WIND-TUNNEL INVESTIGATION OF A BALLOON AS A TOWED DECELERATOR AT MACH NUMBERS FROM U.47 TO 2.50
Abstract
A wind-tunnel investigation has been conducted to study the characteristics of a towed spherical balloon as a drag device at Mach numbers from 1.47 to 2.50, Reynolds numbers from 0.36 times 10 to the 6th power to 1.0 times 10 to the 6th power, and angles of attack from -15 to 15 degrees. Towed spherical balloons were found to be stable at supersonic speeds. The drag coefficient of the balloon is reduced by the presence of a tow cable and a further reduction occurs with the addition of a payload. The balloon inflation pressure required to maintain an almost spherical shape is about equal to the free-stream dynamic pressure. Measured pressure and temperature distribution around the balloon alone were in fair agreement with predicted values. There was a pronounced decrease in the pressure coefficients on the balloon when attached to a tow cable behind a payload. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261700
Entities
People
- J. Wayne Keyes
- John T. Mc Shera
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration