Results for “BUFFETING” — Page 5

NASA NTRS2004

Buffet Load Alleviation

High performance aircraft are, by their very nature, often required to undergo maneuvers involving high angles of attack. Under these conditions unsteady vortices emanating from the wing and the fuselage will impinge on the twin fins (required for directional stability) causing excessive buffet loads, in some circumstances, to be applied to the aircraft. These loads result in oscillatory stresses, which may cause significant amounts of fatigue damage. Active control is a possible solution to this important problem. A full-scale test was carried out on an F/A-18 fuselage and fins using piezoceramic actuators to control the vibrations. Buffet loads were simulated using very powerful electromagnetic shakers. The first phase of this test was concerned with the open loop system identification whereas the second stage involved implementing linear time invariant control laws. This paper looks at some of the problems encountered as well as the corresponding solutions and some results. It is expected that flight trials of a similar control system to alleviate buffet will occur as early as 2001.

Ryall, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Control Law Synthesis for Vertical Fin Buffeting Alleviation Using Strain Actuation

In the present investigation, the results obtained during the ground test of a closed-loop control system conducted on a full-scale fighter to attenuate vertical fin buffeting response using strain actuation are presented. Two groups of actuators consisting of piezoelectric elements distributed over the structure were designed to achieve authority over the first and second modes of the vertical fin. The control laws were synthesized using the Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) method for a time-invariant control system. Three different pairs of sensors including strain gauges and accelerometers at different locations were used to close the feedback loop. The results demonstrated that measurable reductions in the root-mean-square (RMS) values of the fin dynamic response identified by the strain transducer at the critical point for fatigue at the root were achieved under the most severe buffet condition. For less severe buffet conditions, reductions of up to 58% were achieved.

Nitzsche, F.↗

NASA NTRS1946

Preliminary Tests of a Buffet Stall-Warning Device on a 1/5-Scale Model of the Republic XP-84 Airplane

During the first flight tests of the Republic XP-84 airplane it was discovered that there was a complete lack of stall warning. A short series of development tests of a suitable stall-warning device for the airplane was therefore made on a 1/5-scale model in the Langley 300 MPH 7- by 10-foot tunnel. Two similar stall-warning devices, each designed to produce early root stall which would provide a buffet warning, were tested. It appeared that either device would give a satisfactory buffet warning in the flap-up configuration, at the cost of an increase of 8 or 10 miles per hour in minimum speed. Although neither device seemed to give a true buffet warning in the flaps-down configuration, it appeared that either device would improve the flaps-down stalling characteristics by lessening the severity of the stall and by maintaining better control at the stall. The flaps-down minimum-speed increase caused by the devices was only 1 or 2 miles per hour.

Tucker, Warren A.↗

NASA NTRS1943

Tail Buffeting

An approximate theory of buffeting is here presented, based on the assumption of harmonic disturbing forces. Two cases of buffeting are considered: namely, for a tail angle of attack greater and less than the stalling angle, respectively. On the basis of the tests conducted and the results of foreign investigators, a general analysis is given of the nature of the forced vibrations the possible load limits on the tail, and the methods of elimination of buffeting.

Abdrashitov, G.↗

NASA NTRS1947

Buffeting of External Fuel Tanks at High Speeds on a Gruman F7F-3 Airplane

Attempts were made to alleviate the buffeting of external fuel tanks mounted under the wings of a twin-engine Navy fighter airplane. The Mach number at which buffeting began was increased from 0,529 to 0.640 by streamlining the sway braces and by increasing the lateral rigidity of the sway brace system. Further increase of the Mach number, at which buffeting began to 0.725, was obtained by moving the external fuel tank to a position under the fuselage.

Turner, Howard L.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulating Transonic Buffet Aerodynamics for the Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft

The flow past the Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) aircraft is simulated with a Hybrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes Large-Eddy Simulations (HRLES) turbulence modeling approach to study transonic buffet onset and evaluate the predictive capability of the numerical approach. All simulations used structured overset curvilinear grids for the free-air configuration, with all simulations performed using the Launch, Ascent, and Vehicle Aerodynamics (LAVA) computational framework. Aerodynamic loads and surface pressure obtained from the HRLES solutions are compared to results from unsteady RANS (URANS) and experiments conducted at NASA Ames 11-by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel. Overall good agreement is obtained in the predicted loads and surface pressure. Unsteady pressure data from HRLES and URANS simulations is utilized to compute power spectral density (PSD) to predict transonic buffet onset and compared to the Kulite data obtained from the experiment. Comparisons of the PSD spectrum also show reasonable agreement with the wind tunnel data, with HRLES and URANS predicting buffet onset at a slightly earlier angle-of-attack than the experiment.

