Note presenting experiments conducted to determine the effect of a strong axial magnetic field on the flow of mercury through a circular channel. The magnetic induction was 15,000 gauss, and the channel was a pyrex tube 17-1/4 inches long and 0.027 inch inside diameter. The results indicated that the stabilizing effect occurred only at Reynolds number above 5,000, so that the region of practical applicability seems to be at fairly high Reynolds numbers and when there are only slight disturbances in the flow.

From Summary: "Linearized compressible-flow analysis is applied to the study of wind-tunnel-wall interference for subsonic flow in either two-dimensional or circular test sections having slotted or porous walls. Expressions are developed for evaluating blockage and lift interference."

Ram-jet cycles that use the chemical energy of dissociated oxygen for propulsion in the ionosphere are presented. After a review of the properties and compositions of the upper atmosphere, the external drag, recombination kinetics, and aerodynamic-heating problems of an orbiting ram jet are analyzed. The study indicates that the recombination ram jet might be useful for sustaining a satellite at an altitude of about 60 miles. Atmospheric composition and recombination-rate coefficients were too uncertain for more definite conclusions. The ram jet is a marginal device even in the optimistic view.

Technical note presenting tests conducted to determine the factors influencing the thermal conductance across the interface formed between stationary plane surfaces of 75S-T6 aluminum-alloy and AISI Type 416 stainless-steel blocks. The types of joints investigated included bare metal-to-metal contact, contact surfaces separated by a good conductor (brass), and contact surfaces separated by a thin sheet of insulation (asbestos). Results regarding the effect of surface roughness, pressure, mean interface temperature, temperature drop, sandwich material, time as a factor in conductance, and effect of test reassembly and interface matching are provided.

This note is part of a program with the objective of finding practical ways of reducing the external noise level of light airplanes in order to make them less objectionable to people on the ground. The current report covers noise measurements on standard light airplanes and on similar airplanes equipped with engine mufflers, propeller reduction gears, and propellers with various numbers of blades and blade shapes. The results indicate that reductions in noise level were found to result from muffling the engine and from reducing propeller tip speed and blade loading.

Report presenting an investigation of the Reynolds number for transition on the outside of a hollow cylinder with heat transfer from the boundary layer to the wall at Mach number 6.9. At a given Mach number, it appears that the Reynolds number based on leading-edge thickness is an important parameter in comparisons of flat-plate transition data from various installations.

Report presenting an investigation to determine the floating characteristics of full-length plain and horn-balanced rudders during rotary tests at spinning attitudes on a scale model of a typical low-wing personal-owner airplane. The investigation included the determination of the effects of the horizontal tail and the wing on the rudder floating characteristics.

Report presenting calculations of the lateral response to representative time histories of atmospheric turbulence for two airplanes with widely different dynamic properties and explanations for their differences in behavior. The results indicate that atmospheric turbulence can cause and maintain a lateral hunting oscillation of a plane, which can be fairly regular and more pronounced for lightly damped airplanes. This may explain some of the cases of airplane snaking that have not been explained by other causes.

Report presenting a technique for obtaining a physical picture of the flow behind a wing, combination of wings, or other aircraft components is described. The technique involves photographing from far downstream the action of a large number of tufts of uniform length mounted on a screen. Results regarding the angle of attack variations at zero yaw, effect of sideslip, deflecting tip controls, and yawing oscillation tests are provided.

Note presenting wind-tunnel tests to ascertain the total-pressure recovery of a circular nose inlet utilizing various shapes of inlet lips. The tests were conducted at a free-stream Mach number of 0.237 with inlet flows ranging from low values to choking and at angles of attack from 0 to 25 degrees.

Report presenting a free-flight test technique that can be used to obtain damping in roll of sting-mounted wings and wing-fuselage combinations over high subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds with rocket-propelled test vehicles. Results regarding delta wings and unswept tapered wings are provided.

Report presenting the available sources of data on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys at low temperatures and a summary of the material to be found in each source. General conclusions regarding commercially available aluminum alloys are also provided.

Note presenting graphs for rapid evaluation of air-induction systems from considerations of their aerodynamic-performance parameters in combination with power-plant characteristics. The graphs cover the range of supersonic Mach numbers up to 3.0. The illustrative examples indicate that the inlet area required for optimum performance must change with altitude at a fixed Mach number as well as with Mach number at a fixed altitude.

