10 and 15 degrees. Both a trapezoidial and a delta shaped canard were investigated at the above conditions; a grit size study was made over the entire Mach range from .3 to 5.0.

Heim, D. E.↗

Study of Load Alleviation and Mode Suppression (LAMS) on the YF-12A airplane

The potentials and capability for implementing a LAMS (load alleviation and mode suppression) system on the YF-12A for the purpose of flight research were evaluated. The nature of the research is to minimize the design risk in application of LAMS to future aircraft. The results of the study show that the YF-12A would be a suitable test bed for continuing development of LAMS technology. This was demonstrated by defining five candidate LAMS systems and analytically evaluating them with regard to performance and mechanization. Each of the five systems used a different combination of force producers. A small canard vane or a mass-reaction device mounted near the cockpit was considered as a possible LAMS force producer, together with the existing inboard and outboard elevons. It was concluded that a combination of canard vane and outboard elevons would provide the most effective system for the YF-12A.

Edinger, L. D.↗

Low-speed power effects on advanced fighter configurations with two-dimensional deflected thrust

Wind-tunnel studies at the Langley Research Center have shown that significant increases in maximum lift coefficient and stability and decreases in drag due to lift are obtained when two-dimensional vectored thrust is used in conjuction with a close-coupled canard. The configuration tested was somewhat above the theoretical minimum drag due to lift because of the sharp leading edge on the biconvex airfoil used on the wing and canard. An effort to design a new configuration which will approach the minimum drag due to lift while maintaining high-lift configurations was completed. The resulting model will incorporate a realistic planform, airfoil section, and twist for a transonic maneuvering configuration.

Paulson, J. W., Jr.↗