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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

The development and use of spoilers as vortex attenuators

Results are presented of groundbased and flight investigations performed to develop spoilers as trailing vortex alleviation devices. Based on the results obtained in these investigations, it was found that the induced rolling moment on a trailing model can be reduced by spoilers located near the midsemispan of a vortex generating wing. Substantial reductions in induced rolling moment occur when the spoiler vortex attenuator is located well forward on both unswept and swept wing models. In addition, it was found that existing flight spoilers on the jumbo-jet transport aircraft can be effective as trailing vortex attenuators.

Croom, D. R.↗

Considerations in the design of tip-coupled air-transport systems

It is shown that the lift-drag ratio of tip-coupled systems can be expressed as a simple multiple of the lift-drag ratio of the isolated units comprising the system. When operated for maximum lift-drag ratio, the extent of the coupled system is limited by maximum lift coefficient, high-altitude engine characteristics, and degraded performance of the isolated unit climbing to couple into the system. When operated at constant altitude, the gain from coupling is severely limited. If the cruise altitude is that for best performance of the isolated unit, the system lift-drag ratio can be no better than twice that of the isolated unit even when an infinite number of units are coupled. System performance may be further degraded since span-load distributions which yield good performance for the individual units reduce the efficiency of the coupled system. Coupling a pair of modern transport aircraft results in only about half the expected gain because of a poor span-distribution across the coupled pair. The control deflections required to maintain roll and pitch equilibrium further degrade the possible gain.

Heyson, H. H.↗

Flight evaluation of the transonic stability and control characteristics of an airplane incorporating a supercritical wing

A TF-8A airplane was equipped with a transport type supercritical wing and fuselage fairings to evaluate predicted performance improvements for cruise at transonic speeds. A comparison of aerodynamic derivatives extracted from flight and wind tunnel data showed that static longitudinal stability, effective dihedral, and aileron effectiveness, were higher than predicted. The static directional stability derivative was slower than predicted. The airplane's handling qualities were acceptable with the stability augmentation system on. The unaugmented airplane exhibited some adverse lateral directional characteristics that involved low Dutch roll damping and low roll control power at high angles of attack and roll control power that was greater than satisfactory for transport aircraft at cruise conditions. Longitudinally, the aircraft exhibited a mild pitchup tendency. Leading edge vortex generators delayed the onset of flow separation, moving the pitchup point to a higher lift coefficient and reducing its severity.

Matheny, N. W.↗

Acoustic design of the QCSEE propulsion systems

Acoustic design features and techniques employed in the Quiet Clean Short-Haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) Program are described. The role of jet/flap noise in selecting the engine fan pressure ratio for powered lift propulsion systems is discussed. The QCSEE acoustic design features include a hybrid inlet (near-sonic throat velocity with acoustic treatment); low fan and core pressure ratios; low fan tip speeds; gear-driven fans; high and low frequency stacked core noise treatment; multiple-thickness treatment; bulk absorber treatment; and treatment on the stator vanes. The QCSEE designs represent and anticipated acoustic technology improvement of 12 to 16 PNdb relative to the noise levels of the low-noise engines used on current wide-body commercial jet transport aircraft.

Loeffler, I. J.↗

Numerical calculation of transonic flow past a swept wing by a finite volume method

The utility of numerical methods for predicting transonic flows over wings and bodies is well established. The computer program FLO22, based on a method presented earlier, has actually been widely used to calculate the aerodynamic performance of wings of transport aircraft. Provided that a correction is made for the displacement effect of the viscous boundary layer, this code has been found to give predictions which are accurate enough to serve as a useful design guide. The main disadvantages of the scheme used in FLO22 are the use of nonconservative difference formulas, which result in a failure to satisfy conservation of mass across shock waves, and the difficulty of finding suitable transformations of coordinates to permit the treatment of more complex geometric configurations. The method described here is an attempt to overcome these shortcomings, while retaining the successful features of the previous method. The basic idea is to use a discrete approximation which directly represents a balance of the mass flow through small volume elements. This leads to a relatively simple treatment of the potential flow equation in conservation form.

Jameson, A.↗

Design approaches to more energy efficient engines

The status of NASA's Energy Efficient Engine Project, a comparative government-industry effort aimed at advancing the technology base for the next generation of large turbofan engines for civil aircraft transports is summarized. Results of recently completed studies are reviewed. These studies involved selection of engine cycles and configurations that offer potential for at least 12% lower fuel consumption than current engines and also are economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. Emphasis is on the advancements required in component technologies and systems design concepts to permit future development of these more energy efficient engines.

Saunders, N. T.↗

CTOL Transport Technology, 1978

Technology generated by NASA and specifically associated with advanced conventional takeoff and landing transport aircraft is reported. Topics covered include: aircraft propulsion; structures and materials; and laminar flow control.

Source record↗

ACEE Propulsion Overview

Technology for fuel-efficient subsonic CTOL transport aircraft is discussed. The engine component improvement project, the energy efficient engine project, and the advanced turboprop project are included. The overall goals and objectives of each project are reviewed and the approach and schedule for accomplishing these project goals and objectives are given.

Nored, D. L.↗

Energy efficient engine preliminary design and integration studies

The characteristics and systems benefits of an energy efficient engine (E3) suitable for use on advanced subsonic transport aircraft were determined. Relative to a current CF6-50C engine, the following benefits were estimated: 14.4% reduction in installed cruise specific fuel consumption, and a reduction in direct operating cost of more than 5%. The advanced technology E3 system would also permit: compliance with FAR 36 (1977) noise limits, and compliance with 1981 EPA emission standards.

Johnston, R. P.↗

Development of advanced composite structures

Composite structure programs: the L-1011 Advanced Composite Vertical Fin (ACVF), the L-1011 Advanced Composite Aileron, and a wing study program were reviewed. These programs were structured to provide the technology and confidence for the use of advanced composite materials for primary and secondary structures of future transport aircraft. The current status of the programs is discussed. The results of coupon tests for both material systems are presented as well as the ACVF environmental (moisture and temperature) requirements. The effect of moisture and temperature on the mechanical properties of advanced composite materials is shown. The requirements set forth in the FAA Certification Guidelines for Civil Composite Aircraft Structures are discussed as they relate to the ACVF.

Stauffer, W. A.↗

Laminar flow control overview

Application of laminar flow control technology to future CTOL long range transport aircraft was considered. Topics covered include: (1) airfoil development and test; (2) development and improvement of design methods; (3) evaluation of leading edge contamination; and (4) laminar flow control system definition and concept evaluation.

Muraca, R. J.↗

Project plan for joint FAA/NASA head-up display concept evaluation

Head-Up Display (HUD) concept for large commercial turbojet transport aircraft is considered for the its contribution to aviation safety in the form of improved performance during the approach and landing phase flight. The basic reearch areas represent fundamental questions that are still unresolved and which were considered important to the effective use of the HUD by pilots. Project documentation and management responsibilities are outlined.

Haines, R. F.↗

Technology transfer and other public policy implications of multi-national arrangements for the production of commercial airframes

A study to examine the question of technology transfer through international arrangements for production of commercial transport aircraft is presented. The likelihood of such transfer under various representative conditions was determined and an understanding of the economic motivations for, effects of, joint venture arrangements was developed. Relevant public policy implications were also assessed. Multinational consortia with U.S. participation were focused upon because they generate the full range of pertinent public issues (including especially technology transfer), and also because of recognized trends toward such arrangements. An extensive search and analysis of existing literature to identify the key issues, and in-person interviews with executives of U.S. and European commercial airframe producers was reviewed. Distinctions were drawn among product-embodied, process, and management technologies in terms of their relative possibilities of transfer and the significance of such transfer. Also included are observations on related issues such as the implications of U.S. antitrust policy with respect to the formation of consortia and the competitive viability of the U.S. aircraft manufacturing industry.

Gellman, A. J.↗

CTOL Transport Technology, 1978

Technology associated with advanced conventional takeoff and landing transport aircraft is discussed. Topics covered include: advanced aerodynamics and active controls; operations and safety; and advanced systems. Emphasis is placed on increased energy efficiency.

Source record↗

Advanced aerodynamics and active controls technology

The results, status, and plans of NASA sponsored advanced aerodynamics and active controls technology activities are reported. Development of subsonic, energy efficient transport aircraft technologies is emphasized.

Alford, W. J., Jr.↗

Energy efficient engine: Preliminary design and integration studies

Parametric design and mission evaluations of advanced turbofan configurations were conducted for future transport aircraft application. Economics, environmental suitability and fuel efficiency were investigated and compared with goals set by NASA. Of the candidate engines which included mixed- and separate-flow, direct-drive and geared configurations, an advanced mixed-flow direct-drive configuration was selected for further design and evaluation. All goals were judged to have been met except the acoustic goal. Also conducted was a performance risk analysis and a preliminary aerodynamic design of the 10 stage 23:1 pressure ratio compressor used in the study engines.

Johnston, R. P.↗

Material development for laminar flow control wing panels

The absence of suitable porous materials or techniques for the economic perforation of surface materials has previously restricted the design of laminar flow control (LFC) wing panels to a consideration of mechanically slotted LFC surfaces. A description is presented of a program which has been conducted to exploit recent advances in materials and manufacturing technology for the fabrication of reliable porous or perforated LFC surface panels compatible with the requirements of subsonic transport aircraft. Attention is given to LFC design criteria, surface materials, surface concepts, the use of microporous composites, perforated composites, and perforated metal. The described program was successful in that fabrication processes were developed for producing predictable perforated panels both of composite and of metal.

Meade, L. E.↗

Technological change and productivity growth in the air transport industry

The progress of the civil air transport industry in the United States was examined in the light of a proposal of Enos who, after examining the growth of the petroleum industry, divided that phenomenon into two phases, the alpha and the beta; that is, the invention, first development and production, and the improvement phase. The civil air transport industry developed along similar lines with the technological progress coming in waves; each wave encompassing several new technological advances while retaining the best of the old ones. At the same time the productivity of the transport aircraft as expressed by the product of the aircraft velocity and the passenger capacity increased sufficiently to allow the direct operating cost in cents per passenger mile to continually decrease with each successive aircraft development.

Rosenberg, N.↗