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Pearson, H A

Publications and source records attributed to Pearson, H A.

Velocity gained and altitude lost in recoveries from inclined flight paths

A series of charts is given showing the variation of the velocity gained and the altitude lost in dive pullouts with the initial indicated air speed and the dive angle. The effects of the maximum load factor, the drag parameter K, the initial altitude, and the type of recovery on the velocity gained and the altitude lost are also considered. The results were obtained from a step-by-step solution of the equations of motion in which mean values of the air density and the airplane drag coefficient were used. The load-factor variation with time is arbitrarily specified in various ways to simulate pull-out procedures, some of which might be encountered in flight.

Pearson, H A↗

Empirical corrections to the span load distribution at the tip

An analysis of existing pressure-distribution data was made to determine the variation of the tip loading with wing plan form. A series of empirical tip corrections was derived that may be added to theoretical curves in certain cases to obtain a closer approach to the actual loading at the tip. The analysis indicated that the need for a tip correction decreases as either the aspect ratio or the wing taper is increased. In general, it may be said that, for wings of conventional aspect ratio, corrections to the theoretical span load curves are necessary only if the wing is tapered less than 2:1 and has a blunt tip. If the tip is well rounded in plan form, no correction appears necessary even for a wing with no taper.

Pearson, H A↗

Charts expressing the time, velocity, and altitude relations for an airplane diving in a standard atmosphere

In this report charts are given showing the relation between time, velocities, and altitude for airplanes having various terminal velocities diving in a standard atmosphere. The range of starting altitudes is from 8,000 to 32,000 feet, and the terminal velocities vary from 150 to 550 miles per hour. A comparison is made between an experimental case and the results obtained from the charts. Examples pointing out the use of the charts are included.

Pearson, H A↗

Theoretical span loading and moments of tapered wings produced by aileron deflection

The effect of tapered ailerons on linearly tapered wings is theoretically determined. Four different aileron spans are considered for each of three wing aspect ratios and each of four wing taper ratios. The change in lift on one half of the wing, the rolling moment, the additional induced drag, and the yawing moment, due to aileron deflection, are represented by non dimensional coefficients. Similar coefficients are given for the damping and yawing moments, the additional drag, and the change in lift, due to rolling. It was found possible to effect a fairly close agreement between the theoretical and experimental rolling moments by introducing into the theoretical expression for the rolling moment an effective change in angle of attack obtained from an analysis of flap data. The theoretical curves show that the highly tapered wing with long ailerons has a lower ratio of yawing to rolling moment and a lower additional induced drag than wings with less taper.

Pearson, H A↗

Span load distribution for tapered wings with partial-span flaps

Tables are given for determining the load distribution of tapered wings with partial-span flaps placed either at the center or at the wing tips. Seventy-two wing-flap combinations, including two aspect ratios, four taper ratios, and nine flap lengths, are included. The distributions for the flapped wing are divided into two parts, one a zero lift distribution due primarily to the flaps and the other an additional lift distribution due to an angle of attack of the wing as a whole. Comparison between theoretical and experimental results for wings indicate that the theory may be used to predict the load distribution with sufficient accuracy for structural purposes.

Pearson, H A↗

Pressure-Distribution Measurements on O-2H Airplane in Flight

Results are given of pressure-distribution measurements made over two different horizontal tail surfaces and the right wing cellule, including the slipstream area, of an observation-type biplane. Measurements were also taken of air speed, control-surface positions, control-stick forces, angular velocities, and accelerations during various abrupt maneuvers. These maneuvers consisted of push-downs and pull-ups from level flight, dive pull-outs, and aileron rolls with various thrust conditions. The results from the pressure-distribution measurements over the wing cellule are given on charts showing the variation of individual rib coefficients with wing coefficients; the data from the tail-surface pressure-distribution measurements are given mainly as total loads and moments. These data are supplemented by time histories of the measured quantities and isometric views of the rib pressure distributions occurring in abrupt maneuvers.

Pearson, H A↗

A method of estimating the aerodynamic effects of ordinary and split flaps of airfoils similar to the Clark Y

An empirical method is given for estimating the aerodynamic effect of ordinary and split flaps on airfoils similar to the Clark Y. The method is based on a series of charts that have been derived from an analysis of existing wind-tunnel data. Factors are included by which such variables as flap location, flap span, wing aspect ratio, and wing taper may be taken into account. A series of comparisons indicate that the method would be suitable for use in making preliminary performance calculations and in structural design.

Pearson, H A↗