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At least 145 records · Page 8

Wind-tunnel test results of airfoil modifications for the EA-6B

Wind-tunnel tests have been conducted (to determine the effects on airfoil performance for several airfoil modifications) for the EA-6B Wing Improvement Program. The modifications consist of contour changes to the leading-edge slat and trailing-edge flap to provide a higher low-speed maximum lift with no high-speed cruise-drag penalty. Airfoil sections from the 28- and 76-percent span stations were selected as baseline shapes with the major testing devoted to the inboard airfoil section (28-percent span station). The airfoil modifications increased the low-speed maximum lift coefficient between 20 and 35 percent over test conditions of 3 to 14 million chord Reynolds number and 0.14 to 0.34 Mach number. At the high-speed test conditions of 0.4 to 0.80 Mach number and 10 million chord Reynolds number, the modified airfoils had either matched or had lower drag coefficients for all normal-force coefficients above 0.2 as compared to the baseline airfoil. At normal-force coefficients less than 0.2, the baseline (original) airfoil had lower drag coefficients than any of the modified airfoils.

Sewall, W. G.↗

Wind-Tunnel Tests of Seven Static-Pressure Probes at Transonic Speeds

Wind-tunnel tests have been conducted to determine the errors of 3 seven static-pressure probes mounted very close to the nose of a body of revolution simulating a missile forebody. The tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.80 to 1.08 and at angles of attack from -1.7 deg to 8.4 deg. The test Reynolds number per foot varied from 3.35 x 10(exp 6) to 4.05 x 10(exp 6). For three 4-vane, gimbaled probes, the static-pressure errors remained constant throughout the test angle-of-attack range for all Mach numbers except 1.02. For two single-vane, self-rotating probes having two orifices at +/-37.5 deg. from the plane of symmetry on the lower surface of the probe body, the static-pressure error varied as much as 1.5 percent of free-stream static pressure through the test angle-of- attack range for all Mach numbers. For two fixed, cone-cylinder probes of short length and large diameter, the static-pressure error varied over the test angle-of-attack range at constant Mach numbers as much as 8 to 10 percent of free-stream static pressure.

Capone, Francis J.↗

Aerodynamic results of wind tunnel tests on a 0.010-scale model (32-QTS) space shuttle integrated vehicle in the AEDC VKF-40-inch supersonic wind tunnel (IA61)

Plotted and tabulated aerodynamic coefficient data from a wind tunnel test of the integrated space shuttle vehicle are presented. The primary test objective was to determine proximity force and moment data for the orbiter/external tank and solid rocket booster (SRB) with and without separation rockets firing for both single and dual booster runs. Data were obtained at three points (t = 0, 1.25, and 2.0 seconds) on the nominal SRB separation trajectory.

Daileda, J. J.↗

Aerodynamic control of NASP-type vehicles through Vortex manipulation. Volume 2: Static wind tunnel tests

Forebody Vortex Control (FVC) was explored in this research program for potential application to a NASP-type configuration. Wind tunnel tests were conducted to evaluate a number of jet blowing schemes. The configuration tested has a slender forebody and a 78 deg swept delta wing. Blowing jets were implemented on the leeward side of the forebody with small circular tubes tangential to the surface that could be directed aft, forward, or at angles in between. The effects of blowing are observed primarily in the yawing and rolling moments and are highly dependent on the jet configuration and the angle of attack. Results show that the baseline flow field, without blowing activated, is quite sensitive to the geometry differences of the various protruding jets, as well as being sensitive to the blowing, particularly in the angle of attack range where the forebody vortices are naturally asymmetric. The time lag of the flow field response to the initiation of blowing was also measured. The time response was very short, on the order of the time required for the flow disturbance to travel the distance from the nozzle to the specific airframe location of interest at the free stream velocity. Overall, results indicate that sizable yawing and rolling moments can be induced with modest blowing levels. However, direct application of this technique on a very slender forebody would require thorough wind tunnel testing to optimize the jet location and configuration.

