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Technical Preparation of the Airplane "Spirit of St. Louis"
Given here is a brief history of the design and construction of the "Spirit of St. Lewis", the airplane that Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic. Although the plan was to modify a standard model Ryan M-2, it was quickly determined that modification was less practical than redesign. Given here are the general dimensions, specifications, weight characteristics, and man hours required to build the aircraft.
Technical Problems of Commercial Flying
The technical requirements for commercial aircraft are listed, which include: safety, economy and comfort. The author lists various methods to increase these requirements in commercial aircraft.
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.
Technical report of the 1928 Rhon soaring-flight contest
Report presenting some information on the gliders that participated in the 1928 Rhön soaring flight contest. Almost all of the gliders represented an improvement over gliders used in the previous years. A great increase in the skill of the glider pilots is also noted.
Technical Section of Aeronautics
The duties of the Technical Section are listed along with facilities for testing. Different categories of tests are discussed and some sample results included.
Tensile Strength of Welded Steel Tubes: First Series of Experiments
The purpose of the experiments was to determine the difference in the strength of steel tubes welded by different methods, as compared with one another and also with unwelded, unannealed tubes, including; moreover, a comparison of the results obtained by experienced and inexperienced welders.
Tension experiments on diaphragm metals
Strips of german silver, steel, copper, duralumin, nickel and brass were tested in tension in an apparatus in which the change in deflection with time was measured by means of an interferometer. This change in deflection with time caused by the application and removal of a load is defined as "drift" and "recovery," respectively. It was measured in the time interval from approximately 5 seconds to 5 hours after loading. The data are given in a series of graphs in which the drift and recovery are plotted against time. The proportional drift and recovery in five hours are given for a number of the tests, and in addition are shown graphically for nickel and steel.
Test Flight of the Handley Page Torpedo-Carrying Airplane
Memorandum presenting a description of the first flight test of the Handley Page torpedo-carrying airplane.
Test of a Model Propeller With Symmetrical Blade Sections
"This report, prepared at the request of NACA, gives the results of tests on a model propeller having blade sections with form of Gottingen airfoil no. 409. The model is shown to have a dynamic pitch practically equal to the nominal or geometrical pitch, and a somewhat higher efficiency but lower coefficient than would be expected of a propeller of more conventional sections" (p. 1).
Test of Oil Scraper Piston Ring and Piston Fitted With Oil Drain Holes
Tests were conducted to determine whether or not a properly located and properly designed oil scraper piston ring, installed on a piston provided with oil drain holes of sufficient area, would prevent the excessive oiling of the Liberty engine, particularly with the engine running at idling speed with full oil pressure. Results showed that excessive oiling was in fact prevented. It is strongly recommended that scraper rings and pistons be adopted for aircraft engines.
Test of Specimen of Wood of Longerons of the S.E.5 Airplane After Seven Years' Service
"A transverse test was made of the wood sample using a 5,000 pound Olsen testing machine, the deflection under load being measured by means of a Wissler dial. The results of the transverse test are given and the stress-strain curve is attached" (p. 1).
Testing a Windmill Airplane ("Autogiro")
In order to clear up the matter ( In the Spanish report it was stated that the reference surface for the calculation of the coefficients c(sub a) and c(sub w) was the area of all four wings, instead of a single wing), the model of a windwill airplane was tested in the Gottingen wind tunnel.
Testing Airplane Fabrics
"The following considerations determine the strength of airplane fabrics: 1. maximum air forces acting on the surfaces (including local stresses); 2. tensions produced in the fabrics, in the directions of both warp and filling; 3. factor of safety required. The question of the permissible depression of the fabric as affecting the aerodynamic requirements in regard to the maintenance of shape of the section, the tenacity and extensibility of the layer of dope, its strength and its permeability to water is almost as important" (p. 1).
Testing Airplanes in Flight: Determining Position of Resultant of Action of Air and Longitudinal Stability of an Airplane at Different Angles of Attack
"Measurements made during flight with the triple recording device which gives the horizontal and vertical speeds of an airplane and the angle it makes with the horizon, render it possible to calculate its lift, its drag, and R the resultant of the action of the air both in magnitude and direction, but with these data alone, it is impossible to determine the position of this resultant in the plane of symmetry of the airplane. We will also see how we may determine the position of R during flight and then calculate the variations in the stability of an airplane" (p. 1).
Testing Balloon Gas
Report describes a simple, portable apparatus for testing hydrogen, with special reference to its use in balloons. "In the generation, storage, and use of hydrogen for balloon purposes it is necessary to be able to determine, first, its lifting power, and, secondly, its purity. The lifting power may be determined directly from the specific gravity. Contamination by other gases may be determined by analysis for oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc., by the usual methods of gas analysis" (p. 469).
The Testing of Aviation Engines Under Approximate Altitude Conditions
Note presenting a description of the aviation testing laboratory that has been built at the Bureau of Standards in order to test aviation engines under approximate engine conditions. A description of some of the calculations that are used to compare experimental and theoretical results are provided.
The Testing of Balloon Fabrics
Report describes methods and materials used in waterproofing and fireproofing airplane fabrics using dopes. The determination of the probable life of a balloon fabric in service by experimental means is of great value in choosing the most suitable fabrics for a given purpose and in pointing the way to improvements in compounding and construction. The usefulness of exposure to the weather for this purpose has been amply demonstrated.
Tests for determining the effect of a rotating cylinder fitted into the leading edge of an airplane wing
Experiments were performed with a wing model, to which a rotary cylinder had been fitted. The rotation of the cylinder had a remarkable effect on the aerodynamic properties of the wing.
Tests of Artificial Flight at High Altitudes
"If we wish to form an accurate idea of the extraordinary progress achieved in aeronautics, a comparison must be made of the latest altitude records and the figures regarded as highest attainable limit some ten years ago. It is desirable, for two reasons, that we should be able to define the limit of the altitudes that can be reached without artificial aid. First, to know to what extent the human body can endure the inhalation of rarified air. Second, the mental capacity of the aviator must be tested at high altitudes and the limit known below which he is able to make reliable observations without being artificially supplied with oxygen" (p. 1).
Tests of Four Racing Type Airfoils in the Twenty-Foot Propeller Research Tunnel
Tests were made on four racing type airfoils, the N-9, N-38, C-62, and N-46, in order to determine the high speed characteristics of the wings. The results indicate that the N-46 has about 12 percent lower minimum drag than the regular C-62 section, and that both the N-38 and N-46 have the same exceptionally low minimum drag coefficient.
Tests of large airfoils in the propeller research tunnel, including two with corrugated surfaces
This report gives the results of the tests of seven 2 by 12 foot airfoils (Clark Y, smooth and corrugated, Gottingen 398, N.A.C.A. M-6, and N.A.C.A. 84). The tests were made in the propeller research tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at Reynolds numbers up to 2,000,000. The Clark Y airfoil was tested with three degrees of surface smoothness. Corrugating the surface causes a flattening of the lift curve at the burble point and an increase in drag at small flying angles.
Tests of rotating cylinders
Tests were made in the no. 1 (5 ft. atmospheric) wind tunnel at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory to determine the air forces acting on rotating cylinders with axes perpendicular to the direction of motion. Two cylinders were tested, one with a circular cross-section and the other with a Greek cross. The cross cylinder and compound strut were found to not be as efficient as the circular one.
Tests of Several Bearing Materials Lubricated by Gasoline
"This investigation on the relative wear of several bearing materials lubricated by gasoline was conducted at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, as part of a general research on fuel injection engines for aircraft. The specific purpose of the work was to find a durable bearing material for gear pumps to be used for the delivery of gasoline and diesel engine fuel oil at moderate pressures to the high pressure pumps of fuel injection engines" (p. 1).
Tests of the Daimler D-IVa Engine at a High Altitude Test Bench
Reports of tests of a Daimler IVa engine at the test-bench at Friedrichshafen, show that the decrease of power of that engine, at high altitudes, was established, and that the manner of its working when air is supplied at a certain pressure was explained. These tests were preparatory to the installation of compressors in giant aircraft for the purpose of maintaining constant power at high altitudes.
Tests of the N.P.L. airship models in the variable density wind tunnel
Report presenting testing in the variable density wind tunnel on two airship models known as the NPL Standardization Models, long and short. The resistance or shape coefficients were determined for each model through a range of Reynolds numbers. Further work is found to be necessary in the standardization of wind tunnels.
