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.
The 1934 Contest for the Deutsch De La Meurthe Trophy
This report presents a description of the rules, history and new technical innovations in the Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup race of 1934.
The Aerodynamic Aspect of Wing-Fuselage Fillets
Report discussing model tests prove the feasibility of enhancing the aerodynamic qualities of wing-fuselage fillets by appropriate design of fuselage and wing roots. Abrupt changes from maximum fuselage height to wing chord must be avoided and every longitudinal section of fuselage and wing roots must be so faired and arranged as to preserve the original lift distribution of the continuous wing. Adapting the fuselage to the curvilinear circulation of the wing affords further improvement. The polars of such arrangements are almost the same as those of the "wing alone," thus voiding the superiority of the high-wing type airplane known with conventional design.
Aerodynamic characteristics of a wing with Fowler flaps including flap loads, downwash, and calculated effect on take-off
From Summary: "This report presents the results of wind tunnel tests of a wing in combination with each of three sizes of Fowler flap. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the aerodynamic characteristics as affected by flap chord and position, the air loads on the flaps, and the effect of flaps on the downwash."
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).
Aerodynamic characteristics of wings with cambered external airfoil flaps, including lateral control, with a full-span flap
From Summary: "The results of a wind-tunnel investigation of the NACA 23012, the NACA 23021, and the Clark Y airfoils, each equipped with a cambered external-airfoil flap, are presented in this report. The purpose of the research was to determine the relative merit of the various airfoils in combination with the cambered flap and to investigate the use of the flap as a combined lateral-control and high-lift device."
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 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).
The Aeronautical Laboratory of the Stockholm Technical Institute
This report presents a detailed analysis and history of the construction and operation of the aeronautical laboratory of the Stockholm Technical Institute. Engines and balances are discussed and experimental results are also given.
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.
Aircraft compass characteristics
From Summary: "A description of the test methods used at the National Bureau of Standards for determining the characteristics of aircraft compasses is given. The methods described are particularly applicable to compasses in which mineral oil is used as the damping liquid. Data on the viscosity and density of certain mineral oils used in United States Navy aircraft compasses are presented. Results of flight tests are presented."
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.
Annual Report of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (20th). Administrative Report Including Technical Report Nos. 475 to 507
Report includes the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics letter of submittal to the President, Congressional report, summaries of the committee's activities and research accomplished, bibliographies, and financial report.
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.
The Bending of Beams With Thin Tension Flanges
This report analyzes the action of a cantilever T beam with a tension flange so thin it can only carry tensile stresses.
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).
Boulton Paul P.71a Commercial Airplane (British): A Two-Engine Biplane
Circular presenting a description of the Boulton Paul P.71A, which is a new type of two-engine biplane. Details of the design, fuel tanks, materials, fuselage, passenger seating, tail, and flying qualities are provided.
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).
Characteristics of the NACA 23012 airfoil from tests in the full-scale and variable-density tunnels
"This report gives the results of tests in the NACA full-scale and variable-density tunnels of a new wing section, the NACA 23012, which is one of the more promising of an extended series of related airfoils recently developed. The tests were made at several values of the Reynolds number between 1,000,000 and 8,000,000. The new airfoil develops a reasonably high maximum lift and a low profile drag, which results in an unusually high value of the speed-range index. In addition, the pitching-moment coefficient is very small" (p. 435).
Combustion in a Bomb With a Fuel-Injection System
"Fuel injected into a spherical bomb filled with air at a desired density and temperature could be ignited with a spark a few thousandths of a second after injection, an interval comparable with the ignition lag in fuel-injection engines. The effect of several variables on the extent and rate of combustion was investigated: time intervals between injection and ignition of fuel of 0.003 to 0.06 second and one of 5 minutes; initial air temperatures of 100 degrees C. to 250 degrees C.; initial air densities equivalent to 5, 10, and 15 absolute atmospheres pressure at 100 degrees C.; and air-fuel ratios of 5 to 25" (p. 107).
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).
The Compressibility Burble
"Simultaneous air-flow photographs and pressure-distribution measurements have been made of the NACA 4412 airfoil at high speeds in order to determine the physical nature of the compressibility bubble. The flow photographs were obtained by the Schlieren method and the pressures were simultaneously measured for 54 stations on the 5-inch-chord wing by means of a multiple-tube photographic manometer. Pressure-measurement results and typical Schlieren photographs are presented" (p. 1).