Suarez, Carlos J.↗

Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition of uPSP Measurements in Recent NASA Ames Wind Tunnel Test

This paper discusses Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (SPOD) of the Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint (uPSP) measurements in recent NASA Ames wind tunnel test. The uPSP measurements were collected using Innovative Scientific Solutions, Inc. (ISSI) Porous, Fast-Response Pressure-Sensitive Paint (FP-XXX), 40 ISSI four-inch air-cooled Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and 8 Phantom v2512 high-speed cameras at 10,000 frames per second in the Launch Vehicle Demo Test (LVDT) of the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B crew vehicle in the 11-by 11-foot transonic test section of the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) at NASA Ames Research Center in April 2024. Fig. 1 shows the scale model of the SLS launch vehicle installed in the wind tunnel during the test.

Aeroacoustics↗

Integration Time Required to Extract Accurate Data from Transonic Wind-Tunnel Tests

Because the forces and pressures on wind-tunnel models tested at transonic speeds are not steady, even for static aerodynamic tests, integration time is required to obtain data of acceptable accuracy. The integration time required for both static and dynamic tests is evaluated analytically and confirmed by experimental measurements. It is shown that, for static and dynamic tests, the accuracy obtained is a function of integration time, frequency of the signal, and the ratio of the dynamic amplitude to the full signal of interest. In addition, for the dynamic case, the frequency bandwidth used in analysis is important. Results of this study indicate that, for typical data accuracy desired from models in a large transonic wind tunnel (11- by 11-ft), up to the following integration times are required: static force and moment tests, 0.5 s; static pressure tests, 1 s; flutter tests, 30 to 60 s; and random-dynamic tests, 10 s.

Muhlstein, Lado, Jr.↗

Wind tunnel tests of five strut sections in yaw

In the first series of wind tunnel tests, the drag and cross wing force of all the struts were measured at a wind speed of 30 mph and at angles of yaw from 0 degrees to 20 degrees. To determine the magnitude of the VL effect, each strut was tested at zero yaw and at a series of speeds ranging from 15 to 38 mph. Although designed as fairings for cables, part of these sections gave such high crosswind forces that they seemed to have possibilities as airfoils. Therefore, the lift (identical with the crosswind force) and drag coefficients were recalculated for four sections on the basis of broadside area to make them comparable with wing coefficients. The general conclusion that the best fineness ratio for a strut is a function of the Reynolds number, decreasing steadily as that quality increases, has of course been reached many times, both by theory and experiment. It was confirmed here once more, and the effect of form on sensitiveness to VL is also strikingly shown. It seems probable that this effect of form is largely due to interaction between the nose and tail, and to the influence which the form of the nose exerts over the whole flow around the strut.

PROPELLERS, METAL↗

Integration time required to extract accurate static and dynamic data from transonic wind-tunnel tests

Because the forces and pressures on wind-tunnel models tested at transonic speeds are not steady, even for 'static' aerodynamic tests, integration time is required to obtain data of acceptable accuracy. The integration time required for both static and dynamic tests is evaluated analytically and confirmed by experimental measurements. It is shown that, for static and dynamic tests, the accuracy obtained is a function of integration time, frequency content of the signal, and the ratio of the dynamic amplitude to the full signal of interest. In addition, for the dynamic case, the frequency band width used in analysis is important. Results of this study indicate that, for typical data accuracy desired from models in a large transonic wind tunnel (11- by 11-ft), up to the following integration times are required: static force and moment tests, 0.5 sec; static pressure tests, 0.1 sec; flutter tests, 30 to 60 sec; and random-dynamic tests, 10 sec.

Muhlstein, L., Jr.↗

Development of an intelligent hypertext system for wind tunnel testing

This paper summarizes the results of a system utilizing artificial intelligence technology to improve the productivity of project engineers who conduct wind tunnel tests. The objective was to create an intelligent hypertext system which integrates a hypertext manual and expert system that stores experts' knowledge and experience. The preliminary (Phase I) effort implemented a prototype IHS module encompassing a portion of the manuals and knowledge used for wind tunnel testing. The effort successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the intelligent hypertext system concept. A module for the internal strain gage balance, implemented on both IBM-PC and Macintosh computers, is presented. A description of the Phase II effort is included.

Lo, Ching F.↗

Acoustical characteristics of the NASA Langley full scale wind tunnel test section

The full-scale wind tunnel at NASA-Langley Research Center was designed for low-speed aerodynamic testing of aircraft. Sound absorbing treatment has been added to the ceiling and walls of the tunnel test section to create a more anechoic condition for taking acoustical measurements during aerodynamic tests. The results of an experimental investigation of the present acoustical characteristics of the tunnel test section are presented. The experimental program included measurements of ambient nosie levels existing during various tunnel operating conditions, investigation of the sound field produced by an omnidirectional source, and determination of sound field decay rates for impulsive noise excitation. A comparison of the current results with previous measurements shows that the added sound treatment has improved the acoustical condition of the tunnel test section. An analysis of the data indicate that sound reflections from the tunnel ground-board platform could create difficulties in the interpretation of actual test results.

Abrahamson, A. L.↗

Wind Tunnel Test of A Scale Model of A Venus Probe to Determine Aeroacoustics Environment

The Zephyr probe for NASA’s DAVINCI project is being designed to fly to Venus and collect measurements to characterize the Venusian atmosphere while it descends towards the surface. Despite a slow descent speed as the probe approaches the surface, the very dense atmosphere means the vibro-acoustic environment that the probe must withstand could be very harsh. A wind tunnel test campaign was conducted to characterize the surface-pressure fluctuations (acoustics) on the external surface of the probe during the descent. The goal was to provide forcing functions for vibro-acoustic analysis of all instruments inside the probe. A 25% scale-model of the Zephyr probe was manufactured, instrumented with 18 microphones, and tested in two wind tunnels located in the Fluid Mechanics Lab at NASA Ames Research Center at velocities ranging from 13 m/s to 48 m/s. Trip strips were added to the model to ensure a turbulent boundary layer on the model. Microphones were located appropriately to provide spectra of pressure fluctuations in regions with different flow characteristics as well as for calculating various two-point statistics. The acoustic spectra measured in the wind tunnel tests were scaled up to flight-scale using the estimated flight trajectory information. Besides fluctuating surface-pressure measurements, hot-film velocity measurements as well as smoke-laser flow visualization were conducted to better understand the flow around the probe. Lastly, several different geometry configurations were tested to see whether any reduction in acoustic levels could be achieved, but none of the configurations that were tested offered significant improvements. The flow visualization showed 3 primary flow regimes on the model: an attached turbulent boundary layer on the front of the model, a region of separated flow upstream of the flared lip, and a large, separated wake at the rear of the model. The acoustic spectra generally show three different shapes corresponding to these flow regions, with the highest levels seen at the rear of the model, and directly in front of the drag plate. The scaled overall levels of pressure fluctuations were found to be high: in the range of 130dB to 155dB.

planetary probe↗

Design and wind tunnel tests of winglets on a DC-10 wing

Results are presented of a wind tunnel test utilizing a 4.7 percent scale semi-span model in the Langley Research Center 8-foot transonic pressure wind tunnel to establish the cruise drag improvement potential of winglets as applied to the DC-10 wide body transport aircraft. Winglets were investigated on both the DC-10 Series 10 (domestic) and 30/40 (intercontinental) configurations and compared with the Series 30/40 configuration. The results of the investigation confirm that for the DC-10 winglets provide approximately twice the cruise drag reduction of wing-tip extensions for about the same increase in bending moment at the wing fuselage juncture. Furthermore, the winglet configurations achieved drag improvements which were in close agreement to analytical estimates. It was observed that relatively small changes in wing-winglet tailoring effected large improvements in drag and visual flow characteristics. All final winglet configurations exhibited visual flow characteristics on the wing and winglets

Gilkey, R. D.↗

Kasprzyk airfoil. The first wind-tunnel tests

The Kasprzyk slotted flap glider airfoil (the Kasper wing) enabling glider flight at 32 km/h and 0.5 m/sec descent speed was wind tunnel tested in the U.S. The test layout is described and reasons offered for discrepancies between wind tunnel results and Polish in flight data: high induced drag caused by relative size of model wing span and tunnel, by vortex attenuators on the model and their proximity to the tunnel wall, nonsimilarity between flow over a smooth wing and flow over the Kasprzyk wing with bound vortices, obstruction of the tunnel test chamber cross section by the model wing, discrepant Reynolds numbers, and model airfoil aspect ratio much smaller than the prototype. The overall results offer partial confirmation of the Kasprzyk theory, but further in tunnel and in flight studies are recommended.

