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At least 199 records · Page 11

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NASA NTRS1976

Flight simulation testing equipment for composite material systems

A test program is discussed which aims at establishing the time-temperature-stress characteristics of several classes of high-temperature composite materials in order to determine their suitability for applications in supersonic cruise aircraft. Five advanced composite materials (a boron epoxy, a boron polyimide, a graphite epoxy, a graphite polyimide, and diffusion-bonded boron aluminum) are being evaluated using a flight-test simulator capable of long-term automatic testing based on random loading and realistic flight temperature profiles. The design, construction, and checkout of this simulator are described along with the digital load programmer, load magnitude controllers, the hydraulic pumping system, the heating and cooling systems, the control console, and the data recording system. Typical results for short-term tests performed at constant temperatures and accelerated load rates are presented in terms of a random-load spectrum and a wearout model.

Haskins, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The effect of thermal exposure on the mechanical properties of aluminum-graphite composites

To promote the development of aluminum-graphite composites with improved properties for aerospace applications, composite samples were fabricated by solid-state diffusion bonding of liquid-phase Al-infiltrated Thornel 50 fibers, and their mechanical properties were measured at room temperature in the as-received condition, after temperature exposure and after thermal cycling. The interface structure in aluminum-graphite composites and its effect on the composite properties, the effect of thermal cycling on the tensile properties of the composites, and the characteristics of failures of the composites in tension is discussed. The studied composites exhibited tensile properties corresponding well with those predicted by the rule of mixtures. Thermal cycling between 20 C and 500 C, as well as the formation of the Al4C3 at the Al-graphite interfaces at temperatures above 500 C resulted in degradation of the composite strength. Scanning electron microscopy of fractured surfaces indicated that the relatively weak interface governs the mode of failure in tension.

Khan, I. H.↗

NASA NTRS1976

New advancements in titanium technology and their cost and weight benefits

A process that combines both the superplastic and diffusion bonding properties of metal into one concurrent operation is being developed. Estimates using this technology have indicated that this combined process will result in cost savings up to 70 percent when compared to conventional construction methods, while also saving weight. Many structural forms are possible including sandwich structures made by expanding face sheets and core against die forms. The classic difficulties normally associated with fabricating sandwich structures, such as parts fit-up, close tolerances, adhesive or braze alloy strength, do not exist with this technique. The total potential of Rockwell's patented new processes is limited only by the ingenuity of the designer and is expected to affect significantly future airplane concepts and criteria.

Ascani, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Aircraft energy efficiency laminar flow control wing design study

An engineering design study was performed in which laminar flow control (LFC) was integrated into the wing of a commercial passenger transport aircraft. A baseline aircraft configuration was selected and the wing geometry was defined. The LFC system, with suction slots, ducting, and suction pumps was integrated with the wing structure. The use of standard aluminum technology and advanced superplastic formed diffusion bonded titanium technology was evaluated. The results of the design study show that the LFC system can be integrated with the wing structure to provide a structurally and aerodynamically efficient wing for a commercial transport aircraft.

Bonner, T. F., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Effects of fabrication and joining processes on compressive strength of boron/aluminum and borsic/aluminum structural panels

Processes for forming and joining boron/aluminum and borsic/aluminum to themselves and to titanium alloys were studied. Composite skin and titanium skin panels were joined to composite stringers by high strength bolts, by spotwelding, by diffusion bonding, by adhesive bonding, or by brazing. The effects of the fabrication and joining processes on panel compressive strengths were discussed. Predicted buckling loads were compared with experimental data.

Royster, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A siphon method of determining resistivities of thin heat-pipe wicks

A simple siphon method is described for determining the resistivities of thin heat pipe wicks as a function of the pressure difference between the liquid in the wick and the vapor above it. The method was applied to wicks of one layer and two layers of 100 mesh (40 per centimeter) stainless steel screens diffusion bonded to stainless steel substrates. Some possible improvements in the method are suggested.

Katzoff, S.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Elevated temperature properties of boron/aluminum composites

The high temperature properties of boron/aluminum composites, fabricated by an air diffusion bonding technique utilizing vacuum-bonded monolayer tape are reported. Seventeen different combinations of matrix alloy, reinforcement diameter, reinforcement volume percent, angle-ply and matrix enhancement (i.e. titanium cladding and interleaves) were fabricated, inspected, and tested. It is shown that good to excellent mechanical properties could be obtained for air-bonded boron/aluminum composites and that these properties did not decrease significantly up to a test temperature of at least 260 C. Composites made with 8 mil B/W fiber show a much greater longitudinal strength dependence on volume percent fiber than composites made with 5.6 mil fiber. The addition of titanium caused difficulties in composite bonding and yielded composites with reduced strength.

Sullivan, P. G.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Fabrication and evaluation of advanced titanium structural panels for supersonic cruise aircraft

Flightworthy primary structural panels were designed, fabricated, and tested to investigate two advanced fabrication methods for titanium alloys. Skin-stringer panels fabricated using the weldbraze process, and honeycomb-core sandwich panels fabricated using a diffusion bonding process, were designed to replace an existing integrally stiffened shear panel on the upper wing surface of the NASA YF-12 research aircraft. The investigation included ground testing and Mach 3 flight testing of full-scale panels, and laboratory testing of representative structural element specimens. Test results obtained on full-scale panels and structural element specimens indicate that both of the fabrication methods investigated are suitable for primary structural applications on future civil and military supersonic cruise aircraft.

Payne, L.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Technology for future air transports

The requirements and opportunities for technological development in transport aircraft of the next generation are reviewed, focusing primarily on conventional, subsonic aircraft. Advances in computational aerodynamics and computer-aided design and manufacturing (in numerically controlled processes) are noted as well as improved wind tunnel testing and drag reduction techniques. Advances in aeroelasticity prediction have made it possible to use flexible, high-aspect-ratio wings without large weight penalties. Weight reduction may be achieved by the use of composite aircraft structures and superplastic forming combined with diffusion bonding, however composites require improvement in manufacturing techniques and mechanical properties in order to gain general acceptance. Propulsion systems can be improved in engine fuel efficiency, control, durability, environmental compatibility (exhaust and noise emissions), and fuel specifications. In avionics, due to the growth of low-cost, miniaturized packages, opportunities exist in the fields of digital controls, navigation, guidance and communication. Applications of new technologies to various aspects of flight safety are also outlined.

Klineberg, J. M.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Preliminary design and analysis of large delta wings for earth-to-orbit transports

Two studies are described in which CAD methods are used for preliminary design of advanced earth-to-orbit transport wings. The first structural concept was a multilayer honeycomb wing composed of diffusion-bonded Inconel 718; the second concept (in which structural simplicity was sought) involved a honeycomb sandwich wing, for which only a leading edge and trailing edge spar were used. Some new technologies applicable to advanced wing designs are briefly discussed.

Lemessurier, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Opportunities for structural improvements for an advanced supersonic transport vehicle

The superplastically formed diffusion-bonded (SPF/DB) program has developed successfully and far enough to recommend that a major structural program to validate the weight and cost of SPF/DB sandwich titanium structure should be initiated. The NASA Langley study of wing and fuselage SPF/DB sandwich panels shows that this process is potentially structurally efficient. The Douglas SPF/DB expanded sandwich process that utilizes a welded core sheet that expands to face sheets proves to be very efficient. The theoretical weight optimization design charts for the wing and fuselage concepts were validated by small-scale tests. Mnay design applications were fabricated. Projecting the results of an SPF/DB sandwich airframe structure to a MDC AST design shows significant weight and cost savings. A 6 percent lower direct operating cost was calculated. A growth AST utilizing composites, metal matrices, and SPF/DB sandwich shows future promise for a post-1990 technology readiness. Titanium SPF/DB sandwich, compared to presently available aluminum structure, is superior for application to a Mach 2.2 supersonic transport.

Fischler, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Advanced materials and fabrication processes for supersonic cruise aircraft

Research and development programs to develop high-strength aluminum alloys and low-cost materials and fabrication techniques for titanium alloys are being conducted. Thirteen aluminum alloy compositions are being evaluated. A section of a production component was fabricated using superplastic forming and diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) and fabrication studies are being conducted on three low temperature forming beta titanium alloys. Cost studies indicate substantial structural cost reduction potentials resulting from the use of both aluminum alloys and low-cost titanium fabrication techniques. Lowest overall costs are indicated for a composite/aluminum or composite titanium structure.

Guess, M. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Technology development status at McDonnell Douglas

The significant technology items of the Concorde and the conceptual MCD baseline advanced supersonic transport are compared. The four major improvements are in the areas of range performance, structures (materials), aerodynamics, and in community noise. Presentation charts show aerodynamic efficiency; the reoptimized wing; low scale lift/drag ratio; control systems; structural modeling and analysis; weight and cost comparisons for superplasticity diffusion bonded titanium sandwich structures and for aluminum brazed titanium honeycomb structures; operating cost reduction; suppressor nozzles; noise reduction and range; the bicone inlet; a market summary; environmental issues; high priority items; the titanium wing and fuselage test components; and technology validation.

Rowe, W. T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Advanced supersonic transport propulsion and configuration technology improvements

This paper presents the results of recent Douglas Aircraft Company integration studies for an advanced supersonic transport. The studies include technology improvements such as superplastic formed and diffusion-bonded titanium sandwich primary structure, composite secondary structure, bicone engine inlet, improved mechanical suppressors based on flight test data, improved aerodynamic efficiency based on wind tunnel test data, and updated performance for both variable-cycle and low-bypass-ratio engines. Technology development requirements for an economically viable and environmentally acceptable advanced supersonic transport are defined through these studies. A new Douglas Aircraft Company baseline supersonic transport designed to carry 350 passengers is defined for cost comparisons.

Rowe, W. T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Fabrication of titanium multiwall Thermal Protection System (TPS) curved panel

A method is described for fabricating curved T1-6Al-4V multiwall panels having a single radius of curvature of 30.5 cm (12 inches). A panel 30.5 x 30.5 x 1.7 cm (12 x 12 x .688 inch) having 4 dimpled sheets, 5 undimpled sheets, and stepped side closures was designed, fabricated and delivered for evaluation. Tool design for skin and dimpled sheet forming are described as well as layup and liquid interface diffusion bonding.

Blair, W.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Turbulent boundary layer over solid and porous surfaces with small roughness

Skin friction and profiles of mean velocity, axial and normal turbulence intensity, and Reynolds stress in the untripped boundary layer were measured directly on a large diameter, axisymmetric body with: (1) a smooth, solid surface; (2) a sandpaper-roughened, solid surface; (3) a sintered metal, porous surface; (4) a smooth, perforated titanium surface; (5) a rough solid surface made of fine, diffusion bonded screening, and (6) a rough, porous surface of the same screening. Results obtained for each of these surfaces are discussed. It is shown that a rough, porous wall simply does not influence the boundary layer in the same way as a rough solid wall. Therefore, turbulent transport models for boundary layers over porous surfaces either with or without injection or suction, must include both surface roughness and porosity effects.

Kong, F. Y.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Noise and economic characteristics of an advanced blended supersonic transport concept

Noise and economic characteristics were obtained for an advanced supersonic transport concept that utilized wing body blending, a double bypass variable cycle engine, superplastically formed and diffusion bonded titanium in both the primary and secondary structures, and an alternative interior arrangement that provides increased seating capacity. The configuration has a cruise Mach number of 2.62, provisions for 290 passengers, a mission range of 8.19 Mm (4423 n.mi.), and an average operating cruise lift drag ratio of 9.23. Advanced operating procedures, which have the potential to reduce airport community noise, were explored by using a simulator. Traded jet noise levels of 105.7 and 103.4 EPNdB were obtained by using standard and advanced takeoff operational procedures, respectively. A new method for predicting lateral attenuation was utilized in obtaining these jet noise levels.

Molloy, J. K.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Interim review of the Energy Efficient Engine /E3/ Program

The NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Program, which is now in its fourth year, is assessed from the viewpoint of one of its research contractors. Attention is given to the development status of the shroudless fan, segmented combustor and exhaust mixer components which are encompassed by the program. The shroudless fan blades are two-thirds hollow for lightness, and are fabricated by means of plies and cores subjected to hot isostatic pressing diffusion bonding. The combustor's segmented liner is cast from turbine blade materials. Exhaust mixer flow visualization tests are described. Consideration is given to the effects of integrating the technology described with the low and high pressure advanced turbines whose development is also part of the E3 program.

Gardner, W. B.↗