National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) - 143 Matching Results

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Contribution to the Design and Calculation of Fuel Cams and Fuel Valves for Diesel Engines
In this work I have attempted to find a basis for the design of fuel cams, which will serve equally for large and small engines, both high-speed and low-speed.
Differential Pressures on a Pitot-Venturi and a Pitot-Static Nozzle Over 360 Degrees Pitch and Yaw
"Measurements of the differential pressures on two navy air-speed nozzles, consisting of a Zahm type Pitot-Venturi tube and a SQ-16 two-pronged Pitot-static tube, in a tunnel air stream of fixed speed at various angles of pitch and yaw between 0 degrees and plus or minus 180 degrees. This shows for a range over -20 degrees to +20 degrees pitch and yaw, indicated air speeds varying very slightly over 2 per cent for the Zahm type and a maximum of about 5 per cent for the SQ-16 type from the calibrated speed at 0 degree. For both types of air-speed nozzle the indicated air speed increases slightly as the tubes are pitched or yawed several degrees from their normal 0 degrees altitude, attains a maximum around plus or minus 15 degrees to 25 degrees, declines rapidly therefrom as plus or minus 40 degrees is passed, to zero in the vicinity of plus or minus 70 degrees to 100 degrees, and thence fluctuates irregular from thereabouts to plus or minus 180 degrees" (p. 223).
Some factors affecting the reproducibility of penetration and the cut-off of oil sprays for fuel-injection engines
This investigation was undertaken at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in connection with a general research on fuel-injection for aircraft. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the factors controlling the reproducibility of spray penetration and secondary discharges after cut-off. The development of single sprays from automatic injection valves was recorded by means of special high-speed photographic apparatus capable of taking 25 consecutive pictures of the moving spray at a rate of 4,000 per second. The effect of two types of injection valves, injection-valve tube length, initial pressure in the injection-valve tube, speed of the injection control mechanism, and time of spray cut-off, on the reproducibility of spray penetration, and on secondary discharges were investigated. It was found that neither type of injection valve materially affected spray reproducibility. The initial pressure in the injection-valve tube controlled the reproducibility of spray penetrations. An increase in the initial pressure or in the length of the injection-valve tube slightly increased the spray penetration within the limits of this investigation. The speed of the injection-control mechanism did not affect the penetration. Analysis of the results indicates that secondary discharges were caused in this apparatus by pressure waves initiated by the rapid opening of the cut-off valve. The secondary discharges were eliminated in this investigation by increasing the length of the injection-valve tube. (author).
Considerations on Propeller Efficiency
The propeller cannot be considered alone, but the mutual interference between propeller and airplane must be considered. These difficulties are so great when the joint action of propeller and airplane is considered, that the aerodynamic laboratory at Gottingen originally abandoned the idea of applying the efficiency conception of the test results. These difficulties and the methods by which they are overcome are outlined in this report.
Propeller Problems
This report tries to give a comprehensive survey of the most important propeller problems such as the shape of propellers and the effect of atmospheric conditions on propeller performance.
Windmills in the Light of Modern Research
The chief contribution of modern research in the field of windmills is a better understanding of the phenomena and of the available means for the accomplishment of certain results, but also of the natural limits to their productive capacity.
On the Take-Off of Heavily Loaded Airplanes
This report examines the take-off conditions of airplanes equipped with tractive propellers, and particularly the more difficult take-off of airplanes heavily loaded per unit of wing area (wing loading) or per unit of engine power (power loading).
Pressure element of constant logarithmic stiffness for temperature compensated altimeter
From Summary: "The usual type of altimeter contains a pressure element, the deflections of which are approximately proportional to pressure changes. An evenly divided altitude scale is secured by using a mechanism between the pressure element and pointer which gives the required motion of the pointer. A temperature-compensated altimeter was constructed at the Bureau of Standards for the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department which contained a manually operated device for controlling the multiplication of the mechanism to the extent necessary for temperature compensation. The introduction of this device made it difficult to adjust the multiplying mechanism to fit an evenly divided altitude scale. To meet this difficulty a pressure element was designed and constructed which gave deflections which were proportional to altitude; that is, to the logarithm of the pressure."
