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Dynamic response of a hammerhead launch vehicle wind-tunnel modelA wind-tunnel test of a 1/10th-scale Atlas-Centaur I large payload fairing launch vehicle model was conducted in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wind tunnel model was an aeroelastically-scaled version of the flight vehicle and was capable of simulating either of the first two bending vibration modes of the full-scale vehicle by a partial mode technique. The primary purpose of the test was to gather data concerning buffet response which could be used to clear the vehicle for flight. Additionally, angle-of-attack studies were conducted and several payload fairing configurations were tested to assess the buffet response and dynamic stability of off-design flight conditions and geometric parameters. No dynamic instabilities were found for any of the configurations tested. The buffet response data for the nominal flight configuration indicate that the unsteady buffet loads represent 5 to 10 percent of the total design load; therefore, the buffet loads are not a large factor affecting the overall vehicle design. Payload fairing length-to-diameter ratio variations were found to have small effects on the buffet response of the model, except in the case of the smallest length-to-diameter models for the second bending mode simulation. The effects of angle of attack on buffet response were found to be small. The model was more sensitive to Mach number changes than to angle of attack. The buffet response results from this wind tunnel test were influenced by the tunnel facility vibration levels. An attempt was made to experimentally reduce the effect of the facility mechanical vibration for the nominal flight configuration by testing with vertical rods used to stiffen the sting support. The first flight of the Atlas-Centaur I vehicle successfully occurred on July 25, 1990, and a comparison of flight measurements with wind tunnel data is presented. The flight data was found to be well within the 3 sigma level of the wind tunnel data.
Document ID
19910011864
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cole, Stanley R. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA., United States)
Henning, Thomas L. (General Dynamics Corp. San Diego, CA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1991
Subject Category
Launch Vehicles And Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.15:104050
NASA-TM-104050
Meeting Information
Meeting: Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
Location: Baltimore, MD
Country: United States
Start Date: April 8, 1991
End Date: April 10, 1991
Accession Number
91N21177
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 505-63-50-13
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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