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Flow and Drag Formulas for Simple Quadrics
This report gives the pressure distribution and resistance found by theory and experiment for simple quadrics fixed in an infinite uniform stream of practically incompressible fluid. The experimental values pertain to air and some liquids, especially water; the theoretical refer sometimes to perfect, again to viscid fluids. For the cases treated the concordance of theory and measurement is so close as to make a resume of results desirable. Incidentally formulas for the velocity at all points of the flow field are given, some being new forms for ready use derived in a previous paper. (author).
Flow and Force Equations for a Body Revolving in a Fluid
A general method for finding the steady flow velocity relative to a body in plane curvilinear motion, whence the pressure is found by Bernoulli's energy principle is described. Integration of the pressure supplies basic formulas for the zonal forces and moments on the revolving body. The application of the steady flow method for calculating the velocity and pressure at all points of the flow inside and outside an ellipsoid and some of its limiting forms is presented and graphs those quantities for the latter forms.
Flow and Force Equations for a Body Revolving in a Fluid
Part I gives a general method for finding the steady-flow velocity relative to a body in plane curvilinear motion, whence the pressure is found by Bernoulli's energy principle. Integration of the pressure supplies basic formulas for the zonal forces and moments on the revolving body. Part II, applying this steady-flow method, finds the velocity and pressure at all points of the flow inside and outside an ellipsoid and some of its limiting forms, and graphs those quantities for the latter forms. Part III finds the pressure, and thence the zonal force and moment, on hulls in plane curvilinear flight. Part IV derives general equations for the resultant fluid forces and moments on trisymmetrical bodies moving through a perfect fluid, and in some cases compares the moment values with those found for bodies moving in air. Part V furnishes ready formulas for potential coefficients and inertia coefficients for an ellipsoid and its limiting forms. Thence are derived tables giving numerical values of those coefficients for a comprehensive range of shapes.
Horizontal Buoyancy in Wind Tunnels
Note presenting an examination of horizontal buoyancy in wind tunnels, including an examination of the relative flow, static pressure gradient, horizontal buoyancy computation, and methods of computation in practical use are provided.
Influence of model surface and air flow texture on resistance of aerodynamic bodies
This report is an analysis of two resistance equations which have particular application in the comparison of tests from different aerodynamical laboratories.
Periodic Stresses in Gyroscopic Bodies, With Applications to Air Screws
Report discusses periodic stresses in gyroscopic bodies with applications to air screws caused by particle mass. Report concludes that all modern air screws obey the laws found for plane groups of particles. In particular the two-bladers exert on the shaft a rhythmic gyroscopic torque; the multibladers a steady one; both easily calculable for any given conditions of motion and mass distribution.
Pressure of air on coming to rest from various speeds
The text gives theoretical formulas from which is computed a table for the pressure of air on coming to rest from various speeds, such as those of aircraft and propeller blades. Pressure graphs are given for speeds from 1 cm. Sec. up to those of swift projectiles.
Relation of Rib Spacing to Stress in Wing Planes
The stress relations to the fabric and the rib consequent upon a change of spacing between ribs in a wing plane are discussed. Considering the wing plane as a static structure, and ignoring the question of aerodynamic efficiency, it appears that the unit stress in the rib and fabric will remain constant for constant p if the linear dimensions of both rib and fabric are increased alike, viz., if wing and fabric remain geometrically similar. Since the bulge and the structural dimensions remain geometrically similar, the whole distended plane remains so, and hence should have the same pressure distribution and efficiency.
The six-component wind balance
Dr. Zahm's report is a description of the six-component wind-tunnel balance in use at the Aerodynamic Laboratory, Washington Navy Yard. The description of the balance gives the mechanical details and the method of operation, and is accompanied by line drawings showing the construction of the balance. The balance is of particular interest, as it allows the model to be set up quickly and accurately in roll, pitch, and yaw, without stopping the wind. It is possible to measure automatically, directly, and independently the drag, cross-wind force, and lift; also the rolling, pitching, and yawing moments. It is also possible to make the balance self-recording.
Stability Equations for Airship Hulls
In the text are derived simple formulae for determining, directly from the data of wind tunnel tests of a model of an airship hull, what shall be the approximate character of oscillation, in pitch or yaw, of the full-scale airship when slightly disturbed from steady forward motion. (author).
