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At least 307 records · Page 17

Investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of wings having vortex flow using different numerical codes

The aerodynamic characteristics of highly sweptback wings having separation-induced vortex flow were investigated by employing different numerical codes with a view to determining some of the capabilities and limitations of these codes. Flat wings of various configurations-strake wing models, cropped, diamond, arrow and double delta wings, were studied. Cambered and cranked planforms have also been tested. The theoretical results predicted by the codes were compared with the experimental data, wherever possible, and found to agree favorably for most of the configurations investigated. However, large cambered wings could not be successfully modeled by the codes. It appears that the final solution in the free vortex sheet method is affected by the selection of the initial solution. Accumulated span loadings estimated for delta and diamond wings were found to be unusual in comparison with attached flow results in that the slopes of these load curves near the leading edge do not tend to infinity as they do in the case of attached flow.

Reddy, C. S.↗

Investigation of Vertical Drag and Periodic Airloads Acting on Flat Panels in a Rotor Slipstream

Tests have been conducted on the Langley helicopter test tower to determine the vertical drag and pressure distributions on flat panels mounted below a helicopter rotor. Calculations of the vertical drag by use of a strip-analysis procedure outlined in the paper and the assumption of a fully contracted wake agreed well with the experimental results over the range from 0.2 to 0.64 rotor radius beneath the plane of zero flapping. The pressure increase caused by the passage of the blade over the panel is a maximum at about the 0.8 radius spanwise station. At this station, the pressure decreases from 10 times the disk loading per blade at 0.05 radius beneath the rotor plane of zero flapping to one-half of the disk loading per blade at 0.64 radius beneath the plane of zero flapping.

LOADS - ROTATING WINGS↗

Development of a Miniature, Two-Axis, Triple-Helmholtz-Driven Gimbal

This paper details the development of a Helmholtz-driven, 2-axis gimbal to position a flat mirror within 50 microradian (fine positioning) in a space environment. The gimbal is intended to travel on a deep space mission mounted on a miniature "rover" vehicle. The gimbal will perform both pointing and scanning functions. The goal for total mass of the gimbal was 25 grams. The primary challenge was to design and build a bearing system that would achieve the required accuracy in addition to supporting the relatively large mass of the mirror and the outer gimbal. The mechanism is subjected to 100-G loading without the aid of any additional caging mechanism. Additionally, it was desired to have the same level of accuracy during Earth-bound, 1-G testing. Due to the inherent lack of damping in a zero-G, vacuum environment; the ability of the gimbal to respond to very small amounts of input energy is paramount. Initial testing of the first prototype revealed exceedingly long damping times required even while exposed to the damping effects of air and 1-G friction. It is envisioned that fine positioning of the gimbal will be accomplished in very small steps to avoid large disturbances to the mirror. Various bearing designs, including materials, lubrication options and bearing geometry will be discussed. In addition various options for the Helmholtz coil design will be explored with specific test data given. Ground testing in the presence of 1-G was compounded by the local magnetic fields due to the "compass" effect on the gimbal. The test data will be presented and discussed. Additionally, rationale for estimating gimbal performance in a zero-G environment will be presented and discussed.

Sharif, Boz↗

An integral equation approach to the strip problem

A semi-infinite strip held rigidly on its short end is considered. Loads in the strip at infinity (far away from the fixed end) are prescribed. Integral transform technique is used to provide an exact formulation of the problem in terms of a singular integral equation. Stress singularity at the strip corner is obtained from the singular integral equation which is then solved numerically. Stresses along the rigid end are determined and the effect of the material properties on the stress intensity factor is presented. The method can also be applied to the problem of a laminate composite with a flat inclusion normal to the interfaces.