AATT↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Functions Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Functions (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurements-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimental-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

buffet↗

NASA NTRS2023

Comparison of Corcos-Based and Experimentally-Derived Coherence Factors for Buffet Forcing Function Estimation

In this paper, high-spatial-resolution unsteady Pressure Sensitive Paint (uPSP) data are utilized to compare two methods for panel Buffet Forcing Function (BFF) estimation for the Space Launch System (SLS). Such methods are based on discrete pressure measurements within a panel but employ coherence factors to account for partially-correlated fluctuating pressures across the whole panel. In one method, coherence factors are derived based on the Corcos model, whereas the second method utilizes experimentally-derived coherence factors. To simulate discrete measurements using uPSP data, suitable subsets of the data are extracted. When full uPSP resolution is retained, uPSP data provide a benchmark to assess discrete-measurement-based methods. The analysis focuses on the peak SLS buffet environment located downstream of the Forward Attachment Hardware (FAH) between the core stage and solid rocket boosters. Trends of Corcos-based and experimentally-derived coherence factors are in reasonable agreement with the benchmark. However, at certain frequencies, experimentally-derived coherence factors are sensitive to the separation distance between pressure measurements utilized to compute coherence lengths. Such sensitivity originates from deviation of the experimentally-based coherence function from an exponential decay assumption. On the other hand, the present implementation of the Corcos model fails to capture certain nonturbulent boundary layer related environments, such as a subharmonic of FAH vortex-shedding. For all methods presented in this paper, at near transonic conditions, increased pressure coherence and spatial nonuniformity lead to BFF overestimation and sensitivity to the pressure measurement location within the panel.

transonic buffet↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Comparisons of Artemis I and Wind Tunnel Buffet Environments and Induced Structural Responses

This paper presents comparisons of buffet forcing functions (BFFs) and associated structural responses for the Space Launch System from two data sources: 1) Artemis I (AR01) Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) and 2) transonic wind-tunnel (WT) tests. Failures of DFI sensors prevented the development of a complete set of flight-based BFFs, where each BFF is based on azimuthal integration over 360-degrees of unsteady pressures acquired by sensor rings placed at many longitudinal stations along the vehicle. Instead, a set of equivalent flight- and WT-based BFFs was developed based on functional DFI and WT sensors that share the same locations. Root-mean-square (rms) levels of equivalent BFFs from flight and WT data are in-family for most of the cardinal Mach numbers. However, at stations downstream of the booster forward attachment (FA) protuberance, the rms of flight-based BFFs exceed their WT counterparts. Strikingly, vortex-shedding off the FA protuberance occurs at lower frequencies during flight than in WT experiments. This frequency shift propagates onto the spectrum of flight-measured vs. WT-based structural responses. Aside from vortex-shedding frequency mismatch, a generally good agreement between AR01 and WT-based responses is an indirect indication that WT buffet environments are fairly well representative of their AR01 counterpart.

transonic buffet↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Comparisons of Artemis I and Wind Tunnel Buffet Environments and Induced Structural Responses

This paper presents comparisons of buffet forcing functions (BFFs) and associated structural responses for the Space Launch System from two data sources: 1) Artemis I (AR01) Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) and 2) transonic wind-tunnel (WT) tests. Failures of DFI sensors prevented the development of a complete set of flight-based BFFs, where each BFF is based on azimuthal integration over 360-degrees of unsteady pressures acquired by sensor rings placed at many longitudinal stations along the vehicle. Instead, a set of equivalent flight- and WT-based BFFs was developed based on functional DFI and WT sensors that share the same locations. Root-mean-square (rms) levels of equivalent BFFs from flight and WT data are in-family for most of the cardinal Mach numbers. However, at stations downstream of the booster forward attachment (FA) protuberance, the rms of flight-based BFFs exceed their WT counterparts. Strikingly, vortex-shedding off the FA protuberance occurs at lower frequencies during flight than in WT experiments. This frequency shift propagates onto the spectrum of flight-measured vs. WT-based structural responses. Aside from vortex-shedding frequency mismatch, a generally good agreement between AR01 and WT-based responses is an indirect indication that WT buffet environments are fairly well representative of their AR01 counterpart.

transonic buffet↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Buffet Forcing Functions for a Transonic Condition Exhibiting Bimodal Flow Behavior

A wind-tunnel test campaign was used to derive Buffet Forcing Functions (BFFs) of the Space Launch System Block 1B vehicle configuration by measuring and integrating unsteady surface pressures on a 3-percent scale rigid buffet model (RBM) tested at the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The model was tested at predetermined and repeatable pitch and side-slip angles and flow Mach numbers encompassing a full range of possible flight conditions. Although each data point was collected at a steady wind-tunnel condition, a transient, bimodal flow behavior was observed in some Mach 1.10 measurements. The pressure time series was alternating between two states, which differed either in mean or fluctuation amplitude values, or both. As a consequence of this behavior, segments of the resultant BFFs can differ based on the duration that each measurement spends in a particular state. In this paper, a methodology is proposed, which envelopes the range of BFFs magnitudes resulting from this random bimodal phenomenon in pressure time histories of certain sensors.

