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At least 91 records · Page 5

Fan Rig Noise Spectral Correction for NASA 9'x 15' Low-Speed Wind Tunnel

Aircraft engine noise research and development depends on the ability to study and predict the noise created by each engine component in isolation. Fan noise testing, however, requires a significant support system including a drive mechanism to turn the fan, a device to smooth the flow into the fan, and a stand to raise the fan off the ground each of which has the potential to create its own noise. A methodology was therefore developed to improve the data quality for the 9x15 Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) at the NASA Glenn Research Center that identifies three noise sources: fan noise, jet noise, and rig noise. The jet noise and rig noise was then measured by mounting a scale model of the 9x15 LSWT setup in a jet rig to simulate everything except the rotating machinery that characterizes fan noise. The data showed that the spectra measured in the LSWT has a strong rig noise component at frequencies as high as 3 kHz depending on the fan and speed. The jet noise was determined to be significantly lower than the rig noise. A mathematical model for the rig noise was then developed using a multi-dimensional least squares fit to the rig noise data. This allows the rig noise to be subtracted or removed, depending on the amplitude of the rig noise relative to the fan noise, at any given frequency, observer angle, or nozzle pressure ratio. The impact of isolating the fan noise with this method on spectra, overall power level (OAPWL), and Effective Perceived Noise Level (EPNL) is studied.

Schifer, Nick↗

STOL and STOVL hot gas ingestion and airframe heating tests in the NASA Lewis 9- by 15-foot low-speed wind tunnel

Short takeoff and landing (STOL) and advanced short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft are being pursued for deployment near the end of this century. These concepts offer unique capabilities not seen in conventional aircraft: for example, shorter takeoff distances and the ability to operate from damaged runways and remote sites. However, special technology is critical to the development of this unique class of aircraft. Some of the real issues that are associated with these concepts are hot gas ingestion and airframe heating while in ground effects. Over the past nine years, NASA Lewis Research Center has been involved in several cooperative programs in the 9- by 15 Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) to establish a database for hot gas ingestion and airframe heating. The modifications are presented that were made in the 9- by 15-Foot LSWT, including the evolution of the ground plane, model support system, and tunnel sidewalls; and flow visualization techniques, instrumentation, test procedures, and test results. The 9- by 15-Foot LSWT tests were conducted at full scale exhaust nozzle pressure ratios. The headwind velocities varied from 8 to 120 kn depending on the concept (STOL or STOVL). Typical compressor-face distortions (pressure and temperature), ground plane contours, and model surface temperature profiles are presented.

Johns, Albert L.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of the static stability and control characteristics of an advanced turboprop configuration with the propellers placed over the tail

An exploratory wind tunnel investigation was performed in the 30 x 60 foot wind tunnel to determine the low speed static stability and control characteristics into the deep stall regime of an advanced turboprop aircraft with the propellers located over the horizontal tail. By this arrangement, the horizontal tail could potentially provide acoustic shielding to reduce the high community noise caused by the propeller blades. The current configuration was a generic turboprop model equipped with 1 foot diameter single rotating eight bladed propellers that were designed for efficient cruise operation at a Mach number of 0.8. The data presented is static force data. The effects of power on the configuration characteristics were generally favorable. An arrangement with the propellers rotating with the outboard blades moving down was found to have significantly higher installed thrust than an arrangement with the propellers rotating with the inboard blades moving down. The primary unfavorable effect was a large pitch trim change which occurred with power, but the trim change could be minimized with a proper configuration design.

Rhodes, Graham Scott↗

Laser velocimetry in the low-speed wind tunnels at Ames Research Center

The historical development of laser velocimetry and its application to low-speed (less than 100 m/sec) aerodynamic flows in the subsonic wind tunnels at Ames Research Center is reviewed. A fully three dimensional velocimeter for the Ames 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel is described, and its capabilities are presented through sample data from a recent experiment. Finally, a long-range (2.6 to 10 m) velocimeter that is designed to be installed within the test section of the Ames 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel is described and sample data are presented.

Orloff, K. L.↗

Laser velocimetry in the low-speed wind tunnels at Ames Research Center

The historical development of laser velocimetry and its application to low-speed (less than 100 m/sec) aerodynamic flows in the subsonic wind tunnels at Ames Research Center is reviewed. A fully three-dimensional velocimeter for the Ames 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel is described, and its capabilities are presented through sample data from a recent experiment. Finally, a long-range (2.6 to 10 m) velocimeter that is designed to be installed within the test section of the Ames 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel is described and sample data are presented.