Theories of flow similitude
The laws of comparison of dynamically similar fluid motions are derived by three different methods based on the same principle and yielding the same or equivalent formulas. This report outlines the three current methods of comparing dynamically similar motions, more especially of fluids, initiated respectively by Newton, Stokes (or Helmholtz), and Rayleigh. These three methods, viz., the integral, the differential, and the dimensional, are enough alike to be studied profitably together. They are treated in succession then compared. (author).
The vector ruling protractor
The theory, structure and working of a vector slide rule is presented in this report. This instrument is used for determining a vector in magnitude and position when given its components and its moment about a point in their plane.
A Study of Wing Flutter
"Part I describes vibration tests, in a wind tunnel, of simple airfoils and of the tail plane of an M0-1 airplane model; it also describes the air flow about this model. From these tests are drawn inferences as to the cause and cure of aerodynamic wing vibrations. Part II derives stability criteria for wing vibrations in pitch and roll, and gives design rules to obviate instability. Part III shows how to design spars to flex equally under a given wing loading and thereby economically minimize the twisting in pitch that permits cumulative flutter" (p. 109).
Airplane stress analysis
Report presents stress analysis of individual components of an airplane. Normal and abnormal loads, sudden loads, simple stresses, indirect simple stresses, resultant unit stress, repetitive and equivalent stress, maximum steady load and stress are considered.
Tables for pressure of air on coming to rest from various speeds
From Summary: "In Technical Report no. 247 of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics theoretical formulas are given from which was computed a table for the pressure of air on coming to rest from various speeds, such as those of aircraft and propeller blades. In that report, the table gave incompressible and adiabatic stop pressures of air for even-speed intervals in miles per hour and for some even-speed intervals in knots per hour. Table II of the present report extends the above-mentioned table by including the stop pressures of air for even-speed intervals in miles per hour, feet per-second, knots per hour, kilometers per hour, and meters per second."
Comparison of United States and British Standard Pitot-Static Tubes
The results shown in this report give a comprehensive comparison of the accuracy of United States and British standard pitot tubes.
Lift and Drag Effects of Wing-Tip Rake
This report deals with a description and report of tests carried out at the Washington Navy Yard on models of the RAF-6, albatross and Slone airfoils to determine the effectiveness of the conventional wing-trailing edge being always longer than the leading edge. The results are compared with the values computed by standard formulae in use at the time the tests were conducted.
The drag of C class airship hull with varying length of cylindric midships
A model of the C class airship hull, when severed at its major section and provided with a cylindric mid-body of variable length, had its air resistance increased about in proportion to the length of the mid-body up to 3 diameters, and in about the manner to be expected from the increase of skin friction on this variable length. For greater length the drag increased less and less rapidly.
Point drag and total drag of navy struts no. 1 modified
This report deals with the results of tests on struts conducted at Washington Navy Yard. Two models of the modified Navy strut, no. 1, were tested in the 8 by 8 foot wind tunnel. The tests were made to determine the total resistance end effect and the pressure distribution at various wind-tunnel speeds with the length of the strut transverse to the current. Only the measurements made at zero pitch and yaw are given in this report.
Air forces, moments and damping on model of fleet airship Shenandoah
From Introduction: "To furnish data for the design of the fleet airship Shenandoah, a model was made and tested in the 8 by 8 foot wind tunnel for wind forces, moments, and damping, under conditions described in this report. The results are given for air of standard density. P=0.00237 slugs per cubic foot with vl/v correction, and with but a brief discussion of the aerodynamic design features of the airship."
Drag of C-class airship hulls of various fineness ratios
From Summary: "This report presents the results of wind-tunnel tests on eight C-class airship hulls with various fineness ratios, conducted in the Navy Aerodynamic Laboratory, Washington. The purpose of the tests was to determine the variation of resistance with fineness ratio, and also to find the pressure and friction elements of the total drag for the model having the least shape coefficient. Seven C-class airship hulls with fineness ratios of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10.0 were made and verified."
Forces on elliptic cylinders in uniform air stream
From Summary: "This report presents the results of wind tunnel tests on four elliptic cylinders with various fineness ratios, conducted in the Navy Aerodynamic Laboratory, Washington. The object of the tests was to investigate the characteristics of sections suitable for streamline wire which normally has an elliptic section with a fineness ratio of 4.0; also to learn whether a reduction in fineness ratio would result in improvement; also to determine the pressure distribution on the model of fineness ratio of 4. Four elliptic cylinders with fineness ratios of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 were made and then tested in the 8 by 8 wind tunnel; first, for cross-wind force, drag, and yawing moment at 30 miles an hour and various angles of yaw; next for drag 0 degree pitch and 0 degree yaw and various wind speeds; then for end effect on the smallest and largest models; and lastly for pressure distribution over the surface of the largest model at 0 degree pitch and 0 degree yaw and various wind speeds."
Calculated Effect of Some Airplane Handling Techniques on the Ground-Run Distance in Landing on Slippery Runways
Note presenting some calculations made on the basis of simplifying assumptions to determine the effect on the ground-run distance of maintaining a nose-high attitude instead of a three-point attitude in landings of several types of jet airplanes on slippery runways. The airplanes considered were a swept-wing transport and unswept-, swept-, and delta-wing fighters. Results regarding the effect of airplane attitude and effect of flap retraction are provided.
Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer and Profile-Drag Characteristics of Smooth Wing Sections of a P-47D Airplane
"In Mach range of 0.25 - 0.69, boundary-layer measurements were made on upper wing surface at 25% semi-span, pressure-distribution measurements made on upper surface at 63% semi-span, and wake surveys made at 63% semi-span. The minimum profile-drag coefficient of 0.0062 was indicated for smooth section at 63% semi-span. Critical mach number was exceeded by 0.04, but no compressibility shocks appeared. In slipstream, boundary layer transition occurred as far back as 20% chord on upper surface at low lift coefficients" (p. 1).
Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer and Profile-Drag Characteristics of Smooth Wing Sections of a P-47D Airplane
Report presenting a flight investigation made of boundary-layer and profile-drag characteristics of smooth wing sections of a P-47D airplane. Measurements were made at three stations on the wing: boundary-layer measurements, pressure-distribution measurements, and wake surveys. The results indicated that a minimum profile-drag coefficient of 0.0062 for the smooth section at 63 percent semispan was obtained.
Profile-Drag Coefficients of Conventional and Low-Drag Airfoils as Obtained in Flight
"The results of flight investigations of the profile drag of several carefully finished conventional and low-drag airfoils are presented. The results indicated that in all cases lower profile-drag coefficients were obtained with the low-drag than with the conventional airfoils over the range of lift coefficient tested and that, for comparable conditions of lift coefficient and Reynolds number, the low-drag airfoils may have profile-drag coefficients which are at least 27 percent lower than the profile-drag coefficients of the conventional airfoils" (p.1).
Profile-Drag Coefficients of Conventional and Low-Drag Airfoils as Obtained in Flight
Results of flight tests indicate that profile-drag coefficients which were obtained with the low-drag airfoils were lower than with the conventional types over the range of light coefficients tested. For comparable conditions of the lift coefficient and Reynolds Number, the low-drag airfoils have profile-drag coefficients which may be 27 percent lower than the profile drag of the conventional airfoils tested. Detailed results are presented graphically.
A Profile-Drag Investigation in Flight on an Experimental Fighter-Type Airplane the North American XP-51
Report discussing the results of an investigation of the North American XP-51 and its low-drag airfoils. Several surface conditions were tested and the profile-drag coefficients were determined. The surface that was smoothened and faired by filling and sanding had the lowest profile-drag coefficient.
A radar method of calibrating airspeed installations on airplanes in maneuvers at high altitudes and at transonic and supersonic speeds
A method of calibrating the static-pressure source of a pitot static airspeed installation on an airplane in level flight, dives, and other maneuvers at high altitude and at transonic and supersonic speeds is described. The method principally involves the use of radar-phototheodolite tracking equipment. The various sources of error in the method are discussed and sample calibrations are included.
Summary of stall-warning devices
From Summary: "The principles involved in the operation of several types of stall-warning devices are described and conditions under which difficulty may be experienced are pointed out. In the discussion, stall-warning devices are grouped as special stall-sensing devices and angle-of-attack-sensing devices. Methods of transmitting the warning to the pilot are also discussed. Some specific examples of stall-warning devices are illustrated and described."
Flight Investigation at High Mach Numbers of Several Methods of Measuring Static Pressure on an Airplane Wing
Report discusses an investigation into static pressures in subsonic and supersonic flow over an airplane wing as measured by static-pressure tubes, a static-pressure belt, and orifices flush with the wing surface. The results obtained from the three types of measuring devices and a comparison to theoretical calculations are presented.
Flight Investigation at High Speeds of Profile Drag of Wing of a P-47d Airplane Having Production Surfaces Covered With Camouflage Paint
Report presenting a flight investigation made at high speeds to determine the profile drag of a P-47D airplane wing with production surfaces covered with camouflage paint. The results indicated that a minimum profile-drag coefficient of 0.0097 was attained for lift coefficients from 0.16 to 0.25 at Mach numbers less than 0.67.
Flight Investigation at High Speeds of Profile Drag of Wing of a P-47D Airplane Having Production Surfaces Covered with Camouflage Paint
Wing section outboard of flap was tested by wake surveys in Mach range of 0.25 - 0.78 and lift coefficient range 0.06 - 0.69. Results indicated that minimum profile-drag coefficient of 0.0097 was attained for lift coefficients from 0.16 to 0.25 at Mach less than 0.67. Below Mach number at which compressibility shock occurred, variations in Mach of 0.2 had negligible effect on profile drag coefficient. Shock was not evident until critical Mach was exceeded by 0.025.
Some Flight Measurements of Pressure-Distribution and Boundary-Layer Characteristics in the Presence of Shock
Memorandum presenting some pressure-distribution and boundary-layer measurements made in flight in the presence of shock on two modifications of the local contour of the wings of a high-speed airplane. Results regarding the pressure distribution, boundary-layer surveys, and effects on test airplane are provided.
Longitudinal Stability and Control Characteristics of a Semispan Airplane Model With a Swept-Back Tail From Tests at Transonic Speeds by the NACA Wing-Flow Method
Report presenting an investigation using the NACA wing-flow method to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a semispan airplane model with a wing of conventional plan form and a horizontal tail swept back 45 degrees at transonic speeds. Measurements were made of lift and angle of attack for trim at several stabilizer and elevator settings.
Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer Transition and Profile Drag of an Experimental Low-Drag Wing Installed on a Figher-Type Airplane
Report presenting a boundary-layer-transition and profile-drag investigation conducted on an experimental low-drag wing installed on a P-47 airplane designated the XP-47F. Measurements were made at a section outside the propeller slipstream with smooth and with standard camouflage surfaces and on the upper surface of a section in the propeller slipstream with the surface smoothed. Results regarding the right wing section outside the slipstream and left wing section in the propeller slipstream are provided.
A Flight Investigation of the Effect of Surface Roughness on Wing Profile Drag With Transition Fixed
Report presenting a flight investigation made on a wing section of a P-47D airplane to determine the effect of roughness on wing profile drag with transition fixed far forward. Surveys of the wake were made for two surface conditions with transition fixed by a thread at 5 percent chord back of the leading edge on the upper and lower surfaces. Below the Mach number at which shock occurred, variations in Mach number of as much as 0.16 appeared to have no appreciable effect on the section profile-drag coefficients of either the smooth or roughened surfaces with transition fixed.
Static-Pressure Error of an Airspeed Installation on an Airplane in High-Speed Dives and Pullouts
"Tests were made in high-speed dives and pull-outs to determine, by combined radar-optical tracking equipment, the static-pressure error of an airspeed-head installation on a P-51B airplane." The equipment used and testing procedure are described. The variation of static-pressure error is provided for several ranges of airplane lift coefficient.
A method of calibrating airspeed installations on airplanes at transonic and supersonic speeds by the use of accelerometer and attitude-angle measurements
A method is described for calibrating airspeed installation on airplanes at transonic and supersonic speeds in vertical-plane maneuvers in which use is made of measurements of normal and longitudinal accelerations and attitude angle. In this method all the required instrumentation is carried within the airplane. An analytical study of the effects of various sources of error on the accuracy of an airspeed calibration by the accelerometer method indicated that the required measurements can be made accurately enough to insure a satisfactory calibration.
Flight Investigation of Boundary-Layer Control by Suction Slots on an NACA 35-215 Low-Drag Airfoil at High Reynolds Numbers
Report presenting an investigation of the effectiveness of suction slots as a means of extending the laminar boundary layer in flight at high Reynolds numbers on an NACA 35-215 airfoil. The results showed that, with a slot spacing of about 5 percent of the chord, the laminar boundary layer could be maintained to or slightly beyond 45 percent of the chord.
