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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 415 records · Page 23

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NASA NTRS1976

Unsteady aerodynamic flow field analysis of the space shuttle configuration. Part 2: Launch vehicle aeroelastic analysis

An exploratory analysis has been made of the aeroelastic stability of the Space Shuttle Launch Configuration, with the objective of defining critical flow phenomena with adverse aeroelastic effects and developing simple analytic means of describing the time-dependent flow-interference effects so that they can be incorporated into a computer program to predict the aeroelastic stability of all free-free modes of the shuttle launch configuration. Three critical flow phenomana have been identified: (1) discontinuous jump of orbiter wing shock, (2) inlet flow between orbiter and booster, and (3) H.O. tank base flow. All involve highly nonlinear and often discontinuous aerodynamics which cause limit cycle oscillations of certain critical modes. Given the appropriate static data, the dynamic effects of the wing shock jump and the HO tank bulbous base effect can be analyzed using the developed quasi-steady techniques. However, further analytic and experimental efforts are required before the dynamic effects of the inlet flow phenomenon can be predicted for the shuttle launch configuration.

Reding, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Aeroheating (pressure) characteristics on a 0.10-scale version of the vehicle 3 space shuttle configuration (26-OTS) in the Langley Research Center 4-foot wind tunnel (IH4)

Results of wind tunnel tests, conducted at the Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, are presented. The model tested was an 0.010-scale version of the Vehicle 3 Space Shuttle Configuration. Pressure measurements were made on the launch configuration, Orbiter alone, external tank alone, and solid rocket booster alone, to provide heat transfer pressure data. The tests were conducted for a Mach number range from 2.36 to 4.6 and Reynolds number range from 1.2 to 5 million per foot. The model was tested at angles of attack from -10 to 20 deg for a sideslip angle range from -5 to +5 deg, and at sideslip angles from -5 to 48 deg for 0 deg angle of attack. Tabulated data are given and photographs of the test configuration are shown.

Kingsland, R. B.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Calculation of the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-flap configurations with externally blown flaps

An analytical method for predicting the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of externally blown flap configurations is described. Two potential flow models make up the prediction method: a wing and flap lifting-surface model and a turbofan engine wake model. A vortex-lattice lifting-surface method is used to represent the wing and multiple-slotted trailing-edge flaps. The jet wake is represented by a series of closely spaced vortex rings normal to a centerline which is free to move to conform to the local flow field. The two potential models are combined in an iterative fashion to predict the jet wake interference effects on a typical EBF configuration. Comparisons of measured and predicted span-load distributions, individual surface forces, forces and moments on the complete configuration, and flow fields are included.

Mendenhall, M. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

A computer program to calculate the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-flap configurations with externally blown flaps

A vortex lattice lifting-surface method is used to model the wing and multiple flaps. Each lifting surface may be of arbitrary planform having camber and twist, and the multiple-slotted trailing-edge flap system may consist of up to ten flaps with different spans and deflection angles. The engine wakes model consists of a series of closely spaced vortex rings with circular or elliptic cross sections. The rings are normal to a wake centerline which is free to move vertically and laterally to accommodate the local flow field beneath the wing and flaps. The two potential flow models are used in an iterative fashion to calculate the wing-flap loading distribution including the influence of the waves from up to two turbofan engines on the semispan. The method is limited to the condition where the flow and geometry of the configurations are symmetric about the vertical plane containing the wing root chord. The calculation procedure starts with arbitrarily positioned wake centerlines and the iterative calculation continues until the total configuration loading converges within a prescribed tolerance. Program results include total configuration forces and moments, individual lifting-surface load distributions, including pressure distributions, individual flap hinge moments, and flow field calculation at arbitrary field points.

Mendenhall, M. R.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Effect of probe configuration on radiative heating during Jovian entry

The radiative heating to the probe's surface and the effects of the recession of the heat shield caused by this heating are analyzed for five initial probe configurations for a Jovian entry. The initial configurations are spherically capped, conical bodies and hyperboloids. The results show that severe blunting of the nose region occurs for all configurations due to ablation of the heat shield caused by the large radiative heating rates. Recession at the nose region can possibly cause a concavity at the stagnation point. Furthermore, the recession of the heat shield, especially for the spherically capped, conical bodies, will be underpredicted if the change in the probe's shape during the entry is neglected in an analysis.

Sutton, K.↗

NASA NTRS1976

New thruster configurations for spacecraft attitude control systems

Design characteristics of thruster configurations for spacecraft attitude control systems investigated. A standard six engine approach is developed and used as the basis for comparison of different thruster configurations. These methods include cases of both skewed and non-skewed configurations. Simulation results are used as a basis for comparison, critical thruster design factors being given based on an analysis of the data.

Colburn, B. K.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Generalized EC&LSS computer program configuration control

The generalized environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) computer program (G189A) simulation of the shuttle orbiter ECLSS was upgraded. The G189A component model configuration was changed to represent the current PV102 and subsequent vehicle ECLSS configurations as defined by baseline ARS and ATCS schematics. The diagrammatic output schematics of the gas, water, and freon loops were also revised to agree with the new ECLSS configuration. The accuracy of the transient analysis was enhanced by incorporating the thermal mass effects of the equipment, structure, and fluid in the ARS gas and water loops and in the ATCS freon loops. The sources of the data used to upgrade the simulation are: (1) ATCS freon loop line sizes and lengths; (2) ARS water loop line sizes and lengths; (3) ARS water loop and ATCS freon loop component and equipment weights; and (4) ARS cabin and avionics bay thermal capacitance and conductance values. A single G189A combination master program library tape was generated which contains all of the master program library versions which were previously maintained on separate tapes. A new component subroutine, PIPETL, was developed and incorporated into the G189A master program library.

Blakely, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Space shuttle orbiter trimmed center-of-gravity extension study: Volume 2: Effects of configuration modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the 140 A/B orbiter at transonic speeds

Tests were conducted in the LaRC 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel to determine effects of fuselage nose and wing fillet modifications on the transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle orbiter configuration. In addition to reshaping the baseline wing planform fillet, small canards were added to the configuration. The modifications considered were of interest in extending the forward center-of-gravity boundary for the configuration.

Phillips, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Oblique wing transonic transport configuration development

Studies of transport aircraft designed for boom-free supersonic flight show the variable sweep oblique wing to be the most efficient configuration for flight at low supersonic speeds. Use of this concept leads to a configuration that is lighter, quieter, and more fuel efficient than symmetric aircraft designed for the same mission. Aerodynamic structural, weight, aeroelastic and flight control studies show the oblique wing concept to be technically feasible. Investigations are reported for wing planform and thickness, pivot design and weight estimation, engine cycle (bypass ratio), and climb, descent and reserve fuel. Results are incorporated into a final configuration. Performance, weight, and balance characteristics are evaluated. Flight control requirements are reviewed, and areas in which further research is needed are identified.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1976

Exploratory investigation of aeroacoustic optimization of the variable impedance edge concept applied to upper surface blown configurations

The feasibility of using porous surfaces on lift augmentation flaps to reduce the noise at the source, without adversely affecting aerodynamic performance was investigated. Numerous flap configurations were tested on a USB (upper surface blowing) type powered lift model (approximately 1/5 full scale). Significant reductions of far field noise and aeroacoustic pressures were found, and many configurations exhibited aerodynamic characteristics comparable to unmodified configurations of the nozzle/flap system.

Hayden, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of an advanced supersonic cruise arrow-wing configuration

A preliminary assessment of possible means for improving the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of advanced supersonic cruise arrow wing configurations and to extend the existing data base of such configurations has been made. Principle configuration variables included wing-leading and trailing-edge flap deflection, fuselage nose strakes, and engine exhaust nozzle deflection. Results showed that deflecting the wing leading edge apex flaps downward provided improved longitudinal stability but resulted in reduced directional stability. The model exhibited relatively low values of directional stability over the operational angle of attack range and experienced large asymmetric yawing moments at high angles of attack. The use of nose strakes was found to be effective in increasing the directional stability and eliminating the asymmetric yawing moment.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Interim noise correlation for some OTW configurations using external jet-flow deflectors

Jet flap interaction acoustic data obtained statically from a model-scale study of STOL-OTW configurations with a conical nozzle mounted above the wing and using various external deflectors to provide jet-flow attachment are correlated. The acoustic data are correlated in terms that consider the jet/flap interaction noise contributions associated primarily with fluctuating lift, trailing edge, and configuration wake noise sources. Variables considered include deflector geometry, flap setting and wing size. Finally, the configuration overall noise levels are related to static lift and thrust measurements in order to provide insight into possible acoustic/aerodynamic performance trade-off benefits.

Vonglahn, U. H.↗

NASA NTRS1977

A flight investigation of the wake turbulence alleviation resulting from a flap configuration change on a B-747 aircraft

A flight test investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of a flap configuration change on the vortex wake characteristics of a Boeing 747 (B-747) aircraft as measured by differences in upset response resulting from deliberate vortex encounters by a following Learjet aircraft and by direct measurement of the velocities in the wake. The flaps of the B-747 have a predominant effect on the wake. The normal landing flap configuration produces a strong vortex that is attenuated when the outboard flap segments are raised; however, extension of the landing gear at that point increases the vortex induced upsets. These effects are in general agreement with existing wind tunnel and flight data for the modified flap configuration.

Jacobsen, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Effects of deflected thrust on the stability and performance characteristics of a close-coupled canard fighter configuration

The effect of deflected thrust on the stability and performance of a close-coupled canard fighter configuration are presented. These results were obtained at low speeds in the Langley V/STOL tunnel. Transonic as well as low-speed results are also presented for an unpowered close-coupled canard and a supercruiser configuration. The V/STOL tunnel data indicate an increase in maximum lift and reductions in drag due to lift with the addition of two-dimensional vectored thrust at the wing inboard trailing edge. The longitudinal pitchup associated with the unpowered configuration at higher angles of attack was significantly reduced with power.

Thomas, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Interim noise correlation for some OTW configurations using external jet-flow deflectors

Jet/flap interaction acoustic data obtained statically from a model-scale study of STOL-OTW configurations with a conical nozzle mounted above the wing and using various external deflectors to provide jet-flow attachment are correlated. The acoustic data are correlated in terms that consider the jet/flap interaction noise contributions associated primarily with fluctuating lift, trailing edge, and configuration wake noise sources. Variables considered include deflector geometry, flap setting and wing size. Finally, the configuration overall noise levels are related to static lift and thrust measurements in order to provide insight into possible acoustic/aerodynamic performance trade-off benefits.

Von Glahn, U.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Wind-tunnel investigation of aerodynamic performance, steady amd vibratory loads, surface temperatures, and acoustic characteristics of a large-scale twin-engine upper-surface blown jet-flap configuration

Static and wind-on tests were conducted to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of and the effects of jet impingement on the wing of a large scale upper surface blown configuration powered with an actual turbine engine. The wing and flaps were instrumented with experimental dual-sensing transducer units consisting of a fluctuating pressure gage, a vibratory accelerometer, and a surface mounted alumel thermocouple. Noise directivity and spectral content measurements were obtained for various flap configurations and various engine thrust settings to provide baseline noise data for other upper surface blown configurations.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1978

Some alternative dynamic design configurations for large horizontal axis WECS

The present U.S. development effort toward large horizontal axis WECS concentrates on the configuration with two rigid blades with collective pitch variation and a yaw gear drive. Alternative configurations without yaw gear drive were considered where the rotor is either selfcentering or where the yaw angle is controlled by blade cyclic pitch inputs. A preliminary evaluation of the dynamic characteristics for these alternative design configurations is presented.

Hohenemser, K. H.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Transonic static and dynamic stability characteristics of a finned projectile configuration

Static and dynamic stability tests were made of a finned projectile configuration with the aft-mounted fins arranged in a cruciform pattern. The tests were made at free stream Mach numbers of 0.7, 0.9, 1.1, and 1.2 in the Langley 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel. Some of the parameters measured during the tests were lift, drag, pitching moment, pitch damping, and roll damping. Configurations tested included the body with undeflected fins, the body with various fin deflections for control, and the body with fins removed. Theoretical estimates of the stability derivatives were made for the fins on configuration.

Boyden, R. P.↗