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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

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NASA NTRS1980

Rotor blade aeroelastic stability and response in forward flight

The aeroelastic stability and response problem of the coupled flap-lag-torsional dynamics of a hingeless rotor blade in forward flight is treated in a comprehensive manner. The spatial dependence of the partial differential, nonlinear, equations of motion is discretized using a multimodal Galerkin method. The aeroelastic problem is coupled with the trim state of the helicopter obtained from improved, representative, trim procedures. The nonlinear time dependent equilibrium position, or response, about which the equations are linearized is obtained by solving a sequence of linear periodic response problems, using quasi-linearization. Numerous results illustrating blade behavior in forward flight are presented.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

MOD-0 wind turbine dynamics test correlations

The behavior of the teetered, downwind, free yaw, MOD-0 wind turbine, as represented by NASA dynamic test data, was used to support confidence in the Hamilton Standard computer code simulations. Trim position, performance at trim, and teeter response as predicted by the computer codes were compared to test results. Using the computer codes, other possible configurations for MOD-0 were investigated. Several new test configurations are recommended for exploring free yaw behavior. It is shown that eliminating rotor tilt and optimizing cooling and blade twist can contribute to good free yaw behavior and stability. The effects of rotor teeter, teeter gravity balance, inflow and other physical and operating parameters were also investigated.

Brooks, B. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Space Shuttle entry aerodynamic comparisons of flight 1 with preflight predictions

Results of comparisons of predictions of aerodynamic performance, longitudinal trim, and reaction control jet interaction with data from the initial Shuttle flight are presented. The Shuttle's control surfaces are described, and it is noted that the flight plan contained no provisions for maneuvering capability tests. Wind tunnel testing totaling 35,000 hr were used to replace graduated flight testing, and calculations were made to allow for nonsimulated structural deformation, flowfield parameters, and profile drag. The goal was to desensitize the flight control system with respect to the aerodynamics by adding variations to the predictions. Lift/drag agreed well above Mach 1, while lower drag was encountered below Mach 1. Trim characteristics were predicted accurately between Mach 2-10, and less than satisfactorily outside that range. Discrepancies were also observed for jet interaction effects for the aft yaw jets at Mach numbers greater than 10.

Young, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Tactical STOL moment balance through innovative configuration technology

Innovative and conventional thrust vectoring moment balance mechanisms, as applied to advanced tactical fighters, are examined. The innovative mechanisms include thrust line translation, life line translation, and auxiliary power control; the conventional mechanisms under investigation are horizontal tails, canards, and variable sweep wings. These mechanisms are tested for their ability to provide negative static margins for landing approach or relocation of the vectored thrust line nearer the aircraft's center of gravity. The net pitching moment due to wing, flaps, and vectored thrust lift would then be small, making possible beneficial trim forces from small trimming devices. These innovative mechanisms are, however, possibly heavy and must be evaluated on their complexity, reliability, maintainability, and STOL capabilities. Several candidate fighter configurations are compared and evaluated.

Eckard, G. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Space Shuttle entry longitudinal aerodynamic comparisons of flight 2 with preflight predictions

An overview of the aerodynamic performance, longitudinal trim, and control surface effectiveness as developed from the second Shuttle flight is presented, along with comparisons with preflight predictions. The Orbiter enters the atmosphere at Mach 29 and descends through all the Mach speeds until touchdown. Control mechanisms for the Orbiter are outlined, noting the lessening of angle of attack as the terminal configuration is reached. Methods of developing the wind tunnel predictions are reviewed, including performance in different altitudes and speed regimes, and the impetus to decouple the flight control system from aerodynamics with respect to uncertainties. Preflight predictions agreed well with the lift/drag ratio above Mach 1, but higher L/D was exhibited than predicted below Mach 1. A deficiency in the wind tunnel environment was concluded for the inaccuracies in the predictions for hypersonic trim characteristics.

Romere, P. O.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effects of varying podded nacelle-nozzle installations on transonic aeropropulsive characteristics of a supersonic fighter aircraft

The aeropropulsive characteristics of an advanced twin engine fighter designed for supersonic cruise was investigated in the 16 foot Transonic Tunnel. The performance characteristics of advanced nonaxisymmetric nozzles installed in various nacelle locations, the effects of thrust induced forces on overall aircraft aerodynamics, the trim characteristics, and the thrust reverser performance were evaluated. The major model variables included nozzle power setting; nozzle duct aspect ratio; forward, mid, and aft nacelle axial locations; inboard and outboard underwing nacelle locations; and underwing and overwing nacelle locations. Thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle configurations included a wedge nozzle, a two dimensional convergent divergent nozzle, and a single expansion ramp nozzle, each with deflection angles up to 30 deg. In addition to the nonaxisymmetric nozzles, an axisymmetric nozzle installation was also tested. The use of a canard for trim was also assessed.

