Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “STABILITY, LATERAL”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Exploratory study of the effects of wing-leading-edge modifications on the stall/spin behavior of a light general aviation airplane

Configurations with full-span and segmented leading-edge flaps and full-span and segmented leading-edge droop were tested. Studies were conducted with wind-tunnel models, with an outdoor radio-controlled model, and with a full-scale airplane. Results show that wing-leading-edge modifications can produce large effects on stall/spin characteristics, particularly on spin resistance. One outboard wing-leading-edge modification tested significantly improved lateral stability at stall, spin resistance, and developed spin characteristics.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Flow Visualization Study of the F-14 Fighter Aircraft Configuration

Water tunnel studies were performed to qualitatively define the flow field of the F-14. Particular emphasis was placed on defining the vortex flows generated at high angles of attack. The flow visualization tests were conducted in the Northrop water tunnel using a 1/72 scale model of the F-14 with a wing leading-edge sweep of 20 deg. Flow visualization photographs were obtained for angles of attack up to 55 deg and sideslip angles up to 10 deg. The F-14 model was investigated to determine the vortex flow field development, vortex path, and vortex breakdown characteristics as a function of angle of attack and sideslip. Vortex flows were found to develop on the highly swept glove and on the upper surface of the forebody. At 10 deg of sideslip, the windward glove vortex shifted inboard and broke down farther forward than the leeward glove vortex. This asymmetric breakdown of the vortices in sideslip contributes to a reduction in the lateral stability above 20 deg angle of attack. The initial loss of directional stability is a consequence of the adverse sidewash from the windward vortex and the reduced dynamic pressure at the vertical tails.

Lorincz, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Large scale model tests of a new technology V/STOL concept

An ejector design concept for V/STOL aircraft, featuring a double-delta configuration with two large chordwise ejector slots adjacent to the fuselage side and a tailplane or canard for longitudinal control is examined. Large scale model tests of the concept have shown that ejector systems are capable of significant thrust augmentation at realistic supply pressures and temperatures, so that power plant size and weight can be reduced accordingly. A thrust augmentation of at least 1.75 can be achieved for the isolated ejector, not making allowance for duct and nozzle losses. Substantial reductions in velocity, temperature and noise of the lifting jet are assured due to mixing within the ejector - this lessens the severity of ground erosion and the thrust loss associated with reingestion. Consideration is also given to the effect of ground proximity, longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics, transition performance, and lateral stability.

Whittley, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Leading-edge deflection optimization for a highly swept arrow wing configuration

Tests were also conducted to determine the sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral. The optimized leading edge deflection was developed by aligning the leading edge with the incoming flow along the entire span. Owing to the spanwise variation of upwash, the resulting optimized leading edge was a smooth, continuously warped surface. For the particular configuration studied, levels of leading edge suction on the order of 90 percent were achieved with the smooth, continuously warped leading edge contour. The results of tests conducted to determine the sensitivity of C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral indicate values of delta C sub l sub beta/delta T which are in reasonable agreement with estimates provided by simple vortex lattice theories.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Multiobjective insensitive design of airplane control systems with uncertain parameters

A multiobjective computer-aided design algorithm has been developed which minimizes the sensitivity of the design objectives to uncertainties in system parameters. The more important uncertain parameters are described by a gaussian random vector with known covariance matrix, and a vector sensitivity objective function is defined as the probabilities that the design objectives will violate specified requirements constraints. Control system parameters are found which minimize the sensitivity vector in a Pareto-optimal sense, using constrained minimization algorithms. Example results are shown for lateral stability augmentation system (SAS) design for three Shuttle flight conditions.

Schy, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Pareto-optimal multi-objective design of airplane control systems

A constrained minimization algorithm for the computer aided design of airplane control systems to meet many requirements over a set of flight conditions is generalized using the concept of Pareto-optimization. The new algorithm yields solutions on the boundary of the achievable domain in objective space in a single run, whereas the older method required a sequence of runs to approximate such a limiting solution. However, Pareto-optimality does not guarantee a satisfactory design, since such solutions may emphasize some objectives at the expense of others. The designer must still interact with the program to obtain a well-balanced set of objectives. Using the example of a fighter lateral stability augmentation system (SAS) design over five flight conditions, several effective techniques are developed for obtaining well-balanced Pareto-optimal solutions. For comparison, one of these techniques is also used in a recently developed algorithm of Kreisselmeier and Steinhauser, which replaces the hard constraints with soft constraints, using a special penalty function. It is shown that comparable results can be obtained.

