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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

The results of a high-speed wind tunnel test to investigate the effects of the NASA refan JT8D engine nacelles on the stability and control characteristics of the Boeing 727 airplane

A high speed wind tunnel test was conducted to investigate the effects of the NASA Refan JT8D engine nacelles on the stability and control characteristics of the Boeing 727 airplane. The test was performed at the Calspan Corporation 8x8 ft. (2.44x2.44 m.) transonic wind tunnel. Both the 727-200 and -100 models were tested. A small nose-down pitching moment increment and a slight increase in longitudinal stability were noted due to the Refan nacelles. The directional stability of the 727-200 airplane increased up to 10 percent. A smaller improvement was observed on the 727-100 model. In general, the high speed stability and control characteristics of the basic airplane are not significantly altered by the Refan nacelle installation.

Kupcis, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Reynolds Number Effects on the Stability and Control Characteristics of a Supersonic Transport

A High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) configuration was tested in the National Transonic Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center as part of NASA's High Speed Research Program. A series of tests included longitudinal and lateral/directional studies at transonic and low speed, high-lift conditions across a range of Reynolds numbers from that available in conventional wind tunnels to near flight conditions. Results presented focus on Reynolds number sensitivities of the stability and control characteristics at Mach 0.30 and 0.95 for a complete HSCT aircraft configuration including empennage. The angle of attack where the pitching-moment departure occurred increased with higher Reynolds numbers for both the landing and transonic configurations. The stabilizer effectiveness increased with Reynolds number for both configurations. The directional stability also increased with Reynolds number for both configurations. The landing configuration without forebody chines exhibited a large yawing-moment departure at high angles of attack and zero sideslip that varied with increasing Reynolds numbers. This departure characteristic nearly disappeared when forebody chines were added. The landing configuration's rudder effectiveness also exhibited sensitivities to changes in Reynolds number.

Owens, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1945

Determination of the Stability and Control Characteristics of a Tailless All-Wing Airplane Model with Sweepback in the Langley Free-Flight Tunnel

Force and flight tests were performance on an all-wing model with windmilling propellers. Tests were conducted with deflected and retracted flaps, with and without auxiliary vertical tail surfaces, and with different centers of gravity and trim coefficients. Results indicate serious reduction of stick-fixed longitudinal stability because of wing-tip stalling at high lift coefficient. Directional stability without vertical tail is undesirably low. Low effective dihedral should be maintained. Elevator and rudder control system is satisfactory.

WING FLAPS - DEFLECTION↗
NASA NTRS1987

High-angle-of-attack stability and control improvements for the EA-6B Prowler

The factors involved in high-angle-of-attack directional divergence phenomena for the EA-6B ECM aircraft have been investigated in NASA-Langley wind tunnel facilities in order to evaluate airframe modifications which would eliminate or delay such divergence to angles-of-attack farther removed from the operational flight envelope of the aircraft. The results obtained indicate that an adverse sidewash at the aft fuselage and vertical tail location is responsible for the directional stability loss, and that the sidewash is due to a vortex system generated by the fuselage-wing juncture. Modifications encompassing a wing inboard leading edge droop, a wing glove strake, and a vertical fin extension, have significantly alleviated the stability problem.

Jordan, Frank L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Optical design of the ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer

The optical system design of the ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer to be operated from Spacelab for the measurement of stratospheric trace molecules is described. The design contains features which can achieve the required fringe contrast of 80% and spectral resolution of 0.02/cm over a spectral range of 2-16 microns. In particular, the design is based on the following features which alleviate the usual requirements for alignment precision: (1) 'cat's eye' mirror configuration in the two arms of the interferometer for retroreflection stability, (2) tilt-compensated system of beamsplitter, compensator, and fold mirrors for wavefront directional stability, (3) paraboloidal 'cat's eye' primary mirror for wavefront stability against shear, (4) rotatable compensator for matching chromatic dispersion, and (5) wedged refractive components to avoid channel spectra due to the Fabry-Perot effect.

