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At least 415 records · Page 23

Visibility and aerosol measurement by diode-laser random-modulation CW lidar

Examples of diode laser (DL) random-modulation continuous wave (RM-CW) lidar measurements are reported. The ability of the measurement of the visibility, vertical aerosol profile, and the cloud ceiling height is demonstrated. Although the data shown here were all measured at night time, the daytime measurement is, of course, possible. For that purpose, accurate control of the laser frequency to the center frequency of a narrow band filter is required. Now a new system with a frequency control is under construction.

Takeuchi, N.↗

Dynamics and control of orbiting grid and the synchronously deployable beam

The dynamic analysis of a grid structure hung from the ceiling by two steel wires is described. The method of approach uses the discrete mass model system. The concept of the bifilar pendulum is used in writing the equation of motion. Assumptions are made with regard to the bar stiffnesses in the vertical and horizontal planes. The discrete mases are assumed to be connected by inextensible massless strings that do not provide any torsion or bending. The modal frequencies obtained by this method are compared with those obtained from the finite element model.

Abu-Saba, E. G.↗

Lightweight sidewalls for aircraft interior noise control

A theoretical and experimental study was performed to devise lightweight sidewalls for turboprop aircraft. Seven concepts for new sidewalls were analyzed and tested for noise reduction using flat panels of 1.2 m x 1.8 m (4 ft x 6 ft), some of which were aircraft-type constructions and some of which were simpler, easier-to-construct panels to test the functioning of an acoustic principle. Aircraft-application sidewalls were then conceived for each of the seven concepts, and were subjectively evaluated for their ability to meet aircraft nonacoustic design requirements. As a result of the above, the following sidewall concepts were recommended for further investigation: a sidewall in which the interior cavity is vented to ceiling and underfloor areas; sidewalls with wall-mounted resonators, one having a conventional trim panel and one a limp one; and a sidewall with a stiff outer wall and a limp trim panel. These sidewalls appear to promise lower weights than conventional sidewalls adjusted to meet similar acoustic requirements, and further development may prove them to be practical.

May, D. N.↗

Performance studies on the application of four-engine and two-engine USB propulsive lift to the E-2C aircraft

A study has been completed of the performance benefits to be derived from applying advanced upper-surface blowing (USB) propulsive-lift technology to the E-2C aircraft. The results of comparing four-engine with two-engine USB configurations are discussed, and engine sizing and aerodynamic/structural considerations pertaining to the E-2C/USB modification are examined. The effects of the modification on performance are described in detail with regard to takeoff distance and landing distance estimation in free-deck operations, operations using catapult and arresting gear, ceiling and radar surveillance missions, and range and endurance capability.

Riddle, D. W.↗

An Experimental Evaluation of Advanced Rotorcraft Airfoils in the NASA Ames Eleven-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel

Five full scale rotorcraft airfoils were tested in the NASA Ames Eleven-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel for full scale Reynolds numbers at Mach numbers from 0.3 to 1.07. The models, which spanned the tunnel from floor to ceiling, included two modern baseline airfoils, the SC1095 and SC1094 R8, which have been previously tested in other facilities. Three advanced transonic airfoils, designated the SSC-A09, SSC-A07, and SSC-B08, were tested to confirm predicted performance and provide confirmation of advanced airfoil design methods. The test showed that the eleven-foot tunnel is suited to two-dimensional airfoil testing. Maximum lift coefficients, drag coefficients, pitching moments, and pressure coefficient distributions are presented. The airfoil analysis codes agreed well with the data, with the Grumman GRUMFOIL code giving the best overall performance correlation.

Flemming, Robert J.↗

An experimental investigation of the aerodynamics of a NACA 64A010 airfoil-flap combination with and without flap oscillations. Part 1: Steady-state characteristics

A NACA 64A010 airfoil with a sealed-gap 1/4-chord flap was tested between splitter plates in the NASA Ames 11- by 11-Foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.50 to 0.85, and Reynolds numbers based on chord from 3 to 13 million. Although the main purpose of the test was to obtain unsteady pressure data with the flap oscillating, no unsteady data are presented in this paper. The steady-state data are presented and compared with other test data to provide a basis for evaluating the results. Pressure data at two span stations are used to deduce early boundary-layer transitions at the midspan at higher Mach numbers, angles of attack, and flap angles. The effects of flap angle on pressures, normal force, pitching moment, and hinge moment are also presented in the report. Mach number errors caused by the splitter-plate configuration and the angle of attack are evaluated using pressure measurements near the floor and ceiling of the wind tunnel.

Buell, Donald A.↗

Characteristics of a separating confluent boundary layer and the downstream wake

Measurements of pressure and velocity characteristics are presented and analyzed for flow over and downstream of a NACA 4412 airfoil equipped with a NACA 4415 single-slotted flap at high angle of attack and close to maximum lift. The flow remained attached over the main element while a large region of recirculating flow occurred over the aft 61 percent of the flap. The airfoil configuration was tested at a Mach number of 0.09 and a chord Reynolds number of 1.8x10 to the 6th power in the NASA Ames Research Center 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. Measurement of mean and fluctuation velocities were obtained in regions of recirculation and high turbulence intensity using 3-D laser velocimetry. In regions where the flow had a preferred direction and relatively low turbulence intensity, hot-wire anemometry was used. Emphasis was placed on obtaining characteristics in the confluent boundary layer, the region of recirculating flow, and in the downstream wake. Surface pressure measurements were made on the main airfoil, flap, wind tunnel roof and floor. It is thought likely that because the model is large when compared to the wind tunnel cross section, the wind tunnel floor and ceiling interference should be taken into account when the flow field is calculated.

Adair, Desmond↗

Comparative verification between GEM model and official aviation terminal forecasts

The Generalized Exponential Markov (GEM) model uses the local standard airways observation (SAO) to predict hour-by-hour the following elements: temperature, pressure, dew point depression, first and second cloud-layer height and amount, ceiling, total cloud amount, visibility, wind, and present weather conditions. GEM is superior to persistence at all projections for all elements in a large independent sample. A minute-by-minute GEM forecasting system utilizing the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is under development.

Miller, Robert G.↗

An evaluation of flight path formats head-up and head-down

Flight path primary flight display formats were incorporated on head-up and head-down electronic displays and integrated into an Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator. Objective and subjective data were collected while ten airline pilots evaluated the formats by flying an approach and landing task under various ceiling, visibility and wind conditions. Deviations from referenced/commanded airspeed, horizontal track, vertical track and touchdown point were smaller using the head-up display (HUD) format than the head-down display (HDD) format, but not significantly smaller. Subjectively, the pilots overwhelmingly preferred (1) flight path formats over attitude formats used in current aircraft, and (2) the head-up presentation over the head-down, primarily because it eliminated the head-down to head-up transition during low visibility landing approaches. This report describes the simulator, the flight displays, the format evaluation, and the results of the objective and subjective data.

Sexton, George A.↗

Crew factors in the design of the Space Station

The designing of Space Shuttle modules and equipment in order to provide a stimulating and efficient work atmosphere and a pleasant living environment is examined. The habitation module for the eight crew members is divided into four areas: ceiling, floor, port, and starboard. The module is to consist of crew quarters, a wardroom, a galley, a personal hygiene facility, a health maintenance facility, and stowage areas. There is a correlation between the function of the module and its location; for example the galley will be near the wardroom and the personal hygiene facility near the crew quarters. The designs of the equipment for crew accommodation and of the equipment to be maintained and repaired by the crew will be standarized. The design and functions of the crew and equipment restraints, crew mobility aids, racks to contain equipment, and functional units are described.

Robinson, Judith L.↗

Figures of merit for airfoil/aircraft design integration

Because the airfoil can so strongly impact other aspects of an aircraft configuration, it is important that the airfoil design process be integrated with that of the aircraft to achieve the best possible performance of a new flight vehicle. To aid in preliminary design efforts, several aerodynamic figures of merit are presented which facilitate the matching of the airfoil performance characteristics to those of the aircraft. These figures of merit are fairly general and can assist the airfoil design process for flight vehicles designed for maximum endurance, range, or ceiling. Although specifically applicable to vehicles for which the wing area is sized by some required minimum airspeed, the discussion is pertinent to all airfoil/aircraft matching situations and points the way for developing similar figures of merit to aid the airfoil/aircraft design process for any flight vehicle.

Maughmer, Mark D.↗

Global stratospheric change: Requirements for a Very-High-Altitude Aircraft for Atmospheric Research

The workshop on Requirements for a Very-High-Altitude Aircraft for Atmospheric Research, sponsored by NASA Ames Research Center, was held July 15 to 16, 1989, at Truckee, CA. The workshop had two purposes: to assess the scientific justification for a new aircraft that will support stratospheric research beyond the altitudes accessible to the NASA ER-2; and to determine the aircraft characteristics (e.g., ceiling altitude, payload accommodations, range, flight duration, operational capabilities) required to perform the stratospheric research referred to in the justification. To accomplish these purposes, the workshop brought together a cross-section of stratospheric scientists with several aircraft design and operations experts. The stratospheric scientists included theoreticians as well as experimenters with experience in remote and in situ measurements from satellites, rockets, balloons, aircraft, and the ground. Discussions of required aircraft characteristics focused on the needs of stratospheric research. It was recognized that an aircraft optimal for stratospheric science would also be useful for other applications, including remote measurements of Earth's surface. A brief description of these other applications was given at the workshop.

Source record↗

The Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel: Description, Flow Characteristics, and Guide for Users

The Langley 14- by 22-foot Subsonic Tunnel is a closed circuit, single-return atmospheric wind tunnel with a test section that can be operated in a variety of configurations (closed, slotted, partially open, and open). The closed test section configuration is 14.5 ft high by 21.75 ft wide and 50 ft long with a maximum speed of about 338 ft/sec. The open test section configuration has a maximum speed of about 270 ft/sec, and is formed by raising the ceiling and walls, to form a floor-only configuration. The tunnel may be configured with a moving-belt ground plane and a floor boundary-layer removal system at the entrance to the test section for ground effect testing. In addition, the tunnel had a two-component laser velocimeter, a frequency modulated (FM) tape system for dynamic data acquisition, flow visualization equipment, and acoustic testing capabilities. Users of the 14- by 22-foot Subsonic Tunnel are provided with information required for planning of experimental investigations including test hardware and model support systems.

Gentry, Garl L., Jr.↗

Low-Frequency Suspension System For Large Space Structures

Simple system enables vibration testing of space structures on ground. Suspension system includes number of suspension stations attached by cables to space structure (such as truss beam) along its length. Suspension stations fixed to ceiling or other rigid support. Disk and cable adjustments lower frequency of oscillatory motion of suspension system to enable accurate measurements of frequencies of vibration of space structure. Designed to alleviate coupling between suspension system and torsional vibrational modes of structure.

Reed, Wilmer H., III↗

Human factors in aviation: Terminal control area boundary conflicts

Air-to-air conflicts in the vicinity of Terminal Control Area (TCA) boundaries were studied to obtain a better understanding of the causal dynamics of these events with particular focus on human factor issues. The study dataset consisted of 381 Instrument Flight Rules/Visual Flight Rules (IFR/VFR) traffic conflicts in airspace layers above TCA ceiling and below TCA floors; 213 reports of incursions in TCA terminal airspace by VFR aircraft, of which 123 resulted in conflicts; and an additional set of reports describing problems with Air Traffic Control (ATC) services in and around TCAs. Results and conclusions are detailed.

Monan, William P.↗

Simulation evaluation of a speed-guidance law for Harrier approach transitions

An exponential-deceleration speed guidance law is formulated which mimics the technique currently used by Harrier pilots to perform decelerating approaches to a hover. This guidance law was tested along with an existing two-step constant deceleration speed guidance law, using a fixed-base piloted simulator programmed to represent a YAV-8B Harrier. Decelerating approaches to a hover at a predetermined station-keeping point were performed along a straight (-3 deg glideslope) path in headwinds up to 40 knots and turbulence up to 6 ft./sec. Visibility was fixed at one-quarter nautical mile and 100 ft. cloud ceiling. Three Harrier pilots participated in the experiment. Handling qualities with the aircraft equipped with the standard YAV-8B rate damped attitude stability augmentation system were adequate (level 2) using either speed guidance law. However, the exponential deceleration speed guidance law was rated superior to the constant-deceleration speed guidance law by a Cooper-Harper handling qualities rating of about one unit independent of the level of wind and turbulence. Replacing the attitude control system of the YAV-8B with a high fidelity model following attitude flight controller increased the approach accuracy and reduced the pilot workload. With one minor exception, the handling qualities for the approach were rated satisfactory (level 1). It is concluded that the exponential deceleration speed guidance law is the most cost effective.

Merrick, Vernon K.↗

Mission safety evaluation report for STS-37, postflight edition

STS-37/Atlantis was launched on April 5, 1991 from Kennedy Space Center launch complex 39B at 9:23 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Launch was delayed 4 minutes 45 seconds because of safety concerns about the low cloud ceiling and the wind direction in the potential blast area. Based on the limited number and type of inflight anomalies encountered, the Space Shuttle operated satisfactorily throughout the STS-37 mission. A contingency EVA was performed by the crew on Flight Day (FD) 3 to free a sticky Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) high gain antenna, after which the GRO primary payload was successfully deployed by the Orbiter's Remote Manipulator System. The GRO, which weighed just over 35,000 lbs, was the heaviest NASA science satellite ever deployed by the Space Shuttle into low Earth orbit. The scheduled entry/landing on FD 6 was waved off for one day due to high wind conditions at Edwards Air Force Base. Atlantis landed on FD 7, 11 April 1991 on Edwards AFB lakebed runway 33 at 9:55 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Hill, William C.↗

Cockpit weather information needs

The primary objective is to develop an advanced pilot weather interface for the flight deck and to measure its utilization and effectiveness in pilot reroute decision processes, weather situation awareness, and weather monitoring. Identical graphical weather displays for the dispatcher, air traffic control (ATC), and pilot crew should also enhance the dialogue capabilities for reroute decisions. By utilizing a broadcast data link for surface observations, forecasts, radar summaries, lightning strikes, and weather alerts, onboard weather computing facilities construct graphical displays, historical weather displays, color textual displays, and other tools to assist the pilot crew. Since the weather data is continually being received and stored by the airborne system, the pilot crew has instantaneous access to the latest information. This information is color coded to distinguish degrees of category for surface observations, ceiling and visibilities, and ground radar summaries. Automatic weather monitoring and pilot crew alerting is accomplished by the airborne computing facilities. When a new weather information is received, the displays are instantaneously changed to reflect the new information. Also, when a new surface or special observation for the intended destination is received, the pilot crew is informed so that information can be studied at the pilot's discretion. The pilot crew is also immediately alerted when a severe weather notice, AIRMET or SIGMET, is received. The cockpit weather display shares a multicolor eight inch cathode ray tube and overlaid touch panel with a pilot crew data link interface. Touch sensitive buttons and areas are used for pilot selection of graphical and data link displays. Time critical ATC messages are presented in a small window that overlays other displays so that immediate pilot alerting and action can be taken. Predeparture and reroute clearances are displayed on the graphical weather system so pilot review of weather along the route can be accomplished prior to pilot acceptance of the clearance. An ongoing multiphase test series is planned for testing and modifying the graphical weather system. Preliminary data shows that the nine test subjects considered the graphical presentation to be much better than their current weather information source for situation awareness, flight safety, and reroute decision making.

Scanlon, Charles H.↗