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The Aachen Wind-Tunnel Balance
Report discussing a description of the balance in the Aachen wind-tunnel.
Accelerated Laboratory Test for Determination of Slacking Characteristics of Coal
Report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Mines on laboratory testing developed to measure the slacking of coals. Testing methods and results are presented. This report includes tables and graphs.
Accident Experience and Cost of Accidents in Washington Coal Mines
Report containing tables detailing cost of mining accidents in Washington state in comparison with other states.
Advantages of Oxide Films as Bases for Aluminum Pigmented Surface Coatings for Aluminum Alloys
Report discussing both laboratory and weather-exposure corrosion tests showed conclusively that the protection afforded by aluminum pigmented spar varnish coatings applied to previously anodized aluminum surfaces was greatly superior to that afforded by the same coatings applied to surfaces which had simply been cleaned free from grease and not anodized.
The aerodynamic characteristics of six commonly used Airfoils over a large range of positive and negative angles of attack
From Summary: "This paper presents the results of tests of six commonly used airfoils: the CYH, the N-22, the C-72, the Boeing 106, and the Gottingen 398. The lifts, drags, and pitching moments of the airfoils were measured through a large range of positive and negative angles of attack. The tests were made in the variable density wind tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at a large Boeing 106, and the Gottingen 398 airfoils, the negative maximum lift coefficients were found to be approximately half the positive; but for the M-6 and the CYH, which have less effective values were, respectively, 0.8 and 0.6 of the positive values."
Aerodynamic forces and moments of a seaplane on the water
From Introduction: "This report gives the results of wind-tunnel tests with a seaplane model as a contribution to the solution of the aerodynamic problems."
Aerodynamic tests of a low aspect ratio tapered wing with an auxiliary airfoil for use on tailless airplanes
From Introduction: "The present report gives the results of tests made on a tapered wing with a nontapered auxiliary airfoil affixed to it. The wing was the one used in reference 7."
Air flow around finned cylinders
Report presents the results of a study made to determine the air-flow characteristics around finned cylinders. Air-flow distribution is given for a smooth cylinder, for a finned cylinder having several fin spacings and fin widths, and for a cylinder with several types of baffle with various entrance and exit shapes. The results of these tests show: that flow characteristics around a cylinder are not so critical to changes in fin width as they are to fin spacing; that the entrance of the baffle has a marked influence on its efficiency; that properly designed baffles increase the air flow over the rear of the cylinder; and that these tests check those of heat-transfer tests in the choice of the best baffle.
Analyses of Crude Oils From Some Fields of Southern Louisiana
Report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Mines on the studies of crude oil samples collected from southern Louisiana. The properties of each sample are analyzed. This report includes tables.
An Analysis of Lateral Stability in Power-Off Flight With Charts for Use in Design
"The aerodynamic and mass factors governing lateral stability are discussed and formulas are given for their estimation. Relatively simple relationships between the governing factors and the resulting stability characteristics are presented. A series of charts is included with which approximate stability characteristics may be rapidly estimated" (p. 1).
Application and testing of transparent plastics used in airplane construction
This report discusses the efforts being made to remove the source of danger to passengers arising from the fracturing of silicate glass and some of the alternatives presented include: single-layer safety glass, multi-layer safety glass, transparent plastic resins.
Bending Tests of Metal Monocoque Fuselage Construction
Study of the bending stress in smooth skin, aluminum alloy, true monocoque fuselage sections of varying ratio of diameter to thickness.
Blower Cooling of Finned Cylinders
"Several electrically heated finned steel cylinders enclosed in jackets were cooled by air from a blower. The effect of the air conditions and fin dimensions on the average surface heat-transfer coefficient q and the power required to force the air around the cylinders were determined. Tests were conducted at air velocities between the fins from 10 to 130 miles per hour and at specific weights of the air varying from 0.046 to 0.074 pound per cubic foot. The fin dimensions of the cylinders covered a range in pitches from 0.057 to 0.25 inch average fin thicknesses from 0.035 to 0.04 inch, and fin widths from 0.67 to 1.22 inches" (p. 269).