A deflection formula for single-span beams of constant section subjected to combined axial and transverse loads
In this paper there is presented a deflection formula for single-span beams of constant section subjected to combined axial and transverse loads of the types commonly encountered in airplane design. The form of the equation is obtainable by dimensional analysis. Tables and curves of the non dimensional coefficients are appended to facilitate the use of the formula. The equation is applied to the determination of the spring constant of a beam. Tables and curves are presented to show the variation of the spring constant with changes in the axial load and position along the beam.
The Denis-Gruson Six-Component Wind-Tunnel Balance
The 6.C.1 balance is the first fully automatic balance assuring a continuous and simultaneous record of the aerodynamic characteristics of an airfoil in a wind tunnel. Because of the rapidity of the measurements a complete polar (six components) requires only about three minutes of wind, that is to say, of motive power, which is of interest for wind tunnels with high efficiency factors and may lead to the economical design of large size wind tunnels.
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).
A Discussion of the Several Types of Two-Stroke-Cycle Engines
This report discusses different types of two-stroke engines as well as the three most important design factors: volume of scavenge and charge delivery, scavenging process (scavenging result), and result of charge. Some of the types of engines discussed include: single cylinder with crank-chamber scavenge pump and auxiliary suction piston linked to working connecting rod; and two cylinder engines with a rotary scavenge pump arrangement. Three and four cylinder engines are also discussed in various designs.
Distribution and Regularity of Injection From a Multicylinder Fuel-Injection Pump
This report presents the results of performance test conducted on a six-cylinder commercial fuel-injection pump that was adjusted to give uniform fuel distribution among the cylinders at a throttle setting of 0.00038 pound per injection and a pump speed of 750 revolutions per minute. The throttle setting and pump speed were then varied through the operating range to determine the uniformity of distribution and regularity of injection.
Drag of Prestone and Oil Radiators on the YO-31A Airplane
"At the request of the Army Air Corps tests were conducted on a mock-up of the YO-31A airplane to determine the drag of the prestone and oil radiators. The drag of the airplane was determined with both radiators exposed on the lower surface of the fuselage; with each radiator exposed; and with no radiators. The results show that at 120 m.p.h the oil radiator accounted for 2.8 percent of the drag of the complete airplane; the prestone radiator 8.3 percent; and both radiators together, 11.8 percent" (p. 1).
Effect of aerodynamic design on glider performance
The performance of a glider is determined by means of the velocity polar, which represents the connection between horizontal and sinking speed. The mean sinking speed for a given speed range can be determined on the basis of the velocity polar. These data form the basis for the most propitious design of a performance-type glider with a view to long-distance flight.
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 Lateral Inclination of the Thrust Axis and of Sweepback of the Leading Edge of the Wing on Propulsive and Net Efficiencies of a Wing-Nacelle-Propeller Combination
"This report describes and gives the results of tests made to determine the effect of lateral inclination of the propeller thrust axis to the direction of flight. A wing-nacelle-propeller combination with the nacelle axis located successively parallel to and at 15 degrees to the perpendicular to the leading edge of a wing was tested with the combination at several angles of yaw. Tests of the wing alone at the same angles of yaw were also made" (p. 1).
The Effect of the Angle of Afterbody Keel on the Water Performance of a Flying-Boat Hull Model
NACA model 11-C was tested according to the general method with the angle of afterbody keel set at five different angles from 2-1/2 degrees to 9 degrees, but without changing other features of the hull. The results of the tests are expressed in curves of test data and of non-dimensional coefficients. At the depth of step used in the tests, 3.3 percent beam, the smaller angles of afterbody keel give greater load-resistance ratios at the hump speed and smaller at high speed than the larger angles of afterbody keel. Comparisons are made of the load-resistance ratios at several other points in the speed range. The effect of variation of the angle of afterbody keel upon the take-off performance of a hypothetical flying boat of 15,000 pounds gross weight having a hull of model 11-C lines is calculated, and the calculations show that the craft with the largest of the angles of afterbody keel tested, 9 degrees, takes off in the least time and distance.
Effect of Tip Shape and Dihedral on Lateral-Stability Characteristics
This report presents the results of wind tunnel tests to determine the effect of wing-tip shape and dihedral on some of the aerodynamic characteristics of Clark Y wings that affect the performance and lateral stability of airplanes. Force tests at several angles of yaw and rotation tests at zero yaw were made. From these tests the rates of change of rolling moment, yawing moment, and cross-wind force coefficients with angle of yaw and the rate of change of rolling moment coefficient with rolling were determined.
The effect of turbulence on the drag of flat plates
"In determining the effect of turbulence on the forces exerted on bodies in the air stream of a wind tunnel, it is commonly assumed that the indications of the standard Pitot-static tube used to determine the air speed are not dependent on the turbulence. To investigate the truth of this assumption, the drag of a normally exposed flat plate, the difference in pressure between the front and rear of a thin circular disk, the rate of rotation of a vane anemometer, and the pressure developed by a standard Pitot-static tube were measured in an air stream for several conditions of turbulence. The results may be interpreted as indicating that there is no appreciable effect of turbulence on the vane anemometer and the standard pitot-static tube, but that there is small effect on the drag of a flat plate and the pressure difference between front and rear of a disk" (p. 129).
The Effect of Water Vapor on Flame Velocity in Equivalent Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Mixtures
This report presents the results of an investigation to study the effect of water vapor upon the spatial speed of flame in equivalent mixtures of carbon monoxide and oxygen at various total pressures from 100 to 780 mm.hg. These results show that, within this pressure range, an increase in flame speed is produced by increasing the mole fraction of water vapor at least as far as saturation at 25 degrees c., and that the rate of this increase is greater the higher the pressure. It is evident that water vapor plays an important part in the explosive oxidation of carbon monoxide; the need for further experimental evidence as to the nature of its action is indicated.
Effects of air-fuel spray and flame formation in a compression-ignition engine
"High-speed motion pictures were taken at the rate of 2,500 frames per second of the fuel spray and flame formation in the combustion chamber of the NACA combustion apparatus. The compression ratio was 13.2 and the speed 1,500 revolutions per minute. An optical indicator was used to record the time-pressure relationship in the combustion chamber. The air-fuel ratio was varied from 10.4 to 365. The results showed that as the air-fuel ratio was increased definite stratification of the charge occurred in the combustion chamber even though moderate air flow existed. The results also showed the rate of vapor diffusion to be relatively slow" (p. 119).
Experiments with Suction-Type Wings
The present report collects the investigations of the past years which, while not as yet intended for use in construction, show different possibilities for the building of a suction-type wing and at the same time present some basic explanations concerning the problem of suction. Experiments and results with a thick wing profile are detailed as well as boundary layer removal by suction and sink action. Experiments with flap profiles are also included.
A Flight Investigation of the Spinning of the F4B-2 Biplane with Various Loads and Tail Surfaces
"A flight investigation of the spinning of the F4B-2 single-seat fighter airplane was made for the purpose of finding modifications that would eliminate dangerous spin tendencies exhibited by this type of airplane in service. The effects on steady spins and on recoveries of changing the loading, enlarging the fin areas, changing the elevator plan form, and raising the horizontal surfaces, were determined" (p. 413).
Flight tests of a balanced split flap with particular reference to rapid operation
The flight path of a small parasol monoplane equipped with a special type of balanced split flap was determined for a series of glides during which the time taken to deflect or retract the flap was varied from 1 to 15 seconds in order to study the effect of the time taken to complete a flap movement on the motion of an airplane between the start of a flap movement and the attainment of steady flight with the new flap setting. For flap movements accompanied by a change of lift characteristics, and consequently of velocity, there is an appreciable delay in obtaining a desired change in glide angle even though the flap is operated instantaneously. Immediate control of the glide path is obtained only when the speed is maintained during the flap movement. When the speed is changed, the deviation from the desired path during the transition increases in proportion to the rapidity with which the flap is moved so that, with a high-lift flap, abrupt retraction at speeds less than the minimum speed with the flap retracted may be dangerous if practiced close to the ground.
