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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 73 records · Page 4

An Investigation of the Effects of Sweep on the Characteristics of a High-Aspect-Ratio Wing in the Langley 8-Foot High-Speed Tunnel

An untwisted wing, which when unswept has an NACA 65-210 section, an aspect ratio of 9.0 and a taper ration of 2.5:1.0, has been tested with no sweep, and 30 deg and 45 deg of sweepback and sweepforward in conjunction with a typical fuselage at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.96 at angles of attack generally between -2 deg and 10 deg in the Langley 8-foot high-speed tunnel. Sweep was obtained by rotating the wing semispans about a point in the plane of symmetry. The normal-force, pitching-moment, profile-drag, and loading characteristics for the wings have been obtained from pressure measurements and wake surveys. The results indicate that the wings with +/-30 deg of sweep experienced the severe changes in characteristics associated with the presence of a shock at higher Mach numbers then did the wing without sweep. The differences between the Mach numbers at which the changes occurred for the wings with +/-30 deg sweep and no sweep were generally slightly less than the factor 1/cosDelta(sub r) times the Mach numbers at which the changes occurred for the unswept wing, Delta(sub r) being the sweep angle. The wings with +/-45 deg of sweep did not experience the changes in the characteristics associated with the presence of shock at an angle of attack of 2 deg at Mach numbers up to the highest test value. The magnitudes of changes in the normal-force and pitching-moment coefficients that occurred were less for the wing with 30 deg of sweep than for the unswept wing. The use of sweepforward was superior to sweepback in delaying and reducing the changes in the normal-force coefficients, but was inferior in delaying and reducing the changes in the profile-drag coefficients. Increasing the Mach number to the highest test values had little effect on the positions of the center of loads on the various configurations for the probable design load conditions.

Whitcomb, Richard T.↗

Aileron and Krueger nose flap effectiveness measured on an oblique wing

The effects that deflection of conventional ailerons have on the lateral/directional characteristics of an oblique wing mounted on top of a body of revolution were measured. The wing had an aspect ratio of 6 (based on the unswept wing span) and was tested at various sweep angles ranging from 0 deg to 60 deg. Krueger nose flaps mounted on drooped-nose flaps were investigated on the downstream wing panel (for sweep angles of 45 deg and 60 deg) in an attempt to create more symmetrical spanwise wing stalling at high lift coefficients. The tests were conducted over a Mach number range of 0.25 to 1.4 and an angle-of-attack range from -3 deg to 28 deg. With the oblique wing in the swept position, considerable difference in the aileron effectiveness was measured for positive or negative differential aileron deflections. With the wing swept 45 deg at a Mach number of 0.8 and above, an extension of the span of the Krueger nose flaps on the downstream wing panel did not improve the linearity of the pitching-, rolling-, and yawing-moment curves.

Hopkins, E. J.↗

Evaluation of Direct Drive Capsule Fill-Tube Assembly Survivability in Support of the 100 GBar Campaign

Capsule fill-tube target assemblies (CFTAs) for direct-drive have been demonstrated in the past for Laser for Laboratory Energetics (LLE) cryogenic layering studies, evolving and building upon successful deliveries for NIF. The current 100 GigaBar (GBar) campaign requires increased tolerances over prior CFTA work in terms of robustness, cleanliness, reduced fill tube diameter and glue size. To tackle these challenges, GA and LLE are developing a direct drive CFTA that survives all fabrication activities, from assembly, qualification testing and transport to cryogenic layering and target chamber insertion at the OMEGA laser facility. Approximately 55 CFTAs of two main designs have been constructed and tested to date, building off the current LLE cryogenic layering study CFTA design (typically 870 µm diameter x 25 µm thick wall capsule). Variations of glass fill tubes sizes from 30, 20 and 10 µm diameter, which are inserted and glued into the capsule. Testing protocols were developed to enable comparison of different designs against one another and evaluate their robustness at room temperature. The testing protocols include pressure checks, resonant vibration mode sweeps, runout and vibration testing to a power spectral density (PSD) input. In this paper we will compare the different design tradeoffs, measurements and results including glue fillets, sag of the fill tubes under gravity, runout and hysteresis, ringdown response, X-ray imaging of the pipette wall thicknesses, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken of failed fill tubes and glue joints. Assessment of the modal vibration modeling for the designs will be compared against the vibration data. Lastly, a design recommendation is put forth meeting the design constraints, which consists of a polymicro composite tube and 10 µm fill tube, ensuring survivability at cryogenic temperatue, a higher first mode resonance and smaller fuel volume.

