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Aviation History
1925
1925 - 0553.PDF
AUGUST '-7, 1'J'.'5 work on experimental research on redundant structures, on wind tunnel and theoretical research on skin friction, and on theoretical research on the problem of control at'low speeds. The report states that in addition to the provision of the above grants, some work financed by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research " has been carried out on elasticity and fatigue at Oxford University " (this is the official wording !), and a programme of investigation on single cylinder internal-combustion units is in hand at the Univer- sities of Cambridge, Durham and Manchester. The scheme of the Sub-Committees and Panels directing the work in detail is under consideration by the reconstituted Committee. It is stated that during the past year no new- problems have been referred to the Meteorology Sub- Committee or to the Fire Prevention Committee, and these Sub-Committees have consequently not met. Under the new terms of reference the Air Inventions Sub-Committee will no longer exist, the work being carried out in its entirety by the Air Inventions Department of the Air Ministry. Reference is also made in the report to the work of the Airship Co-ordinating and the Structures Sub-Committees. The Committee point out that the new arrangements to which reference was made last year have resulted in the publications of the Committee being issued more rapidly and brought up to date. Not only are the individual Reports and Memoranda issued within a few weeks of their approval by the Aeronautical Research Committee, but the annual volumes of collected technical papers for past years are now on sale. Equipment for Experimental Work.—The Committee did not make any new proposals this year for increasing the equipment at the National Physical Laboratory, except in connection with certain proposals for a new high-speed tank. It is considered important that approval for the construction of this tank should be given, as with the progress in seaplane development it is imperative that equipment should exist by means of which comparative tests may be carried out at. speeds considerably greater than those now possible with the existing equipment at the William Froude Tank, and it is thought that better progress in seaplane development will result therefrom as no means exist at present for making model experiments on a high-speed seaplane. Progress of Research.—The report points out that in two directions a substantial stage in progress has been reached. One of these is the problem of stalled flight, which with the completion of the first flight experiments on the slot-and- aileron control, is now emerging from the pioneer stage. The other promising advance has been made in the course of investigation on elasticity and fatigue. Aerodynamics. Research upon the control of stalled aeroplanes has gone steadily forward, and the conclusion is formed that con- ventional aeroplanes when stalled are defective in two respects—they have insufficient rudder power, and the ailerons when applied cause the aeroplane to turn and, by doing so, neutralise their direct effect on roll. It has been found that either an increase of rudder power or the use of an aileron which does not turn the aeroplane would give the pilot power to regain an even keel, and so prevent the fata! spinning dive. Several devices have been tried, the most successful to date being a combination of a Handley Page slot on the leading edge, operated by a simple cam mechanism, in conjunction with a balanced aileron of the Bristol-Frise type. This combination has been fitted to a standard Avro with the result that its control in the stalled state is greatly improved. In particular it is found that the spin, either in its initial stages or when fully developed, can be stopped by the ailerons without using the rudder. For the purpose of further study of the behaviour of stalled aeroplanes, three special research aeroplanes are being built, and for use with these special aeroplanes, and lor other researches on aeroplanes in flight, it is considered essential that an adequate supply of instruments should be forthcoming. Many satisfactory instruments have, it is stated, been developed by the R.A.E., but the report points out that hardly more than one complete set to include every instrument that might be needed has yet been constructed, and the Committee recommend " that the Air Ministry IN PLACE : The new nose of R.33 in position, ready for joining to the main hull. The nose has been re-designedand strengthened and is now believed to be amply strong for any stresses it may have to withstand. 553
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