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At least 55 records · Page 3

Wind Tunnel Investigation of Fuselage Stability in Yaw with Various Arrangements of Fins

An investigation was made in the 7-by-10 foot wind tunnel to determine the effects of dorsal-type fins and various arrangements of fins on the aerodynamic characteristics of a streamline circular fuselage. Comparative plots of the aerodynamic characteristics of the fuselage alone and the fuselage with various fin arrangements are given to show their effects on coefficients of yawing moment, drag, and lateral force. Results are also given for one case in which a rear fin on a circular fuselage was faired with modeling clay to obtain a fuselage shape with the same side elevation as the fuselage with the unfaired fin but with an elliptical cross section over the rearward portion of the fuselage. The results indicated that fin area to the rear of the center of gravity of the fuselage was beneficial in reducing the magnitude of the unstable yawing moments at large angles of yaw; whereas, fin area forward of the center of gravity was harmful. The dorsal-type fin was more effective for increasing the yawing stability of the fuselage than was a smoothly faired rearward portion with the same side elevation as the fuselage with the unfaired dorsal type fin. The minimum drag coefficient and the slope of the curve of yawing-moment coefficient of the fuselage at zero yaw were unaffected by the addition of the fins, within the experimental accuracy of the tests.

Hoggard, H Page, Jr↗

Sensitivity Analysis of Linear Programming and Quadratic Programming Algorithms for Control Allocation

The Next Generation (NextGen) transport aircraft configurations being investigated as part of the NASA Aeronautics Subsonic Fixed Wing Project have more control surfaces, or control effectors, than existing transport aircraft configurations. Conventional flight control is achieved through two symmetric elevators, two antisymmetric ailerons, and a rudder. The five effectors, reduced to three command variables, produce moments along the three main axes of the aircraft and enable the pilot to control the attitude and flight path of the aircraft. The NextGen aircraft will have additional redundant control effectors to control the three moments, creating a situation where the aircraft is over-actuated and where a simple relationship does not exist anymore between the required effector deflections and the desired moments. NextGen flight controllers will incorporate control allocation algorithms to determine the optimal effector commands and attain the desired moments, taking into account the effector limits. Approaches to solving the problem using linear programming and quadratic programming algorithms have been proposed and tested. It is of great interest to understand their relative advantages and disadvantages and how design parameters may affect their properties. In this paper, we investigate the sensitivity of the effector commands with respect to the desired moments and show on some examples that the solutions provided using the l2 norm of quadratic programming are less sensitive than those using the l1 norm of linear programming.

Frost, Susan A.↗

Calculation of Wing Bending Moments and Tail Loads Resulting from the Jettison of Wing Tips During a Symmetrical Pull-Up

A preliminary analytical investigation was made to determine the feasibility of the basic idea of controlled failure points as safety valves for the primary airplane structure. The present analysis considers the possibilities of the breakable wing tip which, in failing as a weak link, would relieve the bending moments on the wing structure. The analysis was carried out by computing the time histories of the wing and stabilizer angle of attack in a 10g pull-up for an XF8F airplane with tips fixed and comparing the results with those for the same maneuver, that is, elevator motion but with tips jettisoned at 8g. The calculations indicate that the increased stability accompanying the loss of the wing tips reduces the bending moment an additional amount above that which would be expected from the initial loss in lift and the inboard shift in load. The vortex shed when the tips are lost may induce a transient load requiring that the tail be made stronger than otherwise.

Boshar, John↗

Leg intramuscular pressures during locomotion in humans

To assess the usefulness of intramuscular pressure (IMP) measurement for studying muscle function during gait, IMP was recorded in the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of 10 volunteers during treadmill walking and running by using transducer-tipped catheters. Soleus IMP exhibited single peaks during late-stance phase of walking [181 +/- 69 (SE) mmHg] and running (269 +/- 95 mmHg). Tibialis anterior IMP showed a biphasic response, with the largest peak (90 +/- 15 mmHg during walking and 151 +/- 25 mmHg during running) occurring shortly after heel strike. IMP magnitude increased with gait speed in both muscles. Linear regression of soleus IMP against ankle joint torque obtained by a dynamometer produced linear relationships (n = 2, r = 0.97 for both). Application of these relationships to IMP data yielded estimated peak soleus moment contributions of 0.95-1.65 N . m/kg during walking, and 1.43-2.70 N . m/kg during running. Phasic elevations of IMP during exercise are probably generated by local muscle tissue deformations due to muscle force development. Thus profiles of IMP provide a direct, reproducible index of muscle function during locomotion in humans.

Clinical Trial↗

Rotary Balance Wind Tunnel Testing for the FASER Flight Research Aircraft

Flight dynamics research was conducted to collect and analyze rotary balance wind tunnel test data in order to improve the aerodynamic simulation and modeling of a low-cost small unmanned aircraft called FASER (Free-flying Aircraft for Sub-scale Experimental Research). The impetus for using FASER was to provide risk and cost reduction for flight testing of more expensive aircraft and assist in the improvement of wind tunnel and flight test techniques, and control laws. The FASER research aircraft has the benefit of allowing wind tunnel and flight tests to be conducted on the same model, improving correlation between wind tunnel, flight, and simulation data. Prior wind tunnel tests include a static force and moment test, including power effects, and a roll and yaw damping forced oscillation test. Rotary balance testing allows for the calculation of aircraft rotary derivatives and the prediction of steady-state spins. The rotary balance wind tunnel test was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel (VST). Rotary balance testing includes runs for a set of given angular rotation rates at a range of angles of attack and sideslip angles in order to fully characterize the aircraft rotary dynamics. Tests were performed at angles of attack from 0 to 50 degrees, sideslip angles of -5 to 10 degrees, and non-dimensional spin rates from -0.5 to 0.5. The effects of pro-spin elevator and rudder deflection and pro- and anti-spin elevator, rudder, and aileron deflection were examined. The data are presented to illustrate the functional dependence of the forces and moments on angle of attack, sideslip angle, and angular rate for the rotary contributions to the forces and moments. Further investigation is necessary to fully characterize the control effectors. The data were also used with a steady state spin prediction tool that did not predict an equilibrium spin mode.

Denham, Casey↗

Longitudinal stability and control characteristics of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA)

Flight experiments were conducted to evaluate various aerodynamic characteristics of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA), an experimental aircraft that makes use of the upper-surface blown (USB) powered-lift concept. Time-history records from maneuvers performed with the aircraft in landing-approach and take-off configurations (with its stability augmentation system disengaged) were analyzed to obtain longitudinal stability and control derivatives and performance characteristics. The experiments included measuring the aircraft responses to variations in the deflection of direct-lift control spoilers and to thrust variations as well as to elevator inputs. The majority of the results are given for the aircraft in a landing configuration with the USB flaps at 50 degrees. For this configuration, if the static longitudinal stability is defined as the variation of the pitching-moment coefficient with the lift coefficient at a constant thrust coefficient, this stability decreases significantly with increasing angle of attack above 9 degrees. For this configuration, at small and negative angles of attack and high levels of thrust, the elevators and the horizontal stabilizer lost effectiveness owing to incipent stalling, but this occurred only during unsteady maneuvers and for brief time intervals.

Stephenson, Jack D.↗

A flight investigation of the stability, control, and handling qualities of an augmented jet flap STOL airplane

The stability, control, and handling qualities of an augmented jet flap STOL airplane are presented. The airplane is an extensively modified de Havilland Buffalo military transport. The modified airplane has two fan-jet engines which provide vectorable thrust and compressed air for the augmentor jet flap and Boundary-Layer Control (BLC). The augmentor and BLC air is cross ducted to minimize asymmetric moments produced when one engine is inoperative. The modifications incorporated in the airplane include a Stability Augmentation System (SAS), a powered elevator, and a powered lateral control system. The test gross weight of the airplane was between 165,000 and 209,000 N (37,000 and 47,000 lb). Stability, control, and handling qualities are presented for the airspeed range of 40 to 180 knots. The lateral-directional handling qualities are considered satisfactory for the normal operating range of 65 to 160 knots airspeed when the SAS is functioning. With the SAS inoperative, poor turn coordination and spiral instability are primary deficiencies contributing to marginal handling qualities in the landing approach. The powered elevator control system enhanced the controllability in pitch, particularly in the landing flare and stall recovery.

