Off-Body Adapter for Wind Tunnel Model Aerodynamic Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transitioning between aerodynamic force measurement and acoustic signature measurement setups in wind tunnel tests is time-consuming and tedious.

Innovation Solution

An off-body adapter system is used, with a first section partially circumscribing the sting mount and a second section coupled to it, positioned aft of the model to provide a substantially aerodynamically smooth transition, facilitating the conversion of a conventional model into a boom model for sonic boom testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional model setup is used for aerodynamic force measurement, then force measurement capability is maintained, but transitioning to acoustic signature measurement is time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition speedVSAvoidtransition time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and quick reconfiguration between different measurement setups, significantly reducing transition time between aerodynamic force measurement and acoustic signature measurement modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be dynamically modified during testing. The ability to adjust the adapter's configuration allows the model to transition between different measurement modes without complete disassembly, enabling rapid switching between force measurement and acoustic measurement setups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the model is directly coupled to the sting mount, then setup simplicity is improved, but aerodynamic smoothness deteriorates due to gap and turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling simplicityVSAvoidaerodynamic turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the model and the sting mount. It provides a smooth aerodynamic transition surface that eliminates the harmful gap and turbulence that would result from direct coupling, while still maintaining simple operation through standardized coupling interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter provides localized aerodynamic smoothing at the critical interface between the model and sting mount. By concentrating the aerodynamic optimization at this specific location, the solution addresses the turbulence problem without complicating the overall coupling mechanism, maintaining simplicity while eliminating harmful aerodynamic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If an adapter is added to improve aerodynamic smoothness, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic smoothnessVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the adapter into multiple sections, each with a specific function, the overall complexity is managed through modular design. Each section can be independently manufactured, positioned, and adjusted, making the complex aerodynamic solution easier to assemble and maintain compared to a monolithic adapter design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9134195B1Methods and systems for enabling wind tunnel models to transition between measuring aerodynamic forces and measuring acoustic signatures

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A model adapter includes a first section of an off-body adapter at least partially circumscribing a sting mount, and a second section of the off-body adapter coupled to the first section such that the off-body adapter is coupled to the sting mount. The off-body adapter is positioned aft of the model to provide for a substantially aerodynamically smooth transition between a model and the sting mount.