NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Assessment of a Conceptual Flap System Intended for Enhanced General Aviation SafetyA novel multielement trailing-edge flap system for light general aviation airplanes was conceived for enhanced safety during normal and emergency landings. The system is designed to significantly reduce stall speed, and thus approach speed, with the goal of reducing maneuveringflight accidents and enhancing pilot survivability in the event of an accident. The research objectives were to assess the aerodynamic performance characteristics of the system and to evaluate the extent to which it provided both increased lift and increased drag required for the low-speed landing goal. The flap system was applied to a model of a light general aviation, high-wing trainer and tested in the Langley 12- Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Data were obtained for several device deflection angles, and component combinations at a dynamic pressure of 4 pounds per square foot. The force and moment data supports the achievement of the desired increase in lift with substantially increased drag, all at relatively shallow angles of attack. The levels of lift and drag can be varied through device deflection angles and inboard/outboard differential deflections. As such, it appears that this flap system may provide an enabling technology to allow steep, controllable glide slopes for safe rapid descent to landing with reduced stall speed. However, a simple flat-plate lower surface spoiler (LSS) provided either similar or superior lift with little impact on pitch or drag as compared to the proposed system. Higher-fidelity studies are suggested prior to use of the proposed system.
Document ID
20170007199
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Campbell, Bryan A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Carter, Melissa B. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 1, 2017
Publication Date
January 7, 2017
Subject Category
Numerical Analysis
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Air Transportation And Safety
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-2017-219639
L-20030
NF1676L-12790
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 561581.02.08.07.20.03
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available