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At least 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Development and Certification of a New Stall Warning and Avoidance System

Several methods may be employed to improve natural stall characteristics. The method employed on all learjets to obtain improved stall characteristics is a stall warning and avoidance system that employs angle of attack vanes, an electronic computer, a control column shaker motor, and a torquer which drives the control column in a pusher mode to avoid unwanted further buildup of angle of attack. The new system was developed with changes that improve system response with no performance penalty or increase in turbulence sensitivity. The following changes were made included modified system time constants and (alpha) time rate of change of vane angle dead zone and the addition of an alpha signal limiter and an alpha cut out below a specified angle of attack.

Gertsen, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Navier-Stokes simulation of a close-coupled canard-wing-body configuration

The thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the flow about a coplanar close-coupled canard-wing-body configuration at a transonic Mach number of 0.90 and at angles of attack ranging from 0 to 12 degrees. The influence of the canard on the wing flowfield, including canard-wing vortex interaction and wing vortex breakdown, is investigated. A study of canard downwash and canard leading-edge vortex effects, which are the primary mechanisms of the canard-wing interaction, is emphasized. Comparisons between the computations and experimental measurements of surface pressure coefficients, lift, drag and pitching moment data are favorable. A grid refinement study for configurations with and without canard shows that accurate results are obtained using a refined grid for angles of attack where vortex burst is present. At an angle of attack of approximately 12 deg, favorable canard-wing interaction which delays wing vortex breakdown is indicated by the computations and is in good agreement with experimental findings.

Tu, Eugene L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Inviscid Flow Computations of Several Aeroshell Configurations for a '07 Mars Lander

This report documents the results of an inviscid computational study conducted on several candidate aeroshell configurations for a proposed '07 Mars lander. Eleven different configurations were considered, and the aerodynamic characteristics of each of these were computed for a Mach number of 23.7 at 10, 15, and 20 degree angles of attack. The unstructured grid software FELISA with the equilibrium Mars gas option was used for these computations. The pitching moment characteristics and the lift-to-drag ratios at trim angle of attack of each of these configurations were examined to make a selection. The criterion for selection was that the configuration should be longitudinally stable, and should trim at an angle of attack where the L/D is -0.25. Based on the present study, two configurations were selected for further study

Prabhu, Ramadas K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Nonlinear inversion flight control for a supermaneuverable aircraft

This paper describes the use of nonlinear dynamic inversion for the design of a flight control system for a supermaneuverable aircraft. First, the dynamics to be controlled were separated into fast and slow variables. The fast variables were the angular rates and the slow variables were the attitude angles. Then a nonlinear inversion controller was designed for the fast variables. This stabilized the longitudinal short-period and improved the lateral-directional responses over a wide range of angle of attack by making use of a combination for aerodynamic surfaces and thrust vectoring control. Outer loops were then closed to allow the pilot to control the slow dynamics, the angle of attack, side-slip angle and the velocity bank angle. Nonlinear inversion was also used to design of the outer loop control laws. The dynamic inversion control laws were compared with more conventional, gain-scheduled control laws and were shown to yield much better performance.

Snell, S. Antony↗
NASA NTRS2009

Dynamic Stability Testing of the Mars Science Laboratory Entry Capsule

Results from a 26 shot ballistic range test of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) entry capsule are presented. The supersonic pitch damping properties of the MSL capsule were characterized between Mach 1.35 and Mach 3.5 and total angles-of-attack from 0 to 30 degrees. In flight, the MSL entry capsule will utilize a radial center-of-gravity offset to produce a non-zero trim angle-of-attack. This offset trim angle will produce lift, enabling the capsule to fly a guided entry and reducing the landing footprint dimensions to within 10 km of the desired landing site. A lifting configuration could not be tested at the ballistic range used for this test as the models would swerve into the range walls, possibly damaging cameras, the coordinate reference system or other facility assets. Ballistic (non-lifting) data was extracted and will be implemented in a conservative fashion to ensure that the dynamic stability characteristics of the flight vehicle are bounded. A comparison between the MSL pitch damping results and the dynamic model of the Mars Exploration Rover capsule shows generally close agreement with no significant differences in damping characteristics due to the change in backshell geometry. Dynamic moments are also compared to the MSL reaction control system (RCS) control authority to show the controller has sufficient margin to easily damp any dynamic stability effects.