100 GBar↗

Divergence study of a high-aspect ratio, forward-swept wing

A study has been conducted in the NASA-Langley Transonic Dynamics wind tunnel to determine the divergence characteristics of a high aspect ratio forward swept wing of rectangular planform, for sweep angles of zero, -15, -30, -45, and -60 deg. In addition to a rectangular wingtip, a tip whose geometry lay parallel with the freestream flow was tested at a sweep angle of -45 deg. The primary objective was to obtain data that could be used to verify the divergence prediction capabilities of an aeroelastic analysis code employing kernel function aerodynamics. The analytical predictions of convergence were found to be conservative for all forward sweep angles, and the effect of the two tip shapes on divergence dynamic pressure were accurately predicted.

Cole, S. R.↗

Modal analysis using a Fourier analyzer, curve-fitting, and modal tuning

The proposed modal test program differs from single-input methods in that preliminary data may be acquired using multiple inputs, and modal tuning procedures may be employed to define closely spaced frquency modes more accurately or to make use of frequency response functions (FRF's) which are based on several input locations. In some respects the proposed modal test proram resembles earlier sine-sweep and sine-dwell testing in that broadband FRF's are acquired using several input locations, and tuning is employed to refine the modal parameter estimates. The major tasks performed in the proposed modal test program are outlined. Data acquisition and FFT processing, curve fitting, and modal tuning phases are described and examples are given to illustrate and evaluate them.

Craig, R. R., Jr.↗

SLD Instrumentation in Icing Wind Tunnels – Investigation Overview

A collaborative effort to better understand cloud characterization probes in Supercooled Large Drop (SLD) conditions, as well the ability to simulate these conditions in several icing wind tunnels, was undertaken by NASA, NRCC, CIRA, ECCC, FAA and Met Analytics, Inc. Both drop sizing and liquid water content, LWC, were measured with various probes using current to emerging technologies. To ensure the best possible data quality from the newest probes, the probe manufacturers, SEA, Inc. and Artium, Inc. were invited to support testing and data analysis efforts. A common set of probes was identified to test in each of the three participating facilities: NRCC’s Altitude Icing Wind Tunnel, NASA’s Icing Research Tunnel and CIRA’s Icing Wind Tunnel. From the common set of probes, a subset were identified to use for comparison across the three facilities. These were the CDP-2 and 2D-S for drop sizing, and the Multi-wire for LWC. The LWC value was also checked by measuring the ice accretion thickness under hard rime conditions on a NACA-0012 airfoil. A common test matrix with sweeps in both LWC and median volume diameter, MVD, was developed. Each facility achieved these conditions as determined by their own calibration. The MVD ranged from 20 to at least 200 um, and LWC ranged from 0.5 to 3 g/m3. The comparison probes tested at common conditions in each facility were intended to allow for a direct comparison, and check of potential facility bias.

Icing Wind Tunnel↗

Transonic lateral and longitudinal control characteristics of an F-8 airplane model equipped with an oblique wing

The aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of a 0.087-scale model of an F-8 airplane fitted with an oblique wing was studied. The wing had an elliptical planform (axis ratio = 8:1), a maximum thickness of 12 percent, and was tested at three sweep angles, 0, 45, and 60 deg. Six-component force and moment data were measured at zero sideslip for angles of attack between -6 and +16 deg, with the left and right ailerons deflected one at a time at angles between -14 deg and +14. Further tests were made with the horizontal tail deflected -5 and +2.5 deg. Test Mach numbers ranged from 0.6 to 1.4 at a Reynolds number of 20 million/m.

Smith, R. C.↗

Ice Shape Analysis of an eVTOL Propeller in Forward Flight at the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) introduces many novel electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft configurations for which the effect of icing is not well understood. While icing computational tools have often aided in the design and certification of conventional aircraft, experimental data is needed to support the development and validation of such tools for eVTOL applications. To investigate the icing phenomenon relevant to eVTOL aircraft, NASA Glenn Research Center developed a general-purpose propeller test stand for conducting fundamental icing research on electrically driven propellers in the Icing Research Tunnel (IRT). A 10-day test entry in the IRT was completed in March, 2023, with the goal of generating ice accretions on a non-proprietary propeller geometry under well-characterized conditions. Three carbon fiber propellers of diameters 0.610, 0.711, and 0.914 m (24, 28, and 36 in) were used during the test. Various parametric sweeps of cloud and operating conditions were performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the parameters on the resulting ice accretion characteristics such as ice thickness, mass, location (impingement limits), and type (glaze vs rime). Ice shapes were reviewed for their repeatability, correctness of trends, and sensitivity to parameter variations. The data from the test is being used to support the development of the ice accretion solver, GlennICE.

