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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1959

Exploratory Investigation at Mach Number of 2.01 of the Longitudinal Stability and Control Characteristics of a Winged Reentry Configuration

An investigation has been conducted to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a reentry configuration at a Mach number of 2.01. The configuration consisted of clipped delta wing with hinged wing-tip panels. The results indicate that deflecting the wing-tip panels from a position normal to the wing chord plane to a position coincident with the wing chord plane resulted in a stabilizing change in the pitching-moment characteristics but did not significantly affect the nonlinearity of the pitching-moment variation with angle of attack. The trailing-edge controls were effective in producing pitching moment throughout the angle-of-attack range for control deflections up to at least 600. The control deflection required for trim, however, varied nonlinearly with angle of attack. It would appear that this nonlinearity as well as the maximum deflection required for trim could be greatly decreased by utilizing a leading-edge control in conjunction with a trailing-edge control.

Foster, Gerald V.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Preliminary Evaluation of the Low-Speed Stability and Control Characteristics of the McDonnell XP-85 Airplane from Tests of an Unballasted 1/5-Scale Model in the Langley Free-Flight Tunnel

At the request of the Air Material Command, Army Air Forces an investigation of the low-speed, power-off stability and control characteristics of the McDonnell XP-85 airplane is being conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. The XP-85 airplane is a jet propelled, parasite fighter with a 34 deg sweepback at the wing quarter chord. It was designed to be carried in a bomb bay of the B-36 air plane. The first portion of the investigation consists of a preliminary evaluation of the stability and control characteristics of the airplane from force and fight tests of an unballasted 1/5-scale model. The second portion of the investigation consists of test of a properly balasted 1/10-scale model which will include a study of the stability of the Xp-85 when attached to the trapeze for retraction into the B-36 bomb bay. The results of the preliminary test with the 1/5-scale model are presented herein. This portion fo the investigation included tests of the model with various center fin arrangements. Both the design nose flap and a stall control vane were investigated.

Paulson, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1947

The High-Speed Longitudinal Stability and Control of the Bell P-39N-1 Airplane as Calculated from Propeller-Off Tests of a 0.35-Scale Model

This report presents the result of tests of a 0.35-scale model of the Bell P-39N-l airplane. Included are the longitudinal-stability and - control characteristics of the airplane as indicated by tests of the model equipped with each of two different sets of elevators. The results indicate good longitudinal stability and control throughout the speed range encounterable in flight. The variation of estimated stick force with speed was less when the model was equipped with elevators constructed to the theoretical design dimensions than when equipped with elevators as built to scale from measurements of the corresponding-parts of the actual airplane. The predicted stick forces required to produce the normal accelerations attainable in flight are within the limits specified by the Army Air Forces.

Robinson, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1956

The High-Speed Longitudinal Stability and Control of the Bell P-39N-1 Airplane as Calculated from Propeller-Off Tests of a 0.35-Scale Model

This report presents the results of tests of a .35-scale model of the Bell P-39N-1 airplane. Included are the longitudinal-stability and -control characteristics of the airplane as indicated by tests of the model equipped with each of two different sets of elevators. The results indicate good longitudinal stability and control throughout the speed range encounterable in flight. The variation of estimated stick force with speed was less when the model was equipped with elevators constructed to the theoretical design dimensions than when equipped with elevators as built to scale from measurements of the corresponding parts of the actual airplane. The predicted stick forces required to produce the normal accelerations attainable in flight are within the limits specified by the Army Air Forces.

Robinson, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Subsonic stability and control derivatives for an unpowered, remotely piloted 3/8-scale F-15 airplane model obtained from flight test

In response to the interest in airplane configuration characteristics at high angles of attack, an unpowered remotely piloted 3/8-scale F-15 airplane model was flight tested. The subsonic stability and control characteristics of this airplane model over an angle of attack range of -20 to 53 deg are documented. The remotely piloted technique for obtaining flight test data was found to provide adequate stability and control derivatives. The remotely piloted technique provided an opportunity to test the aircraft mathematical model in an angle of attack regime not previously examined in flight test. The variation of most of the derivative estimates with angle of attack was found to be consistent, particularly when the data were supplemented by uncertainty levels.

