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At least 1,441 records · Page 80

Quiet, Short-Haul Research Aircraft - Current status and future plans

The Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft (QSRA) is a new research aircraft which NASA will use as a flight-test facility for advanced flight experiments in terminal area operations. The data resulting from the QSRA flight research program will be used by the U.S. aircraft industry to establish design criteria and by regulatory agencies to establish certification criteria for advanced STOL aircraft. The total funding for the QSRA was established at $29 million in January 1974. Attention is given to an aircraft description, wind-tunnel results, simulation, predicted aircraft performance, initial airworthiness flight tests, design configuration studies, and training studies.

Cochrane, J. A.↗

Properties of aspect-ratio-4.0 rectangular jets in a subsonic crossflow

A series of wind-tunnel and laboratory tests were conducted at the NASA Langley V/STOL tunnel facility to determine both the detailed structure and the induced effects of aspect-ratio-4.0 rectangular jets both in a subsonic crosswind and in quiescent conditions. Wind-tunnel tests were conducted on both blunt (nozzle major axis normal to free stream) and streamwise (nozzle major axis parallel to free stream) nozzle orientations for jet injection angles ranging from 15 to 90 degrees at jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios of 4, 8, and 10. Results indicate that the blunt nozzle induced effects are more significant than those produced by comparable streamwise-oriented jets and that both the flow-field structure and induced effects of streamwise-oriented rectangular jets are quite similar to those created by round jets. Additionally, it is shown that significant differences exist in the vortex flow fields generated by the same rectangular nozzle mounted in two different test hardware configurations.

Thames, F. C.↗

Experimental investigation of wing fin configurations for alleviation of vortex wakes of aircraft

A variety of fin configurations were tested on a model of the Boeing B747 in 40 by 80 foot wind tunnels. The test results confirmed that a reduction in wake rolling moment was brought about by the vortex shed by the fins so that a wide range of designs can be used to achieve wake alleviation. It was also found that the reduction in wake-induced rolling moments was especially sensitive to the location of the smaller fins on the wing and that the penalties in lift and drag can probably be made negligible by proper fin design.

Rossow, V. J.↗

LSSA large area silicon sheet task continuous Czochralski process development

A Czochralski crystal growing furnace was converted to a continuous growth facility by installation of a premelter to provide molten silicon flow into the primary crucible. The basic furnace is operational and several trial crystals were grown in the batch mode. Numerous premelter configurations were tested both in laboratory-scale equipment as well as in the actual furnace. The best arrangement tested to date is a vertical, cylindrical graphite heater containing small fused silicon test tube liner in which the incoming silicon is melted and flows into the primary crucible. Economic modeling of the continuous Czochralski process indicates that for 10 cm diameter crystal, 100 kg furnace runs of four or five crystals each are near-optimal. Costs tend to asymptote at the 100 kg level so little additional cost improvement occurs at larger runs. For these conditions, crystal cost in equivalent wafer area of around $20/sq m exclusive of polysilicon and slicing was obtained.

Rea, S. N.↗

Experimental aerodynamic characteristics at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 2.70 of two supersonic cruise fighter configurations

Two 0.085-scale full span wind-tunnel models of a Mach 1.60 design supercruiser configuration were tested at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 2.70. One model incorporated a varying dihedral (swept-up) wing to obtain the desired lateral-directional characteristics; the other incorporated more conventional twin vertical tails. The data from the wind-tunnel tests are presented without analysis.

Dollyhigh, S. M.↗

Further developments in simple total energy sensors

A simple total energy probe concept using principles of laminar flow around a cylinder and pressure distribution is reviewed and flow fields around cylinders normal to and inclined to the flow are described. A variety of bent-up probe configurations were tested to explore variations in geometry. Test results are presented on the effects of sensor length, hole location, and angle of sweep. Comparisons are made with other probe tests reported in the literature. Damping restrictors and their use in filtering gusts are summarized. Flow field effects, indicating the variables involved for different mounting locations on aircraft, are discussed.

Nicks, O. W.↗

Thermal blanket metallic film groundstrap and second surface mirror vulnerability to arc discharges

Available data on the geosynchronous orbit energetic plasma environment were examined, and a crude model was generated to permit an estimation to be made of the number of arc discharges per year to which a thermal blanket groundstrap would be subjected. Laboratory experiments and a survey of the literature on arc discharge characteristics were performed to define typical and worst case arc discharge current waveforms. In-air tests of different groundstrap configurations to a standardized test pulse were performed and a wide variability of durability values were found. A groundstrap technique, not used thus far, was found to be far superior than the others.

Inouye, G. T.↗

Operating condition and geometry effects on low-frequency afterburner combustion instability in a turbofan at altitude

Three afterburner configurations were tested in a low-bypass-ratio turbofan engine to determine the effect of various fuel distributions, inlet conditions, flameholder geometry, and fuel injection location on combustion instability. Tests were conducted at simulated flight conditions of Mach 0.75 and 1.3 at altitudes from 11,580 to 14,020 m (38,000 to 46,000 ft). In these tests combustion instability with frequency from 28 to 90 Hz and peak-to-peak pressure amplitude up to 46.5 percent of the afterburner inlet total pressure level was encountered. Combustion instability was suppressed in these tests by varying the fuel distribution in the afterburner.

Cullom, R. R.↗

Water tunnel visualization of the vortex flows of the F-15

Flow visualization studies were conducted in a diagnostic water tunnel to provide details of the wing, glove, and forebody vortex flow fields of the F-15 aircraft over a range of angles of attack and sideslip. Both the formation and breakdown of the vortex flow as a function of angle of attack and sideslip are detailed for the basic aircraft configuration. Additional tests showed that the wing upper surface vortex flows were sensitive to variations in an inlet mass flow ratio and an inlet cowl deflection angle. Two lengthened forebodies, one with a modified cross-sectional shape, were tested in addition to the basic forebody. Asymmetric forebody vortices were observed at zero sideslip and high angles of attack on each forebody. A large nose boom was added to each of the three forebodies, and it was observed that the turbulent wake shed from the boom disrupted the forebody vortices.

Lorincz, D. J.↗

Space construction system analysis study: Project systems and missions descriptions

Three project systems are defined and summarized. The systems are: (1) a Solar Power Satellite (SPS) Development Flight Test Vehicle configured for fabrication and compatible with solar electric propulsion orbit transfer; (2) an Advanced Communications Platform configured for space fabrication and compatible with low thrust chemical orbit transfer propulsion; and (3) the same Platform, configured to be space erectable but still compatible with low thrust chemical orbit transfer propulsion. These project systems are intended to serve as configuration models for use in detailed analyses of space construction techniques and processes. They represent feasible concepts for real projects; real in the sense that they are realistic contenders on the list of candidate missions currently projected for the national space program. Thus, they represent reasonable configurations upon which to base early studies of alternative space construction processes.

Source record↗

A study on the electrolysis of sulfur dioxide and water for the sulfur cycle hydrogen production process

Experimental electrolysis cells using various platinum catalyzed carbon electrodes were tested. When operated at 200 mA/sq cm current density using 50 w/o acid at 50 C and 1 atm, a reference cell required 1.22 volts and degraded rapidly. After several improvements were incorporated into electrodes and the test cell configuration, a later cell required only 0.77 volts under identical operating conditions. At a lower current density, 100 mA/sq cm, the cell required only 0.63 volts. Kinetic studies on metal electrodes, measurements of temperature effects on electrode kinetics, investigations of electrocatalytic activities of metal electrodes over a wide range of acid concentrations, cyclic voltametric studies and evaluation of alternate catalysts were also conducted. From diffusivity experiments, a cation exchange membrane material, P-4010, exhibited an excellent diffusion coefficient, more than two orders of magnitude lower than that of rubber. Ionic resistivity measurements of eight materials showed that microporous rubber had the lowest resistivity.

Source record↗

Design data for brazed Rene 41 honeycomb sandwich

Strength data, creep data and residual strength data after cyclic thermal exposure were obtained at temperatures from 78 K to 1144 K (-320 F to 1600 F). The influences of face thickness, core depth, core gage, cell size and thermal/stress exposure conditions on the mechanical design properties were investigated. A braze alloy and process was developed that is adequate to fully develop the strength of the honeycomb core while simultaneously solution treating and aging the Rene 41 fact sheets. New test procedures and test specimen configurations were developed to avoid excessive thermal stresses during cyclic thermal exposure.

