The Legacy of the X-15

The X-15 established such widespread confidence in aerodynamic, thermal, and structural areas that new designs for operation aircraft for any speed regime could be expected to be successfully achieved if good use was made of all pertinent test facilities and analytical methods. This philosophy guided design of the space shuttle and is the real legacy of the X-15. The accomplishments and contributions attributable to the research and development work on the X-15 that influenced the formative years of the Space Shuttle Program are presented

Spin tests of a low-wing monoplane to investigate scale effect in the model test range, May 1941

Concurrent tests were performed on a 1/16 and a 1/20 scale model (wing spans of 2.64 and 2.11 ft. respectively) of a modern low wing monoplane in the NACA 15 foot free-spinning wind tunnel. Results are presented in the form of charts that afford a direct comparison between the spins of the two models for a number of different conditions. Qualitatively, the same characteristic effects of control disposition, mass distribution, and dimensional modifications were indicated by both models. Quantitatively, the number of turns for recover and the steady spin parameters, with the exception of the inclination of the wing to the horizontal, were usually in good agreement

An approximate spin design criterion for monoplanes, 1 May 1939

An approximate empirical criterion, based on the projected side area and the mass distribution of the airplane, was formulated. The British results were analyzed and applied to American designs. A simpler design criterion, based solely on the type and the dimensions of the tail, was developed; it is useful in a rapid estimation of whether a new design is likely to comply with the minimum requirements for safety in spinning

Voiceless in Medical School: Students with Physical Disabilities

Students with physical disabilities are underrepresented in medical school. Individuals with physical disabilities have largely been left out the diversity movement, which has increased access to medical education for women and minority students (Steinberg, Iezzoni, Conill, & Stineman, 2010). For students with physical disabilities who are admitted, not much is known about their experiences, thus the focus of this study was to explore the medical school experiences of individuals with physical disabilities. as the theoretical framework, the social model of disability as developed by Oliver (2009) allowed for an examination of how medical students with physical disabilities experienced the medical school environment. For this study, I utilized a qualitative approach as a guide. Seven former medical students, six males and one female, with physical disabilities were interviewed about their experiences through medical education, from their efforts to gain admission to medical school, through their didactic and clinical education and training, and ultimately to their practice as a physician. The stories of the participants created a narrative account of the subjective meaning they created. This research found that although deficit models of disability persist in society, each participant overcame their physical impairment, and societal barriers, physical and social, to complete medical school and residency programs. Each participant found success through a combination of alternative methods of acquiring knowledge and performing medical procedures, internal motivation and determination, and the support of allies. The findings demonstrate that the structural and social construction of the medical school environment is inhospitable to individuals with physical disabilities

An Interim Report on the Stability and Control of Tailless Airplanes

Problems relating to the stability and control of tailless airplanes are discussed in consideration of contemporary experience and practice

Current status of longitudinal stability

The problems of static and dynamic longitudinal stability both at high speeds and at low speeds are discussed and data are presented which indicate recent progress made in the solution of these problems