Vomaske, R. F.↗

High-Speed Wind-Tunnel Tests of a Model of the Lockheed YP-80A Airplane Including Correlation with Flight Tests and Tests of Dive-Recovery Flaps

This report contains the results of tests of a 1/3-scale model of the Lockheed YP-90A "Shooting Star" airplane and a comparison of drag, maximum lift coefficient, and elevator angle required for level flight as measured in the wind tunnel and in flight. Included in the report are the general aerodynamic characteristics of the model and of two types of dive-recovery flaps, one at several positions along the chord on the lower surface of the wing and the other on the lower surface of the fuselage. The results show good agreement between the flight and wind-tunnel measurements at all Mach numbers. The results indicate that the YP-80A is controllable in pitch by the elevators to a Mach number of at least 0.85. The fuselage dive-recovery flaps are effective for producing a climbing moment and increasing the drag at Mach numbers up to at least 0.8. The wing dive-recovery flaps are most effective for producing a climbing moment at 0.75 Mach number. At 0.85 Mach number, their effectiveness is approximately 50 percent of the maximum. The optimum position for the wing dive-recovery flaps to produce a climbing moment is at approximately 35 percent of the chord.

Cleary, Joseph W.↗

Spin-Tunnel Investigation of a 1/20-Scale Model of the Northrop F-5E Airplane

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley spin tunnel to determine the spin and recovery characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Northrop F-5E airplane. The investigation included erect and inverted spins, a range of center-of- gravity locations and moments of inertia, symmetric and asymmetric store loadings, and a determination of the parachute size required for emergency spin recovery. The effects of increased elevator trailing-edge-up deflections, of leading-edge and trailing-edge flap deflections, and of simulating the geometry of large external stores were also determined.

Scher, Stanley H.↗

ICESat-2 Tracking App for Public Engagement

Information regarding the predicted ground tracks of Earth observing satellites is typically difficult to find and understand for the general public. This paper will describe and demonstrate an iOS mobile application for tracking NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2), making it easier for users to see exactly when the satellite will be passing over any location in the world. ICESat-2, launched in 2018, uses green lasers to track elevation changes in polar ice and indirectly measure trees, land, and water, providing a precise height map of our planet. Most satellite tracking mobile apps display information about where a specific satellite is at that given moment and when it will be passing over the user’s location in the near future. ICESat-2 the app differs by allowing users to search for data about the satellite’s future flybys relative to a specific search location and radius that they get to choose. The search results include points up to three months into the future. By supplying user-centric results, users are provided relevant data in an easy-to- access manner. Additionally, this data is very clear to visualize in-app through maps, pins, and ground track lines. This becomes an incredibly useful tool not only to plan an observation of the satellite as it passes, but also for knowing when elevation data for a specific area will be available. In addition, this flyby information helps students and citizen scientists take more valuable tree height measurements to better validate the elevation data collected by the satellite. To achieve this outreach product, three key components were developed. These include a Python script to simplify the raw ground track data, a Node.js server that actively takes requests, and the iOS app itself. From initial beta tests, it has been noted that providing users with a map for visual awareness of search radius and result coordinates gives them a more comprehensive understanding of the data. Overall, by cleaning the raw data and making it available in a much more accessible and easier to understand way, ICESat-2 the app has exceeded expectations in providing educational and exciting data for all.

Harbeck, Kaitlin↗

Pressure-Distribution Measurements at Large Angles of Pitch on Fins of Different Span-Chord Ratio on a 1/40-Scale Model of the U. S. Airship "Akron."

Report presents the results of pressure-distribution measurements on a 1/40-scale model of the U. S. Airship "Akron" conducted in the NACA 20-foot wind tunnel. The measurements were made on the starboard fin of each of four sets of horizontal tail surfaces, all of approximately the same area but differing in span-chord ratio, for five angles of pitch varying from 11.6 degrees to 34 degrees, for four elevator angles, and at air speeds ranging from 56 to 77 miles per hour. Pressures were also measured at 13 stations along the rear half of the port side of the hull at one elevator setting for the same five angles of pitch and at an air speed of approximately 91 miles per hour. The normal force on the fin and the moment of forces about the fin root were determined. The results indicate that, ignoring the effect on drag, it would be advantageous from structural considerations to use a fin of lower span-chord ratio than that used on the "Akron."

Mchugh, James G↗

Determination of Static Strength and Creep Buckling of Unstiffened Circular Cylinders Subjected to Bending at Elevated Temperatures

A method based on a semiempirical procedure is presented for predicting static strength and creep buckling of unstiffened circular cylinders subjected to pure bending at elevated temperatures. The method is applicable to cylinders that are loaded into the inelastic stress range prior to buckling and fail in a local mode. The predicted bending moments associated with static strength and creep buckling are compared with experimental data (taken from NACA RM 57El7) obtained from tests at 500 F on 5052-0 aluminum-alloy cylinders with radius- thickness ratios ranging from 125 to 250.

Mathauser, Eldon E.↗

On isostatic geoid anomalies

In regions of slowly varying lateral density changes, the gravity and geoid anomalies may be expressed as power series expansions in topography. Geoid anomalies in isostatically compensated regions can be directly related to the local dipole moment of the density-depth distribution. This relationship is used to obtain theoretical geoid anomalies for different models of isostatic compensation. The classical Pratt and Airy models give geoid height-elevation relationships differing in functional form but predicting geoid anomalies of comparable magnitude. The thermal cooling model explaining ocean floor subsidence away from mid-ocean ridges predicts a linear age-geoid height relationship of 0.16 m/m.y. Geos 3 altimetry profiles were examined to test these theoretical relationships. A profile over the mid-Atlantic ridge is closely matched by the geoid curve derived from the thermal cooling model. The observed geoid anomaly over the Atlantic margin of North America can be explained by Airy compensation. The relation between geoid anomaly and bathymetry across the Bermuda Swell is consistent with Pratt compensation with a 100-km depth of compensation.

Haxby, W. F.↗

Performance, Stability, and Control Investigation at Mach Numbers from 0.60 to 1.05 of a Model of the "Swallow" with Outer Wing Panels Swept 75 degree with and without Power Simulations

An investigation of the performance, stability, and control characteristics of a variable-sweep arrow-wing model with the outer wing panels swept 75 deg. has been conducted in the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel. Four outboard engines located above and below the wing provided propulsive thrust, and, by deflecting in the pitch direction and rotating in the lateral plane, also produced control forces. The engine nacelles incorporated swept lateral and vertical fins for aerodynamic stability and control. Jet-off data were obtained with flow-through nacelles, simulating inlet flow; jet thrust and hot-jet interference effects were obtained with faired-nose nacelles housing hydrogen peroxide gas generators. Six-component force and moment data were obtained at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.05 through a range of angles of attack and angles of side-slip. Control characteristics were obtained by deflecting the nacelle-fin combinations as elevators, rudders, and ailerons at several fixed angles for each control. The results indicate that the basic wing-body configuration becomes neutrally stable or unstable at a lift coefficient of 0.15; addition of nacelles with fins delayed instability to a lift coefficient of 0.30. Addition of nacelles to the wing-body configuration increased minimum drag from 0.0058 to 0.0100 at a Mach number of 0.60 and from 0.0080 to 0.0190 at a Mach number of 1.05 with corresponding reductions in maximum lift-drag ratio of 12 percent and 33 percent, respectively. The nacelle-fin combinations were ineffective as longitudinal controls but were adequate as directional and lateral controls. The model with nacelles and fins was directionally and laterally stable; the stability generally increased with increasing lift. Jet interference effects on stability and control characteristics were small but the adverse effects on drag were greater than would be expected for isolated nacelles.

Schmeer, James W.↗

Wind-Tunnel Tests of the 1/25-Scale Powered Model of the Martin JRM-1 Airplane. IV - Tests with Ground Board and with Modified Wing and Hull - TED No. NACA 232: Tests with Ground Board and with Modified Wing and Hull, TED No. NACA 232 - Part 4

Wind-tunnel tests were made of a 1/25 scale model of the Martin JRM-1 airplane to determine: (1) The longitudinal stability and control characteristics of the JRM-1 model near the water and lateral and directional stability characteristics with power while moving on the surface of the water, the latter being useful for the design of tip floats; (2) The stability and stalling characteristics of the wing with a modified airfoil contour; (3) Stability characteristics of a hull of larger design gross weight; The test results indicated that the elevator was powerful enough to trim the original model in a landing configuration at any lift coefficient within the specified range of centers of gravity. The ground-board tests for evaluating the aerodynamic forces and moments on an airplane in a simulated cross wind indicate a high dihedral effect in the presence of the ground board and, consequently, during low-speed taxying and take-off, large overturning moments would result which would have to be overcome by the tip floats.

Lockwood, Vernard E.↗