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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

Results of tests OA12 and IA9 in the Ames Research Center unitary plan wind tunnels on an 0.030 scale model of the space shuttle vehicle 2A to determine aerodynamic loads, volume 7

Tests were conducted in wind tunnels during April and May 1973, on an 0.030-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Vehicle Configuration 2A. Aerodynamic loads data were obtained at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 3.5. The investigation included tests on the integrated (launch) configuration and on the isolated orbiter (entry configuration). The integrated vehicle was tested at angles of attack and sideslip from -8 deg. The isolated orbiter was tested at angles of attack from -15 deg to +40 deg and angles of sideslip from -10 deg to +10 deg as dictated by trajectory considerations. The effects of orbiter/external tank incidence angle and deflected control surfaces on aerodynamic loads were also investigated.

Spangler, R. H.↗

Airfoil Table Generation Comparison Utilizing XFOIL and UNS2D Flow Solvers

The flow solvers XFOIL and UNS2D were utilized within the airfoil table generator AFTGen to generate airfoil performance tables, and these results were compared to determine accuracy at low Mach numbers that may be relevant to Urban Air Mobiltiy (UAM) applications. Airfoil tables were generated for the NACA 0012 airfoil as well as a set of three asymmetrical airfoils developed in this study from which the rotor blade CSUS 001 was comprised. To determine which solver more accurately represented real-world aerodynamics, the airfoils were experimentally tested in the CSU 2-foot by 2-foot wind tunnel. The results of XFOIL and UNS2D were compared to the experimental results. It is important to note that due to differences in the Reynolds numbers between simulations and experimental testing, the magnitude of the section lift and drag coefficient varies between the two methods. However, observations on the accuracy of XFOIL and UNS2D could still be made based on the trends of the data. For the symmetrical NACA 0012 airfoil, it was found that XFOIL and UNS2D accurately predicted the trends of the section lift and drag coefficients. However, XFOIL predicted slightly lower section drag coefficients than UNS2D for the tested angles of attack. For the asymmetrical CSUS 001 airfoils, XFOIL could not predict a steady to decreasing section lift coefficient phenomenon at negative angles of attack observed in both the UNS2D and experimental results. Similarly, XFOIL was unable to predict an increased section drag coefficient at negative angles of attack for the CSUS 001 airfoils as observed in the UNS2D and experimental results. Additionally, 3D computational fluid dynamics was utilized through RotCFD to compare the performance of a rotor blade using the CSUS 001 airfoils versus a rotor blade using the NACA 0012 airfoil.

UAM↗

Forebody vortex control with jet and slot blowing on an F/A-18

A wind tunnel test program was conducted in October, 1992, on a 6-percent F/A-18 model, to determine the most effective methods of forebody vortex control for providing increased yaw control at high angles of attack. A series of circular jet blowing configurations were investigated with variations in blowing rate, fuselage station, circumferential position, and blowing angle. Slot configurations were also tested and included variations in blowing rate, forward fuselage station, and length. The optimum jet and slot configurations were then also tested at -10 deg of sideslip. Yawing moments from both the jet and slot blowing configurations were found to have very good trends with increasing blowing rates and the maximum yaw control available at 50-deg angle of attack (where rudder power had dropped to near zero) was found to be 40 percent greater than the level provided by the rudder at 0-deg angle of attack.

Kramer, Brian R.↗

Prediction of asymmetric vortical flows around slender bodies using Navier-Stokes equations

Steady and unsteady asymmetric vortical flows around slender bodies at high angles of attack are solved using the unsteady, compressible, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations. An implicit, upwind-biased, flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme is used for the numerical computations. For supersonic flows past point cones, the locally conical flow assumption have been used for efficient computational studies of this phenomenon. Asymmetric flows past a 5-deg semiapex-angle circular cone at different angles of attack, free-stream Mach numbers, and Reynolds numbers have been studied in responses to different sources of disturbances. The effects of grid fineness and computational domain size have also been investigated. Next, the responses of three-dimensional supersonic asymmetric flow around a 5-deg circular cone at different angles of attack and Reynolds numbers to short-duration sideslip disturbances are presented. The results show that flow asymmetry becomes stronger as the Reynolds number and angles of attack are increased. One of the cases of flow over a cone-cylinder configuration is validated fairly well by experimental data.

Liu, C. H.↗

X-29 High Alpha Test in the National Transonic Facility

This paper describes the X-29A research program at the National Transonic Facility. This wind tunnel test leveraged the X-29A high alpha flight test program by enabling ground-to-flight correlation studies with an emphasis on Reynolds number effects. The background and objectives of this test program, as well as the comparison of high Reynolds number wind tunnel data to X-29A flight test data are presented. The effects of Reynolds number on the forebody pressures at high angles of attack are also presented. The purpose of this paper is to document this test and serve as a reference for future ground-to-flight correlation studies, and high angle-of-attack investigations. Good ground-to-flight correlations were observed for angles of attack up to 50 deg, and Reynolds number effects were also observed.

Underwood, Pamela J.↗

Static Lateral Characteristics at High Subsonic Speeds of a Complete Airplane Model with a Highly Tapered Wing having the 0.80 Chord Line Unswept and with Several Tail Configurations

An investigation was made at high subsonic speeds of a complete model having a highly tapered wing and several tail configurations. The aspect-ratio-3.50 wing had a taper ratio of 0.067 and an unswept 0.80 chord line. The complete model was tested with a wing-chord-plane tail, a T-tail, and a biplane tail (combined T-tail and wing-chord-plane tail). The model was tested in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 0.92 over a range of angle of attack of about +/- 20 deg. and a range of sideslip of -15 deg. to 13 deg. Some data were obtained with the horizontal stabilizer deflected. A few tests were also made with the wing tips clipped to an aspect ratio of 3.00. The data show that shock-interference effects between the tail surfaces (T-tail) can have considerable influence on the directional stability and effective dihedral. For example, the T-tail configuration with horizontal-tail leading-edge overhang showed a considerable loss in directional stability as the angle of attack was reduced to zero or negative values; whereas, the T-tail with zero leading-edge overhang showed the loss to be considerably less. The directional stability of the model with the low tail was essentially constant over a range of angle of attack of +/- 50 deg. All configurations tested showed a large reduction in stability at positive and negative angles of attack larger than about 15 deg., probably because of adverse sidewash associated with wing stall. The data show that a wing-chord-plane horizontal tail (low tail) tends to give a positive pitching-moment increment with increase in sideslip angle; whereas, a high tail (T-tail) tends to give negative increments in pitching moment.

Goodson, Kenneth W.↗

Unsteady Thick Airfoil Aerodynamics: Experiments, Computation, and Theory

An experimental, computational and theoretical investigation was carried out to study the aerodynamic loads acting on a relatively thick NACA 0018 airfoil when subjected to pitching and surging, individually and synchronously. Both pre-stall and post-stall angles of attack were considered. Experiments were carried out in a dedicated unsteady wind tunnel, with large surge amplitudes, and airfoil loads were estimated by means of unsteady surface mounted pressure measurements. Theoretical predictions were based on Theodorsen's and Isaacs' results as well as on the relatively recent generalizations of van der Wall. Both two- and three-dimensional computations were performed on structured grids employing unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS). For pure surging at pre-stall angles of attack, the correspondence between experiments and theory was satisfactory; this served as a validation of Isaacs theory. Discrepancies were traced to dynamic trailing-edge separation, even at low angles of attack. Excellent correspondence was found between experiments and theory for airfoil pitching as well as combined pitching and surging; the latter appears to be the first clear validation of van der Wall's theoretical results. Although qualitatively similar to experiment at low angles of attack, two-dimensional URANS computations yielded notable errors in the unsteady load effects of pitching, surging and their synchronous combination. The main reason is believed to be that the URANS equations do not resolve wake vorticity (explicitly modeled in the theory) or the resulting rolled-up un- steady flow structures because high values of eddy viscosity tend to \smear" the wake. At post-stall angles, three-dimensional computations illustrated the importance of modeling the tunnel side walls.

Strangfeld, C.↗

Summary of Data from the Sixth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop: CRM Cases 2 to 5

