The state of the art in aeronautical engineering has been continually accelerated by the development of advanced analysis and design tools. Used in the early design stages for aircraft and spacecraft, these methods have provided a fundamental understanding of physical phenomena and enabled designers to predict and analyze critical characteristics of new vehicles, including the capability to control or modify unsatisfactory behavior. For example, the relatively recent emergence and routine use of extremely powerful digital computer hardware and software has had a major impact on design capabilities and procedures. Sophisticated new airflow measurement and visualization systems permit the analyst to conduct micro- and macro-studies of properties within flow fields on and off the surfaces of models in advanced wind tunnels. Trade studies of the most efficient geometrical shapes for aircraft can be conducted with blazing speed within a broad scope of integrated technical disciplines, and the use of sophisticated piloted simulators in the vehicle development process permits the most important segment of operations-the human pilot-to make early assessments of the acceptability of the vehicle for its intended mission. Knowledgeable applications of these tools of the trade dramatically reduce risk and redesign, and increase the marketability and safety of new aerospace vehicles.

Modeling Flight: The Role of Dynamically Scaled Free-Flight Models in Support of NASA's Aerospace Programs

Business & Money

Chambers, Joseph R.

Education & Reference

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

The state of the art in aeronautical engineering has been continually accelerated by the development of advanced analysis and design tools. Used in the early design stages for aircraft and spacecraft, these methods have provided a fundamental understanding of physical phenomena and enabled designers to predict and analyze critical characteristics of new vehicles, including the capability to control or modify unsatisfactory behavior. For example, the relatively recent emergence and routine use of extremely powerful digital computer hardware and software has had a major impact on design capabilities and procedures. Sophisticated new airflow measurement and visualization systems permit the analyst to conduct micro- and macro-studies of properties within flow fields on and off the surfaces of models in advanced wind tunnels. Trade studies of the most efficient geometrical shapes for aircraft can be conducted with blazing speed within a broad scope of integrated technical disciplines, and the use of sophisticated piloted simulators in the vehicle development process permits the most important segment of operations—the human pilot—to make early assessments of the acceptability of the vehicle for its intended mission. Knowledgeable applications of these tools of the trade dramatically reduce risk and redesign, and increase the marketability and safety of new aerospace vehicles. Arguably, one of the more viable and valuable design tools since the advent of flight has been testing of subscale models. As used herein, the term “model” refers to a physical article used in experimental analyses of a larger full-scale vehicle. The reader is probably aware that many other forms of mathematical and computer-based models are also used in aerospace design; however, such topics are beyond the intended scope of this document. Model aircraft have always been a source of fascination, inspiration, and recreation for humans since the earliest days of flight. Within the scientific community, Leonardo da Vinci, George Cayley, and the Wright brothers are examples of early aviation pioneers who frequently used models during their scientific efforts to understand and develop flying machines. Progress in the technology associated with model testing in worldwide applications has firmly established model aircraft as a key element in new aerospace research and development programs. Models are now routinely used in many applications and roles, including aerodynamic data gathering in wind tunnel investigations for the analysis of full-scale aircraft designs, proof-of-concept demonstrators for radical aeronautical concepts, and problem-solving exercises for vehicles already in production. The most critical contributions of aerospace models are to provide confidence and risk reduction for new designs and to enhance the safety and efficiency of existing configurations. The objective of the material presented here is to provide the reader with an overview of some of the more interesting free-flight model testing techniques that have been developed and the role that the testing has played in fundamental and applied research, as well as in support of the development of some of the Nation’s more important civil and military aerospace programs. The material also includes discussions of the development of the specialized facilities and equipment required for dynamic model tests.

Administration, National Aeronautics and Space

Radical Wings and Wind Tunnels presents a behind-the-scenes look at how the NACA, and today s NASA, have used wind tunnels and flight-testing in past and current projects to advance aeronautical science. NASA s Langley Research Center, located in Hampton,Virginia, was established on July 17, 1917, and has played a key role in the research and development of civil and military aviation since its infancy. For over 90 years, Langley s staff has wind-tunnel tested or test flown a wide range of leading-edge aircraft designs including vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, advanced fighters, civil transports, and high-speed supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. Results from the legacy of Langley s pioneering basic and applied aeronautical research have been incorporated into virtually all U.S. civil transports and military aircraft. This book describes the very unique testing capabilities of several historic Langley wind tunnels, such as the gigantic 30 x 60 ft Full Scale Tunnel, the Vertical Spin Tunnel, and the Free-Flight Tunnel. The major focus of the book is a discussion of the roles these wind tunnels and the NACA and NASA organizations played in R&amp;D activities for more than 60 radical aerospace vehicles that did not, or have not yet entered production. The contents present an illuminating perspective on how the government s research agencies interacted beneficially with the military and civil communities for many of this nation s innovative aeronautical undertakings. Coverage begins in the 1920s with research on the earliest innovations for monoplanes and extends to current research on tomorrow s aircraft including hypersonic vehicles and aircraft designed to explore the Martian environment. Topics also include previously unpublished details of NACA activities in development of U.S. military aircraft in WWII, Langley s work on parawing vehicles, key activities for V/STOL aircraft, challenges for lifting bodies and reentry vehicles, ongoing research to remove the barriers for economically viable supersonic commercial transport, the latest technology for highly maneuverable fighters, and a look at the future.

Radical Wings & Wind Tunnels: Advanced Concepts Tested at Nasa Langley

History

Chambers, Mark A.

Military

Specialty Pr Pub & Wholesalers

Radical Wings and Wind Tunnels presents a behind-the-scenes look at how the NACA, and today's NASA, have used wind tunnels and flight-testing in past and current projects to advance aeronautical science. NASA's Langley Research Center, located in Hampton,Virginia,  was established on July 17, 1917, and has played a key role in the research and development of civil and military aviation since its infancy. For over 90 years, Langley's staff has wind-tunnel tested or test flown a wide range of leading-edge aircraft designs including vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, advanced fighters, civil transports, and high-speed supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. Results from the legacy of Langley's pioneering basic and applied aeronautical research have been incorporated into virtually all U.S. civil transports and military aircraft. This book describes the very unique testing capabilities of several  historic Langley wind tunnels, such as the gigantic 30 x 60 ft Full Scale Tunnel, the Vertical Spin Tunnel, and the Free-Flight Tunnel. The major focus of the book is a discussion of the roles these wind tunnels and the NACA and NASA organizations played in R&D activities for more than 60 radical aerospace vehicles that did not, or have not yet entered production. The contents present an illuminating perspective on how the government's research agencies interacted beneficially with the military and civil communities for many of this nation's innovative aeronautical undertakings. Coverage begins in the 1920s with research on the earliest innovations for monoplanes and extends to current research on tomorrow's aircraft including hypersonic vehicles and aircraft designed to explore the Martian environment. Topics also include previously unpublished details of NACA activities in development of U.S. military aircraft in WWII, Langley's work on parawing vehicles, key activities for V/STOL aircraft, challenges for lifting bodies and reentry vehicles, ongoing research to remove the barriers for economically viable supersonic commercial transport, the latest technology for highly maneuverable fighters, and a look at the future. The photos in this edition are in black and white.

Radical Wings & Wind Tunnels: Advanced Concepts Tested at NASA Langley

Specialty Press

The huge Langley Full-Scale Tunnel building dominated the skyline of Langley Air Force Base for 81 years (1930–2011). The Full-Scale Tunnel was constructed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) during an era when biplanes and dirigibles dominated aviation. The results of critical tests conducted within its massive test section contributed to many of the Nation's most important aeronautics and space programs. The historical significance of the Full-Scale Tunnel was formally recognized when it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 by the National Park Service.

Cave of the Winds: The Remarkable History of the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel

Science & Math

Astronomy & Space Science

National Aeronautis & Space Administration

Over the course of their histories, the NACA and NASA have developed a wide variety of emblems representing each agency’s illustrious exploration of aerospace missions. This publication concentrates on the rich and interesting history of the conception and implementation of the world-famous NACA and NASA seals and insignias that have been displayed for decades on aeronautics and space research vehicles and facilities, as well as those proudly worn by flight research pilots, astronauts, and the dedicated employees of these two world-class organizations.

Emblems of Exploration: Logos of the NACA and NASA

With full color and black and white photographs and illustrations. The huge Langley Full-Scale Tunnel building dominated the skyline of Langley Air Force Base for 81 years (1930-2011). The Full-Scale Tunnel was constructed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) during an era when biplanes and dirigibles dominated aviation. The results of critical tests conducted within its massive test section contributed to many of the Nation's most important aeronautics and space programs. The historical significance of the Full-Scale Tunnel was formally recognized when it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 by the National Park Service.

NASA

Military Bookshop

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Chambers, Joseph R.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Chambers, Joseph R.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Chambers, Joseph R.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Modeling Flight: The Role of Dynamically Scaled Free-Flight Models in Support of NASA's Aerospace Programs

Modeling Flight: The Role of Dynamically Scaled Free-Flight Models in Support of NASA's Aerospace Programs

Radical Wings & Wind Tunnels: Advanced Concepts Tested at Nasa Langley

Radical Wings & Wind Tunnels: Advanced Concepts Tested at NASA Langley

Cave of the Winds: The Remarkable History of the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel

Emblems of Exploration: Logos of the NACA and NASA

Cave of the Winds: The Remarkable History of the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel