The results of wind tunnel tests carried out on a semi-span ‘lambda’ planform model with leading and trailing edges swept at 40° are presented. The planform investigated has been specified as having features likely to be encountered on future ‘ow observable’ aircraft. Balance data has been acquired to angles of attack beyond stall for both forward and reverse flow orientations. Dynamic calibration of surface pressure tappings has allowed both time-averaged and unsteady pressures to be measured over the entire upper surface of the wing. Unsteady pressure time histories have been analysed in the frequency domain to identify their spatial resolution, dominant frequencies and associated magnitudes.

In forward flow conditions, maximum buffet is observed between the primary attachment of the leading edge vortex system and the vortex core. The dominant buffet frequency is shown to be dependant on the chordwise location, incidence and free stream velocity as expected. A second coherent buffet frequency has been identified in the region of high buffet over a wide range of operating conditions. Inboard of this region a third dominant frequency has been observed. This is of an intermediate frequency and varies in a similar manner. A simple mechanism has been proposed to explain both the spanwise RMS distribution and the presence of a number of coherent buffet frequencies.

Elastic buckling design curves are presented for flat isotropic rectangular plates, which are either isolated or form part of a larger continuous plate structure. The design curves illustrate the effect of introducing combinations of elastic rptational restraints to the edges of simply supported isolated plates, which are subject to uniform in-plane compression or shear. Results for infinitely long and/or wide plates, with rectangular bays, are superimposed for comparison.

Recently, grid fins have been receiving increasing attention as a practical and efficient means of controlling missile trajectory. Preliminary studies at IAR have demonstrated that modern CFD methods can be used for computing flows past complex grid fin type configurations, and that these methods are more soundly physically based than the earlier vortex lattice and/or shock expansion methods.

The current paper addresses the issue of the grid fin size, in terms of both the panel thickness and the frontal shape. The study covers three thicknesses for the grid fin panel, with front shapes having a simple blunt square face, as well as a sharp knife-edge shape. In addition, an important aspect of the present investigation is to quantify the aerodynamic effect of the ramp fairing installed immediately upstream of the blunt base upon which the grid fin assembly resides. A comparison of flow field characteristics and aerodynamic coefficients of the grid fin assembly, with and without the fairing ramp, would provide a direct means of evaluating the effect of the ramp. At this stage, the investigations are based on Euler calculations. The present study focuses on a standard grid fin configuration mounted on a generic cylindrical body.

The Cooper-Harper scale is currently the only well-established scale for assessing aircraft handling qualities. However, as a result of having a unidimensional format the Cooper-Harper scale lacks diagnostic power and has also been criticised for exhibiting poor reliability. The Cranfield Aircraft Handling Qualities, Rating Scale (CAHQRS) is a new, multidimensional rating scale using concepts from two established scales, the NASA-TLX workload scale and the Cooper-Harper scale. This paper provides an overview of the development of the CAHQRS and the results from a series of validation trials in an engineering flight simulator. An in-flight refuelling task and an approach and landing task using a range of control laws were used in these evaluations. The results showed that the CAHQRS had high positive correlations with the Cooper-Harper scale. However, the CAHQRS also demonstrated greater validity, diagnostic power and higher test/re-test reliability than the previous scale.

The two parts of this paper summarise the turbomachinery research undertaken at Pyestock during the 50 years since the National Gas Turbine Establishment was formed in 1946. The theoretical and experimental activities are described, and their influence on UK military and civil aero engines is assessed. The way in which NGTE supported non-aeronautical gas turbines is also explained. Part 2 covers turbines.