Icing↗

Ice Shape Analysis of an eVTOL Propeller in Forward Flight at the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) introduces many novel electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft configurations for which the effect of icing is not well understood. While icing computational tools have often aided in the design and certification of conventional aircraft, experimental data is needed to support the development and validation of such tools for eVTOL applications. To investigate the icing phenomenon relevant to eVTOL aircraft, NASA Glenn Research Center developed a general-purpose propeller test stand for conducting fundamental icing research on electrically driven propellers in the Icing Research Tunnel (IRT). A 10-day test entry in the IRT was completed in March, 2023, with the goal of generating ice accretions on a non-proprietary propeller geometry under well-characterized conditions. Three carbon fiber propellers of diameters 0.610, 0.711, and 0.914 m (24, 28, and 36 in) were used during the test. Various parametric sweeps of cloud and operating conditions were performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the parameters on the resulting ice accretion characteristics such as ice thickness, mass, location (impingement limits), and type (glaze vs rime). Ice shapes were reviewed for their repeatability, correctness of trends, and sensitivity to parameter variations. The data from the test is being used to support the development of the ice accretion solver, GlennICE.

Icing↗

Flow Separation Control on A Full-Scale Vertical Tail Model Using Sweeping Jet Actuators

This paper describes test results of a joint NASA/Boeing research effort to advance Active Flow Control (AFC) technology to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. A full-scale Boeing 757 vertical tail model equipped with sweeping jets AFC was tested at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center. The flow separation control optimization was performed at 100 knots, a maximum rudder deflection of 30deg, and sideslip angles of 0deg and -7.5deg. Greater than 20% increments in side force were achieved at the two sideslip angles with a 31-actuator AFC configuration. Flow physics and flow separation control associated with the AFC are presented in detail. AFC caused significant increases in suction pressure on the actuator side and associated side force enhancement. The momentum coefficient (C sub mu) is shown to be a useful parameter to use for scaling-up sweeping jet AFC from sub-scale tests to full-scale applications. Reducing the number of actuators at a constant total C(sub mu) of approximately 0.5% and tripling the actuator spacing did not significantly affect the flow separation control effectiveness.

Andino, Marlyn Y.↗

Effect of wing bend on the experimental force and moment characteristics of an oblique wing

Static longitudinal and lateral/directional force and moment characteristics are presented for an elliptical oblique wing mounted on top of a Sears-Haack body of revolution. The wing had an aspect ratio of 6 (based on the unswept span) and was tested at various sweep angles relative to the body axis ranging from 0 to 60 deg. In an attempt to create more symmetrical spanwise wing stalling characteristics, both wing panels were bent upward to produce washout on the trailing wing panel and washing on the leading wing panel. Small fluorescent tufts were attached to the wing surface to indicate the stall progression on the wing. The tests were conducted throughout a Mach number range from 0.6 to 1.4 at a constant unit Reynolds number of 8.2 x 10 per meter. The test results indicate that upward bending of the wing panels had only a small effect on the linearity of the moment curves and would require an impractical wing-pivot location at low lift to eliminate the rolling moment resulting from this bending.

Hopkins, E. J.↗

Modal identification of structures from the responses and random decrement signatures

The theory and application of a method which utilizes the free response of a structure to determine its vibration parameters is described. The time-domain free response is digitized and used in a digital computer program to determine the number of modes excited, the natural frequencies, the damping factors, and the modal vectors. The technique is applied to a complex generalized payload model previously tested using sine sweep method and analyzed by NASTRAN. Ten modes of the payload model are identified. In case free decay response is not readily available, an algorithm is developed to obtain the free responses of a structure from its random responses, due to some unknown or known random input or inputs, using the random decrement technique without changing time correlation between signals. The algorithm is tested using random responses from a generalized payload model and from the space shuttle model.

Brahim, S. R.↗

Flight-testing and frequency-domain analysis for rotorcraft handling qualities

A demonstration of frequency-domain flight-testing techniques and analysis was performed on a U.S. Army OH-58D helicopter in support of the OH-58D Airworthiness and Flight Characteristics Evaluation and of the Army's development and ongoing review of Aeronautical Design Standard 33C, Handling Qualities Requirements for Military Rotorcraft. Hover and forward flight (60 kn) tests were conducted in 1 flight hour by Army experimental test pilots. Further processing of the hover data generated a complete database of velocity, angular-rate, and acceleration-frequency responses to control inputs. A joint effort was then undertaken by the Airworthiness Qualification Test Dirtectorate and the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate to derive handling-quality information from the frequency-domain database using a variety of approaches. This report documents numerous results that have been obtained from the simple frequency-domain tests; in many areas, these results provide more insight into the aircraft dynmamics that affect handling qualities than do traditional flight tests. The handling-quality results include ADS-33C bandwidth and phase-delay calculations, vibration spectral determinations, transfer-function models to examine single-axis results, and a six-degree-of-freedom fully coupled state-space model. The ability of this model to accurately predict responses was verified using data from pulse inputs. This report also documents the frequency-sweep flight-test technique and data analysis used to support the tests.

Ham, Johnnie A.↗