Flight investigation of boundary-layer control by suction slots on an NACA 35-215 low-drag airfoil at high Reynolds numbers
Report presenting an investigation of the effectiveness of suction slots a a means of extending the laminar boundary layer in flight at high Reynolds numbers using an NACA 35-215 airfoil. Tests were made over a range of indicated airspeeds, lift coefficients, and Reynolds numbers. Results regarding boundary-layer control, air-intake distributions, character of the boundary layer, total-intake rate, and profile-drag coefficient are provided.
Artificial Aging of Riveted Joints Made in Alclad 24S-T Sheet Using A17S-T, 17S-T, and 24S-T Rivets
Note presenting an investigation of the effect of artificial aging on the strengths of driven rivets of the alloys used commercially for rivets: specifically, A17S-T, 17S-T, and 24S-T. The change in shear strength for each type of rivet after being exposed to artificial aging treatment of 10 hours at 375 degrees Fahrenheit applied to the driven rivets is described.
System Analyses and Autopilot Design for Automatic Roll Stabilization of a Supersonic Pilotless Aircraft
Memorandum presenting system analyses and autopilot design procedure for a supersonic pilotless aircraft with twin jet engines. The autopilots investigated were a gyro-actuated control, a gyro-actuated control with a rate-sensing device, and an electronic-hydraulic autopilot. Results regarding the airframe and gyro-actuated control system; airframe, gyro-actuated control, and rate servo; airframe and electronic-hydraulic autopilot; and contribution of method of analysis to system design are provided.
Flight investigation of a roll-stabilized missile configuration at varying angles of attack at Mach numbers between 0.8 and 1.79
A missile research model was flown at supersonic speed to determine the quality of automatic roll stabilization at varying angles of attack. Aerodynamic rolling and pitching derivatives were determined from the flight record. It was concluded that the combination of the gyro-actuated automatic pilot with wing-tip ailerons provided adequate roll stabilization under conditions encountered in flight.
Rocket Power Plants Based on Nitric Acid and their Specific Propulsive Weights
"Two fields are reserved for the application of rocket power plants. The first field is determined by the fact that the rocket power plant is the only type of power plant that can produce thrust without dependence upon environment. The second field is that in which the rocket power plant proves itself the most suitable as a high-power drive in free competition with other types of power plants" (p. 1).
Kinetics of Chemical Reactions in Flames
In part I of the paper the theory of flame propagation is developed along the lines followed by Frank-Kamenetsky and one of the writers. The development of chain processes in flames is considered. A basis is given for the application of the method of stationary concentrations to reactions in flames; reactions with branching chains are analyzed. The case of a diffusion coefficient different from the coefficient of temperature conductivity is considered.
On the Theory of Combustion of Initially Unmixed Gases
The chemical reaction of two substances (fuel and oxygen) accompanied by the formation of new substances of the products of combustion and the liberation of heat is considered. General equations are provided as well as an analysis of the equation and the distribution of products of the reaction.
On the Theory of the Propagation of Detonation in Gaseous Systems
"The existing theory of detonation is critically examined. It is shown that the considerations with which the steady value of the velocity of detonation is chosen are not convincing. In connection with the problem of the process of the chemical reaction in a detonation wave, the objections raised against the conceptions of Le Chatelier and Vieille of the 19th century with regard to the ignition of the gas by the shock wave are refuted" (p. 1).
Theory of Flame Propagation
"The mechanism of flame propagation has been qualitatively formulated. In accordance with this formulation, the chemical reaction initiated in some layer brings about an increase in the temperature; because of the heat conduction, the temperature is raised in the neighboring layer where in turn the chemical reaction is initiated. In this manner the flame is propagated" (p. 1).
Recent Development of the Two-Stroke Engine 2 - Design Features
"Completing the first paper dealing with charging methods and arrangements, the present paper discusses the design forms of two-stroke engines. Features which largely influence piston running are: (a) The shape and surface condition of the sliding parts. (b) The cylinder and piston materials. (c) Heat conditions in the piston, and lubrication. There is little essential difference between four-stroke and two-stroke engines with ordinary pistons" (p. 1).
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