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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 829 records · Page 46
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Tenth-scale powered model test of a tilt-nacelle V/STOL airplane

Wind tunnel and ground static tests of a tenth scale powered model of a lift/cruise fan airplane have been conducted to define its low speed performances and handling qualities. The model was powered by three 5.5-in diameter turbopowered simulators; one located in the forebody while the remaining two were installed in tilting nacelles mounted on the aft body. Results are presented for static hover tests in ground effects with the model configured for VTOL operations and at forward speeds with the model configured for loiter, short takeoff, and VTOL operations.

Omar, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Analysis of control concepts for gas and shaft-coupled V/STOL aircraft lift fan systems

V/STOL aircraft rely on their propulsion systems to provide lift and attitude control moments during hover and low-speed flight. For lift-fan powered V/STOL aircraft, two unconventional propulsion system types have been proposed. The first type uses fans connected by hot gas ducting, and the second type uses fans connected by cross shafting. This paper presents results of an analytical study which identifies the basic steady-state and dynamic characteristics for each type of system. For the gas-coupled system, the control concepts analyzed were variable-area fan turbines and throttling valves in the ducting. For the shaft-coupled system, the control concepts analyzed were variable-pitch fans and variable fan inlet guide vanes. All of these concepts are shown to be capable of meeting V/STOL aircraft control moment and transient response requirements when appropriate propulsion controls are used. Each type of system has unique problem areas which require an integrated approach to aircraft/propulsion control design.

Sellers, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Experimental investigations of thrust vectoring systems for VTOL aircraft

This paper presents a summary of two technology programs sponsored by NASA to investigate the characteristics of two thrust vectoring schemes for V/STOL aircraft. The operational capability of the VTOL aircraft is dependent on maximum utilization of the installed thrust in both the cruise and powered lift modes of flight. An effective thrust vectoring system on the cruise propulsion unit is therefore essential to provide maximum payload in hover and STOL plus minimum specific fuel consumption in loiter and cruise. Introducing a high by-pass ratio fan system, augmenting the gas generator thrust, as the propulsion system for VTOL aircraft places increased significance on the performance of the relatively short coupled thrust vectoring systems. The two programs discussed herein include both large-scale and small-scale tests of a vectoring hood system with a vented, internal-lip and swivel nozzle systems. These tests indicated that a satisfactory thrust vectoring system can be developed.

Rolls, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Theoretical study of hull-rotor aerodynamic interference on semibuoyant vehicles

Theoretical methods are being developed to predict the mutual interference between rotor wakes and the hull for semibuoyant vehicles. The objective of the investigation is to predict the pressure distribution and overall loads on the hull in the presence of rotors whose locations, tilt angles, and disk loading are arbitrarily specified. The methods involve development of potential flow models for the hull alone in a nonuniform onset flow, a rotor wake which has the proper features to predict induced flow outside the wake, and a wake centerline specification technique which accounts for the reactions of the wake to a nonuniform crossflow. The flow models are used in sequence to solve for the mutual influence of the hull and rotor(s) on each other and the resulting loads. A flow separation model is included to estimate the influence of separation on hull loads at high sideslip angles. Only limited results have been obtained to date. These were obtained on a configuration which was tested in the Ames Research Center 7- by 10-Foot Low Speed Tunnel under Goodyear Aircraft Corporation sponsorship and indicate the nature of the interference pressure distribution on a configuration in hover.

Spangler, S. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Aeroelastic stability of complete rotors with application to a teetering rotor in forward flight

The derivation of a set of non-linear coupled flap-lag-torsion equations of motion for moderately large deflections of an elastic, two-bladed teetering helicopter rotor in forward flight is concisely outlined. The following degrees of freedom are included in the mathematical model: rigid body flapping, rigid body lead-lag, elastic bending in flap and lead-lag, blade root torsion, and shaft torsion. Quasi-steady aerodynamic loads are considered and the effects of reversed flow are included. The aeroelastic stability of the complete rotor is investigated by using a linearized system of equations of motion. The equilibrium position about which the equations are linearized is obtained by considering the trim state of the helicopter, in true or simulated forward flight conditions. The sensitivity of the aeroelastic stability boundaries to interblade structural and mechanical coupling is illustrated by comparing the complete rotor stability boundaries with those obtained from a single blade analysis for a number of hover and forward flight cases.

Shamie, J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Helicopter position stabilizing system

System utilizes vertical gyroscope mounted on telescope handled by onboard observer, to help helicopter pilot fly precise circles over ground target without use of ground observer. Other possible uses include cargo discharge or pickup without ground controller, and hovering over invisible target with known coordinates.

Jenkin, K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Wind-tunnel tests of wide-chord teetering rotors with and without outboard flapping hinges

Wind tunnel tests of aeroelastically designed helicopter rotor models were conducted to obtain rotor aerodynamic performance and dynamic response data pertaining to two-bladed teetering rotors with a wider chord and lower hover tip speed than currently employed on production helicopters. The effects of a flapping hinge at 62 percent radius were also studied. Finally, the effects of changing tip mass on operating characteristics of the rotor with the outboard flapping hinge were examined. The models were tested at several shaft angles of attack for five advance ratios, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45. For each combination of shaft angle and advance ratio, the rotor lift was varied over a wide range to include simulated maneuver conditions. At each test condition, rotor aerodynamic performance and dynamic response data were obtained. From these tests, it was found that wide-chord rotors may be subject to large control forces. An outboard flapping hinge may be used to reduce beamwise bending moments over a significant part of the blade radius without significantly affecting the chordwise bending moments.

Weller, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Capabilities of the Navy variable stability X-22A for V/STOL flying qualities R and D

The X-22A V/STOL Flight Research Facility which provides in-flight simulation capability applicable to hover, low speed, and transition flight investigation of fixed wing V/STOL flying is described. The variable stability system, the guidance and display equipment, the data acquisition and processing system, and the ground simulator are included. Research programs involving the STOL flying qualities for landing approach, the control system, display, and guidance requirements for VTOL aircraft instrument approach and landing, and the expansion of the adverse weather operation capabilities of the Navy's VTOL aircraft are briefly summarized.

Aiken, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Pilot centered requirements in control/display design

A method developed for predicting pilot opinion ratings for particular vehicles and tasks using optimal control pilot model is described and an outline of a flight director design procedure based upon the optimal control pilot model is given. Longitudinal and lateral control of a helicopter in hover and in a -6 deg constant ground speed-command landing approach are considered. Emphasis is placed on display design for optimum V/STOL control.

Hess, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Survey of piloting factors in V/STOL aircraft with implications for flight control system design

Flight control system design factors involved for pilot workload relief are identified. Major contributors to pilot workload include configuration management and control and aircraft stability and response qualities. A digital fly by wire stability augmentation, configuration management, and configuration control system is suggested for reduction of pilot workload during takeoff, hovering, and approach.

Ringland, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Large scale static tests of a tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion/attitude control system

The concept of a combined V/STOL propulsion and aircraft attitude control system was subjected to large scale engine tests. The tilt nacelle/attitude control vane package consisted of the T55 powered Hamilton Standard Q-Fan demonstrator. Vane forces, moments, thermal and acoustic characteristics as well as the effects on propulsion system performance were measured under conditions simulating hover in and out of ground effect.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Noise due to rotor-turbulence interaction

A procedure for calculating the noise due to turbulent inflow to a propeller or helicopter rotor in hover is summarized. The method is based on a calculation of noise produced by an airfoil moving in rectilinear motion through turbulence. At high frequency the predicted spectrum is broadband, while at low frequency the spectrum is peaked around multiples of blade passage frequency. The results of a parametric study of the variation of the noise with rotor tip speed, blade number, chord, turbulence scale, and directivity angle are given. A comparison of the theory with preliminary experimental measurements shows good agreement.

Amiet, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Tilt-proprotor perspective

The general tilt-proprotor concept is discussed, and a more detailed look at the XV-15 aircraft is taken. The special features of the two-engine system, engine control system, and flight control system are mentioned. The main objectives of the XV-15 program are to (1) verify rotor/pylon/wing/dynamic stability and aircraft performance over a representative operational envelope, (2) assess the handling qualities and establish a safe operating envelope, and (3) investigate gust sensitivity, effects of downwash, and hover operation. With regard to rotor/pylon stability, one challenge is to be able to predict a parameter's value and then build hardware to match. The analytical program has gained some respect through aeroelastic and full-scale XV-3 demonstrations. Special concern centers around the thrust and power management system when flying at high speed when very small changes in rotor collective pitch represent large changes in thrust and power. Demonstration of the system awaits wind-tunnel and flight testing.

Few, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Simulator evaluation of three situation and guidance displays for V/STOL aircraft zero-zero landing approaches

A simulator study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the design features of the electronic displays for possible use in V/STOL aircraft: a combined transition display (Display A), a perspective display (Display B), and a hover display (Display C). Display B presents height information via integrated elements; Displays A and C present information similarly except that Display C presents vertical and lateral guidance via conventional cross pointers. High pilot work load was attained by evaluating the displays only as situational guidance displays in a simulated vehicle without stability augmentation. Glide slopes of 6 and 15 deg were used, and steady-state and no-wind conditions were randomly presented. Six pilots participated, and fifty-five objective performance measures were taken along with pilot opinions

Murphy, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

VALT parameter identification flight test

The paper describes a method of establishing the accuracy of previously developed analytical models of research vehicles for a program for developing avionics technology for VTOL aircraft. The research vehicle is a Boeing-Vertol CH-47 tandem rotor transport helicopter equipped with a fly-by-wire control system. The specialized flight test was designed to take into account the presence of winds at flight conditions from hover through transition to cruise. The test provided data to obtain estimates of derivatives by parameter identification.

Tomaine, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Design of helicopter rotors to noise constraints

Results of the initial phase of a research project to study the design constraints on helicopter noise are presented. These include the calculation of nonimpulsive rotor harmonic and broadband hover noise spectra, over a wide range of rotor design variables and the sensitivity of perceived noise level (PNL) to changes in rotor design parameters. The prediction methodology used correlated well with measured whirl tower data. Application of the predictions to variations in rotor design showed tip speed and thrust as having the most effect on changing PNL.

Schaeffer, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The cost of applying current helicopter external noise reduction methods while maintaining realistic vehicle performance

Analytical methods were developed and/or adopted for calculating helicopter component noise, and these methods were incorporated into a unified total vehicle noise calculation model. Analytical methods were also developed for calculating the effects of noise reduction methodology on helicopter design, performance, and cost. These methods were used to calculate changes in noise, design, performance, and cost due to the incorporation of engine and main rotor noise reduction methods. All noise reduction techniques were evaluated in the context of an established mission performance criterion which included consideration of hovering ceiling, forward flight range/speed/payload, and rotor stall margin. The results indicate that small, but meaningful, reductions in helicopter noise can be obtained by treating the turbine engine exhaust duct. Furthermore, these reductions do not result in excessive life cycle cost penalties. Currently available main rotor noise reduction methodology, however, is shown to be inadequate and excessively costly.

Bowes, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Experimental investigation of the subwing tip and its vortex structure

A better understanding of the subwing's vortex structure relative to a square tip for several angles of attack and yaw angles is provided. This comparison included subwings of various chord size and airfoil thickness. Flow visualization, together with performance and wake measurements, provided a comparison between the square tip and subwing tips during both a semi-span wind-tunnel test and a small-scale rotor hover-stand test.

Tangler, J. L.↗