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Barger, R. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Barger, R. L..

At least 19 records

Theory for computing the field scattered from a smooth inflected surface

A theory is described for computing the reflected or scattered field from a smooth body with inflection points. These inflections occur in certain directions at each surface point for which the total (Gaussian) curvature is zero or negative. For surface illumination in one of these critical directions, the usual reflection formulas obtained by the high-frequency approximation are inapplicable, and a shadow zone exists in the reflected field. Scattering into the shadow zone is treated, as well as specular reflection. This theory should have a variety of applications such as for certain optics problems, computer graphics modeling of three-dimensional shapes, and the design and analysis of specialized microwave reflector antennas.

Barger, R. L.

Some path-following techniques for solution of nonlinear equations and comparison with parametric differentiation

Some path-following techniques are described and compared with other methods. Use of multipurpose techniques that can be used at more than one stage of the path-following computation results in a system that is relatively simple to understand, program, and use. Comparison of path-following methods with the method of parametric differentiation reveals definite advantages for the path-following methods. The fact that parametric differentiation has found a broader range of applications indicates that path-following methods have been underutilized.

Barger, R. L.

Semianalytic modeling of aerodynamic shapes

Equations for the semianalytic representation of a class of surfaces that vary smoothly in cross-sectional shape are presented. Some methods of fitting together and superimposing such surfaces are described. A brief discussion is also included of the application of the theory in various contexts such as computerized lofting of aerodynamic surfaces and grid generation.

Barger, R. L.

An analytical procedure for computing smooth transitions between two specified cross sections with applications to blended wing body configuration

An analytical procedure is described for designing smooth transition surfaces for blended wing-body configurations. Starting from two specified cross section shapes, the procedure generates a gradual transition from one cross section shape to the other as an analytic blend of the two shapes. The method utilizes a conformal mapping, with subsequent translation and scaling, to transform the specified and shapes to curves that can be combined more smoothly. A sample calculation is applied to a blended wing-body missile type configuration with a top mounted inlet.

Barger, R. L.

A procedure for designing forebodies with constraints on cross-section shape and axial area distribution

A method is described for designing a forebody with cross sections which vary smoothly from an initial prescribed nose shape to a different prescribed base shape in such a way that the cross-section areas conform to a preassigned axial area distribution. It is shown that these conditions can be satisfied with a remaining degree of freedon, which can be used to accomplish a modest amount of geometric or pressure tailoring of the forebody. An example is provided which involves modifying the pressure distribution along a given meridian line of the forebody.

Barger, R. L.

A theory for predicting boundary impedance and resonance frequencies of slotted-wall wind tunnels, including plenum effects

Wave-induced resonance associated with the geometry of wind-tunnel test sections can occur. A theory that uses acoustic impedance concepts to predict resonance modes in a two dimensional, slotted wall wind tunnel with a plenum chamber is described. The equation derived is consistent with known results for limiting conditions. The computed resonance modes compare well with appropriate experimental data. When the theory is applied to perforated wall test sections, it predicts the experimentally observed closely spaced modes that occur when the wavelength is not long compared with he plenum depth.

Barger, R. L.

Solution of complex nonlinear problems by a generalized application of the method of base and comparison solutions with applications to aerodynamics problems

A theory for obtaining approximate solutions to nonlinear problems whose exact solutions require the use of large computational procedures is described. The technique represents in some respects a generalization of the method of base and comparison solutions for flows depending on a parameter. For the generalized problem, the input variable is no longer a parameter but a function that is incremented over its entire domain. After performing calculations for a base configuration and a small number of variations of it, solutions for a large class of configurations can be obtained by forming linear combinations of the solution increments. For a restricted class of problems, approximate solutions can be obtained for general variations of a base configuration by using a function-space derivative estimate obtained from a base solution and a single variation.

Barger, R. L.

A new theory for rapid calculation of the ground pattern of the incident sound intensity produced by a maneuvering jet airplane

An approximate method for computing the jet noise pattern of a maneuvering airplane is described. The method permits one to relate the noise pattern individually to the influences of airplane speed and acceleration, jet velocity and acceleration, and the flight path curvature. The analytic formulation determines the ground pattern directly without interpolation and runs rapidly on a minicomputer. Calculated examples including a climbing turn and a simple climb pattern with a gradual throttling back are presented.

