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Siemers, P. M., III

Publications and source records attributed to Siemers, P. M., III.

At least 19 records

The Aeroassist Flight Experiment

The key design drivers for the Aeroassist Flight Experiment are discussed and a description is given of the flight test vehicle, its flight conditions, and instrumentation. The aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicle (AOTV) operates at higher velocities than the Space Shuttle and at higher altitudes than Apollo. Issues such as the effect of shock-layer nonequilibrium on the levels of radiative and convective heating and of viscous and real-gas effects on vehicle aerodynamic characteristics are mentioned.

Walberg, G. D.

The tethered satellite system for low density aerothermodynamics studies

The feasibility of the operation of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS) as a continuous open wind tunnel for low-density aerothermodynamic studies (applicable to the design of hypersonic space vehicles including STARFAC, AOTV, and ERV) is considered. The Shuttle Continuous Open Wind Tunnel (SCOWT) program, for the study of the energy and momentum transfer between the tethered satellite and its environmental medium during the TSS/2 mission, is described. Instrumentation and TSS design requirements to meet SCOWT objectives are also considered. SCOWT will provide information on the gasdynamic processes occurring downstream of the bow wave standing in front of the TS, the chemistry and physics of the upper atmosphere related to satellite aerothermodynamics, and TSS's overall experimental envelope of operation.

Carlomagno, Giovanni M.

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the space shuttle Orbiter's forebody in the AEDC 16T propulsion wind tunnel

Pressure distribution test data obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the AEDC 16T Propulsion Wind Tunnel. The 0.10-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -2 deg to 18 deg and angles of side slip from -6 to 6 deg at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 1/5 deg. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations that existed on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102) during the Orbiter Flight Test program. This DFI simulation has provided a means of comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel and computational data.

Siemers, P. M., III

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forebody in the Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Pressure distribution test data obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The UPWT tests were conducted in two different test sections operating in the continuous mode, the 8 x 7 feet and 9 x 7 feet test sections. Each test section has its own Mach number range, 1.6 to 2.5 and 2.5 to 3.5 for the 9 x 7 feet and 8 x 7 feet test section, respectively. The test Reynolds number ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 x 10 to the 6th power ft and 0.6 to 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power ft, respectively. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations that existed on the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) during the Orbiter Flight test program. This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel and computational data.

Siemers, P. M., III

The definition of the Shuttle Tethered Aerothermodynamic Research Facility

Studies have been conducted to define the feasibility and practical limitations of the Shuttle Orbiter Tethered 'wind-tunnel' concept. This concept, referred to as the Shuttle Tethered Aerothermodynamic Research Facility (STARFAC), is proposed to provide researchers access to altitudes above 90 km to accomplish aerothermodynamic research in the rarefied upper atmosphere. Determining the feasibility and limitations of the concept has required the enhancement and/or development of mission simulation analytical techniques and control laws; the accomplishment of candidate mission simulations; the definition of instrumentation requirements, both for science and engineering; and the establishment of tether and satellite design requirements to meet STARFAC objectives. The results of the study, to date, indicate that such a concept is both feasible and practical. Representative results are presented, as are recommendations for continued studies which would result in program implementation.

Siemers, P. M., III

Shuttle flight pressure instrumentation: Experience and lessons for the future

Flight data obtained from the Space Transportation System orbiter entries are processed and analyzed to assess the accuracy and performance of the Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) pressure measurement system. Selected pressure measurements are compared with available wind tunnel and computational data and are further used to perform air data analyses using the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) computation technique. The results are compared to air data from other sources. These comparisons isolate and demonstrate the effects of the various limitations of the DFI pressure measurement system. The effects of these limitations on orbiter performance analyses are addressed, and instrumentation modifications are recommended to improve the accuracy of similar fight data systems in the future.

Siemers, P. M., III

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley continuous flow hypersonic tunnel

Results from pressure distribution tests on 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale models of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests wre completed in the Langley Continuous Flow Hypersonic Tunnel (CFHT). The 0.04-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -5 deg to 45 deg and angles of sideslip from -3 deg to 3 deg. The 0.02-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -10 deg to 45 deg and angles of sideslip from -5 deg to 5 deg. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel models were also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.

Pressure distributions on a 0.04-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel

Pressure distribution tests on a 0.04-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The UPWT has two different test sections operating in the continuous mode. Each test section has its own Mach number range. The model was tested at angles of attack from -2.5 deg to 30 deg and angles of sideslip from -5 deg to 5 deg in both test sections. The test Reynolds number was 6.6 x 10 to the 6th power per meter. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley 20-inch Mach 6 air tunnel

Results from pressure distribution tests on 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale models of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbier are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Tunnel. The 0.04-scale model was tested at angles of attack from 0 to 35 and angles of sideslip from 0 to -4. The 0.02-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -10 to 45 and angles of sideslip from 0 to -4. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel to models were also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation had provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.

An evaluation of Space Shuttle Orbiter forward fuselage surface pressures - Comparison with wind tunnel and theoretical predictions

In order for ground-based pressure distribution techniques to be verified by the actual performance of the Space Shuttle Orbiter in flight, a comparative study of flight pressure data and both wind tunnel and computational data is presented. The flight pressure data, obtained from measurements on the Orbiter's surface during atmospheric reentry, are part of the overall Orbiter flight data system designated Development Flight Instrumentation. Also given is an analysis of the Orbiter pressure data system, including its transducers, their behavior, and their calibration. The two analyses are the bases of an error assessment calculation for the flight data, as well as an explanation of any discrepancies between flight and ground-based data.

Bradley, P. F.

Shuttle Entry Air Data System concepts applied to Space Shuttle Orbiter flight pressure data to determine air data - STS 1-4

The Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) is the implementation of a new concept in air data systems, with application to entry vehicles. This concept incorporates an array of flush orifices in the nose and forward fuselage of the vehicle and a new flowfield modeling concept for the analysis of flight data and the determination of the required air data parameters. Although the SEADS has not been fully demonstrated, a developmental analysis capability has been assembled and demonstrated. This analytical capability has been used to analyze selected Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) pressure data from STS-1 through STS-4 and determine angle of attack and freestream dynamic pressure. The results of this study verify the potential of the SEADS as a highly fault tolerant operational air data system. In addition, the transition of SEADS from its present status as an experimental system to an operational system is shown to be readily achievable.

Siemers, P. M., III

An innovative air data system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter - Data analysis techniques

The Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) is an experimental system designed to supply research quality air data and to meet Orbiter operational air data requirements throughout entry. SEADS incorporates no mechanical devices but is based on the concept that the fuselage proper, whether symmetrical or not, can be instrumented so as to function both as a pitot-static probe and as a differential pressure flow direction sensor. Specifically SEADS consists of 20 flush orifices, each routed to a pair of absolute pressure transducers. A computational technique has been developed capable of extracting air data parameters solely from surface pressure measurements. The digital filtering algorithm implemented in SEADS is the natural adaptation to air data sensing of a technology widely used in navigation, guidance, and control systems.

Pruett, C. D.

Comparison of forward fuselage to Space Shuttle Orbiter flight pressure data to wind tunnel and analytical results in the hypersonic Mach number range

The Space Transportation System (STS) test program is unique in that it combines flight testing with operational flights using the first operational orbital vehicle (OV-102). The Space Shuttle Orbiter was instrumented to obtain various types of flight data. The instrumentation, designated Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) includes pressure transducers, thermocouples, calorimeters, and accelerometers. A comparison is conducted between orbiter DFI forward fuselage flight pressure data obtained from OV-102 during the STS-1 reentry, and ground facility data obtained utilizing a 0.04 scale Orbiter forebody model. The comparisons are used to validate the existing experimental data base, optimize the pressure modeling technique, and make possible the refinement of error analysis relative to both. The obtained results indicate, in general, good agreement between flight and ground-based data.

Bradley, P. F.

Subsonic tests of an all-flush-pressure-orifice air data system

The use of an all-flush-pressure-orifice array as a subsonic air data system was evaluated in flight and wind tunnel tests. Two orifice configurations were investigated. Both used orifices arranged in a cruciform pattern on the airplane nose. One configuration also used orifices on the sides of the fuselage for a source of static pressure. The all-nose-orifice configuration was similar to the shuttle entry air data system (SEADS). The flight data were obtained with a KC-135A airplane. The wind tunnel data were acquired with a 0.035-scale model of the KC-135A airplane. With proper calibration, several orifices on the vertical centerline of the vehicle's nose were found to be satisfactory for the determination of total pressure and angle of attack. Angle of sideslip could be accurately determined from pressure measurements made on the horizontal centerline of the aircraft. Orifice pairs were also found that provided pressure ratio relationships suitable for the determination of Mach number. The accuracy that can be expected for the air data determined with SEADS during subsonic orbiter flight is indicated.

Larson, T. J.

Use of nose cap and fuselage pressure orifices for determination of air data for space shuttle orbiter below supersonic speeds

Wind tunnel pressure measurements were acquired from orifices on a 0.1 scale forebody model of the space shuttle orbiter that were arranged in a preliminary configuration of the shuttle entry air data system (SEADS). Pressures from those and auxiliary orifices were evaluated for their ability to provide air data at subsonic and transonic speeds. The orifices were on the vehicle's nose cap and on the sides of the forebody forward of the cabin. The investigation covered a Mach number range of 0.25 to 1.40 and an angle of attack range from 4 deg. to 18 deg. An air data system consisting of nose cap and forebody fuselage orifices constitutes a complete and accurate air data system at subsonic and transonic speeds. For Mach numbers less than 0.80 orifices confined to the nose cap can be used as a complete and accurate air data system. Air data systems that use only flush pressure orifices can be used to determine basic air data on other aircraft at subsonic and transonic speeds.

Larson, T. J.

Wind tunnel investigation of an all flush orifice air data system for a large subsonic aircraft

The results of a wind tunnel investigation on an all flush orifice air data system for use on a KC-135A aircraft are presented. The investigation was performed to determine the applicability of fixed all flush orifice air data systems that use only aircraft surfaces for orifices on the nose of the model (in a configuration similar to that of the shuttle entry air data system) provided the measurements required for the determination of stagnation pressure, angle of attack, and angle of sideslip. For the measurement of static pressure, additional flush orifices in positions on the sides of the fuselage corresponding to those in a standard pitot-static system were required. An acceptable but less accurate system, consisting of orifices only on the nose of the model, is defined and discussed.

Larson, T. J.