Precipitation-Static Problem
Abstract
Using a newly developed apparatus and method, the rates of free electrical charge production on a number of different surfaces moving through a snow storm at high speeds were measured under various controlled conditions. The variables whose effects were sought were speed, temperature, composition of coating, and rate of snowfall. It was found that the charging rate of a surface varied about as the cube of the speed, that the sign of the charge produced on certain surfaces depended on the temperature, and that painted surfaces could be made which charged at approximately 40 percent of the rate of standard Navy non-camouflage airplane finishes. The charging rates of the leading surf aces of a moving body were found to be several times higher than those of the sides or trailing surfaces. The results so obtained are discussed briefly. They add appreciably to the present knowledge of the problem of precipitation-static on aircraft. All measurements reported were made during actual snowstorms by means of specially developed apparatus located out-of-doors where it was exposed to natural weather conditions closely simulating those of actual aircraft flying through snow. Particular effort was made to operate with only fresh, previously untouched snow. The apparatus is described in the appendix.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 1944
- Accession Number
- AD1181849
Entities
People
- Ross Gunn
- Wayne C. Hall
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory