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System Identification And Parameter Estimation Of The Piper Pa32-301 Saratoga, Catherine Anne Kelly

Masters Theses

The purpose of this project was to estimate the longitudinal stability derivatives of the Piper Saratoga (tail number N22UT), one of the aircraft owned and operated by the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), using the System Identification Programs for Aircraft, SIDPCAC. After the instrumentation error was reduced by means of a data compatibility analysis, the stability derivatives were estimated using both an output error and an equation error parameter estimation technique.

Following a discussion of the test aircraft and instrumentation and a brief overview of stability derivatives and parameter estimation, the flight test is discussed in detail along with …

Outside The Fence,' The Threat To The U.S. Aviation Industry, David Thomas Ramsey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the threat to the Aviation Industry from within the United States. The overall investigation starts with one assumption “that there will at some time in the near future be a covert operative group that desires to attack or engage the United States in war on its home land.” The principles of war will be analyzed resulting in covert cell guidance specifically; “economy of force” will require the covert units to be as small as possible to affect as many nodes as possible. Endurance will require the covert team to restrict any tactics …

Application Of Energy Analysis To The Problem Of Propulsion Driven Nutation Instability Of Spin Stabilized Spacecraft, Tina Morina Rice

Masters Theses

Propulsion driven nutation instability in spin stabilized spacecraft was first observed in the late nineteen seventies. It’s often referred to as the PAM-D coning anomaly, as it first occurred in the McDonnell Douglas Payload Assist Module (PAM-D). Propulsion driven nutation instability is a performance degrading phenomenon that occurs in spin-stabilized spacecraft used for the raising of satellite payloads to geosynchronous orbit. It is characterized by a coning (wobbling) motion that grows to a large degree during the final seconds of motor burn. The instability is clearly related to the increased size of the rocket needed to support the increasing …

Retrofit Reconfigurable Flight Control System And The F/A-18c, Matthew E. Doyle

Masters Theses

The United States Navy has completed the initial flight test of a Reconfigurable Control Law System (RCLAWS) on the F/A-18C. The purpose of reconfigurable control is to allow for the safe operation of an aircraft that has experienced a sudden change in aircraft dynamics resulting from aircraft damage or flight control effector damage. The RCLAWS utilized during this flight test are novel in that they are designed to augment the production flight control system instead of replacing it. In order to reduce verification and certification requirements, this retrofit reconfigurable methodology supplements pilot commands to compensate for undesirable aircraft dynamics instead …

Increasing The Reliability Of General Purpose Bomb Fuzing In Precision Strike Warfare, Mitchell Ralph Conover

Masters Theses

The advent of modern high-precision guided airborne weapons has increased the need for extremely reliable bomb fuzing systems. An electro-mechanical bomb fuzing system is currently used in U.S. Navy and Air Force General Purpose bomb based-weapons to include Joint Direct Attack Munition and Laser Guided Bombs. The demonstrated reliability of that fuzing system in combat operations on average has been less than perfect. The operational commanders have expressed that this is unacceptable since any dud results in coalition forces being held at additional risk because a duded bomb could be utilized as an Improvised Explosive Device by enemy forces. Just …

An Evaluation Of The Ah-64 Night Vision Systems For Use In 21st Century Urban Combat, John Kevin Heinecke

Masters Theses

Currently one of the most arduous and dangerous aviation missions for the military attack helicopter pilot is the night combat mission. The mission entails flight at close proximity to the ground and obstacles such as wires, trees, and buildings in an effort to avoid detection by enemy air defense and insurgent small arms fire. Night flight requires the use of augmented vision systems and enhanced aircraft stability and control systems to allow pilots to effectively see and negotiate those hazards that would otherwise be visible during daylight.

The U.S. Army currently fields two variants of augmented visionics, the Aviator Night …

Forced Resonant Periodic Shock Waves And Mean Pressure Shift In A Closed Tube, Eric James Jacob

Masters Theses

The thesis outlines an experiment done in the oscillation of a closed tube near to its fundamental frequency. A tube with a length of ten feet was oscillated via a piston driven by a DC motor. The pressure waveform and mean pressure was recorded at the end of the tube and the mean pressure was measured at the middle of the tube. When the tube was excited near to its 1^st mode non-linear features such as shock-like waveforms, cascading of energy to higher modes and mean pressure shift were recorded.