Note on Research Work by Helmholtz and Wien Relating to the Form of Waves Propagated Along the Surface of Separation of Two Liquids
This report presents a clearer understanding of Helmholtz's work on the calculation of waves along the separation of two different liquids.
The torsional strength of wings
This report describes a simple method for calculating the position of the elastic axis of a wing structure having any number of spars. It is shown that strong drag bracing near the top and bottom of a wing greatly increases the torsional strength. An analytical procedure for finding the contribution of the drag bracing to the torsional strength and stiffness is described, based upon the principle of least work, and involving only one unknown quantity. A coefficient for comparing the torsional rigidity of different wings is derived in this report.
A Dangerous Seaplane Landing Condition
"A peculiar phenomena in seaplane landing is observed and reported. The seaplane having executed a normal fast landing at low incidence, a forward movement of the control stick effected an unusual condition in that the seaplane left the water suddenly in an abnormal attitude. The observations describing this phenomena are offered as a warning against possible accident and as a conjectural cause of seaplane landing accidents of a certain kind" (p. 1).
The Effect on Performance of a Cutaway Center Section
"The assumption is made that a skeleton or cutaway center section is desirable for forward vision and to determine the effect of such mutilation upon performance the following work was done. The airplane used was a Vought VE-7 and in addition to the cutaway center section a system of end plates or fins was installed. Various conditions and combinations were investigated in level flight and in climb" (p. 1).
The Formation of Ice Upon Exposed Parts of an Airplane in Flight
In order to experimentally study the conditions leading to ice formation on aircraft surfaces, an aircraft was equipped with small auxiliary surfaces and aerodynamic shapes similar to struts, wires, Pitot heads, etc. This airplane was flown at an altitude where a temperature of 32 F was encountered, at such times as cloud formations could be found at the coincident altitude. Here it was discovered that ice formed rapidly in regard to quantity, character, shape, and rapidity of formation.
The Variation in Pressures in the Cockpit Fan Airplane in Flight
"The results of an investigation to determine the pressures in the open cockpit of a Vought VE-7 airplane are given. The information has been considered valuable on account of its possible effect upon the operation of instruments, particularly altimeters, due to a variation from the true static pressure which is induced by the passage of the airplane through the air. The observed values are small and the effect upon instruments is inconsiderable" (p. 1).
Pressure Distribution Over a Wing and Tail Rib of a VE-7 and of a TS Airplane in Flight
"This investigation was made to determine the pressure distribution over a rib of the wing and over a rib of the horizontal tail surface of an airplane in flight and to obtain information as to the time correlation of the loads occurring on these ribs. Two airplanes, VE-7 and TS, were selected in order to obtain the information for a thin and a thick wing section. In each case the pressure distribution was recorded for the full range of angle of attack in level flight and throughout violent maneuvers" (p. 79).
An Investigation of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Airplane Equipped with Several Different Sets of Wings
This investigation was conducted by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Langley Field, Va., at the request of the Army Air Corps, for the purpose of comparing the full scale lift and drag characteristics of an airplane equipped with several sets of wings of commonly used airfoil sections. A Sperry Messenger Airplane with wings of R.A.F.-15, U.S.A.-5, U.S.A.-27, and Gottingen 387 airfoil sections was flown and the lift and drag characteristics of the airplane with each set of wings were determined by means of glide tests. The results are presented in tabular and curve form.
Flight tests on U.S.S. Los Angeles Part 1: full scale pressure distribution investigation
The primary purpose of this investigation was to obtain simultaneous data on the loads and stress experience in flight by the U. S. S. Los Angeles which could be used in rigid airship structure design. A secondary object of the investigation was to determine the turning and drag characteristics of the airship. The aerodynamic loading was obtained by measuring the pressure at 95 locations on the tail surfaces, 54 on the hull, and 5 on the passenger car. These measurements were made during a series of maneuvers consisting of turns and reversals in smooth air and during a cruise in rough air which was just short of squall proportions.
Speed and deceleration trials of U.S.S. Los Angeles
From Summary: "The trials reported in this report were instigated by the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department for the purpose of determining accurately the speed and resistance of the U. S. S. "Los Angeles" with and without water recovery apparatus, and to clear up the apparent discrepancies between the speed attained in service and in the original trials in Germany. The trials proved very conclusively that the water recovery apparatus increases the resistance about 20 per cent, which is serious, and shows the importance of developing a type of recovery having less resistance. Between the American and the German speed trials without water recovery there remains an unexplained discrepancy of nearly 6 per cent in speed at a given rate of engine revolutions."