Abel, I. R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Stability and Control Estimation Flight Test Results for the SR-71 Aircraft With Externally Mounted Experiments

A maximum-likelihood output-error parameter estimation technique is used to obtain stability and control derivatives for the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center SR-71A airplane and for configurations that include experiments externally mounted to the top of the fuselage. This research is being done as part of the envelope clearance for the new experiment configurations. Flight data are obtained at speeds ranging from Mach 0.4 to Mach 3.0, with an extensive amount of test points at approximately Mach 1.0. Pilot-input pitch and yaw-roll doublets are used to obtain the data. This report defines the parameter estimation technique used, presents stability and control derivative results, and compares the derivatives for the three configurations tested. The experimental configurations studied generally show acceptable stability, control, trim, and handling qualities throughout the Mach regimes tested. The reduction of directional stability for the experimental configurations is the most significant aerodynamic effect measured and identified as a design constraint for future experimental configurations. This report also shows the significant effects of aircraft flexibility on the stability and control derivatives.

Moes, Timothy R.↗
NASA NTRS1961

Aerodynamic Characteristics in Pitch and Sideslip of a 1/15-Scale Model of the Scout Vehicle at a Mach Number of 2.01

An investigation has been made t o determine the aerodynamic characteristics in pitch and sideslip of a 1/15-scale model of the Scout vehicle at a Mach number of 2.01. The effects of two sets of cruciform fins, of inline and indexed fin arrangements, a flare , and accessories such as antennas, launch fittings, and control tunnels were measured for combined angles of attack and sideslip to about 8deg. The tests were made in the Langley 4- by 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel at a Reynolds number of 4 x 10(exp 6) per foot. The Addition of the rear fins or the flare increased the longitudinal and directional stability, whereas the front fins, either indexed or inline, had a destabilizing effect. All configurations became directionally unstable with increasing angle of attack. The accessories had only a small effect on the aerodynamic characteristics other than an increase in axial force.

Robinson, Ross B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Stability and control results for advanced turboprop aft-mount installations

An experimental investigation was recently conducted in the NASA-Langley Research Center 4- by 7-Meter Tunnel to explore the effects of aft-mounted advanced turboprop installations on the low-speed stability and control characteristics of a representative transport aircraft configuration. For the conditions investigated, the experimental results indicate that the longitudinal and directional stability of the configuration was not adversely affected by aft-pylon-mounted single-rotation tractor or counter-rotation pusher propeller installations. The results indicate that for the single-rotation tractor configuration the propeller induced aerodynamics are dominated by the interaction of the propeller slipsteam with the pylon, and that the propeller contribution to the stability characteristics for the counter-rotating pusher configuration is dominated by propeller normal forces. The longitudinal and directional control effectiveness, engine-out characteristics, and ground effects are also presented.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effects of external stores on the air combat capability of a delta wing fighter

Delta wing point-design fighters with two pylon mounted missiles and aft tail controls (similar to several Soviet designs) have been investigated for a Mach number range from about 0.6 to 2.0. Whereas minimum drag penalties that are expected with the addition of external stores do occur, the effects at higher lifts, corresponding to maneuvering flight, are less severe and often favorable. The drag-due-to-lift factor is less with stores on although the lift curve slope is unaffected. The longitudinal stability level is reduced by the addition of stores while the pitch control effectiveness is unchanged. The directional stability was generally reduced at subsonic speeds and increased at supersonic speeds by the addition of stores but sufficiently high stability levels are obtainable that are compatible with the longitudinal maneuvering limits. Some examples of the potential maneuvering capability in terms of normal acceleration and turn radius are included.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Development of a low-aspect ratio fin for flight research experiments