wind-tunnel testing↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Buffet Forcing Functions for a Transonic Condition Exhibiting Bimodal Flow Behavior

A wind-tunnel test campaign was used to derive Buffet Forcing Functions (BFFs) of the Space Launch System Block 1B vehicle configuration by measuring and integrating unsteady surface pressures on a 3-percent scale rigid buffet model (RBM) tested at the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The model was tested at predetermined and repeatable pitch and side-slip angles and flow Mach numbers encompassing a full range of possible flight conditions. Although each data point was collected at a steady wind-tunnel condition, a transient, bimodal flow behavior was observed in some Mach 1.10 measurements. The pressure time series was alternating between two states, which differed either in mean or fluctuation amplitude values, or both. As a consequence of this behavior, segments of the resultant BFFs can differ based on the duration that each measurement spends in a particular state. In this paper, a methodology is proposed, which envelopes the range of BFFs magnitudes resulting from this random bimodal phenomenon in pressure time histories of certain sensors.

wind-tunnel testing↗

NASA NTRS1974

The prediction of structural response to buffet flow: A state-of-the-art review

Certain aspects of the dynamic system being discussed are reviewed and important structural and aerodynamic quantities of the system are discussed. A theoretical model is presented which relates these quantities to each other. These quantities are then each, in turn, considered in terms of the state of the art of determining the quantities and in terms of areas where further research is needed. The similarity laws and scaling relationships applicable to determining buffet structural response are then discussed, and areas where simplification is required or may be permissible are mentioned. Finally, the various types of model tests pertinent to predicting response of the aircraft structure to buffet flow are discussed.

Hanson, P. W.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Investigation of Northrop F-5A wing buffet intensity in transonic flight

A flight test and data processing program utilizing a Northrop F-5A aircraft instrumented to acquire buffet pressures and response data during transonic maneuvers is discussed. The data are presented in real-time format followed by spectral and statistical analyses. Also covered is a comparison of the aircraft response data with computed responses based on the measured buffet pressures.

Chintsun, H.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Transonic buffet behavior of Northrop F-5A aircraft

Flight tests were performed on an extensively instrumented F-5A aircraft to investigate the dynamic buffet pressure distribution on the wing surfaces and the responses during a series of transonic maneuvers called the windup turns. The maneuvers to maximum lift were performed at three Mach number-altitude combinations with a constant 'q' of approximately 14,360 N/sq m (300 psf). The fluctuating buffet pressure data at 24 stations on the right wing of the F-5A were acquired by miniaturized semiconductor type pressure transducers mounted on the wing. A new transducer mounting and wiring technique was applied where the interference with the natural flow condition was minimized. The data acquired in this manner were found adequate to trace the shock origin, the movement of the shock front and the development of the separated flow (shock induced or leading edge induced) on the wing surface.

Hwang, C.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Wind-tunnel investigation of surface-pressure fluctuations associated with aircraft buffet

Fluctuating pressures and forces that cause aircraft buffeting have been measured on a semispan rigid-wing model of a typical variable-sweep fighter-type aircraft at transonic speeds. The rms spectral and spatial correlation characteristics of wing fluctuating pressures, fluctuating pressure summations, and structural responses are presented and discussed for a Mach number of 0.85, wing sweep angles of 26 and 72 deg, and angles of attack up to 12 deg. The fluctuating pressure characteristics beneath wing shock waves and leading-edge vortices and in regions of attached and separated flows are presented. Results indicate that: (1) the mean and fluctuating static pressure characteristics are related; (2) a circulation oscillation exists for attached flow conditions below buffet onset; and (3) a significant coupling exists between the wing shock-wave oscillation and the wing first torsional mode when shock-induced separation is present.

Riddle, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Results of the Low Speed Aeroelastic Buffet Test with a 0.046-scale Model (747-ax1322-d-3/orbiter 8-0) of the 747 Cam/orbiter in the University of Washington Wind Tunnel (CS 3)

A series of wind tunnel studies designed to assess the potential buffet problems resulting from orbiter wake characteristics with its tailcone removed are presented to provide design loads and acceleration environments, and to develop data on buffet sensitivity to various aerodynamic configurations and flight parameters. Data are intended to support subsequent analyses of structural fatigue life, crew efficiency, and equipment vibrations.

Gillins, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A method for predicting full scale buffet response with rigid wind tunnel model fluctuating pressure data. Volume 1: Prediction method development and assessment

The method requires unsteady aerodynamic forces, natural airplane modes, and the measured pressure data as input. A gust response computer program is used to calculate buffet response due to the forcing function posed by the measured pressure data. By calculating both symmetric and antisymmetric solutions, upper and lower bounds on full-scale buffet response are formed. Comparisons of predictions with flight test results are made and the effects of horizontal tail loads and static aeroelasticity are shown. Discussions are also presented on the effects of primary wing torsion modes, chordwise and spanwise phase angles, and altitude.

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.↗