A Smoke Generator System for Aerodynamic Flight Research

Richwine, David M. and Curry, Robert E. and Tracy, Gene V. (1989) A Smoke Generator System for Aerodynamic Flight Research. Technical Report NASA TM-4137, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

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Abstract

A smoke generator system has been developed for in-flight vortex flow studies on the F-18 high alpha research vehicle (HARV). The development process has included conceptual design, a survey of existing systems, component testing, detailed design, fabrication, and functional flight testing. Housed in the forebody of the aircraft, the final system consists of multiple pyrotechnic smoke cartridges which can be fired simultaneously or in sequence. The smoke produced is ducted to desired locations on the aircraft surface. The smoke generator system (SGS) has been used successfully to identify vortex core and core breakdown locations as functions of flight condition. Although developed for a specific vehicle, this concept may be useful for other aerodynamic flight research which requires the visualization of local flows.

EPrint Type:	NASA Technical Memorandum
Keywords:	Flow visualization, F-18, High angle of attack, Smoke generator
Subjects:	Aircraft/Project: F-18 HARV (01 - 09) Aeronautics: (05) Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
ID Code:	395
Deposited On:	16 Febuary 2005
Additional Information:	26 pages.