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At least 199 records · Page 11

The Effect of Systematic Error in Forced Oscillation Testing

One of the fundamental problems in flight dynamics is the formulation of aerodynamic forces and moments acting on an aircraft in arbitrary motion. Classically, conventional stability derivatives are used for the representation of aerodynamic loads in the aircraft equations of motion. However, for modern aircraft with highly nonlinear and unsteady aerodynamic characteristics undergoing maneuvers at high angle of attack and/or angular rates the conventional stability derivative model is no longer valid. Attempts to formulate aerodynamic model equations with unsteady terms are based on several different wind tunnel techniques: for example, captive, wind tunnel single degree-of-freedom, and wind tunnel free-flying techniques. One of the most common techniques is forced oscillation testing. However, the forced oscillation testing method does not address the systematic and systematic correlation errors from the test apparatus that cause inconsistencies in the measured oscillatory stability derivatives. The primary objective of this study is to identify the possible sources and magnitude of systematic error in representative dynamic test apparatuses. Sensitivities of the longitudinal stability derivatives to systematic errors are computed, using a high fidelity simulation of a forced oscillation test rig, and assessed using both Design of Experiments and Monte Carlo methods.

Williams, Brianne Y.↗

Effects of asymmetry on the dynamic stability of aircraft

The oblique wing concept for transonic aircraft was proposed to reduce drag. The dynamic stability of the aircraft was investigated by analytically determining the stability derivatives at angles of skew ranging from 0 and 45 deg and using these stability derivatives in a linear analysis of the coupled aircraft behavior. The stability derivatives were obtained using a lifting line aerodynamic theory and found to give reasonable agreement with derivatives developed in a previous study for the same aircraft. In the dynamic analysis, no instability or large changes occurred in the root locations for skew angles varying from 0 to 45 deg with the exception of roll convergence. The damping in roll, however, decreased by an order of magnitude. Rolling was a prominent feature of all the oscillatory mode shapes at high skew angles.

Fantino, R. E.↗

Euler/Navier-Stokes flow computations on flexible configurations for stability analysis

Longitudinal dynamic stability derivatives required for design of aircraft are computed by using the state-of-the-art numerical methods for wing-body configurations. The flow is modeled using the Euler/Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence models and solved using an efficient finite-difference scheme suitable for patched structured grids. Computations are made at a flow regime that is beyond the limits of the current linear methods mostly used for computing stability derivatives. Flow conditions include shockwaves and viscous dominated vortical flows. Effect of Mach number and angle-of-attack on stability derivatives are demonstrated for a typical wing-body configuration. For the same configuration the effects of wing flexibility on the magnitude and phase angles of stability derivatives are also demonstrated.

Guruswamy, G.↗

Euler/Navier-Stokes Flow Computations on Flexible Configurations for Stability Analysis

Abstract Longitudinal dynamic stability derivatives required for design of aircraft are computed by using the state-of-the-art numerical methods for wing-body configurations. The flow is modeled using the Euler/Navier-Stokes equations with turbulence models and solved using an efficient finite-difference scheme suitable for patched structured grids. Computations are made at a flow regime that is beyond the limits of the current linear methods mostly used for computing stability derivatives. Flow conditions include shock-waves and viscous dominated vortical flows. Effect of Mach number and angle-of-attack on stability derivatives are demonstrated for a typical wing-body configuration. For the same configuration the effects of wing flexibility on the magnitude and phase angles of stability derivatives are also demonstrated.

Guruswamy, Guru P.↗

Longitudinal Stability and Control Characteristics from a Flight Investigation of a Cruciform Canard Missile Configuration Having an Exposed Wing-canard Area Ratio of 16:1

A flight investigation has been made to determine the longitudinal stability and control characteristics of a 60 0 delta-wing-canard missile configuration with an exposed wing-canard area ratio of 16:1. The results presented include the longitudinal stability derivatives, control effectiveness, and drag characteristics for a Mach number range of 0.75 to 1.80 and are compared with the results of a similar configuration having larger 6ontrols. Stability characteristics are also presented from the flights of an interdigitated canard configuration at a Mach number of 2.08 and a wing-body configuration at Mach numbers of 1.25 to 1.45. The stability derivatives varied gradually with Mach number with the exception of the damping-in-pitch derivative. Aerodynamic damping in pitch decreased to a minimum at a Mach number of 1.0 3, then increased to a peak value at a Mach number of 1.26 followed by a gradual decrease at higher Mach numbers. The aerodynamic-center location of the in-line canard configuration shifted rearward 13 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord at transonic speeds. The pitching-moment curve slope was 25 percent greater for the model having no canards than for the in-line configuration. No large effects of interdigitation were noted in the stability derivatives. Pitching effectiveness of the in-line configuration was maintained throughout the Mach number range. A comparison of the stability and control characteristics of two canard configurations having different area controls showed that decreasing the control area 44 percent decreased the pitching effectiveness proportionally, shifted the aerodynamic-center location rearward 9 to 14 percent of the mean aerodynamic chord, and reduced the total hinge moments required for 10 trimmed flight about 50 percent at transonic speeds.

