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At least 559 records · Page 31

Overview of technology sessions

Short takeoff aircraft technology development related to the requirements for an expanded and improved short-haul air transportation system is discussed. Systems requirements are summarized, principal aircraft requirements are identified, the status of STOL technology is analyzed, and the scope of the technology efforts covered by the conference are outlined. Charts and diagrams are provided to explain system requirements, lift capability trends, and terminal airspace requirements.

Wick, B. H.↗

Simulator evaluation of the flying qualities of externally blown flap and augmentor wing transport configurations

Concurrent simulations of powered-lift STOL transport aircraft having either an externally blown flap configuration or an augmentor wing configuration were conducted. The following types of simulators of varying sophistication were used: (1) a simple fixed-base simulation with a simple visual display, (2) a more complex fixed-base simulation using a realistic transport cockpit and a high-quality visual display, and (3) a six-degree-of-freedom motion simulator that had a realistic transport cockpit and a sophisticated visual display. The unaugmented flying qualities determined from these simulations were rated as unacceptable for both the externally blown flap and augmentor wing configurations. The longitudinal, lateral-directional, and single-engine-failure characteristics were rated satisfactory with extensive augmentation, including pitch and roll command systems, flight-path (or speed) augmentation, turn coordination, and effective yaw damping. However, the flare and landing characteristics from any approach glide-path angle in excess of 4 deg were rated as unsatisfactory but acceptable.

Kier, D. A.↗

Acoustic results obtained with upper-surface-blowing lift-augmentation systems.

The noise caused by the interaction of the jet exhaust and a wing was measured under static conditions for several versions of a small-scale STOL engine-over-the-wing configuration. Three basic nozzles were used in the tests; a circular nozzle, a 5:1 aspect ratio slot nozzle, and a 10:1 aspect ratio slot nozzle. Various flow attachment devices were included in the study. The wing included a flap that could be positioned for nominal takeoff or approach flap settings. Far field noise data are presented for the flyover mode. The data are discussed in terms of sound power and sound pressure spectra.

Von Glahn, U.↗

Using computers to analyze continuous data.

Dynamic field measurements often involve large quantities of continuous data, which must be analyzed and interpreted to obtain meaningful information. The processing can often be accomplished by tape-recording the data in analog form, performing off-line digitalization, and using the result as an input to statistical programs on a digital computer. A time series analysis was used to obtain power spectral density (PSD) curves to identify dominant frequencies. Representative PSD plots were obtained for STOL aircraft during cruise. Vibrational energy was clearly concentrated below 0.1 Hz, and was much higher in the vertical than in the lateral direction.

Catherines, J. J.↗

Effect of exhaust nozzle configuration on aerodynamic and acoustic performance of an externally blown flap system with a quiet 6:1 bypass ratio engine

A highly suppressed TF-34 engine was used to investigate engine and flap interaction noise associated with an externally blown flap STOL powered lift system. Noise, efficiency, and velocity decay characteristics of mixed and separate flow exhaust systems including convergent, co-annular, and lobed designs were determined with the engine operating alone. Noise data were then obtained for several of the exhaust configurations with the engine blowing a wing-flap segment. Noise for both the engine alone and the engine with blown flaps showed substantial differences for the various exhaust configurations tested. The differences in observed noise are related primarily to nozzle effective exhaust velocity, flap impingement velocity, and noise spectral shape.

Samanich, N. E.↗

A study of the effect of flight density and background noise on V/STOL acceptability

A study was conducted in which test subjects evaluated the sounds of a helicopter, a turbofan STOL and a turbojet airplane while engaged in work and leisure activities. Exposure to a high repetitive density of the aircraft sounds did not make the individual sounds more annoying but did create an unacceptable environment. The application of a time duration term to db(A) resulted in a measure which compared favorably with EPNL as a predictor of annoyance. Temporal variations in background noise level had no significant effect on the rated annoyance.

Sternfeld, H., Jr.↗

Impact resistance of spar-shell composite fan blades

Composite spar-shell fan blades for a 1.83 meter (6 feet) diameter fan stage were fabricated and tested in a whirling arm facility to evaluate foreign object damage (FOD) resistance. The blades were made by adhesively bonding boron-epoxy shells on titanium spars and then adhesively bonding an Inconel 625 sheath on the leading edge. The rotating blades were individually tested at a tip speed of 800 feet per second. Impacting media used were gravel, rivets, bolt, nut, ice balls, simulated birds, and a real bird. Incidence angles were typical of those which might be experienced by STOL aircraft. The tests showed that blades of the design tested in this program have satisfactory impact resistance to small objects such as gravel, rivets, nuts, bolts, and two inch diameter ice balls. The blades suffered nominal damage when impacted with one-pound birds (9 to 10 ounce slice size). However, the shell was removed from the spar for a larger slice size.

Graff, J.↗

Results from cascade thrust reverser noise and suppression experiments

Results from experimental work on model scale cascade reversers with cold airflow are presented. Sound power level directivity and spectral characteristics for cascade reversers are reported. Effect of cascade exit area ratio, vane profile shape, and emission arc are discussed. Model equivalent diameters varied from 3 to 5 inches, pressure ratios range from 1.15 to 3.0. Depending on the reverser type, acoustic power was proportional to the 4 1/2 to 6th power of ideal jet velocity. Reverser noise peaked at higher frequency and was more omnidirectional than nozzle-alone jet noise. Appreciable reduction in sideline noise was obtained from plane shields. Airfoil-vaned cascades were the most aerodynamically efficient and least noisy reversers. Scaling of cascade reverser data to example aircraft engines showed all cascades above the 95 PNdB sideline goal from STOL aircraft. However, the airfoil-vaned reverser has a good potential for meeting this goal for high-bypass (low pressure ratio) exhausts.

Gutierrez, O. A.↗

Impact resistance of current design composite fan blades tested under short-haul operating conditions

Boron/epoxy and graphite/epoxy composite blades were impacted in a rotating whirligig facility with conditions closely simulating those which might be experienced by a STOL engine impacted with various foreign objects. The tip speed of the rotating blades was 800 feet per second. The blades were impacted with simulated birds, real birds, ice balls, and gravel. The results of composite blade impact tests were compared with a titanium blade tested under similar conditions. Neither composite material indicated a clear superiority over the other. Blades made from both composite materials showed more damage than the titanium blades.

Steinhagen, C. A.↗

Integrated propulsion/energy transfer control systems for lift-fan V/STOL aircraft

An integrated propulsion/control system for lift-fan transport aircraft is described. System behavior from full-scale experimental and piloted simulator investigations are reported. The lift-fan transport is a promising concept for short-to-medium haul civil transportation and for other missions. The lift-fan transport concept features high cruise airspeed, favorable ride qualities, small perceived noise footprints, high utilization, transportation system flexibility, and adaptability to VTOL, V/STOL, or STOL configurations. The lift-fan transport has high direct operating costs in comparison to conventional aircraft, primarily because of propulsion system and aircraft low-speed control system installation requirements. An integrated lift-fan propulsion system/aircraft low-speed control system that reduces total propulsion system and control system installation requirements is discussed.

Deckert, W. H.↗

Acoustic loads on an externally blown flap system due to impingement of a TF-34 jet engine exhaust

One of the powered lift systems currently being considered for use on STOL vehicles obtains additional lift by impinging the flow of a jet exhaust on the flaps and turning it downward. This direct impingement subjects large areas of the flap to the fluctuating pressure loads of the turbulent jet flow; these loads have the potential for causing high vibration levels and sonic fatigue failures. A test was conducted on a full-scale mockup of an externally blown flap system, which consisted of a TF-34 engine and a section of a wing having a triple-slotted flap. Data were obtained and evaluated on the fluctuating pressures on the flaps and it is the purpose of this paper to present some of the results describing the loads.

Schoenster, J. A.↗

Pressure distribution of a twin-engine upper-surface blown jet-flap model

An investigation has been made to determine the chordwise and spanwise pressure distributions of a small-scale upper-surface blown jet-augmented flap STOL model. The model was powered by two simulated high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines mounted ahead of and above an unswept-untapered wing in a nacelle having a rectangular nozzle. The results of the investigation are presented as tabulated and plotted chordwise pressure distribution coefficients for nine spanwise stations.

Smith, C. C., Jr.↗

Investigation of noise from full-scale high bypass engine and blown flap system

A summary is presented of an acoustic test program for investigating engine noise suppression and jet/flap interaction noise associated with an EBF STOL powered lift system. A highly suppressed TF-34 engine and EBF wing were used in the investigation. The engine was suppressed 21 PndB to a level of 94 PndB. An UTW powered lift system was tested with conventional, mixer, and decayer-type nozzles. The configuration with velocity decayer nozzle and acoustically treated shroud had the lowest noise (98 PndB). An OTW configuration with non-decayer nozzle was about 10 db quieter than the corresponding UTW system. UTW and OTW noise data are compared with scale model correlations.

Jones, W. L.↗

Current structural vibration problems associated with noise

As the performance of aerospace vehicles has increased, the noise generated by the propulsion system and by the passage of the vehicle through the air has also increased. Further increases in performance are now underway for space vehicles such as the space shuttle vehicle and for short distance takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, and are being planned for supersonic aircraft. The flight profiles and design features of these high-performance vehicles are reviewed and an estimate made of selected noise-induced structural vibration problems. Considerations for the prevention of acoustic fatigue, noise transmission, and electronic instrument malfunction are discussed.

Mixson, J. S.↗

Estimation of longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients and comparison with wind-tunnel values

Some recent experience at Ames Research Center in the estimation of aerodynamic coefficients for the Lear-Jet and the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft is reviewed. The coefficients estimated from flight data are compared with values based on large-scale wind-tunnel tests. The results obtained by the regression and quasilinearization identification techniques are also compared. The regression method generally provides the lower standard deviation in the coefficient estimates and provides the better fit to the wind-tunnel values. The addition of nonlinear terms in the aerodynamic equations decreases the difference between the estimated and measured time histories but also increases the standard deviation in the estimated coefficient values.

Wingrove, R. C.↗

A practical scheme for adaptive aircraft flight control systems

A flight control system design is presented, that can be implemented by analog hardware, to be used to control an aircraft with uncertain parameters. The design is based upon the use of modern control theory. The ideas are illustrated by considering control of STOL longitudinal dynamics.

Athans, M.↗

Flutter suppression and gust alleviation using active controls

The effects of active controls on the suppression of flutter and gust alleviation of two different types of subsonic aircraft (the Arava, twin turboprop STOL transport, and the Westwind twin-jet business transport) are investigated. The active controls are introduced in pairs which include, in any chosen wing strip, a leading-edge (LE) control and a trailing-edge (TE) control. Each control surface is allowed to be driven by a combined linear-rotational sensor system, located on the activated strip. The control law, which translates the sensor signals into control surface rotations, is based on the concept of aerodynamic energy. The results indicate the extreme effectiveness of the active systems in controlling flutter. A single system spanning 10% of the wing semispan made the Arava flutter-free, and a similar active system, for the Westwind aircraft, yielded a reduction of 75% in the maximum bending moment of the wing and a reduction of 90% in the acceleration of the cg of the aircraft. Results for simultaneous activation of several LE - TE systems are presented. Further work needed to bring the investigation to completion is also discussed.

Nissim, E.↗