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At least 55 records · Page 3

Research on aircraft/vortex-wake interactions to determine acceptable level of wake intensity

An evaluation of the literature on large aircraft wake-vortex encounters in flight and in flight simulators has furnished an estimate of the level to which the vortex-induced rolling moments must be reduced in order to be perceived as nonhazardous at a 2-n.mi. separation distance. The criteria are based on the ratio of the vortex-induced acceleration in roll to the aileron-induced roll acceleration. A wake is acceptably alleviated if the ratio of vortex-to-aileron rolling moments is less than about 0.5. When a satisfactory alleviation scheme is identified, the alleviated vortex structure should be inserted into a simulator to ascertain whether the maximum bank angles induced are within tolerable limits.

Rossow, Vernon J.↗

Experimental study at low supersonic speeds of a missile concept having opposing wraparound tails

A wind-tunnel investigation has been performed at low supersonic speeds (at Mach numbers of 1.60, and 2.16) to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of a missile concept capable of being tube launched and controlled with a simple one-axis canard controller. This concept, which features an axisymmetric body with two planar canards and four wraparound tail fins arranged in opposing pairs, must be in rolling motion to be controllable in any radial plane with the planar canards. Thus, producing a constant rolling moment that is invariant with speed and attitude to provide the motion is desirable. Two tail-fin shaping designs, one shaved and one beveled, were evaluated for their efficiency in producing the needed rolling moments, and the results showed that the shaved fins were much more desirable for this task than the beveled fins.

Allen, Jerry M.↗

Reynolds Number Effects on the Performance of Lateral Control Devices

The influence of Reynolds number on the performance of outboard spoilers and ailerons was investigated on a generic subsonic transport configuration in the National Transonic Facility over a chord Reynolds number range 41 from 3x10(exp 6) to 30xl0(exp 6) and a Mach number range from 0.50 to 0.94, Spoiler deflection angles of 0, 10, 15, and 20 deg and aileron deflection angles of -10, 0, and 10 deg were tested. Aeroelastic effects were minimized by testing at constant normalized dynamic pressure conditions over intermediate Reynolds number ranges. Results indicated that the increment in rolling moment due to spoiler deflection generally becomes more negative as the Reynolds number increases from 3x10(exp 6) to 22x10(exp 6) with only small changes between Reynolds numbers of 22x10(exp 6) and 30x10(exp 6). The change in the increment in rolling moment coefficient with Reynolds number for the aileron deflected configuration is generally small with a general trend of increasing magnitude with increasing Reynolds number.

Mineck, Raymond E.↗

Reynolds Number Effects on the Performance of Ailerons and Spoilers (Invited)

The influence of Reynolds number on the performance of outboard spoilers and ailerons was investigated on a generic subsonic transport configuration in the National Transonic Facility over a chord Reynolds number range from 3 to 30 million and a Mach number range from 0.70 to 0.94. Spoiler deflection angles of 0, 10, and 20 degrees and aileron deflection angles of -10, 0, and 10 degrees were tested. Aeroelastic effects were minimized by testing at constant normalized dynamic pressure conditions over intermediate Reynolds number ranges. Results indicated that the increment in rolling moment due to spoiler deflection generally becomes more negative as the Reynolds number increases from 3 x 10(exp 6) to 22 x 10 (exp 6) with only small changes between Reynolds numbers of 22 x 10(exp 6) and 30 x 10(exp 6). The change in the increment in rolling moment coefficient with Reynolds number for the aileron deflected configuration is generally small with a general trend of increasing magnitude with increasing Reynolds number.

Mineck, R. E.↗

Aircraft wake-vortex minimization by use of flaps

A survey was made of research on the alleviation of the trailing vortex hazard by altering span loading with flaps on the generator airplane. Flap configurations of the generator that shed multiple vortices were found to have wakes that dispersed by vortex merging and sinusoidal instability. Reductions of approximately 50 percent in both the wake rolling moment imposed on a following aircraft and the aircraft separation requirement were achieved in the ground based and flight test experiments by deflecting the trailing edge flaps more inboard than outboard. Significantly, this configuration did not increase the drag or vibration on the generating aircraft compared to the conventional landing configuration. Ground based results of rolling moment measurement and flow visualization are shown, using a water tow facility, an air tow facility, and a wind tunnel. Flight test results are also shown, using a full scale B-747 airplane. General agreement was found among the results of the various ground based facilities and the flight tests.

