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Aerodynamic characteristics of a wing with Fowler flaps including flap loads, downwash, and calculated effect on take-off
From Summary: "This report presents the results of wind tunnel tests of a wing in combination with each of three sizes of Fowler flap. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the aerodynamic characteristics as affected by flap chord and position, the air loads on the flaps, and the effect of flaps on the downwash."
Aerodynamic characteristics of wings with cambered external airfoil flaps, including lateral control, with a full-span flap
From Summary: "The results of a wind-tunnel investigation of the NACA 23012, the NACA 23021, and the Clark Y airfoils, each equipped with a cambered external-airfoil flap, are presented in this report. The purpose of the research was to determine the relative merit of the various airfoils in combination with the cambered flap and to investigate the use of the flap as a combined lateral-control and high-lift device."
Annual Report of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (20th). Administrative Report Including Technical Report Nos. 475 to 507
Report includes the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics letter of submittal to the President, Congressional report, summaries of the committee's activities and research accomplished, bibliographies, and financial report.
Effect of aerodynamic design on glider performance
The performance of a glider is determined by means of the velocity polar, which represents the connection between horizontal and sinking speed. The mean sinking speed for a given speed range can be determined on the basis of the velocity polar. These data form the basis for the most propitious design of a performance-type glider with a view to long-distance flight.
Gliding in Convection Currents
"A survey of the possibilities of gliding in convection currents reveals that heretofore only the most simple kind of ascending convection currents, that is, the "thermic" of insolation, has been utilized to any extent. With the increasing experience in gliding, the utilization of the peculiar nature of the "wind thermic" and increased glider speed promises further advances. Evening, ocean, and height "thermic" are still in the exploration stage, and therefore not amenable to survey in their effects" (p. 1).
The Heat Transfer of Cooling Fins on Moving Air
The present report is a comparison of the experimentally defined temperature and heat output of cooling fins in the air stream with theory. The agreement is close on the basis of a mean coefficient of heat transfer with respect to the total surface. A relationship is established between the mean coefficient of heat transfer, the dimensions of the fin arrangement, and the air velocity.
Kay 331 Gyroplane (British): All-Metal Single-Seat Light Rotor Plane
Circular presenting a description of the Kay 331 gyroplane, which is an all-metal single-seater with a Pobjoy R engine. A description of the propeller, control, fuselage, tail, flight characteristics, specifications, drawings, and photographs are provided.
Wind-tunnel tests of a 10-foot-diameter gyroplane rotor
This report presents the results of wind-tunnel tests on a model gyroplane rotor 10 feet in diameter. The rotor blades had zero sweepback and zero offset; the hub contained a feathering mechanism that provided control of the rotor rolling moment, but not of the pitching moment. The rotor was tested with 4 blades and with 2 blades. The entire useful range of pitch settings and tip-speed ratios was investigated including the phase of operation in which the rotor turned very slowly, or idled.
The Effect of Water Vapor on Flame Velocity in Equivalent Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Mixtures
This report presents the results of an investigation to study the effect of water vapor upon the spatial speed of flame in equivalent mixtures of carbon monoxide and oxygen at various total pressures from 100 to 780 mm.hg. These results show that, within this pressure range, an increase in flame speed is produced by increasing the mole fraction of water vapor at least as far as saturation at 25 degrees c., and that the rate of this increase is greater the higher the pressure. It is evident that water vapor plays an important part in the explosive oxidation of carbon monoxide; the need for further experimental evidence as to the nature of its action is indicated.
The Soap-Bubble Method of Studying the Combustion of Mixtures of Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen
This investigation is a detailed description of the soap-bubble, or constant-pressure, method as applied to the explosive oxidation of carbon monoxide. A series of values of the speed of flame in space in various mixtures of CO and O2 containing a constant percentage of water vapor was obtained by the constant-volume method. These results served as a guide in the perfection of the soap-bubble method.
Some effects of injection advance angle, engine-jacket temperature, and speed on combustion in a compression-ignition engine
"An optical indicator and a high-speed motion-picture camera capable of operating at the rate of 2,000 frames per second were used to record simultaneously the pressure development and the flame formation in the combustion chamber of the NACA combustion apparatus. Tests were made at engine speeds of 570 and 1,500 r.p.m. The engine-jacket temperature was varied from 100 degrees to 300 degrees F. And the injection advance angle from 13 degrees after top center to 120 degrees before top center. The results show that the course of the combustion is largely controlled by the temperature and pressure of the air in the chamber from the time the fuel is injected until the time at which combustion starts and by the ignition lag" (p. 343).
Noise From Two-Blade Propellers
"The two-blade propeller, one of the most powerful sources of sound known, has been studied with the view of obtaining fundamental information concerning the noise emission. In order to eliminate engine noise, the propeller was mounted on an electric motor. A microphone was used to pick up the sound whose characteristics were studied electrically. The distribution of noise throughout the frequency range, as well as the spatial distribution about the propeller, was studied. The results are given in the form of polar diagrams. An appendix of common acoustical terms is included" (p. 359).
The 1934 Contest for the Deutsch De La Meurthe Trophy
This report presents a description of the rules, history and new technical innovations in the Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup race of 1934.
The Aerodynamic Aspect of Wing-Fuselage Fillets
Report discussing model tests prove the feasibility of enhancing the aerodynamic qualities of wing-fuselage fillets by appropriate design of fuselage and wing roots. Abrupt changes from maximum fuselage height to wing chord must be avoided and every longitudinal section of fuselage and wing roots must be so faired and arranged as to preserve the original lift distribution of the continuous wing. Adapting the fuselage to the curvilinear circulation of the wing affords further improvement. The polars of such arrangements are almost the same as those of the "wing alone," thus voiding the superiority of the high-wing type airplane known with conventional design.
The Aerodynamic Forces and Moments on a Spinning Model of the F4B-2 Airplane as Measured by the Spinning Balance
"The tests described in this report were made as part of an investigation of the spinning characteristics of the F4B-2 airplane conducted at the request of the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department" (p. 1).
Performance tests of a single-cylinder compression-ignition engine with a displacer piston
Engine performance was investigated using a rectangular displacer on the piston crown to cause a forced air flow in a vertical-disk combustion chamber of a single-cylinder, 4-stroke-cycle compression-ignition engine. The optimum air-flow area was determined first with the area concentrated at one end of the displacer and then with the area equally divided between two passages, one at each end of the displacer. Best performance was obtained with the two-passage air flow arranged to give a calculated maximum air-flow speed of 8 times the linear crank-pin speed. With the same fuel-spray formation as used without the air flow, the maximum clear exhaust brake mean effective pressure at 1,500 r.p.m. was increased from 90 to 115 pounds per square inch and the corresponding fuel consumption reduced from 0.46 to 0.43 pound per brake horsepower-hour. At 1,200 r.p.m., a maximum clear exhaust brake mean effective pressure of 120 pounds per square inch was obtained at a fuel consumption of 0.42 pound per brake horsepower-hour. At higher specific fuel consumption the brake mean effective pressure was still increasing rapidly.
Propeller vibrations and the effect of the centrifugal force
A method has been devised for determining the frequencies of the various modes of a stationary propeller and the associated crankshaft. A method has also been devised to obtain the effect of the centrifugal force on a revolving propeller by use of a flexible model.
Vortex Noise From Rotating Cylindrical Rods
"A series of round rods of the some diameter were rotated individually about the mid-point of each rod. Vortices are shed from the rods when in motion, giving rise to the emission of sound. With the rotating system placed in the open air, the distribution of sound in space, the acoustical power output, and the spectral distribution have been studied. The frequency of emission of vortices from any point on the rod is given by the formula of von Karman" (p. 1).
Reduction of hinge moments of airplane control surfaces by tabs
This report presents the results of an investigation conducted in the NACA 7 by 10-foot wind tunnel of control surfaces equipped with tabs for reducing the control forces or trimming the aircraft. Two sizes of ordinary ailerons with several sizes of attached and inset tabs were tested on a Clark y wing. Tabs were also tested in combination with auxiliary balances of the horn and paddle types, and with a frise balance aileron.
A Flight Investigation of the Spinning of the F4B-2 Biplane with Various Loads and Tail Surfaces
"A flight investigation of the spinning of the F4B-2 single-seat fighter airplane was made for the purpose of finding modifications that would eliminate dangerous spin tendencies exhibited by this type of airplane in service. The effects on steady spins and on recoveries of changing the loading, enlarging the fin areas, changing the elevator plan form, and raising the horizontal surfaces, were determined" (p. 413).
The Aeronautical Laboratory of the Stockholm Technical Institute
This report presents a detailed analysis and history of the construction and operation of the aeronautical laboratory of the Stockholm Technical Institute. Engines and balances are discussed and experimental results are also given.
