Hertz, T. J. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1986

Aeroelastic tailoring - Theory, practice, and promise

Aeroelastic tailoring technology is reviewed with reference to the historical background, the underlying theory, current trends, and specific applications. The specific application discussed include the Transonic Aircraft Technology program, an Advanced Design Composite Aircraft, the Wing/Inlet Advanced Development program, and the forward-swept wing. Finally, the future of aeroelastic tailoring and the development of an aeroelastic tailoring analysis and design tool under the Automated Strength-Aeroelastic Design program are examined.

Shirk, M. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

On the track of practical forward-swept wings

Structural laminates which comprise wing-cover skins for forward swept winged aircraft are examined. The laminates are themselves composed of lamina arranged in a symmetrical and unbalanced fashion. The fibers are oriented so that no fiber has a counterpart in the same ply which is at an exact anti-angle to itself. The laminate orientation creates a wash-out in a forward swept wing and alleviates aeroelastic loading. Further discussion is devoted to center-of-pressure movement, flutter behavior, aeroelasticity and aeroelastic divergence, and wind tunnel testing of aerodynamically tailored wings. It is found that rotating the laminate to increase the divergence dynamic pressure decreases strain under aerodynamic loading. Flight tests with three models are reported, and it is concluded that divergence can be avoided by the use of an efficient composite structure.

Hertz, T. J.↗