Search Results

The 6-Foot-4-Inch Wind Tunnel at the Washington Navy Yard
Report discussing the 6-foot-4-inch wind tunnel and its auxiliary equipment has proven itself capable of continuous and reliable output of data. The real value of the tunnel will increase as experience is gained in checking the observed tunnel performance against full-scale performance. Such has been the case of the 8- by 8-foot tunnel, and for that reason the comparison in the calibration tests have been presented.
N.A.C.A. Stall-Warning Indicator
"The stall-warning indicator employs a total-head tube located close to the wing surface in a region wherein local stalling occurs before the main portion of the wing stalls. The artificial production of a localized stalled region is accomplished by means of a sharp leading edge extending a few inches along the span. An abrupt drop in the total pressure relative to a static reference taken at some convenient point occurs at the stall in this region" (p. 1).
An Accurate Method of Measuring the Moments of Inertia of Airplanes
From Summary: "This note contains a description of an improved apparatus and procedure used by the NACA for determining the moments of inertia of airplanes. The method used, based on the pendulum theory, is similar to that previously used, but a recent investigation of its accuracy has resulted in the improvements described herein. The error, when using the new apparatus and procedure, has been found to be of the order of 1 per cent."
Adhesion of Ice in Its Relation to the De-Icing of Airplanes
From Summary: "The various possible means of preventing ice adhesion on airplane surfaces are critically reviewed. Results are presented of tests of the adhesives forces between ice and various solid and liquid forces. It is concluded that the de-icing of airplane wings by heat from engine exhaust shows sufficient promise to warrant full-scale tests. For propellers, at least, and possibly for certain small areas such as windshields, radio masts, etc. the use of de-icing or adhesion-preventing liquids will provide the best means of protection."
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 Analysis of the Gyroplane Rotating-Wing System
"An aerodynamic analysis of the gyroplane rotating-wing system is presented herein. This system consists of a freely rotating rotor in which opposite blades are rigidly connected and allowed to rotate or feather freely about their span axis. Equations have been derived for the lift, the lift-drag ratio, the angle of attack, the feathering angles, and the rolling and pitching moments of a gyroplane rotor in terms of its basic parameters" (p. 1).
The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Model Wing Having a Split Flap Deflected Downward and Moved to the Rear
"Tests were made on a model wing with three different sized split trailing-edged flaps, in the NACA 7 by 10 foot wind tunnel. The flaps were formed of the lower rear portion of the wing and were rotated downward about axes at their front edges. The lift, drag, and center of pressure were measured with the axis in its original position and also with it moved back in even steps to the trailing edge of the main wing, giving in effect an increase in area. The split flaps when deflected about their original axis locations gave slightly higher maximum lift coefficients than conventional trailing-edge flaps, and the lift coefficients were increased still further by moving the axes toward the rear" (p. 1).
The Aerodynamic Characteristics of Airfoils as Affected by Surface Roughness
"The effect on airfoil characteristics of surface roughness of varying degrees and types at different locations on an airfoil was investigated at high values of the Reynolds number in a variable density wind tunnel. Tests were made on a number of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 0012 airfoil models on which the nature of the surface was varied from a rough to a very smooth finish. The effect on the airfoil characteristics of varying the location of a rough area in the region of the leading edge was also investigated" (p. 1).
The Aerodynamic Characteristics of Airfoils at Negative Angles of Attack
From Introduction: "The present report gives all the results, including those published in reference 1 and the results of previously un-published tests tests of the airfoils at positive angles of attack."
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Anemometer Cups
From Introduction: "The investigation was intended to cover the characteristics of individual cups and of similar cups mounted on complete cup wheals. This report treats the static tests run on the individual cups."
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Several Airfoils of Low Aspect Ratio
"This paper presents the results of wind-tunnel tests of several airfoils of low aspect ratio. The airfoils included three circular Clark Y airfoils with different amounts of dihedral, two Clark Y airfoils with slots in their portions, and three flat-plate airfoils. Lift, drag, and pitching-moment characteristics of the slotted airfoils with slots open and closed; pitching moment characteristics of one of the slotted airfoils with slots open and closed; and lift characteristics of the flat-plate airfoils are included" (p. 1).
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."
The aerodynamic characteristics of three tapered airfoils tested in the variable density wind tunnel
From Summary: "This report contains the lift, drag, and moment characteristics of tapered Clark Y, Gottingen 393, and USA 45 airfoils as obtained from tests made in the Variable Density Wind Tunnel of the NACA. The results are given at both low and high Reynolds Numbers to show scale effect and to provide data for use in airplane design."
The Aerodynamic Drag of Five Models of Side Floats N.A.C.A. Models 51-E, 51-F, 51-G, 51-H, 51-J
"The drag of five models of side floats was measured in the N.A.C.A. 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel. The most promising method of reducing the drag of floats indicated by these tests is lowering the angle at which the floats are rigged. The addition of a step to a float does not always increase the drag in the flying range, floats with steps sometimes having lower drag than similar floats without steps" (p. 1).
The Aerodynamic Drag of Flying-Boat Hull Model as Measured in the NACA 20-Foot Wind Tunnel - 1
"The main purpose of this investigation is to make available to the designer useful information with regard to the aerodynamic drag of various types of flying-boat hull models. The present report is the first in a series covering investigation in this field. Through close cooperation between hydrodynamics and aerodynamics divisions it is hoped that results leading to improvements in hull design obtained" (p. 1).
The Aerodynamic Effect of a Retractable Landing Gear
"Tests were conducted in the N.A.C.A. full scale wind tunnel at the request of the Army Air Corps to determine the effect of retractable landing gear openings in the bottom surface of a wing upon the characteristics of a Lockheed Altair airplane. The tests were extended to include the determination of the lift and drag characteristics throughout the angle-of-attack range with the landing gear both retracted and extended. Covering the wheel openings in the wing with sheet metal when the wheels were extended reduced the drag only 2 percent at a lift coefficient of 1.0, which was assumed for the take-off condition" (p. 1).
Aerodynamic Effects of a Split Flap on the Spinning Characteristics of a Monoplane Model
From Summary: "The investigation described in this report was made to determine the change in aerodynamic forces and moments produced by split flaps in a steady spin. The test were made with the spinning balance in the NACA 5-foot vertical wind tunnel. A low-wing monoplane model was tested with and without the split flaps in 12 spinning attitudes chosen to cover the probable spinning range. The results obtained indicate that the use of split flaps on an airplane is unlikely, in any case, to have much beneficial effect on a spin, and it might make the spin dangerous."
The Aerodynamic Forces and Moments on a Spinning Model of the F4B-2 Airplane as Measured by the Spinning Balance
"The tests described in this report were made as part of an investigation of the spinning characteristics of the F4B-2 airplane conducted at the request of the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department" (p. 1).
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.
Aerodynamic Rolling and Yawing Moments Produced by Floating Wing-Tip Ailerons, as Measured by Spinning Balance
From Summary: "The investigation described in this report was made to determine the effectiveness of floating wing-tip ailerons as an airplane control in the spin. In these tests the ailerons, not being balanced, were set parallel to the axis of rotation, which is probably very nearly the attitude that balanced floating ailerons would assume in a spin. Rolling - and yawing moment coefficients are given as measured for the model with and without the ailerons, and computed values are given for the ailerons alone."
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."
Aerodynamic tests of a low aspect ratio tapered wing with various flaps, for use on tailless airplanes
From Introduction: "The tests described in this report are the first in an investigation by N.A.C.A. of the aerodynamic characteristics of possible tailless arrangements. The investigations will be extended to include whatever range is through most desirable and may include, among other things, variations in aspect ratio, taper, sweepback, washout, air-foil section, dihedral, and also control flaps or other control devices of different forms and proportions."