Corsiglia, V. R.↗

Aeroelastic tailoring of rotor blades for vibration reduction in forward flight

Modern structural optimization techniques are applied to vibration reduction of helicopter rotor blades in forward flight. The objective function minimized consists of the oscillatory vertical hub shears or the hub rolling moments at one particular advance ratio. The behavior constraints are the frequency placements of the blade and the requirement that aeroelastic stability margins, in hover, remain unaffected by the optimization process. The aeroelastic stability and response analysis is based on a fully coupled flap-lag-torsional analysis of the blade. The vertical hub shears and rolling moments used as the objective function are obtained by appropriate integration of the loads acting along the span of the blade combined with a transformation to a hub fixed coordinate system, and a summation over the total number of blades. Numerical results for both a stiff-in-plane and a soft-in-plane configuration are presented, indicating that structural optimization yields the highest benefits when applied to soft-in-plane blade configuration. The results indicate substantial (15-40 percent) reduction in vibration levels, as well as a blade which is 20 percent lighter than the initial design.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of a maneuvering canard-controlled missile with fixed and free-rolling tail fins

Wind tunnel investigations were conducted on a generic cruciform canard-controlled missile configuration. The model featured fixed or free-rolling tail-fin afterbodies to provide an expanded aerodynamic data base with particular emphasis on alleviating large induced rolling moments and/or for providing canard roll control throughout the entire test angle-of-attack range. The tests were conducted in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers from 2.50 to 3.50 at a constant Reynolds number per foot of 2.00 x 10 to the 6th. Selected test results are presented to show the effects of a fixed or free-rolling tail-fin afterbody on the static longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics of a canard-controlled missile with pitch, yaw, and roll control at model roll angles of 0 deg and 45 deg.

Blair, A. B., Jr.↗

Ares I Vehicle Computed Turbulent Ascent Aerodynamic Data Development and Analysis

An overview of the computational ascent aerodynamic data development from a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes flow solver for the Ares I vehicle design is presented. The computed results are assessed for grid and turbulence model effects and verified against the results obtained from other flow solvers. The numerical predictions are analyzed for the surface pressure, sectional line loads, longitudinal aerodynamic and rolling moment coefficients, and their trends with respect to angle of attack, Mach number, and the vehicle's roll angle. The results revealed that the solution development with the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model was the most robust, stable, and efficient. These predictions were generally found to compare well with experimental data. Relative to wind-tunnel flow conditions, the results at flight Reynolds number showed the largest reduction of about 7% in the computed longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients. Protuberance size and relative position were found to have a significant effect on the vehicle's force and moment coefficients. The strake concept was proposed and shown to reduce the vehicle's maximum rolling moment coefficient Results and analyses have demonstrated the feasibility of the present numerical method, as an engineering tool, for predicting the external flow aerodynamic characteristics of this class of vehicle designs.

Aerodynamic characteristics↗

Plume/flowfield jet interaction effects on the Space Shuttle Orbiter during entry

A comparison of wind tunnel test results with actual flight test data from the performance of the Orbiter Reaction Control System during the STS-1 and -2 flights is presented. Jet interaction phenomena were modeled analytically and a decision was made to develop a jet interaction scaling parameter from empirical measurements wherever possible. A number of different scaling parameters resulted, and errors bounds were determined for tunnel-to-tunnel differences, model to tunnel differences, balance accuracy, real gas effects, varying nozzle configurations, and angle of sideslip. Flight test data has concentrated on the lateral/directional jet interaction of the aft yaw jets, which operate almost continuously from entry down to Mach 1 conditions. A discussion of rolling moments, side forces, and results of usage of the aft pitch and roll jets indicates an underprediction of the side force and yawing moment and overprediction of pitch and roll jet effects.

Kanipe, D. B.↗

A theoretical and experimental investigation of the effects of yaw on pressures, forces, and moments during seaplane landings and planing

A theory for the side force, rolling moment, yawing moment, and pressure distribution during yawed landings and planing of seaplanes was developed. For the special case of the straight-sided wedge without chine immersion, the results of the theoretical analysis are presented in the form of generalized curves covering all step landing conditions. Experimental impact and planing data are presented for a prismatic wedge having an angle of dead rise of 22.5 degrees and are shown to be in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions.

LOADS, LANDING - IMPACT, WATER↗

Prediction of forces and moments for flight vehicle control effectors. Part 1: Validation of methods for predicting hypersonic vehicle controls forces and moments

Many types of hypersonic aircraft configurations are currently being studied for feasibility of future development. Since the control of the hypersonic configurations throughout the speed range has a major impact on acceptable designs, it must be considered in the conceptual design stage. The ability of the aerodynamic analysis methods contained in an industry standard conceptual design system, APAS II, to estimate the forces and moments generated through control surface deflections from low subsonic to high hypersonic speeds is considered. Predicted control forces and moments generated by various control effectors are compared with previously published wind tunnel and flight test data for three configurations: the North American X-15, the Space Shuttle Orbiter, and a hypersonic research airplane concept. Qualitative summaries of the results are given for each longitudinal force and moment and each control derivative in the various speed ranges. Results show that all predictions of longitudinal stability and control derivatives are acceptable for use at the conceptual design stage. Results for most lateral/directional control derivatives are acceptable for conceptual design purposes; however, predictions at supersonic Mach numbers for the change in yawing moment due to aileron deflection and the change in rolling moment due to rudder deflection are found to be unacceptable. Including shielding effects in the analysis is shown to have little effect on lift and pitching moment predictions while improving drag predictions.

Maughmer, Mark D.↗

Rocket-Model Measurements of Zero-Lift Damping in Roll of the Bell MX-776 Missile at Mach Numbers from 0.6 to 1.56

The zero-lift damping in roll of the Bell MX-776 missile has been measured by a sting-mounted rocket-model technique at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 1.56. The damping-in-roll data, in general, show no unusual variation with Mach number. Aileron rolling-moment effectiveness derived from these data and previously obtained rolling-effectiveness data appear reasonable,

Bland, William N., Jr.↗

Aerodynamic roll characteristics of a 0.00548 scale 146-inch solid rocket booster reentry configuration (MSFC Model Number 486) over a portion of the reentry flight regime in the NASA MSF 14-inch trisonic wind tunnel

An experimental investigation was conducted in the MSFC 14 inch TWT to study the roll characteristics of a 0.00548 scale model of the 146 inch shuttle solid rocket booster to obtain more accurate rolling moment data on the solid rocket booster. A sensitive single component roll balance was utilized. Data were obtained for a single nose mounted sting. The angle of attack range consisted of angles from 150 deg to 190 deg; roll angles consisted of angles from 0 deg to 337 1/2 deg in increments of 22 1/2 deg; and Mach numbers were 1.46, 1.96, 2.74 and 2.48.

Ramsey, P. E.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of Magellan spacecraft in Venus upper atmosphere

The aerodynamic flight characteristics of the Magellan spacecraft in the Venus atmosphere are computed at a nominal altitude of 140 km over a wide range of incidence angles and roll angles. Computational methods are described which can be used to simulate flowfields in the transition and free molecular domains over vehicles of arbitrarily complex geometry. Values of the drag, lift, and transverse forces and of the pitch, yaw, and roll moments are given for incidence angles of -60 to 60 deg and roll angles of 0 to 360 deg. Transitional flow effects are quantified and shown to be small, but not negligible and should be accounted for if high accuracy is required.

Rault, Didier F. G.↗

Proportioning the airplane for lateral stability

Proportioning for lateral aircraft control included: (1) directional stability (slope of curve of yawing moment coefficient against sideslip), and (2) effective dihedral factor (slope of curve of rolling moment coefficient against sideslip). Basic forces influencing the directional stability of aircraft are indicated. Propeller side force, basic fuselage yaw, and vertical tail side force contributed to yaw moment about center of gravity.

