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At least 847 records · Page 47

Hypersonic vehicle simulation model: Winged-cone configuration

Aerodynamic, propulsion, and mass models for a generic, horizontal-takeoff, single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) configuration are presented which are suitable for use in point mass as well as batch and real-time six degree-of-freedom simulations. The simulations can be used to investigate ascent performance issues and to allow research, refinement, and evaluation of integrated guidance/flight/propulsion/thermal control systems, design concepts, and methodologies for SSTO missions. Aerodynamic force and moment coefficients are given as functions of angle of attack, Mach number, and control surface deflections. The model data were estimated by using a subsonic/supersonic panel code and a hypersonic local surface inclination code. Thrust coefficient and engine specific impulse were estimated using a two-dimensional forebody, inlet, nozzle code and a one-dimensional combustor code and are given as functions of Mach number, dynamic pressure, and fuel equivalence ratio. Rigid-body mass moments of inertia and center of gravity location are functions of vehicle weight which is in turn a function of fuel flow.

Shaughnessy, John D.↗

The effect of limiting aerodynamic and structural coupling in models of mistuned bladed disk vibration

A model has been developed for studying the effect of mistuning on bladed disk vibration which has the unique feature that the extent of aerodynamic and structural interaction which it simulates can be readily varied from full coupling of all blades on the disk to coupling of each blade with only its nearest neighbors. Simulations utilizing the resulting algorithm show that limited coupling models may be used to predict the statistical distribution of blade amplitudes that characterizes the mistuning effect, which in turn determines stage durability. This approach is used to study the effect of changing various system parameters on amplitude scatter. Gas density, the number of blades on the disk, disk stiffness, and the engine order of the excitation are considered. The results are used to draw some conclusions about how to improve laboratory tests and component design.

Basu, P.↗

Computation of rotor aerodynamic loads with a constant vorticity contour free wake model

An analytical method is presented which facilitates the study of isolated rotors with an improved approach to wake simulation. Vortex filaments are simulated along contours of constant sheet strength for the sheet of vorticity resulting from each rotor blade. Curved vortex elements comprise the filaments which can be distorted by the local velocity field. Called the Constant Vorticity Contour wake model, the approach permits the simulation of the blades' wakes corresponding to the full span of the rotor blade. The discretization of the wake of the rotor blade produces spacing and structure that are consistent with the spatial and temporal variations in the loading. A vortex-lattice aerodynamic model of the blade is also included which introduces a finite-element structural model of the blade and consideration of the force and moment trim analysis. Results of the present version of the simulation, called RotorCRAFT, are found to correlate well with H-34 flight-test data.

Quackenbush, Todd R.↗

Aerodynamic Characteristics of a 0.04956-Scale Model of the Convair TF-102A Airplane at Transonic Speeds, Coord. No. AF-120

The basic aerodynamic characteristics of a 0.04956-scale model of the Convair TF-102A airplane with controls undeflected have been determined at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.135 for angles of attack up to approximately 22 deg in the Langley 8-foot transonic tunnel. In addition, comparisons have been made with data obtained from a previous investigation of a 0.04956-scale model of the Convair F-102A airplane. The results indicated the TF-102A airplane was longitudinally stable for all conditions tested. An increase in lift-curve slope from 0.045 to 0.059 and an 11-percent rearward shift in aerodynamic-center location occurred with increases in Mach number from 0.60 to approximately 1.05. The zero-lift drag coefficient for the TF-102A airplane increased 145 percent between the Mach numbers of 0.85 and 1.075; the maximum lift-drag ratio decreased from 9.5 at a Mach number of 0.60 to 5.0 at Mach numbers above 1.025. There was little difference in the lift and pitching-moment characteristics and drag due to life between the TF-102A and F-102A configurations. However, as compared with the F-102A airplane, the zero-lift drag-rise Mach number for the TF-102A was reduced by at least 0.06, the zero-lift peak wave drag was increased 50 percent, and the maximum lift-drag ratio was reduced as much as 20 percent.

Osborne, Robert S.↗

Rotationally Adaptive Flight Test Surface

Research on a new design of flutter exciter vane using adaptive materials was conducted. This novel design is based on all-moving aerodynamic surface technology and consists of a structurally stiff main spar, a series of piezoelectric actuator elements and an aerodynamic shell which is pivoted around the main spar. The work was built upon the current missile-type all-moving surface designs and change them so they are better suited for flutter excitation through the transonic flight regime. The first portion of research will be centered on aerodynamic and structural modeling of the system. USAF DatCom and vortex lattice codes was used to capture the fundamental aerodynamics of the vane. Finite element codes and laminated plate theory and virtual work analyses will be used to structurally model the aerodynamic vane and wing tip. Following the basic modeling, a flutter test vane was designed. Each component within the structure was designed to meet the design loads. After the design loads are met, then the deflections will be maximized and the internal structure will be laid out. In addition to the structure, a basic electrical control network will be designed which will be capable of driving a scaled exciter vane. The third and final stage of main investigation involved the fabrication of a 1/4 scale vane. This scaled vane was used to verify kinematics and structural mechanics theories on all-moving actuation. Following assembly, a series of bench tests was conducted to determine frequency response, electrical characteristics, mechanical and kinematic properties. Test results indicate peak-to-peak deflections of 1.1 deg with a corner frequency of just over 130 Hz.

