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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 865 records · Page 48

Wind-tunnel results for a modified 17-percent-thick low-speed airfoil section

Wind-tunnel tests were conducted in the Langley low-turbulence pressure tunnel to evaluate the effects on performance of modifying a 17-percent-thick low-speed airfoil. The airfoil contour was altered to reduce the pitching-moment coefficient by increasing the forward loading and to increase the climb lift-drag ratio by decreasing the aft upper surface pressure gradient. The tests were conducted over a Mach number range from 0.07 to 0.32, a chord Reynolds number range 1.0 x 10 to the 6th power to 12.0 x 10 to the 6th power, and an angle-of-attack range from about -10 deg to 20 deg.

Mcghee, R. J.↗

Pressure distributions and shock shapes for 12.84 deg/7 deg on-axis and bent-nose biconics in air at Mach 6

Pressure distributions and shock shapes on a spherically blunted, 12.84 deg /7 deg on axis biconic and a spherically blunted, 12.84 deg/7 deg bent nose biconic at Mach 6 in air were measured. The angle of attack, referenced to the axis of aft cone, was varied from 0 deg to 25 deg in nominal 5 deg increments. Two values of free stream Reynolds number based on model length were tested. Predictions from simple, theories and from a supersonic, three dimensional, external invsicid code (STEIN) are compared with measured values. Predicted STEIN shock shapes and windward pressures are in agreement with measured values for both biconics over the present range of angle of attack.

Miller, C. G., III↗

Comparison of two parallel/series flow turbofan propulsion concepts for supersonic V/STOL

The thrust, specific fuel consumption, and relative merits of the tandem fan and the dual reverse flow front fan propulsion systems for a supersonic V/STOL aircraft are discussed. Consideration is given to: fan pressure ratio, fan air burning, and variable core supercharging. The special propulsion system components required are described, namely: the deflecting front inlet/nozzle, the aft subsonic inlet, the reverse pitch fan, the variable core supercharger and the low pressure forward burner. The potential benefits for these unconventional systems are indicated.

Luidens, R. W.↗

Study of liquid slosh in the tracking and data relay satellite hydrazine tanks

An experimental study was conducted to provide data for evaluation of the parameters for an analytical mechanical model representation of liquid/interface dynamics in the TDRSS propellant tanks. Models were developed for two liquid-under ullage (forward tank) configurations and for one liquid-over-ullage (aft tank) configuration. However, additional test runs were conducted with liquids of different densities in both cases to allow separation of bladder stiffness and gravity effects under various simulated steady acceleration conditions. Both static and dynamic parameters are evaluated to provide a good prediction of observed results.

Kana, D. D.↗

CF6 Jet Engine Diagnostics Program: High pressure compressor clearance investigation

The effects of high pressure compressor clearance changes on engine performance were experimentally determined on a CF6 core engine. The results indicate that a one percent reduction in normalized average clearance, expressed as a fraction of airfoil length, improves compressor efficiency by one percent. Compressor clearances are reduced by the application of rotor bore cooling, insulation of the stator casing, and use of a low coefficient of expansion material in the aft stages. This improvement amounts to a reduction of normalized average clearance of 0.78 percent, relative to CF6-60 compressor, which is equivalent to an improvement in compressor efficiency of 0.78 percent.

Radomski, M. A.↗

A preliminary comparison between the SR-3 propeller noise in flight and in a wind tunnel

The noise generated by supersonic-tip-speed propellers is addressed. Models of such propellers were tested for acoustics in the Lewis 8-by-6-foot wind tunnel. One of these propeller models, SR-3, was tested in flight on the Jetstar airplane and noise data were obtained. Preliminary comparisons of the maximum blade passing tone variation with helical tip Mach number taken in flight with those taken in the tunnel showed good agreement when corrected to the same test conditions. This indicated that the wind tunnel is a viable location for measuring the noise of these propeller models. Comparisons of the directivities at 0.6 and 0.7 axial Mach number showed reasonable agreement. At 0.75 and 0.8 axial Mach number the tunnel directivity data fell off more towards the front than did the airplane data. A possible explanation for this is boundary layer refraction which could be different in the wind tunnel from that in flight. This may imply that some corrections should be applied to both the airplane and wind tunnel data at the forward angles. At and aft of the peak noise angle the boundary layer refraction does not appear to be significant and no correction appears necessary.

Dittmar, J. H.↗

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/LARC 160 polyimide structural elements

The development and demonstration of manufacturing technologies for the structural application of Celion graphite/LARC-160 polyimide composite material is discussed. Process development and fabrication of demonstration components are discussed. Process development included establishing quality assurance of the basic composite material and processing, nondestructive inspection of fabricated components, developing processes for specific structural forms, and qualification of processes through mechanical testing. Demonstration components were fabricated. The demonstration components consisted of flat laminates, skin/stringer panels, honeycomb panels, chopped fiber compression moldings, and a technology demonstrator segment (TDS) representative of the space shuttle aft body flap.

Frost, R. K.↗

Solid rocket booster water impact test

Water impact drop tests were performed on the space shuttle solid rocket boosters (SRB). Peak water impact pressures and pressure/time traces were measured for various impact velocities using a two-dimensional, full-scale SRB aft skirt internal ring model. Passive burst disc-type pressure transducers were calibrated for use on flight SRB's. The effects on impact pressure of small ring configuration changes and application of thermal protection system cork layers were found to be negligible.

Bugg, F.↗

Solar drum positioner mechanisms

The need for additional power on spinning satellites required development of deployable solar arrays activated, as on a 3-axis vehicle, after separation from a booster or shuttle orbiter. Mechanisms were developed for telescopically extending a secondary 36.3 kg (80 lb.), 2.13 m (84 in.) diameter spinning solar drum for a distance of 2.0 m (80 in.) or more along the spin axis. After extension, the system has the capability of dynamically controlling the drum tilt angle about the spin axis to provide precision in-orbit balancing of the spacecraft. This approach was selected for the SBS, ANIK C, ANIK D, WESTAR B and PALAPA B satellites. It was successfully demonstrated during the in orbit deployment of the aft solar panels of the SBS F-3 and F-1 satellites, subsequent to the November 1980 and September 1981 launches.

Briggs, L. W.↗

Develop, demonstrate, and verify large area composite structural bonding with polyimide adhesives

The technology required to produce graphite-polyimide structural components with operational capability at 598 K (600 F) is considered. A series of polyimide adhesives was screened for mechanical and physical properties and processibility in fabricating large midplane bonded panels and honeycomb sandwich panels in an effort to fabricate a structural test component of the space shuttle aft body flap. From 41 formulations, LaRC-13, FM34B-18, and a modified LaRC-13 adhesive were selected for further evaluation. The LaRC-13 adhesive was rated as the best of the three adhesives in terms of availability, cost, processibility, properties, and ability to produce void fee large area (12" x 12") midplane bonds. Surface treatments and primers for the adhesives were evaluated and processes were developed for the fabrication of honeycomb sandwich panels of very good quality which was evidenced by rupture in the honeycomb core rather than in the facesheet bands on flatwise tensile strength testing. The fabrication of the adhesively bonded honeycomb sandwich cover panels, ribs, and leading edge covers of Celion graphite/LARC-160 polyimide laminates is described.

Bhombal, B. D.↗

Satellite services system analysis study. Volume 4: Service equipment concepts

Payload deployment equipment is discussed, including payload separation, retention structures, the remote manipulator system, tilt tables, the payload installation and deployment aid, the handling and positioning aid, and spin tables. Close proximity retrieval, and on-orbit servicing equipment is discussed. Backup and contingency equipment is also discussed. Delivery and retrieval of high-energy payloads are considered. Earth return equipment, the aft flight deck, optional, and advanced equipment are also discussed.

Source record↗

STS-3 main parachute failure

A failure analysis of the parachute on the Space Transportation System 3 flight's solid rocket booster's is presented. During the reentry phase of the two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), one 115 ft diameter main parachute failed on the right hand SRB (A12). This parachute failure caused the SRB to impact the Ocean at 110 ft/sec in lieu of the expected 3 parachute impact velocity of 88 ft/sec. This higher impact velocity relates directly to more SRB aft skirt and more motor case damage. The cause of the parachute failure, the potential risks of losing an SRB as a result of this failure, and recommendations to ensure that the probability of chute failures of this type in the future will be low are discussed.

Runkle, R.↗

Integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. Initial ACT configuration design study

The initial ACT configuration design task of the integrated application of active controls (IAAC) technology project within the Energy Efficient Transport Program is summarized. A constrained application of active controls technology (ACT) resulted in significant improvements over a conventional baseline configuration previously established. The configuration uses the same levels of technology, takeoff gross weight, payload, and design requirements/objectives as the baseline, except for flying qualities, flutter, and ACT. The baseline wing is moved forward 1.68 m. The configuration incorporates pitch-augmented stability (which enabled an approximately 10% aft shift in cruise center of gravity and a 45% reduction in horizontal tail size), lateral/directional-augmented stability, an angle of attack limiter, wing load alleviation, and flutter mode control. This resulted in a 930 kg reduction in airplane operating empty weight and a 3.6% improvement in cruise efficiency, yielding a 13% range increase. Adjusted to the 3590 km baseline mission range, this amounts to 6% block fuel reduction and a 15.7% higher incremental return on investment, using 1978 dollars and fuel cost.

