The Light-Line-Tethering Technique for Determining the Aerodynamic Derivatives of an Air Cushion Vehicle
Report Number: AFFDL TR 65-159
Author(s): Kurylowich, G.
Corporate Author(s): University of Toronto
Laboratory: Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1966-06
Pages: 136
Contract: AF 33(657)-8451
DoD Project: 8219
DoD Task: 821907
Identifier: AD0640209
Abstract:
A complete feasibility study was performed on a new technique for determining ACV aerodynamic derivatives. A circular track simulated 'ground' while the vehicle, tethered to a centerpost by means of a light cable, flew a circular flight path above the track surface. A step on the 'ground' perturbed the vehicle from equilibrium and the resulting oscillations were recorded by a movie camera. The results obtained indicated that many derivatives were functions of height. Although scatter in the data permitted a qualitative study only, it was concluded that the scatter resulted from random errors in the recorded time histories and the manner in which the cable was attached to the vehicle. By making certain improvements in the experimental design and apparatus (especially using a larger track) it was concluded that all derivatives could be obtained with satisfactory precision with this technique.
Provenance: AFRL/VACA
Author(s): Kurylowich, G.
Corporate Author(s): University of Toronto
Laboratory: Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1966-06
Pages: 136
Contract: AF 33(657)-8451
DoD Project: 8219
DoD Task: 821907
Identifier: AD0640209
Abstract:
A complete feasibility study was performed on a new technique for determining ACV aerodynamic derivatives. A circular track simulated 'ground' while the vehicle, tethered to a centerpost by means of a light cable, flew a circular flight path above the track surface. A step on the 'ground' perturbed the vehicle from equilibrium and the resulting oscillations were recorded by a movie camera. The results obtained indicated that many derivatives were functions of height. Although scatter in the data permitted a qualitative study only, it was concluded that the scatter resulted from random errors in the recorded time histories and the manner in which the cable was attached to the vehicle. By making certain improvements in the experimental design and apparatus (especially using a larger track) it was concluded that all derivatives could be obtained with satisfactory precision with this technique.
Provenance: AFRL/VACA