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At least 325 records · Page 18

The common case study: Lockheed design of a supersonic cruise vehicle

The objective was to compare the characteristics of SSTs designed for the same mission by Lockheed, McDonnell Douglas, British Aerospace (U.K.), Aerospatiale (France), and the USSR. This comparison was to be used to calibrate parametric design studies of the tradeoff between SST direct operating cost (DOC) and noise levels at the FAR 36 certification points. The guidelines for this common case study were to design an aircraft with the following mission: payload 23 247 kg (51 250 lbm), range - 7000 km (3780 n. mi.), and cruise Mach number - 2.2. Field length was constrained to 3505 m (11 500 ft). Other airfield constraints and fuel reserves were also specified, but no noise constraints were applied.

Clauss, J. S., Jr.↗

The application of dual fuel /JP-LH2/ for hypersonic cruise vehicles

The possibility of utilizing jet fuel (JP) stored primarily in the wings of hydrogen-fueled hypersonic cruise vehicles has been evaluated and compared to the performance of all hydrogen-fueled aircraft. Parametric investigations of wing loading, thrust-to-weight ratio, payload size and vehicle size are presented. Results indicate improvements in performance for a wide range of potential payload sizes, particularly when in-flight refueling of the JP fuel is considered as a means of increasing range and mission flexibility.

Weidner, J. P.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise airplane configuration at Mach numbers of 2.30, 2.96, and 3.30

An investigation was made in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel at Mach numbers of 2.30, 2.96, and 3.30 to determine the static longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics of a model of a supersonic cruise airplane. The configuration, with a design Mach number of 3.0, has a highly swept arrow wing with tip panels of lesser sweep, a fuselage chine, outboard vertical tails, and outboard engines mounted in nacelles beneath the wings. For wind tunnel test conditions, a trimmed value above 6.0 of the maximum lift-drag ratio was obtained at the design Mach number. The configuration was statically stable, both longitudinally and laterally. Data are presented for variations of vertical-tail roll-out and toe-in and for various combinations of components. Some roll control data are shown as are data for the various sand grit sizes used in fixing the boundary layer transition location.

Shrout, B. L.↗

Fabrication and evaluation of advanced titanium structural panels for supersonic cruise aircraft

Flightworthy primary structural panels were designed, fabricated, and tested to investigate two advanced fabrication methods for titanium alloys. Skin-stringer panels fabricated using the weldbraze process, and honeycomb-core sandwich panels fabricated using a diffusion bonding process, were designed to replace an existing integrally stiffened shear panel on the upper wing surface of the NASA YF-12 research aircraft. The investigation included ground testing and Mach 3 flight testing of full-scale panels, and laboratory testing of representative structural element specimens. Test results obtained on full-scale panels and structural element specimens indicate that both of the fabrication methods investigated are suitable for primary structural applications on future civil and military supersonic cruise aircraft.

Payne, L.↗

Airframe-integrated propulsion system for hypersonic cruise vehicles

Research on a new, hydrogen burning, airbreathing engine concept which offers good potential for efficient hypersonic cruise vehicles is considered. Features of the engine which lead to good performance include; extensive engine-airframe integration, fixed geometry, low cooling, and the control of heat release in the supersonic combustor by mixed-modes of fuel injection from the combustor entrance. The engine concept is described along with results from inlet tests, direct-connect combustor tests, and tests of two subscale boiler-plate research engines presently underway at conditions which simulate flight at Mach 4 and 7.

Jones, R. A.↗

Preliminary noise tradeoff study of a Mach 2.7 cruise aircraft

NASA computer codes in the areas of preliminary sizing and enroute performance, takeoff and landing performance, aircraft noise prediction, and economics were used in a preliminary noise tradeoff study for a Mach 2.7 design supersonic cruise concept. Aerodynamic configuration data were based on wind-tunnel model tests and related analyses. Aircraft structural characteristics and weight were based on advanced structural design methodologies, assuming conventional titanium technology. The most advanced noise prediction techniques available were used, and aircraft operating costs were estimated using accepted industry methods. The 4-engines cycles included in the study were based on assumed 1985 technology levels. Propulsion data was provided by aircraft manufacturers. Additional empirical data is needed to define both noise reduction features and other operating characteristics of all engine cycles under study. Data on VCE design parameters, coannular nozzle inverted flow noise reduction and advanced mechanical suppressors are urgently needed to reduce the present uncertainties in studies of this type.

Mascitti, V. R.↗

Noise and performance calibration study of a Mach 2.2 supersonic cruise aircraft

The baseline configuration of a Mach 2.2 supersonic cruise concept employing a 1980 - 1985 technology level, dry turbojet, mechanically suppressed engine, was calibrated to identify differences in noise levels and performance as determined by the methodology and ground rules used. In addition, economic and noise information is provided consistent with a previous study based on an advanced technology Mach 2.7 configuration, reported separately. Results indicate that the difference between NASA and manufacturer performance methodology is small. Resizing the aircraft to NASA groundrules results in negligible changes in takeoff noise levels (less than 1 EPNdB) but approach noise is reduced by 5.3 EPNdB as a result of increasing approach speed. For the power setting chosen, engine oversizing resulted in no reduction in traded noise. In terms of summated noise level, a 6 EPNdB reduction is realized for a 5% increase in total operating costs.

Mascitti, V. R.↗

Surface pressure data for a supersonic-cruise airplane configuration at Mach numbers of 2.30, 2.96, 3.30

The tabulated results of surface pressure tests conducted on the wing and fuselage of an airplane model in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel are presented without analysis. The model tested was that of a supersonic-cruise airplane with a highly swept arrow-wing planform, two engine nacelles mounted beneath the wing, and outboard vertical tails. Data were obtained at Mach numbers of 2.30, 2.96, and 3.30 for angles of attack from -4 deg to 12 deg. The Reynolds number for these tests was 6,560,000 per meter.

Shrout, B. L.↗

Low speed wind tunnel test of ground proximity and deck edge effects on a lift cruise fan V/STOL configuration, volume 1

The characteristics were determined of a lift cruise fan V/STOL multi-mission configuration in the near proximity to the edge of a small flat surface representation of a ship deck. Tests were conducted at both static and forward speed test conditions. The model (0.12 scale) tested was a four fan configuration with modifications to represent a three fan configuration. Analysis of data showed that the deck edge effects were in general less critical in terms of differences from free air than a full deck (in ground effect) configuration. The one exception to this was when the aft edge of the deck was located under the center of gravity. This condition, representative of an approach from the rear, showed a significant lift loss. Induced moments were generally small compared to the single axis control power requirements, but will likely add to the pilot work load.

Stewart, V. R.↗

Jet noise and performance comparison study of a Mach 2.55 supersonic cruise aircraft

Data provided by the manufacturer relating to noise and performance of a Mach 2.55 supersonic cruise concept employing a post 1985 technology level, variable cycle engine was used to identify differences in noise levels and performance between the manfacturer and NASA associated with methodology and groundrules. In addition, economic and noise information is provided consistent with a previous study based on an advanced technology Mach 2.7 configuration. The results indicate that the difference between the NASA's and manfacturer's performance methodology is small. Resizing the aircraft to NASA groundrules also results in small changes in flyover, sideline and approach noise levels. For the power setting chosen, engine oversizing resulted in no reduction in traded noise. In terms of summated noise level, a 10 EPNdB reduction is realized for an 8 percent increase in total operating costs. This corresponds to an average noise reduction of 3.3 EPNdB at the three observer positions.

Mascitti, V. R.↗

Airframe-integrated propulsion system for hypersonic cruise vehicles

The paper describes a new hydrogen-burning airframe-integrated scramjet concept which offers good potential for efficient hypersonic cruise vehicles. The characteristics of the engine which assure good performance are extensive engine-airframe integration, fixed geometry, low cooling, and control of heat release in the supersonic combustor by mixed modes of fuel injection from the combustor entrance. The present paper describes the concept and presents results from inlet tests, direct-connect combustor tests, and tests of two subscale boiler-plate research engines currently underway under conditions which simulate flight at Mach 4 and 7. It is concluded that this engine concept has the potential for high thrust and efficiency, low drag and weight, low cooling requirement, and application to a wide range of vehicle sizes.

Jones, R. A.↗

Twin jet noise shielding for a supersonic cruise vehicle

An engine arrangement for a supersonic cruise vehicle (SCV) has been developed that shows promise for jet noise reduction without the performance penalties associated with mechanical suppressors and engine oversizing. This arrangement, wherein two engines are placed on top of the wing directly above two similarly-mounted engines below the wing, can produce 3 to 5 dB less noise below the aircraft flight path than when four engines are installed under the wing. This noise reduction is due to acoustic shielding of the upper jets by the lower jets. Test data are reviewed to verify this acoustical shielding phenomenon, and detailed takeoff trajectories are calculated to show the effects of sideline and flyover noise levels on constraining maximum range SCV configurations. Engine placement variation and differential throttling, wherein thrust is unloaded from the lower engine and added to the upper engine, are to be explored as means for maximizing the shielding effect.

Clauss, J. S., Jr.↗

Wind tunnel performance of four energy efficient propellers designed for Mach 0.8 cruise

For the advanced turboprop to be competitive with proposed advanced turbofan-powered aircraft, it must have high propulsive efficiency at Mach 0.8 cruise above 9.144-km altitude with an acceptable cabin noise environment. Four 8-bladed propeller models are designed employing various concepts to reduce compressibility losses. Wind tunnel tests are conducted at zero model incidence to the free-stream flow. Aerodynamic and acoustic test results are presented and discussed. It is shown that the aeroacoustically designed configuration (SR-3) with 45 deg of tip sweep and an area-ruled spinner yields the highest propulsive efficiency (78.7% at Mach 0.8, 3.06 advance ratio, and 1.7 power coefficient), with an improvement of about 3% over the straight bladed configuration (SR-2, with zero-degree sweep). The phase-interference concept for noise reduction used in SR-3 yields about 5-6 dB reduction as compared to SR-2.

Jeracki, R. J.↗

Fabrication research for supersonic cruise aircraft

Advanced fabrication and joining processes for titanium and composite materials are being investigated by NASA to develop technology for the Supersonic Cruise Research (SCR) Program. Full-scale structural panels are being designed and fabricated to meet the criteria of an existing integrally stiffened shear panel on the upper wing surface of the NASA YF-12 aircraft. The program consists of laboratory testing and Mach 3 flight service of full-scale structural panels and laboratory testing of representative structural element specimens. Borsic/aluminum honeycomb-core, titanium clad Borsic/aluminum skin-stringer, graphite/PMR-15 polyimide honeycomb-core, and titanium superplastically formed/diffusion bonded panels have been designed, fabricated, and tested. Graphite/LARC-160 polyimide skin-stringer panels have been designed, and fabrication methods are being developed.

Hoffman, E. L.↗

The characteristics of a lift cruise fan V/STOL configuration in near proximity to a small deck with finite edge positions

Two V/STOL model configurations utilizing lift-cruise-fans for the propulsion system have been tested in the presence of a small landing platform with finite deck edge positions. Results and analysis of these tests are presented. The model was tested at both static (zero velocity) and forward speed conditions with several heights and deck edge positions. Configurations utilizing three fans and four fans were investigated. Incremental forces and moments induced by the various deck edge positions are analyzed as relating to the model height above the ground and the thrust velocity relationships. The test and analysis show the induced forces to be relatively unaffected by deck edge.

Stewart, V. R.↗

Near-field noise prediction for aircraft in cruising flight: Methods manual

Methods for predicting noise at any point on an aircraft while the aircraft is in a cruise flight regime are presented. Developed for use in laminar flow control (LFC) noise effects analyses, they can be used in any case where aircraft generated noise needs to be evaluated at a location on an aircraft while under high altitude, high speed conditions. For each noise source applicable to the LFC problem, a noise computational procedure is given in algorithm format, suitable for computerization. Three categories of noise sources are covered: (1) propulsion system, (2) airframe, and (3) LFC suction system. In addition, procedures are given for noise modifications due to source soundproofing and the shielding effects of the aircraft structure wherever needed. Sample cases, for each of the individual noise source procedures, are provided to familiarize the user with typical input and computed data.

Tibbetts, J. G.↗

Transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise aircraft research model with the engines suspended above the wing

The influence of upper-surface nacelle exhaust flow on the aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise aircraft research configuration was investigated in a 16 foot transonic tunnel over a range of Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20. The arrow-wing transport configuration with engines suspended over the wing was tested at angles of attack from -4 deg to 6 deg and jet total pressure ratios from 1 to approximately 13. Wing-tip leading edge flap deflections of -10 deg to 10 deg were tested with the wing-body configuration. Various nacelle locations (chordwise, spanwise, and vertical) were tested over the ranges of Mach numbers, angles of attack, and jet total-pressure ratios. The results show that reflecting the wing-tip leading edge flap from 0 deg to -10 deg increased the maximum lift-drag ratio by 1.0 at subsonic speeds. Jet exhaust interference effects were negligible.

Mercer, C. E.↗