The Bending of Beams With Thin Tension Flanges
This report analyzes the action of a cantilever T beam with a tension flange so thin it can only carry tensile stresses.
Boulton Paul P.71a Commercial Airplane (British): A Two-Engine Biplane
Circular presenting a description of the Boulton Paul P.71A, which is a new type of two-engine biplane. Details of the design, fuel tanks, materials, fuselage, passenger seating, tail, and flying qualities are provided.
Calculations of the Effect of Wing Twist on the Air Forces Acting on a Monoplane Wing
"A method is presented for calculating the aerodynamic forces on a moncylane wing, taking into account the elastic twisting of the wing due to these forces. The lift distribution along the span is calculated by the formulas of Amstutz as a function of the geometrical characteristics of the wing and of the twist at stations 60 and 90 percent of the semispan. The twist for a given lift distribution is calculated by means of influence lines" (p. 1).
Characteristics of the NACA 23012 airfoil from tests in the full-scale and variable-density tunnels
"This report gives the results of tests in the NACA full-scale and variable-density tunnels of a new wing section, the NACA 23012, which is one of the more promising of an extended series of related airfoils recently developed. The tests were made at several values of the Reynolds number between 1,000,000 and 8,000,000. The new airfoil develops a reasonably high maximum lift and a low profile drag, which results in an unusually high value of the speed-range index. In addition, the pitching-moment coefficient is very small" (p. 435).
Full-scale force and pressure-distribution tests on a tapered U.S.A. 45 airfoil
This report presents the results of force and pressure-distribution tests on a 2:1 tapered USA 45 airfoil as determined in the full-scale wind tunnel. The airfoil has a constant-chord center section and rounded tips and is tapered in thickness from 18 percent at the root to 9 percent at the tip. Force tests were made throughout a Reynolds Number range of approximately 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 providing data on the scale effect in addition to the conventional characteristics. Pressure-distribution data were obtained from tests at a Reynolds Number of approximately 4,000,000. The aerodynamic characteristics given by the usual dimensionless coefficients are presented graphically.
The Interdependence of Profile Drag and Lift With Joukowski Type and Related Airfoils
"On the basis of a systematic investigation of Gottingen wind-tunnel data on Joukowski type and related airfoils, it is shown in what manner the profile drag coefficient is dependent on the lift coefficient. The individual factors for the construction of the profile drag polars are given. They afford a more accurate calculation of the performance coefficients of airplane designs than otherwise attainable with the conventional assumption of constant drag coefficient" (p. 1).
Modification of Wing-Section Shape to Assure a Predetermined Change in Pressure Distribution
"In order to find an airfoil for a predetermined pressure distribution, the problem must be posed so that the pressure distribution creates no drag. Another fundamental difficulty is that it is impossible to specify a pressure distribution without first knowing the place where these pressures are to be applied, i.e., the wing-section shape. This difficulty may be avoided by directing the pressure distribution along the contour of the wing section. Then it becomes possible to define the change in wing-section shape which effects a certain modification of the wing-section shape" (p. 1).
Tank tests of a model of a flying-boat hull with a fluted bottom
A 1/5-scale model of a flying-boat hull having flutes in the bottom both forward and aft of the step (NACA model 19) was tested to determine its water performance. The model was also tested after the successive removal of the flutes on the afterbody and forebody. The results from these tests are compared with those from tests of a model of the hull of the Navy PN-8 flying boat and it is concluded that the fluted-bottom model and its modifications are inferior to the model of the PN-8.
Interference of wing and fuselage from tests of 209 combinations in the NACA variable-density tunnel
This report presents the results of tests of 209 simple wing-fuselage combinations made in the NACA variable-density wind tunnel to provide information regarding the effects of aerodynamic interference between wings and fuselages at a large value of Reynolds number.
A Turbulence Indicator Utilizing the Diffusion of Heat
This report describes a method of determining the turbulence in wind tunnels. The effect of turbulence upon the diffusion of heat from a small electrically heated wire in an air stream was investigated. The turbulence of the stream was introduced by a series of geometrically similar screens placed one at a time across the upstream section of the tunnel. With the wire set at various distances from the screens, curves of temperature distribution were obtained by traversing the heated wake at a distance of 2 inches behind the wire with a small thermocouple.