Alterations and Tests of The "Farnboro" Engine Indicator
"The 'Farnboro' electric indicator was tested as received from the manufacturers, and modifications made to the instrument to improve its operation. The original design of disk valve was altered so as to reduce the mass, travel, and seat area. Changes were made to the recording mechanism, which included a new method of locating the top center position on the record. The effect of friction on the motion of the pointer while taking motoring and power cards was eliminated by providing a means of putting pressure lines on the record" (p. 1).
Analysis and Model Tests of Autogiro Jump Take-Off
From Introduction: "The possibilities of the jump take-off have been established by some full-scale experiments. It is the purpose of this paper to study the factors that govern the jump take-off in its simplest form and to present the results of model tests in which the effect of differences in the rotor parameters was determined."
Analysis of a Strut With a Single Elastic Support in the Span, With Applications to the Design of Airplane Jury-Strut Systems
Report presenting an analysis of a wing brace with a small auxiliary strut, which is attached to the wing spar at the upper end. The design is quite effective but has some difficult analysis problems. The report is broken into two parts; one is a theoretical investigation and one is an experimental investigation.
Analytical Determination of the Load on a Trailing Edge Flap
From Summary: "This report presents a theoretical analysis of the lift on a trailing edge flap. An analytical expression has been derived which enables the computation of the flap load coefficient. The theoretical results seem to show a fair agreement with the meager experimental results which are available."
An Application of the Von Kármán-Millikan Laminar Boundary-Layer Theory and Comparison With Experiment
Note presenting the von Kármán-Millikan theory of laminar boundary layers as applied to the laminar boundary layer about an elliptical cylinder on which boundary-layer and pressure-distribution measurements. Good agreement is obtained between calculated and experimental results, meaning that the method may be generally applied to the laminar boundary layer about any body provided that an experimentally determined pressure distribution is available.
An approximate spin design criterion for monoplanes
"A quantitative criterion of merit has been needed to assist airplane designers to incorporate satisfactory spinning characteristics into new designs. An approximate empirical criterion, based on the projected side area and the mass distribution of the airplane, has been formulated in a recent British report. In the present paper, the British results have been analyzed and applied to American designs. A simpler design criterion based solely on the type and the dimensions of the tail, has been developed: it is useful in a rapid estimation of whether a new design is likely to comply with the minimum requirements for safety in spinning" (p. 1).
An Approximate Spin Design Criterion for Monoplanes
"An approximate empirical criterion, based on the projected side area and the mass distribution of the airplane, was formulated. The British results were analyzed and applied to American designs. A simpler design criterion, based solely on the type and the dimensions of the tail, was developed; it is useful in a rapid estimation of whether a new design is likely to comply with the minimum requirements for safety in spinning" (p. 1).
A balanced diaphragm type of maximum cylinder pressure indicator
A balanced diaphragm type of maximum cylinder pressure indicator was designed to give results consistent with engine operating conditions. The apparatus consists of a pressure element, a source of controlled high pressure and a neon lamp circuit. The pressure element, which is very compact, permits location of the diaphragm within 1/8 inch of the combustion chamber walls without water cooling. The neon lamp circuit used for indicating contact between the diaphragm and support facilitates the use of the apparatus with multicylinder engines.
Basic Requirements of Fuel-Injection Nozzles for Quiescent Combustion Chambers
This report presents test results obtained during an investigation of the performance of a single-cylinder, high-speed, compression-ignition test engine when using multiple-orifice fuel-injection valve nozzles in which the number and the direction of the orifices were varied independently.
The Behavior of Conventional Airplanes in Situations Thought to Lead to Most Crashes
Simple flight tests were made on ten conventional airplanes for the purpose of determining their action in two situations, which are generally thought to precede and lead to a large proportion of airplane crashes. These situations are when in an attempt to stretch the glide in a forced landing, the airplane is stalled, and when while taking off, particularly if taking off steeply, the engine fails at a low altitude.
The Behavior of Thin-Will Monocoque Cylinders Under Torsional Vibration
"Curves of forced frequency against amplitude are presented for the conditions where the forced frequency is both increased and decreased into the resonant range. On the basis of these curves it is shown that the practical resonance frequency is the point where wrinkling first occurs and that the resonance frequency will be subject to considerable travel once permanent wrinkles appear in the vibrating shell. The decreasing mode of striking resonance is found to be by far the most destructive condition" (p. 1).