Schroenenberger, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1976

An investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of a 0.00548 scale model (model no. 486) of the space shuttle 146-inch diameter solid rocket booster at angels of attack from 113 deg to 180 deg in the AEDC PWT 4-foot transonic wind tunnel (SA16F)

An experimental investigation (SA16F) was conducted in the AEDC PWT 4T to determine the entry static stability of a 0.00548 scale space shuttle solid rocket booster (SRB). The primary objective was to improve the definition of the aerodynamic characteristics in the angle of attack range beyond 90 deg in the vicinity of the entry trim point. The SRB scale model consisted of the reentry configuration with all major protuberances. A simulated heat shield around the engine nozzle was also included. Data were obtained for a 60 deg side mounted sting and a straight nose mounted sting. The angle of attack range for the side mounted sting was 113 deg to 147 deg and for the nose mounted sting 152 deg to 187 deg. The Mach number range consisted of 0.4 to 1.2 at roll angles of 0 and 90 deg. The resulting 6-component aerodynamic force data was presented as the variation of coefficients with angle of attack for each Mach number and roll angle.

Ramsey, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Preliminary Results of the 1.5% TCA (Modular) Controls Model in the NASA Langley UPWT

To summarize the significant highlights in this report: (1) Data quality, determined by multiple repeat runs performed on the TCA baseline configuration, and long-term repeatability, determined by comparing baseline Reference H data from this test to a previous test, have been shown to be good. (2) The longitudinal stability of the TCA is more non-linear than for the Reference H, and while it is similar at normal lift values, the TCA has considerably more pitch-up at higher lift. (3) Longitudinal control effectiveness of the TCA is similar to the Reference H and the ratio of elevator effectiveness to horizontal tail effectiveness is approximately 0.3. 4) The directional stability of the TCA is improved relative to Reference H at higher angles-of attack. The chine is effective for improving directional stability. (5) The directional control effectiveness 'of the TCA rudder is the same as that of the Reference H rudder at low angles-of-attack, after taking factors, such as number of rudder panels deflected and vertical tail volume into account. However, rudder effectiveness was shown to be reduced at higher angles-of-attack. (6) The lateral stability was shown to be reduced relative to the Reference H, which may be beneficial at low speeds for alleviating lateral control saturation. (7) Lateral control effectiveness for the TCA was shown to be similar to the Reference H for negative trailing-edge flap deflections and was reduced by approximately 25% for positive trailing-edge flap deflections.

Kubiatko, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1951

Aerodynamic characteristics of four bodies of revolution showing some effects of afterbody shape and fineness ratio at free-stream Mach numbers from 1.50 to 1.99

The effects of fineness ratio (14.2 and 12.2) and boattailing on aerodynamic characteristics of four bodies of revolution at Mach numbers from 1.50 to 1.99 within a range of angles of attack from 0 degrees 10 degrees at an approximate Reynolds number of 35x10(superscript)6 based on body length were investigated. A comparison of experimental data with available theory is included. At zero angle of attack, fineness ratio has no appreciable effect on model characteristics while boattailing and boattail convergence significantly affect fore drag and base drag. At angle of attack the effects are singular. The theory presented by H. J. Allen is a significant improvement over linearized potential theory in predicting aerodynamic characteristics.

BODIES - FITNESS RATIO↗
NASA NTRS2001

Inviscid Flow Computations of the Orbital Sciences X-34 Over a Mach Number Range of 1.25 to 6.0

This report documents the results of an inviscid computational study conducted on the Orbital Sciences X-34 vehicle to compute its inviscid longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics over a Mach number range of 1.25 to 6.0. The unstructured grid software FELISA was used and th e aerodynamic characteristics were computed at Mach numbers 1.25, 1.6, 2.5, 4.0, 4.63, and 6.0, and an angle of attack range of -4 to 32 degrees. These results were compared with available aerodynamic data from wind tunnel test on X-34 models. The comparison showed excellent agreement in C(sub N). The computed pitching moment compared well at Mach numbers 2.5 and higher, and at angles of attack of up to 12 deg. The agreement was not good at higher angles of attack possibly due to viscous effects. At lower Mach numbers there were significant differences between computed and measured C(sub m) values. This could not be explained. Since the present computations are inviscid, the computed C(sub A) was consistently lower than the measured values as expected.

Prabhu, Ramadas K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Static aeroelastic effects on the flutter of a supercritical wing

It is well known that wings with supercritical airfoils generally have lower transonic flutter speeds than similar wings with conventional airfoils and that small increases in angle of attack from zero and the accompanying static aeroelastic deformations have further detrimental effects on transonic flutter. The results of an effort to calculate the effects of angle of attack and the associated aeroelastic deformation on the flutter of a highly swept supercritical wing (TF 8A) by use of the modified strip analysis employed in previous studies of this wing are presented. The spanwise distributions of steady-state section lift-curve slope and aerodynamic center required as input for these calculations were obtained from static aeroelastic calculations for the wing by use of the FL022 transonic code and an assumed dynamic pressure as that used to calculate the statically deformed shape and loading about which the flutter oscillation occurs. The results show that the unconventional backward turn of the transonic dip in the experimental flutter boundary for angles of attack greater than zero is caused by variations in mass ratio and not by static aeroelastic deformation, although inclusion of the latter appears to be required for quantitative accuracy in the calculations.

