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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
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
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Abstract

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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.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2005