A second-generation flight test fixture, developed at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, offers a generic testbed for aerodynamic and fluid mechanics research. The new fixture, a low-aspect ratio vertical fin shape mounted on the centerline of an F-15B aircraft lower fuselage, is designed for flight research at Mach numbers up to 2.0. The new fixture is a composite structure with a modular configuration and removable components for functional flexibility. This report describes the multidisciplinary design and analysis approach used to develop the fixture. The approach integrates conservative assumptions with simple analysis techniques to minimize the time and cost associated with its development. Presented are the principal disciplines required for this effort, which include aerodynamics, structures, stability, and operational considerations. In addition, preliminary results from the first phase of flight testing are presented. Acceptable directional stability and flow quality are documented and show agreement with predictions. Future envelope expansion activities will minimize current limitations so that the fixture can be used for a wide variety of high-speed aerodynamic and fluid mechanics research experiments.

Richwine, David M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Flight Stability and Control and Performance Results from the Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE)

The Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) is presently being conducted to test a 20-percent-scale version of the Linear Aerospike rocket engine. This rocket engine has been chosen to power the X-33 Single Stage to Orbit Technology Demonstrator Vehicle. The rocket engine was integrated into a lifting body configuration and mounted to the upper surface of an SR-71 aircraft. This paper presents stability and control results and performance results from the envelope expansion flight tests of the LASRE configuration up to Mach 1.8 and compares the results with wind tunnel predictions. Longitudinal stability and elevator control effectiveness were well-predicted from wind tunnel tests. Zero-lift pitching moment was mispredicted transonically. Directional stability, dihedral stability, and rudder effectiveness were overpredicted. The SR-71 handling qualities were never significantly impacted as a result of the missed predictions. Performance results confirmed the large amount of wind-tunnel-predicted transonic drag for the LASRE configuration. This drag increase made the performance of the vehicle so poor that acceleration through transonic Mach numbers could not be achieved on a hot day without depleting the available fuel.

Moes, Timothy R.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Stability and control characteristics of an airplane model having a 45.1 degree swept-back wing with aspect ratio 2.50 and taper ratio 0.42 and a 42.8 degree swept-back horizontal tail with aspect ratio 3.87 and taper ratio 0.49

Tests were made of an airplane model having a 45.1 degree swept-back wing with aspect ratio 2.50 and taper ratio 0.42 and a 42.8 degree swept-back horizontal tail with aspect ratio 3.87 and taper ratio 0.49 to determine its low-speed stability and control characteristics. The test Reynolds number was 2.87 x 10(6) based on a mean aerodynamic chord of 2.47 feet except for some of the aileron tests which were made at a Reynolds number of 2.05 x 10(6). With the horizontal tail located near the fuselage juncture on the vertical tail, model results indicated static longitudinal instability above a lift coefficient that was 0.15 below the lift coefficient at which stall occurred. Static longitudinal stability, however, was manifested throughout the life range with the horizontal tail located near the top of the vertical tail. The use of 10 degrees negative dihedral on the wing had little effect on the static longitudinal stability characteristics. Preliminary tests of the complete model revealed an undesirable flat spot in the yawing-moment curves at low angles of attack, the directional stability being neutral for yaw angles of plus-or-minus 2 degrees. This undesirable characteristic was improved by replacing the thick original vertical tail with a thin vertical tail and by flattening the top of the dorsal fairing.

Schuldenfrei, Marvin↗
NASA NTRS1988

F-15 SMTD low speed jet effects wind tunnel test results

Key results from low speed wind tunnel testing of the F-15 STOL and Maneuver Technology Demonstrator (SMDT) with thrust reversers are presented. Longitudinally, the largest induced increments in the stability and control occur at landing gear height. These generally reflect an induced lift loss and a nose-up pitching moment, and vary with sideslip. Directional stability is reduced at landing gear height with full reverse thrust. Nonlinearities in the horizontal tail effectiveness are found in free air and at landing gear height.