The Aerodynamic Drag of Flying-Boat Hull Model as Measured in the NACA 20-Foot Wind Tunnel - 1
"The main purpose of this investigation is to make available to the designer useful information with regard to the aerodynamic drag of various types of flying-boat hull models. The present report is the first in a series covering investigation in this field. Through close cooperation between hydrodynamics and aerodynamics divisions it is hoped that results leading to improvements in hull design obtained" (p. 1).
The Effect of Lateral Inclination of the Thrust Axis and of Sweepback of the Leading Edge of the Wing on Propulsive and Net Efficiencies of a Wing-Nacelle-Propeller Combination
"This report describes and gives the results of tests made to determine the effect of lateral inclination of the propeller thrust axis to the direction of flight. A wing-nacelle-propeller combination with the nacelle axis located successively parallel to and at 15 degrees to the perpendicular to the leading edge of a wing was tested with the combination at several angles of yaw. Tests of the wing alone at the same angles of yaw were also made" (p. 1).
Large-Scale Boundary-Layer Control Tests on Two Wings in the NACA 20-Foot Wind Tunnel, Special Report
Report discussing tests performed on two different wings to determine the increase in lift obtainable by removing the boundary layer and power required for the blower. The results for the stub wing were more favorable than the large-span wing.
Spinning Characteristics of Wings 2: Rectangular Clark Y Biplane Cellule: 25 Percent Stagger; 0 Degree Decalage; Gap/Chord 1.0
General methods of theoretical analysis of airplane spinning characteristics have been available for some time. Some of these methods of analysis might be used by designers to predict the spinning characteristics of proposed airplane designs if the necessary aerodynamic data were known. The present investigation, to determine the spinning characteristics of wings, is planned to include variations in airfoil sections, plan forms, and tip shapes of monoplane wings and variations in stagger, gap, and decalage for biplane cellules.
Strength Tests of Thin-Walled Duralumin Cylinders in Combined Transverse Shear and Bending
"This report is the fourth of a series presenting the results of strength tests on thin-walled cylinders and truncated cones of circular and elliptic section; it includes the results on 100 thin-walled Duralumin cylinders of circular section with ends clamped to rigid bulkheads. The tests show that as the ratio of moment to shear varies from small to large values the failure changes from a shear to a bending type. In the report a chart is presented that shows the corresponding changes in strength" (p. 1).
Wind-tunnel tests of a wing with a trailing-edge auxiliary airfoil used as a flap
"This report gives the characteristics of a wing with an auxiliary airfoil mounted near its trailing edge and used as a flap. The tests were made with a 10 by 60 inch Clark Y main airfoil and an NACA 0012 flap having a chord equal to 15 percent of the main wing chord. The axis of the flap in all cases was on the flap chord and 20 percent back from its leading edge. The optimum location of the flap axis relative to the main wing for maximum lift was found to be 1.25 percent of the main wing chord behind the trailing edge and 2.5 percent below the chord" (p. 1).
Notes on New French Commercial Airplanes
This document discusses the types of commercial planes ordered by Air France. Characteristics of the Wibault 670, the Dewoitine D.620, Bloch 300, and the Potez 620 airplanes are included. Pictures and diagrams of these aircraft are also included.
Distribution and Regularity of Injection From a Multicylinder Fuel-Injection Pump
This report presents the results of performance test conducted on a six-cylinder commercial fuel-injection pump that was adjusted to give uniform fuel distribution among the cylinders at a throttle setting of 0.00038 pound per injection and a pump speed of 750 revolutions per minute. The throttle setting and pump speed were then varied through the operating range to determine the uniformity of distribution and regularity of injection.
Hydrogen as an auxiliary fuel in compression-ignition engines
From Summary: "An investigation was made to determine whether a sufficient amount of hydrogen could be efficiently burned in a compression-ignition engine to compensate for the increase of lift of an airship due to the consumption of the fuel oil. The performance of a single-cylinder four-stroke-cycle compression-ignition engine operating on fuel oil alone was compared with its performance when various quantities of hydrogen were inducted with the inlet air. Engine-performance data, indicator cards, and exhaust-gas samples were obtained for each change in engine-operating conditions."
Analysis of a Strut With a Single Elastic Support in the Span, With Applications to the Design of Airplane Jury-Strut Systems
Report presenting an analysis of a wing brace with a small auxiliary strut, which is attached to the wing spar at the upper end. The design is quite effective but has some difficult analysis problems. The report is broken into two parts; one is a theoretical investigation and one is an experimental investigation.
