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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1998

Flight Stability and Control and Performance Results from the Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE)

The Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) is presently being conducted to test a 20-percent-scale version of the Linear Aerospike rocket engine. This rocket engine has been chosen to power the X-33 Single Stage to Orbit Technology Demonstrator Vehicle. The rocket engine was integrated into a lifting body configuration and mounted to the upper surface of an SR-71 aircraft. This paper presents stability and control results and performance results from the envelope expansion flight tests of the LASRE configuration up to Mach 1.8 and compares the results with wind tunnel predictions. Longitudinal stability and elevator control effectiveness were well-predicted from wind tunnel tests. Zero-lift pitching moment was mispredicted transonically. Directional stability, dihedral stability, and rudder effectiveness were overpredicted. The SR-71 handling qualities were never significantly impacted as a result of the missed predictions. Performance results confirmed the large amount of wind-tunnel-predicted transonic drag for the LASRE configuration. This drag increase made the performance of the vehicle so poor that acceleration through transonic Mach numbers could not be achieved on a hot day without depleting the available fuel.

Moes, Timothy R.↗
NASA NTRS1946

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.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of optimal input synthesis to aircraft parameter identification

The Frequency Domain Input Synthesis procedure is used in identifying the stability and control derivatives of an aircraft. By using a frequency-domain approach, one can handle criteria that are not easily handled by the time-domain approaches. Numerical results are presented for optimal elevator deflections to estimate the longitudinal stability and control derivatives subject to root-mean square constraints on the input. The applicability of the steady state optimal inputs to finite duration flight testing is investigated. The steady state approximation of frequency-domain synthesis is good for data lengths greater than two time cycles for the short period mode of the aircraft longitudinal motions. Phase relationships between different frequency components become important for shorter data lengths. The frequency domain inputs are shown to be much better than the conventional doublet inputs.

Gupta, N. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Effect of nose bluntness and afterbody shape on aerodynamic characteristics of a monoplanar missile concept with bodies of circular and elliptical cross sections at a Mach number of 2.50

The tests were performed at a Mach number of 2.50 and at angles of attack from about -4 deg to 32 deg. The results indicate that increasing nose bluntness increases zero lift drag and decreases both the maximum lift-drag ratio and the level of directional stability. The center of pressure generally moves forward with increasing nose size; however, small nose radii on the modified elliptical configurations move the center of pressure rearward. The circular bodied configurations exhibit the greatest longitudinal stability and the least directional stability. Concepts with the variable geometry afterbody contour display the most directional stability and the greatest zero lift drag.

Graves, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1953

Drag and Longitudinal Trim at Low Lift of the North American YF-100A Airplane at Mach Numbers from 0.76 to 1.77 as Determined from the Flight Test of a 0.11-Scale Rocket Model

Drag and longitudinal trim at low lift of the North American YF-100A airplane at Mach numbers from 0.76 to 1.77 as determined from the flight test of a 0.11-scale rocket model are presented herein. Also included are some longitudinal stability and some qualitative pitch-damping data. The subsonic external-drag-coefficient level was about 0.012, and the supersonic level was about 0.043. The drag rise occurred at a Mach number of 0.95. The longitudinal trim change at low lift consisted basically of a mild nose-up tendency at a Mach number of 0.90. An indication of wing flutter was present at Mach numbers from 0.95 to 1.11. However, the full-scale airplane wing has approximately twice the scaled first-bending frequency as the model tested and, hence, will probably be free of this type of flutter. The aerodynamic-center location was 71 percent behind the leading edge of the mean aerodynamic chord at a Mach number of 1.03 and 62 percent at a Mach number of 1.74. Qualitative measurement of damping in pitch indicates that at low lift coefficients damping will be low at a Mach number of 1.03.

Blanchard, Willard S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Transonic wind-tunnel tests of an F-8 airplane model equipped with 12 and 14-percent thick oblique wings

An experimental investigation was conducted in the Ames 14-foot transonic wind tunnel to study the aerodynamic performance and stability characteristics of a 0.087-scale model of an F-8 airplane fitted with an oblique wing. Two elliptical planform (axis ratio = 8:1) wings, each having a maximum thickness of 12 and 14 percent, were tested. Longitudinal stability data were obtained with no wing and with each of the two wings set at sweep angles of 0, 45, and 60 deg. Lateral directional stability data were obtained for the 12 percent wing only. Test Mach numbers ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 in the unit Reynolds number range from 11.2 to 13.1 million per meter. Angles of attack were between -6 and 22 deg at zero sideslip. Angles of sideslip were between -6 and +6 deg for two angles of attack, depending upon the wing configuration.