These Results are only possible to predict by using …

Compressible Flow In Slab Rocket Motors, Brian A. Maicke

Masters Theses

In this thesis, the compressible flow inside a rectangular, porous channel is considered. A Rayleigh-Janzen perturbation is applied to the inviscid, steady, two-dimensional, isentropic flow equations. Closed form expressions are derived for the main properties of interest. The results of the study are verified via numerical simulation, with laminar and turbulent models, and with available experimental data. The critical point where the flow field reaches sonic conditions is determined analytically. Our analysis captures the steepening of the velocity profiles that has been reported in several studies using either computational or experimental methods. Explicit design criteria are presented to quantify the …

Installing A Night Vision Imaging System In The Cf-188 Hornet: Compatibility Of Warning And Caution Lights, Andrew John Soundy

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the NVIS compatibility of fire warning lights as installed during a NVIS upgrade of the CF-188 Hornet for operation with Generation 3 AN/AVS-9 night vision goggles. Data was gathered and compared to the specifications listed in MIL-STD-3009 to determine suitability of the implemented design. Of particular concern during the execution of this project was the compatibility of fire warning lights for operation in both day-time and night-time conditions with respect to NVIS radiance. The initial design placed the NVIS radiance of cockpit warning lights at a level commensurate with that suggested by …

The Functional Application Of The Propeller Load Curve For Fixed Pitch Propellers, Rebecca Barnett Speas

Masters Theses

This thesis attempts to help the flight test community by using the propeller load curve (also known as prop load) to find brake horsepower (BHP) easily with only a propeller tachometer. This thesis also covers the equation for the propeller load curve.

The flight test was done using a Piper Cherokee 180 equipped with a Lycoming 0-360-A3A engine. The flight test data were collected at University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). This data were then compared to the prop load from the engine manufacturer.

Based on the result of this flight test, using the prop load equation from the Lycoming …

An Experimental Study Of Incompressible Axisymmetric Cavity Flow With Swirl, Lee Charles Wendell

Masters Theses

A systematic study was performed of the flow phenomena in an axisymmetric cavity. Axial flow Reynolds numbers ranged from 100,000 to 530,000 for cavity L/D range of 0.25 to 1.65. Working medium for this study was water reflecting that only incompressible domain of cavity flow was covered in this study. Previous results of axisymmetric flow investigations were reproduced and extended to lower L/D values, with the modified test article. Introduction of swirl in the cavity flow was studied in detail for its effects on the enhancement or suppression of cavity modes that have been measured.

The axial apparatus tested here …

Design And Optimization Of A Wind Deflector For Round-Nose Md-500 Series Helicopters, James Joseph Wright

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the problem experienced by the numerous rotary wing operators whose operations require flight with personnel seated outside the fuselage or with doors off. This investigation is specific to the round nose configured MD-500 series aircraft due to test aircraft availability and the wide range of missions it conducts worldwide. During cruise flight, personnel exposed to the aircraft slipstream are subjected to high wind loads and extreme wind chill effects, compromising their ability to perform required tasks. External passengers also add to the overall helicopter parasite drag, decreasing its performance as well as interfering with the crew through …

An Investigation Of Different Golf Ball Dimple Flow Fields, Walter Robert Michalchuk

Masters Theses

This experimental study evaluated the potential of various golf ball dimple designs to reduce the drag produced by a golf ball in flight. An experimental setup using four dimple models placed between the leading and trailing edges of a wing section was used. A traditional spherical dimple design was used as the baseline to comparatively study and evaluate the results of the other three different designs. This study was performed on scaled dimple geometries in a water channel at realistic Reynolds number. Surface dye flow visualization, pressure measurements and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to evaluate the various designs. …

Analysis Of An Experimental Pulsed Plasma Accelerator, Daniel Michael Rooney

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to gather and analyze data taken from a laboratory Pulsed Plasma Accelerator to understand its operation, and also for future comparison of the experimental data with predictions made with computer simulations based on the codes named MACH2 and GEMS. This comparison will allow for further validation of these two computer simulations in order to more accurately model the laboratory thruster. Data was collected from three different instruments: B-Dot probes; a laser interferometer; and Rogowski coils. These devices measure the time dependent current sheets, the electron number density, and the capacitor discharge current respectively.

