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At least 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

An airfoil for general aviation applications

A new airfoil, the NLF(1)-0115, has been recently designed at the NASA Langley Research Center for use in general-aviation applications. During the development of this airfoil, special emphasis was placed on experiences and observations gleaned from other successful general-aviation airfoils. For example, the flight lift-coefficient range is the same as that of the turbulent-flow NACA 23015 airfoil. Also, although beneficial for reducing drag and having large amounts of lift, the NLF(1)-0115 avoids the use of aft loading which can lead to large stick forces if utilized on portions of the wing having ailerons. Furthermore, not using aft loading eliminates the concern that the high pitching-moment coefficient generated by such airfoils can result in large trim drags if cruise flaps are not employed. The NASA NLF(1)-0115 has a thickness of 15 percent. It is designed primarily for general-aviation aircraft with wing loadings of 718 to 958 N/sq m (15 to 20 lb/sq ft). Low profile drag as a result of laminar flow is obtained over the range from c sub l = 0.1 and R = 9x10(exp 6) (the cruise condition) to c sub l = 0.6 and R = 4 x 10(exp 6) (the climb condition). While this airfoil can be used with flaps, it is designed to achieve c(sub l, max) = 1.5 at R = 2.6 x 10(exp 6) without flaps. The zero-lift pitching moment is held at c sub m sub o = 0.055. The hinge moment for a .20c aileron is fixed at a value equal to that of the NACA 63 sub 2-215 airfoil, c sub h = 0.00216. The loss in c (sub l, max) due to leading edge roughness, rain, or insects at R = 2.6 x 10 (exp 6) is 11 percent as compared with 14 percent for the NACA 23015.

Selig, Michael S.↗
NASA NTRS1959

Maximum Mean Lift Coefficient Characteristics at Low Tip Mach Numbers of a Hovering Helicopter Rotor Having an NACA 64(1)A012 Airfoil Section

An investigation has been conducted on the Langley helicopter test tower to determine experimentally the maximum mean lift-coefficient characteristics at low tip Mach number and a limited amount of drag- divergence data at high tip Mach number of a helicopter rotor having an NACA 64(1)AO12 airfoil section and 8 deg of linear washout. Data are presented for blade tip Mach numbers M(t) of 0.29 to 0.74 with corresponding values 6 6 of tip Reynolds number of 2.59 x 10(exp 6) and 6.58 x 10(exp 6). Comparisons are made between the data from the present rotor with results previously obtained from two other rotors: one having NACA 0012 airfoil sections and the other having an NACA 0009 airfoil tip section. At low tip Mach numbers, the maximum mean lift coefficient for the blade having the NACA 64(1)AO12 section was about 0.08 less than that obtained with the blade having the NACA 0009 tip section and 0.21 less than the value obtained with the blade having the NACA 0012 tip section. Blade maximum mean lift coefficient values were not obtained for Mach number values greater than 0.47 because of a blade failure encountered during the tests. The effective mean lift-curve slope required for predicting rotor thrust varied from 5.8 for the tip Mach nuniber range of 0.29 to 0.55 to a value of 6.65 for a tip Mach number of 0.71. The blade pitching-moment coefficients were small and relatively unaffected by changes in thrust coefficient and Mach number. In the instances in which stall was reached, the break in the blade pitching-moment curve was in a stable direction. The efficiency of the rotor decreased with an increase in tip speed. Expressed as figure of merit, at a tip Mach number of 0.29 the maximum value was about 0.74. Similar measurements made on another rotor having an NACA 0012 airfoil and with a rotor having an NACA 0009 tip section, showed a value of 0.75. Synthesized section lift and profile-drag characteristics for the rotor-blade airfoil section are presented as an aid in predicting the high-tip-speed performance of rotors having similar airfoils.