Yates, E. Carson, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Airfoil trailing edge flow measurements and comparison with theory, incorporating open wind tunnel corrections

Trailing edge data for boundary layer-near wake thickness parameters are given for airfoils and flat plates. Reynolds number effects are examined as a function of model size, velocity and boundary layer tripping. These data expand that presented previously by the authors particularly for airfoil non-zero angles of attack. Comparisons are made here with boundary layer calculations using potential flow modeling and a well documented two-dimensional finite-difference method for laminar and turbulent boundary layers. Open wind tunnel corrections to angle of attack and camber are developed and are incorporated in the potential flow modeling to assure correct comparisons for non-zero angles of attack. It was found that although the open tunnel flow turbulence affected boundary layer transition for the higher velocities the theory successfully 'brackets' the data. Comparisons demonstrate the degree of accuracy one might expect for the prediction of boundary layer thickness parameters when given only geometry and nominal flow conditions as input to boundary layer codes.

Brooks, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1947

An Investigation of Convergent-Divergent Diffusers at Mach Number 1.85

An investigation has been conducted in the Cleveland 18- by 18-inch supersonic tunnel at a Mach number of 1.85 and angles of attack from 0 deg to 5 deg to determine optimum design configurations for a convergent-divergent type of supersonic diffuser with a subsonic diffuser of 5 deg included divergence angle. Total pressure recoveries in excess of theoretical recovery across a normal shock at a free-stream Mach number of 1.85 wore obtained with several configurations. The highest recovery for configurations without a cylindrical throat section was obtained with an inlet having an included convergence angle of 20 deg. Insertion of a 2-inch throat section between a 10 deg included angle inlet and the subsonic diffuser stabilized the shock inside the diffuser and resulted in recoveries as high as 0.838 free-stream total pressure at an angle of attack of 0 deg, corresponding to recovery of 92.4 percent of the kinetic energy of the free air stream. Use of the throat section also lessened the reduction in recovery of all configurations due to angle of attack.

Wyatt, Demarquis D↗
NASA NTRS1929

Contribution to the aileron theory

In an attempt to treat theoretically the effect of ailerons, difficulty arises because an aileron may begin at any point of the wing. Hence the question arises as to how the transition of the lift distribution proceeds at such a point, since the effect of the aileron (i.e., the moment generated about the longitudinal axis) depends largely on this distribution. In order to answer this question regarding the lift distribution during irregular variations in the angle of attack at first independently of other influences, especially those of the wing tips, we have taken as the basis of the following theoretical discussion a wing of infinite span and constant chord which exhibits at one point an irregular variation in the angle of attack. As regards the mathematical treatment, we will first consider a wing with periodically recurring angle of attack.

LIFT DISTRIBUTION - WINGS↗
NASA NTRS1983

Oil-flow study of a Space Shuttle orbiter tip-fin controller

Possible use of tip-fin controllers instead of a vertical tail on advanced winged entry vehicles was examined. Elimination of the vertical tail and using tip-fins offers the advantages of positive yaw control at high angles of attack and a potential weight savings. Oil-flow technique was used to obtain surface flow patterns on a tip-fin installed on a 0.01-scale Space Shuttle orbiter model for the purpose of assessing the extent of flow interference effects on the wing and tip-fin which might lead to serious heating problems. Tests were conducted in air at Mach 10 for a free-stream Reynolds numbers of .000113 at 20, 30, and 40 degree angle of attack and sideslip angles of 0 and 2 degree. Elevon deflections of -10, 0, and 10 degree and tip-fin control-surface deflections of 0, 20, and 40 degree were employed. Test results were also used to aid in the interpretation of heating data obtained on a Shuttle orbiter tip-fin on another model in a different facility. A limited comparison of oil-flow patterns and heat-transfer data is included. It was determined that elevon deflection angles from -10 to 10 degree and sideslip angles up to 2 degree have very little effect on tip-fin surface flow patterns. Also, there is a minimum of interference between the tip-fin and the wing. The most significant flow interactions occur on the tip-fin onboard surface as a result of its control-surface deflections.

