Search Results

Aerodynamic Investigation of a Cup Anemometer
Results of an investigation wherein the change of the normal force coefficient with Reynolds Number was obtained statically for a 15.5-centimeter hemispherical cup.
Carbon-monoxide indicators for aircraft
Several improvements that have been made on commercially available carbon-monoxide indicators to make them more suitable for aircraft use are described. These improvements include an automatic flow regulator, which permits the use of a simplified instrument on aircraft where a source of suction is available, and a more reliable alarm attachment. A field method for testing instruments on standard samples of carbon monoxide is described. Performance data and instructions in operation and maintenance are given.
Comparative Performance of a Powerplus Vane-Type Supercharger and an N.A.C.A. Roots-Type Supercharger
"This report presents the results of tests of a Powerplus supercharger and a comparison of its performance with the performance previously obtained with an N.A.C.A. Roots-type supercharger. The Powerplus supercharger is a positive displacement blower of the vane type having mechanically operated vanes, the movement of which is controlled by slots and eccentrics. The supercharger was tested at a range of pressure differences from 0 to 15 inches of mercury and at speeds from 500 to 2,500 r.p.m." (p. 1).
A complete tank test of a model of a flying-boat hull - N.A.C.A. Model No. 11
"This note discusses the limitations of the conventional tank test of a seaplane model. The advantages of a complete test, giving the characteristics of the model at all speeds, loads, and trim angles in the useful range are pointed out. The data on N.A.C.A. Model No.11, obtained from a complete test, are presented and discussed. The results are analyzed to determine the best trim angle for each speed and load. The data for the best angles are reduced to non-dimensional form for ease of comparison and application. A practical problem using the characteristics of model no.11 is presented to show the method of calculating the take-off time and run of a seaplane from these data" (p. 1).
A Complete Tank Test of a Model of a Flying-Boat Hull - N.A.C.A. Model No.11
"This note discusses the limitations of the conventional tank test of a seaplane model. The advantages of a complete test, giving the characteristics of the model at all speeds, loads, and trim angles in the useful range are pointed out. The data on N.A.C.A. Model No.11, obtained from a complete test, are presented and discussed. The results are analyzed to determine the best trim angle for each speed and load. The data for the best angles are reduced to non-dimensional form for ease of comparison and application. A practical problem using the characteristics of model no.11 is presented to show the method of calculating the take-off time and run of a seaplane from these data" (p. 1).
The Effect of Depth of Step on the Water Performance of a Flying-Boat Hull Model N.A.C.A. Model 11-C
"NACA model 11-C was tested with four different depths of step to obtain information as to the effect of the depth of step on the water performance. The depths of step were selected to cover the practicable range of depths and in each case the included angle between the forebody and afterbody keels was kept the same 6-1/2 degrees. Small depths of step were found to give lower resistance at speeds below and at the hump speed of the model and greater depths of step lower resistance at high speeds" (p. 1).
The Effect of Injection-Valve Opening Pressure on Spray-Tip Penetration
"The effect of various injection-valve opening pressures on the spray-tip penetration was determined for several injection pressure. A common-rail fuel injection system was used. For a given injection pressure a maximum rate of penetration was obtained with an injection-valve opening pressure equal to the injection pressure" (p. 1).
Effect of Length of Handley Page Tip Slots on the Lateral-Stability Factor, Damping in Roll
"Tests have been made in the NACA 7 by 10 foot wind tunnel on a Clark Y wing model equipped with various lengths of Handley Page slots extending inward from the wing tips. The slot lengths tested ranged from 20 to 100 per cent of the semi span. The effect of slot lengths on damping in roll was determined by means of both free-autorotation and forced-rotation test. In addition, the maximum lift coefficient was found with each slot length. The optimum length of slot for satisfactory damping in roll over a large range of angles of attack was found to be slightly over 50 per cent of the semispan for the form of slot tested" (p. 1).
Effect of Retractable-Spoiler Location on Rolling- and Yawing-Moment Coefficients
"In this report are presented the results of wind-tunnel tests of retractable spoilers on the upper surface of a Clark Y wing, which have been made as part of an investigation of lateral control devices being conducted by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. Spoilers with chords up to 15.0 percent of the wing chord were tested in several locations on a plain rectangular wing and in two locations on the same wing equipped with a 20.0 percent chord split flap down 60 degrees. Charts are given for four representative angles of attack from which values of rolling- and yawing-moment coefficients may be obtained for spoilers up to 15.0 percent chord located on the upper surface of a Clark Y wing" (p. 1).