The …

An Investigation On The Use Of Computational Fluid Dynamics To Simulate The Turbulent Phenomena From A Melt-Blowing Die, Jared Michael Haynes

Masters Theses

A computational investigation was performed to investigate the capabilities and limitations of the "large eddy simulation" (LES) turbulence model for a two-dimensional, melt-blowing flow field. For computational ease, the simulations were performed with incompressible and isothermal conditions. The internal flow channels of the melt- blowing die were modeled with a steady-state, k-Epsilon turbulence model. Velocity profiles were extracted from the channel exits and implemented as the inlet boundary conditions for the LES simulation of the free flow region. For parametric study, the simulations were carried out using two different jet angles of 30º and 60º. Both time- averaged and time-dependent …

Flight Test Investigation Of Propeller Effects On The Static Longitudinal Stability Of The E-2c Airplane, Glenn Richard Jamison

Masters Theses

A flight test investigation of the E-2C airplane fitted with two different propeller designs – the Hamilton-Sundstrand model 54460-1 and model NP2000 – was conducted to study propeller effects on airplane static longitudinal stability. Test measurements were recorded at predetermined, mission-representative flight conditions for each propeller model while maintaining the remaining component contributions to longitudinal stability constant. Results were compared at similar test conditions to isolate changes in static stability resulting from a change in propeller contribution. Static elevator position neutral points were determined for those test conditions that indicated a definitive change in airplane static stability as a result …

A Study To Enhance The B-1b Targeting Pod Integration Developmental Processes, Joshua Aaron Lane

Masters Theses

Recent United States combat operations required weapon systems to incorporate enhanced targeting capabilities to improve their effectiveness in weapons employment. The United States Air Force B-1B heavy bomber played a key role in releasing GPS guided munitions in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom without enhanced targeting capabilities. Future conflicts are expected to continue to address this requirement as the battlefield evolves. These operations highlighted the need for the B-1B to incorporate an advanced targeting pod (TGP) to provide positive identification of targets and allow for more precisely planned weapon releases without the aid of additional off-board resources. During …

A Discussion Of The Requirements And Methods For Validating Range Surveillance And Clearance Aircraft, Shawn Michael Disarufino

Masters Theses

Conducting weapons test in the U.S. Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Test Range requires clearing a hazard pattern using aircraft equipped with surface search radar to ensure that inert debris from a weapons system test does no t impact non participating vessels or personnel. This mission is referred to as range surveillance and clearance.

The purpose of this thesis is to discuss a standardized method that objectively validates an aircraft for use as a range surveillance and clearance asset. The goal is for the method to be cost effective, easily repeatable, adaptable to as many different types of airborne assets as …

Integration Of Tactical Imagery In The F/A-18 Super Hornet, Jesse William Hilliker

Masters Theses

In the spring of 2004 the Department of the Navy issued requirements for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to integrate tactical imagery for precise machine to machine targeting and real time mission assessment. The operational intent was to increase the contribution of the F/A-18 to the kill chain for ground targets.

In response to that requirement the F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory (AWL) began work with Boeing on the H2E+ Software Configuration Set (SCS) program which consisted of:

1. Software and hardware changes to aircraft mission computers to support

a. image viewing and editing in the cockpit

b. image transmission and reception …

Assessment Of The Flight Test Methodology And Separation Characteristics Of The Agm-154a Joint Standoff Weapon (Jsow) On The F/A-18c/D Hornet, Daniel Keith Hinson

Masters Theses

Flight clearance for carriage and release of a weapon on board an aircraft is a complex process, and involves myriad tests in order to first establish a flight envelope within which separation testing may commence. Though the author was also integrally involved in the air worthiness testing that immediately preceded AGM-154A Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) separation and launch testing on the F/A-18 Hornet, this thesis will focus exclusively on those latter elements.

