Experimental Determination of Improved Aerodynamic Characteristics Utilizing Biplane Wing Configurations

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Experimental Determination of Improved Aerodynamic Characteristics Utilizing Biplane Wing Configurations Scholars' Mine Masters Theses Student Theses and Dissertations 1974 Experimental determination of improved aerodynamic characteristics utilizing biplane wing configurations Elmer Carl Olson Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses Part of the Aerospace Engineering Commons Department: Recommended Citation Olson, Elmer Carl, "Experimental determination of improved aerodynamic characteristics utilizing biplane wing configurations" (1974). Masters Theses. 3426. https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3426 This thesis is brought to you by Scholars' Mine, a service of the Missouri S&T Library and Learning Resources. This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. Unauthorized use including reproduction for redistribution requires the permission of the copyright holder. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EXPERIMENTAL DETERMI NATI ON OF IMPROVED AEROBYNAMIC CHARACTERI STICS UTI LI ZING BI PLANE ~<VING CONFIGURATIONS BY ELMER CARL OLSON , 1 949- A 'I'HESIS Presented t o the Facult y o f the Graduat e School o f t he UNIVERS I TY 0 F MISSOURI - ROLLA In Part ial Fu lfillment o f the Requi r ements f o r the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE I N AE ROSPACE ENGINEERING 1974 T 2981 14 0 pages Ap prove d b y c.l 24081.7 ii ABSTRACT Improving the aerodynamic characteristics of an airplane wi th respect to a higher lift coefficient, a lower drag coefficient and a higher lift over drag ratio as a function of angle of attack will make it more efficient, thus conserving energy or improving performance. Investigations were carried out to determine if the aerodynamic characteristics of biplane wing systems could be made more efficient, for low subsonic speeds, than a monoplane of comparable area and aspect ratio . A variable position three-dimensional biplane wing system, and a fuselage that could be fitted with a monoplane wing or the variable position biplane wing system were tested in the University of Missouri-Rolla subsonic wind tunnel at a Reynolds number of 8.7 x 105 per foot. Lift, drag, and pitching moment characteristics of each configuration were investigated to determine the effect of changing the position of the biplane wings relative to each other and how the characteristics compared to those of the monoplane. All the biplane wings tested were shown to have a significant decrease in drag coefficient over the monoplane at a cruise condition. The maximum lift over drag ratios of the biplane wings tested were shown to be significantly higher than that of the monoplane. General trends of drag coefficient and maximum lift over drag ratio and how they vary with the relative position of the biplane wings to one another are presented and compared with the ~haractgr~atics of the monoplane . iii PREFACE The author wishes to express his appreciation to his advisor Bruce P. Selberg, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Ronald H. Howell, Professor of Mechanical Engineering for their assistance and guidance in this investigation. Thanks are also due to Mr . Paul Bailey and Mr. Robert Rice for their assistance in taking data, and to the staff of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, particularly to Professor Robert Oetting, for . their assistance in making the UMR subsonic wind tunnel operational. To my father , Elmer E . Olson , and my mother, Mardell A. Olson, I owe the instilling in me of a love for flying and aviation and for making my education possible. And especially to my wife, Beverly, for her help in preparing this manuscript and for her encouragement and understanding during the course of this study . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT. ii PREFACE . iii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . v LIST OF TABLES •... viii I . INTRODUCTION . 1 II. LITERATURE REVIEW . 4 III. DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH. 6 IV. MODEL DESCRIPTION, INSTRUMENTATION AND TEST PROCEDURE. 7 V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION . 13 VI. CONCLUSIONS . 28 BIBLIOGRAPHY. 29 VITA. 31 APPENDICES A. ~VIND TUNNEI, DESCRIPTION. 32 B . MODEL DESCRIPTION AND EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE 39 C. COMPUTER PROGRAM USED TO REDUCE DATA FOR THE WINGS ONLY PHASE OF TESTING. 60 D. COMPUTER PROGRAM USED TO REDUCE DATA FOR THE FUSELAGE PHASE OF TESTING . •.. 65 E . COMPUTER PROGRAM USED TO COMPUTE THE MOMENT COEFFICIENT FOR THE FUSELAGE PHASE OF TESTING .. 70 F. REDUCED DATA FROM THE WINGS ONLY PHASE OF TESTING. 72 G. REDUCED DATA FROM THE FUSELAGE AND WINGS TOGETHER PHASE OF TESTING . 103 H. MODEL DIMENSIONS . • • . 131 v LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure Page 1 Fuselage with monoplane . •.. 8 2 Fuselage with biplane wing system . 9 3 Biplane wing system mounted on force balance. 10 4 Summary of aerodynamic characteristics of three-dimensional biplane systems with gap = 1.125, stagger = 1.0 and various decalage angles . 14 5 Maximum efficiency trend of CD at CL = 0.175 with respect to decalage angle for biplane configurations tested. 15 6 Maximum efficiency trend of CD at CL = 0.175 with respect to stagger for biplane configurations tested. 16 7 Maximum efficiency trend of L/D with respect to decalage angle for biplane configurations tested. 18 8 Maximum efficiency trend of L/D with respect to stagger for biplane configurations tested . 19 9 Aerodynamic characteristics of a monoplane and fuselage system . 20 10 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 1.0, St = 0 . 875, and De 11 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 1.0, St = 0.875, and De -5° • 22 12 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 0.875, St = 1.0, and De vi LIST 0~ ILLUSTRATIONS (cont.) Figure Page 13 Moment Coefficient comparison between a monoplane and a biplane with Ga = 1.0, St = 0.875, and De= -5° 26 14 Schematic of UMR subsonic wind tunnel . 34 15 Strain Gage sting balance 35 16 Test section showing parallogram linkage .. 36 17 Balance mount in fuselage . 37 18 Fuselage and biplane wings mounted in test section .. 41 19 Fuselage and monopl ane wing mounted in test section . 42 20 " N" struts disassembled . 43 21 "N" struts mounted on model • 44 22 Balance pod used to mount wings on. 46 23 Steel framework inside fuselage . 47 24 Upper wing mount used on fuselage . 49 25 Velocity distribution in a vertical transverse plane of test section - Part l .. 52 26 Velocity distribution in a vertical transverse plane of test section - Part 2 ... 53 27 Velocity distribution in a vertical longitudinal plane of test section - Part l . 54 28 Velocity distribution in a vertical longitudinal plane of test section - Part 2 . .. 55 29 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing system with Ga = 1.0, St = 1.125, and De = - 6° .. 73 vii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS (cont . ) Figure Page 30 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing system with Ga = 1 . 0, St = 1.0, and De = - 4° .... 74 31 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing system with Ga = 1.0, St = 1 . 12S , and De = -4° . 7S 32 Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing system 0 wi th Ga = 1.0 , St = 1 . 12S, and De = - S • 76 33 Aerodynami c characteristics of a biplane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 0.87S , St = 1.12S, and De 34 Aerodynamic characteristics of a bipl ane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 0 . 87S, St = 1 . 125, and De =-6° 1 05 3S Aerodynamic characteristics of a biplane wing and 0 fuselage system with Ga = 0 . 87S, St = 1.0, and De = -S • 106 36 Aerodynamic characteristics of a bipl ane wing and fuselage system with Ga = 0.87S, St = 0.875 , and De LIST "0:F TABLES Table Page I Summary of Aerodynamic Characteristics for Three Biplane Wing Systems and Their Comparison with the Monoplane . 24 II Velocity Distribution in the Vertical Transverse Plane of Test Section 50 III Velocity Distribution in the Vertical Longitudinal Plane of Test Section 51 l I. INTRODUCTION The recent oil embargo against the United States by the Arab nations has given greater emphasis to the fact that the United States and the nations of the world in general are using up their oil reserves at an alarming rate. Conservation steps have been taken to reduce the amount of fuel used by the transportation segment of the economy. Examples are the 55 mile per hour national speed limit and regulations that allow a right turn on a red light after coming to a full stop. One of the fuel conserving transportation methods that is generally overlooked is general aviation light aircraft. From an amount of fuel used per passenger mile