Results from the Sixth AIAA CFD Drag Prediction Workshop Common Research Model Cases 2 to 5 are presented. As with past workshops, numerical calculations are performed using industry-relevant geometry, methodology, and test cases. Cases 2 to 5 focused on force/moment and pressure predictions for the NASA Common Research Model wing-body and wing-body-nacelle-pylon configurations, including Case 2 - a grid refinement study and nacelle-pylon drag increment prediction study; Case 3 - an angle-of-attack buffet study; Case 4 - an optional wing-body grid adaption study; and Case 5 - an optional wing-body coupled aero-structural simulation. The Common Research Model geometry differed from previous workshops in that it was deformed to the appropriate static aeroelastic twist and deflection at each specified angle-of-attack. The grid refinement study used a common set of overset and unstructured grids, as well as user created Multiblock structured, unstructured, and Cartesian based grids. For the supplied common grids, six levels of refinement were created resulting in grids ranging from 7x10(exp 6) to 208x10(exp 6) cells. This study (Case 2) showed further reduced scatter from previous workshops, and very good prediction of the nacelle-pylon drag increment. Case 3 studied buffet onset at M=0.85 using the Medium grid (20 to 40x10(exp 6) nodes) from the above described sequence. The prescribed alpha sweep used finely spaced intervals through the zone where wing separation was expected to begin. Although the use of the prescribed aeroelastic twist and deflection at each angle-of-attack greatly improved the wing pressure distribution agreement with test data, many solutions still exhibited premature flow separation. The remaining solutions exhibited a significant spread of lift and pitching moment at each angle-of-attack, much of which can be attributed to excessive aft pressure loading and shock location variation. Four Case 4 grid adaption solutions were submitted. Starting with grids less than 2x10(exp 6) grid points, two solutions showed a rapid convergence to an acceptable solution. Four Case 5 coupled aerostructural solutions were submitted. Both showed good agreement with experimental data. Results from this workshop highlight the continuing need for CFD improvement, particularly for conditions with significant flow separation. These comparisons also suggest the need for improved experimental diagnostics to guide future CFD development.

Tinoco, Edward N.↗

Space shuttle: Static aerodynamic characteristics of the MSC-040A the Msc-040A space shuttle orbiter with wedge centerline vertical and twin vertical tails at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 4.96

The results are presented from experimental aerodynamic investigations conducted on a 0.6-percent scale model of the MSC-040 space shuttle orbiter in a 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel. The purpose of the test program was to define the stability, control, and performance characteristics of the baseline MSC-040A orbiter configuration with proposed alternate wing pods, with several vertical tail configurations with and without flared rudders, and with upper wing surface flap deflections. Force and moment data and model base and balance cavity pressure data were obtained for a Mach range of 0.60 through 4.96 and dynamic pressure range of 465 through 1580 psf. Model attitude was varied from 0 to +34 degrees angle of attack at zero sideslip and -4 to +10 degrees angle of sideslip at 0, 10, 20, and 24 degrees angle of attack.

Glass, K. J.↗

Static stability and control effectiveness of a parametric launch vehicle

An investigation is reported to determine the static aerodynamic characteristics of a space shuttle parametric launch configuration. The orbiter control surfaces were deflected to obtain the control effectiveness for use in launch vehicle control studies. Experimental data were obtained for Mach number from 0.6 to 4.96, angles of attack from minus 10 to plus 10 degrees and angles of sideslip from minus six to six degrees at zero degrees angle of attack.

Ellis, R. R.↗

Aerodynamic effects of five lift-fan pod arrangements on an unpowered V/STOL transport model

An investigation was conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the effect of longitudinally oriented wing-mounted pods on the longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic characteristics in the cruise flight condition of a high-wing V/STOL transport model. Five pod arrangements were tested - three configurations with in-line pods at 20, 40, or 60 percent semispan and two split pod configurations with rear pods at 20 percent semispan and front pods at 40 or 60 percent semispan. In general, addition of the pods to the model decreased the stability, increased the lift-curve slope, and alleviated the abrupt stall of the basic model. The configuration with pods at 20 percent semispan had an abrupt instability at 10 deg angle of attack, All the configurations had lateral stability at sideslip angles from 5 to -5 deg. Very little difference in results existed between the configurations with pods at 40 and 60 percent semispan. Of the split pod configurations, the configuration with front pods at 40 percent semispan offered the best trimmed lift and lift-induced drag characteristics at high angles of attack. The configuration with in-line pods at 40 or 60 percent semispan provided the best cruise characteristics of all the pod configurations.

Thomas, J. L.↗

Aeroheating (pressure) characteristics on a 0.10-scale version of the vehicle 3 space shuttle configuration (26-OTS) in the Langley Research Center 4-foot wind tunnel (IH4)

Results of wind tunnel tests, conducted at the Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, are presented. The model tested was an 0.010-scale version of the Vehicle 3 Space Shuttle Configuration. Pressure measurements were made on the launch configuration, Orbiter alone, external tank alone, and solid rocket booster alone, to provide heat transfer pressure data. The tests were conducted for a Mach number range from 2.36 to 4.6 and Reynolds number range from 1.2 to 5 million per foot. The model was tested at angles of attack from -10 to 20 deg for a sideslip angle range from -5 to +5 deg, and at sideslip angles from -5 to 48 deg for 0 deg angle of attack. Tabulated data are given and photographs of the test configuration are shown.

Kingsland, R. B.↗

High supersonic stability and control characteristics of a 0.015-scale (remotely controlled elevon) model 44-0 space shuttle orbiter tested in the NASA/LaRC 4-foot UPWT (LEG 2) (LA75), volume 1

Wind tunnel tests are reported on a 0.015-scale SSV orbiter model with remote independently operated left and right elevon surfaces. Special attention was directed to definition of nonlinear aerodynamic characteristics by taking data at small increments. Six component aerodynamic force and moment and elevon position data were recorded for the space shuttle orbiter with various elevon, aileron rudder and speed brake deflection combinations over an angle of attack range from -4 deg to 32 deg at angles of sideslip of 0 deg and 3 deg. Additional tests were made over an angle of sideslip range from -6 deg to 8 deg at selected angles of attack. Test Mach numbers were 2.86, 2.90, 3.90 and 4.60 with Reynolds numbers held at a constant 2.0 x 1 million per foot.

Ball, J. W.↗

Effects of canard location on the aerodynamic characteristics of a sharp-nosed missile at Mach numbers of 1.5 and 2.0

A sharp-nosed missile model with nose-mounted canards and cruciform tail surfaces was tested in the Ames 6- by 6-foot wind tunnel to determine the contributions of the component aerodynamic surfaces on the static aerodynamic characteristics at Mach numbers of 1.5 and 2.0 and a Reynolds number of 1,000,000 based on body diameter. Effect of canard location (at three different axial positions) was investigaed. Data were obtained at angles of attack ranging from 3 deg to 12 deg, roll angles of 0 deg and 45 deg, and canard-deflection angles from 3 deg to 15 deg for various stages of model build-up (i.e., with and without canard and/or tail surfaces). The canard in the most aft position was least effective in trimming the model. With movement of the canard to the most forward position, the model was trimmable at angles of attack up to about 5 deg or 6 deg with panel deflections of 9 deg.

Kassner, D. L.↗

An aerodynamic analysis of several hypersonic research airplane concepts from M = 0.2 to 6.0

Several conceptual hypersonic research airplanes, designed within the constraints of a B-52 launch aircraft, have been studied experimentally and analytically at Mach numbers from 0.2 to 6.0. Vehicles built to these criteria for Mach 6 cruise were shown to be feasible, if careful attention was paid to the low speed lift, drag, and high angle of attack stability to assure successful landings and transonic pitch angle maneuvers. The integrated scramjet engine drag was high at subsonic speeds and appears to be constant with Reynolds number. The variable geometry airfoil used previously to improve directional stability was shown to be equally adaptable to the improvement of longitudinal stability. The vortex lattice theory gave good subsonic predictions of lift, drag due to lift, and pitching moments. Wind tunnel tests must be relied on for the drag at zero lift, trim, static margins and lateral-directional stability. The Gentry Hypersonic Arbitrary Body Program gave good predictions of the trends of lift, drag, and pitching moments with angle of attack at Mach numbers above 3, but the level of the values were not consistently predicted. No currently available theory or program gave accurate predictions of directional stability or dihedral effects at hypersonic speeds.

Penland, J. A.↗

Evaluation of a stalled airfoil analysis program

The Stalled Airfoil Analysis Program (SAAP) is a computer code for predicting the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil up to, and beyond, stall. SAAP is presently evaluated through comparisons with experiments and with two other theoretical methods over an extensive range of airfoils and Reynolds number conditions. SAAP modeled drag more accurately than either of the other methods, and at angles of attack below stall yielded a smoother lift variation with angle of attack.

Rumsey, C. L.↗

Flow visualization and pressure distributions for an all-body hypersonic aircraft

A CFD code-validation effort has been conducted at the NASA-Ames 3.5-ft hypersonic wind tunnel, using a generic, 'all-body' hypersonic aircraft configuration model. The CFD methods to be validated encompass approximate inviscid ones and the upwind parabolized Navier-Stokes solver code. Flow visualizations and pressure distributions are obtained for the cases of zero and 15 deg angles of attack. A complex leeward flow is observed at angle-of-attack with crossflow separation and vortices, and significant changes are noted in the transition from the forebody's conical to the afterbody's nonconical flows.

Lockman, William K.↗

Analysis of flight data from a High-Incidence Research Model by system identification methods

Data partitioning and modified stepwise regression were applied to recorded flight data from a Royal Aerospace Establishment high incidence research model. An aerodynamic model structure and corresponding stability and control derivatives were determined for angles of attack between 18 and 30 deg. Several nonlinearities in angles of attack and sideslip as well as a unique roll-dominated set of lateral modes were found. All flight estimated values were compared to available wind tunnel measurements.

Batterson, James G.↗