Blake, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1947

Investigation of the Stability and Control Characteristics of a 1/20-Scale Model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 Airplane with a Full-Span Leading-Edge Slat in the Langley Free-Flight Tunnel

An investigation of the low-speed; power-off stability and control characteristics of a 1/20-scale model of the Consolidated Vultee XB-53 airplane equipped with full-span leading-edge slats has been conducted in the Langley free-flight tunnel. In this investigation it was found that the-full-span leading-edge slat gave about the same maximum lift coefficient as was obtained with the outboard single slotted flap and inboard slat. The stability and control characteristics were greatly improved except near the stall where the characteristics with the full-span slat were considered unsatisfactory because of a loss of directional stability and a slight nosing-up tendency.

Bennett, Charles V.↗
NASA NTRS1943

Wind-Tunnel Tests of the 1/9-Scale Model of the Curtiss XP-62 Airplane with Various Vertical Tail Arrangements

The effect of various vertical tail arrangements upon the stability and control characteristics of an XP-62 fighter model was investigated. Rudder-free yaw characteristics with take-off power and flaps deflected were satisfactory after dorsal fin modifications. Directional stability was obtained with all modified vertical tails. Satisfactory rudder effectiveness resulted partly because the dual-rotation propellers produced no asymmetric yawing moments. Pedal forces in sideslips were undesirably large but may be easily reduced.

Wallace, Arthur R.↗
NASA NTRS1946

Comparison of Wind-Tunnel and Flight Measurements of Stability and Control Characteristics of a Douglas A-26 Airplane

Tests in Langley pressure tunnel of model XA-26 bomber were compared with those of A-26B (twin-engine attack bomber) and showed that static longitudinal stability, indicated by elevator-fixed neutral points, and variation of elevator deflection in straight and turning flight were good. Airplane possessed improved stability at low speeds which was attributed to pronounced stalling at root of production wing. At rudder-force reversal at speeds higher than those in flight tests, agreement in rudder-fixed and rudder-free static directional stability was good. Hinge moment obtained at zero sideslip was satisfactory for determining aileron forces in sideslip.

SIDESLIPPING - DOUGLAS A-26↗
NASA NTRS1958

Aerodynamic Performance and Static Stability and Control of Flat-Top Hypersonic Gliders at Mach Numbers from 0.6 to 18

A study is made of aerodynamic performance and static stability and control at hypersonic speeds. In a first part of the study, the effect of interference lift is investigated by tests of asymmetric models having conical fuselages and arrow plan-form wings. The fuselage of the asymmetric model is located entirely beneath the wing and has a semicircular cross section. The fuselage of the symmetric model was centrally located and has a circular cross section. Results are obtained for Mach numbers from 3 to 12 in part by application of the hypersonic similarity rule. These results show a maximum effect of interference on lift-drag ratio occurring at Mach number of 5, the Mach number at which the asymmetric model was designed to exploit favorable lift interference. At this Mach number, the asymmetric model is indicated to have a lift-drag ratio 11 percent higher than the symmetric model and 15 percent higher than the asymmetric model when inverted. These differences decrease to a few percent at a Mach number of 12. In the course of this part of the study, the accuracy to the hypersonic similarity rule applied to wing-body combinations is demonstrated with experimental results. These results indicate that the rule may prove useful for determining the aerodynamic characteristics of slender configurations at Mach numbers higher than those for which test equipment is really available. In a second part of the study, the aerodynamic performance and static stability and control characteristics of a hypersonic glider are investigated in somewhat greater detail. Results for Mach numbers from 3 to 18 for performance and 0.6 to 12 for stability and control are obtained by standard text techniques, by application of the hypersonic stability rule, and/or by use of helium as a test medium. Lift-drag ratios of about 5 for Mach numbers up to 18 are shown to be obtainable. The glider studied is shown to have acceptable longitudinal and directional stability characteristics through the range of Mach numbers studied. Some roll instability (negative effective dihedral) is found at Mach numbers near 12.

Syvertson, Clarence A↗