Full-scale force and pressure-distribution tests on a tapered U.S.A. 45 airfoil
This report presents the results of force and pressure-distribution tests on a 2:1 tapered USA 45 airfoil as determined in the full-scale wind tunnel. The airfoil has a constant-chord center section and rounded tips and is tapered in thickness from 18 percent at the root to 9 percent at the tip. Force tests were made throughout a Reynolds Number range of approximately 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 providing data on the scale effect in addition to the conventional characteristics. Pressure-distribution data were obtained from tests at a Reynolds Number of approximately 4,000,000. The aerodynamic characteristics given by the usual dimensionless coefficients are presented graphically.
Further Studies of Flame Movement and Pressure Development in an Engine Cylinder
This report describes an investigation using a stroboscopic apparatus for observing flame movement through a large number of small windows distributed over the head of a spark-ignition engine in following flame spread with combustion chambers of different shapes at two engine speed and for a variety of spark-plug locations including single and twin ignition. The principal factors influencing flame movement in the engine are discussed, and the lack of reliable information regarding their separate effects upon the structure of the flame and its speed of propagation are emphasized.
A general tank test of NACA model 11-C flying-boat hull, including the effect of changing the plan form of the step
The results of a general tank test model 11-C, a conventional pointed afterbody type of flying-boat hull, are given in tables and curves. These results are compared with the results of tests on model 11-A, from which model 11-C was derived, and it is found that the resistance of model 11-C is somewhat greater. The effect of changing the plan form of the step on model 11-C is shown from the results of tests made with three swallow-tail and three pointed steps formed by altering the original step of the model. These results show only minor differences from the results obtained with the original model.
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.
Gliding in Convection Currents
"A survey of the possibilities of gliding in convection currents reveals that heretofore only the most simple kind of ascending convection currents, that is, the "thermic" of insolation, has been utilized to any extent. With the increasing experience in gliding, the utilization of the peculiar nature of the "wind thermic" and increased glider speed promises further advances. Evening, ocean, and height "thermic" are still in the exploration stage, and therefore not amenable to survey in their effects" (p. 1).
Ground Effect on the Take-Off and Landing of Airplanes
Theories of ground effect and interference are explored as well as experimental methods to record the phenomenon. The consequences of the phenomenon on the airplane at take-off and landing are discussed.
The Heat Transfer of Cooling Fins on Moving Air
The present report is a comparison of the experimentally defined temperature and heat output of cooling fins in the air stream with theory. The agreement is close on the basis of a mean coefficient of heat transfer with respect to the total surface. A relationship is established between the mean coefficient of heat transfer, the dimensions of the fin arrangement, and the air velocity.
Hydrodynamic Tests of Models of Seaplane Floats
"This report contains the results of tank tests carried out at free trim on seventeen hulls and floats of various types. The data as to the weight on water, trim, and relative resistance for each model are plotted nondimensionally and are referenced both to the total weight and to the weight on water. Despite the fact that the experiments were not made systematically, a study of the models and of the test data permits nevertheless some general deductions regarding the forms of floats and their resistance" (p. 1).
Hydrogen as an auxiliary fuel in compression-ignition engines
From Summary: "An investigation was made to determine whether a sufficient amount of hydrogen could be efficiently burned in a compression-ignition engine to compensate for the increase of lift of an airship due to the consumption of the fuel oil. The performance of a single-cylinder four-stroke-cycle compression-ignition engine operating on fuel oil alone was compared with its performance when various quantities of hydrogen were inducted with the inlet air. Engine-performance data, indicator cards, and exhaust-gas samples were obtained for each change in engine-operating conditions."
Ice Prevention on Aircraft by Means of Impregnated Leather Covers, Special Report
"The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics is testing the effectiveness of a method to prevent the formation of ice on airplanes. The system makes use of a leather cover that is attached to the leading edge of the wing. A small tube, attached to the inner surface of the leather, distributes to the leading edge a solution that permeates throughout the leather and inhibits the formation of ice on the surface. About 25 pounds of the liquid per hour would be sufficient to prevent ice from forming on a wing of 50-foot span" (p. 1).
The Initial Torsional Stiffness of Shells With Interior Webs
"A method of calculating the stresses and torsional stiffness of thin shells with interior webs is summarized. Comparisons between experimental and calculated results are given for 3 duralumin beams, 5 stainless steel beams and 2 duralumin wings. It is concluded that if the theoretical stiffness is multiplied by a correction factor of 0.9, experimental values may be expected to check calculated values within about 10 percent" (p. 1).
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