Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-v9fdk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-08T01:23:41.995Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A feasiblity study on designing model support systems for a blended wing body configuration in a transonic wind tunnel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

M. Maina ,
N. Corby ,
E. L. Crocker ,
P. J. Hammond  and
P. W. C. Wong
M. Maina
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association, Bedford, UK
N. Corby
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association, Bedford, UK
E. L. Crocker
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association, Bedford, UK
P. J. Hammond
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association, Bedford, UK
P. W. C. Wong
Affiliation:
Aircraft Research Association, Bedford, UK
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

It is considered that the blended wing body may offer the possibility of improvements in performance efficiency over the conventional civil transport. Such configurations will require transonic wind tunnel testing. Hence, a feasibility study has been carried out at ARA to investigate possible model support systems that could be used for this purpose. The study addressed issues arising from the mechanical design of two support systems; namely, a blade or Z-sting and a standard rear sting. In particular, the relatively restricted space available within the model fuselage has presented challenges in the design of the layout of the balance and instrumentation required for the model. CFD analysis has been carried out to assess the relative interference effects of the two support arrangements. This initial work has shown unexpectedly significant interference effects associated with the Z-sting support and attention is drawn to the need for further design work to minimise these effects.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1103 , January 2006 , pp. 53 - 62
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. An independent report on the future of the UK Aerospace Industry. DTI, Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team (AeIGT), June 2003.Google Scholar