Bureau of Mines Multiple-Diaphragm Recording Subsurface-Pressure Gage
Report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Mines on the measuring of temperature and pressure in oil and gas wells. Descriptions of the instrumentation developed and used for these measurements are presented. This report includes tables, graphs, and illustrations.
The Calculated Effect of Trailing-Edge Flaps on the Take-Off of Flying Boats
"The results of take-off calculations are given for an application of simple trailing-edge flaps to two hypothetical flying boats, one having medium wing and power loading and consequently considerable excess of thrust over total resistance during the take-off run, the other having high wing and power loading and a very low excess thrust. For these seaplanes the effect of downward flap settings was: (1) to increase the total resistance below the stalling speed, (2) to decrease the get-away speed, (3) to improve the take-off performance of the seaplane having considerable excess thrust, and (4) to hinder the take-off of the seaplane having low excess thrust" (p. 1).
Combustion of Gaseous Mixtures
This report not only presents matters of practical importance in the classification of engine fuels, for which other means have proved inadequate, but also makes a few suggestions. It confirms the results of Withrow and Boyd which localize the explosive wave in the last portions of the mixture burned. This being the case, it may be assumed that the greater the normal combustion, the less the energy developed in the explosive form. In order to combat the detonation, it is therefore necessary to try to render the normal combustion swift and complete, as produced in carbureted mixtures containing benzene (benzol), in which the flame propagation, beginning at the spark, yields a progressive and pronounced darkening on the photographic film.
Comparative Tests of Pitot-Static Tubes
"Comparative tests were made on seven conventional Pitot-static tubes to determine their static, dynamic, and resultant errors. The effect of varying the dynamic opening, static opening, wall thickness, and inner-tube diameter was investigated. Pressure-distribution measurements showing stem and tip effects were also made. A tentative design for a standard Pitot-static tube for use in measuring air velocity is submitted" (p. 1).
Compressible Flow About Symmetrical Joukowski Profiles
"The method of Poggi is employed for the determination of the effects of compressibility upon the flow past an obstacle. A general expression for the velocity increment due to compressibility is obtained. The general result holds whatever the shape of the obstacle; but, in order to obtain the complete solution, it is necessary to know a certain Fourier expansion of the square of the velocity of flow past the obstacle. An application is made to the case flow of a symmetrical Joukowski profile with a sharp trailing edge, fixed in a stream of an arbitrary angle of attack and with the circulation determined by the Kutta condition" (p. 197).
Compression-ignition engine performance at altitudes and at various air pressures and temperatures
From Summary: "Engine test results are presented for simulated altitude conditions. A displaced-piston combustion chamber on a 5- by 7-inch single cylinder compression-ignition engine operating at 2,000 r.p.m. was used. Inlet air temperature equivalent to standard altitudes up to 14,000 feet were obtained. Comparison between performance at altitude of the unsupercharged compression-ignition engine compared favorably with the carburetor engine."
Corrugated Metal Diaphragms for Aircraft Pressure-Measuring Instruments
Note presenting a description of a large number of corrugated diaphragms of beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, and Z-nickel with geometrically similar outlines but various diameters and thicknesses were formed by hydraulic pressing. The apparatus and technique used in the manufacture, testing, and heat treatment are described. Results regarding pressure-deflection curves, load limit, effect of center reinforcing, snap-action diaphragms, deflection traverse, thickness variations, and concentrated central loads are provided.
Development of the N.A.C.A. Slot-Lip Aileron
"An investigation of the undesirable delayed action, or lag, of the spoiler-type lateral control device led to the development of the NACA slot-lip aileron. The tests were made in the 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel with a 4- by 8-foot wing hinged at the tunnel jet boundary and restrained in roll by elastic cords. Time histories were taken of the motion of the control device under test and of the resulting wing motion" (p. 1).
