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At least 325 records · Page 18

Wind tunnel investigation of nacelle-airframe interference at Mach numbers of 0.9 to 1.4 - pressure data, volume 1

Detailed interference force and pressure data were obtained on a representative wing-body nacelle combination at Mach numbers of 0.9 to 1.4. The model consisted of a delta wing-body aerodynamic force model with four independently supported nacelles located beneath the wing-body combination. The model was mounted on a six component force balance, and the left hand wing was pressure instrumented. Each of the two right hand nacelles was mounted on a six component force balance housed in the thickness of the nacelle, while each of the left hand nacelles was pressure instrumented. The primary variables examined included Mach number, angle of attack, nacelle position, and nacelle mass flow ratio. Nacelle axial location, relative to both the wing-body combination and to each other, was the most important variable in determining the net interference among the components.

Bencze, D. P.↗

Extraction and Separation Modeling of Orion Test Vehicles with ADAMS Simulation

The Capsule Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) project has increased efforts to demonstrate the performance of fully integrated parachute systems at both higher dynamic pressures and in the presence of wake fields using a Parachute Compartment Drop Test Vehicle (PCDTV) and a Parachute Test Vehicle (PTV), respectively. Modeling the extraction and separation events has proven challenging and an understanding of the physics is required to reduce the risk of separation malfunctions. The need for extraction and separation modeling is critical to a successful CPAS test campaign. Current PTV-alone simulations, such as Decelerator System Simulation (DSS), require accurate initial conditions (ICs) drawn from a separation model. Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems (ADAMS), a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) tool, was employed to provide insight into the multi-body six degree of freedom (DOF) interaction between parachute test hardware and external and internal forces. Components of the model include a composite extraction parachute, primary vehicle (PTV or PCDTV), platform cradle, a release mechanism, aircraft ramp, and a programmer parachute with attach points. Independent aerodynamic forces were applied to the mated test vehicle/platform cradle and the separated test vehicle and platform cradle. The aero coefficients were determined from real time lookup tables which were functions of both angle of attack ( ) and sideslip ( ). The atmospheric properties were also determined from a real time lookup table characteristic of the Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) atmosphere relative to the planned test month. Representative geometries were constructed in ADAMS with measured mass properties generated for each independent vehicle. Derived smart separation parameters were included in ADAMS as sensors with defined pitch and pitch rate criteria used to refine inputs to analogous avionics systems for optimal separation conditions. Key design variables were dispersed in a Monte Carlo analysis to provide the maximum expected range of the state variables at programmer deployment to be used as ICs in DSS. Extensive comparisons were made with Decelerator System Simulation Application (DSSA) to validate the mated portion of the ADAMS extraction trajectory. Results of the comparisons improved the fidelity of ADAMS with a ramp pitch profile update from DSSA. Post-test reconstructions resulted in improvements to extraction parachute drag area knock-down factors, extraction line modeling, and the inclusion of ball-to-socket attachments used as a release mechanism on the PTV. Modeling of two Extraction parachutes was based on United States Air Force (USAF) tow test data and integrated into ADAMS for nominal and Monte Carlo trajectory assessments. Video overlay of ADAMS animations and actual C-12 chase plane test videos supported analysis and observation efforts of extraction and separation events. The COTS ADAMS simulation has been integrated with NASA based simulations to provide complete end to end trajectories with a focus on the extraction, separation, and programmer deployment sequence. The flexibility of modifying ADAMS inputs has proven useful for sensitivity studies and extraction/separation modeling efforts. 1

Fraire, Usbaldo, Jr.↗

Flutter and oscillating air-force calculations for an airfoil in two-dimensional supersonic flow

A connected account is given of the Possio theory of non-stationary flow for small disturbances in a two-dimensional supersonic flow and of its application to the determination of the aerodynamic forces on an oscillating airfoil. Further application is made to the problem of wing flutter in the degrees of freedom - torsion, bending, and aileron rotations. Numerical tables for flutter calculations are provided for various values of the Mach number greater than unity. Results for bending-torsion wing flutter are shown in figures and are discussed. The static instabilities of divergence and aileron reversal are examined as is a one-degree-of-freedom case of torsional oscillatory instability.

