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At least 505 records · Page 28

On the use of freon-12 for increasing Reynolds number in wind-tunnel testing of three dimensional aircraft models at subcritical and supercritical Mach numbers

The aerodynamic suitability of Freon-12 for general wind-tunnel testing was investigated at low and high subsonic speeds. Static aerodynamic characteristics of two transport airplane models were determined from strain gage balance measurements in both air and Freon-12 at several Reynolds numbers. A low-speed high-lift configuration was evaluated at Mach number 0.25, and a high-speed cruise wing-fuselage combination was tested at Mach numbers up to 0.825. The data obtained in air and in Freon-12 agree well, even in stalled flow, until compressibility effects evidently become significant in air and in Freon-12 agree well, even in stalled flow, until compressibility effects evidently become significant in air.

Treon, S. L.↗

Cyclic creep and fatigue of TD-NiCr (thoria-dispersion-strengthened nickel-chromium), TD-Ni, and NiCr sheet at 1200 C

The resistance of thin TD-NiCr sheet to cyclic deformation was compared with that of TD-Ni and a conventional nickel-chromium alloy. Strains were determined by a calibration technique which combines room-temperature strain gage and deflection measurements with high-temperature deflection measurements. Analyses of the cyclic tests using measured tensile and creep-rupture data indicated that the TD-NiCr and NiCr alloy specimens failed by a cyclic creep mechanism. The TD-Ni specimens, on the other hand, failed by a fatigue mechanism.

Hirschberg, M. H.↗

Application of boron/epoxy reinforced aluminum stringers and boron/epoxy skid gear for the CH54B helicopter tail cone. Phase 2: Fabrication, inspection and flight test

A CH-54B Skycrane helicopter was fabricated with boron/epoxy reinforced stringers in the tail cone and boron/epoxy tubes in the tail skid. The fabrication of the tail cone was made with conventional tooling, production shop personnel, and no major problems. The flight test program includes a stress and vibration survey using strain gages and vibration transducers located in critical areas. The program to inspect and monitor the reliability of the components is discussed.

Welge, R. T.↗

Static aerodynamic characteristics of the S-IC booster/GAC H-33 orbiter launch vehicle configuration

This test at the trisonic tunnel was divided into two parts. The first part utilized the H-33 orbiter with drop tanks and cradle mounted on an S-IC booster with 75 square-foot fins oriented 45 deg off the horizontal and vertical reference planes. Runs were initially made to determine the optimum incidence angle to be used for the remainder of the tests. The angle so determined was 0 degrees. Additional testing was performed with drop tanks removed, orbiter vertical tail removed, drop tanks and orbiter wing removed, booster fins removed and booster fins located in the horizontal and vertical reference planes. The second part utilized the H-33 orbiter and cradle only, sting mounted on a strain gage balance. These data were used in conjunction with test number 504 (orbiter alone on balance) to determine cradle effects.

Sims, J. F.↗

Fatigue experience from tests carried out with forged beam and frame structures in the development of the Saab aircraft Viggen

A part of the lower side of the main wing at the joint of the main spar with the fuselage frame was investigated. This wing beam area was simulated by a test specimen consisting of a spar boom of AZ 74 forging (7075 aluminum alloy modified with 0.3 percent Ag) and a portion of a honeycomb sandwich panel attached to the boom flange with steel bolts. The cross section was reduced to half scale. However, the flange thickness, the panel height, and the bolt size were full scale. Further, left and right portions of the fuselage frame intended to carry over the bending moment of the main wing were tested. Each of these frame halves consisted of a forward and a rear forging (7079 aluminum alloy, overaged) connected by an outer and inner skin (Alclad 7075) creating a box beam. These test specimens were full scale and were constructed principally of ordinary aircraft components. The test load spectrum was common to both types of specimens with regard to percentage levels. It consisted of maneuver and gust loads, touchdown loads, and loads due to ground roughness. A load history of 200 hours of flight with 15,000 load cycles was punched on a tape. The loads were randomized in groups according to the flight-by-flight principle. The highest positive load level was 90 percent of limit load and the largest negative load was -27 percent. A total of 20 load levels were used. Both types of specimens were provided with strain gages and had a nominal stress of about 300 MN/sq m in some local areas. As a result of the tests, steps were taken to reduce the risk of fatigue damage in aircraft. Thus stress levels were lowered, radii were increased, and demands on surface finish were sharpened.

Larsson, S. E.↗

Statistical load data processing

A recorder system has been installed on two operational fighter aircrafts. Signal values from a c.g.-acceleration transducer and a strain-gage installation at the wing root were sampled and recorded in digital format on the recorder system. To analyse such load-time histories for fatigue evaluation purposes, a number of counting methods are available in which level crossings, peaks, or ranges are counted. Ten different existing counting principles are defined. The load-time histories are analysed to evaluate these counting methods. For some of the described counting methods, the counting results might be affected by arbitrarily chosen parameters such as the magnitude of load ranges that will be neglected and other secondary counting restrictions. Such influences might invalidate the final counting results entirely. The evaluation shows that for the type of load-time histories associated with most counting methods, a sensible value of the parameters involved can be found.

Vandijk, G. M.↗

Experimental and theoretical investigation of stress wave attenuation in fiber reinforced composites.

The propagation of an initialrcidrical pressure pulse through a linear elastic fiber reinforced composite medium is analysed, both experimentally and analytically. In the experiment, tests were performed on plates with single and multiple circular inclusions embedded in a matrix of lower characteristic impedance. Sharp compression pulses were generated at an edge of the plate. Strain gages were mounted on various positions of the plate to determine the attenuation of the transient stress in the fiber reinforced composite. The qualitative analytical treatment is based on the methods of propagating stress discontinuities. Computer programs were written to numerically determine the changes in the shape of the leading wave front and the stresses immediately behind it. Experimental results for the attenuation of stress wave on steel-aluminum and steel-brass fiber-matrix composites compared very well with the computed analytical results when the applied pressure is generated by small explosive charges. The results did not compare well when the applied pressure is generated by projectile impact.

Yang, J. C. S.↗

The high Reynolds number cryogenic wind tunnel.

Theoretical considerations indicate that cooling the wind-tunnel test gas to cryogenic temperatures will provide a large increase in test Reynolds number with no increase in dynamic pressure while reducing the tunnel drive-power requirements. Studies have been made to determine the expected variations of Reynolds number and other parameters over wide ranges of Mach number, pressure, and temperature with due regard to avoiding liquefaction and adverse real-gas effects. Practical operational procedures have been developed in a low-speed prototype cryogenic wind tunnel. Aerodynamic experiments in the facility have demonstrated the theoretically predicted variations in Reynolds number and drive power. Force and moment measurements on a wing model mounted on a water-jacketed strain-gage sting balance have demonstrated the feasibility of operation of such balances in a cryogenic environment.

Goodyer, M. J.↗

Lumped parameter analysis of a stringer reinforced plate excited by band limited noise

The maximum root-mean-square response of a square clamped plate, subjected to a stationary random excitation, was determined both theoretically and empirically. For the tests, a 40 x 40 x 1/4 aluminum sheet was milled out to provide a thin waffle plate with 9 panels. The plate was acoustically excited, with the frequency range limited between 25 Hz and 500 Hz. The root-mean-square power of the random excitations, 149 decibels, was nearly constant for all natural frequencies of the plate system. Strain gage readings at 14 points were plotted as power spectral densities and root-mean-square displacements. A modal damping ratio matrix was determined from the response curves. Damping ratios were found to be a function of frequency, but not of location on the plate. For comparisons with the theoretical response, the plate was subdivided into 14 modes and anlayzed as a damped, lumped parameter system by use of an approximate normal-mode method. This method gave the best predictions of the power spectral densities for the lower frequencies. That prediction errors increased for the higher frequencies is attributed to improper assumptions for mass distribution and the insufficient number of lumped mass points.

Bilyeu, D. J.↗

Indirect Blood Pressure Measuring Device

Design and performance of a blood pressure recording device for pediatric use are reported. A strain gage transducer with a copper-beryllium strip as force sensing element is used to monitor skin movements and to convert them into electrical signals proportional to those displacements. Experimental tests with this device in recording of force developed above the left femoral artery of a dog accurately produced a blood pressure curve.

Hum, L.↗

Improved ITOS attitude control system with Hall generator brushless motor and earth-splitting technique

The ITOS with an improved attitude control system is described. A Hall generator brushless dc torque motor will replace the brush dc torque motor on ITOS-I and ITOS-A (NOAA-1). The four attitude horizon sensors will be replaced with two CO2 sensors for better horizon definition. An earth horizon splitting technique will be used to keep the earth facing side of the satellite toward earth even if the desired circular orbit is not achieved. The external appearance of the pitch control subsystem differs from TIROS-M (ITOS-1) and ITOS-A (NOAA-1) in that two instead of one pitch control electronics (PCE) boxes are used. Two instead of four horizon sensors will be used and one instead of two mirrors will be used for sensor scanning. The brushless motor will eliminate the requirement for brushes, strain gages and the telemetry for the brush wear. A single rotating flywheel, supported by a single bearing provides the gyroscopic stability and the required momentum interchange to keep one side of the satellite facing the earth. Magnetic torquing against the earth's magnetic field eliminates the requirement for expendable propellants which would limit satellite life in orbit.

Peacock, W. M.↗

Strain sensing

The three most generally used practical methods of strain sensing are discussed. These methods are brittle coatings, photoelastic coatings, and resistance strain gages. The physical principles of each method are reviewed.

King, R. R.↗

A low speed wind tunnel test of the 0.050 scale NASA-JSC shuttle orbiter 089B to determine the longitudinal and lateral directional effects of control surface modifications

Wind tunnel tests to determine the longitudinal and lateral-directional effects of control surface modifications on the space shuttle orbiter aerodynamic characteristics are discussed. A total of 103 data runs were made which consisted of pitch runs through a range of zero to 28 degrees at a zero yaw angle and yaw runs from minus 6 to plus 6 degrees at various fixed pitch angles. At each data point, data from an internal strain gage balance was sampled with the digital data system. Also recorded were the model angles of pitch and yaw and the test section static pressure. Results are presented in the form of tabulated aerodynamic coefficient data about the model reference center.

Oldenbuttel, R. H.↗

Model support roll balance and roll coupling

The design concepts of two specialized wind tunnel model support mechanisms are described. The forced oscillation roll balance mechanism was designed to meet the specific requirement to measure aerodynamic forces and moments to permit determination of the damping-in-roll parameters of winged configurations. A variable speed motor is used to oscillate the model by means of an offset crank. The oscillating motion is resisted by a torsion spring to provide a restoring torque and is attached to the section forward of the strain-gage balance. This spring action allows the model to be oscillated at a frequency for velocity resonance, whereby the mechanical spring and any aerodynamic spring balance. This spring action allows the model to be oscillated at a frequency for velocity resonance, whereby the mechanical spring and any aerodynamic spring balance out the model inertia. The only torque then required to oscillate the model at that particular frequency is equal to that due to aerodynamic damping. The second mechanism, a roll coupling for remotely rotating a model, was designed to invert or roll a model about its longitudinal axis when mounted for testing.

Sharpes, R. E.↗

Effects of the air breathing propulsion system on space shuttle orbiter subsonic stability and control characteristics (OA71A)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on an 0.0405 scale representation of the -89B (2A) Space Shuttle Orbiter in a 7.75 x 11.00 ft low speed wind tunnel during the time period from July 27, 1973 to August 3, 1973. The primary test objective was to investigate the aerodynamic effects of engine nacelle grouping and location on the orbiter ferry mission configuration. Five nacelles were tested, both individually mounted as well as mounted in a podded configuration, at the baseline position and moved 45.0 in. aft (full scale). Orbiter control effectiveness, both with and without nacelles, was recorded at elevon deflections of 0 deg, 5 deg, 10 deg, -10 deg and -20 deg and aileron deflections, about 0 deg elevon, of 0 deg, 5 deg, 10 deg, and 15 deg. The model was sting mounted on a 2.5 inch diameter internal strain gage balance entering through the base region. The nominal angle of attack range was -4 deg or = alpha or = 30 deg. Yaw polars were recorded over the beta range of -10 deg or = beta or = at fixed angles of attack of 0 deg and 10 deg.

Mennell, R. C.↗

Results of low speed wind tunnel tests on a .0405 scale model Rockwell Space Shuttle Orbiter tested both in free air and in the presence of a ground plane (OA16)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a .0405 scale representation of the space shuttle orbiter in a 7.75 x 11 foot low speed wind tunnel during the time period March 21, to April 17, 1973. The primary test objectives were to investigate both the aerodynamic and propulsion effects of various air breathing engine systems in free air and in the presence of the ground. The free air portion of this test investigated the aerodynamic effects of engine nacelle number, nacelle grouping, and nacelle location. For this testing the model was sting mounted on a six component internal strain gage balance entering through the model base. The ground plane portion of the aerodynamic test investigated the same nacelle effects at ground plane locations of full scale W.P. = 239.9, 209.3, 158.9, 108.5, and 7.78 in. At the conclusion of the aerodynamic test period the propulsion effects of various nacelle locations and freestream orientations in the presence of the ground were investigated.

Mennell, R. C.↗

Effect of the six engine air breathing propulsion system on space shuttle orbiter subsonic and transonic stability and control characteristics (OA91)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a 0.015 scale representation (Model 42-0) of the VL70-000139B space shuttle orbiter configuration. The test objective was to determine the effect of three air breathing propulsion system ferry/flight test configurations on the transonic drag rise, the elevon effectiveness, the longitudinal stability, and the lateral-directional stability of the -139B shuttle orbiter. The model was sting mounted on a Task 1.5 inch internal strain gage balance, and six-component aerodynamic force and moment data were recorded over an angle of attack range of minus 3 deg to 14 deg at Mach numbers of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 with a Reynolds number of 6.4 million/ft. Data were also recorded at a sides lip angle of five degrees.

Smith, H. C.↗