AIAA Conference Papers

Summary:

I edited and formatted the following papers: Aircraft Wing Tip Vortex Testing Methodology, Simulation and Analysis Techniques written by Dr. Keith Allen; Analysis of Airdrop Instrumentation Limitations and Development of Solutions to Meet Current and Future Testing Requirements written by Mr. Ryan Tiaden; and Enhanced Meteorological Instrumentation in Airdrop Environment written by Mr. Ryan Fraser. These papers were presented at the 24th AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technology Conference in Denver, Colorado.

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Aircraft Wing Tip Vortex Testing Methodology, Simulation and Analysis Techniques Abstract

User requirements prompted new field testing procedures to collect and examine the behavior of wing tip vortices that are generated by large aircraft, such as the United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. This study describes the unique test methodology, rationale, and data analysis of wing tip vortices recorded in a series of flight tests that occurred at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, AZ in April 2014. The study provides lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations for future studies. Empirical wing tip vortex data was then used to perform an initial validation of a Vortex Modeling Tool to determine its accuracy in predicting actual wing tip vortex behavior. Although this study was performed in a personnel parachute airdrop environment, data and test techniques discussed have potential benefits in commercial passenger and cargo aircraft flight planning, which are also significantly affected by wing tip vortices.

Analysis of Airdrop Instrumentation Limitations and Development of Solutions to Meet Current and Future Testing Requirements Abstract

To ensure the United States (U.S.) Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) has the instrumentation capabilities to meet current and future airdrop instrumentation requirements. YPG has developed a comprehensive plan to assess the phases of airdrop from pre-flight, through aircraft exit, to ground impact for capability limitations and gaps. This plan has identified areas that YPG has addressed with new instrumentation development programs and procurements. The solutions for technically challenging limitations are presented along with analysis of the quality, cost, availability, and complexity of each solution. The primary instrumentation areas covered include: Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) for the airdrop load, systems to measure the forces on the airdrop load, and video systems to collect multiple vantage points during the airdrop. By addressing these limitations, YPG has developed a robust plan that ensures instrumentation capabilities are available to support current and future airdrop technologies.

Enhanced Meteorological Instrumentation in Airdrop Environment Abstract

The ability to measure the wind, pressure, and temperature profile of an air delivery payload during the airdrop event adds to the data collected during test events. Air temperature and pressure are used to derive air density, which is critical for parachute performance. Traditionally, a Radio Wind Sounding (RAWIN) weather balloon is used to collect these data, but it has its limitations in location and time of data collection. To address this Yuma Test Center (YTC) developed a Windpack, a Global Positioning System (GPS) based wind sounding system, limited to wind data. The Windpack 2.0 was then developed to collect all the desired types of data.