Garrick, I E↗

Vector thrust induced lift effects for several ejector exhaust locations on a V/STOL wind tunnel model at forward speed

The results and analysis of aerodynamic force data obtained from a small scale model of a V/STOL research vehicle in a low speed wind tunnel are presented. The analysis of the data includes the evaluation of aerodynamic-propulsive lift performance when operating twin ejector nozzles with thrust deflected. Three different types of thrust deflector systems were examined: 90 deg downward deflected nozzle, 90 deg slotted nozzle with boundary layer control, and an externally blown flap configuration. Several nozzle locations were tested, including over and underwing positions. The interference lift of the nacelle and model due to jet exhaust thrust is compared and results show that 90 deg turned nozzles located over the wing (near the trailing edge) produce the largest interference lift increment for an untrimmed aircraft, and that the slotted nozzle located under the wing near the trailing edge (in conjunction with a BLC flap) gives a comparable interference lift in the trimmed condition. The externally blown flap nozzle produced the least interference lift and significantly less total lift due to jet thrust effects.

Sharon, A. D.↗

Reynolds number effects on the transonic aerodynamics of a slender wing-body configuration

Aerodynamic forces and moments for a slender wing-body configuration are summarized from an investigation in the Langley National Transonic Facility (NTF). The results include both longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic properties as well as slideslip derivatives. Results were selected to emphasize Reynolds number effects at a transonic speed although some lower speed results are also presented for context. The data indicate nominal Reynolds number effects on the longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients and more pronounced effects for the lateral-directional aerodynamic coefficients. The Reynolds number sensitivities for the lateral-directional coefficients were limited to high angles of attack.

Luckring, James M.↗

Analytic theory of orbit contraction and ballistic entry into planetary atmospheres

A space object traveling through an atmosphere is governed by two forces: aerodynamic and gravitational. On this premise, equations of motion are derived to provide a set of universal entry equations applicable to all regimes of atmospheric flight from orbital motion under the dissipate force of drag through the dynamic phase of reentry, and finally to the point of contact with the planetary surface. Rigorous mathematical techniques such as averaging, Poincare's method of small parameters, and Lagrange's expansion, applied to obtain a highly accurate, purely analytic theory for orbit contraction and ballistic entry into planetary atmospheres. The theory has a wide range of applications to modern problems including orbit decay of artificial satellites, atmospheric capture of planetary probes, atmospheric grazing, and ballistic reentry of manned and unmanned space vehicles.

Longuski, J. M.↗

Determination of airplane model structure from flight data using splines and stepwise regression

A procedure for the determination of airplane model structure from flight data is presented. The model is based on a polynomial spline representation of the aerodynamic coefficients, and the procedure is implemented by use of a stepwise regression. First, a form of the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients amenable to the utilization of splines is developed. Next, expressions for the splines in one and two variables are introduced. Then the steps in the determination of an aerodynamic model structure and the estimation of parameters are discussed briefly. The focus is on the application to flight data of the techniques developed.

Klein, V.↗

Aeroelastic stability analysis of a high-energy turbine blade

The dynamic analysis for the SSME HPOTP first stage turbine blade is presented wherein the rotor aeroelastic stability is assessed. The method employs normal modes analysis to simulate the coupled blade/fluid system. A three-dimensional finite element model of the blade is used in conjunction with a two-dimensional linearized unsteady aerodynamic theory which accounts for steady aerodynamic loading effects. This unsteady aerodynamic model is applied in stacked axisymmetric strips along the airfoil span. The blade dynamic and aerodynamic behaviors are coupled within modal space by expressing the unsteady aerodynamic forces in the frequency domain. A complex eigenvalue problem is solved to determine the stability of the rotor assuming tuned blades. The present analysis indicates that the HPOTP rotor experiences very low aerodynamic damping in the first four vibrational modes. The edgewise mode was found to be dynamically unstable. This mode of the blade became stable when the effect of mechanical damping was considered.