Barger, R. L.

Theoretical prediction of nonlinear propagation effects on noise signatures generated by subsonic or supersonic propeller or rotor-blade tips

The nonlinear propagation equations for sound generated by a constant speed blade tip are presented. Propagation from a subsonic tip is treated as well as the various cases that can occur at supersonic speeds. Some computed examples indicate that the nonlinear theory correlates with experimental results better than linear theory for large amplitude waves. For swept tips that generate a wave with large amplitude leading expansion, the nonlinear theory predicts a cancellation effect that results in a significant reduction of both amplitude and impulse.

Barger, R. L.

Theory for computing the size and shape of a region of influence associated with a maneuvering vehicle

A general procedure for computing the region of influence of a maneuvering vehicle is described. Basic differential geometric relations, including the use of a general trajectory parameter and the introduction of auxiliary variables in the envelope theory are presented. To illustrate the application of the method, the destruct region for a maneuvering fighter firing missiles is computed.

Barger, R. L.

Investigation of flow characteristics over missile bodies at supersonic speeds

Three missile body shapes tested at Mach numbers of 1.50, 2.16, and 2.86 with angles of attack up to 30 degrees are described. The flow characteristics for each body shape are examined. The measured aerodynamic forces and moments are presented. The use of flow visualization techniques are described and the results such as vortex effects are discussed.

Barger, R. L.

Sonic-boom wave-front shapes and curvatures associated with maneuvering flight

Sonic-boom wave shapes and caustic lines generated by an airplane performing a general maneuver are studied. The equations are programmed for graphical output as a perspective view of the wave shape. This quasi three-dimensional presentation provides a qualitative insight into the effects of the maneuver on the wave shape and the caustic locations. For the special case of planar maneuvers, the principal curvatures of the wave front are derived. These curvatures are needed to calculate the sound field in the vicinity of a caustic. The results of the analysis are applicable not only to sonic-boom studies but also to the calculation of noise generated by a supersonic rotor or propeller blade tip.

Barger, R. L.

A theoretical investigation of forebody shapes designed for natural laminar boundary-layer flow

The design of forebody shapes for natural laminar flow is discussed. For subsonic flow, computed results for three shapes of different fineness ratios indicate that laminar flow can be attained under conditions that approximate those on the forebody of a cruise missile flying at a low altitude at a high subsonic Mach number. For supersonic (Mach 2.00) design, a one-parameter family of hyperbolic arcs was used to generate forebody shapes having a favorable pressure gradient over the forebody length. Computed results for these shapes indicated laminar and transitional flow over the range of Reynolds numbers considered.

Barger, R. L.

Estimation of attainable leading-edge thrust for wings at subsonic and supersonic speeds

The factors which place limits on the theoretical leading edge thrust are identified. An empirical method for the estimation of attainable thrust is presented. The method is based on the use of simple sweep theory to permit a two dimensional analysis, the use of theoretical airfoil programs to define thrust dependence on local geometric characteristics, and the examination of experimental two dimensional airfoil data to define limitations imposed by local Mach numbers and Reynolds numbers. Comparisons of theoretical and experimental aerodynamic characteristics for a series of wing body configurations are examined.

Carlson, H. W.

A distributed vortex method for computing the vortex field of a missile

Vortex sheet development in the flow field of a missile was investigated by approximating the sheets in the cross-flow plane with short straight-line segments having distributed vorticity. In contrast with the method that represents the sheets as lines of discrete vortices, this distributed vortex method produced calculations with a high degree of computational stability.

Barger, R. L.

A nonlinear theory for airfoils with trailing-edge jet flap

A nonlinear procedure for computing the pressure distribution on an airfoil with a trailing edge jet flap is described. The method is not restricted to thin airfoils or shallow jet-deflection angles. Correlation with experiment indicates that the characteristics of the pressure distribution are predicted by the theory, but the effect of entrainment is overpredicted with the entrainment coefficient used.

Barger, R. L.