standpoint, the present light aircraft are as efficient, or in some cases more efficient, than the commercial airlines. For example, a Cessna Skyhawk (a single engine, fixed gear, four-place airplane) gets 17.0 miles per gallon, which makes 68.0 passenger miles per gallon. A Cessna Turbo-Centurion (a single engine, retractable gear, six-place airplane) gets 13.43 miles per gallon, which gives 80.58 passenger miles per gallon. This compares with a Boeing 707, 300B series, carrying l57 passengers and getting 0.26 miles per gallon, yielding 41.0 passenger miles per gallon. A McDonnell Douglas DC-lO carrying 255 passengers at 0.22 miles per gallon yields 56.10 passenger miles per gallon. From these few examples, it can easily be seen that the light airplane, at its reduced speed, is a more efficient method of transportation from an energy 2 consumption standpoint. Comparisons can also be made between the light aircraft and the automobile . A flight from Rolla, Missouri to Independence, Missouri is 155 miles, and the same trip by car is 220 miles by the best route. Comparing a Cessna Turbo-Centurion to a typical automobile, it can be shown that the airplane will use 11 .
Recommended publications
  • The Birth of Powered Flight in Minnesota / Gerald N. Sandvick
    -rH^ AEROPLANE AUTOMOBILE MOTORCYCLE RACES il '^. An Event in the History of the Northwest-Finish Flight by Aeroplanes GLEN H. CURTISS and Seat> for 25,000 People at these Price* 'ml Tu'Wly •nvi>n Bou-a nr Otaod HtiiiKl T(o BARNEY OLDFIELD DON'T MISS IT F IniiiKp at (Irnnd HUnd Bpxti .... UD wbo have tnvclcd fMter than any othrr lium«ii hrintrn A MaKnili'-fi" Pronrtun-.t llinb Spctd F.viutft. Not a I'ull Monn.-iit G :l•"^ <n Mill) ttn rolu diiyi. Jiiiir ^i. 'iX it. Sb $SO.M in k rKRc from Start to Khiifth. Tlie latttt-st Aeropbinf. tlic K.isH-i.t Aiito Car, \ii'imin><-l'». iiineial ulmliminu. lio>, pukMl in ptrblns the Fu.^iest }|orst.' PitTeiJ AKanisi V.ach Otlur In H Gr«siil Triple Kacfl >ii-"lnii pm ant (ocnipim nr iLiii>ri'iiplM) BOC AEROPLANE vs. AUTOMOBaE K(>*prT>-il Urn'a en 8<ila, Hli>ii<Miyo11>, Mctre^llao UvMc Co., 41 OIdfl«i(i. with bu llghlr.inj Ben; r»r. ^nd Kimrbirr. BIKili ttu^'-i nnut). •)• r>U, Wir^ke « DfWTT. PltUl Ud Bohert. wUb bU DuTtcq ckr, bgalnit world t rn^'irds on » iir VxT .-•n.-xil iilnnuti.-n mrtrnr. WnlUr B Wllmot. OMWtkl outar tfftck WALTER R. WILMOT. General Mqr. M.u.k.. %:. iii.i llmi-r, Miiiiif.'MI* T 0 Phooe, ABHM IT*. THE BIRTH OF POWERED FLIGHT IN MINNESOTA Gerald N. Sandvick AVIATION in Minnesota began in the first decade of the Aviation can be broadly divided into two areas: aero­ 20th century.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Women in Aviation Through World War I
    United States Women in Aviation through World War I Claudia M.Oakes •^ a. SMITHSONIAN STUDIES IN AIR AND SPACE • NUMBER 2 SERIES PUBLICATIONS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Emphasis upon publication as a means of "diffusing knowledge" was expressed by the first Secretary of the Smithsonian. In his formal plan for the Institution, Joseph Henry outlined a program that included the following statement: "It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of knowledge." This theme of basic research has been adhered to through the years by thousands of titles issued in series publications under the Smithsonian imprint, commencing with Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge in 1848 and continuing with the following active series: Smithsonian Contributions to Anthropology Smithsonian Contributions to Astrophysics Smithsonian Contributions to Botany Smithsonian Contributions to the Earth Sciences Smithsonian Contributions to the Marine Sciences Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology Smithsonian Studies in Air and Space Smithsonian Studies in History and Technology In these series, the Institution publishes small papers and full-scale monographs that report the research and collections of its various museums and bureaux or of professional colleagues in the world of science and scholarship. The publications are distributed by mailing lists to libraries, universities, and similar institutions throughout the world. Papers or monographs submitted for series publication are received by the Smithsonian Institution Press, subject to its own review for format and style, only through departments of the various Smithsonian museums or bureaux, where the manuscripts are given sub­ stantive review.
    [Show full text]
  • We Wanted Wings: a History of the Aviation Cadet Program
    Cover illustration: “Aviation Cadets in Training – 1943” by Dottie Knight. (Courtesy, United States Air Force Art Collection) WE WANTED WINGS: A HISTORY OF THE AVIATION CADET PROGRAM Dr. Bruce A. Ashcroft Staff Historian HQ AETC/HO 2005 OFFICER CODE Duty well performed, Honor in all things, Country before self. AVIATION CADET HONOR CODE Article 1: An Aviation Cadet will not knowingly make any false statement, written or verbal, while acting in any capacity, official or otherwise, or in any situation reflecting on the Aviation Cadet Corps or the Air Force. Article 2: An Aviation Cadet will not take or receive the property of another person, or persons, under any conditions, without specific authority of that person or persons. Article 3: An Aviation Cadet will not impart or receive any unauthorized assistance, either outside or inside the classroom or places of instruction, which would tend to give any Aviation Cadet unfair advantage. Article 4: An Aviation Cadet will not quibble, use evasive statements, or technicalities in order to shield guilt or defeat the ends of justice. Article 5: An Aviation Cadet will report any violation of honor by another Aviation Cadet of which he is witness or has unquestionable knowledge. Article 6: An Aviation Cadet will not commit any act of intentional dishonesty which will reflect in any way on the honor and integrity of the Aviation Cadet Corps and the Air Force. Officer Code and Cadet Honor Code both from brochure, “Aviation Cadet Knowledge,” Preflight Training School, Lackland AFB TX, 1959. ii iii
    [Show full text]
  • Teacher's Guide
    TEACHER’S GUIDE For AEROSPACE: THE JOURNEY OF FLIGHT This document was prepared by Civil Air Patrol. Contents Preface iv National Standards 1 Part One: The Rich History of Air Power Chapter 1 – Introduction to Air Power 10 Chapter 2 – The Adolescence of Air Power: 1904-1919 15 Chapter 3 – The Golden Age: 1919-1939 21 Chapter 4 – Air Power Goes to War 27 Chapter 5 – Aviation: From the Cold War to Desert Storm 35 Chapter 6 – Advances in Aeronautics 45 Part Two: Principles of Flight and Navigation Chapter 7 – Basic Aeronautics and Aerodynamics 48 Chapter 8 – Aircraft in Motion 52 Chapter 9 – Flight Navigation 58 Part Three: The Aerospace Community Chapter 10 – The Airport 63 Chapter 11 – Air Carriers 65 Chapter 12 – General Aviation 68 Chapter 13 – Business and Commercial Aviation 71 Chapter 14 – Military Aircraft 75 Chapter 15 – Helicopters, STOL, VTOL and UAVs 79 Chapter 16 – Aerospace Organizations 83 Chapter 17 – Aerospace Careers and Training 87 Part Four: Air Environment Chapter 18 – The Atmosphere 91 Chapter 19 – Weather Elements 97 Chapter 20 – Aviation Weather 101 Part Five: Rockets Chapter 21 – Rocket Fundamentals 105 Chapter 22 – Chemical Propulsion 109 Chapter 23 – Orbits and Trajectories 112 Part Six: Space Chapter 24 – Space Environment 117 Chapter 25 – Our Solar System 122 Chapter 26 – Unmanned Space Exploration 128 Chapter 27 – Manned Spacecraft 134 ii Multiple Choice Sample Test Bank Part One: The Rich History of Air Power Chapter 1 – Introduction to Air Power 13 Chapter 2 – The Adolescence of Air Power: 1904-1919 18 Chapter
    [Show full text]
  • Junkers Ju87: from Dive-Bomber to Tank Buster 1935-45 Pdf, Epub, Ebook
    JUNKERS JU87: FROM DIVE-BOMBER TO TANK BUSTER 1935-45 PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Eddie J. Creek | 336 pages | 15 Dec 2012 | Crecy Publishing | 9781906537289 | English | Manchester, United Kingdom Junkers Ju87: From Dive-bomber to Tank Buster 1935-45 PDF Book Their numbers were low and ineffective in comparison to German operations. On 13 August the opening of the main German attacks on airfields took place; it was known to the Luftwaffe as Adlertag "Eagle Day". Im Only 8! Over the next 10 days, seven merchant ships were sunk or damaged, mainly in the Thames Estuary , for the loss of four Ju 87s. We will send you an email with instructions on how to reset your password. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for remaining at his post despite being mortally wounded. Testing was given two months and was to begin in February and end in April After the fall of France it was at used to attack shipping in the Channel. A long range version of the Ju 87B was also built, known as the Ju 87R, the letter being an abbreviation for Reichweite , " operational range". The D-3 was an improved D-1 with more armour for its ground-attack role. A Ju 87 B-2 is fitted with ski undercarriage to cope with the winter weather, 22 December Over Ju 87s had not been delivered and production was only 23 Ju 87 Ds per month out of the 40 expected. There are many aviation books published about the Junkers Ju dive bomber and tank killer. WFG received an official commendation.
