Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-03T02:55:51.300Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Rain Erosion Aspects of Aircraft and Guided Missiles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

A. A. Fyall
Affiliation:
Royal Aircraft Establishment
R. B. King
Affiliation:
Royal Aircraft Establishment
R. N. C. Strain
Affiliation:
Now at National Gas Turbine Establishment

Summary

“All-weather” operational requirements have added considerably to aircraft and missile design problems as the effects of various meteorological hazards, predominantly rain, are aggravated by high speed flight. The problem of rain erosion is reviewed with regard to the functional requirements of the components, the flight plan of the vehicle and the occurrence of rain over the geographical terrain of operation. The factors affecting rain erosion characteristics such as type of material, surface finish, shape of component, speed and rainfall intensity are discussed and empirical data derived. The influences on the problem of radar limitation in rain, the probability of rain occurrence and the effect of wind and wind-shear are mentioned. Details given of equipment for the simulation of rain erosion are concerned principally with the R.A.E. “whirling arm” and rocket runway high speed sled techniques. Correlation of test results from these facilities and flight tests are briefly discussed.

Degree of erosion of a material is defined in relation to the particular application of the material and details are given of the characteristics of numerous materials, both metals and non-metals. The utilisation of these materials for such applications as radomes, transparencies, high temperature materials, de-icing systems are briefly discussed together with methods of extending the rain erosion “life” of materials by design or by use of protective coatings.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1962

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Jones, R. F. (1959). The Occurrence of Raindrops and Hail of Diameter 2 mm or Greater in the Atmosphere. A.R.C. Paper 20, 765, 1959.Google Scholar
2. Use of Ground-Based Radar in Meteorology. World Meteorological Organization Technical Note No. 27.Google Scholar
3.Sissenwine, N. (1954). Windspeed Profile, Windshear and Gusts for Design of Guidance Systems for Vertically Rising Air Vehicles. Air Force Survey in Geophysics No. 57, 1954.Google Scholar
4.Bigg, F. J., McNaughton, I. I. and Methven, T. J. (1956). The Measurement of Rain from an Aircraft in Flight. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation Report.Google Scholar
5.Beal, J. L., Lapp, R. R. and Wahl, N. E. (1952). Final Report on a Study of Rain Erosion of Plastics and Metals. Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, Inc. Report No. PC-590-M-37. 1952.Google Scholar
6.Stutzman, R. H., Lapp, R. R. and Wahl, N. E. (1954). A Study of the Rain Erosion of Plastics and Metals.Google Scholar
7.Fyall, A. A. and Strain, R. N. C. (1956). A “Whirling Arm” Test Rig for the Assessment of the Rain Erosion of Materials. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation Report.Google Scholar
8.Fyall, A. A., King, R. B. and Strain, R. N. C. (1957). Rain Erosion Part II—An Assessment of Various Materials. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation ReportGoogle Scholar
9.Fyall, A. A., King, R. B. and Strain, R. N. C. (1957). Rain Erosion Part III—A Gravimetric Assessment of the Erosion Resistance of Various Materials. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation Report.Google Scholar
10.King, R. B. (I960). Rain Erosion Part IV—An Assessment of Various Materials. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation Report.Google Scholar
11.Jenkins, D. C., Booker, J. D. and Sweed, J. W. (1958). Note on a Laboratory Apparatus to study the High Speed Impact between a Liquid Drop and a Surface. R. and M. Pub. 3203.Google Scholar
12.Walton, W. H. and Prewett, , (1947). Spinning Disc and Spinning Top Sprayers for the Production of Homogeneous Sprays and Mists. Porton Technical Paper No. 14, 1947.Google Scholar
13.Sewell, J. H. (1958). The Evaluation of “Maranyl” Nylon (“Calaton”) as a Rain Erosion Resistant Material. Unpublished Ministry of Aviation Report.Google Scholar