A siphon method of determining resistivities of thin heat-pipe wicks

A simple siphon method is described for determining the resistivities of thin heat pipe wicks as a function of the pressure difference between the liquid in the wick and the vapor above it. The method was applied to wicks of one layer and two layers of 100 mesh (40 per centimeter) stainless steel screens diffusion bonded to stainless steel substrates. Some possible improvements in the method are suggested

Oil-smeared models aid wind tunnel measurements

For visualizing flow characteristics in wind tunnel tests, model surfaces are smeared with any common petroleum-base oils. These fluoresce under ultraviolet light and the flow patterns are readily visualized

Effect of limb darkening on earth radiation incident on a spherical satellite

The thermal radiation from the earth incident on a spherical satellite depends on the angular distribution of earth-emitted radiation. An analysis is presented of this dependency, and calculated results are given, based on a published limb-darkening curve for the earth. The curve was determined from Tiros data, and is a statistical average over the entire globe between 75 deg latitude. The computed effect of limb darkening was 1.8 percent at 900 km altitude, 2.5 percent at 500 km altitude, and 3.0 percent at 300 km altitude. Below 300 km, it increased rapidly with decreasing altitude. Discussion is included of various other problems inherent in the use of orbiting spheres and stabilized flat plates to measure the heat radiated from the earth

Longitudinal stability and control with special reference to slipstream effects

Report presents the results of a study of data obtained in the NACA full-scale wind tunnel concerning the effects of interference and of propeller operation on longitudinal stability and control. The data include pitching moments for various power conditions for airplanes with tails removed and with tails set at various stabilizer and elevator angles. A number of surveys of the dynamic pressure and the flow direction in the region of the horizontal tail surface are also included. Results are given for eight airplanes, including a model of a four-engine airplane tested both as a tractor and as a pushed and a model of two-engine pusher. The effects are shown of propeller operation on the downwash angles and the dynamic pressures at the tail and on the pitching-moment contribution of the propeller and the wing

Experimental Investigation of Wind-Tunnel Interference on the Downwash Behind an Airfoil

The interference of the wind-tunnel boundaries on the downwash behind an airfoil has been experimentally investigated and the results have been compared with the available theoretical results for open-throat wind tunnels. As in previous studies, the simplified theoretical treatment that assumes the test section to be an infinite free jet has been shown to be satisfactory at the lifting line. The experimental results, however, show that this assumption may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the corrections to be applied to the downwash in the region behind the airfoil where the tail surfaces are normally located. The results of a theory based on the more accurate concept of the open-jet wind tunnel as a finite length of free jet provided with a closed exit passage are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental results

Aerodynamic characteristics of horizontal tail surfaces

Collected data are presented on the aerodynamic characteristics of 17 horizontal tail surfaces including several with balanced elevators and two with end plates. Curves are given for coefficients of normal force, drag, and elevator hinge moment. A limited analysis of the results has been made. The normal-force coefficients are in better agreement with the lifting-surface theory of Prandtl and Blenk for airfoils of low aspect ratio than with the usual lifting-line theory. Only partial agreement exists between the elevator hinge-moment coefficients and those predicted by Glauert's thin-airfoil theory