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At least 271 records · Page 15

Interference of Tail Surfaces and Wing and Fuselage from Tests of 17 Combinations in the N.A.C.A. Variable-Density Tunnel

An investigation of the interference associated with tail surfaces added to wing-fuselage combinations was included in the interference program in progress in the NACA variable-density tunnel. The results indicate that, in aerodynamically clean combinations, the increment of the high-speed drag can be estimated from section characteristics within useful limits of accuracy. The interference appears mainly as effects on the downwash angle and as losses in the tail effectiveness and varies with the geometry of the combination. An interference burble, which markedly increases the glide-path angle and the stability in pitch before the actual stall, may be considered a means of obtaining satisfactory stalling characteristics for complete combination.

Sherman, Albert↗

Longitudinal stability and control with special reference to slipstream effects

Report presents the results of a study of data obtained in the NACA full-scale wind tunnel concerning the effects of interference and of propeller operation on longitudinal stability and control. The data include pitching moments for various power conditions for airplanes with tails removed and with tails set at various stabilizer and elevator angles. A number of surveys of the dynamic pressure and the flow direction in the region of the horizontal tail surface are also included. Results are given for eight airplanes, including a model of a four-engine airplane tested both as a tractor and as a pushed and a model of two-engine pusher. The effects are shown of propeller operation on the downwash angles and the dynamic pressures at the tail and on the pitching-moment contribution of the propeller and the wing.

Katzoff, S↗

Analysis and modification of theory for impact of seaplanes on water

An analysis of available theory on seaplane impact and a proposed modification thereto are presented. In previous methods the overall momentum of the float and virtual mass has been assumed to remain constant during the impact but the present analysis shows that this assumption is rigorously correct only when the resultant velocity of the float is normal to the keel. The proposed modification chiefly involves consideration of the fact that forward velocity of the seaplane float causes momentum to be passed into the hydrodynamic downwash (an action that is the entire consideration in the case of the planing float) and consideration of the fact that, for an impact with trim, the rate of penetration is determined not only by the velocity component normal to the keel but also by the velocity component parallel to the keel, which tends to reduce the penetration. Experimental data for planing, oblique impact, and vertical drop are used to show that the accuracy of the proposed theory is good.

Mayo, Wilbur L↗

Theoretical motions of hydrofoil systems

Results are presented of an investigation that has been undertaken to develop theoretical methods of treating the motions of hydrofoil systems and to determine some of the important parameters. Variations of parameters include three distributions of area between the hydrofoils, two rates of change of downwash angle with angle of attack, three depths of immersion, two dihedral angles, two rates of change of lift with immersion, three longitudinal hydrofoil spacings, two radii of gyration in pitching, and various horizontal and vertical locations of the center of gravity. Graphs are presented to show locations of the center of gravity for stable motion, values of the stability roots, and motions following the sudden application of a vertical force or a pitching moment to the hydrofoil system for numerous sets of values of the parameters.

Imlay, Frederick H↗

Prediction of the effects of propeller operation on the static longitudinal stability of single-engine tractor monoplanes with flaps retracted

The effects of propeller operation on the static longitudinal stability of single-engine tractor monoplanes are analyzed, and a simple method is presented for computing power-on pitching-moment curves for flap-retracted flight conditions. The methods evolved are based on the results of powered-model wind-tunnel investigations of 28 model configurations. Correlation curves are presented from which the effects of power on the downwash over the tail and the stabilizer effectiveness can be rapidly predicted. The procedures developed enable prediction of power-on longitudinal stability characteristics that are generally in very good agreement with experiment.

Weil, Joseph↗

Theoretical symmetric span loading due to flap deflection for wings of arbitrary plan form at subsonic speeds

A simplified lifting-surface theory is applied to the problem of evaluating span loading due to flap deflection for arbitrary wing plan forms. With the resulting procedure, the effects of flap deflection on the span loading and associated aerodynamic characteristics can be easily computed for any wing which is symmetrical about the root chord and which has a straight quarter-chord line over the wing semispan. The effects of compressibility and spanwise variation of section lift-curve slope are taken into account by the procedure. The method presented can also be used to calculate the downwash in the vertical center of the wake of a wing which has arbitrary spanwise loading.

Deyoung, John↗

Reciprocity relations in aerodynamics

Reverse flow theorems in aerodynamics are shown to be based on the same general concepts involved in many reciprocity theorems in the physical sciences. Reciprocal theorems for both steady and unsteady motion are found as a logical consequence of this approach. No restrictions on wing plan form or flight Mach number are made beyond those required in linearized compressible-flow analysis. A number of examples are listed, including general integral theorems for lifting, rolling, and pitching wings and for wings in nonuniform downwash fields. Correspondence is also established between the buildup of circulation with time of a wing starting impulsively from rest and the buildup of lift of the same wing moving in the reverse direction into a sharp-edged gust.

Heaslet, Max A↗

Effect of Ground Interference on the Aerodynamic and Flow Characteristics of a 42 Degree Sweptback Wing at Reynolds Numbers up to 6.8 x 10(6)

Report presents the results of an investigation of the effects of ground interference on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 42 degree sweptback wing at distances 0.68 and 0.92 of the mean aerodynamic chord from the simulated ground to the 0.25-chord point of the mean aerodynamic chord. Survey data behind the wing, both with and without the simulated ground, are presented in the form of contour charts of downwash, sidewash, and dynamic-pressure ratio at longitudinal stations of 2.0 and 2.8 mean aerodynamic chords behind the wing.

Furlong, G Chester↗

Studies of the Speed Stability of a Tandem Helicopter in Forward Flight

Flight-test measurements, related analytical studies, and corresponding pilots' opinions of the speed stability of tandem-rotor helicopter are presented. An undesirable instability, evidenced by rearward stick motion with increasing forward speed at constant power, is indicated to be caused by variations with speed of the front-rotor downwash at the rear rotor. An analytical expression for predicting changes in speed stability caused by changes in rotor geometry is derived and constants for use with the analytical expression are presented in chart form. Means for improving stability with speed are studied both analytically and experimentally. The test results also give some information as to the flow conditions at the rear rotor.

Tapscott, Robert J↗

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Tunnel Walls on the Forces on an Oscillating Airfoil in Two-Dimensional Subsonic Compressible Flow

This report presents a theoretical and experimental investigation of the effect of wind-tunnel walls on the air forces on an oscillating wing in two-dimensional subsonic compressible flow. A method of solving an integral equation which relates the downwash on a wing to the unknown loading is given, and some comparisons are made between the theoretical results and the experimental results. A resonance condition, which was predicted by theory in a previous report (NACA report 1150), is shown experimentally to exist. In addition, application of the analysis is made to a number of examples in order to illustrate the influence of walls due to variations in frequency of oscillation, Mach number , and ratio of tunnel height to wing semichord.

Runyan, Harry L↗

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Subsonic-Flow Fields Beneath Swept and Unswept Wings with Tables or Vortex-induced Velocities

The flow-field characteristics beneath swept and unswept wings as determined by potential-flow theory are compared with the experimentally determined flow fields beneath swept and unswept wing-fuselage combinations. The potential-flow theory utilized considered both spanwise and chordwise distributions of vorticity as well as the wing-thickness effects. The perturbation velocities induced by a unit horseshoe vortex are included in tabular form. The theoretical predictions of the flow-field characteristics were qualitatively correct in all cases considered, although there were indications that the magnitudes of the downwash angles tended to be overpredicted as the tip of the swept wing was approached and that the sidewash angles ahead of the unswept wing were underpredicted. The calculated effects of compressibility indicated that significant increases in the chordwise variation of flow angles and dynamic-pressure ratios should be expected in going from low to high subsonic speeds.

Alford, William J , Jr↗

The measured and estimated rotary stability derivatives of the X-15 airplane

Measurements of the rotary derivatives of the X-15 aircraft were made in several of the wind tunnels of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The speed range was from landing speed up to Mach number, 3.5. The measurements were made on the steady-state, forced-oscillation equipment. The apparatus measures the rotary derivatives during small-amplitude, single-degree-of-freedom oscillations. In this paper the results of the wind-tunnel tests are compared with the values of the rotary derivatives estimated by the available procedures. Whenever possible, the results of wind-tunnel measurements of the static forces and moments on the X-15 have been utilized in the estimation procedures to obtain lift-curve slopes and centers of pressure of the tail surfaces. In this way, at least a partial account is taken of the effects of the fuselage and wing downwash and pressure field on the tail surfaces.