Hepler, A. K.↗

A fully redundant power hinge for LANDSAT-D appendages

The configuration and testing of a power driven hinge for deployment of the solar array and antenna boom for the LANDSAT-D spacecraft is discussed. The hinge is fully mechanically and electrically redundant and, thereby, can sustain a single point failure of any one motor (or its power supply), speed reducer, or bearing set without loss of its ability to function. This design utilizes the capability of the stepper motor drive to remove the flexibility of the drive train from the joint stiffness equation when the hinge is loaded against its stop. This feature precludes gapping of the joint under spacecraft maneuver loads even in the absence of a latching feature. Thus, retraction is easily accomplished by motor reversal without the need for a solenoid function to remove the latch.

Mamrol, F. E.↗

On the structure of turbulent wakes and merging shear layers of multielement airfoils

The structure of the attached turbulent flow in the vicinity of a NACA 4412 airfoil equipped with a single-slotted flap was studied. The airfoil/flap configuration was tested at a Mach number of 0.06 and a Reynolds number of 1.3 x 10 to the 6th in a 7- by 10-Foot Wind Tunnel. Surface-pressure measurements were made on the main airfoil and on the flap. Detailed measurements, obtained using a high-spatial-resolution laser Doppler anemometer, were made of the mean velocity flow field and of the second-order statistical quantities (Reynolds stresses) in the boundary layers, wakes, and merging shear layers. The experimental observations are compared with theoretical predictions of pressure, mean velocity, and Reynolds stress.

Olson, L. E.↗

On the use of the OCM's quadratic objective function as a pilot rating metric

A correlation between the magnitude of the quadratic objective function from an optimal control pilot model and the subjective rating of the vehicle and task provides a valuable tool for handling qualities research and flight control synthesis. An analysis of simulation results for fourteen aircraft configurations flight tested earlier was conducted. A fixed set of pilot model parameters, are found for all cases in modeling the simulated regulation task. The agreement obtained between performance statistics is shown and a strong correlation was obtained between the cost function and rating.

Schmidt, D. K.↗

MOD-0 wind turbine dynamics test correlations

The behavior of the teetered, downwind, free yaw, MOD-0 wind turbine, as represented by NASA dynamic test data, was used to support confidence in the Hamilton Standard computer code simulations. Trim position, performance at trim, and teeter response as predicted by the computer codes were compared to test results. Using the computer codes, other possible configurations for MOD-0 were investigated. Several new test configurations are recommended for exploring free yaw behavior. It is shown that eliminating rotor tilt and optimizing cooling and blade twist can contribute to good free yaw behavior and stability. The effects of rotor teeter, teeter gravity balance, inflow and other physical and operating parameters were also investigated.

Brooks, B. M.↗

Radiative properties of a nickel based superalloy: Inconel 617 - After simulated earth reentry

Experimental results are presented to show the effect of environmental simulation exposures of convective heating and of radiant heating on the spectral (1.0 to 14 micrometers) and total emittance of oxidized Inconel 617. Convective heating exposures were conducted in an arc heated supersonic wind tunnel using a wedge-shaped specimen configuration. Radiant tests were conducted in dry air at a flow velocity of several meters per second. Convective heating specimens were subjected to 8, 20 and 38 heating cycles of 15-minutes duration and radiant heating specimens were tested for 10, 20, 50 and 100 one-half hour heating cycles. Changes in radiative properties are discussed in terms of changes in composition and morphology resulting from the exposure tests. Total normal emittance did not significantly change from the statically oxidized condition after either type of exposure, and it remained above 0.80 at 1260K for all cases. Although spectral changes were observed on post exposure specimens at wavelengths less than 2.0 micrometers and greater than 15 micrometers, these changes have no influence on total emittance at 1260K.

Cunnington, G. R.↗

Film thickness measurement for spiral groove and Rayleigh step lift pad self-acting face seals

One Rayleigh step lift pad and three spiral groove self-acting face seal configurations were tested to measure film thickness and frictional torque as a function of shaft speed. The seals were tested at a constant face load of 73 N (16.4 lb) with ambient air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure as the fluid medium. The test speed range was from 7000 to 17,000 rpm. The measured film thickness was compared with theoretical data from mathematical models. The mathematical models overpredicted the measured film thickness at the lower speeds of the test speed range and underpredicted the measured film thickness at the higher speeds of the test speed range.

Dirusso, E.↗