Gupta, G. D.↗

Investigation of the Spinning and Tumbling Characteristics of a 1/25-Scale Model of the Lockheed XFV-1 Airplane in the Langley 20-Foot Free-Spinning Tunnel

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a l/23-scale model of the Lockheed XFV-1 airplane to determine the effects of control setting and movement upon the erect-spin and recovery characteristics for a range of airplane loading conditions. A windmilling propeller was simulated on the model for some of the tests. The investigation included determination of the size of tail parachute required for emergency recovery from demonstration spins. The tumbling tendencies of the model were also investigated. The results indicated that any erect or inverted spin obtained on the airplane will be satisfactorily terminated if recovery is attempted by full rudder reversal accompanied by simultaneous lateral and longitudinal movement of the stick to neutral, The model test results showed that an 11.5-foot flat-type tail parachute (drag coefficient approximately 0.73) with a 27.5-foot towline will be effective as an emergency spin-recovery device during demonstration spins of the airplane. The model results also indicate that the airplane will not tumble for any.loading condition indicated possible.

Lee, Henry A.↗

Spiral microstrip antenna with resistance

The present invention relates to microstrip antennas, and more particularly to wide bandwidth spiral antennas with resistive loading. A spiral microstrip antenna having resistor element embedded in each of the spiral arms is provided. The antenna is constructed using a conductive back plane as a base. The back plane supports a dielectric slab having a thickness between one-sixteenth and one-quarter of an inch. A square spiral, having either two or four arms, is attached to the dielectric slab. Each arm of the spiral has resistor elements thereby dissipating an excess energy not already emitted through radiation. The entire configuration provides a thin, flat, high gain, wide bandwidth antenna which requires no underlying cavity. The configuration allows the antenna to be mounted conformably on an aircraft surface.

Shively, David G.↗

Preliminary Evaluation of the Spin and Recovery Characteristics of the Douglas XF3D-1 Airplane

A preliminary evaluation of the spin and recovery characteristics of the XF3D-1 airplane has been made, based primarily on the results of the free-spinning tunnel tests of a model which closely simulated the XF3D-1 in tail design, tail length, and mass loading. Estimates have been made of the rudder-pedal force that may be encountered in effecting recovery from a spin and of the spin recovery parachute requirements of the airplane for demonstration spins. The method of bail-out which should be used if it becomes necessary for the crew to abandon the airplane during a spin is indicated. It was indicated that the recovery characteristics of the XF3D-1 airplane in the clean condition for erect and inverted spins would be satisfactory for all loadings specified by the contractor as possible on the airplane. However, if a spin is inadvertently entered while the landing flaps are down, recovery may be slow. The slow-down brakes and the landing flaps should be retracted immediately upon the inception of a spinning condition, after which recovery from the spin should be attempted. The pedal force necessary to reverse the rudder during a spin will be within the physical capabilities of the pilot. Opening a 10-foot diameter parachute attached to the tail (laid-out-flat diameter, drag coefficient 0.7) or a 4.5-foot diameter parachute attached to the outboard wing tip will insure satisfactory spin recovery from demonstration spins. If it becomes necessary for the crew to abandon the airplane during a spin, they should leave from the outboard side of the cockpit.

Scher, Stanley H.↗

Effect of moisture on the fatigue behavior of graphite/epoxy composite laminates

The form of the moisture distribution in the specimen (gradient and flat profile) was considered to establish the influence of accelerated moisture conditioning on fatigue behavior. For the gradient specimens having an average moisture content of 1.4 percent, fatigue life was reduced by a factor of 8 at all stress levels investigated. Corresponding reduction in fatigue life for the flat moisture profile specimens at the same average moisture content was comparatively smaller, being about a factor of 5 from the value in dry specimens. X-ray radiographic analysis of damage accumulation in compression-compression fatigue revealed interlaminar cracking to be the dominant mode of failure responsible for the observed enhanced cyclic degradation of moisture-conditioned specimens. This finding was corroborated by the observed systematic reduction in interlaminar shear strength as a function of moisture content, which, in turn, increased the propensity for delamination under cyclic compressive loads. Residual strength measurements on cycled specimens indicated significant strength reductions at long lives, particularly in moisture conditioned specimens.

Ramani, S. V.↗

An integral equation approach to the semi-infinite strip problem.