Wusatowski, T.↗

Wind tunnel tests of a symmetrical airfoil with scoop fed slots

The design and wind tunnel test of a model vertical tail fin is described in this report. The model is designed to provide the aerodynamic forces necessary for lateral stabilization without moving parts or a separate source of power. It employs scoop-fed slots on both surfaces of the symmetrical airfoil. They are to be controlled differentially by means of a fluidic amplifier to implement an automatic fulltime lateral stabilization system. The results of tests show that the control of forces is stable and quite linear in various modes of operation. Significant forces were produced that can be increased as necessary by increasing slot size and scoop size. Slots can be located ahead of the conventional rudder and the scoop can be at the base of the vertical tail fin to avoid the need for major changes in conventional aircraft design. The first phase of the work demonstrated the feasibility of no-moving-parts aircraft control. The second phase established that a practical fluidic amplifier can be built to control slot flows from fluidic signals. Recommendations are made to optimize the design of the fluidic amplifier and to characterize its dynamic response in support of further analytical studies.

Belsterling, C. A.↗

Transonic wind tunnel tests of a .015 scale space shuttle orbiter model, volume 2

Transonic wind tunnel tests were run on a 0.015 scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle in an eight-foot tunnel during August 1975. The purpose of the program was to obtain basic shuttle aerodynamic data through a full range of elevon and aileron deflections, verification of data obtained at other facilities, and effects of Reynolds numbers. The second part of a discussion of test procedures and results in both tabular and graphical form were presented. Tests were performed at Mach numbers from 0.35 to 1.20, and at Reynolds numbers from 3.5 million to 8.2 million per foot. The angle of attack was varied from -2 to +20 degrees at sideslip angles of -2, 0, +2 degrees. Sideslip was varied from -6 to +8 degrees at constant angles of attack from 0 to +20 degrees. Various aileron and ailevon settings were tested for various angles of attack.

Struzynski, N. A.↗

Wind tunnel test IA300 analysis and results, volume 1

The analysis and interpretation of wind tunnel pressure data from the Space Shuttle wind tunnel test IA300 are presented. The primary objective of the test was to determine the effects of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) and the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) plumes on the integrated vehicle forebody pressure distributions, the elevon hinge moments, and wing loads. The results of this test will be combined with flight test results to form a new data base to be employed in the IVBC-3 airloads analysis. A secondary objective was to obtain solid plume data for correlation with the results of gaseous plume tests. Data from the power level portion was used in conjunction with flight base pressures to evaluate nominal power levels to be used during the investigation of changes in model attitude, eleveon deflection, and nozzle gimbal angle. The plume induced aerodynamic loads were developed for the Space Shuttle bases and forebody areas. A computer code was developed to integrate the pressure data. Using simplified geometrical models of the Space Shuttle elements and components, the pressure data were integrated to develop plume induced force and moments coefficients that can be combined with a power-off data base to develop a power-on data base.

Kelley, P. B.↗

Wind Tunnel Test of Subscale Ringsail and Disk-Gap-Band Parachutes

A subsonic wind tunnel test was conducted to determine the drag and static aerodynamic coefficients, as well as to capture the dynamic motions of a new Supersonic Ringsail parachute developed by the Low Density Supersonic Decelerator Project. To provide a comparison against current Mars parachute technology, the Mars Science Laboratory's Disk-Gap-Band parachute was also included in the test. To account for the effect of fabric permeability, two fabrics ("low" and "standard" permeability) were used to fabricate each parachute canopy type, creating four combinations of canopy type and fabric material. A wide range of test conditions were covered during the test, spanning Mach numbers from 0.09 to 0.5, and static pressures from 103 to 2116 pounds per square inch (psf) (nominal values). The fabric permeability is shown to have a first-order effect on the aerodynamic coefficients and dynamic motions of the parachutes. For example, for a given parachute type and test condition, models fabricated from "low" permeability fabric always have a larger drag coefficient than models fabricated from "standard" permeability material. This paper describes the test setup and conditions, how the results were analyzed, and presents and discusses a sample of the results. The data collected during this test is being used to create and improve parachute aerodynamic databases for use in flight dynamics simulations for missions to Mars.

Zumwalt, Carlie H.↗