Tinling, Bruce↗

Field of Flow About a Jet and Effect of Jets on Stability of Jet-Propelled Airplanes

A theoretical investigation was conducted on jet-induced flow deviation. Analysis is given of flow inclination induced outside cold and hot jets and jet deflection caused by angle of attack. Applications to computation of effects of jet on longitudinal stability and trim are explained. Effect of jet temperature on flow inclination was found small when thrust coefficient is used as criterion for similitude. The average jet-induced downwash over tail plane was obtained geometrically.

Ribner, Herbert S.↗

Studies of the speed stability of a tandem helicopter in forward flight.

Flight-test measurements, related analytical studies, and corresponding pilots' opinions of the speed stability of a tandem-rotor helicopter are presented.An undesirable instability, evidenced by rearward stick motion with increasing forward speed at constant power, is indicated to be caused by variations with speed of the front-rotor downwash at the rear rotor. An analytical expression for predicting changes in speed stability caused by changes in rotor geometry is derived and constants for use with the analytical expression are presented in chart form. Means for improving stability with speed are studied both analytically and experimentally. The test results also give some information as to the flow conditions at the rear rotor.

Tapscott, Robert J↗

General airfoil theory

On the assumption of infinitely small disturbances the author develops a generalized integral equation of airfoil theory which is applicable to any motion and compressible fluid. Successive specializations yield various simpler integral equations, such as Possio's, Birnbaum's, and Prandtl's integral equations, as well as new ones for the wing of infinite span with periodic downwash distribution and for the oscillating wing with high aspect ratio. Lastly, several solutions and methods for solving these integral equations are give.

Kussner, H G↗

Static longitudinal stability of "Ente" airplanes

The stability conditions of Ente (duck) airplanes are investigated in this report. In developing the formulas, which afford an approximate solution, the unimportant effect of the height of the C.G. and the moment of the residual resistance are neglected. The effect of downwash from the forward horizontal empennage on the wing are also disregarded.

Kiel, Heinrich Georg↗

Wind tunnel test of a variable-diameter tiltrotor (VDTR) model

This report documents the results from a wind tunnel test of a 1/6th scale Variable Diameter Tiltrotor (VDTR). This test was a joint effort of NASA Ames and Sikorsky Aircraft. The objective was to evaluate the aeroelastic and performance characteristics of the VDTR in conversion, hover, and cruise. The rotor diameter and nacelle angle of the model were remotely changed to represent tiltrotor operating conditions. Data is presented showing the propulsive force required in conversion, blade loads, angle of attack stability and simulated gust response, and hover and cruise performance. This test represents the first wind tunnel test of a variable diameter rotor applied to a tiltrotor concept. The results confirm some of the potential advantages of the VDTR and establish the variable diameter rotor a viable candidate for an advanced tiltrotor. This wind tunnel test successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the Variable Diameter rotor for tilt rotor aircraft. A wide range of test points were taken in hover, conversion, and cruise modes. The concept was shown to have a number of advantages over conventional tiltrotors such as reduced hover downwash with lower disk loading and significantly reduced longitudinal gust response in cruise. In the conversion regime, a high propulsive force was demonstrated for sustained flight with acceptable blade loads. The VDTR demonstrated excellent gust response capabilities. The horizontal gust response correlated well with predictions revealing only half the response to turbulence of the conventional civil tiltrotor.

Matuska, David↗

Design optimization of high-speed proprotor aircraft

NASA's high-speed rotorcraft (HSRC) studies have the objective of investigating technology for vehicles that have both low downwash velocities and forward flight speed capability of up to 450 knots. This paper investigates a tilt rotor, a tilt wing, and a folding tilt rotor designed for a civil transport mission. Baseline aircraft models using current technology are developed for each configuration using a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft design synthesis computer program to generate converged vehicle designs. Sensitivity studies and numerical optimization are used to illustrate each configuration's key design tradeoffs and constraints. Minimization of the gross takeoff weight is used as the optimization objective function. Several advanced technologies are chosen, and their relative impact on future configurational development is discussed. Finally, the impact of maximum cruise speed on vehicle figures of merit (gross weight, productivity, and direct operating cost) is analyzed. The three most important conclusions from the study are payload ratios for these aircraft will be commensurate with current fixed-wing commuter aircraft; future tilt rotors and tilt wings will be significantly lighter, more productive, and cheaper than competing folding tilt rotors; and the most promising technologies are an advanced-technology proprotor for both tilt rotor and tilt wing and advanced structural materials for the folding tilt rotor.

Schleicher, David R.↗