A semi-infinite strip held rigidly on its short end is considered. Loads in the strip at infinity (far away from the fixed end) are prescribed. The integral transform technique is used to provide an exact formulation of the problem in terms of a singular integral equation. The stress singularity at the strip corner is obtained from the singular integral equation, which is then solved numerically. Stresses along the rigid end are determined, and the effect of the material properties on the stress-intensity factor is presented. The method can also be applied to the problem of a laminate composite with a flat inclusion normal to the interfaces.

Gupta, G. D.↗

Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications: Speedy Nonlinear Analysis of Postbuckled Panels in Shear (SNAPPS)

A simple and rapid analysis method, consisting of a number of modular, 'strength-of-materials-type' models, is presented for predicting the nonlinear response and stiffener separation of postbuckled, flat, composite, shear panels. The analysis determines the maximum principal tensile stress in the skin surface layer under to toe. Failure is said to occur when this stress reaches the mean transverse tensile strength of the layer. The analysis methodology consists of a number of closed-form equations that can easily be used in a 'hand analysis. For expediency, they have been programmed into a preliminary design code called SNAPPS (Speedy Nonlinear Analysis of Postbuckled Panels in Shear), which rapidly predicts postbuckling response of the panel for each value of the applied shear load. SNAPPS response and failure predictions were found to agree well with test results for three panels with widely different geometries, laminates and stiffnesses. Design guidelines are given for increasing the load-carrying capacity of stiffened, composite shear panels.

Sharp, Dave↗

Hypersonic engine component experiments in high heat flux, supersonic flow environment

A major concern in advancing the state-of-the-art technologies for hypersonic vehicles is the development of an aeropropulsion system capable of withstanding the sustained high thermal loads expected during hypersonic flight. Even though progress has been made in the computational understanding of fluid dynamics and the physics/chemistry of high speed flight, there is also a need for experimental facilities capable of providing a high heat flux environment for testing component concepts and verifying/calibrating these analyses. A hydrogen/oxygen rocket engine heat source was developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center as one element in a series of facilities at national laboratories designed to fulfill this need. This 'Hot Gas Facility' is capable of providing heat fluxes up to 450 w/sq cm on flat surfaces and up to 5,000 w/sq cm at the leading edge stagnation point of a strut in a supersonic flow stream. Gas temperatures up to 3050 K can also be attained. Two recent experimental programs conducted in this facility are discussed. The objective of the first experiment is to evaluate the erosion and oxidation characteristics of a coating on a cowl leading edge (or strut leading edge) in a supersonic, high heat flux environment. Macrophotographic data from a coated leading edge model show progressive degradation over several thermal cycles at aerothermal conditions representative of high Mach number flight. The objective of the second experiment is to assess the capability of cooling a porous surface exposed to a high temperature, high velocity flow environment and to provide a heat transfer data base for a design procedure. Experimental results from transpiration cooled surfaces in a supersonic flow environment are presented.

Gladden, Herbert J.↗

A Comparison of Candidate Seal Designs for Future Docking Systems

NASA is developing a new docking system to support future space exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and other destinations. A key component of this system is the seal at the main docking interface which inhibits the loss of cabin air once docking is complete. Depending on the mission, the seal must be able to dock in either a seal-on-flange or seal-on-seal configuration. Seal-on-flange mating would occur when a docking system equipped with a seal docks to a system with a flat metal flange. This would occur when a vehicle docks to a node on the International Space Station. Seal-on-seal mating would occur when two docking systems equipped with seals dock to each other. Two types of seal designs were identified for this application: Gask-O-seals and multi-piece seals. Both types of seals had a pair of seal bulbs to satisfy the redundancy requirement. A series of performance assessments and comparisons were made between the candidate seal designs indicating that they meet the requirements for leak rate and compression and adhesion loads under a range of operating conditions. Other design factors such as part count, integration into the docking system tunnel, seal-on-seal mating, and cost were also considered leading to the selection of the multi-piece seal design for the new docking system. The results of this study can be used by designers of future docking systems and other habitable volumes to select the seal design best-suited for their particular application.

Dunlap, Patrick, H., Jr.↗

High-Strain-Rate Compression Testing of Ice

In the present study a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was employed to study the effect of strain rate on the dynamic material response of ice. Disk-shaped ice specimens with flat, parallel end faces were either provided by Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) or grown at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH). The SHPB was adapted to perform tests at high strain rates in the range 60 to 1400/s at test temperatures of -10 and -30 C. Experimental results showed that the strength of ice increases with increasing strain rates and this occurs over a change in strain rate of five orders of magnitude. Under these strain rate conditions the ice microstructure has a slight influence on the strength, but it is much less than the influence it has under quasi-static loading conditions. End constraint and frictional effects do not influence the compression tests like they do at slower strain rates, and therefore the diameter/thickness ratio of the samples is not as critical. The strength of ice at high strain rates was found to increase with decreasing test temperatures. Ice has been identified as a potential source of debris to impact the shuttle; data presented in this report can be used to validate and/or develop material models for ice impact analyses for shuttle Return to Flight efforts.

Shazly, Mostafa↗

Correlation between strength properties in standard test specimens and molded phenolic parts

This report describes an investigation of the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of 10 selected types of phenolic molding materials. The materials were studied to see in what ways and to what extent their properties satisfy some assumptions on which the theory of strength of materials is based: namely, (a) isotropy, (b) linear stress-strain relationship for small strains, and (c) homogeneity. The effect of changing the dimensions of tensile and flexural specimens and the span-depth ratio in flexural tests were studied. The strengths of molded boxes and flexural specimens cut from the boxes were compared with results of tests on standard test specimens molded from the respective materials. The nonuniformity of a material, which is indicated by the coefficient of variation, affects the results of tests made with specimens of different sizes and tests with different methods of loading. The strength values were found to depend on the relationship between size and shape of the molded specimen and size and shape of the fillers. The most significant variations observed within a diversified group of materials were found to depend on the orientation of fibrous fillers. Of secondary importance was the dependence of the variability of test results on the pieces of filler incorporated into the molding powder as well as on the size of the piece. Static breaking strength tests on boxes molded from six representative phenolic materials correlated well with falling-ball impact tests on specimens cut from molded flat sheets. Good correlation was obtained with Izod impact tests on standard test specimens prepared from the molding materials. The static breaking strengths of the boxes do not correlate with the results of tensile or flexural tests on standard specimens.

MATERIALS, MONSANTO RESINOX↗

Stability and Control Characteristics at Subsonic Speeds of a Flat-Top Arrowhead Wing-Body Combination

A wind-tunnel investigation was made to determine the longitudinal- and lateral-stability derivatives of a flat-top wing-body configuration at Mach numbers from 0.22 to 0.90 and Reynolds numbers of 3.5 and 17 million. The wing had a leading-edge sweepback of 78.9 deg and a cathedral of 45 deg on the outer panels. The tests included the determination of the effectiveness of elevon and rudder controls and also an investigation of ground effects. The model was tested at angles of attack up to 28 deg and angles of sideslip up to 18 deg. The dynamic response of this configuration has been determined from the wind-tunnel data for a simulated airplane having a wing loading of 17.7 pounds per square foot. The longitudinal data show a forward shift in aerodynamic center of 10 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord as the lift coefficient is increased above 0.1. Although flown in the lift range of decreasing stability, the simulated airplane did not encounter pitch-up in maneuvers initiated from steady level flight with zero static margin unless a load factor of 2.2 was exceeded. This maneuver margin was provided by a large value of pitching moment due to pitching velocity. The number of cycles to damp the Dutch roll mode to half amplitude, the time constants of the roll subsidence and spiral divergence modes, and control effectiveness in roll are computed. The lateral stability is shown to be positive but is marginal in meeting the military specifications for today's aircraft. An analog computer study has been made in five degrees of freedom (constant velocity) which illustrates that the handling characteristics are satisfactory. Several programed rolling maneuvers and coordinated turns also illustrate the handling qualities of the airplane.