Hydrodynamic Tests of Models of Seaplane Floats
"This report contains the results of tank tests carried out at free trim on seventeen hulls and floats of various types. The data as to the weight on water, trim, and relative resistance for each model are plotted nondimensionally and are referenced both to the total weight and to the weight on water. Despite the fact that the experiments were not made systematically, a study of the models and of the test data permits nevertheless some general deductions regarding the forms of floats and their resistance" (p. 1).
Strength tests of thin-walled duralumin cylinders of elliptic section
This report is the fifth of a series presenting the results of strength tests of thin-walled cylinders and truncated cones of circular and elliptic section; it includes the results obtained from torsion tests on 30 cylinders, pure bending tests on 30 cylinders, and combined transverse shear and bending tests on 60 cylinders. All the cylinders tested were elliptic section with the ends clamped to rigid bulkheads. In the pure bending and combined transverse shear and bending tests the loads were applied in the plane of the major axis. The results of the tests on elliptic cylinders are correlated with the results of corresponding tests on circular cylinders and are presented in charts suitable for use in design.
Wind-tunnel tests of a cyclogiro rotor
During an extensive study of all types of rotating wings, the NACA examined the cyclogiro rotor and made an aerodynamic analysis of that system (reference 1). The examination disclosed that such a machine had sufficient promise to justify an experimental investigation; a model with a diameter and span of 8 feet was therefore constructed and tested in the 20-foot wind tunnel during 1934. The experimental work included tests of the effect of the motion upon the rotor forces during the static-lift and forward-flight conditions at several rotor speeds and the determination of the relations between the forces generated by the rotor and the power required by it.
Tests in the variable-density wind tunnel of related airfoils having the maximum camber unusually far forward
A family of related airfoils having the position of maximum camber unusually far forward was investigated in the variable-density tunnel as an extension of the study recently completed of a large number of related airfoils. The new airfoils gave improved characteristics over those previously investigated, especially in regard to the pitching moment. Some of the new sections are markedly superior to well-known and commonly used sections and should replace them in applications requiring a slightly cambered section of moderate thickness having a small pitching-moment coefficient.
Investigation of Full-Scale Split Trailing-Edge Wing Flaps With Various Chords and Hinge Locations
This report gives the results of an investigation conducted in the NACA full-scale wind tunnel on a small parasol monoplane equipped with three different split trailing-edge wing flaps. The object of the investigation was to determine and correlate data on the characteristics of the airplane and flaps as affected by variation in flap chord, flap deflection, and flap location along the wing chord. The results give the lift, the drag, and the pitching moment characteristics of the airplane, and the flap forces and moments, the pressure distribution over the flaps and wing at one section, and the downwash characteristics of the flap and wing combinations.
Bending Stresses Due to Torsion in Cantilever Box Beams
"The paper beings with a brief discussion on the origin of the bending stresses in cantilever box beams under torsion. A critical survey of existing theory is followed by a summary of design formulas; this summary is based on the most complete solution published but omits all refinements considered unnecessary at the present state of development. Strain-gage tests made by NACA to obtained some experimental verification of the formulas are described next. Finally, the formulas are applied to a series of box beams previously static-tested by the U.S. Army Air Corps; the results show that the bending stresses due to torsion are responsible to a large extent for the free-edge type of failure frequently experienced in these tests" (p. 1).
Method of Testing Oxygen Regulators
Oxygen regulators are used in aircraft to regulate automatically the flow of oxygen to the pilot from a cylinder at pressures ranging up to 150 atmospheres. The instruments are adjusted to open at an altitude of about 15,000 ft. and thereafter to deliver oxygen at a rate which increases with the altitude. The instruments are tested to determine the rate of flow of oxygen delivered at various altitudes and to detect any mechanical defects which may exist.
Tank tests of model 11-G flying-boat hull
"The NACA model 11-G flying-boat hull, a modification of NACA model 11-A was tested over a range of loadings. The planing bottom of model 11-G has a variable-radius flare, or concavity, at the chines in contrast to the straight V planing bottom of model 11-A. The results are given as curves of resistance and trimming moment plotted against speed for various angles of trim" (p. 1).
The thermodynamics of combustion in the Otto cycle engine
Report presenting an examination of the thermodynamics of combustion in the Otto cycle engine, including the effects of turbulence and some of the possible causes of detonation within an engine.
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