AIR LOADS AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION ON A PARABOLIC ANTENNA MODEL

Abstract : A series of tests on a parabolic scanner model was conducted for the M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory at the Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel at M.I.T. during the periods October 13, 1961, to January 2, 1962, and May 25 to June 1, 1962. The wind tunnel is a low subsonic velocity test facility with an elliptic test section measring 7 1/2 x 10 feet. The purpose of the experimental investigation was to determine the airloads - pitching, rolling and yawing moments, lift, drag, and sideforce - on a parabolic reflector with a simulated screen and a solid surface and to determine the pressure distribution on the solid surface reflector.