Schy, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development of a simple, self-contained flight test data acquisition system

A low cost flight test data acquisition system, applicable to general aviation airplanes, was developed which meets criteria for doing longitudinal and lateral stability analysis. Th package consists of (1) a microprocessor controller and data acquisition module; (2) a transducer module; and (3) a power supply module. The system is easy to install and occupies space in the cabin or baggage compartment of the airplane. All transducers are contained in these modules except the total pressure tube, static pressure air temperature transducer, and control position transducers. The NASA-developed MMLE program was placed on a microcomputer on which all data reduction is done. The flight testing program undertaken proved both the flight testing hardware and the data reduction method to be applicable to the current field of general aviation airplanes.

Renz, R. R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Passive Magnetic Bearing

Magnetic bearing for limited rotation devices requires no feedback control system to sense and correct shaft position. Passive Magnetic Torsion Bearing requires no power supply and has no rubbing parts. Torsion wire restrains against axial instability. Magnetic flux geometry chosen to assure lateral stability with radial restoring force that maintains alignment.

Studer, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Effects of wing height on low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a model having a 42 deg swept wing, a supercritical airfoil, double-slotted flaps, and a low tail

A low speed investigation was conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the static longitudinal lateral stability characteristics of a general research model with the wing in a high position and a low position on the fuselage. The model had a wing with a quarter chord sweep of 42 deg, an aspect ratio of 6.78, a supercritical airfoil, and a high lift system which consisted of a leading edge slat and a double slotted flap. Various slat and flap deflections represented clean, take off, and landing configurations. A 45 deg swept horizontal tail located slightly below the fuselage center line was investigated with both the low and high wing configurations.

Fournier, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Tradeoff studies in multiobjective insensitive design of airplane control systems

A computer aided design method for multiobjective parameter-insensitive design of airplane control systems is described. Methods are presented for trading off nominal values of design objectives against sensitivities of the design objectives to parameter uncertainties, together with guidelines for designer utilization of the methods. The methods are illustrated by application to the design of a lateral stability augmentation system for two supersonic flight conditions of the Shuttle Orbiter. Objective functions are conventional handling quality measures and peak magnitudes of control deflections and rates. The uncertain parameters are assumed Gaussian, and numerical approximations of the stochastic behavior of the objectives are described. Results of applying the tradeoff methods to this example show that stochastic-insensitive designs are distinctly different from deterministic multiobjective designs. The main penalty for achieving significant decrease in sensitivity is decreased speed of response for the nominal system.

Schy, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Exploratory low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of advanced commuter configurations including an over-the-wing propeller design

A recent low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of a three-surface regional transport configuration has shown large favorable power effects on longitudinal and lateral stability and marginal engine-out trim characteristics for some aft engine and empennage configurations. The present paper discusses these results in terms of static force test information obtained for power-off and power-on conditions. Also discussed in this paper are wind-tunnel results which indicate that mounting propellers over the wing can introduce large favorable slipstream interference effects which significantly reduce the wing drag at climb power conditions.

Johnson, J. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Adapted head- and eye-movement responses to added-head inertia

Adaptation to inertia added to the head was studied in men by mounting masses on a rigidly attached helmet until two- to ten-fold increases of inertia were produced, while an overhead suspension compensated for the weights. The observed changes in the eye and head movement coordination included increased head movement latencies, as well as changes in the eye movement amplitude, and later stabilizing alternate contractions of the neck muscles. Oscillopsia, or continual displacement or instability of the visual world, which is a symptom of a breakdown of space constancy, was prominent and consistent in the perceptual reports of the subjects. Although adaptation resulting from adding inertia to the head occurred much faster than that induced by adding prisms or lenses, it has similar perceptual and motor components that may be objectively studied in detail.

Gauthier, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Tradeoff methods in multiobjective insensitive design of airplane control systems

The latest results of an ongoing study of computer-aided design of airplane control systems are given. Constrained minimization algorithms are used, with the design objectives in the constraint vector. The concept of Pareto optimiality is briefly reviewed. It is shown how an experienced designer can use it to find designs which are well-balanced in all objectives. Then the problem of finding designs which are insensitive to uncertainty in system parameters are discussed, introducing a probabilistic vector definition of sensitivity which is consistent with the deterministic Pareto optimal problem. Insensitivity is important in any practical design, but it is particularly important in the design of feedback control systems, since it is considered to be the most important distinctive property of feedback control. Methods of tradeoff between deterministic and stochastic-insensitive (SI) design are described, and tradeoff design results are presented for the example of the a Shuttle lateral stability augmentation system. This example is used because careful studies have been made of the uncertainty in Shuttle aerodynamics. Finally, since accurate statistics of uncertain parameters are usually not available, the effects of crude statistical models on SI designs are examined.

Schy, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Grabber arm mechanism for the Italian Research Interim Stage (IRIS)

Two deployable arms, named grabbers, were designed and manufactured to provide lateral stability of the perigee spinning stage which will be deployed from the Space Shuttle cargo bay. The spinning stage is supported by a spin table on a cradle at its base. The Italian Research Interim Stage (IRIS) is designed to carry satellites of intermediate mass up to 900 kg. The requirements are defined and the mechanism is described. Functional test results are presented.

Turci, Edmondo↗
NASA NTRS1988

Experimental investigation of non-planar sheared outboard wing planforms

The outboard planforms of wings have been found to be of prime importance in studies of induced drag reduction. This conclusion is based on an experimental and theoretical study of the aerodynamic characteristics of planar and nonplanar outboard wing forms. Six different configurations; baseline rectangular, planar sheared, sheared with dihedral, sheared with anhedral, rising arc, and drooping arc were investigated for two different spans. Span efficiencies as much as 20 percent greater than baseline can be realized with nonplanar wing forms. Optimization studies show that this advantage can be achieved along with a bending moment benefit. Parasite drag and lateral stability estimations were not included in the analysis.

Naik, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a proposed Assured Crew Return Capability (ACRC) lifting-body configuration

The investigation was conducted in the Calspan 8-Ft Transonic wind tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 1.2. The 0.07-scale model had a low aspect ratio body with a flat undersurface. A center fin and two tip fins were mounted on the aft upper body. The tip fins were rolled outboard 40 deg from the vertical. Elevon surfaces made up the trailing edges of the outboard fins and body flaps were located on the upper and lower aft fuselage. Results of the investigation indicated that the model was longitudinally and laterally stable about a center-of-gravity position of 0.54 body length. The maximum trimmed lift-drag ratio was about 3.1 at M = 0.6. The small center fin contributed only a small positive increment to lateral stability but was effective as a yaw control device. Protuberances on the forebody had little effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of the configuration. The model with pitch controls undeflected had desirable longitudinal trim characteristics.

Ware, George M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Project Dawdler: a Proposal in Response to a Low Reynolds Number Station Keeping Mission

In direct response to Request for Proposals: Flight at very low Reynolds numbers - a station keeping mission, the members of Design Squad E present Project Dawdler: a remotely-piloted airplane supported by an independently controlled take-off cart. A brief introduction to Project Dawdler's overall mission and design, is given. The Dawdler is a remotely-piloted airplane designed to fly in an environmentally-controlled closed course at a Reynolds number of 10(exp 5) and at a cruise velocity of 25 ft/s. The two primary goals were to minimize the flight Reynolds number and to maximize the loiter time. With this in mind, the general design of the airplane was guided by the belief that a relatively light aircraft producing a fairly large amount of lift would be the best approach. For this reason the Dawdler utilizes a canard rather than a conventional tail for longitudinal control, primarily because the canard contributes a positive lift component. The Dawdler also has a single vertical tail mounted behind the wing for lateral stability, half of which is used as a rudder for yaw control. Due to the fact that the power required to take-off and climb to altitude is much greater than that required for cruise flight and simple turning maneuvers, it was decided that a take-off cart be used. Based on the current design, there are two unknowns which could possibly threaten the success of Project Dawdler. First, the effect of the fully-movable canard with its large appropriation of total lift on the performance of the plane, and secondly, the ability of the take-off procedure to go as planned are examined. These are questions which can only be answered by a prototype.

Bartilotti, Rich↗
NASA NTRS1989

Investigations of modifications to improve the spin resistance of a high-wing, single-engine, light airplane

A general aviation aircraft with drooped leading edge modifications for improvement of lateral stability at high angles of attack has been flight tested in combination with a ventral fin which improves directional stability. The two modifications were assessed in light of spin-resistance criteria proposed for incorporation into FAA certification regulations. The configuration combining outboard wing leading-edge droop and a ventral fin yielded a substantial increase in spin resistance, but fell short of all requirements encompassed by the proposed spin-resistance criteria.

Manuel, G. S.↗