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Alston, D. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Alston, D. W..

Statistical model to perform error analysis of curve fits of wind tunnel test data using the techniques of analysis of variance and regression analysis

The considered research had the objective to design a statistical model that could perform an error analysis of curve fits of wind tunnel test data using analysis of variance and regression analysis techniques. Four related subproblems were defined, and by solving each of these a solution to the general research problem was obtained. The capabilities of the evolved true statistical model are considered. The least squares fit is used to determine the nature of the force, moment, and pressure data. The order of the curve fit is increased in order to delete the quadratic effect in the residuals. The analysis of variance is used to determine the magnitude and effect of the error factor associated with the experimental data.

Alston, D. W.↗

Calculation of transitional boundary-layer flows.

The results of a finite-difference calculation of hypersonic transitional boundary-layer flow are presented. Precursor-transition and low Reynolds number turbulence effects are included. These calculation results are compared with data from a source where profiles are available at the beginning, middle and end of the hypersonic transitional flow. The results indicate that the low Reynolds number effect is the most important.

Bushnell, D. M.↗

Calculation of compressible adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layers.

Difficulties encountered in computing profile shapes in supersonic turbulent boundary layers with large pressure gradients, which result from a disagreement between data and theory, are investigated. Possible reasons given by various authors for this disagreement are discussed. Initial results seem to indicate that conventional reasons do not account for the observed difficulties. However, inclusion of the effect of curvature upon turbulent mixing has brought an improvement in calculations. Possible three-dimensional effects are also examined.

Bushnell, D. M.↗