Bending Stresses Due to Torsion in Cantilever Box Beams
"The paper beings with a brief discussion on the origin of the bending stresses in cantilever box beams under torsion. A critical survey of existing theory is followed by a summary of design formulas; this summary is based on the most complete solution published but omits all refinements considered unnecessary at the present state of development. Strain-gage tests made by NACA to obtained some experimental verification of the formulas are described next. Finally, the formulas are applied to a series of box beams previously static-tested by the U.S. Army Air Corps; the results show that the bending stresses due to torsion are responsible to a large extent for the free-edge type of failure frequently experienced in these tests" (p. 1).
Bending Tests of Circular Cylinders of Corrugated Aluminum-Alloy Sheet
"Bending tests were made of two circular cylinders of corrugated aluminum-alloy sheet. In each test failure occurred by bending of the corrugations in a plane normal to the skin. It was found, after analysis of the effect of short end bays, that the computed stress on the extreme fiber of a corrugated cylinder is in excess of that for a flat panel of the same basic pattern and panel length tested as a pin-ended column. It is concluded that this increased strength was due to the effects of curvature of the pitch line. It is also concluded from the tests that light bulkheads closely spaced strengthen corrugated cylinders very materially" (p. 1).
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.
Boosted Performance of a Compression-Ignition Engine With a Displaced Piston
From Summary: "Performance tests were made using a rectangular displacer arranged so that the combustion air was forced through equal passages at either end of the displacer into the vertical-disk combustion chamber of a single-cylinder, four-stroke-cycle compression-ignition test engine. After making tests to determine optimum displacer height, shape, and fuel-spray arrangement, engine-performance tests were made at 1,500 and 2,000 r.p.m. for a range of boost pressures from 0 to 20 inches of mercury and for maximum cylinder pressures up to 1,150 pounds per square inch. The engine operation for boosted conditions was very smooth, there being no combustion shock even at the highest maximum cylinder pressures. Indicated mean effective pressures of 240 pounds per square inch for fuel consumptions of 0.39 pound per horsepower-hour have been readily reproduced during routine testing at 2,000 r.p.m. at a boost pressure of 20 inches of mercury."
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).
Calculated Effect of Various Types of Flap on Take-Off Over Obstacles
"In order to determine whether or not flaps could be expected to have any beneficial effect on take-off performance, the distances required to take off and climb to an altitude of 50 feet were calculated for hypothetical airplanes, corresponding to relatively high-speed types and equipped with several types of flap. The types considered are the Fowler wing, the Hall wing, the split flap, the balanced split flap, the plain flap, and the external-airfoil flap. The results indicate that substantial reductions in take-off distance are possible through the use of flaps, provided that the proper flap angle corresponding to a given set of conditions is used" (p. 1).
Calculations of the Effect of Wing Twist on the Air Forces Acting on a Monoplane Wing
"A method is presented for calculating the aerodynamic forces on a moncylane wing, taking into account the elastic twisting of the wing due to these forces. The lift distribution along the span is calculated by the formulas of Amstutz as a function of the geometrical characteristics of the wing and of the twist at stations 60 and 90 percent of the semispan. The twist for a given lift distribution is calculated by means of influence lines" (p. 1).
Calibration and lag of a Friez type cup anemometer
"Tests on a Friez type cup anemometer have been made in the variable density wind tunnel of the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory to calibrate the instrument and to determine its suitability for velocity measurements of wind gusts. The instrument was calibrated against a Pitot-static tube placed directly above the anemometer at air densities corresponding to sea level, and to an altitude of approximately 6000 feet. Air-speed acceleration tests were made to determine the lag in the instrument reading. The calibration results indicate that there should be an altitude correction. It is concluded that the cup anemometer is too sluggish for velocity measurements of wind gusts" (p. 1).
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.
