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Measurements on a Low-Wing Model in the Rotating Jet and Comparison With Flight Measurements
The present report deals with six-component measurements in the small tunnel of the DVL on a model of the BFW-M 27b(sub 1), which were made to determine the effect of rolling and yawing on the air forces and moments. The wind was given a spiral motion by means of a rotating screen, the model being suspended in the conventional manner. The lack of accuracy in the measurement of the rolling-yawing moments was very noticeable.
Stability of Rectangular Plates With Longitudinal or Transverse Stiffeners Under Uniform Compression
In the present paper, the complete buckling conditions of stiffened plates are being developed for uniform compression. We shall treat plates with one or two longitudinal or transverse stiffeners at any point, discuss the buckling conditions, and evaluate them for different cases.
Design of Centrifugal Impeller Blades
This paper restricts itself to radial impellers with cylindrical blades since, as Prasil has shown, the flow about an arbitrarily curved surface of revolution may be reduced to this normal form we have chosen by a relatively simple conformal transformation. This method starts from the simple hypotheses of the older centrifugal impeller theory by first assuming an impeller with an infinite number of blades. How the flow is then modified is then investigated.
The Theory of Contra-Vanes Applied to the Propeller
"The optimum circulation distribution and hence the maximum theoretical thrust obtainable for contra-vanes fitted behind propellers is markedly dependent on the number of guide vanes. The outer portion of the vanes, even if projecting considerably beyond the edge of the propeller slipstream, still contribute appreciably to this theoretical gain of thrust. But, owing to the always existing friction of the vanes, the limit of the optimum vane length lies at relatively small diameters" (p. 1).
Comparison of Theory With Experiment in the Phenomenon of Wing Flutter
Direct measurements were undertaken at the Aeronautics Laboratory in Turin of the aerodynamic actions on an oscillating wing. The tests conducted had as their essential object the examination of the operation of apparatus designed for this measurement. The values experimentally obtained for the aerodynamic coefficients are in good agreement with the theory of oscillatory motion of the wing of finite span and show clear deviation from the values obtained by theory of plane motion.
Investigations and Tests in the Towing Basin at Guidonia
The experimental methods at the Guidonia towing basin are discussed including specifications. Some of the components examined are the bridge towing carriage, side towing carriage, catapult installation, and dynamometer systems. Tests were performed on hulls and floats, as well as motor boats and torpedo shaped bodies. Theoretical investigations were also performed to determine pressure distributions on geometrically simple bodies, propagation of small wave motions, and planing and submerged surfaces.
Investigations and Experiments in the Guidonia Wind Tunnel
This paper is a presentation of the experiments and equipment used in investigations at the Guidonia wind tunnel. The equipment consisted of: a number of subsonic and supersonic cones, an aerodynamic balance, and optical instruments operating on the Schlieren and interferometer principle.
Meteorological-Physical Limitations of Icing in the Atmosphere
The icing hazard can, in most cases, be avoided by correct execution of the flights according to meteorological viewpoints and by meteorologically correct navigation (horizontal and, above all, vertical). The zones of icing hazard are usually narrowly confined. Their location can be ascertained with, in most cases, sufficient accuracy before take-off.
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.
Theory of Two-Dimensional Potential Flow About Arbitrary Wing Sections
"Three general theories treating the potential flow about an arbitrary wing section are discussed in this report. The first theory treats the method of conformal transformation as laid down by Theodorsen and Garrick; the second is a generalization of Birnbaum's theory for moderately thick airfoils; the third is a general investigation of the complex velocity function with particular reference to the relations first discussed by F. Weinig. The relative merits of the different methods in question are illustrated on a worked-out example and will be published in a subsequent issue of this periodical" (p. 1).
The Drag of Airplane Radiators With Special Reference to Air Heating (Comparison of Theory and Experiment)
This report contains a survey of past radiator research. This report also is intended as a systematic comparison of theoretical and experimental radiator drag, with the object of ascertaining the most important loss sources and their interaction in different cases of installation, and to separate the radiator systems which are amenable to calculation, both as regards axial flow and drag. The sources of loss due to the diffuser are to be looked into closely as in many cases they can be of preeminent magnitude and their customary appraisal, according to Fliegner's formula, does not meet actual conditions.
Forces and Moments on a Yawed Airfoil
"The author elaborates on the flow phenomena, forces and moments on airfoils in yaw. The existing experiments with straight wings (zero dihedral), wings with dihedral, and wings with sweepback are evaluated within the range of sound angles of attack, explained by calculation and generally enlarged" (p. 1).
Dynamic Stability of a Helicopter With Hinged Rotor Blades
"The present report is a study of the dynamic stability of a helicopter with hinged rotor blades under hovering conditions. While in this case perfect stability can in general not be obtained it is possible by means of design features to prolong the period of the spontaneous oscillations of the helicopter and reduce their amplification, and so approximately assure neutral equilibrium. The possibility of controlled stability of a helicopter fitted with hinged blades is proved by the successful flights of various helicopters, particularly of the Focker FW61 helicopter" (p. 1).
