AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF GROUND EFFECT ON A FOUR-PROPELLER TILT- WING V/STOL MODEL

Abstract

Tests were conducted on a one-tenth scale model of a tilt-wing V/STOL at specified points simulating flight conditions at various heights above the ground. The model was moved at selected velocities through still air; and lift, drag, and pitching moment were measured at various heights above the ground. Investigations included combinations of 30, 40, and 60 deg wing incidence angle with 30, 40, and 60 deg flap deflection, and thrust coefficients ranging from 0. 80 to 0.95. Model ground clearances of 3.5 to 36 inches were investigated both at constant altitude and with the altitude continuously varying during the run. The data are presented as plots of lift, drag, and pitching moment coefficients. Also included are data from wind tunnel tests on similar models. A brief analysis is made of ground effect phenomena and an understanding of the general data trends is obtained. The magnitude and direction of the force change in ground effect are predictable. However, the pitching moment change is strongly influenced by factors such as the flow field beneath the fuselage, the change in downwash at the horizontal tail, the other effects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1968
Accession Number
AD0673824

Entities

People

  • William F. Putman

Organizations

  • Princeton University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Boundary Layer
  • Flow Fields
  • Ground Effect
  • High Lift Devices
  • Horizontal Stabilizers
  • Measurement
  • Short Takeoff Aircraft
  • Test Facilities
  • Tilt Wing Aircraft
  • Tilt Wings
  • United States
  • Wind Tunnel Tests
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.