Note presenting a low-turbulence wind-tunnel investigation of an NACA 64A010 airfoil with a porous surface to determine the reduction in section total-drag coefficient that might be obtained at large Reynolds numbers by the use of area suction. This report primarily deals with additional tests of the same airfoil model equipped with a porous skin of lower porosity.

Report presenting a low-turbulence wind-tunnel investigation of an NACA 64A010 airfoil with a porous surface to determine the reduction in section total-drag coefficient that can be obtained at large Reynolds numbers by using area suction. While previous testing has been reported on, the focus of this paper is primarily the results of additional tests of the same airfoil model equipped with a porous skin of lower porosity.

Report presenting heat-transfer measurements made in turbulent flow at a variety of Mach and Reynolds numbers through the use of an axially symmetric annular nozzle consisting of an inner shaped center body and an outer cylindrical sleeve. The results are presented as Stanton number and recovery factor as a function of Reynolds number. Stanton number was found to decrease with an increase in Reynolds number and usually decreases with an increase in Mach number.

Bluntness was more effective in displacing transition downstream on a cylinder than on a cone. The downstream displacement of transition is related to the formation of a shock layer within which the Reynolds and Mach numbers are reduced and to pressure gradients that exist over the forward part of the model. Round bluntness in general had a favorable effect, whereas sharp-cornered flat bluntness above a certain size had unfavorable effects on the location of the transition point.

Note presenting tests of a hydraulic-power-controlled helicopter to determine the effect of friction in the servovalves and the effect of stick friction when the valve friction is present. The tests showed that, when the valve friction is equivalent to about 1 3/4 pounds of force at the stick, precision flying is difficult and more work is required of the pilot.

From Summary: "The presence of radomes and instruments that are sensitive to water films or ice formations in the nose section of all-weather aircraft and missiles necessitates a knowledge of the droplet impingement characteristics of bodies of revolution. Because it is possible to approximate many of these bodies with an ellipsoid of revolution, droplet trajectories about an ellipsoid of revolution with a fineness ratio of 10 were computed for incompressible axisymmetric air flow. From the computed droplet trajectories, the following impingement characteristics of the ellipsoid surface were obtained and are presented in terms of dimensionless parameters: (1) total rate of water impingement, (2) extent of droplet impingement zone, and (3) local rate of water impingement."

"The trajectories of droplets in the air flowing past NACA 65(1)-208 airfoil and an NACA 65(1)-212 airfoil, both at an angle of attack of 4 degrees, were determined. The amount of water in droplet form impinging on the airfoils, the area of droplet impingement, and the rate of droplet impingement per unit area on the airfoil surface affected were calculated from the trajectories and are presented. The amount, extent, and rate of impingement of the NACA 65(1)-208 airfoil are compared with the results for the NACA 65(1)1-212 airfoil" (p. 1).

Note presenting an investigation of screens placed transversely across the jet as a noise-reduction device on a full-scale turbojet engine to determine the effect on the sound field of screen mesh, wire diameter, and screen location. The investigation showed that the screens, when properly placed, lower the noise level in the area downstream of the jet exit and increase it upstream.

Note presenting a study to determine if common aircraft metals produce friction sparks capable of igniting combustibles that might be spilled in an airplane crash. Samples of aluminum, titanium, magnesium, chrome-molybdenum steel, and stainless steel were dragged over concrete and asphalt runways while a combustible mixture of gasoline, JP-4 fuel, kerosene, or preheated oil was sprayed around the sample.

Report presenting an investigation to obtain basic performance and control characteristics of an aerodynamic-servocontrolled rotor system. Results regarding the hovering performance, low-speed flight performance, control effectiveness, transient response to collective pitch, and transient response to cyclic pitch are provided.

Note presenting an experimental investigation conducted to determine the characteristics of a 40 degree cone for use in the measurement of Mach number, total pressure, and flow angles. The cone had a total-pressure orifice at the apex and four equally spaced static-pressure orifices on the surface and pressure measurements were taken at a range of angles of pitch, Mach numbers, and Reynolds numbers. Results regarding cone pressure distribution, determination of Mach number, determination of total pressure, and determination of flow angles are provided.