Smith, Todd E.↗

Navier-Stokes calculation of transonic flow past the NTF 65 deg delta wing

Models of four delta wings were built and tested in the 8 x 8 ft Transonic Wind Tunnel at LaRC. The wings are identical in planform shape with a swept-back angle of 65 degrees, but bear different leading edge profiles. The models were tested under pressurized and cryogenic conditions to simulate true flight Reynolds numbers. Data on the aerodynamic forces and pressure distributions at various locations on the wings were taken at various flight Mach numbers and angles of attack. Effects of high Reynolds number and leading edge radius on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wings are being accessed. To thoroughly understand the turbulent, vortical flow around the wings, an effort to perform computational aerodynamic analysis is being made. The objective of the analysis is to supplement and validate the experimental data and explain the high Reynolds number and leading edge effects. GRIDGEN, a software developed by General Dynamics, is being used to generate the grid topology for the flow field around the wings. The flow solver to be used is CFL3D, a computation fluid dynamics code developed at LaRC. Based on the geometric description of the wings, a FORTRAN program called WINGSURF was written to generate the databases defining the surface geometry of the wings. To match the true geometry of the models in the wind tunnel for realistic comparison with experimental results, databases defining the sting support for the wing models were also created by two other FORTRAN programs, STINJOIN and STINREAR. Listing of the programs are attached and the geometry of a typical wing model with the sting support is shown. Other aspects of the investigation are discussed.

Wu, Chivey C.↗

Boundary layer stability on a yawed spinning body of revolution and its effect on the magnus force and moment

The parameters are established which are important to the stability of a boundary layer flow over a yawed spinning cylinder in a uniform stream. It is shown that transition occurs asymmetrically in general and this asymmetry can be important for the prediction of aerodynamic forces and moments (e.g., the Magnus effect). Instability of the steady-state boundary layer flow is determined using small disturbance theory. Although the approach is strictly valid only for the calculation of the conditions for stability in the small, experimental data indicate that in many problems, it provides a good estimate for the transition to turbulence.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

Landing pressure loads of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter (model 43-0) determined in the Rockwell International low speed wind tunnel (OA69), volume 1

Wind tunnel tests of a 0.0405 scale model of the -1404A/B configuration of the Space Shuttle Vehicle Orbiter are presented. Pressure loads data were obtained from the orbiter in the landing configuration in the presence of the ground for structural strength analysis. This was accomplished by locating as many as 30 static pressure bugs at various locations on external model surfaces as each configuration was tested. A complete pressure loads survey was generated for each configuration by combining data from all bug locations, and these loads are described for the fuselage, wing, vertical tail, and landing gear doors. Aerodynamic force data was measured by a six component internal strain gage balance. This data was recorded to correct model angles of attack and sideslip for sting and balance deflections and to determine the aerodynamic effects of landing gear extension. All testing was conducted at a Mach number of 0.165 and a Reynolds number of 1.2 million per foot. Photographs of test configurations are shown.

Soard, T. L.↗

Aeroelastic Analysis for Rotorcraft in Flight or in a Wind Tunnel

An analytical model is developed for the aeroelastic behavior of a rotorcraft in flight or in a wind tunnel. A unified development is presented for a wide class of rotors, helicopters, and operating conditions. The equations of motion for the rotor are derived using an integral Newtonian method, which gives considerable physical insight into the blade inertial and aerodynamic forces. The rotor model includes coupled flap-lag bending and blade torsion degrees of freedom, and is applicable to articulated, hingeless, gimballed, and teetering rotors with an arbitrary number of blades. The aerodynamic model is valid for both high and low inflow, and for axial and nonaxial flight. The rotor rotational speed dynamics, including engine inertia and damping, and the perturbation inflow dynamics are included. For a rotor on a wind-tunnel support, a normal mode representation of the test module, strut, and balance system is used. The aeroelastic analysis for the rotorcraft in flight is applicable to a general two-rotor aircraft, including single main-rotor and tandem helicopter configurations, and side-by-side or tilting proprotor aircraft configurations.

Johnson, W.↗

Application of a full potential method for analysis of complex aircraft geometries

A supersonic potential flow solver was developed to analyze the flow over complex realistic aircraft geometries. Enhancements to the method were made to accommodate regions of subsonic flow, the effect of trailing wakes on other aircraft components, and the modeling/gridding of complete configurations. Validation of the method was demonstrated by comparisons with experimental aerodynamic force and surface pressure measurements. The predicted results are in very good agreement with the experimental data. The bibliography contains additional information on the use of the potential flow code to predict the aerodynamics of high-speed wing/body configurations, waverider concepts, TAV, and the Space Shuttle orbiter package.