The effects of partial-span slotted flaps on the aerodynamic characteristics of a rectangular and a tapered N.A.C.A. 23012 wing
An investigation was made in the N.A.C.A. 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of tapered and rectangular wings with partial-span slotted flaps. Two N.A.C.A. 23012 airfoils equipped with center-section and tip-section flaps were tested. The results showed that the changes in lift and drag due to changes in flap span for both rectangular and tapered wings having partial-span slotted flaps were similar to those for corresponding wings having partial-span split or plain flaps. For the two wings tested, higher values of maximum lift were obtained with center-section slotted flaps than with tip-section slotted flaps of the same size. The highest values of lift-drag ratio at maximum lift for the rectangular wing were obtained with center-section flaps and, for the tapered wing, with tip-section flaps. Center-section flaps on the tapered wing gave higher values of drag at maximum lift than tip-section flaps; no great difference in drag at maximum lift was apparent for either center-section or tip-section slotted flaps on the rectangular wing.
Engine performance with a hydrogenated safety fuel
From Summary: "This report presents the results of an investigation to determine the engine performance obtained with a hydrogenated safety fuel developed to eliminate fire hazard. The tests were made on a single-cylinder universal test engine at compression ratios of 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0. Most of the tests were made with a fuel-injection system, although one set of runs was made with a carburetor when using gasoline to establish comparative performance. The tests show that the b.m.e.p. obtained with safety fuel when using a fuel-injection system is slightly higher than that obtained with gasoline when using a carburetor, although the fuel consumption with safety fuel is higher."
Estimation of moments of inertia of airplanes from design data
"A method of determining the moments of inertia of an airplane from design data pertaining to the weights and locations of the component parts is described. The computations required to ascertain the center-of-gravity position are incorporated with the calculations of moments of inertia. A complete set of data and calculations for a modern airplane is given to illustrate the procedure. From a comparison between calculated values and measured values it is believed that the moments of inertia can be estimated within 10 percent by the use of this method" (p. 1).
Estimation of the Variation of Thrust Horsepower With Air Speed
Note presenting a method of estimating the variation of thrust horsepower with air speed, when the power unit consists of a conventional, thin, metal, fixed-pitch propeller driven by an internal-combustion engine. Such a curve is needed for the estimation of airplane performance in conjunction with a curve of horsepower required for maintaining level flight.
Full-Scale Wind-Tunnel and Flight Tests of a Fairchild 22 Airplane Equipped With External-Airfoil Flaps
"Wind-tunnel and flight tests have been made of a Fairchild 22 airplane equipped with a wing having external-airfoil flaps that also perform the function of ailerons. Lift, drag, and pitching-moment coefficients of the airplane with several flap settings, and the rolling- and yawing-moment coefficients with the flaps deflected as ailerons were measured in the full-scale tunnel with the horizontal tail surfaces and propeller removed. The effect of the flaps on the low speed and on the take-off and landing characteristics, the effectiveness of flaps when used as ailerons, and the forces required to operate them as ailerons were determined in flight" (p. 1).
Generalized Analysis of Experimental Observations in Problems of Elastic Stability
"A generalized method of analyzing experimental observations in problems of elastic stability is presented in which the initial readings of load and deflection may be taken at any load less the critical load. The analysis is an extension of a method published by Southwell in 1932, in which it was assumed that the initial readings are taken at zero load" (p. 1).
Hydrodynamic and aerodynamic tests of a family of models of seaplane floats with varying angles of dead rise: N.A.C.A. Models 57-A, 57-B, and 57-C
Three models of V-bottom floats for twin-float seaplanes (N.A.C.A. models 57-A, 57-B, and 57-C) having angles of dead rise of 20 degrees, 25 degrees, and thirty degrees, respectively, were tested in the N.A.C.A. tank and in the N.A.C.A. 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel. Within the range investigated, the effect of angle of dead rise on water resistance was found to be negligible at speeds up to and including the hump speed, and water resistance was found to increase with angle of dead rise at planing speeds. The height of the spray at the hump speed decreased with increase in angle of dead rise and the aerodynamic drag increased with dead rise. Lengthening the forebody of model 57-B decreased the water resistance and the spray at speeds below the hump speed. Spray strips provided an effective means for the control of spray with the straight V sections used in the series but considerably increased the aerodynamic drag. Charts for the determination of the water resistance and the static properties of the model with 25 degrees dead rise and for the aerodynamic drag of all the models are included for use in design.
Hydrodynamic and Aerodynamic Tests of a Family of Models of Seaplane Floats With Varying Angles of Dead Rise: N.A.C.A. Models 57-A, 57-B, and 57-C
Report presenting testing of three models of V-bottom floats for twin-float seaplanes with varying angles of dead rise were tested in a tank and a wind tunnel. Results regarding the effect of angle of dead rise, height and amount of spray at hump speed, aerodynamic drag, effect of cross-sectional shape and load coefficients, and spray strips are provided.
