Aerodynamics Modeling of Towed-cable Dynamics
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
The dynamics of a cable/drogue system being towed by an orbiting aircraft has been investigated as a part of an LTWA project for the Naval Air Systems Command. We present here a status report on the tasks performed under Phase 1. We have accomplished the following tasks under Phase 1: A literature survey on the towed-cable motion problem has been conducted. While both static (steady-state) and dynamic (transient) analyses exist in the literature, no single, comprehensive analysis exists that directly addresses the present problem. However, the survey also reveals that, when judiciously applied, these past analyses can serve as useful building blocks for approaching the present problem. A numerical model that addresses several aspects of the towed-cable dynamic problem has been adapted from a Canadian underwater code for the present aerodynamic situation. This modified code, called TOWDYN, analyzes the effects of gravity, tension, aerodynamic drag, and wind. Preliminary results from this code demonstrate that the wind effects alone CAN generate the drogue oscillation behavior, i.e., the "yo-yo'' phenomenon. This code also will serve as a benchmark code for checking the accuracy of a more general and complete "R&D'' model code. We have initiated efforts to develop a general R&D model supercomputer code that also takes into account other physical factors, such as induced oscillations and bending stiffness. This general code will be able to evaluate the relative impacts of the various physical parameters, which may become important under certain conditions. This R&D code will also enable development of a simpler operational code that can be used by the Naval Air personnel in the field.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; US Naval Air Systems Command
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48; PMA-271-2A
- OSTI ID:
- 5993644
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-ID-106509; ON: DE91008426
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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