Orloff, K. L.↗

Low speed wind tunnel investigation of a large scale lift fan STOL transport model

The low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of large scale V/STOL transport models with lift fan and lift-cruise fan propulsion systems are discussed. The model of this investigation had two fans mounted side by side in the nose section of the fuselage. This permitted a reasonably deep inlet on the inboard side of each fan while the outboard side had a fairly shallow inlet. Lift-cruise fans were installed on the aft section of the fuselage. Hood-type deflection ducts were used to turn the fan flow from the cruise direction to the lift direction for STOL performance. Fan performance is shown for all four fans both statically and with crossflow. Longitudinal force and moment results are shown for a representative tip speed (forward speed) range through wing supported flight. Lateral-directional characteristics are also presented. The results are presented without analysis.

Atencio, A., Jr.↗

Low speed wind tunnel flow field results for JT8D refan engines on the Boeing 727-200

Low speed flow angularity results are presented showing flow direction at the nacelle locations on the Boeing 727-200. Flow angle probes (yawheads) were used for measurements at side and center inlet positions on the aft fuselage. A range of flap settings were tested with flap angles of 0 deg, 15 deg, and 40 deg selected for investigation.

Easterbrook, W. G.↗

Low speed wind tunnel tests of 1/10-scale model of a blended-arrow supersonic cruise aircraft

Low speed static force tests have been conducted in a full scale tunnel to determine the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a 1/10-scale model of a blended-arrow supersonic cruise aircraft. A clean configuration and a high lift configuration with several combinations of leading- and trailing-edge flaps to provide improved lift and longitudinal stability in the landing and takeoff modes were used. The tests were made at angles of attack from about -6 deg to 30 deg, sideslip angles from -5 deg to 10 deg, and Reynolds numbers from 6.78 x 1 million to 13.85 x 1 million corresponding to test velocities of 41 to 85 knots.

Mclemore, H. C.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel tests of two waverider configuration models

A definitive measurement of the low-speed flight characteristics of waverider-based aircraft is required to augment the overall design database for this important class of vehicles which have great potential for efficient high-speed flight. Two separate waverider-derived vehicles were tested; one in the 14- by 22-Foot Tunnel and the other in the 12-Foot Low-Speed Tunnel at Langley Research Center. These tests provided measurements of moments and forces about all three axes, control effectiveness, flow field characteristics and the effects of configuration changes. This paper will summarize the results of these tunnels and show the subsonic aerodynamic characteristics of the two configurations.

Pegg, Robert J.↗

Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Tests of Two Waverider Configuration Models

A definitive measurement of the low-speed flight characteristics of waverider-based aircraft is required to augment the overall design database for this important class of vehicles which have great potential for efficient high-speed flight. Two separate waverider-derived vehicles were tested; one in the 14- by 22-Foot Tunnel and the other in the 12-Foot Low Speed Tunnel at Langley Research Center. These tests provided measurements of moments and forces about all three axes, control effectiveness, flow field characteristics and the effects of configuration changes. The results of these tunnel tests are summarized and the subsonic aerodynamic characteristics of the two configurations are shown.

Pegg, Robert J.↗

Results of a low-speed wind tunnel test of the MDC 2.2M supersonic cruise aircraft configuration

Results of a low speed test conducted in the Full Scale Tunnel at NASA Langley using an advanced supersonic cruise vehicle configuration are presented. These tests used a 10 percent scale model of a configuration that had demonstrated high aerodynamic performance at Mach 2.2 during a previous test program. The low speed model has leading and trailing edge flaps designed to improve low speed lift to drag ratios at high lift and includes devices for longitudinal and lateral/directional control. The results obtained during the low speed test program have shown that full span leading edge flaps are required for maximum performance. The amount of deflection of the leading edge flap must increase with C sub L to obtain the maximum benefit. Over 80 percent of full leading edge suction was obtained up to lift off C sub L's of 0.65. A mild pitch up occurred at about 6 deg angle of attack with and without the leading edge flap deflected. The pitch up is controllable with the horizontal tail. Spoilers were found to be preferable to spoiler/deflectors at low speeds. The vertical tail maintained effectiveness up to the highest angle of attack tested but the tail on directional stability deteriorated at high angles of attack. Lateral control was adequate for landing at 72 m/sec in a 15.4 m/sec crosswind.