Tests on a model of the D airplane T 39 of the "Deutsche Flugzeug Werke" (German Airplane Works)
'Experiments similar to those carried out with the A.E.G (Allgemeine Elektrizitats-Gesellschaft) were made in the small wind tunnel of the Gottingen laboratory on a model of the D.F.W. airplane T-29. Three series of tests were carried out on the model with a velocity head (or dynamic pressure) of 5 kg/sq m (1.02 lb/sq ft), during which one of the movable surfaces was deflected at various angles, while both the others were retained in their central positions. Of special interest among the results of the tests is the different run of the elevating moments" (p. 1).
Tests on Air Propellers in Yaw
This report contains the results of tests to determine the thrust (pull) and torque characteristics of air propellers in movement relative to the air in a line oblique to the line of the shaft, and specifically when such angle of obliquity is large, as in the case of helicopter flight with the propeller serving for both sustentation and traction.
Tests on airplane fuselages, floats and hulls
This report is a compilation of test data on airplane fuselages, nacelles, airship cars, seaplane floats, and seaplane hulls, prepared by the Bureau of Aeronautics, at the requests of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The discussion of the data includes the derivation of a scale correction curve to be used in obtaining the full scale drag. Composite curves of drag and L/D for floats and hulls are also given. (author).
Tests on an Airfoil With Two Slots Suitable for an Aircraft of High Performance: Lift, Drag, Rolling and Yawing Moment Measurements
The results that are described in this article form a complete series of tests on an airfoil fitted with front and rear slots, the rear slot being formed between the portion of the wing aft of the rear spar and the forward portion of the flap.
Tests on an Airplane Model, AEG D I of the Allgemeine Elektricitats Gesellschft, A-G, Airplane Construction Section Conducted at the Gottingen Model Testing Laboratory for Aerodynamics
"Tests were carried out in the small wind tunnel of the Gottingen establishment on a complete model of the AEG D I airplane. The agreement between the model and the complete airplane applies particularly to the wings, which have ribs cut out of sheet metal and built up in exactly the same manner as in the actual airplane. Various series of tests were carried out with this model in which one or the other of the control surfaces were adjusted to various angles, while the others remained in their neutral positions" (p. 1).
Tests on Built-Up Airplane Struts Having Initial Tension in Outside Fibers
"The conventional airplane strut fails by buckling. The first signs of failure usually are compression cracks on the concave side of bending. It would therefore appear that if an initial tension could be introduced in the outside fibers, this tension would have to be relieved before the compression load could make itself felt" (p. 1).
Tests on Duralumin Columns for Aircraft Construction
The following paper is based on the results of tests, upon duralumin columns, contained in two theses presented to the Department of Civil and Sanitary Engineering of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Tests on Models of Three British Airplanes in the Variable Density Wind Tunnel
"This report contains the results of tests made in the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics variable density wind tunnel on three airplane models supplied by the British Aeronautical Research Committee. These models, the BE-2E with R.A.F. 19 wings, the British Fighter with R.A.F. 15 wings, and the Bristol Fighter with R.A.F. 30 wings, were tested over a wide range in Reynolds numbers in order to supply data desired by the Aeronautical Research Committee for scale effect studies. The maximum lifts obtained in these tests are in excellent agreement with the published results of British tests, both model and full scale" (p. 451).
Tests on Riveted Joints in Sheet Duralumin
In making tension tests, the slippage of the joints was noted at three points across each joint. In addition, stress strain curves were obtained for plain tension specimens, and a chemical analysis was made of the sheet.
Tests on thirteen navy type model propellers
From Summary: "The tests on these model propellers were undertaken for the purpose of determining the performance coefficients and characteristics for certain selected series of propellers of form and type as commonly used in recent navy designs. The first series includes seven propellers of pitch ratio varying by 0.10 to 1.10, the area, form of blade, thickness, etc., representing an arbitrary standard propeller which had shown good results. The second series covers changes in thickness of blade section, other things equal, and the third series, changes in blade area, other things equal. These models are all of 36-inch diameter. Propellers A to G form the series on pitch ratio, C, N. I. J the series on thickness of section, and K, M, C, L the series on area."
Theoretical Investigation of the Effect of the Ailerons on the Wing of an Airplane
The present work investigates, on the basis of Prandtl's wing theory, the form of the lift distribution when the ailerons are deflected in opposite directions. An ideal fluid and a wing with a rectangular form are assumed. The moments must not cause any rotation of the wing or any deviation from the rectilinear motion.
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).