Resistance of streamline wires
"This note contains the results of tests to determine the resistance of four sizes of streamline wire. The investigation was conducted in the six-inch wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The tests were made at various velocities and it was found that the resistance of streamline wires was considerably less than that of round wires of equivalent strength. Scale effect was also found since, with an increase of Reynolds Number, a decrease in the resistance coefficient was obtained" (p. 1).
Wheel Brakes and Their Application to Aircraft
"The advantages to be gained from braking have not been ignored, and in the search for a suitable method many schemes have been suggested and tried. Some of the methods discussed in this paper include: 1) increasing the height of the landing gear; 2) air brakes of various forms; 3) sprags on tail skid and axle; and 4) wheel brakes. This report focuses on the design of wheel brakes and wheel brake controls" (p. 1).
The Effect of Tip Shields on a Horizontal Tail Surface
A series of experiments made in the wind tunnel of the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aeronautics, New York University, on the effect of tip shields on a horizontal tail surface are described and discussed. It was found that some aerodynamic gain can be obtained by the use of tip shields though it is considered doubtful whether their use would be practical.
Aviation Fuels (With Especial Reference To "White Spirit")
Gasoline, the fuel now used, is an extremely volatile and inflammable liquid capable of forming explosive mixtures, the cause of many catastrophes in aviation. It is therefore of special interest to investigate the possibility of using fuels which, while being less volatile than gasoline, would nevertheless enable this engine to function satisfactorily.
Recent Researches on the Air Resistance of Spheres
The following conclusions on air resistance of spheres are drawn: 1) disturbances in front of the sphere and even single fine wires affect the critical Reynolds Number; 2) disturbances around the sphere increased the drag of the sphere without martially affecting the value of the Reynolds Number(sub crith); 3) great disturbances of the boundary layer of the sphere likewise change R.N.(sub crith); 4) turbulence of the approaching air stream lowers critical R.N.
Experimental and analytical determination of the motion of hydraulically operated valve stems in oil engine injection systems
This research on the pressure variations in the injection system of the N.A.C.A. Spray Photography Equipment and on the effects of these variations on the motion of the timing valve stem was undertaken in connection with the study of fuel injection systems for high-speed oil engines. The methods of analysis of the pressure variations and the general equation for the motion of the spring-loaded stem for the timing valve are applicable to a spring-loaded automatic injection valve, and in general to all hydraulically operated valves. A sample calculation for a spring-loaded automatic injection valve is included.
The Effect of Fillets Between Wings and Fuselage on the Drag and Propulsive Efficiency of an Airplane
Tests were made to determine the effect of fillets between wings and fuselage on the drag and propulsive efficiency of a high-wing cabin monoplane. These tests were made in the 20-foot Propeller Research Tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
The Variation in Engine Power With Altitude Determined From Measurements in Flight With a Hub Dynamometer
"The rate of change in power of aircraft engines with altitude has been the subject of considerable discussion. Only a small amount of data from direct measurements of the power delivered by airplane engines during flight, however, has been published. This report presents the results of direct measurements of the power delivered by a Liberty 12 airplane engine taken with a hub dynamometer at standard altitudes from zero to 13,000 feet. Six flights were made with the engine installed in a modified DH-4 airplane" (p. 323).
Helium Tables
These tables are intended to provide a standard method and to facilitate the calculation of the quantity of "Standard Helium" in high pressure containers. The research data and the formulas used in the preparation of the tables were furnished by the Research Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Effect of variation of chord and span of ailerons on rolling and yawing moments in level flight
This report presents the results of an investigation of the rolling and yawing moments due to ailerons of various chords and spans on two airfoils having the Clark Y and U. S. A. 27 wing sections. Some attention is devoted to a study of the effect of scale on rolling and yawing moments and to the effect of slightly rounding the wing tips. The results apply to level flight with the wing chord set at an angle of attack of +4 degrees and to conditions of zero pitch, zero yaw, and zero roll of the airplane. It is planned later to extend the investigation to other attitudes for monoplane and biplane combinations. The work was conducted in the 10 foot wind tunnel of the Bureau of Standards on models of 60-inch span and 10-inch chord. (author).