Moul, Martin T↗

Evaluation of importance of lateral acceleration derivatives in extraction of lateral-directional derivatives at high angles of attack

A theoretical investigation was conducted to determine the importance of the lateral acceleration (beta) derivatives in the extraction of lateral-directional stability derivatives for swept wing airplanes at high angles of attack. Representative values of lateral acceleration derivatives in yaw and roll (Cn beta and Cl beta) were used in a computer program to generate representative flight motions at several angles of attack and altitudes. The computer-generated motions were then subjected to a parameter identification process based on a modified Newton-Raphson method. Two identification techniques were evaluated, one which included the beta derivatives and one which neglected them. The results of the study indicate that omission of the beta derivatives from mathematical models used in the derivative-extraction techniques can produce erroneous values for the lateral-directional stability derivatives particularly at high angles of attack, where the beta derivatives are large. The largest errors occur in the dynamic derivatives, but large errors may also occur in the static derivatives for cases in which the beta derivatives have large effects on the flight motions of the airplane. In addition, the resulting identified mathematical models provide poor motion prediction as well as erroneous predictions of dynamic modal characteristics. These results strongly indicate that the effects of beta derivatives should be considered in any attempt to extract lateral-directional aerodynamic parameters at high angles of attack.

Nguyen, L. T.↗

Some effects of nonlinear variation in the directional-stability and damping-in-yawing derivatives on the lateral stability of an airplane

A theoretical investigation has been made to determine the effect of nonlinear stability derivatives on the lateral stability of an airplane. Motions were calculated on the assumption that the directional-stability and the damping-in-yawing derivatives are functions of the angle of sideslip. The application of the Laplace transform to the calculation of an airplane motion when certain types of nonlinear derivatives are present is described in detail. The types of nonlinearities assumed correspond to the condition in which the values of the directional-stability and damping-in-yawing derivatives are zero for small angle of sideslip.

Sternfield, Leonard↗

Riding and handling qualities of light aircraft: A review and analysis

Design procedures and supporting data necessary for configuring light aircraft to obtain desired responses to pilot commands and gusts are presented. The procedures employ specializations of modern military and jet transport practice where these provide an improvement over earlier practice. General criteria for riding and handling qualities are discussed in terms of the airframe dynamics. Methods available in the literature for calculating the coefficients required for a linearized analysis of the airframe dynamics are reviewed in detail. The review also treats the relation of spin and stall to airframe geometry. Root locus analysis is used to indicate the sensitivity of airframe dynamics to variations in individual stability derivatives and to variations in geometric parameters. Computer programs are given for finding the frequencies, damping ratios, and time constants of all rigid body modes and for generating time histories of aircraft motions in response to control inputs. Appendices are included presenting the derivation of the linearized equations of motion; the stability derivatives; the transfer functions; approximate solutions for the frequency, damping ratio, and time constants; an indication of methods to be used when linear analysis is inadequate; sample calculations; and an explanation of the use of root locus diagrams and Bode plots.

Smetana, F. O.↗

Theoretical stability and control characteristics of wings with various amounts of taper and twist

Stability derivatives have been computed for twisted wings of different plan forms that include variations in both the wing taper and the aspect ratio. Taper ratios of 1.0, 0,50, and 0.25 are considered for each of three aspect ratios: 6, 10, and 16. The specific derivatives for which results are given are the rolling-moment and the yawing-moment derivatives with respect to (a) rolling velocity, (b) yawing velocity, and (c) angle of sideslip. These results are given in such a form that the effect of any initial symmetrical wing twist (such as may be produced by flaps) on the derivatives may easily be taken into account. In addition to the stability derivatives, results are included for determining the theoretical rolling moment due to aileron deflection and a series of influence lines is given by which the loading across the span may be determined for any angle-of-attack distribution that may occur on the wing plan forms considered. The report also includes incidental references to the application of the results.

Pearson, Henry A↗

An analytical study of the longitudinal response of airplanes to positive wind shear

The longitudinal response of jet transport aircraft to vertical variation of the horizontal winds is analyzed. Specific reference is given to the role of the speed (u) stability derivatives in the interaction of the airplane and its environment. The relative importance of the u stability derivatives is determined. The wind shear tolerance factor is found which can be used to determine, in a qualitative manner, the stability (tolerance) of an airplane to wind shear. A further study of the control problem shows that the criteria for good control could be reduced from two to one automatic control systems. Only a speed control system is necessary for good control in wind shear.