Measurement of the True Dynamic and Static Pressures in Flight
In this report, two reliable methods are presented, with the aid of which the undisturbed flight dynamic pressure and the true static pressure may be determined without error. These problems were solved chiefly through practical flight tests.
The Limit of Stability of a Curved Plate Strip Under Shear and Axial Stresses
"For an infinitely long plate strip of constant curvature there is set up the buckling condition for combined shear and axial stresses. Assumptions are made of the vanishing of the moments acting on the longitudinal edges and of the vanishing of the tangential displacements u and the transverse stresses sigma(sub y) (longitudinal stiffeners nonresistant to bending in the circumferential direction). The buckling condition is evaluated for the case of pure shear and an approximate formula is derived for the critical stresses for large curvatures" (p. 1).
Investigation of the Lift Distribution Over the Separate Wings of a Biplane
"An investigation is made of the mutual interference of the wings of a biplane under the general assumption that each wing may be replaced by a vortex system of the type given by the Prandtl wing theory. The additional velocities induced at each wing by the presence of the other are determined by the Biot-Savart law and converted into an equivalent change in the angle of attack, the effect being that of an additional twist given to the wings in changing their lift distributions. The lift distributions computed in this manner for several airplane types are compared with the results of measurement" (p. 1).
The Hydrodynamic Theory of Detonation
"This report derives equations containing only directly measurable constants for the quantities involved in the hydrodynamic theory of detonation. The stable detonation speed, D, is revealed as having the lowest possible value in the case of positive material velocity, by finding the minimum of the Du curve (u denotes the speed of the gases of combustion). A study of the conditions of energy and impulse in freely suspended detonating systems leads to the disclosure of a rarefaction front traveling at a lower speed behind the detonation front; its velocity is computed" (p. 1).
Calculation of the Induced Efficiency of Heavily Loaded Propellers Having Infinite Number of Blades
Report presenting an approximate method of computing the induced efficiency of heavily loaded propellers in suitable form for extension to finite number of blades and a comparison of results obtained using the method with the data of the Betz-Helmbold theory for heavily loaded propellers.
Effect of Transition in Cross-Sectional Shape on the Development of the Velocity and Pressure Distribution of Turbulent Flow in Pipes
With regard to the change in shape of the cross section while the area remains constant, no investigation results are as yet available. Such an investigation will be the subject of the present paper. For this purpose it is necessary to consider the velocity and pressure relations over each entire cross section so that we are confronted with a three-dimensional problem.
Increase of the Specific Load Under Tension, Compression, and Buckling of Welded Steel Tubes in Airplane Construction by Suitable Treatment of Structural Steel and by Proper Design
Report presenting some considerations and test results that may lead to higher tension, compression, and buckling stresses than is possible with the welded-steel-tube struts of the usual familiar construction. The new construction method makes possible a considerably better material utilization and hence a saving in weight.
Temperature-Indicating Paints
This report is an attempt at a new method of coating the surface of the cylinder with materials that undergo chemical change at definite temperatures as indicated by a change in color. In this way it was hoped that the substance itself would indicate directly the position of its isotherms, which in measurements with thermocouples requires a tedious amount of labor.
Activation of hydrocarbons and the octane number
This report presents an examination of the history of research on engine knocking and the various types of fuels used in the investigations of this phenomenon. According to this report, the spontaneous ignition of hydrocarbons doped with oxygen follows the logarithmic law within a certain temperature range, but not above 920 degrees K. Having extended the scope of investigations to prove hydrocarbons, the curves of the mixtures burned by air should then be established by progressive replacement of pure iso-octane with heptane. Pentane was also examined in this report.
The Breda Wind Tunnel
A description of the design and construction of the Breda wind tunnel. The tunnel is equipped with a two-meter throat diameter and a 310 kph velocity potential.
The Power of Aircraft Engines at Altitude
The subject of the present paper is confined to the investigations and methods employed by the Fiat company in their studies on the altitude performance of an air-cooled engine of the production type. The experimental set-up as well as test engine data are provided.
Ice Formation on Wings
This report makes use of the results obtained in the Gottingen ice tunnel in which the atmospheric conditions are simulated and the process of ice formation photographed. The effect of ice formation is threefold: 1) added weight to the airplane; 2) a change in the lift and drag forces; 3) a change in the stability characteristics.
Experiments on a Slotted Wing
The results of pressure distribution measurements that were made on a model wing section of a Fieseler F 5 R type airplane are presented. Comparison of those model tests with the corresponding flight tests indicates the limitations and also the advantages of wind tunnel investigations, the advantages being particularly that through the variety of measuring methods employed the more complicated flow conditions may also be clarified. A fact brought out in these tests is that even in the case of "well rounded" slots it is possible for a vortex to be set up at the slot entrance and this vortex is responsible for certain irregularities in the pressure distribution and in the efficiency of the slot.
