Wind tunnel experiments are performed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of unconventional airships docking in-flight. The aim is to provide wind tunnel data for multiple feeders docking to a cruiser and to identify key issues in docking approach strategies. The conceptual design of a docking mechanism and its integration into a baseline configuration is also addressed. Force and moment data are collected on a 1:7.5x10-4 scale model for the cruiser configurations and at various cruiser-feeder vertical separation distances to simulate docking. Results indicate that the there is a trade-off between drag performance and the implementation of the docking mechanism. Drag decrease is measured when the modified cruiser is docked with the feeders. Best docking practices are also identified from the pitching moment coefficients showing that the cruiser-feeder can be trimmed during docking.
Wind Tunnel Testing of Unconventional Airships Docking In-Flight and Conceptual Design of Docking Mechanism / A. Kaluvan; P. Marzocca; A. Ceruti; W. Lacarbonara. - ELETTRONICO. - (2015), pp. AIAA 2015-0246.1-AIAA 2015-0246.12. (Intervento presentato al convegno 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting tenutosi a Kissimmee , Florida, USA nel 5 - 9 January 2015) [10.2514/6.2015-0246].
Wind Tunnel Testing of Unconventional Airships Docking In-Flight and Conceptual Design of Docking Mechanism
CERUTI, ALESSANDRO;
2015
Abstract
Wind tunnel experiments are performed to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of unconventional airships docking in-flight. The aim is to provide wind tunnel data for multiple feeders docking to a cruiser and to identify key issues in docking approach strategies. The conceptual design of a docking mechanism and its integration into a baseline configuration is also addressed. Force and moment data are collected on a 1:7.5x10-4 scale model for the cruiser configurations and at various cruiser-feeder vertical separation distances to simulate docking. Results indicate that the there is a trade-off between drag performance and the implementation of the docking mechanism. Drag decrease is measured when the modified cruiser is docked with the feeders. Best docking practices are also identified from the pitching moment coefficients showing that the cruiser-feeder can be trimmed during docking.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