Powell, Robert D., Jr.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Exploring the Accuracy of RANS Simulations for Mars Entry Vehicles

Accurate yet inexpensive predictions of aerodynamic coefficients for Mars entry vehicles have remained a consistent challenge over the past five decades. Below Mach 6, drag on the backshell becomes significant and must be accurately predicted. Steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models are commonly used, despite their poor predictions of backshell pressure. While scale-resolving simulations have shown promise in the past decade, there is still a need for cheap, accurate RANS predictions for large aerodynamic databases. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is used as a case study to examine predictive accuracy and known shortcomings for RANS predictions of Mars entry vehicles. Several different grid generation techniques are compared, including a comparison between prismatic boundary layer grids and fully unstructured, tetrahedral grids. Comparisons are made to experimental data for Mach 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5. The accuracy of predicted aerodynamic coefficients is examined. Overpredictions in axial force and drag are explained by a closer examination of the surface pressure. These findings document sensitivities and best practices for future RANS database development of Mars entry vehicles.

RANS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Exploring the Accuracy of RANS Simulations for Mars Entry Vehicles

Accurate yet inexpensive predictions of aerodynamic coefficients for Mars entry vehicles have remained a consistent challenge over the past five decades. Below Mach 6, drag on the backshell becomes significant and must be accurately predicted. Steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) models are commonly used, despite their poor predictions of backshell pressure. While scale-resolving simulations have shown promise in the past decade, there is still a need for cheap, accurate RANS predictions for large aerodynamic databases. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is used as a case study to examine predictive accuracy and known shortcomings for RANS predictions of Mars entry vehicles. Several different grid generation techniques are compared, including a comparison between prismatic boundary layer grids and fully unstructured, tetrahedral grids. Comparisons are made to experimental data for Mach 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5. The accuracy of predicted aerodynamic coefficients is examined. Overpredictions in axial force and drag are explained by a closer examination of the surface pressure. These findings document sensitivities and best practices for future RANS database development of Mars entry vehicles.

CFD↗
NASA NTRS2016

Real-Time Adaptive Least-Squares Drag Minimization for Performance Adaptive Aeroelastic Wing

This paper contains a simulation study of a real-time adaptive least-squares drag minimization algorithm for an aeroelastic model of a flexible wing aircraft. The aircraft model is based on the NASA Generic Transport Model (GTM). The wing structures incorporate a novel aerodynamic control surface known as the Variable Camber Continuous Trailing Edge Flap (VCCTEF). The drag minimization algorithm uses the Newton-Raphson method to find the optimal VCCTEF deflections for minimum drag in the context of an altitude-hold flight control mode at cruise conditions. The aerodynamic coefficient parameters used in this optimization method are identified in real-time using Recursive Least Squares (RLS). The results demonstrate the potential of the VCCTEF to improve aerodynamic efficiency for drag minimization for transport aircraft.

Aeroservoelasticity↗
NASA NTRS1978

A critical evaluation of the predictions of the NASA-Lockheed multielement airfoil computer program

Theoretical predictions of several versions of the multielement airfoil computer program are evaluated. The computed results are compared with experimental high lift data of general aviation airfoils with a single trailing edge flap, and of airfoils with a leading edge flap and double slotted trailing edge flaps. Theoretical and experimental data include lift, pitching moment, profile drag and surface pressure distributions, boundary layer integral parameters, skin friction coefficients, and velocity profiles.

Brune, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Family of airfoil shapes for rotating blades

An airfoil which has particular application to the blade or blades of rotor aircraft such as helicopters and aircraft propellers is described. The airfoil thickness distribution and camber are shaped to maintain a near zero pitching moment coefficient over a wide range of lift coefficients and provide a zero pitching moment coefficient at section Mach numbers near 0.80 and to increase the drag divergence Mach number resulting in superior aircraft performance.

Noonan, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Experimental and predicted aerodynamic characteristics of a proposed Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV) lifting-body configuration at Mach 6 and 10

The effects of Mach number, Reynolds number, and ratio of specific heats on the aerodynamic characteristics of a proposed Assured Crew Return Vehicle (ACRV) lifting-body configuration were examined for a range of angles of attack from -5 deg to 50 deg. Predictions made with a Langley-developed, three-dimensional Navier Stokes solver known as LAURA, which was exercised as an Euler solver for the present study, are compared with the experimental results. Unlike the Shuttle Orbiter, which experienced a significant nose-up increment in pitching moment with decreasing specific heat ratio (i.e., real gas effects), the aerodynamic characteristics of this lifting-body configuration are insensitive to changes in specific heat ratio. The maximum trimmed lift-to-drag ratio achieved was about 1.5. Predicted inviscid values of aerodynamic coefficients were generally in good agreement with measurement.

Micol, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1946

Jet-boundary and Plan-form Corrections for Partial-Span Models with Reflection-Plane, End-Plate, or No End-Plate in a Closed Circular Wind Tunnel

A method is presented for determining the jet-boundary and plan-form corrections necessary for application to test data for a partial-span model with a reflection plane, an end plate, or no end plate in a closed circular wind tunnel. Examples are worked out for a partial-span model with each of the three end conditions in the Langley 19-foot pressure tunnel and the corrections are applied to measured values of lift, drag, pitching-moment, rolling-moment, and yawing-moment coefficients.

Sivells, James C↗
NASA NTRS1955

Optimum flight paths of turbojet aircraft

The climb of turbojet aircraft is analyzed and discussed including the accelerations. Three particular flight performances are examined: minimum time of climb, climb with minimum fuel consumption, and steepest climb. The theoretical results obtained from a previous study are put in a form that is suitable for application on the following simplifying assumptions: the Mach number is considered an independent variable instead of the velocity; the variations of the airplane mass due to fuel consumption are disregarded; the airplane polar is assumed to be parabolic; the path curvatures and the squares of the path angles are disregarded in the projection of the equation of motion on the normal to the path; lastly, an ideal turbojet with performance independent of the velocity is involved. The optimum Mach number for each flight condition is obtained from the solution of a sixth order equation in which the coefficients are functions of two fundamental parameters: the ratio of minimum drag in level flight to the thrust and the Mach number which represents the flight at constant altitude and maximum lift-drag ratio.

CLIMBING SPEEDS - EFFECT OF ALTITUDE↗
NASA NTRS2016

System Level Aerothermal Testing for the Adaptive Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT)

The Adaptive Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT), a mechanically deployable entry vehicle technology, has been under development at NASA since 2011. As part of the technical maturation of ADEPT, designs capable of delivering small payloads (10 kg) are being considered to rapidly mature sub 1 m deployed diameter designs. The unique capability of ADEPT for small payloads comes from its ability to stow within a slender volume and deploy to achieve a mass efficient drag surface with a high heat rate capability. The low ballistic coefficient results in entry heating and mechanical loads that can be met by a revolutionary three-dimensionally woven carbon fabric supported by a deployable skeleton structure. This carbon fabric has test proven capability as both primary structure and payload thermal protection system. In order to rapidly advance ADEPTs technical maturation, the project is developing test methods that enable thermostructural design requirement verification of ADEPT designs at the system level using ground test facilities. Results from these tests are also relevant to larger class missions and help us define areas of focused component level testing in order to mature material and thermal response design codes. The ability to ground test sub 1 m diameter ADEPT configurations at or near full-scale provides significant value to the rapid maturation of this class of deployable entry vehicles. This paper will summarize arc jet test results, highlight design challenges, provide a summary of lessons learned and discuss future test approaches based upon this methodology.

Hypersonic↗
NASA NTRS2014

ADEPT for Secondary Payloads

Deployable entry vehicles provide an enabling capability for large payloads at destinations across the solar system. The primary advantage of such systems derives from the fundamental limitation of available launch vehicle shroads preventing tried-and-true rigid aeroshell technology from being applied. However, little mission-pull exists for deployable entry vehicle technology for missions where the entry vehicle is the primary payload and can fit within available shrouds. The propensity toward applying rigid aeroshell technology is logical given that deployable concepts are higher risk and provide no marginal scientific benefit for missions where a rigid aeroshell is an option. A movement toward flying smaller spacecraft has emerged in recent years and is revealing novel applications for deployable entry vehicles as secondary payloads. Secondary payloads must minimize interference with the primary payload in order to ease accomodation. Advancements in small spacecraft technology have caught the attention of government entities who are now recognizing the high value proposition of small spacecraft for frequent, incremental technology development and science return rather than the traditional high cost and infrequent big-bang approaches. Worldwide, well over 200 small satellites (mass < 180 kg) have launched in recent years for such purposes as eduation, technology development, science, commerce, and defense. The Adaptable Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT), a mechanically-deployable entry vehicle technology, has been under development at NASA since 2011. An Ames Center Innovation Fund (CIF) proposal was recently awarded to study ADEPT for EDL of small payloads. The unique capability of ADEPT for small science payloads comes from its ability to stow within a slender volume and deploy passively to achieve a mass-efficient drag surface with a high heat rate capability. The low ballistic coefficient results in entry heating and mechanical loads that can be met by a revolutionary three-dimensionally woven carbon fabric supported with rib structures. This carbon fabric has test-proven capability as both primary structure and payload thermal protection. This presentation will inform the EDL community of the capability of ADEPT for delivery of small secondary payloads as well as provide status of on-going technology development activities. Results of a mission applications study for secondary payloads to Mars and Venus will be presented. A primary goal of these mission design activities is to integrate high-value verification approaches wherever possible. For example, for some mission applications it is possible to test in NASA arc jet facilities at full-scale. This enables endto- end thermostructural requirement verification with a single test. Another important challenge that needs to be solved is the reliability of the decelerator to achieve the desired shape using simple passive mechanical actuators (such as springs) that do not require power from the primary payload for deployment. A configuration of ADEPT is being prototyped and used to evaluate the functionality and reliability of the deployment mechanism through bench-top testing. The prototype will then be tested in a low speed wind tunnel in late 2014 to evaluate aerodynamic load-carrying capability and deflected shape. Results of the deployment testing and status of wind tunnel test plans will be discussed.

Smith, B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Aerodynamic Assessment of Surface-Normal Active Flow Control for Lift Enhancement on the High-Lift Common Research Model

This study explores aerodynamic feasibility of small surface-normal pneumatic jets (micro-jets) for lift enhancement on the high-lift Common Research Model. To date, lift enhancement studies using microjets have been conducted at wind tunnel Reynolds numbers less than three and half million. This paper computationally investigates microjet effects at a flight Reynolds number of24.6million. Prior to microjet activation, it is shown that flow features such as trailing edge (TE) flow separation on both inboard and outboard flaps have noticeable sensitivity to Reynolds number. At the flight Reynolds number, the onset of TE flow separation shifts downstream resulting in less flow separation compared to at the wind tunnel Reynolds numberof3.26million. The effects are insignificant for lift enhancement due to microjet on the inboard flap. However, the effects are significant for lift enhancement on the outboard flap. Microjets are shown to be more effective in circulation control on the outboard flap at the higher Reynolds number. For a microjet with velocity ratio of one, lift enhancement is increased by17%at the flight Reynolds number. This highlights the sensitivity of microjet performance to the flow features of the configuration it is implemented on. Microjet lift enhancement trends at both Reynolds numbers are found to be consistent in their ability to move the lift curve upwards in the linear regime, with the lift enhancement related to microjet momentum coefficient throughΔ𝐶𝐿=𝐾√︁𝐶𝜇. Analysis of the impact microjets have on drag shows that microjets improve the configuration’s Oswald efficiency by5.4%and2.5%at the wind tunnel and flight Reynolds numbers respectively, while providing lift enhancement. Microjet effects on the trim drag are found to be less than one percent of the total drag. The results of this study highlight the potential of small surface-normal pneumatic jets for improved performance at high-lift conditions.