Hydrodynamic and aerodynamic tests of models of floats for single-float seaplanes NACA models 41-D, 41-E, 61-A, 73, and 73-A
Tests were made in the NACA tank and in the NACA 7 by 10 foot wind tunnel on two models of transverse step floats and three models of pointed step floats considered to be suitable for use with single float seaplanes. The object of the program was the reduction of water resistance and spray of single float seaplanes without reducing the angle of dead rise believed to be necessary for the satisfactory absorption of the shock loads. The results indicated that all the models have less resistance and spray than the model of the Mark V float and that the pointed step floats are somewhat superior to the transverse step floats in these respects. Models 41-D, 61-A, and 73 were tested by the general method over a wide range of loads and speeds. The results are presented in the form of curves and charts for use in design calculations.
Landing-shock recorder
A description of a special type of seismograph, called a "landing-shock recorder," to be used for measuring the acceleration during impacts such as are experienced in airplane landings, is given . The theory, together with the assumptions made, is discussed in its relation to calculating the acceleration experienced in impact. Calculations are given from records obtained for two impacts of known acceleration. In one case the impact was very severe and in the other it was only moderately severe.
Metal-Truss Wing Spars
The purpose of the study was to develop improvements in the current methods for the calculation of the loads in members of metal truss wing spars which are subjected to combined bending and compression. The theory developed here has two important practical applications. One is the calculation of the effective moment of inertia of a truss spar from the geometry of the spar and the loads to which the spar is to be subjected. The second is the determination of the most economical location of metal for stiffening a truss spar which has too much deflection.
A Method of Estimating the Critical Buckling Load for Structural Members
"The relations between load on the structure and rotation of a joint can be used to estimate the lowest critical load after the equation for neutral stability has been tested for three assumed critical loads, each of which is less than the lowest critical load. The solutions of six simple problems are included to illustrate the application of the method of estimating critical loads and to reveal certain characteristics of the method that should be known by the practical engineer using it. Four of these problems are concerned with members that lie in the elastic, or long-column, range. The other two problems are concerned with members that lie in the short-column range" (p. 1).
Methods of Visually Determining the Air Flow Around Airplanes
"This report describes methods used by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics to study visually the air flow around airplanes. The use of streamers, oil and exhaust gas streaks, lampblack and kerosene, powdered materials, and kerosene smoke is briefly described. The generation and distribution of smoke from candles and from titanium tetrachloride are described in greater detail because they appear most advantageous for general application. Examples are included showing results of the various methods" (p. 1).
Noise From Propellers With Symmetrical Sections at Zero Blade Angle
"A theory has been deduced for the "rotation noise" from a propeller with blades of symmetrical section about the chord line and set at zero blade angle. Owing to the limitation of the theory, the equations give without appreciable error only the sound pressure for cases where the wave lengths are large compared with the blade lengths. With the aid of experimental data obtained from a two-blade arrangement, an empirical relation was introduced that permitted calculation of higher harmonics" (p. 1).
Performance of Air-Cooled Engine Cylinders Using Blower Cooling
"An investigation was made to obtain information on the minimum quantity of air and power required to cool conventional air cooled cylinders at various operating conditions when using a blower. The results of these tests show that the minimum power required for satisfactory cooling with an overall blower efficiency of 100 percent varied from 2 to 6 percent of the engine power depending on the operating conditions. The shape of the jacket had a large effect on the cylinder temperatures. Increasing the air speed over the front of the cylinder by keeping the greater part of the circumference of the cylinder covered by the jacket reduced the temperatures over the entire cylinder" (p. 1).
Preliminary photomicrographic studies of fuel sprays
Photomicrographs were taken of fuel sprays injected into air at various densities for the purpose of studying the spray structure and the stages in the atomization of the fuel. The photomicrographs were taken at magnifying powers of 2.5, 3.25, and 10, using a spark discharge of very short duration for illumination. The results indicate that the theory advanced by Dr. R. A. Castleman, Jr., on the atomization of fuel in carburetors may also be applied to the atomization of fuel sprays of the solid-injection type. The fuel leaves the nozzle as a solid column, is ruffled and then torn into small, irregular ligaments by the action of the air. These ligaments are then quickly broken up into drops by the surface tension of the fuel. The photomicrographs also show that the dispersion of a fuel spray at a given distance from the nozzle increases with an increase in the jet velocity or an increase in the air density. The first portions of fuel sprays injected from an automatic injection valve into air at atmospheric density have a much greater dispersion than the later portions, but this difference decreases rapidly as the air density is increased.
The Prevention of the Ice Hazard on Airplanes
A review of various methods to prevent ice formation and adhesion to aircraft surfaces is given. It was concluded that the adhesion of ice to a surface may be reduced somewhat by the application of certain waxes and varnishes. In the experiments described, the varnishes containing calcium stearate and calcium oleate gave the best results. In wind tunnel tests, the adhesion was further reduced by the application of these waxes and varnishes to a thin, heat insulating layer of rubber.