Discharge Characteristics of a Simulated Unit Injection System
"Rate-of-discharge curves that show the discharge characteristics of an injection system having a very short fuel passage are presented. The rate of discharge closely follows the rate of displacement of the injection-pump plunger for open nozzles in which the maximum calculated pressures at the orifice do not exceed a certain value, which is dependent on the particular injection pump. With small orifices and high pump speeds, the rate of discharge does not follow the rate of plunger displacement because the higher discharge pressure results in increased leakage with corresponding decrease in discharge rate" (p. 1).
A discussion of certain problems connected with the design of hulls of flying boats and the use of general test data
Report presents the results of a survey of problems encountered in applying general test data to the design of flying-boat hulls. It is shown how basic design features may be readily determined from special plots of test data. A study of the effect of the size of a flying boat on the probable limits to be covered by the general test data is included and recommendations for special tests and new methods of presenting test data for direct use in design are given.
The drag of airplane wheels, wheel fairings, and landing gears - 3
The tests reported in this report conclude the investigation of landing-gear drag that has been carried out in the NACA 20-foot wind tunnel. They supplement earlier tests (reported in Technical Report No. 485) made with full-scale dummy wheels, wheel fairings, and landing gears intended for airplanes of 3,000 pounds gross weight and include tests of tail wheels and tail skids.
The Effect of Clearance Distribution on the Performance of a Compression-Ignition Engine with a Precombustion Chamber
"The clearance distribution in a precombustion chamber cylinder head was varied so that for a constant compression ratio of 13.5 the spherical auxiliary chambers contained 20, 35, 50, and 70 per cent of the total clearance volume. Each chamber was connected to the cylinder by a single circular passage, flared at both ends, and of a cross-sectional area proportional to the chamber volume, thereby giving the same calculated air-flow velocity through each passage. Results of engine-performance tests are presented with variations of power, fuel consumption, explosion pressure, rate of pressure rise, ignition lag, heat loss to the cooling water, and motoring characteristics" (p. 1).
The Effect of Compressibility on the Pressure Reading of a Prandtl Pitot Tube at Subsonic Flow Velocity
Errors arising from yawed flow were also determined up to 20 degrees angle of attack. In axial flow, the Prandtl pitot tube begins at w/a approx. = 0.8 to give an incorrect static pressure reading, while it records the tank pressure correctly, as anticipated, up to sonic velocity. Owing to the compressibility of the air, the Prandtl pitot tube manifests compression shocks when the air speed approaches velocity of sound. This affects the pressure reading of the instrument. Because of the increasing importance of high speed in aviation, this compressibility effect is investigated in detail.
The effect of connecting-passage diameter on the performance of a compression-ignition engine with a precombustion chamber
Results of motoring tests are presented showing the effect of passage diameter on chamber and cylinder compression pressures, maximum pressure differences, and f.m.e.p. over a speed range from 300 to 1,750 r.p.m. Results of engine performance tests are presented which show the effect of passage diameter on m.e.p., explosion pressures, specific fuel consumption, and rates of pressure rise for a range of engine speeds from 500 to 1,500 r.p.m. The cylinder compression pressure, the maximum pressure difference, and the f.m.e.p. decreased rapidly as the passage diameter increased to 29/64 inch, whereas further increase in passage diameter effected only a slight change. The most suitable passage diameter for good engine performance and operating characteristics was 29/64 inch. Passage diameter became less critical with a decrease in engine speed. Therefore, the design should be based on maximum operating speed. Optimum performance and satisfactory combustion control could not be obtained by means of any single diameter of the connecting passage.
Effect of fuel-air ratio, inlet temperature, and exhaust pressure on detonation
From Summary: "An accurate determination of the end-gas condition was attempted by applying a refined method of analysis to experimental results. The results are compared with those obtained in Technical Report no. 655. The experimental technique employed afforded excellent control over the engine variables and unusual cyclic reproducibility. This, in conjunction with the new analysis, made possible the determination of the state of the end-gas at any instant to a fair degree of precision. Results showed that for any given maximum pressure the maximum permissible end-gas temperature increased as the fuel-air ratio was increased. The tendency to detonate was slightly reduced by an increase in residual gas content resulting from an increase in exhaust backpressure with inlet pressure constant."
Effect of Several Factors on the Cooling of a Radial Engine in Flight
"Flight tests of a Grumman Scout (XSF-2) airplane fitted with a Pratt & Whitney 1535 supercharged engine were conducted to determine the effect of engine power, mass flow of the cooling air, and atmospheric temperature on cylinder temperature. The tests indicated that the difference in temperature between the cylinder wall and the cooling air varied as the 0.38 power of the brake horsepower for a constant mass flow of cooling air, cooling-air temperature, engine speed, and brake fuel consumption. The difference in temperature was also found to vary inversely as the 0.39 power of the mass flow for points on the head and the 0.35 power for points on the barrel, provided that engine power, engine speed, brake fuel consumption, and cooling-air temperature were kept constant" (p. 1).
The effect of slots and flaps on the lift and drag of the McDonnell Airplanes determined in flight
This note contains the results of flight test conducted by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics on a low-wing monoplane equipped with leading-edge slots extending over the entire wing and flaps extending only to the ailerons, to find their effect on the lift and drag characteristics of the airplane. Curves are given showing the lift and drag characteristics of the airplane for the following conditions of the slots and flaps neutral; slots closed and flaps down; and slots open and flaps down. In addition, the high and low speed in level flight and the climbing characteristics are given. The results show that the slots used alone increase the maximum lift coefficient 54 per cent; the flaps alone increase it 38 per cent; and the slots and flaps in combination decrease the landing speed from 60 to 43 m.p.h.; increase the speed range of the airplane 40 per cent; and increase the glide angle at landing speed 4.2 degrees.
The Effect of Split Trailing-Edge Wing Flaps on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Parasol Monoplane
"This paper presents the results of tests conducted in the N.A.C.A. full-scale wind tunnel on a Fairchild F-22 airplane equipped with a special wing having split trailing-edge flaps. The flaps extended over the outer 90 percent of the wing span, and were of the fixed-hinge type having a width equal to 20 percent of the wing chord. The results show that with a flap setting of 59 degrees the maximum lift of the wing was increased 42 percent, and that the flaps increased the range of available gliding angles from 2.7 degrees to 7.0 degrees" (p. 1).
Effect of stabilizer location upon pitching and yawing moments in spins as shown by tests with the spinning balance
Tests were made with the spinning balance in a 5-foot wind tunnel to study the effect of stabilizer location upon the pitching and yawing moments given by the tail surfaces in spinning attitudes. The tests revealed that the horizontal surfaces, when in a normal location, seriously reduced the effectiveness of the fin and rudder, particularly at angles of attack of 50 degrees or more. The tests also revealed that a more forward or more rearward location gave no consistent or decided improvement; that a lower location greatly increased the shielding so that the yawing moment from the combination was in general less than that given by the bare fuselage; and that a higher location decreased the shielding and gave a favorable interference effect, particularly at the high angles of attack. Additional results regarding the stabilizer and the elevator are given.
Effect of the Angular Position of the Section of a Ring Cowling on the High Speed of an XF7C-1 Airplane
The tests herein reported were conducted by the NACA to determine the effect of the angular position of the section of a ring cowling on the speed of an airplane having a radial air-cooled engine.
The effect of the slipstream on an airplane wing
The conditions which must be met at the slipstream boundary are developed, after which it is shown with the aid of the reflection method how these limiting conditions may be complied with in the case of an airfoil in a propeller slipstream in horizontal flow as well as for the propeller in yaw and with allowance for the slipstream rotation. In connection herewith, it is shown how the effective angles of attack and the circulation distribution with due regard to slipstream effect can be predicted and what inferences may be drawn therefrom for the distribution of lift, drag, and pitching moment.