Yip, L. P.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel study of longitudinal stability and usable-lift improvement of a cranked wing

An exploratory low-speed investigation of a 70 deg/46 deg cranked-wing planform was undertaken to evaluate two vortex-control concepts aimed at alleviating a severe pitch up which limits the usable lift well below the C(sub L,max) of the basic wing. One concept was a strake-like extension introduced across the wing crank, whose vortex helps to stabilize the outer-wing flow and alleviate tip stall. The other was a lower-surface cavity flap employed to trap a vortex just beneath the inboard leading edge, resulting in reduced vortex lift over the inner-wing panel. Each of these concepts was shown to eliminate the high-alpha pitch up, potentially raising the maximum usable lift of the cranked wing practically to its C(sub L,max) value.

Rao, Dhanvada M.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of an advanced supersonic cruise arrow-wing configuration

A preliminary assessment of possible means for improving the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of advanced supersonic cruise arrow wing configurations and to extend the existing data base of such configurations has been made. Principle configuration variables included wing-leading and trailing-edge flap deflection, fuselage nose strakes, and engine exhaust nozzle deflection. Results showed that deflecting the wing leading edge apex flaps downward provided improved longitudinal stability but resulted in reduced directional stability. The model exhibited relatively low values of directional stability over the operational angle of attack range and experienced large asymmetric yawing moments at high angles of attack. The use of nose strakes was found to be effective in increasing the directional stability and eliminating the asymmetric yawing moment.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel investigation of the lateral-directional characterisitcs of a large-scale variable wing-sweep fighter model in the high-lift configuration

The low-speed characteristics of a large-scale model of the F-14A aircraft were studied in tests conducted in the Ames Research Center 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel. The primary purpose of the present tests was the determination of lateral-directional stability levels and control effectiveness of the aircraft in its high-lift configuration. Tests were conducted at wing angles of attack between minus 2 deg and 30 deg and with sideslip angles between minus 12 deg and 12 deg. Data were taken at a Reynolds number of 8.0 million based on a wing mean aerodynamic chord of 2.24 m (7.36 ft). The model configuration was changed as required to show the effects of direct lift control (spoilers) at yaw, yaw angle with speed brake deflected, and various amounts and combinations of roll control.

Eckert, W. T.↗

Low speed wind tunnel investigation of a four-engine upper surface blown model having swept wing and rectangular and D-shaped exhaust nozzles

A low speed investigation was conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the power-on static-turning and powered-lift aerodynamic performance of a four engine upper surface blown transport configuration. Initial tests with a D-shaped exhaust nozzle showed relatively poor flow-turning capability, and the D-nozzles were replaced by rectangular nozzles with a width-height ratio of 6.0. The high lift system consisted of a leading edge slat and two different trailing-edge-flap configurations. A double slotted flap with the gaps sealed was investigated and a simple radius flap was also tested. A maximum lift coefficient of approximately 9.3 was obtained for the model with the rectangular exhaust nozzles with both the double slotted flap deflected 50 deg and the radius flap deflected 90 deg.

Sleeman, W. C., Jr.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel test results of the Canard Rotor/Wing concept

The Canard Rotor/Wing (CRW), a high-speed rotorcraft concept, was tested at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center's 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel in Mountain View, California. The 1/5-scale model was tested to identify certain low-speed, fixed-wing, aerodynamic characteristics of the configuration and investigate the effectiveness of two empennages, an H-Tail and a T-Tail. The paper addresses the principal test objectives and the results achieved in the wind tunnel test. These are summarized as: i) drag build-up and differences between the H-Tail and T-Tail configuration, ii) longitudinal stability of the H-Tail and T-Tail configurations in the conversion and cruise modes, iii) control derivatives for the canard and elevator in the conversion and cruise modes, iv) aerodynamic characteristics of varying the rotor/wing azimuth position, and v) canard and tail lift/trim capability for conversion conditions.

Bass, Steven M.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel results for a modified 13-percent-thick airfoil

Wind-tunnel tests were conducted to evaluate the effects on performance of modifying a 13-percent-thick low-speed airfoil. The airfoil contour was altered to reduce the aft upper surface pressure gradient and hence delay boundary layer separation at typical lift coefficients for light general aviation airplanes. The tests were conducted at a Mach number of 0.15 or less over a Reynolds number range from about 1,000,000 to 9,000,000.

Mcghee, R. J.↗

Low-speed wind tunnel tests of 1/9-scale model of a variable-sweep supersonic cruise aircraft

Tests were conducted in the Langley full-scale tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics at low subsonic speeds of a 1/9-scale model of a variable-sweep supersonic cruise aircraft. The model configurations investigated were the basic unflapped arrangement, a take-off flap arrangement, and a landing flap arrangement with several strake leading-edge flow control devices. The tests were conducted at angles of attack from about -5 to 36 deg, sideslip angles from -5 to 10 deg.

Mclemore, H. C.↗