Barrett, Ron↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of a V/STOL TRANSPORT model with lift and lift-cruise fan power plants

The aerodynamic characteristics of lift fans mounted ahead of the wing, rotating cruise fans, and tandem mounted lift fans faired into the wing have been studied. The tests results indicated that the complete configurations, that is, the lift-cruise fan and tandem lift fan configurations, had generally acceptable aerodynamic characteristics. The positive induced lift due to fan flow interference with the airplane flow field was a small percentage of the installed thrust but was adequate to provide significant increases in payload with STOL operation.

JET TRANSPORT↗

Investigation of a Smooth Local Correlation-based Transition Model in a Discrete-Adjoint Aerodynamic Shape Optimization Algorithm

A smooth local correlation-based transition model is fully coupled to a RANS-based Newton-Krylov flow solver and discrete-adjoint gradient-based optimization algorithm. The free-transition optimization framework is evaluated using lift-constrained drag minimizations of airfoils at design conditions ranging from light to single-aisle aircraft and an infinite swept wing at design conditions representative of a transonic strut-braced wing aircraft. The impact of the streamwise grid resolution on the ability of the optimization algorithm to delay boundary-layer transition is investigated, with the results demonstrating that streamwise grid resolution requirements increase as the transition length decreases with increasing Reynolds number. The optimization problem at the light aircraft design conditions is demonstrated to be multi-modal, with the optimization algorithm producing two distinct designs: one with a thin, reflexed trailing edge and steep pressure recovery regions, the other with increased aft loading, with the latter design outperforming the former. A drag minimization of an airfoil at transonic design conditions demonstrates that the optimization algorithm successfully trades a decrease in viscous drag by delaying boundary-layer transition with an increase in wave drag, while the drag minimization of an infinite swept wing demonstrates the capability of the optimizational gorithm to delay both Tollmien-Schlichting and stationary crossflow instabilities.

AATT↗

Wind Tunnel Test Results of Fairings on A.004 Scale Model Rockwell Space Shuttle Integrated Vehicle Aerodynamic Characteristics at Mach Numbers from 0.6 to 4.96 (IA62F)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a .004 scale model (34-OTS) orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket booster combined as an integrated vehicle in the NASA/MSFC 14 x 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. The primary test objective was to determine the effect of a full length orbiter/external tank fairing on axial force. Secondary objectives were to define the static stability characteristics of the mated vehicle configuration with fairings over a Mach number range of 0.6 thru 4.96. Six component aerodynamic force and moment data were recorded over an angle of attack range from -10 deg to 10 deg at 0 deg sideslip angle and from -10 deg to 10 deg sideslip range at 0 deg and 5 deg angle of attack. Plotted and tabular results are presented herein.

Allen, E. C.↗

A general rotor model system for wind-tunnel investigation of rotorcraft aerodynamics and acoustics

A complex rotorcraft model system has been developed by the NASA Langley Research Center and the U.S. Army Air Mobility R&D Laboratory, Langley Directorate, for aerodynamic and acoustic experimental investigations in the NASA Langley V/STOL tunnel. This generalized rotor model system has a powered main rotor, tail rotor, and auxiliary engine capability. It may be configured to represent a variety of rotorcraft configurations. The first investigation was conducted to determine the performance, acoustic, stability and control characteristics of the NASA/Army Rotor Systems Research Aircraft with an articulated rotor. In a second investigation, a quarter-scale AH-1G configuration with a teetering rotor is being represented to determine if a V-tail will improve the directional characteristics. Future programs are planned to investigate advanced rotor blade airfoils for improved performance and acoustic characteristics.

Wilson, J. C.↗

Aeroelastic loads and stability investigation of a full-scale hingeless rotor

An analytical investigation was conducted to study the influence of various parameters on predicting the aeroelastic loads and stability of a full-scale hingeless rotor in hover and forward flight. The CAMRAD/JA (Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Dynamics, Johnson Aeronautics) analysis code is used to obtain the analytical predictions. Data are presented for rotor blade bending and torsional moments as well as inplane damping data obtained for rotor operation in hover at a constant rotor rotational speed of 425 rpm and thrust coefficients between 0.0 and 0.12. Experimental data are presented from a test in the wind tunnel. Validation of the rotor system structural model with experimental rotor blade loads data shows excellent correlation with analytical results. Using this analysis, the influence of different aerodynamic inflow models, the number of generalized blade and body degrees of freedom, and the control-system stiffness at predicted stability levels are shown. Forward flight predictions of the BO-105 rotor system for 1-G thrust conditions at advance ratios of 0.0 to 0.35 are presented. The influence of different aerodynamic inflow models, dynamic inflow models and shaft angle variations on predicted stability levels are shown as a function of advance ratio.

Peterson, Randall L.↗