Iliff, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Stability and control modelling

This paper discusses the influence of rotor dynamics and dynamic inflow on the stability and control characteristics of single rotor helicopters in near hovering flight. Body attitude and rate feedback gain limitations which arise due to rotor dynamics and dynamic inflow are discussed. It is shown that attitude feedback gain is limited primarily by body-flap coupling and rate gain is limited by the lag degrees of freedom. Dynamic inflow is shown to produce significant changes in the modes of motion.

Curtiss, H. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1996

X-29A Lateral-Directional Stability and Control Derivatives Extracted From High-Angle-of-Attack Flight Data

The lateral-directional stability and control derivatives of the X-29A number 2 are extracted from flight data over an angle-of-attack range of 4 degrees to 53 degrees using a parameter identification algorithm. The algorithm uses the linearized aircraft equations of motion and a maximum likelihood estimator in the presence of state and measurement noise. State noise is used to model the uncommanded forcing function caused by unsteady aerodynamics over the aircraft at angles of attack above 15 degrees. The results supported the flight-envelope-expansion phase of the X-29A number 2 by helping to update the aerodynamic mathematical model, to improve the real-time simulator, and to revise flight control system laws. Effects of the aircraft high gain flight control system on maneuver quality and the estimated derivatives are also discussed. The derivatives are plotted as functions of angle of attack and compared with the predicted aerodynamic database. Agreement between predicted and flight values is quite good for some derivatives such as the lateral force due to sideslip, the lateral force due to rudder deflection, and the rolling moment due to roll rate. The results also show significant differences in several important derivatives such as the rolling moment due to sideslip, the yawing moment due to sideslip, the yawing moment due to aileron deflection, and the yawing moment due to rudder deflection.

Iliff, Kenneth W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics in the NAAL low speed wind tunnel (OA62B), volume 2

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 period from November 14, 1973 to December 6, 1973. Establishment of basic longitudinal stability characteristics in and out of ground effect, and the establishment of lateral-directional stability characteristics in free air were the primary test objectives. The following effects and configurations were tested: (1) two dual podded nacelle configurations; (2) stability and control characteristics at nominal elevon deflections, rudder deflections, airleron deflections, rudder flare angles, and body flap deflections; (3) effects of various elevon and elevon/fuselage gaps on longitudinal stability and control; (4) pressures on the vertical tail at spanwise stations using pressure bugs; (5) aerodynamic force and moment data measured in the stability axis system by an internally mounted, six-component strain gage balance. For Vol. 1, see N74-32324.

Mennell, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The algebraic criteria for the stability of control systems

This paper critically examines the standard algebraic criteria for the stability of linear control systems and their proofs, reveals important previously unnoticed connections, and presents new representations. Algebraic stability criteria have also acquired significance for stability studies of non-linear differential equation systems by the Krylov-Bogoljubov-Magnus Method, and allow realization conditions to be determined for classes of broken rational functions as frequency characteristics of electrical network.

Cremer, H.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Aerodynamic stability and control of ducted- propeller aircraft

Test results from studies of small and large powered models of a dual, tandem, ducted-propeller VTOL design are reviewed, with emphasis on stability and control characteristics through the transition speed range. The character­istics are generally satisfactory. Stability augmentation may be required to reduce Dutch roll tendencies. Further study is needed to evaluate the appar­ently large side-force gradients in sideslip. Reductions in control effective­ness due to ground proximity are similar to those for tilt-wing V /STOL designs.

AERODYNAMIC STABILITY↗
NASA NTRS1971

Space shuttle: Aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of the NASA/MSC .006 scale 040-A delta wing orbiter

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were made on a .006 scale model 040-A delta wing space shuttle orbiter configuration. These tests were conducted to determine six-degree-of-freedom force and moment data for preliminary stability and control analysis. Data were obtained over a Mach number range from 0.6 to 4.96 at angles of attack from -10 deg to 50 deg at zero degrees sideslip and at angles of sideslip from -10 deg to 10 deg at constants angles of attack of 0 deg, 15 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg. Various aileron, elevator, (elevon) rudder and rudder flare deflection angles were tested to establish the control effectiveness and vehicle stability. Model component buildup data were also obtained to provide a data base for future configuration modifications. Plotted data results are presented in both the body and stability axis system.

