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At least 757 records · Page 42

Aerodynamic characteristics of missile configurations based on Soviet design concepts

The aerodynamic characteristics of several missile concepts are examined. The configurations, which are based on some typical Soviet design concepts, include fixed-wing missiles with either forward- or aft-tail controls, and wing-control missiles with fixed aft stabilizing surfaces. The conceptual missions include air-to-air, surface-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-surface. Analytical and experimental results indicate that through the proper shaping and location of components, and through the exploitation of local flow fields, the concepts provide generally good stability characteristics, high control effectiveness, and low control hinge moments. In addition, in the case of some cruise-type missions, there are indications of the application of area ruling as a means of improving the aerodynamic efficiency. In general, a point-design philosophy is indicated whereby a particular configuration is developed for performing a particular mission.

Spearman, M. L.↗

Exploratory study of the influence of wing leading-edge modifications on the spin characteristics of a low-wing single-engine general aviation airplane

A wide variety of model and airplane tests were conducted to explore the effects of wing leading-edge modifications on the stalling and spinning characteristics of a low-wing general aviation research airplane configuration. The results presented herein discuss the effects of leading-edge airfoil modifications applied to the full wing span and to partial-span locations. The results obtained in the study indicate that the wing modifications can produce large effects (both favorable or unfavorable) on spin resistance, developed spin characteristics, and spin recovery.

Dicarlo, D. J.↗

Map characteristics of Landsat mosaics

Map characteristics of the Landsat mosaics developed at JPL are considered. Procedures for digital mosaicking of Landsat frames to standard map projections were used to mosaic at full resolution ten scenes over the California desert region and twenty-one scenes over Arizona. The procedures are analyzed for horizontal positioning error (global and local) and the potential for classification error associated with the adjustment of brightness of Z values between frames; the use of this technology for the mapping of extensive features is discussed. Mosaicking facilities, techniques, mapping accuracy, and thematic mapping characteristics are described. A comparative analysis of Landsat mosaicking technology developed at Goddard Space Flight Center, IBM Gaithersburg, and USGS Flagstaff is made, and suggestions are given for algorithm development to improve systems capacity and ability to handle a variety of cases.

Zobrist, A. L.↗

Theoretical study of aerodynamic characteristics of wings having vortex flow

The aerodynamic characteristics of slender wings having separation induced vortex flows are investigated by employing three different computer codes--free vortex sheet, quasi vortex lattice, and suction analogy methods. Their capabilities and limitations are examined, and modifications are discussed. Flat wings of different configurations: arrow, delta, and diamond shapes, as well as cambered delta wings, are studied. The effect of notch ratio on the load distributions and the longitudinal characteristics of a family of arrow and diamond wings is explored. The sectional lift coefficients and the accumulated span loadings are determined for an arrow wing and are seen to be unusual in comparison with the attached flow results. The theoretically predicted results are compared with the existing experimental values.

Reddy, C. S.↗

Comparison of theoretically predicted lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics with full-scale wind tunnel data on the ATLIT airplane

An analytical method is presented for predicting lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics of light twin engine propeller-driven airplanes. This method is applied to the Advanced Technology Light Twin Engine airplane. The calculated characteristics are correlated against full-scale wind tunnel data. The method predicts the sideslip derivatives fairly well, although angle of attack variations are not well predicted. Spoiler performance was predicted somewhat high but was still reasonable. The rudder derivatives were not well predicted, in particular the effect of angle of attack. The predicted dynamic derivatives could not be correlated due to lack of experimental data.

Griswold, M.↗

Physiochemical, site, and bidirectional reflectance factor characteristics of uniformly moist soils

The author has identified the following significant results. The bidirectional reflectance factor (0.5 micron to 2.3 micron wavelength interval) and physiochemical properties of over 500 soils from 39 states, Brazil and Spain were measured. Site characteristics of soil temperature regime and moisture zone were used as selection criteria. Parent material and internal drainage were noted for each soil. At least five general types of soil reflectance curves were identified based primarily on the presence or absence of ferric iron absorption bands, organic matter content, and soil drainage characteristics. Reflectance in 10 bands across the spectrum was found to be negatively correlated with the natural log of organic matter content.

Stoner, E. R.↗

Three dimensional mean flow and turbulence characteristics of the near wake of a compressor rotor blade

The investigation was carried out using the rotating hot wire technique. Measurements were taken inside the end wall boundary layer to discern the effect of annulus and hub wall boundary layer, secondary flow, and tip leakage on the wake structure. Static pressure gradients across the wake were measured using a static stagnation pressure probe insensitive to flow direction changes. The axial and the tangential velocity defects, the radial component of velocity, and turbulence intensities were found to be very large as compared to the near and far wake regions. The radial velocities in the trailing edge region exhibited characteristics prevalent in a trailing vortex system. Flow near the blade tips found to be highly complex due to interaction of the end wall boundary layers, secondary flows, and tip leakage flow with the wake. The streamwise curvature was found to be appreciable near the blade trailing edge. Flow properties in the trailing edge region are quite different compared to that in the near and far wake regions with respect to their decay characteristics, similarity, etc. Fourier decomposition of the rotor wake revealed that for a normalized wake only the first three coefficients are dominant.

Ravindranath, A.↗

Water-tunnel and analytical investigation of the effect of strake design variables on strake vortex breakdown characteristics

A systematic water-tunnel study was made to determine the vortex breakdown characteristics of 43 strakes. The strakes were mounted on a 1/2-scale model of a Langley Research Center general research fighter fuselage model with a 44deg leading-edge-sweep trapezoidal wing. The analytically designed strake shapes provided examples of the effects of the primary design parameters (size, span, and slenderness) on vortex breakdown characteristics. These effects were analyzed in relation to the respective strake leading-edge suction distributions. Included were examples of the effects of detailed strake planform shaping. It was concluded that, consistent with the design criterion, those strakes with leading-edge suction distributions which increase more rapidly near, and have a higher value at, the spanwise tip of the strake produce a more stable vortex.

Frink, N. T.↗

Characteristics of primary electric propulsion systems

The use of advanced electric propulsion systems will provide cost and performance benefits for future energetic space missions. A methodology to predict the characteristics of advanced electric propulsion systems was developed and programmed for computer calculations to allow evaluation of a broad set of technology and mission assumptions. The impact on overall thrust system characteristics was assessed for variations of propellant type, total accelerating voltage, thruster area, specific impulse, and power system approach. The data may be used both to provide direction to technology emphasis and allow for preliminary estimates of electric propulsion system properties for a wide variety of application.

Byers, D. C.↗

Elevated temperature flow strength, creep resistance and diffusion welding characteristics of Ti-6Al-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 has been conducted. Two mill-processed forms of this alloy were examined. The forged material had been processed above the beta transus (approximately 1275 K) while the rolled form had been subjected to 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.↗

Assessment of analytic methods for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics of arbitrary bodies at supersonic speeds

Trends toward the automation of the design process for airplanes and missiles accentuate the need for analytic techniques for the prediction of aerodynamic characteristics. A number of computer codes have been developed or are under development which show promise of significantly improving the estimation of aerodynamic characteristics for arbitrarily-shaped bodies at supersonic speeds. The programs considered range in complexity from a simple linearized solution employing slender body theory to an exact finite difference solution of the Euler equations. The results from five computer codes are compared with experimental data to determine the accuracy, range of applicability, ease of use, and computer time and cost of the programs. The results provide a useful guide for selecting the appropriate method for treating bodies at the various levels of an automated design process.

Landrum, E. J.↗

An analysis of strake vortex breakdown characteristics in relation to design features

This paper describes a water tunnel study of the vortex breakdown characteristics of a large number of analytically designed vortex strakes tested in combination with a moderate aspect ratio trapezoidal wing. A wide range of strake sizes and slenderness ratios are covered, and examples of the effects of the primary design parameters of size, span, and slenderness on the vortex breakdown characteristics are presented and analyzed in relation to the leading-edge suction distributions. Several examples of detailed planform shaping on strakes of the same general size and slenderness are shown from which it can be concluded that, consistent with the design criterion, those with leading-edge suction distributions which increase more rapidly near, and have a higher value at, the spanwise tip of the strake produce a more stable vortex.

Frink, N. T.↗

Blade loading and spanwise effects on the near and far wake characteristics of a compressor rotor blade

An experimental investigation of the blade loading and spanwise effects on the rotor wake is presented. The investigation was limited to a study of a low subsonic and incompressible wake flow found downstream of a lightly loaded rotor. Measurements were made with a tri-axial hot wire probe mounted in the stationary frame of reference at six radial and nine axial positions. At each measurement location, the rotor was run at different operating conditions to discern the effects of blade loading on the wake. Near and far wake measurements are given, including mean velocity and turbulence intensity characteristics. The loading and spanwise effects on rotor wake characteristics were found to be substantial.

Reynolds, B.↗

Some unique characteristics of supersonic cruise vehicles and their effect on airport community noise

The paper examines the differences between the supersonic and subsonic commercial aircraft in terms of their configuration, aerodynamic characteristics, propulsion systems, and the manner of operation. The unique characteristics of supersonic cruise vehicles should provide improved airport-community noise exposures if the vehicle is permitted to operate at its most efficient and effective flight modes. It is concluded that noise exposure levels for supersonic cruise vehicles can be comparable to those of its equivalent subsonic counterpart of that time period.

Driver, C.↗

Low-speed aerodynamic characteristics of a 13 percent thick medium speed airfoil designed for general aviation applications

Wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the low speed, two dimensional aerodynamic characteristics of a 13percent thick medium speed airfoil designed for general aviation applications. The results were compared with data for the 13 percent thick low speed airfoil. The tests were conducted over a Mach number range from 0.10 to 0.32, a chord Reynolds number range from 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power to 12.0 x 10 to the 6th power, and an angle of attack frange from about -8 deg to 10 deg. The objective of retaining good high-lift low speed characteristics for an airfoil designed to have good medium speed cruise performance was achieved.

Mcghee, R. J.↗

Evaluation of space shuttle main engine fluid dynamic frequency response characteristics

In order to determine the POGO stability characteristics of the space shuttle main engine liquid oxygen (LOX) system, the fluid dynamic frequency response functions between elements in the SSME LOX system was evaluated, both analytically and experimentally. For the experimental data evaluation, a software package was written for the Hewlett-Packard 5451C Fourier analyzer. The POGO analysis software is documented and consists of five separate segments. Each segment is stored on the 5451C disc as an individual program and performs its own unique function. Two separate data reduction methods, a signal calibration, coherence or pulser signal based frequency response function blanking, and automatic plotting features are included in the program. The 5451C allows variable parameter transfer from program to program. This feature is used to advantage and requires only minimal user interface during the data reduction process. Experimental results are included and compared with the analytical predictions in order to adjust the general model and arrive at a realistic simulation of the POGO characteristics.

Gardner, T. G.↗

Impact of changing fuel characteristics on supersonic cruise airplane

The question of an advanced supersonic cruise research airplane is related to future oil supplies and prices. Technical data on the impact of changing fuel characteristics on the SCR airplane were developed. Projections of crude oil characteristics typical of the 1985 to 2000 time period were made with the help of consultants to the oil industry. Refineries for the future were modeled to establish jet fuel of engine and aircraft systems for future airplanes, with emphasis on supersonic cruise airplanes. Study results do not show a need for broadening the fuel specification. Hypothetical study fuels with broader specifications were defined, however, as was the impact of their properties on the SCR airplane and systems.

Hadaller, O. J.↗

Experimental and analytical study on the flutter and gust response characteristics of a torsion-free-wing airplane model

Experimental data and correlative analytical results on the flutter and gust response characteristics of a torsion-free-wing (TFW) fighter airplane model are presented. TFW consists of a combined wing/boom/canard surface and was tested with the TFW free to pivot in pitch and with the TFW locked to the fuselage. Flutter and gust response characteristics were measured in the Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel with the complete airplane model mounted on a cable mount system that provided a near free flying condition. Although the lowest flutter dynamic pressure was measured for the wing free configuration, it was only about 20 deg less than that for the wing locked configuration. However, no appreciable alleviation of the gust response was measured by freeing the wing.

Murphy, A. C.↗