Preliminary Investigation Directed Toward Improvement of the NACA Cowling

The development of new cowlings, applicable to a short-nose radial engine, is described. These cowlings, designated the NACA cowlings D(sub s) and D(sub sf), employ a larger spinner and a higher inlet-velocity ratio than does the conventional NACA cowling C. The pressures available for cooling and the estimated critical Mach number were found to be higher with the new cowlings than are usually encountered with the conventional NACA cowling C. Large-chord propeller cuffs were found to have a stabilizing effect on the flow entering the cowling and resulted in increased front pressures. Fan blades mounted on the spinner in the inlet opening had a similar effect.