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At least 469 records · Page 26

Aircraft automatic digital flight control system with inversion of the model in the feed-forward path

A full-flight-envelope automatic trajectory control system concept is being investigated at Ames Research Center. This concept was developed for advanced aircraft configurations with severe nonlinear characteristics. A feature of the system is an inverse of the complete nonlinear aircraft model as part of the feed-forward control path. Simulation and flight tests have been reported at previous Digital Avionics Systems conferences. A new method for the continuous real-time inversion of the aircraft model using a Newton-Raphson trim algorithm instead of the original inverse table look-up procedure has been developed. The results of a simulation study of a vertical attitude takeoff and landing aircraft using the new inversion technique are presented. Maneuvers were successfully carried out in all directions in the vertical-attitude hover mode. Transition runs from conventional flight through the region of lift-curve-slope reversal at an angle of attack of about 32 deg and to hover at zero speed in the vertical attitude showed satisfactory transient response. Simulations were also conducted in conventional flight at high subsonic speed in steep climb and with turns up to 4 g. Successful flight tests of the system with the new model-inversion technique in a UH-1H helicopter have recently been carried out.

Smith, G. A.↗

Circulation control technology applied to propulsive high lift systems

Technology developed for the Circulation Control Wing high-lift system has been extended to augment lift by entraining and redirecting engine thrust. Ejecting a thin jet sheet tangentially over a small curved deflecting surface adjacent to the slipstream of a turbofan engine causes the slipstream to flow around that deflecting surface. The angle of deflection is controlled pneumatically by varying the momentum of the thin jet sheet. The downward momentum of the slipstream enhances wing lift. This concept of pneumatically deflecting the slipstream has been applied to an upper surface blowing high-lift system and to a thrust deflecting system. The capability of the pneumatic upper surface blowing system was demonstrated in a series of investigations using a wind tunnel model and the NASA Quiet Short-haul Research Aircraft (QSRA). Full-scale thrust deflections greater than 90 deg were achieved. This mechanically simple system can provide increased maneuverability, heavy lift or overload capability, or short takeoff and landing performance.

Englar, R. J.↗

Twin tilt nacelle V/STOL aircraft

This paper describes the second government-conducted, piloted flight simulation of the Grumman Design 698 V/STOL (vertical and short takeoff and landing) aircraft. Emphasis is on the aircraft's handling qualities as rated by various NASA, Navy, and GAC pilots with flight experience ranging from CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) to V/STOL aircraft. The Design 698 had been modified to resolve the flight problems that were of most concern to the pilots in the first investigation (Phase I). Those problems included an adverse nonminimum phase (NMP) acceleration response in both the longitudinal and lateral axes, a large thrust-response lag, and adverse ground effects. The adverse NMP acceleration is an attribute of the vertical vanes (a Grumman patent) positioned in the fan exhaust flow. The primary modifications included using the vertical-vane deflection as a thrust spoiling method, the addition of the cross-shafted propulsion system, and the implementation of two velocity and attitude control modes (standard and precision) for speeds below 50 knots.

Eskey, M. A.↗

Dynamic ground effects on a two-dimensional flat plate

The effect of time-variant vortex shedding is simulated by a sequence of discrete vortices convecting downstream in the wake of a two-dimensional flat plate whose lifting condition is modeled by means of the quasi-vortex lattice method. The boundary condition of this problem is specified in such a way that the tangency condition on the surface of the flat plate is satisfied; the boundary condition also takes into account the effect of airfoil motion relative to the ground. Significant lift changes are shown to occur, due to the dynamic ground effect, that are crucial in aircraft takeoff and landing transitions.

Chen, Y.-S.↗

Simulation study of an automatic trim system for reducing the control forces on a light twin after an engine failure

An automatic trim system for reducing the control forces after an engine failure on a light twin has been investigated on the Langley General Aviation Simulator. The system schedules open-loop trim tab deflections as a function of differential propeller slipstream dynamic pressure and freestream dynamic pressure. The system is described and the airplane-system static and dynamic characteristics are documented. Three NASA research pilots evaluated the effectiveness of the system for takeoff and landing maneuvers. A variety of off-nominal system characteristics were studied. The system was judged to be generally beneficial, providing a 2 to 3 point improvement in pilot rating for the tasks used in the evaluations.

Stewart, E. C.↗

Current wind tunnel capability and planned improvements at Lewis Research Center

As the propulsion and power generation center of NASA, Lewis has designed its wind tunnels for propulsion research. Therefore, the 8 by 6 Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel and the 10 by 10 Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel provide the capability to test operating propulsion systems from Mach 0.4 to 3.5. The 9 by 15 Foot Wind Tunnel can investigate propulsion installation problems at the lower takeoff and landing speeds and provides an excellent anechoic environment to measure propeller and fan noise. The Lewis Central Air System provides steady air supplies to 450 psi, and exhaust to 3 in. of mercury absolute, which are available to the wind tunnels for simulation of jets and engine induced flows. The Lewis Icing Research Tunnel is the largest in the free world that can produce icing conditions throughout the year. Rehabilitation of the Altitude Wind Tunnel at Lewis would allow testing of propulsion systems in the upper left hand corner which would be a unique capability. Also, in a mothballed state at Lewis, the Hypersonic Tunnel Facility could provide the best simulation of nonvitiated Mach 5-7 test conditions available. Studies are currently being made of the Lewis facilities to identify enhancements of their research potential for the 1990's and beyond.

Bowditch, D. N.↗

Static internal performance of a thrust vectoring and reversing two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzle with an aft flap

The static internal performance of a multifunction nozzle having some of the geometric characteristics of both two-dimensional convergent-divergent and single expansion ramp nozzles has been investigated in the static-test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The internal expansion portion of the nozzle consisted of two symmetrical flat surfaces of equal length, and the external expansion portion of the nozzle consisted of a single aft flap. The aft flap could be varied in angle independently of the upper internal expansion surface to which it was attached. The effects of internal expansion ratio, nozzle thrust-vector angle (-30 deg. to 30 deg., aft flap shape, aft flap angle, and sidewall containment were determined for dry and afterburning power settings. In addition, a partial afterburning power setting nozzle, a fully deployed thrust reverser, and four vertical takeoff or landing nozzle, configurations were investigated. Nozzle pressure ratio was varied up to 10 for the dry power nozzles and 7 for the afterburning power nozzles.

Re, R. J.↗

Multi-input, multi-output system control for experimental aircraft

Two techniques, direct eigenspace assignment (DEA) and explicit model following (EMF), are used initially to synthesize control laws for the longitudinal dynamics model of a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) vehicle in the landing configuration. The vehicle model and the flight control design are presented. The two synthesis techniques are briefly discussed and the handling qualities specifications mapped into the algorithm formulations. The control laws resulting from exercising the algorithms are evaluated in terms of achieved performance and robustness. Since the synthesized control laws involve full state feedback, methodologies were implemented for the control laws using output feedback without adversely affecting performance and robustness. Finally, the salient features of the two design techniques are summarized and the areas that require further investigation are suggested.

Schmidt, D. K.↗

Current wind tunnel capability and planned improvements at Lewis Research Center

The NASA Lewis 8 x 6-ft and 10 x 10-ft supersonic wind tunnels furnish the capability for propulsion system tests in the Mach 0.4-3.5 range; the 9 x 15-ft wind tunnel at the facility addresses propulsion installation problems at the lower, takeoff and landing speeds, further providing an excellent anechoic environment in which to measure propeller and fan noise. The NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel is the largest of its kind in the free world. The currently mothballed Hypersonic Tunnel Facility could furnish the best available simulations of nonvitiated Mach 5-7 test conditions. Studies are underway to identify prospective performance-enhancing modifications for these facilities in the 1990s and beyond.

Bowditch, D. N.↗

RSRA flight development test in the airplane configuration

The Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) was flown in the airplane configuration. Eleven successful flights were made from May 8 to October 3, 1984. The takeoff and landing method was demonstrated and the resultant parameters were obtained. Control power data were obtained. In addition, main rotor hub drag, airplane configuration acoustics data, and aircraft stability data were obtained. Hub drag, acoustics, and stability will be separately reported in more detail. The tail rotor was installed for all tests.

Erickson, R. E.↗

The XV-15 Tilt-Rotor flight-test program

The XV-15 Tilt-Rotor flight research program is described; it has resulted in the full-scale development of the Navy's MV-22A Osprey which will be the world's first operational tilt rotor aircraft. Proof-of-concept flight test objectives have been completed along with military service tests and demonstrations. NASA Ames and Bell Helicopter Textron are currently engaged in advanced flight research programs. The government flight test activity is dicussed. It includes hover tests both in ground effect (IGE) and out of ground effect (OGE) for performance, downwash and noise measurements, short-field takeoff and landing (STOL) evaluations, aeroelastic stability investigations, dynamic stability tests, and three-axis sidestick-controller development and evaluation. Advanced Technology Blades will be installed and evaluated under all flight conditions.

Dugan, D. C.↗

Potential impacts of advanced technologies on the ATC capacity of high-density terminal areas

Advanced technologies for airborne systems (automatic flight control, flight displays, navigation) and for ground ATC systems (digital communications, improved surveillance and tracking, automated decision-making) create the possibility of advanced ATC operations and procedures which can bring increased capacity for runway systems. A systematic analysis is carried out to identify certain such advanced ATC operations, and then to evaluate the potential benefits occurring over time at typical US high-density airports (Denver and Boston). The study is divided into three parts: (1) A Critical Examination of Factors Which Determine Operational Capacity of Runway Systems at Major Airports, is an intensive review of current US separation criteria and terminal area ATC operations. It identifies 11 new methods to increase the capacity of landings and takeoffs for runway systems; (2) Development of Risk Based Separation Criteria is the development of a rational structure for establishing reduced ATC separation criteria which meet a consistent Target Level of Safety using advanced technology and operational procedures; and (3) Estimation of Capacity Benefits from Advanced Terminal Area Operations - Denver and Boston, provides an estimate of the overall annual improvement in runway capacity which might be expected at Denver and Boston from using some of the advanced ATC procedures developed in Part 1. Whereas Boston achieved a substantial 37% increase, Denver only achieved a 4.7% increase in its overall annual capacity.

Simpson, R. W.↗

NASA rotor systems research aircraft: Fixed-wing configuration flight-test results

The fixed-wing, airplane configuration flight-test results of the Rotor System Research Aircraft (RSRA), NASA 740, at Ames/Dryden Flight Research Center are documented. Fourteen taxi and flight tests were performed from December 1983 to October 1984. This was the first time the RSRA was flown with the main rotor removed; the tail rotor was installed. These tests confirmed that the RSRA is operable as a fixed-wing aircraft. Data were obtained for various takeoff and landing distances, control sensitivity, trim and dynamics stability characteristics, performance rotor-hub drag, and acoustics signature. Stability data were obtained with the rotor hub both installed and removed. The speed envelope was developed to 261 knots true airspeed (KTAS), 226 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS) at 10,000 ft density altitude. The airplane was configured at 5 deg. wing incidence with 5 deg. wing flaps as a normal configuration. Level-flight data were acquired at 167 KCAS for wing incidence from 0 to 10 deg. Step inputs and doublet inputs of various magnitudes were utilized to acquire dynamic stability and control sensitivity data. Sine-wave inputs of constantly increasing frequency were used to generate parameter identification data. The maximum load factor attained was 2.34 g at 206 KCAS.

Erickson, R. E.↗

Large-scale static investigation of circulation-control-wing concepts applied to upper surface-blowing aircraft

The use of a circulation control to deflect turbofan engine thrust beyond 90 deg. has been proven in full-scale static ground tests of the circulation-control-wing/upper-surface-blowing (CCW/USB) concept. This powered high-lift system employs a circular, blown trailing edge to replace the USB mechanical flaps to entrain engine-exhaust flow, and to obtain both a vertical-thrust component and an augmented circulation lift for short takeoff and landing (STOL) applications. Previous tests (Phase 1), done in 1982, of a basic configuration installed on the Quiet Short Haul Research Aircraft confirmed these CCW/USB systems capabilities. A second phase (Phase 2) of full-scale, static, thrust-deflection investigations has reconfirmed the ability to deflect engine thrust from 40 to 102 deg., depending on thrust level. Five new configurations were evaluated and performance improvements noted for those configurations with larger blown span, fences or favorable engine interactions, smaller slot height, and larger radii with less than 180 deg. of CCW surface arc. In general, a 90 deg. circular arc with a smaller slot height provided the best performance, demonstrating that adequate thrust turning can be produced by a trailing-edge shape which may have minimal cruise-performance penalty. Thrust deflections were achieved at considerably lower blowing momentum than was required for the baseline case of Phase 1. Improved performance and versatility were thus confirmed for the CCW/USB system applied to STOL aircraft, where the potential for developing a non-moving-parts pneumatic thrust deflector to rapidly vary horizontal force from thrust to drag, while maintaining constant vertical force, appears quite promising. The conversion from high-lift to lower-drag cruise mode by merely terminating the blowing provides an effective STOL aircraft system.

Shovlin, M. D.↗

Laser Doppler Velocimeter measurements in a 3-D impinging twin-jet fountain flow

Mean velocity and turbulence measurements were conducted on the three dimensional fountain flow field generated by the impingement of two axisymmetric jets on a ground plane with application to vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The basic instantaneous velocity data were obtained using a two component laser Doppler velocimeter in a plane connecting the nozzle centerlines at different heights above the ground emphasizing the jet impingement region and the fountain upwash region formed by the collision of the wall jets. The distribution of mean velocity components and turbulence quantities, including the turbulence intensity and the Reynolds shear stress, were derived from the basic velocity data. Detailed studies of the characteristics of the fountain revealed self-similarity in the mean velocity and turbulence profiles across the fountain. The spread and mean velocity decay characteristics of the fountain were established. Turbulence intensities of the order of 50% were observed in the fountain.

Saripalli, K. R.↗

Hot gas ingestion: From model results to full scale engine testing

An overview is presented of a joint NASA Lewis McDonnell Aircraft Co. Hot Gas Ingestion (HGI) test program in NASA Lewis' 9 x 15 foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). Advanced short takeoff vertical landing (ASTOVL) aircraft capable of operating from remote sites, damaged runways, aircraft carriers and small air-capable ships are being pursued for deployment around the turn of the century. To achieve this goal, it is important that technologies critical to this unique class of aircraft be developed. One of the ASTOVL concepts, the vectored thrust, has as its critical technology item, the potential of hot gas ingestion (which occurs during vertical flight operation while in ground effect) as a key development issue. Recognizing this need, NASA Lewis Powered Lift Section and McAir have defined a cooperative program for testing in the Lewis 9 x 15 foot LSWT. This program is described in detail.

Johns, Albert L.↗

Helicopter-V/STOL dynamic wind and turbulence design methodology

Aircraft and helicopter accidents due to severe dynamic wind and turbulence continue to present challenging design problems. The development of the current set of design analysis tools for a aircraft wind and turbulence design began in the 1940's and 1950's. The areas of helicopter dynamic wind and turbulence modeling and vehicle response to severe dynamic wind inputs (microburst type phenomena) during takeoff and landing remain as major unsolved design problems from a lack of both environmental data and computational methodology. The development of helicopter and V/STOL dynamic wind and turbulence response computation methology is reviewed, the current state of the design art in industry is outlined, and comments on design methodology are made which may serve to improve future flight vehicle design.

Bailey, J. Earl↗

How different a modern SST would be

The characteristics of a proposed SST are described. The proposed aircraft is to have two engines and an arrow-wing design, a passenger capacity of 250, and attain speeds of Mach 2.7. The low fineness ratio, low-aspect ratio wing planform, different engine nacelles location, and improved lift-to-drag ratio of the aircraft contribute to attaining an economical supersonic cruise. The proposed structural design and materials for the aircraft are examined; the material and design are to be applicable to high Mach and high temperature. Changes in the SST propulsion system, the nozzle designs, and landing and takeoff procedures to improve the operation of the aircraft are discussed.

Driver, C.↗