Accession Number:

AD0294902

Title:

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE AERODYNAMICS OF GROUND EFFECT MACHINES

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

MARYLAND UNIV COLLEGE PARK

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1962-11-01

Pagination or Media Count:

220.0

Abstract:

The results are presented of a series of experiments conducted to investigate the basic aerodynamics of ground effect machines. Two-dimensional model tests and full scale tests of the Tinajero ground effect machine were made. The flow patterns and pressure distributions around a vehicle at various flight conditions were investigated and the effects of nose shape on these patterns was determined. It was found that nose shape had no significant effect on the cushion under the vehicle, but does have an effect on the basic external aerodynamic coefficients. Sketches of typical flow patterns, typical pressure distribution, and aerodynamic coefficients around critical points are presented. Pressure distributions under the vehicle, static stability curves, dynamic damping coefficients, and some aerodynamic coefficients are presented. The machine was found to be basically unstable in yaw and the controls were ineffective. The directional stability problem prohibited a complete investigation at forward speeds.

Descriptors:

• *FLYING PLATFORMS
• STABILITY
• CONTROL SYSTEMS
• PITCH(MOTION)
• YAW
• MODEL TESTS
• GROUND EFFECT MACHINES
• AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS
• HOVERING
• GAS FLOW
• PITCH(MATERIAL)
• GROUND EFFECT
• AERODYNAMIC CONFIGURATIONS
• PRESSURE

Subject Categories:

• Research and Experimental Aircraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE