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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1932

Problems concerning the stability and maneuverability of airplanes

The stability of an airplane can be easily determined by wind-tunnel tests, especially by simple tests with models mounted wind-vane fashion. However, each stability curve plotted by this method is valid only for a certain setting of the corresponding control surface, i.e., it characterizes the stability of the airplane with the control stick in a given position. The problems thus defined are studied from the point of view of longitudinal and transverse stability. Directional stability is not included in this study.

Biche, Jean↗
NASA NTRS1997

Realtime Three-Dimensional Simulation

Real-time three-dimensional simulations are dependent of three areas: databases and models (3D geometric polygon structure, multiple levels of detail, sound sample waveforms, optimized for interactive, real time use); software applications (software program that controls input devices, visual channels, scene objects, interaction, collision detection, special effects, time of day, weather, I/O, and communication); and hardware (computer, sound processor, monitors control sticks, position trackers, head-mounted displays, amplifiers, speakers, and communications.

Ramsdell, Craig↗
NASA NTRS1959

Launch, Low-Speed, and Landing Characteristics Determined from the First Flight of the North American X-15 Research Airplane

The first flight of the North American X-15 research airplane was made on June 8, 1959. This was accomplished after completion of a series of captive flights with the X-15 attached to the B-52 carrier airplane to demonstrate the aerodynamic and systems compatibility of the X-15//B-52 combination and the X-15 subsystem operation. This flight was planned as a glide flight so that the pilot need not be concerned with the propulsion system. Discussions of the launch, low-speed maneuvering, and landing characteristics are presented, and the results are compared with predictions from preflight studies. The launch characteristics were generally satisfactory, and the X-15 vertical tail adequately cleared the B-52 wing cutout. The actual landing pattern and landing characteristics compared favorably with predictions, and the recommended landing technique of lowering the flaps and landing gear at a low altitude appears to be a satisfactory method of landing the X-15 airplane. There was a quantitative correlation between flight-measured and predicted lift-drag-ratio characteristics in the clean configuration and a qualitative correlation in the landing configuration. A longitudinal-controllability problem, which became severe in the landing configuration, was evident throughout the flight and, apparently, was aggravated by the sensitivity of the side-located control stick. In the low-to-moderate angle-of-attack range covered, the longitudinal and directional stability were indicated to be adequate.

Finch, Thomas W.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Piloted Evaluation of the H-Mode, a Variable Autonomy Control System, in Motion-Based Simulation

As aircraft become able to autonomously respond to a range of situations with performance surpassing human operators, we are compelled to look for new methods that help understand their use and guide the design of new, more effective forms of automation and interaction. The "H-mode" is one such method and is based on the metaphor of a well-trained horse. The concept allows the pilot to manage a broad range of control automation functionality, from augmented manual control to FMS-like coupling and automation initiated actions, using a common interface system and easily learned set of interaction skills. The interface leverages familiar manual control interfaces (e.g., the control stick) and flight displays through the addition of contextually dependent haptic-multimodal elements. The concept is relevant to manned and remotely piloted vehicles. This paper provides an overview of the H-mode concept followed by a presentation of the results from a recent evaluation conducted in a motion-based simulator. The evaluation focused on assessing the overall usability and flying qualities of the concept with an emphasis on the effects of turbulence and cockpit motion. Because the H-mode results in interactions between traditional flying qualities and management of higher-level flight path automation, these effects are of particular interest. The results indicate that the concept may provide a useful complement or replacement to conventional interfaces, and retains the usefulness in the presence of turbulence and motion.

Goodrich, Kenneth H.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Using Natural Language to Enable Mission Managers to Control Multiple Heterogeneous UAVs

The availability of highly capable, yet relatively cheap, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is opening up new areas of use for hobbyists and for commercial activities. This research is developing methods beyond classical control-stick pilot inputs, to allow operators to manage complex missions without in-depth vehicle expertise. These missions may entail several heterogeneous UAVs flying coordinated patterns or flying multiple trajectories deconflicted in time or space to predefined locations. This paper describes the functionality and preliminary usability measures of an interface that allows an operator to define a mission using speech inputs. With a defined and simple vocabulary, operators can input the vast majority of mission parameters using simple, intuitive voice commands. Although the operator interface is simple, it is based upon autonomous algorithms that allow the mission to proceed with minimal input from the operator. This paper also describes these underlying algorithms that allow an operator to manage several UAVs.

Trujillo, Anna C.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Stick-Fixed Stability and Control Characteristics of the Consolidated Vultee Model 240 Airplane as Estimated from Tests of a 0.092-Scale Powered Model

Estimates of the static stick-fixed stability and control characteristics of the Consolidated Vultee model 240 airplane are presented in this report. The estimates are based on tests of a 0.092-scale powered model in the 10-foot wind tunnel of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology. Results of the analysis are evaluated in terms of the Army specifications for stability and control characteristics which are more specific and, in general, equal to or more rigid than the Civil Aeronautics Administration requirements. The stick-fixed stability and control characteristics of the Consolidated Vultee model 240 were found to be satisfactory except for the following: 1) Marginal longitudinal stability in the landing approach (flaps 30 deg, 50% minimum continuous power) with aft center of gravity (31% M.A.C.); 2) Marginal rudder control to hold zero sideslip in a climb after take-off with asymmetric power (flaps 30 deg, left engine inoperative, right engine delivering take-off power) with maximum rudder throw limited to +/- 18 deg; 3) Marginal dihedral effect with flaps 40 deg and engines delivering maximum continuous power.

McCullough, George B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Pilot control through the TAFCOS automatic flight control system

The set of flight control logic used in a recently completed flight test program to evaluate the total automatic flight control system (TAFCOS) with the controller operating in a fully automatic mode, was used to perform an unmanned simulation on an IBM 360 computer in which the TAFCOS concept was extended to provide a multilevel pilot interface. A pilot TAFCOS interface for direct pilot control by use of a velocity-control-wheel-steering mode was defined as well as a means for calling up conventional autopilot modes. It is concluded that the TAFCOS structure is easily adaptable to the addition of a pilot control through a stick-wheel-throttle control similar to conventional airplane controls. Conventional autopilot modes, such as airspeed-hold, altitude-hold, heading-hold, and flight path angle-hold, can also be included.

Wehrend, W. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1944

Some Notes on the Determination of the Stick-Free Neutral Point from Wind-Tunnel Data

Two graphical methods are presented for determining the stick-free neutral point, and they are extensions of the methods commonly used to determine the stick-free neutral point. A mathematical formula for computing the stick-free neutral point is also given. These methods may be applied to determine approximately the increase in tail size necessary to shift the neutral point (stick fixed or free) to any desired location on an airplane having inadequate longitudinal stability.

STABILITY CALCULATIONS↗
NASA NTRS1981

The role of manipulator characteristics in selecting the ideal effective vehicle

A structural model of the human pilot is introduced and discussed. The model is used to provide a rationale for certain nonlinear pilot control behavior such as stick pulsing and serves as a framework for studying aspects of motor skill development. In light of the theoretical background provided by the model, some past empirical pilot response phenomena are analyzed and shown to be attributable to manipulator or control stick characteristics. In particular, some recent problems associated with pilot/vehicle performance in glideslope tracking in short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft are analyzed. The apparent contribution of the cockpit manipulator (throttle) characteristics to these problems are outlined and a solution proposed and evaluated in both simulation and flight test.

Hess, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1927

Structural details of German gliders

The structural details such as wings, fuselage, landing gear, and steering organs of German gliders are detailed in this report.

GLIDERS - AACHEN SCHWARZER TEUFEL (GER )↗
NASA NTRS1989

Pilot Delays For Three Cockpit Controllers

Pilot effective delay increases with system delay. Report compares pilot effective time delays measured in simulations of aircraft-control systems equipped with Space Shuttle rotational hand controller and with two versions of conventional stick-type hand controller. Report of interest to those concerned with design of multiple-axis controllers in aircraft, armored vehicles, industrial machinery, and remote manipulators: operator response or delay critical to stable and accurate operation of such systems.

Privoznik, Cynthia M.↗
NASA NTRS1958

Ground Simulator Studies of the Effects of Valve Friction, Stick Friction, Flexibility, and Backwash on Power Control System Quality

Report presents results of tests made on a power control system by means of a ground simulator to determine the effects of various combinations of valve friction and stick friction on the ability of the pilot to control the system. Various friction conditions were simulated with a rigid control system, a flexible system, and a rigid system having some backlash. For the tests, the period and damping of the simulated airplane were held constant.

Brown, B Porter↗
NASA NTRS1976

Development of an active fly-by-wire flight control system

A summary of the YF-16 flight control system is presented. The basic functions of the flight control system are discussed, as well as the unique features such as Relaxed Static Longitudinal Stability (RSS), Fly By Wire (FBW), and Side Stick Pilot's Controller (SSC). In addition, the basic philosophy behind the selection of the flight control system functions and unique features is discussed.

Anderson, C. A.↗