Capone, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

An experimental investigation of control surface effectiveness and real-gas simulation for biconics

Aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distributions, and oil-flow patterns measured on spherically blunted, 13 degrees/7 degrees on-axis and bent biconics at Mach 6 and 10 in air are compared. Angle of attack, referenced to the axis of the aft cone, was varied from zero to 40 degrees. The effect of deflection of base-mounted flaps on aerodynamic characteristics was examined at Mach 10. Real-gas effects on aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distributions and shock detachment distance were simulated by testing the biconic models in Mach 6 air and Mach 6 CF4 flows. (Density ratio equal to 5.3 for air and 12 for CF4.) The on-axis biconic is stable but cannot be trimmed at angles of attack above zero with the assumed center of gravity and flap configuration. Flaps on the bent biconic produced a stable and trim configuration for angles of attack from zero to 23 degrees. A significant effect of density ratio on aerodynamic coefficients, pressure distribution, and shock detachment distance was observed.

Miller, C. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Noise transmission through sidewall treatments applicable to twin-engine turboprop aircraft

The noise transmission loss characteristics of the sidewall treatment in the propeller plane of a twin-engine turboprop aircraft are experimentally investigated in the NASA Langley Research Center Transmission Loss Facility. The sound attenuation properties of the individual elements of this treatment are evaluated showing least noise transmission loss in the low frequencies (below 500 Hz) where the excitation levels at the propeller blade passage frequency and the first few harmonics are highest. It is shown that single and double wall resonances play an important role in the noise transmission loss values of the treatment at these low frequencies suggesting that a limp mass with a very low resonance frequency serves better as a trim panel than a trim panel having a high structural stiffness. It is indicated that the window structures might be a potential noise control problem.

Grosveld, F. W.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effect of thrust vectoring and wing maneuver devices on transonic aeropropulsive characteristics of a supersonic fighter

The aeropropulsive characteristics of an advanced fighter designed for supersonic cruise were determined in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the interactive effects of thrust vectoring and wing maneuver devices on lift and drag and to determine trim characteristics. The wing maneuver devices consisted of a drooped leading edge and a trailing-edge flap. Thrust vectoring was accomplished with two dimensional (nonaxisymmetric) convergent-divergent nozzles located below the wing in two single-engine podded nacelles. A canard was utilized for trim. Thrust vector angles of 0 deg, 15 deg, and 30 deg were tested in combination with a drooped wing leading edge and with wing trailing-edge flap deflections up to 30 deg. This investigation was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20, at angles of attack from 0 deg to 20 deg, and at nozzle pressure ratios from about 1 (jet off) to 10. Reynolds number based on mean aerodynamic chord varied from 9.24 x 10 to the 6th to 10.56 x 10 to the 6th.

Capone, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

A generalized computer code for developing dynamic gas turbine engine models (DIGTEM)

This paper describes DIGTEM (digital turbofan engine model), a computer program that simulates two spool, two stream (turbofan) engines. DIGTEM was developed to support the development of a real time multiprocessor based engine simulator being designed at the Lewis Research Center. The turbofan engine model in DIGTEM contains steady state performance maps for all the components and has control volumes where continuity and energy balances are maintained. Rotor dynamics and duct momentum dynamics are also included. DIGTEM features an implicit integration scheme for integrating stiff systems and trims the model equations to match a prescribed design point by calculating correction coefficients that balance out the dynamic equations. It uses the same coefficients at off design points and iterates to a balanced engine condition. Transients are generated by defining the engine inputs as functions of time in a user written subroutine (TMRSP). Closed loop controls can also be simulated. DIGTEM is generalized in the aerothermodynamic treatment of components. This feature, along with DIGTEM's trimming at a design point, make it a very useful tool for developing a model of a specific turbofan engine.

Daniele, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Helistat simulation studies

An analysis of the flight dynamics and piloted control characteristics of the Helistat, a quadrotor heavy-lift airship, was completed using the HYBRDS airship simulation facility. The analysis covered the full operating flight envelope, including likely ranges of altitude, airspeed, sideslip, and loading variations. Particular areas of study were performance, trim, power requirements, linearized dynamics, handling qualities, and mooring operations. The key assumptions were: a rigid vehicle, no control system dynamics, fixed rotor and propeller RPM, and no ballonet dynamics. The nominal cruise speed for the H34 engines operating at 1275 HP was found to be 40-50 kts, depending on the loading condition. The maximum payload capability was calculated as 45,000 lbs for sea level-based operations. The crosswind capability in hover is 5-10 kts depending on the loading conditions, but this requires excessive roll angle due to the roll-to-translate control gearing. Sideslip angles of 110-135 degrees (wind from aft quarters) are critical for directional trim and stability, and should be avoided.