Click, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Boundary-layer transition effects on airplane stability and control

Surface contamination of laminar-flow airfoils can significantly modify the location of transition from laminar-to-turbulent boundary-layer flow. The contamination can be the result of insect debris, environmental effects such as ice crystals and moisture due to mist or rain, surface damage, or other contamination adhering to the surface. Location and mode of transition have a dominant effect on the lift-and-drag characteristics of a lifting surface. The influences of laminar boundary-layer flow behavior on airplane stability and control are examined through theoretical results and experimental (wind-tunnel and free-flight) data. For certain airfoils with a relatively steep pressure recovery it is shown that loss of laminar flow near the leading edge can result in premature separation of the turbulent boundary layer and, consequently, in loss of lift and control effectiveness. Aerodynamic modifications which minimize boundary-layer transition effects on airplane stability and control are also discussed.

Van Dam, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1949

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Low-Speed Static Stability and Control Characteristics of a Model of Bell MX-776

An investigation has been made in the Langley stability tunnel to determine the low-speed static stability and control characteristics of a model of the Bell MX-776. The results of the investigation indicated that the basic model configuration was longitudinally stable in the angle-of-attack range from about -16 deg. to 16 deg. but that the stability was a minimum near O deg angle of attack. The data indicated an aerodynamic-center position about 0.64 body diameters behind the center of gravity at low angles of attack. Reduction in the size of the front horizontal fins increased the longitudinal stability. With 20 percent of the span of the normal front horizontal fins cut off the aerodynamic center was about 1.04 body diameters behind the center of gravity, and with front horizontal fins having the same area as the front vertical fins, the aerodynamic center was 2.26 body diameters behind the center of gravity (at low angles of attack).

Queijo, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Theoretical Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Model for Systems Controls and Stability Design

As the aviation industry moves toward higher efficiency electrical power generation, all electric aircraft, or zero emissions and more quiet aircraft, fuel cells are sought as the technology that can deliver on these high expectations. The hybrid solid oxide fuel cell system combines the fuel cell with a micro-turbine to obtain up to 70% cycle efficiency, and then distributes the electrical power to the loads via a power distribution system. The challenge is to understand the dynamics of this complex multidiscipline system and the design distributed controls that take the system through its operating conditions in a stable and safe manner while maintaining the system performance. This particular system is a power generation and a distribution system, and the fuel cell and micro-turbine model fidelity should be compatible with the dynamics of the power distribution system in order to allow proper stability and distributed controls design. The novelty in this paper is that, first, the case is made why a high fidelity fuel cell mode is needed for systems control and stability designs. Second, a novel modeling approach is proposed for the fuel cell that will allow the fuel cell and the power system to be integrated and designed for stability, distributed controls, and other interface specifications. This investigation shows that for the fuel cell, the voltage characteristic should be modeled but in addition, conservation equation dynamics, ion diffusion, charge transfer kinetics, and the electron flow inherent impedance should also be included.

Kopasakis, George↗
NASA NTRS1998

Euler Technology Assessment - SPLITFLOW Code Applications for Stability and Control Analysis on an Advanced Fighter Model Employing Innovative Control Concepts

This report documents results from the NASA-Langley sponsored Euler Technology Assessment Study conducted by Lockheed-Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of the SPLITFLOW code using viscous and inviscid flow models to predict aerodynamic stability and control of an advanced fighter model. The inviscid flow model was found to perform well at incidence angles below approximately 15 deg, but not as well at higher angles of attack. The results using a turbulent, viscous flow model matched the trends of the wind tunnel data, but did not show significant improvement over the Euler solutions. Overall, the predictions were found to be useful for stability and control design purposes.

Jordan, Keith J.↗