Smith, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Effect of the six engine air breathing propulsion system on space shuttle orbiter subsonic and transonic stability and control characteristics (OA91)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a 0.015 scale representation (Model 42-0) of the VL70-000139B space shuttle orbiter configuration. The test objective was to determine the effect of three air breathing propulsion system ferry/flight test configurations on the transonic drag rise, the elevon effectiveness, the longitudinal stability, and the lateral-directional stability of the -139B shuttle orbiter. The model was sting mounted on a Task 1.5 inch internal strain gage balance, and six-component aerodynamic force and moment data were recorded over an angle of attack range of minus 3 deg to 14 deg at Mach numbers of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 with a Reynolds number of 6.4 million/ft. Data were also recorded at a sides lip angle of five degrees.

Smith, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1961

Rapid-Transition Tests of a 1/4-Scale Model of the VZ-2 Tilt-Wing Aircraft

An investigation of the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a 1/4-scale model of the VZ-2 tilt-wing vertical-take-off- and-landing aircraft during rapid transitions has been made on the Langley control-line facility. Only the longitudinal characteristics were studied because with the control-line technique the other phases of the model motion are partially restrained. The rapid transitions from hovering to forward flight could be performed easily at any of the accelerations attempted; whereas, the transitions from forward flight to hovering were generally accompanied by a strong nose up pitching moment which at times was uncontrollable because of an inadequate amount of available pitch control. The model was more difficult to control during rapid decelerations than during slow decelerations and was also more difficult to control for rearward center-of-gravity conditions than for forward ones.

Tosti, Louis P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics in the NAAL low speed wind tunnel (0A62b), volume 1

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting-mounted 0.0405 scale representation of the 140A/B space shuttle orbiter in a 7.75 ft by 11 ft low speed wind tunnel during the time period from November 14, 1973, to December 6, 1973, with the primary test objectives being to establish basic longitudinal stability characteristics in and out of ground effect, as well as lateral-directional stability characteristics in free air. Two dual podded nacelle configurations were also tested, one with three dual podded nacelles on the lower wing surface, and the other with a single dual nacelle on the lower centerline with dual nacelle pylons mounted above each wing. Stability and control characteristics were investigated at nominal elevon, rudder, aileron, and body flap deflections. Pressure bugs were used to determine pressures on the vertical tail at spanwise stations, and aerodynamic force and moment data were measured in the stability axis system by an internally mounted, six component strain gage balance.

Mennell, R.↗
NASA NTRS2018

A Learn-To-Fly Approach for Adaptively Tuning Flight Control Systems

A method is presented for adaptively tuning feedback control gains in a ight control sys- tem to achieve desired closed-loop performance. The method combines efficient parameter estimation for identifying closed-loop dynamics models, with online nonlinear optimization for sequentially perturbing and updating control gains to improve performance. Prior in- formation on stability and control derivatives is not needed, nor is any knowledge about the control system architecture. Following convergence, the optimized control gains (with uncertainties), the open-loop dynamics model, and the closed-loop dynamics model are available. The method is demonstrated for tuning a longitudinal stability augmentation system using a realistic nonlinear ight dynamics simulation of the NASA FASER airplane. Convergence was attained using five piloted maneuvers that spanned approximately one minute of ight test time. Although demonstrated for a relatively simple case, the method is general and can be applied to other aircraft, axes, performance metrics, and control systems.

Grauer, Jared A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The results of a high-speed wind tunnel test to investigate the effects of the NASA refan JT8D engine nacelles on the stability and control characteristics of the Boeing 727 airplane

A high speed wind tunnel test was conducted to investigate the effects of the NASA Refan JT8D engine nacelles on the stability and control characteristics of the Boeing 727 airplane. The test was performed at the Calspan Corporation 8x8 ft. (2.44x2.44 m.) transonic wind tunnel. Both the 727-200 and -100 models were tested. A small nose-down pitching moment increment and a slight increase in longitudinal stability were noted due to the Refan nacelles. The directional stability of the 727-200 airplane increased up to 10 percent. A smaller improvement was observed on the 727-100 model. In general, the high speed stability and control characteristics of the basic airplane are not significantly altered by the Refan nacelle installation.

Kupcis, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1945

Determination of the Stability and Control Characteristics of a Tailless All-Wing Airplane Model with Sweepback in the Langley Free-Flight Tunnel

Force and flight tests were performance on an all-wing model with windmilling propellers. Tests were conducted with deflected and retracted flaps, with and without auxiliary vertical tail surfaces, and with different centers of gravity and trim coefficients. Results indicate serious reduction of stick-fixed longitudinal stability because of wing-tip stalling at high lift coefficient. Directional stability without vertical tail is undesirably low. Low effective dihedral should be maintained. Elevator and rudder control system is satisfactory.