Principal Effects of Axial Load on Moment-Distribution Analysis of Rigid Structures
"This thesis presents the method of moment distribution modified to include the effect of axial load upon the bending moments. This modification makes it possible to analyze accurately complex structures, such as rigid fuselage trusses, that heretofore had to be analyzed by approximate formulas and empirical rules. The method is simple enough to be practicable even for complex structures, and it gives a means of analysis for continuous beams that is simpler than the extended three-moment equation now in common use" (p. 1).
Resistance of transparent plastics to impact
From Summary: "The problem of developing a windshield for aircraft which will withstand the effect of bird impacts during flight is a difficult one, as an estimate of the striking energy will indicate. If the average speed of the airplane is considered to be about 200 miles per hour and that of the bird about 70 miles per hour, the speed of the bird relative to the airplane may be as great as 400 feet per second. If a 4-pound bird is involved, a maximum impact energy of approximately 10,000 foot-pounds must be dissipated. To obtain this energy in a drop test in the Washington Monument, it would be necessary to drop a 20-pound weight down the 500-foot shaft. For both theoretical and practical reasons, it is necessary to keep the mass and speed more nearly like those to be encountered. However, to get an impact of about 10,000 foot-pounds with a 4-pound falling body, it would be necessary to drop it from a height of approximately one-half mile, neglecting air resistance. These facts will indicate some of the experimental obstacles in the way of simulating bird impacts against aircraft windshields."
Some Characteristics of Sprays Obtained from Pintle-Type Injection Nozzles
"This report presents the results of tests made with the pintle-type injection nozzles, one having a pintle angle of 8 degrees, the other a pintle angle of 30 degrees. The fuel was injected into a glass-windowed pressure chamber and the spray photographed by means of the N.A.C.A. spray photography apparatus. Curves are presented that give the penetration of the spray tips when fuel oil is injected by pressures of 1,500 to 4,000 pounds per square inch into air at room temperature and densities of 11 to 18 atmospheres. High-speed spark photographs show the appearance of the sprays in air at a density of 18 atmospheres" (p. 1).
Span load distribution on two monoplanes wing models as affected by twist and sweepback
The results presented in this note show the effect of twist and sweepback on the span load distribution over two monoplane wing models. The tests were made in the Atmospheric Wind Tunnel of the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory. The data are taken from the results of an investigation dealing primarily with lateral stability. As presented, they are suitable as an aid in the structural design of certain monoplane wings.
Tank tests of models of flying boat hulls having longitudinal steps
Four models with longitudinal steps on the forebody were developed by modification of a model of a conventional hull and were tested in the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) tank. Models with longitudinal steps were found to have smaller resistance at high speed and greater resistance at low speed than the parent model that had the same afterbody but a conventional V-section forebody. The models with a single longitudinal step had better performance at hump speed and as low high-speed resistance except at very light loads. Spray strips at angles from 0 degrees to 45 degrees to the horizontal were fitted at the longitudinal steps and at the chine on one of the two step models having two longitudinal steps. The resistance and the height of the spray were less with each of the spray strips than without; the most favorable angle was found to lie between 15 degrees and 30 degrees.
Tank Tests to Show the Effect Rivet Heads on the Water Performance of a Seaplane-Float
"A 1/3.5 full-sized model of a seaplane float constructed from lines supplied by the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department, was tested first with smooth painted bottom surfaces and then with round-head rivets, plate laps, and keel plates fitted to simulate the actual bottom of a metal float. A percentage increase in water resistance caused by the added roughness was found to be from 5 to 20 percent at the hump speed and from 15 to 40 percent at high speeds. The effect of the roughness of the afterbody was found to be negligible except at high trims" (p. 1).
Tests of Six Symmetrical Airfoils in the Variable Density Wind Tunnel
"This paper is the first of a series covering an investigation of a family of airfoils all formed from a basic profile. It gives in preliminary form the results of six symmetrical airfoils, differing only in maximum thickness. The maximum thickness-to-chord ratios are 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, 0.15, 0.18, and 0.21" (p. 1).
The Torsional Stiffness of Thin Duralumin Shells Subjected to Large Torques
"This report gives a simple method of estimating the torsional stiffness of thin shells, such as box beams or stressed-skin wings under large torque loads. A general efficiency chart for shells in torsion is established, based on the assumption that the efficiency of the web sheet in resisting deformation decreases linearly with the average stress. The chart is used to calculate the torsional deflections of eight box beams, a test wing panel, and a complete wing; the results of the calculations are shown in comparison with the test results" (p. 1).
Back to Top of Screen