    [Show full text]
  • Airplane Design(Aerodynamic) Prof. EG Tulapurkara Chapter-1
    Airplane design(Aerodynamic) Prof. E.G. Tulapurkara Chapter-1 Chapter 1 Lecture 2 Introduction - 2 Topics 1.5 Classification of airplanes according to configuration 1.5.1 Classification of airplanes based on wing configuration 1.5.2 Classification of airplanes based on fuselage 1.5.3 Classification of airplanes based on horizontal stabilizer 1.5.4 Classification of airplanes based on number of engines and their location 1.6 Factors affecting the configuration 1.6.1 Aerodynamic considerations – drag, lift and interference 1.6.2 Low structural weight 1.6.3 Layout peculiarities 1.6.4 Manufacturing processes 1.6.5 Cost and operational economics - Direct operating cost (DOC) and Indirect operating cost (IOC) 1.6.6 Interaction of various factors 1.7 Brief historical background 1.7.1 Early developments 1.5 Classification of airplanes according to configuration This classification is based on the following features of the configuration. a) Shape, number and position of wing. b) Type of fuselage. c) Location of horizontal tail. d) Location and number of engines. Dept. of Aerospace Engg., Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 1 Airplane design(Aerodynamic) Prof. E.G. Tulapurkara Chapter-1 The different types of configurations are shown in Fig.1.2. As an exercise the student is advised to study, at this stage, various types of airplanes from Jane's all the world aircraft (Ref.1.21). Fig.1.2 Types of airplanes(cont.) Dept. of Aerospace Engg., Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 2 Airplane design(Aerodynamic) Prof. E.G. Tulapurkara Chapter-1 Fig.1.2 Types of airplanes 1.5.1 Classification of airplanes based on wing configuration Early airplanes had two or more wings e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • If These Airplanes Could Talk
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration GRADES 5-12 If These Airplanes Could Talk Aeronautics Research Mission history of flight Directorate Museum in a BO SerieXs www.nasa.gov MUSEUM IN A BOX (Photo courtesy of Courtesy of The National Museum of the United States Air Force) If These Airplanes Could Talk Lesson Overview Objectives Through observation and information gathering 1. Students will gain a better understanding of the skills, students will learn the proper way to read history of an artifact or museum exhibit. Through and interpret artifacts or museum exhibits. When practice, students will also learn how to interpret gathering information, students must ask six other exhibits or artifacts they encounter in the future. questions - “who?”, “what?”, “when?”, “where?”, “why?” and “how?” - to get the information needed to fully understand what they are viewing. Though this lesson is tailored to aviation, the concepts can be Materials: applied to any type of exhibit or artifact that is on display. Museum exhibits or the aircraft photos and fact sheets located in the Reference Materials section Note: We have provided photos and fact sheets in the Reference Materials section of four aircraft that are currently on display in a museum. These may be used if no museum exhibits are available. GRADES 5-12 Time Requirements: 20 minutes per artifact history of flight 2 Background History of Aviation For many thousands of years, man has looked at the sky and dreamt of flying. Evidence of this can be found in stories such as “Daedalus” from Greek mythology and “Pushpaka Vimana of Ravana” in Hindu mythology.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerospace Structures- an Introduction to Fundamental Problems Purdue University