WING FLAPS - DEFLECTION↗
NASA NTRS1958

Aerodynamic Characteristics in Sideslip of a Large-Scale 49 deg Sweptback Wing-Body-Tail Configuration with Blowing Applied Over the Flaps and Wing Leading Edge

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley full-scale tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics in sideslip of a large-scale 490 sweptback wing-body-tail configuration having wing leading- edge and flap-blowing boundary-layer control. The wing and tails had an aspect ratio of 3.5, a taper ratio of 0.3, and NACA 65AO06 airfoil sections parallel to the plane of symmetry. The tests were conducted over a range of angles of attack of about -5 deg to 28 deg for sideslip angles of 0 deg, -5.06 deg, -10.15 deg, and -15.18 deg. Lateral and longitudinal stability and control characteristics were obtained for6a minimized blowing rate. The Reynolds number of the tests was 5.2 x 10(exp 6), corresponding to a Mach number of 0.08. The results of the investigation showed that sideslip to angles of about -15 deg did not require, from a consideration of the longitudinal characteristics, blowing rates over the wing leading edge or flap greater than that established as minimum at zero sideslip. The optimum configuration was laterally and directionally stable through the complete lift-coefficient range including the stall; however, maximum lift for sideslip angles greater than about 50 was seriously limited by a deficiency of lateral control. Blowing over the leading edge of the retreating wing in sideslip at a rate greater than that established as minimum at zero sideslip was ineffective in improving the lateral control characteristics. The optimum configuration at zero sideslip had no hysteresis of the aerodynamic parameters upon recovery from stall.

McLemore, H. Clyde↗
NASA NTRS1996

Development of Three-Dimensional Flow Code Package to Predict Performance and Stability of Aircraft with Leading Edge Ice Contamination

In the work reported herein, a simplified, uncoupled, zonal procedure is utilized to assess the capability of numerically simulating icing effects on a Boeing 727-200 aircraft. The computational approach combines potential flow plus boundary layer simulations by VSAERO for the un-iced aircraft forces and moments with Navier-Stokes simulations by NPARC for the incremental forces and moments due to iced components. These are compared with wind tunnel force and moment data, supplied by the Boeing Company, examining longitudinal flight characteristics. Grid refinement improved the local flow features over previously reported work with no appreciable difference in the incremental ice effect. The computed lift curve slope with and without empennage ice matches the experimental value to within 1%, and the zero lift angle agrees to within 0.2 of a degree. The computed slope of the un-iced and iced aircraft longitudinal stability curve is within about 2% of the test data. This work demonstrates the feasibility of a zonal method for the icing analysis of complete aircraft or isolated components within the linear angle of attack range. In fact, this zonal technique has allowed for the viscous analysis of a complete aircraft with ice which is currently not otherwise considered tractable.

Aircraft icing↗
NASA NTRS1961

STOL Characteristics of a Propeller-Driven, Aspect-Ratio-10, Straight-Wing Airplane with Boundary-Layer Control Flaps, as Estimated from Large-Scale Wind-Tunnel Tests

A study is presented of the improvements in take-off and landing distances possible with a conventional propeller-driven transport-type airplane when the available lift is increased by propeller slipstream effects and by very effective trailing-edge flaps and ailerons. This study is based on wind-tunnel tests of a 45-foot span, powered model, with BLC on the trailing-edge flaps and controls. The data were applied to an assumed airplane with four propellers and a wing loading of 50 pounds per square foot. Also included is an examination of the stability and control problems that may result in the landing and take-off speed range of such a vehicle. The results indicated that the landing and take-off distances could be more than halved by the use of highly effective flaps in combination with large amounts of engine power to augment lift (STOL). At the lowest speeds considered (about 50 knots), adequate longitudinal stability was obtained but the lateral and directional stability were unsatisfactory. At these low speeds, the conventional aerodynamic control surfaces may not be able to cope with the forces and moments produced by symmetric, as well as asymmetric, engine operation. This problem was alleviated by BLC applied to the control surfaces.

Weiberg, James A↗
NASA NTRS1986

Flight test report of the NASA icing research airplane: Performance, stability, and control after flight through natural icing conditions

Flight test results are presented documenting the effect of airframe icing on performance and stability and control of a NASA DHC-6 icing research aircraft. Kohlman System Research, Inc., provided the data acquisition system and data analysis under contract to NASA. Performance modeling methods and MMLE techniques were used to determine the effects of natural ice on the aircraft. Results showed that ice had a significant effect on the drag coefficient of the aircraft and a modest effect on the MMLE derived longitudinal stability coefficients (code version MMLE). Data is also presented on asymmetric power sign slip maneuvers showing rudder floating characteristics with and without ice on the vertical stabilizer.

Jordan, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Investigation of the Stability and Control Characteristics of a 1/20-Scale Model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 Airplane in the Langley Free-Flight Tunnel

An investigation of the low-speed, power-off stability and control characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 airplane has been conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. In the investigation it was found that with flaps neutral satisfactory flight behavior at low speeds was obtainable with an increase in height of the vertical tail and with the inboard slats opened. In the flap-down slat-open condition the longitudinal stability was satisfactory, but it was impossible to obtain satisfactory lateral-flight characteristics even with the increase in height of the vertical tail because of the negative effective dihedral, low directional stability, and large-adverse yawing moments of the ailerons.

Bennett, Charles V.↗