Tischler, M. B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Low-speed investigation of effects of wing leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections and canard incidence on a fighter configuration equipped with a forward-swept wing

An advanced fighter configuration with a forward-swept wing of aspect ratio 3.28 is tested in the Langley 7 by 10 Foot High Speed Tunnel at a Mach number of 0.3. The wing has 29.5 degrees of forward sweep of the quarter chord line and is equipped with 15 percent chord leading edge and 30 percent chord trailing edge flaps. The canard is sweptback 45 degrees. Tests were made through a range of angle of attack from about -2 degrees to 22 degrees. Deflecting the flaps significantly improves the lift drag characteristics at the higher angles of attack. The canard is able to trim the configurations with different flap deflections over most of the range of angle of attack. The penalty in maximum lift coefficient due to trimming is about 0.10.

Gainer, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

High angle-of-attack aerodynamics of a strake-canard-wing V/STOL fighter configuration

High angle-of-attack aerodynamic data are analyzed for a strake-canard-wing V/STOL fighter configuration. The configuration represents a twin-engine supersonic V/STOL fighter aircraft which uses four longitudinal thrust-augmenting ejectors to provide vertical lift. The data were obtained in tests of a 9.39 percent scale model of the configuration in the NASA Ames 12-Foot Pressure Wind Tunnel, at a Mach number of 0.2. Trimmed aerodynamic characteristics, longitudinal control power, longitudinal and lateral/directional stability, and effects of alternate strake and canard configurations are analyzed. The configuration could not be trimmed (power-off) above 12 deg angle of attack because of the limited pitch control power and the high degree of longitudinal instability (28 percent) at this Mach number. Aerodynamic center location was found to be controllable by varying strake size and canard location without significantly affecting lift and drag. These configuration variations had relatively little effect on the lateral/directional stability up to 10 deg angle of attack.

Durston, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Approach and landing aerodynamic technologies for advanced STOL fighter configurations

Providing next-generation fighter aircraft with STOL capability will require effective high-lift systems, methods of providing adequate longitudinal trim and control, and thrust reversers compatible with advanced configurations. Recent wind-tunnel tests in the NASA Langley 4 x 7-m tunnel have provided the opportunity to investigate some promising technologies for providing this STOL capability. These tests include investigations of the high-lift contribution of spanwise blowing on a trailing-edge flap system, the trim capability of a blown high-lift canard, and the deceleration contribution of a thrust reverser for ground-roll reduction. This paper reviews the results of each investigation and examines the integration of these technologies on a common advanced-fighter configuration to determine their compatibility and the resulting overall performance of the configurations.

Banks, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Study of several factors affecting crew escape trajectories from the Space Shuttle Orbiter at low-subsonic speeds

Factors affecting the bailout characteristics from the space shuttle orbiter at low-subsonic speeds were investigated. In the 12-foot low-speed tunnel and the 4 by 7-meter tunnel with 0.03-scale models. The effect of crew-model exit velocity, body position, and body weight were studied with egress from the main side hatch with the orbiter upright and from the upper cabin hatch with the orbiter inverted. Crew model drag and flow field measurements around the orbiter were estimated. The high-angle-of-attack trim characteristics of the orbiter was determined by force tests in an attempt to improve bailout conditions. A computer simulation was made to evaluate the maneuver necessary to attain the high-angle-of-attack trim.

Scallion, W. I.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A generalized computer code for developing dynamic gas turbine engine models (DIGTEM)

Daniele, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Bailout from the Space Shuttle

Studies to investigate the bailout characteristics from the Space Shuttle Orbiter at low-subsonic speeds have been made in the Langley 12-foot Low-Speed Tunnel and the Langley 4- by 7Meter Tunnel with 0.03-scale models. The effect of crew-model exit velocity, body posture, and body weight were studied with egress from the Orbiter main side hatch and from the upper cabin hatch. Force tests were made to determine the high angle-of-attack trim characteristics of the Orbiter in an attempt to improve bailout conditions. A computer simulation was made to evaluate the maneuver necessary to attain the high-angle trim.

Ware, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Translating Canard

Longitudinal trim control augmented when landing flaps deployed. Translating canard provides automatic pitch trim for wing-flap system while maintaining stable pitch break.

Yip, L. P.↗