Developmental testing to establish safe separation for jettison and launch envelopes included fit checks, ground jettison tests, in-flight jettison tests from both outboard and inboard aircraft weapons stations …

The Development Of An Assault Directed Infrared Countermeasures (Dircm) Program, Tracy Anne Barkhimer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to document the history of the development of an Assault Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) Program as well as Navy Program Office (PMA272) efforts to date, to initiate a new start ACAT II Program for Navy and Marine Corps helicopters starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. It concentrates on the programmatic aspects of Assault DIRCM and does not go into detail on the design or technical aspects of the development of the system. This thesis will introduce emerging threats to helicopters operating in theater and describe the requirement for a DIRCM technology. It will also …

Developmental Flight Test Lessons Learned From Open Architecture Software In The Mission Computer Of The U.S. Navy E-2c Group Ii Aircraft, Randy Cristobal Cruz

Masters Theses

The Naval Air Systems Command commissioned the E-2C Hawkeye Group II Mission Computer Replacement Program and tasked Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two-Zero and the E-2C Integrated Test Team to evaluate the integration of the form, fit, and function of the OL-698/ASQ Mission Computer Replacement (MCR) for replacement of the Litton L-304 Mission Computer in the E-2C Group II configured aircraft. As part of the life cycle support of the E-2C aircraft, the MCR configuration fields a new, more reliable Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) hardware system and preserves the original software investment by emulating the existing Litton Instructional Set Architecture (LISA) legacy …

Asymptotic Solutions For The Fundamental Isentropic Relations In Variable Area Duct Flow, Esam M. Abu-Irshaid

Masters Theses

We consider the isentropic flow equations that relate pressures, temperatures, densities, and critical back pressure to their total quantities for a given flow Mach number and nozzle area ratio. Using proper substitutions, we bypass the Mach number and link these fundamental commodities directly to the local area expansion ratio. The transcendental equations we obtain are then solved asymptotically and presented in closed form to arbitrary order. Both subsonic and supersonic branches of the solution are identified and suitably treated. Two representations of the isentropic variables are introduced for both subsonic and supersonic cases. The first representation defines the isentropic variable …

Evaluation Of Tactical Aircrew Workload Using Advanced Cockpit Simulation And Its Impact On The Design Of The Ea-18g Aircraft, Christopher Michael Bahner

Masters Theses

The purpose of this paper is to document and study the evaluation performed to minimize the workload of the new EA-18G crew vehicle interface design prior to flight testing the aircraft system. The EA-18G concept was selected, from options presented in an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) commissioned by the United States Navy, to replace the aging EA-6B Prowler. As part of this analysis the Navy expressed concern of aircrew workload increasing due to the reduction of aircrew in the cockpit, from four to two.

The Boeing Avionics Integration Team, in St. Louis, Missouri, developed the design interface for the EA-18G …

Improved Flight Test Techniques For Evaluating Control Margins In The Shipboard Environment, Sean Thomas Collier

Masters Theses

The Rotary Wing Ship Suitability Branch of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River Maryland, has been testing the handling qualities of Naval helicopters in the shipboard environment for over 30 years. As a result of this shipboard testing, operational envelopes are developed that determine the conditions under which safe and repeatable helicopter operations can be conducted aboard ship. Historically aircraft configuration and loading have not been rigorously controlled during shipboard testing. Due to recent increases in the gross weight and center of gravity envelope of the U.S. Navy’s newest variant of the Sikorsky H-60, there is an …

Evaluation Of V-22 Tiltrotor Handling Qualities In The Instrument Meteorological Environment, Scott Bennett Trail

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to document the handling qualities of the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft in instrument metrological conditions (IMC) and recommend procedures for V-22 operations in IMC. This evaluation was conducted in the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland local flying area in accordance with Naval Aviation Systems Command test plan V22-TP-012/02. Test flights consisted of basic instrument maneuvers, en route instrument navigation, instrument approaches, and simulated single engine missed approaches. All maneuvers were conducted under day visual meteorological conditions. En route navigation and instrument approaches were also conducted under simulated IMC using a helmet-mounted hood, and actual …

Development Of The Joint Stand Off Weapon (Jsow) Moving Target Capability: Agm-154 Block Three Program, Kyle Travis Turco

Masters Theses

U. S. Naval Tactical Aviation capabilities are continually analyzed for capability gaps. This analysis has identified the need for a medium range standoff weapon with moving target capability. Technology advancements in Global Positioning System guided weapons, data link systems, and aircraft sensors can make time critical targeting of moving targets during interdiction operations possible with aircraft like the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. The Joint Stand Off Weapon “C” (JSOW C) variant met the criterion as an established system that could be evolved to enable this capability. The F/A-18 E/F has been identified as the threshold platform for JSOW Block Three …