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At least 613 records · Page 34

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NASA NTRS1993

Low-speed wind tunnel test results of the Canard Rotor/Wing concept

The Canard Rotor/Wing (CRW), a high-speed rotorcraft concept, was tested at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center's 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel in Mountain View, California. The 1/5-scale model was tested to identify certain low-speed, fixed-wing, aerodynamic characteristics of the configuration and investigate the effectiveness of two empennages, an H-Tail and a T-Tail. The paper addresses the principal test objectives and the results achieved in the wind tunnel test. These are summarized as: i) drag build-up and differences between the H-Tail and T-Tail configuration, ii) longitudinal stability of the H-Tail and T-Tail configurations in the conversion and cruise modes, iii) control derivatives for the canard and elevator in the conversion and cruise modes, iv) aerodynamic characteristics of varying the rotor/wing azimuth position, and v) canard and tail lift/trim capability for conversion conditions.

Bass, Steven M.↗

NASA NTRS1941

Tests of a Gust-Alleviating Wing in the Gust Tunnel

Tests were made in the NACA gust tunnel to determine the effectiveness of a torsionally flexible wing with the torsion axis ahead of the locus of the section aerodynamic centers in reducing airplane accelerations due to atmospheric gusts. For three gust shapes, a series of flights was made with the airplane model equipped with either a torsionally flexible or a rigid wing. The results indicated that the torsionally flexible wing reduced the maximum acceleration increment 5 percent for the sharp-edge gust and about 17 percent for gust shapes with gradient distances of 6.8 and 15 chord lengths. The analysis indicated that the effectiveness of this method of gust alleviation was independent of the gust velocity and that, for the same total load increment, the torsionally flexible wing would have 10 percent less bending-moment increment at the root section of the wing than a rigid wing in all but the sharpest gusts. The results also indicated that the torsionally flexible wing slightly increased the longitudinal stability of the airplane model in a gust.

Shufflebarger, C C↗

NASA NTRS1921

The Caproni Seaplane

The Caproni Company recently built a seaplane of unusual design. The main supporting surfaces consisted of three triplanes in tandem, the lower wings being attached to the hull, which was described as providing accommodation for a hundred passengers. On one of the first flights, the seaplane fell into a lake, nose down, and was destroyed. The authors wish to show that this failure could have been predicted. The failure could have been predicted by applying some fundamental principles of aeronautics, especially those relating to longitudinal stability, the lack of which caused the loss of the seaplane.

Munk, Max↗

NASA NTRS1922

Effect of aerofoil aspect ratio on the slope of the lift curve

On of the most important characteristics of an airfoil is the rate of change of lift with angle of attack, (sup dC)L/d alpha. This factor determines the effectiveness of a tail plane in securing static longitudinal stability. The application of the Gottingen formulas given here for calculating the variation of (sup Dc)L/d alpha with aspect ratio should be of interest to many aeronautical engineers. For the convenience of the engineer, a set of curves calculated by the method set forth here are given in graphical form. Also, the observed values of (sup dC)L/d alpha for the same airfoil at various aspect ratios follow the calculated curves closely.

Diehl, Walter S↗

NASA NTRS1940

Tests of a Gust-alleviating Flap in the Gust Tunnel

Tests were made to determine the effectiveness of a long-period dynamically overbalanced flap in reducing airplane accelerations due to atmospheric gusts. For two gust shapes, one gust velocity, one forward velocity, and one wing loading, a series of flights was made with the flap locked and was then repeated with the flap free to operate. The records were evaluated by routine methods. The results indicate that the flap reduced the maximum acceleration increment 39 percent for a severe gust but with a representative gust shape (a sharp-edge gust), the reduction was only 3 percent. The results also indicate that the flap tended to reduce the longitudinal stability of the airplane. Computations made of the effectiveness and the action of the flap were in good agreement with the experimental results.

Donely, Philip↗

NASA NTRS1951

Effect of Ground Interference on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a 42 Degrees Sweptback Wing

The effects of ground interference on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 42 degrees sweptback wing have been determined at distances above the ground 0.68 and 0.92 of the mean aerodynamic chord (measured from the 0.25 mean aerodynamic chord). The wing was tested without flaps and with inboard trailing-edge split and outboard leading-edge flaps deflected. The wing had an aspect ratio of 4, a taper ratio of 0.625, and NACA 641-112 airfoil sections perpendicular to the 0.273 chord line. The results are, in general, comparable to those reported for unswept wings. The longitudinal stability at the stall was not materially affected at the ground heights of the present tests.

RESEARCH TECHNIQUE, AERODYNAMICS↗

NASA NTRS1958

Qualitative Simulator Study of Longitudinal Stick Forces and Displacements Desirable During Tracking

In this study in which an airplane simulator with one degree of freedom (pitch) was used, results were determined for three conditions of airplane dynamics. For an undamped natural frequency of 1/2 cps with a damping ratio of 0.18 and for an undamped natural frequency of 1 cps with a damping ratio of 0.11, moderate longitudinal stick forces and displacements were desired.

CONTROL, LONGITUDINAL↗

NASA NTRS1955

Aerodynamic Characteristics of Various Configurations of a Model of a 45 Degree Swept-wing Airplane at a Mach Number of 2.01

An investigation has been conducted at the Langley 4- by 4-foot supersonic pressure tunnel at a Mach nmber of 2.01 to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of several configurations of a model of a 45 deg swept-wing airplane. The basic configuratin had a wing with 45 deg sweepback at the quarter-chord line, aspect ration 3.2, taper ration 0.468, NACA 65A005.5 sections just outboard of the inlet and NACA 65A003.7 sections at the tip. The wing was mounted slightly above the body center line and an all-movable horizantal tail was located slightly below the extended chord line of the wing. Tre design incorporated twin wing-root supersonic inlets ducted to a single exit at the base of the fuselage. The configurations investigated included an extended nose length, a bumped-fuselage afterbody, an inlet droop, an lncreased wing aspect ratio, and a revised canopy shape. Configurations employing the wing of increased aspect ratio of 3.7, which constituted the bulk of the tests, produced about a 10-percent increase in lift and in longitudinal stability as compared with the basic wing of aspect ratio 3.2. There was a slight but masurable increase in minimum drag and maximum lift-drag ratio.

Spearman, Leroy M↗

NASA NTRS1917

Report on Behavior of Aeroplanes in Gusts

Part 1 presents the results of a wind tunnel test of a biplane model with an 18 inch span. The lift, drift, and pitching moment were measured for a series of angles of incidence corresponding to the maximum possible changes of flight attitude. Only the discussion of symmetrical or longitudinal changes is given. From the observed rate of variation of the forces and pitching moment, it was possible to calculate the derivatives needed in the complete theory of longitudinal stability in still air. The damping of the pitching oscillation was also determined experimentally. Part 2 presents a theoretical method for determining the effects of gusts on aeroplanes in the following cases: (1) head-on gusts rising from 0 to j feet per second with various degrees of sharpness, (2) up gusts of the same type, (3) rotary gusts of the same type, (4) rear gusts and down gusts are included by merely changing the sign of j.

Hunsaker, J C↗

NASA NTRS1923

The Pressure Distribution Over the Horizontal Tail Surfaces of an Airplane I

This work was undertaken to determine as completely as possible the distribution of pressure over the horizontal tail surfaces of an airplane, and to analyze the relation of this pressure to the structural loads and the longitudinal stability. The investigation is divided into three parts, of which this the first. The first part of the investigation is for the purpose of determining the pressure distribution over two horizontal tail surfaces in uniform free flight; the second part to conduct tests of similar tail planes in the wind tunnel; and the third part to determine the pressure distribution on the horizontal tail surfaces during accelerated flight on the full-size airplane.

Norton, F H↗

NASA NTRS1944

Effect of hinge-moment parameters on elevator stick forces in rapid maneuvers

The importance of the stick force per unit normal acceleration as a criterion of longitudinal stability and the critical dependence of this gradient on elevator hinge-moment parameters have been shown in previous reports. The present report continues the investigation with special reference to transient effects for maneuvers of short duration.

Jones, Robert T↗

NASA NTRS1952

Flight Investigation of a Mechanical Feel Device in an Irreversible Elevator Control System of a Large Airplane

Report presents the results of measurements of the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a large airplane using a mechanical feel device in combination with a booster incorporated in the elevator-control system. Tests were made to investigate the feasibility of eliminating the aerodynamic control forces through use of a booster and of providing control-feel forces mechanically. The feel device consisted of a centering spring which restrained the control stick through a linkage which was changed as a function of the dynamic pressure. Provisions were made for trimming and for manual adjustment of the force gradient. The system was designed to approximate the control-force characteristics that would result with a conventional elevator control with linear hinge-moment characteristics.

Brown, B Porter↗

NASA NTRS1945

Effects of Wing and Nacelle Modifications on Drag and Wake Characteristics of a Bomber-Type Airplane Model

An investigation of a model of a large four-engine bomber was conducted in the Langley 19-f'oot pressure tunnel to determine the effects of several wing and nacelle modifications on drag characteristics and air flow characteristics at the tail. Leading-edge gloves, trailing-edge extensions, and modified nacelle afterbodies were tested individual ly and in combination. The effects of the various modifications were determined by force tests, tuft observations, and turbulence s1ITveys in the region of the tail. Tests were made with fixed and natural transition on the wing and with propellers operating and propellers off. Most of the tests were con- ducted at a Reynolds number of approximately 2.6 x 106. The results indicated that application of certain of the modifications provided worth-while improvements in the characteristics or the model. The flow over the wing and flaps was improved, the drag was reduced, and the turbulence in the region of the tail was reduced. Trailing-edge extensions were the most effective individual modification in improving the flow over the wing with wing flaps neutral, cowl and intercooler flaps clos ed. Modified nacelle afterbodies were the most effectiv8 individual edification in reducing drag with either fixed or natural transition on the wing; however, trailin6-edge extensions were slightly more effective with fixed transition. Combinations of either leading or trailing-edge extensions and modified afterbodies were more effective than either modification alone. With cowl and intercooler flaps open, trailing-edge extensions with modified afterbodies provided substantial improvement in flow and drag characteristics. With wing flaps deflected, enclosing the flap behind the inboard nacelle within an extended afterbody or cutting the flaps at the nacelle appeared. to be the most promising methods of improving the f low over the flaps and the tail. Although the results of hot-wire-anenometer surveys were not conclusive in regard to buffeting characteristics, the modifications did educe the turbulence at the tail with wing flaps both neutral and deflected. The modifications, as a rule, were favorable to maximum lift. Appreciable reductions in longitudinal stability of the model were caused by addition of leading -edge gloves and tr ailing -edge extensions.

Neely, Robert H.↗

NASA NTRS1954

Effects of Sweep and Thickness on the Static Longitudinal Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Series of Thin, Low-aspect-ratio, Highly Tapered Wings at Transonic Speeds : Transonic-bump Method

An investigation by the transonic-bump technique of the static longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a series of thin, low-aspect-ratio, highly tapered wings has been made in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel. The Mach number range extended from about 0.60 to 1.18, with corresponding Reynolds numbers ranging from about 0.75 x 10(6) to 0.95 x 10(6). The angle of attack range was from -10 degrees to approximately 32 degrees.The effects on drag and lift-drag ratio of a variation in sweep angle from -14.03 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the quarter-chord line for wings of 3-percent-chord thickness was found to be small in comparison to the effects of a variation in thickness from 2 percent chord to 4.5 percent chord for wings with 14.03 degree sweepback. For the range of variables considered, variations in plan form were considerably more important with regard to longitudinal stability characteristics than the variations in thickness. For the series of basic wings having an aspect ratio of 4, the most hearly linear pitching-moment characteristics were obtained with 26.57 degree of sweepback of the quarter-chord line. However, for the modified series of wings (obtained by clipping the tips of the original wings parallel to the plane of symmetry to give an aspect ratio of 3 and a taper ratio of 0.143), the most nearly linear pitching-moment characteristics were obtained with 36.87 degrees of sweepback. By decreasing the thickness-to-chord ratios from 0.03 to 0.02, a large increase in lift-curve slope was obtained for both the basic and modified wings. All of the wings of both series had fairly large inward shifts of the lateral center-of-pressure location (indicative of tip stalling) with increasing lift coefficient, except those wings having minimum sweepback angles.

Fournier, Paul G↗

NASA NTRS1933

Results of extended tests of the Focke-Wulf F 19a "ente," a tail-first airplane

These investigations consisted chiefly of measurements of the take-off distance under various starting conditions and with the c.g. in different positions; of the climbing speed as a function of the impact pressure and location of the c.g.; of the longitudinal stability and fore-and-aft controllability and of the determination of the elevator forces and characteristics of the elevator control.

Hubner, Walter↗

NASA NTRS1931

The Development, Design and Construction of Gliders and Sailplanes

This report explains and details the history of glider design and construction through the impetus of the Rhon Sailplane contests. Some of the topics considered include: whether the longitudinal stability (dynamic and static) is sufficient in the tailless typo and a consideration that the structural weight of sweptback wings would be greater than that of a corresponding normal wing.

Lippisch, A↗

NASA NTRS1994

An experimental and theoretical study of the aerodynamic characteristics of some generic missile concepts at Mach numbers from 2 to 6.8

A study has been made of the experimental and theoretical aerodynamic characteristics for some generic high-speed missile concepts at Mach numbers from 2 to 6.8. The basic body for this study had a length-to-diameter ratio of 10 with the forward half being a modified blunted ogive and the rear half being a cylinder. Modifications made to the basic body included the addition of an after body flare, the addition of highly swept cruciform wings and the addition of highly swept aft tails. The effects of some controls were also investigated with all-moving wing controls on the flared body and trailing-edge flap controls on the winged body. The results indicated that the addition of a flare, wings, or tails to the basic body all provided static longitudinal stability with varying amounts of increased axial force. The control arrangements were effective in producing increments of normal-force and pitching-moment at the lower Mach numbers. At the highest Mach number, the flap control on the winged body was ineffective in producing normal-force or pitching-moment but the all-moving wing control on the flared body, while losing pitch effectiveness, still provided normal-force increments. Calculated results obtained through the use of hypersonic impact theory were in generally good agreement with experiment at the higher Mach numbers but were not accurate at the lower Mach numbers.

Spearman, M. Leroy↗

NASA NTRS1996

Wind tunnel test results of a 1/8-scale fan-in-wing model

A 1/8-scale model of a fan-in-wing concept considered for development by Grumman Aerospace Corporation for the U.S. Army was tested in the Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. Hover testing, which included height above a pressure-instrumented ground plane, angle of pitch, and angle of roll for a range of fan thrust, was conducted in a model preparation area near the tunnel. The air loads and surface pressures on the model were measured for several configurations in the model preparation area and in the tunnel. The major hover configuration change was varying the angles of the vanes attached to the exit of the fans for producing propulsive force. As the model height above the ground was decreased, there was a significant variation of thrust-removed normal force with constant fan speed. The greatest variation was generally for the height-to-fan exit diameter ratio of less than 2.5; the variation was reduced by deflecting fan exit flow outboard with the vanes. In the tunnel angles of pitch and sideslip, height above the tunnel floor, and wind speed were varied for a range of fan thrust and different vane angle configurations. Other configuration features such as flap deflections and tail incidence were evaluated as well. Though the V-tail empennage provided an increase in static longitudinal stability, the total model configuration remained unstable.

Wilson, John C.↗