Special Propeller Protractor
A special protractor was designed and built with a view towards supplying a simple, inexpensive, practical, portable instrument for making measurements to detect propeller warpage under practically all conditions, without the use of auxiliary equipment, and without having to remove the propeller from the airplane. A detailed description is given of the protractor. Techniques for measuring are described. Directions are given on how to use the protractor to set detachable blade-type propellers on an airplane.
Tank tests of twin seaplane floats
The following report contains the most essential data for the hydrodynamic portion of the twin-float problem. The following points were successfully investigated: 1) difference between stationary and nonstationary flow; 2) effect of the shape of the step; 3) effect of distance between floats; 4) effect of nose-heavy and tail-heavy moments; 5) effect of the shape of floats; 6) maneuverability.
The Measurement of Maximum Cylinder Pressures
"The work presented in this report was undertaken at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics to determine a suitable method for measuring the maximum pressures occurring in aircraft engine cylinders. The study and development of instruments for the measurement of maximum cylinder pressures has been conducted in connection with carburetor and oil engine investigations on a single cylinder aircraft-type engine. Five maximum cylinder-pressure devices have been designed, and tested, in addition to the testing of three commercial indicators" (p. 311).
The Determination of Several Spray Characteristics of a High-Speed Oil Engine Injection System with an Oscilloscope
An investigation was conducted to determine the injection lag, duration of injection, and spray start and cut-off characteristics of a fuel injection system operated on an engine and injecting fuel into the atmosphere. The results indicated that for the injection system investigated, the injection lag, in crank degrees, decreased with increase in engine speed for a constant quantity of fuel discharged, but was not affected at constant engine speed by varying the fuel quantity from approximately one-half to full load fuel quantity.
The effect of the walls in closed type wind tunnels
"A series of tests has been conducted during the period 1925-1927 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in the variable-density wind tunnel on several airfoil models of different sizes and sections to determine the effect of tunnel-wall interference and to determine a correction which can be applied to reduce the error caused thereby. The use of several empirical corrections was attempted with little success. The Prandtl theoretical corrections give the best results, and their use is recommended for correcting closed wind tunnel results to the conditions of free air" (p. 375).
The prediction of airfoil characteristics
This report describes and develops methods by which the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil may be calculated with sufficient accuracy for use in airplane design. These methods for prediction are based on the present aerodynamic theory and on empirical formulas derived from data obtained in the N. A. C. A. variable density wind tunnel at a Reynolds number corresponding approximately to full scale. (author).
Crank Case Scavenging of a Two-Stroke-Cycle Engine
"Experiments with a two-stroke-cycle, crank case scavenging engine. Effect of systematic variation of the height of the scavenge and exhaust ports on the scavenging, as determined by gas analysis. The best results were obtained under conditions differing from the usual ones" (p. 1).
Technical Progress Shown in the 1927 Rhon Soaring-Flight Contest
Since 1922 the further development of the glider has consisted of a very gradual and arduous improvement in regards to air resistance, weight, strength and maneuverability. This report provides an in-depth examination of these improvements.
The C.A.M.S. 54 G.R. Transatlantic Seaplane (French)
Tested at the end of March, 1928, the C.A.M.S. 54 G.R. was built for the purpose of crossing the Atlantic from Europe by way of the azores. It has a biplane construction with wings mounted above the hull. It is powered by two new series 500 HP. geared Hispano Suiza V type engines.
Characteristics of Propeller Sections Tested in the Variable Density Wind Tunnel
"Tests were carried out in the variable density wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics on six airfoil sections used by the Bureau of Aeronautics as propeller sections. The sections were tested at pressures of 1 and 20 atmospheres corresponding to Reynolds numbers of about 170,000 and 3,500,000. The results obtained, besides providing data for the design of propellers, should be of special interest because of the opportunity afforded for the study of scale effect on a family of airfoil sections having different thickness ratios" (p. 127).
Investigation of Air Flow in Open-Throat Wind Tunnels
"Tests were conducted on the 6-inch wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics to form a part of a research on open-throat wind tunnels. The primary object of this part of the research was to study a type of air pulsation which has been encountered in open-throat tunnels, and to find the most satisfactory means of eliminating such pulsations. In order to do this it was necessary to study the effects of different variable on all of the important characteristics of the tunnel" (p. 399).