Source record↗

Integrative application of active controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project. Initial act configuration design study

The performance and economic benefits of a constrained application of Active Controls Technology (ACT) are identified, and the approach to airplane design is established for subsequent steps leading to the development of a less constrained final ACT configuration. The active controls configurations are measured against a conventional baseline configuration, a state-of-the-art transport, to determine whether the performance and economic changes resulting from ACT merit proceeding with the project. The technology established by the conventional baseline configuration was held constant except for the addition of ACT. The wing, with the same planform, was moved forward on the initial ACT configuration to move the loading range aft relative to the wing mean aerodynamic chord. Wing trailing-edge surfaces and surface controls also were reconfigured for load alleviation and structural stabilization.

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The CZCS geolocation algorithms

The Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) on board the Nimbus 7 satellite was designed to measure surface radiance upwelled from the ocean in 6 spectral bands. The CZCS spectrometer obtains its information from a rotating mirror and is timed to collect data when the mirror views the Earth surface between ca. 40 degrees to the left and right of the subsatellite track. Each scan is divided into 1968 picture elements, pixels, of 0.04 degrees scan each. In order to avoid direct reflected Sun glint, the rotating mirror shaft can be tilted so that scans across the subsatellite track up to 20 degrees forward or aft of the point directed beneath the satellite. The CZCS is the first satellite borne instrument to have this tilted scan capability and therefore poses some new problems in locating the Earth surface position of viewed pixels.

Wilson, W. H.↗

Space Shuttle entry aerodynamic comparisons of flight 1 with preflight predictions

Results of comparisons of predictions of aerodynamic performance, longitudinal trim, and reaction control jet interaction with data from the initial Shuttle flight are presented. The Shuttle's control surfaces are described, and it is noted that the flight plan contained no provisions for maneuvering capability tests. Wind tunnel testing totaling 35,000 hr were used to replace graduated flight testing, and calculations were made to allow for nonsimulated structural deformation, flowfield parameters, and profile drag. The goal was to desensitize the flight control system with respect to the aerodynamics by adding variations to the predictions. Lift/drag agreed well above Mach 1, while lower drag was encountered below Mach 1. Trim characteristics were predicted accurately between Mach 2-10, and less than satisfactorily outside that range. Discrepancies were also observed for jet interaction effects for the aft yaw jets at Mach numbers greater than 10.

Young, J. C.↗

Comparison of wind tunnel and theoretical aeroelastic predictions with flight measured airloads for the B-1 aircraft

An aeroelastic analysis of the B-1 aircraft was generated using the FLEXSTAB computer program. Relatively simple aerodynamic and structural models were employed. Theoretical wing and horizontal stabilizer airloads were compared to wind tunnel predictions and flight data measured during quasi-steady pitch maneuvers at Mach numbers of 0.85 and 1.2 with the wing in the 67.5 degree full aft sweep position. The basic objective was to evaluate the usefulness of the FLEXSTAB program for pre-flight airloads analysis of large flexible aircraft. Significant aeroelastic increments were noted between rigid and flexible vehicle results. FLEXSTAB predicted airloads for the outer wing panel were in good agreement with measured data for both rigid airloads and elastic increments. FLEXSTAB results for the horizontal stabilizer were useful for defining general aeroelastic trends, but absolute load levels were not well predicted due to theoretical limitations and difficulties encountered in modelling the complex B-1 configuration. Overall, the FLEXSTAB program is viewed as a useful integrated tool for static aeroelastic analysis in support of flight programs.

Sims, R. L.↗

Thrust reversing effects on twin-engine aircraft having nonaxisymmetric nozzles

The effects of thrust reversing on stability, control and vertical tail loads of advanced fighter aircraft are reviewed. Several static test stand and wind tunnel investigations of nonaxisymmetric nozzles with integral thrust reversers are presented, and it is found that base drag on the aft face of reverser panels of blockers provides a significant contribution to in-flight thrust reverser performance. The location of tail surfaces relative to the thrust reverser has significant impact on control surface effectiveness, and depending on thrust reverser location, large vertical tail side force can result from the use of in-flight thrust reversers. It is concluded that highly effective nonaxisymmetric nozzle reversers can be designed to achieve a 50% static reverse thrust.

Capone, F. J.↗