Characteristics of an airfoil as affected by fabric sag
"This report presents the results of tests made at a high value of the Reynolds Number in the N.A.C.A. variable-density wind tunnel to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil as affected by fabric sag. Tests were made of two Gottingen 387 airfoils, one having the usual smooth surface and the other having a surface modified to simulate two types of fabric sag. The results of these tests indicate that the usual sagging of the wind covering between ribs has a very small effect on the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil" (p. 1).
Characteristics of Two Sharp-Nosed Airfoils Having Reduced Spinning Tendencies
"According to Mr. L.D. Bell, of the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, certain undesirable spinning characteristics of a commercial airplane were eliminated by the addition of a filler to the forward part of the wing to give it a sharp leading edge. To ascertain what aerodynamic effects result from such a change of section, two airfoils having sharp leading edges were tested in the variable-density wind tunnel. Both sections were derived by modifying the Gott. 398. The tests, which were made at a large value of the Reynolds Number, were carried to very large angles of attack to provide data for application to flight at angles of attack well beyond the stall" (p. 1).
The charging process in a high-speed, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine
From Summary: "Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations were made on an aircraft-type, single cylinder engine, in order to determine the physical nature of the inlet process, especially at high piston speeds. The engine was run at speeds from 1,500 to 2,600 r.p.m. (mean piston speeds of 1,370 to 2,380 feet per minute). Measurements were made of the cylinder pressure during the inlet stroke and of the power output and volumetric efficiency. Measurements were also made, with the engine not running, to determine the resistance and mass of air in the inlet valve port at various crank angles. Results of analysis indicate that mass has an appreciable effect, but friction plays the major part in restricting flow. The observed fact that the volumetric efficiency is considerably less than 100 percent is attributed to thermal effects. An estimate was made of the magnitude of these effects in the present case, and their general nature is discussed."
Charts expressing the time, velocity, and altitude relations for an airplane diving in a standard atmosphere
In this report charts are given showing the relation between time, velocities, and altitude for airplanes having various terminal velocities diving in a standard atmosphere. The range of starting altitudes is from 8,000 to 32,000 feet, and the terminal velocities vary from 150 to 550 miles per hour. A comparison is made between an experimental case and the results obtained from the charts. Examples pointing out the use of the charts are included.
Charts for Calculating the Performance of Airplanes Having Constant-Speed Propellers
"Charts are presented for determining the performance of airplanes having variable-pitch propellers, the pitch of which is assumed to be adjusted to maintain constant speed for all rates of flight. The charts are based on the general performance equations developed by Oswald in reference 1, and are used in a similar manner. Examples applying the charts to airplanes having both supercharged and unsupercharged engines are included" (p. 1).
Charts for determining the pitching moment of tapered wings with sweepback and twist
From Summary: "This report presents a convenient method for calculating the pitching-moment characteristics of tapered wings with sweepback and twist. The method is based on the fact that the pitching-moment characteristics of a wing may be specified by giving the value of the pitching moment at zero lift and the location of the axis about which the axis is constant. Data for calculating these characteristics are presented by curves which apply to wings having a linear distribution of twist along the span and which cover a large range of aspect ratios. The curves are given for wings having straight taper and distorted elliptical plan forms. The characteristics of wings of other shapes may be determined by interpolation."
Circular Motion of Bodies of Revolution
The circular motion for airship-like bodies has thus far been calculated only for a prolate ellipsoid of revolution (reference 1, p.133 and reference 2). In this paper, however, the circular motion of elongated bodies of revolution more nearly resembling airships will be investigated. The results will give the effect of rotation on the pressure distribution and thus yield some information as to the stresses set up in an airship in circular flight.
Circulation Measurements About the Tip of an Airfoil During Flight Through a Gust
"Measurements were made of the circulation about the rectangular tip of a short-span airfoil passing through an artificial gust of known velocity gradient. A Clark Y airfoil of 30-centimeter chord was mounted on a whirling arm and moved at a velocity of 29 meters per second over a vertical gust with a velocity of nearly 7 meters per second. Flow angles were measured with a hot-wire apparatus" (p. 1).
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