The effect on airplane performance of the factors that must be considered in applying low-drag cowling to radial engines
From Summary: "This report presents the results of flight tests with three different airplanes using several types of low-drag cowling for radial air-cooled engines. The greater part of the tests were made with a Curtiss XF7Cc-1 (Sea Hawk) with a 410 horsepower. Wasp engine, using three fuselage nose shapes and six types of outer cowling. The six cowlings were: a narrow ring, a wide ring, a wide cowling similar in the original NACA cowling, a thick ring incorporating an exhaust collector, a single-surface cowling shaped like the outer surface of the exhaust-collector cowling, and polygon-ring cowling, of which the angle of the straight sections with the thrust line could be varied over a wide range."
The Effect on Engine Performance of Change in Jacket-Water Outlet Temperature
Tests made on a Curtiss D-12 engine in the Altitude Laboratory at the Bureau of Standards show the following effects on engine performance of change in jacket-water outlet temperature: 1) Friction at all altitudes is a linear function of the jacket-water temperature, decreasing with increasing temperature. 2) The brake horsepower below an altitude of about 9,000 feet decreases, and at higher altitudes increases, with jacket-water temperature. 3) The brake specific fuel consumption tends to decrease, at all altitudes, with increasing jacket-water temperature. 4) The percentage change in brake power output is roughly equal to the algebraic sum of the percentage change in volumetric efficiency and mechanical efficiency.
The Effective Width of Curved Sheet After Buckling
This report describes experiments made for the purpose of ascertaining the effective width of circularly curved sheet under pure flexural stress. A relation for the effective width of curved sheets is established. Experiments were made with circular cylinders compressed in longitudinal direction. The sheets were rigidly built in at the sides parallel to the axis of the cylinder.
The effects of slots and flaps on lateral control of a low-wing monoplane as determined in flight
This paper presents the results of flight tests made to determine the effect of slots and flaps on the lateral control of a low-wing monoplane. Maximum angular accelerations in roll and yaw produced by sudden application of the ailerons and maximum accelerations in yaw produced by sudden application of the rudder during gliding flight were recorded for the following wing arrangements: (a) no auxiliary device; (b) full-span slots; (c) plain flaps; (d) flaps and full-span slots; (e) wing-tip slots. Rolling- and yawing-moment coefficients were derived from the accelerations.
Engine Operation in Flight for Minimum Fuel Consumption
"Engine and airplane performance data have been gathered from various sources and analyzed to determine indications of the most economical methods of flight operation from a consideration of fuel expenditure. The analysis includes the influence of such facts as fuel-air ratio, engine speed, engine knock, altitude, cylinder cooling, spark timing, and limits of cruising brake mean effective pressure. The results indicate that the cheapest power is obtained with approximately correct mixture at low engine speed and highest permissible manifold pressure" (p. 1).
The Enlarged N.A.C.A. Tank, and Some of Its Work
The most conspicuous of the features of the enlarged N.A.C.A. tank are derived directly from those of the original tank and owe their present form not only to the reasons for their first use but also to the experience obtained with them. As in the original tank, there are: 1) A basin of great length (new 2,880 feet); 2) Rails made of structural H beams, without machining; 3) A towing carriage of very high speed (now 80 mph maximum); 4) Rubber tires on all the wheels, pneumatic on the running wheels and solid on the guide wheels.
The experimental and calculated characteristics of 22 tapered wings
From Summary: "The experimental and calculated aerodynamic characteristics of 22 tapered wings are compared, using tests made in the variable-density wind tunnel. The wings had aspect ratios from 6 to 12 and taper ratios from 1:6:1 and 5:1. The compared characteristics are the pitching moment, the aerodynamic-center position, the lift-curve slope, the maximum lift coefficient, and the curves of drag. The method of obtaining the calculated values is based on the use of wing theory and experimentally determined airfoil section data. In general, the experimental and calculated characteristics are in sufficiently good agreement that the method may be applied to many problems of airplane design."
Fairey "Battle" Medium Bomber Airplane (British): An All-Metal Low-Wing Cantilever Monoplane
Circular presenting a description of the Fairey "Battle", which is the first stressed-skin aircraft they have constructed and is also an all-metal low-wing cantilever monoplane. Details of the fuselage, wings, skin, design, flaps, landing gear, characteristics, performance, drawings, and photographs are provided.