Jones, Kenneth M.↗

Vortical flow computations on a flexible blended wing-body configuration

Flows over blended wing-body configurations are often dominated by vortices. The unsteady aerodynamic forces due to such flows can couple with the elastic forces of the wing and lead to aeroelastic oscillations. Such aeroelastic oscillations can impair the performance of an aircraft; it is necessary to account for structural properties of the configuration and solve the aerodynamic and aeroelastic equations of motion simultaneously. The flow is modeled using the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the aeroelastic equations of motion. Computations are made for a blended wing-body configuration at flow conditions dominated by vortices and separation. The computed results are validated with the available experimental data. Sustained aeroelastic oscillations observed in the wind tunnel are successfully simulated for freestream Mach = 0.975, alpha of 8.0 deg, and a frequency of about 2 Hz.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗

Ratier Metal Propeller with Pitch Variable in Flight

One of the serious sources of difficulties in variable pitch propellers is the turning moment or torque due to the centrifugal force which tends to bring the mean plane of the blades into the plane of rotation. This moment, which is found elsewhere only in propellers with removable blades, is so great that the aerodynamic forces, as regards their effect on the torsion, become entirely negligible in comparison with it. This report presents the Ratier Company's solution to changing the pitch of airplane propellers.

Leglise, Pierre↗

Force test of a 0.88 percent scale 142-inch diameter solid rocket booster (MSFC model number 461) in the NASA/MSFC high Reynolds number wind tunnel (SA13F)

The results are presented of a force test of a .88 percent scale model of the 142 inch solid rocket booster without protuberances, conducted in the MSFC high Reynolds number wind tunnel. The objective of this test was to obtain aerodynamic force data over a large range of Reynolds numbers. The test was conducted over a Mach number range from 0.4 to 3.5. Reynolds numbers based on model diameter (1.25 inches) ranged from .75 million to 13.5 million. The angle of attack range was from 35 to 145 degrees.

Johnson, J. D.↗

Kinematics and aerodynamics of the velocity vector roll

The velocity vector roll is an angular rotation of an aircraft about its instantaneous velocity vector, constrained to be performed at constant angle-of-attack (AOA), no sideslip, and constant velocity. Consideration of the aerodynamic force equations leads to requirements for body-axis yawing and pitching rotations that satisfy these constraints. Here, the body axis rotations, and the constraints, are used in the moment equations to determine the aerodynamic moments required to perform the velocity vector roll. For representative tactical aircraft, the conditions for maximum pitching moment are a function of orientation, occurring at about 90 deg of bank in a level trajectory. Maximum required pitching moment occurs at peak roll rate, and is achieved at AOA above 45 deg. The conditions for maximum rolling moment depend on the value of the roll mode time constant. For a small time constant (fast response) the maximum rolling moment occurs at maximum roll acceleration and zero AOA, largely independent of aircraft orientation; for a large time constant, maximum required rolling moment occurs at maximum roll rate, at maximum AOA, and at 180 deg of bank in level flight. Maximum yawing moment occurs at maximum roll acceleration, maximum AOA, and is largely independent of airplane orientation.

Durham, Wayne C.↗

Nonlinear aerodynamic modeling of flap oscillations in transonic flow - A numerical validation

The regime of validity of a nonlinear aerodynamic force and moment formulation, based on concepts from nonlinear functional analysis and applicable to a transonic airfoil with a deflecting flap, is investigated. A time-dependent finite difference technique is used to evaluate the aerodynamic data of the formulation in terms of specified, characteristic motions. Flap-motion histories are generated from the flap inertial equations of motion, with aerodynamic reactions specified by the moment formulation. The motion histories depicting the cases of decaying and growing flap oscillations are compared with histories generated through simultaneous, coupled solution of the fluid-dynamic equations and flap inertial equations of motion. The range of applicability of the formulation is discussed.

Chyu, W. J.↗