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Aerodynamic Characteristics of Thin Empirical Profiles and Their Application to the Tail Surfaces and Ailerons of Airplanes
From Introduction: "The increasing use of airplane wings equipped with ailerons and the importance of knowing the aerodynamic characteristics of tail units (empennages) provided with movable parts (rudders and elevators) impart some interest to the so-called "empirical profiles." For this purpose we thought best to employ the method proposed by Munk for the approximate theoretical study of thin, slightly curved profiles, assimilable, from an aerodynamic view-point, to their mean camber line."
The Aerodynamic Laboratory of the Belgian "Service Technique De L'Aeronautique"
This report provides a description of the wind tunnel housing and motors at the Belgian Service Technique de L'Aeronautique.
Aeronautical Record: No. 1 (to June, 1923)
Memorandum presenting an overview of the development of aeronautical industries and commercial aircraft as well as some of the problems that are resulting from it. Details of the aeronautical budget in various countries, organization of the air service, material exports, and airline operations are provided.
Airplane Drag
It has been less well understood that the induced drag (or, better said, the undesired increase in the induced drag as compared with the theoretical minimum calculated by Prandtl) plays a decisive role in the process of taking off and therefore in the requisite engine power. This paper seeks to clarify the induced drag.
Airplane performance, past and present
Report discussing the progress of airplane performance and measured by speed.
Albert TE-1 Training Airplane
The TE-1 is designed for the economical training of pilots and is a single seat parasol cantilever monoplane. It is nearly entirely made of wood, using a 40 HP. air-cooled Salmson A.D. 9 engine, and weighs 255 kg empty.
Aviation Engines in the Endurance Contest
The contest for engines of great endurance had entries of 13 types by the following firms: Breguet, Farman, Fiat, Hispano-Suiza, Lorraine-Dietrich, Panhard-Levassor, Peugeot, Renault, and Salmson.
"Avimeta" Three-Engine Commercial Monoplane: Type A.V.M. 132
This is an all metal aircraft, including the wing coverings. Both the framework and the sheet-metal coverings are Alferium, made by Schneider Co. A description of the wing, fuselage, landing gear, engines, fuel tanks, characteristics, drawings, and photographs are provided.
The Balance of Moments and the Static Longitudinal Stability of Airplanes
A nomogram is developed which renders it possible by drawing a few lines, to determine: the location of the center of gravity for zero wing and tail moments; the longitudinal dihedral angle; the tail coefficient F(sub h) iota/F(sub t). Moreover there is no difficulty in determining the magnitude of the restoring moment or of the unstable moment.
Balloon Fabrics Made of Goldbeater's Skins
Goldbeater's skin, which is the prepared outside membrane of the large intestine of an ox, is examined as a balloon fabric and details of how goldbeater's skin is prepared for use are provided. The construction techniques employed by Germany, France, and England are all discussed.
The Boulton and Paul "Bugle" Airplane: Day Bomber
The Bugle is a twin engine tractor biplane. It features two Jupiter engines and oleo-pneumatic landing gear. Its maximum speed is 120 MPH.
Calculating Thrust Distribution and Efficiency of Air Propellers
I am now proposing a method for the preliminary approximate calculation of the thrust distribution and efficiency of air propellers under any operating conditions. Our task becomes the following, namely, to determine the speed relations and the forces developed on a section with a given direction and velocity of the air current, a problem which can be solved with the aid of the momentum theory.
Calculation of the Pressures on Aircraft Engine Bearings
For aircraft engines the three principal operating conditions are idling speed, cruising speed, and diving with the engine stopped. In what follows, we will discuss a method which affords a good idea of the course of pressure for the above mentioned operating conditions. The pressures produced in the driving gear are of three kinds; namely, the pressure due to gases, the pressure due to the inertia of the rotating masses, and the pressure due to the inertia of the reciprocating masses.
The Characteristics of the N.A.C.A 97, Clark Y, and N.A.C.A. M6 Airfoils with Particular Reference to the Angle of Attack
Report examining the aerodynamic characteristics of three airfoil sections as determined in the variable density wind tunnel. Particular attention is given to the relation of the characteristics to the angle of attack and their use in airplane design.
Commercial Airplanes and Seaplanes: Thick Wings or Thin Wings - All Metal or Mixed Construction
In this report we will consider, as the dominating characteristic, either the load carried, the speed, the radius of action, the fuel consumption, the activity of transport, or, lastly, the qualities of comfort and safety. The first four factors determine the theoretical efficiency, while the others determine its practical efficiency.
The Comparative Performance of Roots Type Aircraft Engine Superchargers as Affected by Change in Impeller Speed and Displacement
"This report presents the results of tests made on three sizes of roots type aircraft engine superchargers. The impeller contours and diameters of these machines were the same, but the length were 11, 8 1/4, and 4 inches, giving displacements of 0.509, 0.382, and 0.185 cubic foot per impeller revolution. The information obtained serves as a basis for the examination of the individual effects of impeller speed and displacement on performance and of the comparative performance when speed and displacement are altered simultaneously to meet definite service requirements" (p. 3).
Compressive Strength of Tapered Airplane Struts
Note presenting methods for ascertaining the value of n in Euler's simplified formula, which can be used for the compressive strength of tapered airplane struts, by estimating from curves and by calculation.
Compressive Strength of Tapered Airplane Struts
Methods are here given for ascertaining the value of n in Euler's simplified formula, P = n (EI/l(sup 2)), for the compressive strength of tapered airplane struts, by estimating from curves and by calculation.
Contribution to the Aileron Theory
"In an attempt to treat theoretically the effect of ailerons, difficulty arises because an aileron may begin at any point of the wing. Hence the question arises as to how the transition of the lift distribution proceeds at such a point, since the effect of the aileron (i.e., the moment generated about the longitudinal axis) depends largely on this distribution. In order to answer this question regarding the lift distribution during irregular variations in the angle of attack at first independently of other influences, especially those of the wing tips, we have taken as the basis of the following theoretical discussion a wing of infinite span and constant chord which exhibits at one point an irregular variation in the angle of attack" (p. 1).
Dependence of Propeller Efficiency on Angle of Attack of Propeller Blade
In order to determine the maximum and the most favorable pitch for a propeller, it was found desirable to investigate the dependence of propeller efficiency on the angle of attack of the propeller blade. The results of a few experiments are given to show that propeller blades conduct themselves just like airplane wings with reference to the dependence of their efficiency on their angle of attack.
Depreciation of Aircraft
Report presenting an examination of the concept that aircraft are essentially fragile and deteriorate rapidly when in service, which the author considers to be a misunderstanding due to the intense conditions occurring during war. Some examples of commercial airplane lines that have been running for several years and some potential deterioration costs that must be considered are provided.
Design of Recording Wind Tunnel Balances
Given here is a description of the design of a scientific recording wind tunnel balance. It was decided that the most satisfactory arrangement would be a rigid ring completely surrounding the tunnel or wind stream, so that the model could be supported from it by wires or any arrangement of spindles. The forces and moments acting on this ring can then be recorded by suitable weighing apparatus. The methods available for recording forces on the arms are explained. The proposed type of balance will support the model rigidly in a variety of ways, will make a complete test without attention, and will plot the results so that all computations are avoided.
Determining Size of Drops in Fuel Mixture of Internal Combustion Engines
In compressorless Diesel engines and in explosion engines using fuels with high boiling points it is difficult to effect a good combustion of the fuel mixture. This report presents different methods for calculating the size and uniformity of fuel droplets and mixtures.
Drag and Cooling With Various Forms of Cowling for A "Whirlwind" Radial Air-Cooled Engine - 2
"This report gives the results of the second portion of an investigation in the twenty-foot Propeller Research Tunnel of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, on the cowling and cooling of a "Whirlwind" J-5 radial air-cooled engine. The first portion pertains to tests with a cabin fuselage. This report covers tests with several forms of cowling, including conventional types, individual fairings behind the cylinders, individual hoods over the over the cylinders, and the new N. A. C. A. complete cowling, all on an open cockpit fuselage. Drag tests were also made with a conventional engine nacelle, and with a nacelle having the new complete cowling" (p. 191).
Duralumin - Defects and Failures
It is proposed in this paper to identify some of the defects and failures in duralumin most frequently encountered by the aircraft industry with a view to indicate their importance. The defects and failures in duralumin may be classified into the following groups: 1) defects produced during manufacture; 2) defects produced during fabrication; 3) corrosion and erosion; and 4) fatigue failures. Only the first two will be covered in this report.
Effects of Varying the Relative Vertical Position of Wing and Fuselage
"The object of this series of experiments was to determine the influence of the relative vertical position of wing and fuselage on the efficiency of the wing. Since the longitudinal position of the wing can be varied but slightly with reference to the center of gravity in a normal airplane, it was kept constant in the experiments to be described and only the vertical position of the wing with reference to the fuselage was varied" (p. 1).
Experimental and analytical determination of the motion of hydraulically operated valve stems in oil engine injection systems
This research on the pressure variations in the injection system of the N.A.C.A. Spray Photography Equipment and on the effects of these variations on the motion of the timing valve stem was undertaken in connection with the study of fuel injection systems for high-speed oil engines. The methods of analysis of the pressure variations and the general equation for the motion of the spring-loaded stem for the timing valve are applicable to a spring-loaded automatic injection valve, and in general to all hydraulically operated valves. A sample calculation for a spring-loaded automatic injection valve is included.
Experimental Investigation of the Physical Properties of Medium and Heavy Oils, Their Vaporization and Use in Explosion Engines Part 4
This report presents a theoretical treatment of the vaporization process of medium and heavy oils. The results of this investigation, which were mostly obtained from the lighter components of the heavy fuels, require a 10- or 16-fold vaporization in comparison with gasoline. We must attain a still finer degree of atomization, in order to include the heavier components.
Experiments on Self-Ignition of Liquid Fuels
This report examines the cause and effect of the energy conversion in airless-injection engines. In order to obtain a criterion for the chosen working method, it takes into consideration the time relations between the individual processes. Observations of the engine alone do not suffice to obtain the necessary basis for a critical analysis of the processes.
Experiments With Fabrics for Covering Airplane Wings, to Determine Effect of Method of Installation
Note presenting some information on the effect of changes in the loading and in the disposition of the supporting framework on the covering fabric. The magnitude of the air forces to be taken into account and the corresponding factors of safety to be expected will be covered in a future report. Tables regarding some of these fabric characteristics are provided.
Factors of Safety
Factors of safety serve three purposes: provides against trouble arising from unexpectedly large loads, allows for imperfections of workmanship, represents a depreciation allowance. A consideration of these safety factors is provided in this report.
Flow and Force Equations for a Body Revolving in a Fluid
Part I gives a general method for finding the steady-flow velocity relative to a body in plane curvilinear motion, whence the pressure is found by Bernoulli's energy principle. Integration of the pressure supplies basic formulas for the zonal forces and moments on the revolving body. Part II, applying this steady-flow method, finds the velocity and pressure at all points of the flow inside and outside an ellipsoid and some of its limiting forms, and graphs those quantities for the latter forms. Part III finds the pressure, and thence the zonal force and moment, on hulls in plane curvilinear flight. Part IV derives general equations for the resultant fluid forces and moments on trisymmetrical bodies moving through a perfect fluid, and in some cases compares the moment values with those found for bodies moving in air. Part V furnishes ready formulas for potential coefficients and inertia coefficients for an ellipsoid and its limiting forms. Thence are derived tables giving numerical values of those coefficients for a comprehensive range of shapes.
Full-scale wind-tunnel tests of a propeller with the diameter changed by cutting off the blade tips
Tests were conducted in order to determine how the characteristics of a propeller are affected by cutting off the tips. The diameter of a standard 10-foot metal propeller was changed successively to 9 feet 6 inches, 9 feet 0 inches, 8 feet 6 inches, and 8 feet 0 inches. Each propeller thus formed was tested at four pitch settings using an open cockpit fuselage and a D-12 engine. A small loss in propulsive efficiency is indicated. Examples are given showing the application of the results to practical problems.
Further Information on the Laws of Fluid Resistance
Note presenting experiments with cylinders of different shapes and some of the strange phenomena that manifested in connection with the cylinder.
"Gloster" High Lift Biplane Wings
"The main object of these wings was to obtain a high lift without increasing the total drag, and the idea was conceived that, by using a deep high-lift section for the top wing and a medium section for the bottom wing, the mutual interference between the two would be such as to give greater efficiency of the combination as compared with two wings of equal section" (p. 1).
Ground Influence on Aerofoils
The question of ground influence on airplanes has recently attracted some attention in view of the claims made by certain designers that the landing speed of their airplanes is much decreased by an increase in lift coefficient due to the proximity of the ground in landing. The results of wind tunnel tests indicate that ground effect is not entirely beneficial. It decreases the landing speed and cushions the landing shock somewhat. However, it does so at the expense of an increased length of preliminary skimming over the ground.
The Heinkel Commercial Airplane H.D. 40
The H.D. 40 has a compound structure in which metal has been used at stress points. It is powered by one BMW IV 460 H.P. engine.
High thermal efficiency in airplane service
Described here is a method by which high average fuel economy has been achieved in aircraft engines. Details are given of the design of certain foreign engines that employ an unusual type of fuel-air ratio control in which the change in power produced by a mixture change is due almost entirely to the change in the power producing ability of the unit weight of the mixture. The safety and performance features of this type of control are explained.
Increasing Lift by Releasing Compressed Air on Suction Side of Airfoil
The investigation was limited chiefly to the region of high angles of attack since it is only in this region that any considerable change in the character of the flow can be expected from such artificial aids. The slot, through which compressed air was blown, was formed by two pieces of sheet steel connected by screws at intervals of about 5 cm. It was intended to regulate the width of the slot by means of these screws. Much more compressed air was required than was originally supposed, hence all the delivery pipes were much too small. This experiment, therefore, is to be regarded as only a preliminary one.
Influence of Design on Cost of Operating Airplanes
The author discusses cost of operating commercial airplanes and endeavors to clear up prevalent misunderstandings. Curves of operating cost for varying duration, speed, reserve horsepower, etc. are developed.
Influence of Fuselage on Propeller Design
"In the present paper I shall not consider the problem of the best arrangement of airplane and propeller, but only a simple method for designing a propeller for a given arrangement of airplane parts. The inflow to the propeller and hence the efficiency of the propeller is affected most by the fuselage. The effect of the wings and of the other parts lying in the propeller slip stream is much less and is also more difficult to determine" (p. 1-2).
Instrument for measuring engine clearance volumes
With the advent of the V type engine, a new method to measure the clearance volume in cylinders was needed. It was suggested that this measurement could be made by a process which consisted essentially of simultaneously changing both a known and unknown volume of gas by a known amount and then calculating the magnitude of the unknown from the resulting difference in pressure between the two. An instrument based on this design is described.
Measuring Vibration and Torque With the Oscillograph
"The recent development of technical science demands maximum reliability of functioning, together with maximum utilization of construction materials. For this purpose we must know what stresses are produced during functioning. One cause of great stresses are mechanical vibrations and this report describes a method of using an oscilloscope to measure the stresses of rapidly changing phenomena" (p. 1).
A Mechanical Device for Illustrating Airplane Stability
An instrument is described which will illustrate completely in a qualitative sense the longitudinal stability characteristics of an airplane. The instrument is primarily of use for the lecture room, but it is hoped that ultimately it will be possible to obtain quantitative results from it.
Metal Aircraft Construction at Vickers: Some Interesting New Forms Developed
This report contains descriptions of construction techniques at the Vickers plant including the building of the "wandering web," the spar flange, and the Vickers spars.
The Morane Sauliner 222 Airplane (French): A Single-Seat Pursuit Monoplane
Circular presenting the Morane Saulnier 222 airplane, which is a single-seat pursuit monoplane. A description of the components, design, characteristics, performance, photographs, and drawings are provided.
Mutual Influence of Wings and Propeller
Report presenting an experiment consisting of an aerofoil and propeller in order to discover the mutual influence between the two components and variations in moment due to the propeller influence.
The Nichols Wing Cutting Equipment
Described here is wing cutting equipment for the economical production of metal wings for wind tunnel models. The machine will make any size of constant-section wing or strut up to one-sixth inch chord by 36-inch span and up to a thickness of one and one-quarter inches. It cuts a smooth, true model that is accurate to within two-thousandths of an inch on any ordinate. The holding jaws are so designed as to leave the model free of chip marks, and the only hand finishing necessary after the cutting is a rub with amunite to remove burrs. The actual change on ordinate in this finishing rub is less than .0002 inches.
Nomogram for Correcting Drag and Angle of Attack of an Airfoil Model in an Air Stream of Finite Diameter
In experimenting with airfoil models in a wind tunnel, the magnitude of the forces acting on the model is affected by the fact that the air stream in which the model is suspended, has a restricted cross-section. In order to utilize the results for an airplane in an unlimited quantity of air, a correction must be made. The magnitude of this correction was determined by Prandtl by the application of his wing theory.
Potential Flow in Engine Valves
"The extensive applicability of the hydrodynamic theory to the problems of engine construction is clearly shown in the following attempt to determine by exact methods the nature of the flow in valves under variously restricted conditions. Observation shows that two principal kinds of flow occur in simple flat-seated valves. For small valve lifts, the flow is along the horizontal wall and is therefore deflected 90 degrees, but for greater valve lifts the flow separates and forms a free stream, whose angle of deflection naturally increases with increasing lift" (p. 1).
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