Donlan, C. J.↗

Flight Behavior of the X-2 Research Airplane to a Mach Number of 3.20 and a Geometric Altitude of 126,200 Feet

The maximum Mach number and altitude capabilities of the Bell X-2 research airplane were achieved during a program conducted by the U.S. Air Force with Bell Aircraft Corp. providing operational support and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration providing instrumentation and advisory engineering assistance. A maximum geometric altitude of 126,200 feet was attained at a static pressure of 9.4 pounds per square foot and a dynamic pressure of 19.1 pounds per square foot. During the last flight of the airplane, a maximum Mach number of 3.20 was reached. The directionally divergent maneuver which terminated the final high Mach number flight was precipitated by the loss in directional stability that resulted from increasing the angle of attack. The yawing moment from the lateral control was sufficient to initiate the divergence and also to cause,, indirectly, rolling moments that were greater than the aileron capabilities of the airplane. The ensuing violent motions-resulting from inertial roll coupling caused the loss of the aircraft.

Day, Richard E.↗

Development of a Protocol to Test Proprioceptive Utilization as a Predictor for Sensorimotor Adaptability

Astronauts returning from space flight show significant inter-subject variations in their abilities to readapt to a gravitational environment because of their innate sensory weighting. The ability to predict the manner and degree to which each individual astronaut will be affected would improve the effectiveness of countermeasure training programs designed to enhance sensorimotor adaptability. We hypothesize participant's ability to utilize individual sensory information (vision, proprioception and vestibular) influences adaptation in sensorimotor performance after space flight. The goal of this study is to develop a reliable protocol to test proprioceptive utilization in a functional postural control task. Subjects "stand" in a supine position while strapped to a backpack frame holding a friction-free device using air-bearings that allow the subject to move freely in the frontal plane, similar to when in upright standing. The frame is attached to a pneumatic cylinder, which can provide different levels of a gravity-like force that the subject must balance against to remain "upright". The supine posture with eyes closed ensures reduced vestibular and visual contribution to postural control suggesting somatosensory and/or non-otolith vestibular inputs will provide relevant information for maintaining balance control in this task. This setup is called the gravity bed. Fourteen healthy subjects carried out three trials each with eyes open alternated with eyes closed, "standing" on their dominant leg in the gravity bed environment while loaded with 60 percent of their body weight. Subjects were instructed to: "use your sense of sway about the ankle and pressure changes under the foot to maintain balance." Maximum length of a trial was 45 seconds. A force plate underneath the foot recorded forces and moments during the trial and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) attached on the backpack's frame near the center of mass of the subject recorded upper body postural responses. Series of linear and non-linear analyses were carried out on several force plate and IMU data including stabilogram diffusion analysis on the center of pressure (COP) to find a subset of parameters that were sensitive to detect differences in postural performance between eyes open and closed conditions. Results revealed that seven parameters (root mean square (RMS) of medio-lateral (ML) COP, range of ML COP, RMS of roll moment, range of trunk roll, minimum time-to-boundary (TTB), integrated TTB, and critical mean square planar displacement (delta r (sup 2) (sub c)) were significantly different between eyes open and closed conditions. We will present data to show the efficacy of using performance in single leg stance with eyes closed on the gravity bed to assess individuals' ability to utilize proprioceptive information in a functional postural control task to predict re-adaptation for sensorimotor and functional performance.

Goel, R.↗

Supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of a series of wrap-around-fin missile configurations

A parametric study of wrap-around-fin missile configurations was conducted at Mach numbers from 1.60 to 2.86 in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel. The fin configurations investigated included variations in chord length, leading edge sweep, thickness ratio, and leading edge shape. The investigation also included a smooth and a stepped-down afterbody required for flush retraction of the wrap-around-fin configuration. The investigation indicated no unusual longitudinal characteristics; however, all the wrap-around-fin configurations tested indicated erratic lateral behavior, particularly in the form of induced roll at zero angle of attack and irregular variations of roll with angle of attack and Mach number. The magnitude of rolling moment at an angle of attack of 0 deg is estimated to represent approximately 0.25 deg or less roll control deflection. The stepped-down afterbody has a marked effect on reducing the induced roll.

Fournier, R. H.↗