Dynamics of Cables Towed from Aircraft

Abstract

The report describes a 'lumped mass' computer simulation of a trailing wire system towed by an orbiting aircraft. The USAF U-10 aircraft flight conditions were used as applied to three flightpaths: constant altitude circular, constant altitude elliptical, and non-constant altitude circular orbit. These flightpaths were flown in no wind and 30 knot wind conditions. Wire lengths of 4000 ft and 8000 ft were used where the free end was attached to a circular sphere of 25 and 100 lbs. The results from 12 orbiting trailing wire configurations are tabulated and/or plotted. One of the main objectives in this analysis was to determine how yo-yo of the free end of the wire in wind might be alleviated or at least minimized.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0753909

Entities

People

  • James G. R. Hansen
  • Steven A. Crist

Organizations

  • United States Air Force Academy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer Simulations
  • Computers
  • Dynamics
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Physical Properties
  • Shape
  • Simulations
  • United States Air Force Academy

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers