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At least 703 records · Page 39

Effect of rotor wake on aerodynamic characteristics of a 1/6 scale model of the rotor systems research aircraft

Tests were conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the effect of the main-rotor wake on the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor systems research aircraft. A 1/6-scale model with a 4-blade articulated rotor was used to determine the effect of the rotor wake for the compound configuration. Data were obtained over a range of angles of attack, angles of sideslip, auxiliary engine thrusts, rotor collective pitch angles, and rotor tip-path plane angles for several main-rotor advance ratios. Separate results are presented for the forces and moments on the airframe, the wing, and the tail. An analysis of the test data indicates significant changes in the aerodynamic characteristics. The rotor wake increases the longitudinal static stability, the effective dihedral, and the lateral static stability of the airframe. The rotor induces a downwash on the wing. This downwash decreases the wing lift and increases the drag. The asymmetrical rotor wake induces a differential lift across the wing and a subsequent rolling moment. These rotor induced effects on the wing become smaller with increasing forward speed.

Mineck, R. E.↗

Spin-Tunnel Investigation of the Spinning Characteristics of Typical Single-Engine General Aviation Airplane Designs. 1. Low-Wing Model A: Effects of Tail Configurations

The effects of tail design on spin and recovery were investigated in a spin tunnel. A 1/11-scale model of a research airplane which represents a typical low-wing, single engine, light general aviation airplane was used. A tail design criterion for satisfactory spin recovery for light airplanes was evaluated. The effects of other geometric design features on the spin and recovery characteristics were also determined. Results indicate that the existing tail design criterion for light airplanes, which uses the tail damping power factor as a parameter, cannot be used to predict spin-recovery characteristics.

Burk, S. M., Jr.↗

Direct measurements of neutral wave characteristics in the thermosphere

The elliptical and circular phases of the Atmosphere Explorer-C satellite have provided the basis for a study of the neutral wave characteristics in the thermosphere using data collected by the open source mass spectrometer used to measure both reactive (O,N) and nonreactive (O2, N2, He, Ar) constituents. The phase relationships between the constituents are discussed and the results of a wave occurrence and amplitude survey covering 338 despun orbits in which the local time and latitude characteristics of the waves are presented are discussed. Conclusions based on this survey are tested in a study of waves measured at high latitudes during a geomagnetic storm.

Potter, W. E.↗

Electron bombardment propulsion system characteristics for large space systems

Presented are the results of an analysis of electron bombardment ion propulsion systems for use in the transportation and on-orbit operations of large space systems. Using baseline technology from the ongoing primary propulsion program and other sources, preliminary estimates of the expected characteristics of key system elements such as thrusters and propellant storage systems have been performed. Projections of expected thruster performance on argon are presented based on identified constraints which limit the achievable thrust and/or power density of bombardment thrusters. System characteristics are then evaluated as a function of thruster diameter and specific impulse.

Byers, D. C.↗

On the characteristic exponents of the general three-body problem

A description is given of some properties of the characteristic exponents of the general three-body problem. The variational equations on which the analysis is based are obtained by linearizing the Lagrangian equations of motion in the neighborhood of a given known solution. Attention is given to the fundamental matrix of solutions, the characteristic equation, the three trivial solutions of the variational equations of the three-body problem, symmetric periodic orbits, and the half-period properties of symmetric periodic orbits.

Broucke, R.↗

The significance of substrate characteristics in determining morphology and morphometry of lunar craters

Variations in the morphologic and morphometric characteristics of lunar craters appear to correlate well with the characteristics of the outer lunar crust and the presence of a 2-3 km thick megaregolith layer. These correlations suggest that substrate layering in general, and megaregolith in particular, may have an important effect on the excavation and modification stages in the formation of lunar craters.

Head, J. W.↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of supersonic fighter airplane configurations based on Soviet design concepts

The aerodynamic, stability, and control characteristics of several supersonic fighter airplane concepts are examined. The configurations, which are based on Soviet design concepts, include fixed-wing aircraft having delta wings, swept wings, and trapezoidal wings, and a variable wing-sweep aircraft. Each concept employs aft tail controls. The concepts vary from lightweight, single-engine, air superiority, point interceptor, or ground attack types to larger twin-engine interceptor and reconnaissance designs. Analytical and experimental results indicate that careful application of the transonic or supersonic area rule can provide nearly optimum shaping for minimum drag for a specified Mach number requirement. In addition, through the proper location of components and the exploitation of interference flow fields, the concepts provide linear pitching moment characteristics, high control effectiveness, and reasonably small variations in aerodynamic center location with a resulting high potential for maneuvering capability.

Spearman, M. L.↗

Charging characteristics of materials: Comparison of experimental results with simple analytical models

A one-dimensional model for charging of samples is used in conjunction with experimental data taken to develop material charging characteristics for silvered Teflon. These characteristics are then used in a one dimensional model for charging in space to examine expected response. Relative charging rates as well as relative charging levels for silvered Teflon and metal are discussed.

Purvis, C. K.↗

Phugoid characteristics of a YF-12 airplane with variable-geometry inlets obtained in flight tests at a Mach number of 2.9

Flight tests were conducted with the YF-12 airplane to examine the airplane's longitudinal characteristics at a Mach number of approximately 2.9. Phugoid oscillations as well as short period pulses were analyzed with the variable geometry engine inlets in the fixed and the automatic configurations. Stability and control derivatives for the velocity and altitude degrees of freedom and the standard short period derivatives were obtained. Inlet bypass door position was successfully used to represent the total inlet system, and the effect of the inlets on the velocity and altitude derivatives was determined. The phugoid mode of the basic airplane (fixed inlet configuration) had neutral damping, and the height mode was stable. With the addition of the inlets in the automatic configuration, the phugoid mode was slightly divergent and the height mode was divergent with a time to double amplitude of about 114 seconds. The results of the derivative estimation indicated that the change in the height mode characteristics was primarily the result of the change in the longitudinal force derivative with respect to velocity.

Powers, B. G.↗

Theoretical and experimental analysis of longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics of skewed wings at subsonic speeds to high angles of attack

The effects of sweep and aspect ratio on the longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics of low-aspect-ratio skewed (oblique) wings having separation-induced vortex flows along leading and side edges were investigated in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel at a low-subsonic Mach number. The theoretical analysis used the vortex-lattice method for estimating attached-flow aerodynamic characteristics and the leading-edge suction analogy of Polhamus for estimating separation induced vortex-flow effects. Experimental results were compared with asymmetric, separated, vortex flow theory.

Luckring, J. M.↗

Fracture surface characteristics of off-axis composites

The fracture surface characteristics of off-axis high-modulus graphite-fiber/epoxy composite specimens were studied, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens were subjected to tensile loading at various angles (0 deg - 90 deg) to the fiber direction. SEM photomicrographs of the fractured surfaces revealed three different load angle regions with distinct fracture characteristics. Based on these revelations, criteria were established which can be used to characterize fracture surfaces with respect to a predominant single stress fracture mode.

Sinclair, J. H.↗

Elevated-temperature flow strength, creep resistance and diffusion welding characteristics of Ti-gAl-2Nb-1Ta-0.8Mo

A study of the flow strength, creep resistance and diffusion welding characteristics of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-2Nb-1Ta-0.8Mo was conducted. Two mill-processed forms of this alloy were examined. The forged material was essentially processed above the beta transus while the rolled form was subjected to considerable work below the beta transus. Between 1150 and 1250 K, the forged material was stronger and more creep resistant than the rolled alloy. Both forms exhibit superplastic characteristics in this temperature range. Strain measurements during diffusion welding experiments at 1200 K reveal that weld interfaces have no measurable effect on the overall creep deformation. Significant deformation appears to be necessary to produce a quality diffusion weld between superplastic materials. A 'soft' interlayer inserted between faying surfaces would seemingly allow manufacture of quality diffusion welds with little overall deformation.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

PMR polyimide prepreg with improved tack characteristics

Current PMR Polyimide prepreg technology utilizes methanol or ethanol solvents for preparation of the PMR prepreg solutions. The volatility of these solvents limits the tack and drape retention characteristics of unprotected prepreg exposed to ambient conditions. Studies conducted to achieve PMR 15 Polyimide prepreg with improved tack and drape characteristics were described. Improved tack and drape retention were obtained by incorporation of an additional monomer. The effects of various levels of the added monomer on the thermo-oxidative stability and mechanical properties of graphite fiber reinforced PMR 15 composites exposed and tested at 316 C (600 F) were discussed.

Serafini, T. T.↗

Effect of winglets on a first-generation jet transport wing. 4: Stability characteristics for a full-span model at Mach 0.30

The static longitudinal and lateral directional characteristics of a 0.035 scale model of a first generation jet transport were obtained with and without upper winglets. The data were obtained for take off and landing configurations at a free stream Mach number of 0.30. The results generally indicated that upper winglets had favorable effects on the stability characteristics of the aircraft.

Meyer, R. R., Jr.↗

Effect of winglets on a first-generation jet transport wing. 5: Stability characteristics of a full-span wing with a generalized fuselage at high subsonic speeds

The effects of winglets on the static aerodynamic stability characteristics of a KC-135A jet transport model at high subsonic speeds are presented. The investigation was conducted in the Langley 8 foot transonic pressure tunnel using 0.035-scale wing panels mounted on a generalized research fuselage. Data were taken over a Mach number range from 0.50 to 0.95 at angles of attack ranging from -12 deg to 20 deg and sideslip angles of 0 deg, 5 deg, and -5 deg. The model was tested at two Reynolds number ranges to achieve a wide angle of attack range and to determine the effect of Reynolds number on stability. Results indicate that adding the winglets to the basic wing configuration produces small increases in both lateral and longitudinal aerodynamic stability and that the model stability increases slightly with Reynolds number. The winglets do increase the wing bending moments slightly, but the buffet onset characteristics of the model are not affected by the winglets.

Jacobs, P. F.↗

Generation and physical characteristics of the LANDSAT-1, -2 and -3 MSS computer compatible tapes

The generation and format of the LANDSAT 1, 2, and 3 system corrected multispectral scanner computer compatible tapes are discussed. Included in the discussion are the spacecraft sensors, scene characteristics, the transmission of data, and the conversion of the data to computer compatible tapes. Also included in the discussion are geometric and radiometric corrections, tape formats, and the physical characteristics of the tape.

Thomas, V. L.↗

Flight-measured buffet characteristics of a supercritical wing and a conventional wing on a variable-sweep airplane

Windup-turn maneuvers were performed to assess the buffet characteristics of the F-111A aircraft and the same aircraft with a supercritical wing, which is referred to as the F-111 transonic aircraft technology (TACT) aircraft. Data were gathered at wing sweep angles of 26, 35, and 58 deg for Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.95. Wingtip accelerometer data were the primary source of buffet information. The analysis was supported by wing strain-gage and pressure data taken in flight, and by oil-flow photographs taken during tests of a wind tunnel model. In the transonic speed range, the overall buffet characteristics of the aircraft having a supercritical wing are significantly improved over those of the aircraft having a conventional wing.

Monaghan, R. C.↗

USB flow characteristics related to noise generation

The effects of nozzle and flap geometry on upper surface blown flow field characteristics related to noise generation were examined experimentally using static models. Flow attachment and spreading characteristics were observed using flow visualization techniques. Velocity and turbulence profiles in the trailing edge wake were measured using hot-wire anemometry, and the effects of the geometric variables on peak velocity and turbulence intensity were determined. It is shown that peak trailing edge velocity is a function of the ratio of flow length to modified hydraulic diameter.

Brown, W. H.↗