The Performance of Several Combustion Chambers Designed for Aircraft Oil Engines
"Several investigations have been made on single-cylinder test engines to determine the performance characteristics of four types of combustion chambers designed for aircraft oil engines. Two of the combustion chambers studied were bulb-type precombustion chambers, the connecting orifice of one having been designed to produce high turbulence by tangential air flow in both the precombustion chamber and the cylinder. The other two were integral combustion chambers, one being dome-shaped and the other pent-roof shaped" (p. 501).
Research on the Control of Airplanes
Our task is to endeavor to obtain precise experimental records of the motion of stalled airplanes, both when left to themselves and when the pilot is trying to control them. The apparatus which we use consists of a box containing tree gyroscopes which are slightly deflected against a spring control when the airplane is turning.
Stressed Coverings in Naval and Aeronautic Construction
We propose to make a study of the difficulties in using stressed coverings and their appropriate solutions. Fatigue and buckling are also discussed.
Investigation of damping liquids for aircraft instruments
"This report covers the results of an investigation carried on at the Bureau of Standards under a research authorization from, and with the financial assistance of, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The choice of a damping liquid for aircraft instruments is difficult owing to the range of temperature at which aircraft operate. Temperature changes affect the viscosity tremendously. The investigation was undertaken with the object of finding liquids of various viscosities otherwise suitable which had a minimum change in viscosity with temperature" (p. 405).
Wind Tunnel Tests on Autorotation and The "Flat Spin"
"This report deals with the autorotational characteristics of certain differing wing systems as determined from wind tunnel tests made at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory. The investigation was confined to autorotation about a fixed axis in the plane of symmetry and parallel to the wind direction. Analysis of the tests leads to the following conclusions: autorotation below 30 degree angle of attack is governed chiefly by wing profile, and above that angle by wing arrangement" (p. 343).
Preliminary Report on the Flat-Top Lift Curve as a Factor in Control at Low Speed
This report is concerned with the importance of the flat-top lift curve as a factor contributing to safety and control at low speed. An analysis of existing airfoil data indicated definite relations between the shape of the lift curve and certain section dimensions. The shape of the lift curve at maximum lift appears to be of sufficient importance to justify additional investigation with the view of developing a section with satisfactory efficiency and moment characteristics.
The Span as a Fundamental Factor in Airplane Design
Previous theoretical investigations of steady curvilinear flight did not afford a suitable criterion of "maneuverability," which is very important for judging combat, sport and stunt-flying airplanes. The idea of rolling ability, i.e., of the speed of rotation of the airplane about its X axis in rectilinear flight at constant speed and for a constant, suddenly produced deflection of the ailerons, is introduced and tested under simplified assumptions for the air-force distribution over the span. This leads to the following conclusions: the effect of the moment of inertia about the X axis is negligibly small, since the speed of rotation very quickly reaches a uniform value.
The Constructional Design of Metal Flying-Boat Hulls: Part 1 & Workshop Notes on the Building of Metal Hulls: Part 2
Part I of this paper covers the constructional design of metal flying-boat hulls and does not elaborate any further. Part II deals with the actual construction process of the hull.
Pressure Distribution Tests on PW-9 Wing Models From -18 Degree Through 90 Degree Angle of Attack
"At the request of the Army Air Corps, an investigation of the pressure distribution over PW-9 wing models was conducted in the atmospheric wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The primary purpose of these tests was to obtain wind-tunnel data on the load distribution on the cellule to be correlated with similar information obtained in flight tests, both to be used for design purposes. Because of the importance of the conditions beyond the stall as affecting the control and stability, this investigation was extended through 90 degree angle of attack" (p. 335).
Contribution to the Systematic Investigation on Joukowsky Profiles
"This article resulted from the need of showing, in a simple way, how the aerodynamic properties of airfoils are affected by the shape of their profiles. No general solution of this problem could be found, since the profile shapes cannot ordinarily be expressed by simple mathematical formulas. This advantage is possessed only by the Joukowsky profiles and this discussion of the problem is therefore limited to them" (p. 1).
Steel Spars
A history of English metal spar construction is presented in this paper. The way in which different spar designs or spar materials influence the aircraft wing loading and aerodynamics is described.
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