Project Title:

Aerodynamic Control of NASP-Type Vehicles Through Vortex Manipulation

02.08-9316B
Aerodynamic Control of NASP-Type Vehicles Through Vortex Manipulation
Eidetics International, Inc.
3415 Lomita Boulevard
Torrance
CA
90505
Gerald N.
Malcolm
(213-326-8228)
ARC

Abstract:

It is well known that aircraft configurations with a high fineness ratio or highly
swept delta wings, can experience significant low-speed handling problems while operating
at angles-of-attack representative of take-off, approach, and landing. This project
aims to show that alternative methods of aerodynamic control, vortex control concepts,
can either augment or, to some degree, replace conventional control methods. New
concepts for low-speed control could enhance optimization of the airframe design
to meet hypersonic requirements.
Phase I will consist of water tunnel flow visual-ization experiments with proposed
National Aerospace Plane (NASP) configurations or an acceptable "generic" NASP configuration
to identify the most promising methods of controlling the critical vortices including
local surface blowing and minor geometric configuration changes that could be produced
by the controlled movement of small non-conventional control surfaces. Success in
the Phase I feasibility studies could lead to further development through wind tunnel
testing in Phase II.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: The results could apply to the design of high-performance
military and commercial aircraft.