ARMD↗
NASA NTRS1978

Comments on the drag-free control of a solar probe relativity mission

A spacecraft going within 4 solar radii of the Sun experiences an acceleration up to .00005 g from solar radiation pressure, and significant (though smaller) accelerations from the solar wind. To obtain satisfactory information about relativistic effects and the Sun's quadrupole mass coefficient, these non-gravitational accelerations are either measured or compensated out by making the spacecraft drag free. A proof mass inside the spacecraft structure is shielded from the external forces, so that it follows a nearly ideal gravitational orbit, and a control system activates gas jets (or other translational forcers) to make the vehicle follow the mass. The problems are mechanizing the control laws and minimizing extraneous effects such as the self gravitational pull of the spacecraft. The extraneous forces can be averaged in one plane by having a spinning vehicle.

Everitt, C. W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1939

The Calculated Effect of Various Hydrodynamic and Aerodynamic Factors on the Take-Off of a Large Flying Boat

Present designs for large flying boats are characterized by high wing loading, high aspect ratio, and low parasite drag. The high wing loading results in the universal use of flaps for reducing the takeoff and landing speeds. These factors have an effect on takeoff performance and influence to a certain extent the design of the hull. An investigation was made of the influence of various factors and design parameters on the takeoff performance of a hypothetical large flying boat by means of takeoff calculations. The parameters varied in the calculations were size of hull (load coefficient), wing setting, trim, deflection of flap, wing loading, aspect ratio, and parasite drag. The takeoff times and distances were calculated to the stalling speeds and the performance above these speeds was studied separately to determine piloting technique for optimum takeoff. The advantage of quick deflection of the flap at high water speeds is shown.

Olson, R.E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Hypersonic aerodynamic characteristics of a candidate entry research vehicle

Static longitudinal and lateral-directional aerodynamic characteristics of a candidate lifting entry research vehicle were measured at Mach numbers of 6 and 10 in air and at Mach 20 in helium. The effects of nose bluntness, body flap deflection, and elevon deflection were examined over a range of angle of attack. The vehicle demonstrated static longitudinal and lateral-directional stability at angles of attack from the maximum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D)max to high angles of attack. Sufficient control effectiveness existed to provide longitudinal trim from (L/D)max to high angles of attack. Aerodynamic coefficients predicted using the Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program were compared to measurement. Good agreement was obtained for lift-to-drag values.

Brauckmann, G. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Differential Drag Efficacy for Close Approach Remediation

Differential drag has become a viable alternative to propulsion for satellites to avoid collisions, but there is little guidance in the literature to aid mission designers in developing a differential drag capability that verifiably meets collision avoidance efficacy standards or requirements, if such requirements were to exist. This paper proposes a differential drag efficacy determination approach based on empirical conjunctions from the NASA Conjunction Assessment Risk Analysis historical database, focusing on energy dissipation rate and change in ballistic coefficient as the key satellite parameters correlated to efficacy. The data analysis informs the discussion toward adoption of recommended differential drag requirements. A case study is presented to walk through the process to determine efficacy of a proposed mission assuming several potential requirements.

conjunction remediation↗
NASA NTRS1938

The Effect of Surface Irregularities on Wing Drag: Roughness - 3

Tests have been made in the N.A.C.A. 8-foot high-speed wind tunnel of the drag caused by roughness on the surface of an airfoil of N.A.C.A. 23012 section and 5-foot chord. The tests were made at speeds from 80 t o 500 miles per hour at lift coefficients from 0 to 0.30. For conditions corresponding to high-speed flight, the increase in the drag was 30 percent of the profile drag of the smooth airfoil for the roughness produced by spray painting and 63 percent for the roughness produced. by 0.0037-inch carborundum grains. About one-half the drag increase was caused by the roughness on the forward one-fourth of the airfoil. Sandpapering the painted surface with No. 400 sandpaper made it sufficiently smooth that the drag was no greater than when the surface was polished. In the lower part of the range investigated the drag due to roughness increased rapidly with Reynolds Number.

Hood, Manley J.↗