Helms, V. T., III↗
NASA NTRS2005

Post-Stall Aerodynamic Modeling and Gain-Scheduled Control Design

A multidisciplinary research e.ort that combines aerodynamic modeling and gain-scheduled control design for aircraft flight at post-stall conditions is described. The aerodynamic modeling uses a decambering approach for rapid prediction of post-stall aerodynamic characteristics of multiple-wing con.gurations using known section data. The approach is successful in bringing to light multiple solutions at post-stall angles of attack right during the iteration process. The predictions agree fairly well with experimental results from wind tunnel tests. The control research was focused on actuator saturation and .ight transition between low and high angles of attack regions for near- and post-stall aircraft using advanced LPV control techniques. The new control approaches maintain adequate control capability to handle high angle of attack aircraft control with stability and performance guarantee.

Wu, Fen↗
NASA NTRS1960

Subsonic Flight Tests of a 1/7-Scale Radio-Controlled Model of the North American X-15 Airplane with Particular Reference to High Angel-of-Attack Conditions

An investigation of the subsonic stability and control characteristics of an unpowered 1/7-scale model based on the North American X-15 airplane was conducted by using a radio-controlled model launched from a helicopter and flown in free-gliding flight. At angles of attack below about 20 deg. where the model motions represent those of the X-15 airplane, the model was found to be both longitudinally and laterally stable, and the all-movable tail surfaces were found to be very effective. The model could also be flown at much higher angles of attack where the model motions did not necessarily represent those of the airplane because of slight geometrical differences and Reynolds number effects, but these test results are useful in evaluating the effectiveness at these angles of the type of lateral control system used in the X-15 airplane. In some cases, the model was flown to angles of attack as high as 60 or 70 deg. without encountering divergent or uncontrollable conditions. For some flights in which the model was subjected to rapid maneuvers, spinning motions were generated by application of corrective controls to oppose the direction of rotation. Rapid recoveries from this type of motion were achieved by applying roll control in the direction of rotation.

Hewes, Donald E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Wall-Modeled Les for Flow Over A Multi-Element Airfoil

We perform wall-modeled large-eddy simulations (WMLES) of turbulent flow over a 30P30N multielement airfoil at various angles of attack to assess its ability to accurately predict lift using an unstructured node-based finite-volume methodology. The flow conditions are based on the experiments reported in Klausmeyer & Lin [NASA /TM-112858]. The oncoming flow Mach number is 0.2, and the stowed chord-based Reynolds number (𝑅𝑒𝑐) is 9 million. The angle of attack (𝛼) is varied between 8◦ and 23◦ with the expected stall angle of around 21◦. The simulated geometry is periodic in the span, thus any three-dimensional effects present in the experiment are ignored. We first analyze the predictions with baseline isotropic and anisotropic grids containing over 16 grid points per boundary-layer thickness. The near-wall streamwise/nominal spacing ratio is 0.4 at the leading/trailing edges of the slat, main element and flap, and 1 elsewhere, and the first wall-normal/nominal spacing ratio is 0.375 over most of the airfoil for the anisotropic grid, while these are unity for the isotropic grid. It is found that the predicted lift and wall pressures, near-wall velocity profiles, and the location of onset of resolved turbulence are sensitive to the near-wall grid anisotropy. Further sensitivities were explored at lower angles of attack by independently varying the streamwise and wall-normal grid anisotropies. The effects of both off-wall and near-wall grid refinement were also quantified. For the grid resolutions used here, our results suggest that the first wall-normal spacing, which coincides with the WMLES exchange location, has a dominant effect on the predictions for this flow configuration.

Computational Fluid Dynamics↗
NASA NTRS1958

Experimental Determination of Effects of Frequency and Amplitude on the Lateral Stability Derivatives for a Delta, a Swept, and Unswept Wing Oscillating in Yaw

Three wing models were oscillated in yaw about their vertical axes to determine the effects of systematic variations of frequency and amplitude of oscillation on the in-phase and out-of-phase combination lateral stability derivatives resulting from this motion. The tests were made at low speeds for a 60 degree delta wing, a 45 degree swept wing, and an unswept wing; the swept and unswept wings had aspect ratios of 4. The results indicate that large changes in the magnitude of the stability derivatives due to the variation of frequency occur at high angles of attack, particularly for the delta wing. The greatest variations of the derivatives with frequency take place for the lowest frequencies of oscillation; at the higher frequencies, the effects of frequency are smaller and the derivatives become more linear with angle of attack. Effects of amplitude of oscillation on the stability derivatives for delta wings were evident for certain high angles of attack and for the lowest frequencies of oscillation. As the frequency became high, the amplitude effects tended to disappear.

Fisher, Lewis R↗