Flight Investigation of Lateral Control Devices for Use With Full-Span Flaps
This report presents the results of flight tests made on five different lateral control devices that appeared adaptable to wings fitted with full span flaps: controllable auxiliary airfoils (airfoils mounted above and forward of the leading edge of the wings), external ailerons (airfoils mounted above the wing and slightly forward of its maximum ordinate), upper-surface ailerons (similar to split trailing-edge flaps except that they constitute the upper surface of the wing), ailerons that retract into the wing when in neutral, and narrow-chord conventional ailerons in combination with a special type of split flap that retracts into the under surface of the wing forward of the ailerons.
Flight tests of an airplane showing dependence of the maximum lift coefficient on the test conditions
"Data are presented to show the extent to which the maximum lift coefficient and consequently the minimum speed of an airplane, determined by flight tests, may vary with test conditions. The data show that cl-max may vary as much as 14 percent, depending on the altitude and wing loading at which the tests were made, the position or motion of the propeller, and the rate at which the angle of attack is changing when the maximum lift coefficient is obtained. The variation of the maximum lift coefficient with these factors, which are under the control of the test engineer, shows the need of standardizing the test procedure. A further variation is shown with wing conditions as affected by weathering and vibration, factors that cannot be completely controlled" (p. 1).
Fuel spray and flame formation in a compression-ignition engine employing air flow
"The effects of air flow on fuel spray and flame formation in a high-speed compression-ignition engine have been investigated by means of the NACA combustion apparatus. The process was studied by examining high-speed motion pictures taken at the rate of 2,200 frames a second. The combustion chamber was of the flat-disk type used in previous experiments with this apparatus. The air flow was produced by a rectangular displacer mounted on top of the engine piston. Three fuel-injection nozzles were tested: a 0.020-inch single-orifice nozzle, a 6-orifice nozzle, and a slit nozzle" (p. 281).
Full-scale tests of metal propellers at high tip speeds
This report describes tests of 10 full-scale metal propellers of several thickness ratios at various tip speeds up to 1,350 feet per second. The results indicate no loss of efficiency up to tip speeds of approximately 1,000 feet per second. Above this tip speed the loss is at a rate of about 10 per cent per 100 feet per second increase relative to the efficiency at the lower speeds for propellers of pitch diameter ratios 0.3 to 0.4. Propellers having sections of small thickness ratio can be run at slightly higher speeds than thick ones before beginning to lose efficiency.
General Potential Theory of Arbitrary Wing Sections
The problem of determining the two dimensional potential flow around wing sections of any shape is examined. The problem is condensed into the compact form of an integral equation capable of yielding numerical solutions by a direct process. An attempt is made to analyze and coordinate the results of earlier studies relating to properties of wing sections. The existing approximate theory of thin wing sections and the Joukowski theory with its numerous generalizations are reduced to special cases of the general theory of arbitrary sections, permitting a clearer perspective of the entire field. The method which permits the determination of the velocity at any point of an arbitrary section and the associated lift and moments is described. The method is also discussed in terms for developing new shapes of preassigned aerodynamical properties.
Glider Development in Germany: A Technical Survey of Progress in Design in Germany Since 1922
This report is a recounting of glider development beginning with the "Vampyr" on up to the present day. The primary purpose is to determine what the fundamental features of the glider are and what the course of its development has been during the thirteen years of activity in motorless flight.
The Guilleman J.G. 10 (French) : A Two-Place Touring Low-Wing Monoplane
Circular describing the Guillemin J.G. 10, which is a two-place touring low-wing monoplane. Details of the wing, fuselage, engine, characteristics, drawings, and photographs are provided.
High-speed wind tunnels
Wind tunnel construction and design is discussed especially in relation to subsonic and supersonic speeds. Reynolds Numbers and the theory of compressible flows are also taken into consideration in designing new tunnels.
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