    2011 Aerospace Structures- an Introduction to Fundamental Problems Purdue University This is an introduction to aerospace structures. At the end of one semester, we will understand what we mean by the “structures job” and know the basic principles and technologies that are at the heart of aerospace structures design and analysis. This knowledge includes basic structural theories, how to choose materials and how to make fundamental design trades, make weight estimates and provide information for decisions involved in successful aerospace structural design and development. Dr. Terry A. Weisshaar, Professor Emeritus School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Purdue University 7/28/2011 Preface leaves of absence at M.I.T., the Air Force For all of my 40 year plus career in aerospace Research Laboratory and at the Defense engineering I have been fascinated by design Advanced Research Agency (DARPA). I also and development of aerospace products and served as an advisor to the Air Force as part of fortunate to have participated in the the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board as well development of several of them. Design efforts, as serving on national panels. whether they are in the development of small components or large systems are at the heart of When I entered the working world (only briefly) the remarkable progress in aviation that has as a young engineer at Lockheed Missiles and occurred over the past 100 years. Space Company, the standard texts found on engineer‟s desk were the classic book by Bruhn To be a participant in this effort requires that one and the textbook by David Peery.
    [Show full text]
  • Industry Structure, Innovation, and Competition in the U.S
    The U.S. Combat Aircraft Industry 1909-2000 Structure Competition Innovation Mark Lorell Prepared for the Office of the Secretary of Defense R NATIONAL DEFENSE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Approved for public release; distribution unlimited The research described in this report was sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). The research was conducted in RAND’s National Defense Research Institute, a federally funded research and development center supported by the OSD, the Joint Staff, the unified commands, and the defense agencies under Contract DASW01-01-C-0004. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lorell, Mark A., 1947- The U.S. combat aircraft industry, 1909–2000 : structure, competition, innovation / Mark A. Lorell. p. cm. “MR-1696.” ISBN 0-8330-3366-2 (pbk.) 1. Aircraft industry—United States—History. 2. Aircraft industry—United States—Military aspects—History. 3. Fighter planes—United States—History. I.Title. HD9711.U6L67 2003 338.4'7623746'09730904—dc21 2003008114 RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND® is a registered trademark. RAND’s publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of its research sponsors. Cover design by Peter Soriano © Copyright 2003 RAND All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from RAND. Published 2003 by RAND 1700 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202-5050 201 North Craig Street, Suite 202, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1516 RAND URL: http://www.rand.org/ To order RAND documents or to obtain additional information, contact Distribution Services: Telephone: (310) 451-7002; Fax: (310) 451-6915; Email: [email protected] PREFACE Congress has expressed concerns about three areas of the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • If These Airplanes Could Talk
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration GRADES 5-12 If These Airplanes Could Talk Aeronautics Research Mission history of flight Directorate Museum in a BO SerieXs www.nasa.gov Background History of Aviation For many thousands of years, man has looked at the sky and dreamt of flying. Evidence of this can be found in stories such as “Daedalus” from Greek mythology and “Pushpaka Vimana of Ravana” in Hindu mythology. The earliest known attempts to fly were made by fashioning wings, modeled after birds’ wings and strapping them to human arms. This method was unsuccessful but it did not deter people from continuing to attempt to fly. The kite was the first successful unmanned flying device and was invented in China around 400 BC. Kites work by generating lift, just as today’s modern airplanes do. Devices that use this type of technology are referred to as “heavier-than-air” aircraft. MUSEUM IN A BOX About 100 years later in 300 BC, the Chinese invented the Kongming lantern (Img. 1). Kongming lanterns (also called paper lanterns) were constructed of a thin paper shell with a lamp or candle burning underneath. The heat from the lamp warmed the air in the bag which caused the lantern to rise. The Montgolfier Brothers expanded on this discovery in 1782 and built the world’s first hot air balloon, which works (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia, GNU Free Documentation License) according to the same principles only on a larger scale. Img. 1 Kongming latern Kongming lanterns and hot air balloons both fly because gases, including air, become less dense when heated.
    [Show full text]
  • Aircraft Components
    Ch 01.qxd 10/24/03 6:40 AM Page 1-1 According to the current Title 14 of the Code of Federal provides a brief introduction to the airplane and its Regulations (14 CFR) part 1, Definitions and major components. Abbreviations, an aircraft is a device that is used, or intended to be used, for flight. Categories of aircraft for certification of airmen include airplane, rotorcraft, MAJOR COMPONENTS lighter-than-air, powered-lift, and glider. Part 1 also Although airplanes are designed for a variety of pur- defines airplane as an engine-driven, fixed-wing poses, most of them have the same major components. aircraft heavier than air that is supported in flight by the The overall characteristics are largely determined by dynamic reaction of air against its wings. This chapter the original design objectives. Most airplane structures include a fuselage, wings, an empennage, landing gear, Aircraft—A device that is used for flight in the air. and a powerplant. [Figure 1-1] Airplane—An engine-driven, fixed-wing aircraft heavier than air that is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of air against its wings. Empennage Wing Fuselage Powerplant Landing Gear Figure 1-1. Airplane components. 1-1 Ch 01.qxd 10/24/03 6:40 AM Page 1-2 FUSELAGE However, if the side of the can is dented only slightly, The fuselage includes the cabin and/or cockpit, which the can will collapse easily. The true monocoque con- contains seats for the occupants and the controls for struction mainly consists of the skin, formers, and the airplane.
    [Show full text]
  • The Incredible Complexity of Commercial Aviation
    The Incredible Complexity of Commercial Aviation Suspect all of you have flown on commercial airliners, but, have you ever thought about how complex the modern commercial aviation industry really is? In this course we will discuss how current commercial airplanes are designed, manufactured and sold to and operated by the Airlines worldwide and what role various US Government Agencies, the Federal Aviation (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Transportation Security Association (TSA) & other agencies outside the USA who play a big part in maintaining aviation safety, worldwide. We will also describe some of the advances in airliner technology over the years that have further contributed to the safety and effectiveness within today’s commercial aviation industry, plus a lot more. We will also discuss a bit about the Boeing 737 MAX issues as well as the effects of COVID 19 on the airline industry OLLI Fall 2020 1 The Incredible Complexity of Commercial Aviation 1. All the amazing numbers and a bit of history 5. Airline operations History, scheduling, fees, labor, fuel, catering, sales , 2. Regulations and Agencies introducing new airplanes. FAA, CAB, NTSB, TSA, ATA, IATA, ICAO, EASA how they have advanced to keep us safe. 6. Aircraft maintenance and Airports ETOPS. – Extended Twin Engine Range FAA regulations, aircraft check levels, component repairs, problem feed back to FAA and manufacturers. 3. Aircraft design and certification Major airports’ traffic, ownership, fees, regulations, Safety records, performance improvements, engines. employment. Basics of aerodynamics of flight, typical commercial flight. Airliners near ready for Service. 7.Air traffic control,737 MAX issues and the effects of Covid19 on the commercial airline industry 4.
    [Show full text]