Buell, Donald A.↗

Mars Orbiter Sample Return Power Design

The NASA/JPL 2003/2005 Mars Sample Return (MSR) Missions will each have a sample return canister that will be filled with samples cored from the surface of MARS. These spherical canisters will be 14.8 cm in diameter and must be powered only by solar cells on the surface and must communicate using RF transmission with the recovery vehicle that will be coming in 2006 or 2009 to retrieve the canister. This paper considers the aspect and conclusion that went into the design of the power system that achieves the maximum power with the minimum risk. The power output for the spherical orbiting canister was modeled and plotted in various views of the orbit by the SOAP program developed by JPL. The requirements and geometry for a solar array on a sphere are unique and place special constraints on the design. These requirements include 1) accommodating a lid for sample loading into the canister, surface area was restricted from use on the Northern pole of the spherical canister. 2) minimal cell surface coverage (maximum cell efficiency), less than 40%, for recovery vehicle to locate the canister by optical techniques. 3) a RF transmission during 50% of MARS orbit time on any spin axis, which requires optimum circuit placement of the solar cell onto the spherical canister. The best configuration would have been a 4.5 volt round cell, but in the real world we compromised with six triangular silicon cells connected in series to form a hexagon. These hexagon circuits would be mounted onto a flat facet cut into the spherical canister. The surface flats are required in order to maximize power, the surface of the cells connected in series must be at the same angle relative to the sun. The flat facets intersect each other to allow twelve circuits evenly spaced just North and twelve circuits South of the equator of the spherical canister. Connecting these circuits in parallel allows sufficient power to operate the transmitter at minimum solar exposure, Northern pole of the canister facing the sun. Additional power, as much as 20%, is also generated by the circuits facing MARS due to albedo of MARS.

Mardesich, N.↗

Fracture Analysis of the FAA/NASA Wide Stiffened Panels

This paper presents the fracture analyses conducted on the FAA/NASA stiffened and unstiffened panels using the STAGS (STructural Analysis of General Shells) code with the critical crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The STAGS code with the "plane-strain" core option was used in all analyses. Previous analyses of wide, flat panels have shown that the high-constraint conditions around a crack front, like plane strain, has to be modeled in order for the critical CTOA fracture criterion to predict wide panel failures from small laboratory tests. In the present study, the critical CTOA value was determined from a wide (unstiffened) panel with anti-buckling guides. The plane-strain core size was estimated from previous fracture analyses and was equal to about the sheet thickness. Rivet flexibility and stiffener failure was based on methods and criteria, like that currently used in industry. STAGS and the CTOA criterion were used to predict load-against-crack extension for the wide panels with a single crack and multiple-site damage cracking at many adjacent rivet holes. Analyses were able to predict stable crack growth and residual strength with a few percent (5%) of stiffened panel tests results but over predicted the buckling failure load on a unstiffened panel with a single crack by 10%.

Seshadri, B. R.↗

Fracture Analysis of the FAA/NASA Wide Stiffened Panels

This paper presents the fracture analyses conducted on the FAA/NASA stiffened and unstiffened panels using the STAGS (STructural Analysis of General Shells) code with the critical crack-tip-opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion. The STAGS code with the "plane-strain" core option was used in all analyses. Previous analyses of wide, flat panels have shown that the high-constraint conditions around a crack front, like plane strain, has to be modeled in order for the critical CTOA fracture criterion to predict wide panel failures from small laboratory tests. In the present study, the critical CTOA value was determined from a wide (unstiffened) panel with anti-buckling guides. The plane-strain core size was estimated from previous fracture analyses and was equal to about the sheet thickness. Rivet flexibility and stiffener failure was based on methods and criteria, like that currently used in industry. STAGS and the CTOA criterion were used to predict load-against-crack extension for the wide panels with a single crack and multiple-site damage cracking at many adjacent rivet holes. Analyses were able to predict stable crack growth and residual strength within a few percent (5%) of stiffened panel tests results but over predicted the buckling failure load on an unstiffened panel with a single crack by 10%.

Seshadri, B. R.↗