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At least 1,099 records · Page 61

Summary and analysis of performance and stability characteristics of the refan JT8D-109 engine

The refan JT8D-109 performance and stability characteristics are reported as determined from sea level testing, altitude testing, and DC-9 flight testing. The test results are summarized as follows: (1) TSFC at SLS achieved design goal of 12.66 percent reduction. (2) TSFC at altitude average cruise power 0.5 percent higher than design goal, (3) TSFC at altitude maximum cruise power 1.7-3.7 percent higher than design goal, (4) ground starting consistent with JT8D-9 base engine, (5) successful flight starts without starter assist, (6) transient surge margin equivalent to JT8D-9, (7) stable engine operation with inlet distortion, and (8) stable engine operation during snap acceleration and deceleration. A flight idle setting is required for acceptable aborted-landing go-around acceleration time due to increase in low-rotor moment of inertia, and a performance improvement program should be conducted as part of any future certification program.

Sanberg, K. G.↗

Engineering flight evaluation report

The primary objective was to determine if the two-segment profile equipment, and operational procedures as defined by the B-727 Simulation Evaluation are operationally sound under all flight conditions expected to be encountered in line service. The evaluation was divided into the following areas: (1) to verify that the two-segment system operates as it was designed; (2) to conduct sufficient tests to secure a supplemental type certificate for line operation of the system; (3) to evaluate the normal operation of the equipment and procedures; (4) to evaluate the need for an autothrottle system for two-segment approaches; (5) to investigate abnormal operation of the equipment and procedures, including abused approaches and malfunctions of airborne and ground components; (6) to determine the accuracy and ease of flying the two-segment approach; (7) to determine the improvement in ground noise levels; and (8) to develop a guest pilot flight test syllabus.

Morrison, J. A.↗

United States manned spacecraft reliability experience

Attention is given to the reliability controls in manned spacecraft programs, taking into account the project Mercury, the Gemini program, the Apollo program, the Skylab program, and the Apollo-Soyuz test project. Reliability controls used in these programs are related to reliability management, parts and materials control, failure mode and effects analysis, reliability quantitative analysis, problem reporting and corrective action control, test control, limited-life control, and milestone reviews. A summary is presented of the major reliability tasks and innovations being used on the Space Shuttle program. Examples of these innovations include improved management techniques and an early identification of specific certification tests.

Kleinknecht, K. S.↗

Measurements and analysis of aircraft airframe noise

Flyover measurements of the airframe noise of AeroCommander, JetStar, CV-990, and B-747 aircraft are presented. Data are shown for both cruise and landing configurations. Correlations between airframe noise and aircraft parameters are developed and presented. The landing approach airframe noise for the test aircraft was approximately 10 EPNdB below present FAA certification requirements.

Putnam, T. W.↗

Factors affecting the noise from small propeller driven aircraft

The factors affecting noise from small propeller driven airplanes are reviewed to quantify their affects where possible, and to indicate the potential for noise reduction. The main sources of external noise are noted to be the propellers and engines; the airframe being of less importance for both aural detection and community annoyance. Propeller noise is a strong function of tip speed and is affected adversely by nonuniform inflows. Reciprocating engine exhausts are noisier than those of comparably rated turboshaft engines, but their noise can be reduced by the use of flight certified exhaust mufflers. Presently, there are no generally accepted engineering methods for development of optimized propellers and exhaust muffler designs from weight and performance penalty standpoints. Flight demonstration results, however, suggest that required noise reductions for future certification should be possible with potentially small penalties.

Maglieri, D. J.↗

Analysis and correction of ground reflection effects in measured narrowband sound spectra using cepstral techniques

Ground reflections generate undesirable effects on acoustic measurements such as those conducted outdoors for jet noise research, aircraft certification, and motor vehicle regulation. Cepstral techniques developed in speech processing are adapted to identify echo delay time and to correct for ground reflection effects. A sample result is presented using an actual narrowband sound pressure level spectrum. The technique can readily be adapted to existing fast Fourier transform type spectrum measurement instrumentation to provide field measurements/of echo time delays.

Miles, J. H.↗

Some effects of the atmosphere and microphone placement on aircraft flyover noise measurements

The effects of varying atmospheric conditions on certification-type noise measurements were studied. Tests were made under various atmospheric conditions at two test sites, Fresno, California, and Yuma, Arizona, using the same test aircraft, noise, and weather measuring equipment, and operating personnel. Measurements were made to determine the effects of the atmosphere and of microphone placement on aircraft flyover noise. The measurements were obtained for characterization of not only the acoustic signature of the test aircraft, but also specific atmospheric characteristics. Data are presented in the form of charts and tables which indicate that for a wide range of weather conditions, at both site locations, noise data were repeatable for similar aircraft operating conditions. The placement of microphones at ground level and at 1.2 m over both spaded sand and concrete illustrate the effects of ground reflections and surface impedance on the noise measurements.

Hosier, R. N.↗

Program for refan JT8D engine design, fabrication and test, phase 2

The objective of the JT8D refan program was to design, fabricate, and test certifiable modifications of the JT8D engine which would reduce noise generated by JT8D powered aircraft. This was to be accomplished without affecting reliability and maintainability, at minimum retrofit cost, and with no performance penalty. The mechanical design, engine performance and stability characteristics at sea-level and altitude, and the engine noise characteristics of the test engines are documented. Results confirmed the structural integrity of the JT8D-109. Engine operation was stable throughout the airplane flight envelope. Fuel consumption of the test engines was higher than that required to meet the goal of no airplane performance penalty, but the causes were identified and corrected during a normal pre-certification engine development program. Compared to the baseline JT8D-109 engine, the acoustically treated JT8D-109 engine showed noise reductions of 6 PNdB at takeoff and 11 PNdB at a typical approach power setting.

Glass, J. A.↗

Apollo-Soyuz test project photographic film processing and sensitometric summary

The Photographic Technology Division at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center processed original photographic films exposed in flight during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). Integrated with processing of the original films were strict sensitometric controls and certification procedures established prior to the flight. Information relative to the processing of the 54 rolls of original ASTP flight film and sensitometric data pertinent to each of these rolls of film is presented.

Lockwood, H. E.↗

Noise measurements for a twin-engine commercial jet aircraft during 3 deg approaches and level flyovers

Noise measurements have been made with a twin-engine commercial jet aircraft making 3 deg approaches and level flyovers. The flight-test data showed that, in the standard 3 deg approach configuration with 40 deg flaps, effective perceived noise level (EPNL) had a value of 109.5 effective perceived noise decibels (EPNdB). This result was in agreement with unpublished data obtained with the same type of aircraft during noise certification tests; the 3 deg approaches made with 30 deg flaps and slightly reduced thrust reduced the EPNL value by 1 EPNdB. Extended center-line noise determined during the 3 deg approaches with 40 deg flaps showed that the maximum reference A-weighted sound pressure level (LA,max)ref varied from 100.0 A-weighted decibels 2.01 km (108 n. mi.) from the threshold to 87.4 db(A) at 6.12 km (3.30 n. mi.) from the threshold. These test values were about 3 db(A) higher than estimates used for comparison. The test data along the extended center line during approaches with 30 deg flaps were 1 db(A) lower than those for approaches with 40 deg flaps. Flight-test data correlating (LA,max)ref with thrust at altitudes of 122 m (400 ft) and 610 m (2000 ft) were in agreement with reference data used for comparison.

Hastings, E. C., Jr.↗

Advanced control technology and airworthiness flying qualities requirements

Flying quality requirements are specified in terms of the complete pilot-airframe-systems loop, the task, and the environment. Results from a study of flying qualities are reported. A review of the treatment of failure cases in various flying quality requirements is presented along with a description of the methods used and relevant lessons learned from recent Autoland certification programs.

Snyder, C. T.↗

Active control technology and the use of multiple control surfaces

Needed criteria for active control technology applications in commercial transports are lacking. Criteria for redundancy requirements, believed to be consistent with certification philosophy, are postulated to afford a discussion of the relative value of multiple control surfaces. The control power and frequency bandpass requirements of various active control technology applications are shown to be such that multiple control surfaces offer advantages in minimizing the hydraulic or auxiliary power for the control surface actuators.

