Linearized Newtonian Aerodynamics of Slender Inflated Cones.
Abstract
Biconic vehicles covered with unsupported cloth are predicted to experience skin displacement from aerodynamic pressure at small angle of attack. The resulting shape, aerodynamic force, and moment perturbations are predicted as functions of given axial tension and internal pressurization. A tension parameter is identified that varies inversely as dynamic pressure. It is concluded that the inflatable loses its shape dramatically unless this tension parameter is at least of order one, and that this useful boundary cannot be appreciably extended by increasing pressurization, unless the internal pressure is at least an order of magnitude larger than external pressures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA048695
Entities
People
- John W. Ellinwood
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation