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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 379 records · Page 21

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NASA NTRS1972

Design, fabrication and testing of two electrohydraulic vibration isolation systems for helicopter environments

Two electrohydraulic vibration isolation systems were designed and fabricated to reduce the vertical vibrations transmitted to the XH-51N research helicopter cabin at the blade passage frequency (18 Hz) and its first harmonic (36 Hz). Hydraulic power and electrical control are provided to two separate servoactuators from a common power supply and control electronics package located behind the pilot's seat. One servoactuator is installed between the cabin and fuselage and replaces an existing passive spring. A second servoactuator is mounted between the existing seat and cabin floor. Both servoactuators incorporate a mechanical failsafe design. The control electronics circuitry provides automatic tracking of the blade passage frequency. Results of laboratory, environmental and ground vibration tests employing an XH-51A stripped down helicopter fuselage show that the active cabin isolator reduces the vertical vibrations transmitted from the fuselage attachment point to the cabin attachment point at 18 and 36 Hz (or as an alternative, 6 Hz) by better than 90 percent.

Allen, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Feasibility study of a bidirectional jet flap device for application to helicopter rotor blades. Phase 2: Lift controller development

A bidirectional jet flap device called the variable deflection thruster (VDT) has been investigated for possible application to helicopter rotors. This investigation included the development and testing of a fluidic lift control system for the VDT-blade model making use of the test result that VDT-blade lift can be sensed from the differential pressure at midchord. This study constitutes a long-range program to develop blown control techniques for stabilizing the higher harmonic modes of helicopter rotors. Wind tunnel tests were conducted using a three-sectioned, two-dimensional VDT-blade model having individually controlled VDT jet flaps in each section. Steady-state tests were conducted without the fluidic lift controller (open loop) for both full-span blowing and for the model center section blowing only. Steady-state tests were conducted with the center section blowing only using the fluidic lift controller (close-loop) to control the lift on the model center section. Dynamic tests were conducted using the complete model with the VDT jet in the model center section oscillating at various frequencies and also using the model center section alone on a single endplate to obtain finite-aspect-ratio effects. Fair agreement was obtained between theory and experimental results.

Rose, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1972

A performance application study of a jet-flap helicopter rotor

A performance study was made of the application of a jet-flap to a reaction-drive rotor for a heavy-lift helicopter mission and for a high-speed-helicopter maneuverability (200 knots, 2g) mission. The results of the study are as follows: As a result of the increase in maximum airfoil lift coefficient achieved by the jet-flap, rotor solidity is reduced with the jet-flap to approximately 59% of a nonjet-flap rotor. As a result of the saving in rotor solidity, and hence in rotor weight, the jet-flap configuration had a 21% higher productivity than a nonjet-flap configuration. Of the three propulsion systems studied utilizing a jet-flap (hot cycle, warm cycle, cold cycle) the hot cycle gave the largest increase in productivity. The 200 knot 2g mission is performed best with a warm cycle propulsion system. The jet-flap permits designing for a rotor blade loading coefficient C sub T/sigma = .170 at 2g without encountering blade stall. The jet-flap rotor permits a 200 knot 2g maneuver without suffering the penalty of an unreasonable rotor solidity that would be required by a nonjet-flap rotor.

Sullivan, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Helicopter payload gains utilizing water injection for hot day power augmentation

An analytical investigation was undertaken to assess the gains in helicopter mission payload through the use of water injection to produce power augmentation in an altitude-hot day environment. Substantial gains are shown for two representative helicopters, the UH-lH and CH-47B. The UH-lH payload increased 86.7 percent for a 50 n.mi. (92.6 km) radius mission involving two out-of-ground effect (OGE) hover take-offs of 2 minutes each at 5000 ft. (1525 m) 35 C ambient conditions. The CH-47B payload increased 49.5 percent for a 50 n.mi. (92.6 km) radius mission with sling loaded cargo as the outbound payload and a 3000 lb. (1360 kg) internal cargo on the return leg. The mission included two 4 min. OGE hovers at 6000 ft. (1830 m) 35 C. An improvement in take off performance and maximum performance climb also resulted as a consequence of the OGE hover capability and higher maximum power available.

Stroub, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1972

A pertinent solution of helicopter rotor flapping stability

The stability of the flapping motion of a single blade of a helicopter rotor is examined using the techniques of perturbation theory. The equation of motion studied is linear, with periodic aerodynamic coefficients due to the forward speed of the rotor. Solutions are found for four cases: small and large advance ratio and small and large Lock number. The perturbation techniques appropriate to each case are discussed and illustrated in the course of the analysis. The application of perturbation techniques to other problems in rotor dynamics is discussed. It is concluded that perturbation theory is a powerful mathematical technique which should prove very useful in analyzing some of the problems of helicopter dynamics.

Johnson, W.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Automatic control of a helicopter with a hanging load

An autopilot logic is designed here for controlling a helicopter with a hanging load. A 16th order model for the system is decoupled into four subsystems: (1) a second order system for yawing motion, (2) a second order system for vertical motion, (3) a sixth order system for longitudinal motion, and (4) a sixth order system for lateral motion. A measuring scheme, which could be used in remote areas, is developed and filters are designed to estimate the state variables from these measurements. The autopilot can be used to move the load over short distances without retracting the cables. This is done by automatically shifting the autopilot modes from position-hold (hover) to acceleration-hold to velocity-hold (cruise) to deceleration-hold to velocity-hold (near hover) to position-hold (hover). Use of such an autopilot might save considerable turnaround time. The Sikorsky S-61 helicopter is chosen as an example vehicle. The performance of the controlled system is studied in the presence of longitudinal and lateral winds.

Gupta, N. K.↗

NASA NTRS1973

NASTRAN data generation of helicopter fuselages using interactive graphics

The development and implementation of a preprocessor system for the finite element analysis of helicopter fuselages is described. The system utilizes interactive graphics for the generation, display, and editing of NASTRAN data for fuselage models. It is operated from an IBM 2250 cathode ray tube (CRT) console driven by an IBM 370/145 computer. Real time interaction plus automatic data generation reduces the nominal 6 to 10 week time for manual generation and checking of data to a few days. The interactive graphics system consists of a series of satellite programs operated from a central NASTRAN Systems Monitor. Fuselage structural models including the outer shell and internal structure may be rapidly generated. All numbering systems are automatically assigned. Hard copy plots of the model labeled with GRID or elements ID's are also available. General purpose programs for displaying and editing NASTRAN data are included in the system. Utilization of the NASTRAN interactive graphics system has made possible the multiple finite element analysis of complex helicopter fuselage structures within design schedules.

Sainsbury-Carter, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Noise levels of operational helicopters of the OH-6 type designed to meet the LOH mission

Formulas relating overall sound pressure level (OASPL) to parameters such as horsepower required, tip speed, and thrust for main and tail rotors are presented for standard and quieted helicopters. Formulas relating OASPL to engine parameters such as horsepower output and percent power turbine rpm are presented for unmuffled and muffled engines. The linear scale was used in preference to any of the weighted scales because it resulted in more consistent agreement with the test data when the SPL is expressed in the usual parameters of tip speed, thrust generated and power required. It is recognized that the linear scale does not adequately reflect hearing response, and hence is not a good absolute measure for detection by humans. However, linear OASPL is believed to be useful as a relative means of comparing noise level variations of individual components in similar helicopters with reasonably modest design changes.

Wagner, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Helicopter derivative identification from analytic models and flight test data

Recent results of stability derivative identification from helicopter analytic models and flight test data are presented. Six and nine degree-of-freedom (DOF) linear models are identified from an analytic nonlinear helicopter simulation using a least square technique. The identified models are compared with the convectional partial differentiation method for obtaining derivatives to form the basis for interpretation of derivatives identified from flight data. Six degree-of-freedom models are identified from CH-53A and CH-54B flight data, using an extended Kalman filter modified to process several maneuvers simultaneously. The a priori derivative estimate is obtained by optimal filtering of the data and then using a least square method. The results demonstrate that a six DOF identified model is sufficient to determine the low frequency modes of motion, but a nine DOF rotor/body model is necessary for proper representation of short-term response.

Molusis, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

A method of automatically stabilizing helicopter sling loads

The effect of geometric and aerodynamic characteristics on the stability of the lateral degrees of freedom of a typical helicopter sling load is examined. The feasibility of stabilizing the suspended load by controllable fins was also studied. Linear control theory was applied to the design of a simple control law that stabilized the load over a wide range of helicopter airspeeds.

Gera, J.↗

NASA NTRS1974

A real-time digital computer program for the simulation of a single rotor helicopter

A computer program was developed for the study of a single-rotor helicopter on the Langley Research Center real-time digital simulation system. Descriptions of helicopter equations and data, program subroutines (including flow charts and listings), real-time simulation system routines, and program operation are included. Program usage is illustrated by standard check cases and a representative flight case.

Houck, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Perturbation solutions for the influence of forward flight on helicopter rotor flapping stability

The stability of the flapping motion of a helicopter rotor blade in forward flight is investigated, using a perturbation technique which gives analytic expressions for the eigenvalues, including the influence of the periodic aerodynamic forces in forward flight. The perturbation solutions are based on small advance ratio (the ratio of the helicopter forward speed to the rotor tip speed). The rotor configurations considered are a single, independent blade; a teetering rotor; a gimballed rotor with three, four, and five or more blades; and a rotor with N independent blades. The constant coefficient approximation with the equations and degrees of freedom in the nonrotating frame represents the flap dynamic reasonably well for the lower frequency modes, although it cannot, of course, be completely correct. The transfer function of the rotor flap response to sinusoidal pitch input is examined, as an alternative to the eigenvalues as a representation of the dynamic characteristics of the flap motion.

Johnson, W.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Correlation of finite-element structural dynamic analysis with measured free vibration characteristics for a full-scale helicopter fuselage

The correlation achieved with each program provides the material for a discussion of modeling techniques developed for general application to finite-element dynamic analyses of helicopter airframes. Included are the selection of static and dynamic degrees of freedom, cockpit structural modeling, and the extent of flexible-frame modeling in the transmission support region and in the vicinity of large cut-outs. The sensitivity of predicted results to these modeling assumptions are discussed. Both the Sikorsky Finite-Element Airframe Vibration analysis Program (FRAN/Vibration Analysis) and the NASA Structural Analysis Program (NASTRAN) have been correlated with data taken in full-scale vibration tests of a modified CH-53A helicopter.

Kenigsberg, I. J.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Open and Closed Loop Stability of Hingeless Rotor Helicopter Air and Ground Resonance

The air and ground resonance instabilities of hingeless rotor helicopters are examined on a relatively broad parametric basis including the effects of blade tuning, virtual hinge locations, and blade hysteresis damping, as well as size and scale effects in the gross weight range from 5,000 to 48,000 pounds. A special case of a 72,000 pound helicopter air resonance instability is also included. The study shows that nominal to moderate and readily achieved levels of blade inertial hysteresis damping in conjunction with a variety of tuning and/or feedback conditions are highly effective in dealing with these instabilities. Tip weights and reductions in pre-coning angles are also shown to be effective means for improving the air resonance instability.

Young, M. I.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Vertical-plane pendulum absorbers for minimizing helicopter vibratory loads

The use of pendulum dynamic absorbers mounted on the blade root and operating in the vertical plane to minimize helicopter vibratory loads was discussed. A qualitative description was given of the concept of the dynamic absorbers and some results of analytical studies showing the degree of reduction in vibratory loads attainable are presented. Operational experience of vertical plane dynamic absorbers on the OH-6A helicopter is also discussed.

Amer, K. B.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Some conclusions regarding the aeroelastic stability of hingeless helicopter blades in hover and in forward flight

In this paper results and conclusions obtained from the study of the aeroelastic instability of hingeless helicopter blades are presented. First, the large amplitude coupled flap-lag equations of motion of a hingeless elastic helicopter blade are solved using an asymptotic expansion procedure in multiple time scales. Both hover and forward flight cases are considered. Stability boundaries and amplitudes of nonlinear response are obtained. From these, the importance of the nonlinear coupling and the effect of the periodic coefficients is determined. Next, using a system of linearized coupled flap-lag-pitch equations in hover, various divergence mechanisms for hingeless blades are shown. Finally, the flutter boundaries for coupled flap-lag-pitch are obtained. The effect of the torsional degree of freedom on the flap-lag type of instability is investigated. Similarly the effect of lag on the flap-pitch type of instability is considered. In addition, the effect of various blade parameters on the stability boundaries is shown.

Friedmann, P.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Laser velocimeter measurements of the helicopter rotor-induced flow field

The use of a two-color laser velocimeter to measure the flow velocities in the wake of a helicopter rotor is discussed, including methods for obtaining two components of both instantaneous and time-averaged velocities. Results are presented from an experiment using a 2.13 m diameter model helicopter rotor operating at a tip speed ratio of 0.18 in a wind tunnel. The location of the tip vortex from the preceding blade was determined on the advancing side, and the diameter of the vortex core was found to be 15 percent of the blade chord (1.5 percent of the radius). The effects of the airfoil's bound vorticity were observed in the velocity distributions vry near the blade. These effects suggest that the laser velocimeter may be used to determine the aerodynamic loading (circulation) at a spanwise station on the blade. Also, the structure and boundary of the time-averaged wake were investigated.

Biggers, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1974

An exploratory flight investigation of helicopter sling-load placements using a closed-circuit television as a pilot aid

Helicopter sling load operations have been limited during pick up and delivery of external cargo by the lack of precision achieved by the combination of pilot, helicopter, and sling load. Use of a closed circuit television as a pilot aid during sling load delivery and placement was documented along with additional cases representing procedures currently employed by military and commercial operators. Although an increase in pilot workload was noted when the television system was used, the results indicated a comparable level of performance for each test case.

Dicarlo, D. J.↗