Hart, J. E.↗

Testing the Shuttle heat-protection armor

The article deals with the thermal protection system (TPS) designed to keep Space Shuttle structures at 350 F ratings over a wide range of temperatures encountered in orbit, but also during prelaunch, launch, deorbit and re-entry, landing and turnaround. The structure, function, fabrication, and bonding of various types of reusable surface insulation and composite materials are described. Test programs are developed for insulation, seals, and adhesion bonds; leak tests and acoustic fatigue tests are mentioned. Test facilities include arc jets, radiant heaters, furnaces, and heated tunnels. The certification tests to demonstrate TPS reusability, structural integrity, thermal performance, and endurance will include full-scale assembly tests and initial orbital flight tests.

Strouhal, G.↗

Analysis and correction of ground reflection effects in measured narrowband sound spectra using cepstral techniques

Ground reflections generate undesirable effects on acoustic measurements such as those conducted outdoors for jet noise research, aircraft certification, and motor vehicle regulation. This paper shows how cepstral techniques developed in speech processing can be adapted to identify the echo delay time and to correct for ground reflection effects. A sample result is presented using an actual narrowband sound pressure level spectrum. The technique can readily be adapted to existing fast Fourier transform type spectrum measurement instrumentation to provide field measurement of echo time delays.

Miles, J. H.↗

Advanced composite rudders for DC-10 aircraft: Design, manufacturing, and ground tests

Design synthesis, tooling and process development, manufacturing, and ground testing of a graphite epoxy rudder for the DC-10 commercial transport are discussed. The composite structure was fabricated using a unique processing method in which the thermal expansion characteristics of rubber tooling mandrels were used to generate curing pressures during an oven cure cycle. The ground test program resulted in certification of the rudder for passenger-carrying flights. Results of the structural and environmental tests are interpreted and detailed development of the rubber tooling and manufacturing process is described. Processing, tooling, and manufacturing problems encountered during fabrication of four development rudders and ten flight-service rudders are discussed and the results of corrective actions are described. Non-recurring and recurring manufacturing labor man-hours are tabulated at the detailed operation level. A weight reduction of 13.58 kg (33 percent) was attained in the composite rudder.

Lehman, G. M.↗

Teledyne Continental Motors emissions data and analysis and flight test results

Five different engine models were tested covering combinations of all engine categories in current production in the range from 100 to 435 brake horsepower. Engines were divided into five major types: carbureted, fuel injected, direct drive, geared, and turbocharged. Emissions data were categorized by three separate fuel system schedules: baseline, case 1, and case 2. Baseline was defined as the average fuel flow rate established by the fuel system's production tolerance band when operated with the mixture control at the full-rich position. Case 1 was defined as the minimum allowable fuel flow rate established by the engine certification. Case 2 was defined as the fuel rate corresponding to the leanest fuel-air ratio obtainable before a safety limit occurred with the engine operating on a propeller test stand. Safety limits that developed during testing were cylinder-head overheating or inadequate acceleration from a given mode of operation.

Rezy, B. J.↗

Modeling and parameter uncertainties for aircraft flight control system design

Values of plant dynamic uncertainties for some recent aircraft design and development programs are given. Histories of pertinent aerodynamic, inertial, and structural parameter variations are given for a period of time from program initiation to aircraft certification. These data can be used as typical of future vehicles so that control system design concepts are evaluated with due consideration to their sensitivity to uncertainties in plant dynamics.

Mcdonnell, J. D.↗

Orbiter Thermal Protection System Development

The development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) is traced from concept definition, through technical development, to final design and qualification for manned flight. A sufficiently detailed description of the TPS design is presented to support an indepth discussion of the key issues encountered in conceptual design, materials development, and structural integration. Emphasis is placed on the unique combination of requirements which resulted in the use not only of revolutionary design concepts and materials, but also of unique design criteria, newly developed analysis, testing and manufacturing methods, and finally of an unconventional approach to system certification for operational flight. The conclusion is drawn that a significant advance in all areas of thermal protection system development has been achieved which results in a highly efficient, flexible, and cost-effective thermal protection system for the Orbiter of the Space Shuttle System.

Greenshields, D. H.↗