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of a Monocoque Wing Model Loaded in Bending
"Bending tests with transverse loads and with pure bending were undertaken on a double-web monocoque wing model in order to establish the relation between the state of stress and the results from the elementary bending theory. The longitudinal stresses in the stiffeners were measured with tensiometers and the shear stresses in the sheet were calculated from them. The measurements were made at both moderate loads with no buckles in the covering and at loads with which the critical stress in the individual panels was exceeded" (p. 1).
Airfoil Theory at Supersonic Speed
From Summary: "A theory is developed for the airfoil of finite span at supersonic speed analogous to the Prandtl airfoil theory of 1918-1919 for incompressible flow. In addition to the profile and induced drags, account must be taken at supersonic flow of still another drag, namely, the wave drag, which is independent of the wing aspect ratio. Both wave and induced drags are proportional to the square of the lift and depend on the Mach number, that is, the ratio of flight to sound speed. In general, in the case of supersonic flow, the drag-lift ratio is considerably less favorable than is the case for incompressible flow."
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Ignition Lag and Engine Knock
"The author believes, on the basis of experimental ignition-lag data, that the character of a fuel cannot be stated in terms of a single constant (such as octane or cetane number) but that at least two and generally three constants are required. Thus no correlation between knock ratings can be expected if in one set of tests the charge temperature was varied while in the other the charge pressure was varied. For this reason, he favors knock rating being based on an equation characterizing the ignition lag of the fuel as a function of pressure and temperature of the charge" (p. 1).
The Effect of the Masses of the Controls on the Longitudinal Stability With Free Elevator Part 1
In the present report, aerodynamic relations under the effect of the weight moments are investigated, and an example given of the computation of the stability for a practical case. Later, the effects of the masses of the controls on the dynamic longitudinal stability will be considered.
Modern Methods of Testing
After a brief survey of the commonly used single-value test methods, the importance of the determination of the incipient knock for the octane number is discussed and improvements suggested for the knock testing in the CFR engine. The DVL supercharge test method with its superiority of direct determination of fuel knock in each single cylinder of an airplane engine without involving structural changes, is described and the advantages of a multiple-value method enumerated. A diagrammatic presentation of the knock characteristics is presented.
Contribution to the Aerodynamics of Rotating-Wing Aircraft
"The chief defect of the investigations up to now was the assumption of a more or less arbitrary "mean" drag coefficient for a section of the blade. This defect is remedied through replacement of the constant coefficient by a function of higher order which corresponds to the polar curve of the employed profile. In that way it is possible to extend the theory to include the entire range from "autogyro" without power input to the driven "helicopter" with forward-tilted rotor axis. The treatment includes the twisted rectangular blade and a non-twisted tapered blade" (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 Way to Increased Airplane Engine Power
The purpose of this paper is to give an outline of the present state of development and point out the possibilities available for the further increase in the power/displacement ratio, the economy, and the reliability of the engine. Some of the aspects discussed are methods of increasing take-off power, the various methods of preparation of the fuel mixture and their effect on power, economy, and safety.
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.
Knocking in the Otto-Cycle Engine
Engine knock is, as is known, preceded by normal burning of the first part of the charge, and only the part burned last (residual charge), knocks. The aim of the present measurements was, first, to reexamine the combustion form in this residual charge, because of the absence of uniform and frequently contradictory results in the very extensive literature on the subject. On top of that, an attempt was to be made to gain a deeper insight into the mechanism accompanying the combustion process, by means of the electrical test equipment perfected in recent years.
Measurements of the Air-Flow Velocity in the Cylinder of an Airplane Engine
The object of the present investigation is to determine the velocity in the BMW-VI cylinder of an externally driven single-cylinder test engine at high engine speeds using the hot-wire method of Ulsamer.
Contribution to the Theory of the Heated Duct Radiator
A method is developed with no neglect of certain factors in mass flow of air and in the drag of the heated radiator, i.e., one under actual operating conditions, as compared with the corresponding values in the cold state, may be simply computed. Although a symmetrical duct radiator has been used to bring out the flow relations, the results apply equally as well to the unsymmetrical radiator shapes usual in airplane construction.
Two-Stroke-Cycle Engines With Unsymmetrical Control Diagram (Supercharged Engines)
As no investigation of supercharging in 2-stroke-cycle engines has been published up to the present, this article is an attempt in that direction, with a view to establishing the mathematical principles and the constructive rules for the design of such engines.
Engine Knock and Combustion Chamber Form
The present report is confined to the effect of the combustion chamber shape on engine knock from three angles, namely: 1) The uniformity of flame-front movement as affected by chamber design and position of the spark plug; 2) The speed of advance of the flame as affected by turbulence and vibrations; 3) The reaction processes in the residual charge as affected by the walls.
Report on Ice Formation on Aircraft
The physical phenomena involved in the icing of aircraft have been analyzed and measured. Recommendations on warning devices are made as well as the different types of ice and glazing that can occur on airplanes are examined and discussed.
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