Theory of Flapping Flight
"Before attempting to construct a human-powered aircraft, the aviator will first try to post himself theoretically on the possible method of operating the flapping wings. This report will present a graphic and mathematical method, which renders it possible to determine the power required, so far as it can be done on the basis of the wing dimensions. We will first consider the form of the flight path through the air" (p. 1).
Theory of Lifting Surfaces
The general basis of the theory of lifting surfaces is discussed. The problem of the flow of a fluid about a lifting surface of infinite span is examined in terms of the existence of vortexes in the current. A general theory of permanent flow is discussed. Formulas for determining the influence of aspect ratio that may be applied to all wings, whatever their plane form, are given.
Theory of Lifting Surfaces, Part 2
A mathematical model is presented towards a theory of lifting and resistance on wings. It consists hide of a theory of multiplanes, conditions of flow at a great distance from the wing, lifting systems of minimum resistance, and free stream and stream limited by walls.
Theory of the ideal windmill
Report presenting the theory of the ideal propeller, which is important for solving the problem of the action of propellers. Several different theories of propeller action are described and compared to determine which ones seem to be the most accurate.
The Theory of the Screw Propeller
Given here is a brief review of the fundamental principles of the propeller slip-stream theory and its further development through later researches, which demonstrate the connection between the propeller slip-stream theory and Frounde's so-called 'propeller blade theory.' The propeller slip-stream theory, especially in its improved form, now gives us the basis for determining the mutual influence of the parts of the blade, so that, in calculating the shape of the blade, we can get along with certain section characteristics, which have been determined once and for all. It is argued that new theories present the possibility of investigating the phenomena in the vicinity of the propeller, allowing us to calculate its action on the basis of fewer experimental values.
Theory of the Slotted Wing
Report presenting information regarding the use of slots in an airplane wing to considerably increase the lift and make it possible to operate the wing at higher angles of attack.
This Summer's Gliding Meets
This article discusses the upcoming gliding meets in France and Germany in the summer of 1922. Restrictions of design, prize money, and new innovations are all discussed.
Three methods of calculating range and endurance of airplanes
This report develops new equations which give the range and endurance of airplanes with an accuracy equal to that obtained from a step-by-step integration of the flight. A method of obtaining equally satisfactory results from Brequet's equations is also given in detail. A third method of calculating range and endurance, derived by the writer for use in routine estimating in the Bureau of Aeronautics, is also given in full. The reports contains tables and curves arranged for convenient use and illustrates the three methods by comparative estimates.
Thrust and Power Required in Climbing
The following article shows that the phenomena of climbing flight can be determined with sufficient accuracy and represented very clearly, for all flight positions, by means of the thrust diagrams. This method has often given good results.
The Time Lag and Interval of Discharge With a Spring Actuated Fuel Injection Pump
Discussed here is research on a spring activated fuel pump for solid or airless injection with small, high speed internal combustion engines. The pump characteristics under investigation were the interval of fuel injection in terms of degrees of crank travel and in absolute time, the lag between the time the injection pump plunger begins its stroke and the appearance of the jet at the orifice, and the manner in which the fuel spray builds up to a maximum when the fuel valve is opened, and then diminishes.
Tin Soldering of Aluminum and Its Alloys
A method is presented for soldering aluminum to other metals. The method adopted consists of a galvanic application to the surface of the light-metal parts to be soldered, of a layer of another metal, which, without reacting electrolytically on the aluminum, adheres strongly to the surface to which it is applied, and is, on the other hand, adapted to receive the soft solder. The metal found to meet the criteria best was iron.
Torsion of wing trusses at diving speeds
The purpose of this report is to indicate what effect the distortion of a typical loaded wing truss will have upon the load distribution. The case of high angle of incidence may be dismissed immediately from consideration as the loads on the front and rear trusses are balanced, and consequently there will be little angular distortion. A given angular distortion will have the maximum effect upon load distribution in the region of the angle of no-lift, because the slope of the lift curve is highest here, and it is here that the greatest angular distortion will occur, because the load on the front truss acts downward while the load on the rear truss acts upward.
Torsional Rigidity of Cantilever Wings With Constant Spar and Rib Sections
"The present paper treats less of the effect of the union (of spars and ribs, namely, the reduction of the bending moment at the fixed ends of the spars) than of its influence on the torsional rigidity of the wing. The calculations are carried out for a two-spar wing of constant cross section, in which the ribs are replaced by a continuous member of constant rigidity" (p. 1).
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