Sherman, W. L.↗

Theoretical Stability and Control Characteristics of Wings With Various Amounts of Taper and Twist

Stability derivatives have been computed for twisted wings of different planforms that include variations in both the wing taper and the aspect ratio. Taper ratios of 1.0, 0.50, and 0.25 are considered for each of three aspect ratios: 6, 10, and 16. The specific derivatives for which results are given are the rolling moment and the yawing moment derivatives with respect to rolling velocity, yawing velocity, and angle of sideslip. In addition to the stability derivatives, results are included for determining the theoretical rolling moment due to aileron deflection and a series of influence lines is given by which the loading across the span may be determined for any angle-of-attack distribution that may occur on the wing planforms considered.

Henry A Pearson↗

Analysis of Wind Tunnel Oscillatory Data of the X-31A Aircraft

Wind tunnel oscillatory tests in pitch, roll, and yaw were performed on a 19%-scale model of the X-31A aircraft. These tests were used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of the X-31A in response to harmonic oscillations at six frequencies. In-phase and out-of-phase components of the aerodynamic coefficients were obtained over a range of angles of attack from 0 to 90 deg. To account for the effect of frequency on the data, mathematical models with unsteady terms were formulated by use of two different indicial functions. Data from a reduced set of frequencies were used to estimate model parameters, including steady-state static and dynamic stability derivatives. Both models showed good prediction capability and the ability to accurately fit the measured data. Estimated static stability derivatives compared well with those obtained from static wind tunnel tests. The roll and yaw rate derivative estimates were compared with rotary-balanced wind tunnel data and theoretical predictions. The estimates and theoretical predictions were in agreement at small angles of attack. The rotary-balance data showed, in general, acceptable agreement with the steady-state derivative estimates.

Smith, Mark S.↗

Subsonic Wing Optimization for Handling Qualities Using ACSYNT

The capability to accurately and rapidly predict aircraft stability derivatives using one comprehensive analysis tool has been created. The PREDAVOR tool has the following capabilities: rapid estimation of stability derivatives using a vortex lattice method, calculation of a longitudinal handling qualities metric, and inherent methodology to optimize a given aircraft configuration for longitudinal handling qualities, including an intuitive graphical interface. The PREDAVOR tool may be applied to both subsonic and supersonic designs, as well as conventional and unconventional, symmetric and asymmetric configurations. The workstation-based tool uses as its model a three-dimensional model of the configuration generated using a computer aided design (CAD) package. The PREDAVOR tool was applied to a Lear Jet Model 23 and the North American XB-70 Valkyrie.

Soban, Danielle Suzanne↗

Stability and control of hypersonic waveriders

The longitudinal and lateral stability derivatives of caret-wing waveriders flying on-design are calculated using linear piston theory. The experimental work of Kipke is used to validate the lift and pitch stiffness coefficients. Comparison is also made to the analytical work done by Hui. The calculations are extended to off-design conditions with an attached shock wave using tangent wedge theory. The stability derivatives of a Mach 6 waverider are computed and conclusions about its stability are drawn.

Tarpley, Christopher↗

An analytical study of effects on aeroelasticity on control effectiveness

Various uses of the Elastic Stability Derivative (ELASRAD) program are described. Topics include structural influence coefficient matrices of wings, arrow wing structural analysis, and graphic display of wing structures. The rigid and elastic stability derivatives were calculated for Transonic Aircraft Technology Project aircraft.

Mehrotra, S. C.↗

A Reduced-frequency Approach for Calculating Dynamic Derivatives

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is increasingly being used to both augment and create an aerodynamic performance database for aircraft configurations. This aerodynamic database contains the response of the aircraft to varying flight conditions and control surface deflections. The current work presents a novel method for calculating dynamic stability derivatives which reduces the computational cost over traditional unsteady CFD approaches by an order of magnitude, while still being applicable to arbitrarily complex geometries over a wide range of flow regimes. The primary thesis of this work is that the response to a forced motion can often be represented with a small, predictable number of frequency components without loss of accuracy. By resolving only those frequencies of interest, the computational effort is significantly reduced so that the routine calculation of dynamic derivatives becomes practical. The current implementation uses this same non-linear, frequency-domain approach and extends the application to the 3-D Euler equations. The current work uses a Cartesian, embedded-boundary method to automate the generation of dynamic stability derivatives.

Murman, Scott M.↗

Aeroelastic Simulation of Transonic Truss-Braced Wing Aircraft for Flight Dynamic Stability Analysis

This paper presents aeroelastic simulation of the Mach 0.8 Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) aeroelastic model using CFD solver FUN3D for the flight dynamic and control stability analysis. A jig twist optimization is performed to obtain a flight optimized jig twist for the flexible Mach 0.8 TTBW model. The developed aeroelastic model steady-state stability derivatives with respect to the angle of attack, angle of sideslip, and airspeed are calculated with perturbations in the angle of attack, angle of sideslip, and Mach number, respectively. A series of unsteady simulations is conducted for the developed aeroelastic model in pitch oscillation at various reduced frequencies. The dynamic stability derivatives are estimated using a frequency domain estimation method. The control derivatives of the elevator, rudder, and ailerons of the developed aeroelastic model are estimated for control stability analysis.

TTBW↗