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At least 55 records · Page 3

Transonic flutter study of a wind-tunnel model of a supercritical wing with/without winglet

The model was a 1/6.5-size, semipan version of a wing proposed for an executive-jet-transport airplane. The model was tested with a normal wingtip, a wingtip with winglet, and a normal wingtip ballasted to simulate the winglet mass properties. Flutter and aerodynamic data were acquired at Mach numbers (M) from 0.6 to 0.95. The measured transonic flutter speed boundary for each wingtip configuration had roughly the same shape with a minimum flutter speed near M=0.82. The winglet addition and wingtip mass ballast decreased the wing flutter speed by about 7 and 5 percent, respectively; thus, the winglet effect on flutter was more a mass effect than an aerodynamic effect.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Experimental transonic flutter characteristics of supersonic cruise configurations

The flutter characteristics of a generic arrow-wing supersonic transport configuration are studied. The wing configuration has a 3 percent biconvex airfoil and a leading-edge sweep of 73 deg out to a cranked tip with a 60 deg leading-edge sweep. The ground vibration tests and flutter test procedure are described. The effects of flutter on engine nacelles, fuel loading, wing-mounted vertical fin, wing angle-of-attack, and wing tip mass and stiffness distributions are analyzed. The data reveal that engine nacelles reduce the transonic flutter dynamic pressure by 25-30 percent; fuel loadings decrease dynamic pressures by 25 percent; 4-6 deg wing angles-of-attack cause steep transonic boundaries; and 5-10 percent changes in flutter dynamic pressures are the result of the wing-mounted vertical fin and wing-tip mass and stiffness distributions.

Durham, Michael H.↗

Transonic flutter and gust-response tests and analyses of a wind-tunnel model of a torsion-free-wing fighter airplane

The paper reports the results of analytical and exploratory wind-tunnel studies of the transonic flutter and gust response characteristics of a 1/5.5-size complete-airplane version of a torsion-free-wing (TFW) fighter aircraft. The critical flutter mode for the TFW-free configuration was found to occur at M = 0.95 and had the rigid-TFW pitch mode as its apparent aerodynamic driver. However, the minimum dynamic flutter for the TFW-free case was only about 20% lower than for the TFW-locked; therefore the present TFW is a viable design concept with respect to flutter. The present TFW was not effective as a gust alleviator.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Aeroelastic Tailoring of Transport Wings Including Transonic Flutter Constraints

Several minimum-mass optimization problems are solved to evaluate the effectiveness of a variety of novel tailoring schemes for subsonic transport wings. Aeroelastic stress and panel buckling constraints are imposed across several trimmed static maneuver loads, in addition to a transonic flutter margin constraint, captured with aerodynamic influence coefficient-based tools. Tailoring with metallic thickness variations, functionally graded materials, balanced or unbalanced composite laminates, curvilinear tow steering, and distributed trailing edge control effectors are all found to provide reductions in structural wing mass with varying degrees of success. The question as to whether this wing mass reduction will offset the increased manufacturing cost is left unresolved for each case.

Stanford, Bret K.↗

Role of shock dynamics in transonic flutter

A computational study of the influence of shock motion on flutter and divergence in transonic flow is presented. The numerical scheme models the entire fluid-structure system as a single continuum dynamics problem, by using a mixed Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation. No assumptions of small displacements are made, but the effect of viscosity is neglected. The results from this study indicate that the shock dynamics gives rise to limit cycles and highly nonlinear aeroelastic phenomena, such as weak divergence and flutter-divergence interactions. Although the shocks typically are destabilizing at the linear flutter boundary, they often have a strongly stabilizing effect for moderate-amplitude motions. The shocks are thus capable of quenching an emerging bending-torsion flutter motion and turning it into limit cycle flutter. The usefulness of classical flutter and divergence boundary diagrams is severely limited in transonic flow, because much of the global dynamic stability information is lost in such a presentation.

Bendiksen, Oddvar O.↗

Investigating the Transonic Flutter Boundary of the Benchmark Supercritical Wing

This paper builds on the computational aeroelastic results published previously and generated in support of the second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop for the NASA Benchmark Supercritical Wing configuration. The computational results are obtained using FUN3D, an unstructured grid Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solver developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. The analysis results focus on understanding the dip in the transonic flutter boundary at a single Mach number (0.74), exploring an angle of attack range of 􀀀1 to 8 and dynamic pressures from wind off to beyond flutter onset. The rigid analysis results are examined for insights into the behavior of the aeroelastic system. Both static and dynamic aeroelastic simulation results are also examined.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design Using Classical and Optimal Techniques with Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design, Analysis and Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using classical, and minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the minimax approach, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

Transonic Flutter Suppression Control Law Design Using Classical and Optimal Techniques with Wind-Tunnel Results

The benchmark active controls technology and wind tunnel test program at NASA Langley Research Center was started with the objective to investigate the nonlinear, unsteady aerodynamics and active flutter suppression of wings in transonic flow. The paper will present the flutter suppression control law design process, numerical nonlinear simulation and wind tunnel test results for the NACA 0012 benchmark active control wing model. The flutter suppression control law design processes using (1) classical, (2) linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), and (3) minimax techniques are described. A unified general formulation and solution for the LQG and minimax approaches, based on the steady state differential game theory is presented. Design considerations for improving the control law robustness and digital implementation are outlined. It was shown that simple control laws when properly designed based on physical principles, can suppress flutter with limited control power even in the presence of transonic shocks and flow separation. In wind tunnel tests in air and heavy gas medium, the closed-loop flutter dynamic pressure was increased to the tunnel upper limit of 200 psf. The control law robustness and performance predictions were verified in highly nonlinear flow conditions, gain and phase perturbations, and spoiler deployment. A non-design plunge instability condition was also successfully suppressed.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗

On the role of shocks in the 'sub-transonic' flutter phenomenon

A semi-quantitative investigation is reported on the influence of partial-chord transonic shocks on flutter of 'typical-section' wing models. Unsteady airloads are assumed as the sum of linearized theory and a 'shock-force doublet' centered at the measured steady shock location. The shock is shown usually to destabilize single-degree pitching motion; it may affect flexure-torsion flutter either way - often profoundly. Various typical-section parameters are studied, along with the important phase lag known to be present in the shock oscillation. Energy transfer during flutter is examined. Simplified calculations are presented that are believed relevant to the transonic tests by Farmer and Hanson.

Ashley, H.↗

Some Effects of Sweep and Aspect Ratio on the Transonic Flutter Characteristics of a Series of Thin Cantilever Wings Having a Taper Ratio of 0.6

An investigation of the flutter characteristics of a series of thin cantilever wings having taper ratios of 0.6 was conducted in the Langley transonic blowdown tunnel at Mach numbers between 0.76 and 1.42. The angle of sweepback was varied from 0 degrees to 60 degrees on wings of aspect ratio 4, and the aspect ratio was varied from 2.4 to 6.4 on wings with 45 degrees of sweepback. The results are presented as ratios between the experimental flutter speeds and the reference flutter speeds calculated on the basis of incompressible two-dimensional flow. These ratios, designated the flutter-speed ratios, are given as functions of Mach number for the various wings. The flutter-speed ratios were characterized, in most cases, by values near 1.0 at subsonic speeds with large increases in the speed ratios in the range of supersonic speeds investigated. Increasing the sweep effected increases in the flutter-speed ratios between 0 degrees and 30 degrees followed by progressive reductions of the speed ratios to nearly 1.0 as the sweep was increased from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Reducing the aspect ratio from 6.4 to 2.4 resulted in progressively larger values of the flutter-speed ratios throughout the Mach number range investigated.

CANTILEVER WING↗

Transonic Flutter Characteristics of an Aspect-Ratio-4, 45 deg. Sweptback, Taper-Ratio-0.2 Plan Form

The results of several flutter investigations to determine the effects of plan-form variations on the flutter characteristics of thin cantilevered wings at transonic Mach numbers have been reported previously. In the present investigation the data are extended to include a wing having an aspect ratio of 4, 45 of sweepback, and a taper ratio of 0.2. The data were obtained in the Langley transonic blowdown tunnel over a Mach number range from 0.6 to 1.4. The experimental results indicate an abrupt and rather large increase in both a flutter-speed parameter and a flutter-frequency parameter as the Mach number is increased from 1.05 to 1.10. The foregoing is interpreted as indicating a marked change in the flutter mode. Calculated flutter speeds, based on incompressible-flow aerodynamic coefficients, were too high by 20 percent or more throughout the subsonic Mach number range of the investigation. Calculated flutter frequencies were about 7 percent too high at a Mach number of 0.65 and were about 20 percent too high at a Mach number of 0.9. No significant independent effects of thickness were indicated for the plan form investigated as the thickness was changed from 3 to 4 percent chord.

Unangst, John R.↗

Multifidelity Optimization with Transonic Flutter Constraints

This work considers static and dynamic aeroelastic optimization of a cantilevered platewing in transonic flow. Low- and high-fidelity aeroelastic predictions are fed into a standard trust region model management scheme in order to efficiently solve this expensive optimization problem with multifidelity methods. Differences in fidelity are entirely driven by different aerodynamic solvers: linear panel methods for the low-fidelity method, and inviscid CFD-based solvers for the high-fidelity response. The optimization problem utilizes shape, sizing, and trim variables to satisfy stress, trim, and flutter constraints, and is solved across a range of subsonic and transonic Mach numbers. The multifidelity method is able to provide a speed-up for all cases considered here, despite sizable inaccuracies in the low-fidelity response for transonic flows.

Bret K Stanford↗

Finite element calculations of transonic flutter in cascades

Aeroelastic stability and response of turbomachinery cascades operating in the transonic regime are explored using a new computational approach. The two-dimensional unsteady Euler equations are used to model the transonic cascade flows, and the cascade blades are modeled as thin plates. To minimize the discretization incompatibility, both the fluid and the solid domains are discretized using finite element procedures. The fluid and the structural models are coupled at the element level by introducing a channel theory, which is analogous to a strip theory in the classical sense. The system of space-discretized equations is marched forward in time using an explicit four-stage Runge-Kutta scheme. Results of free vibration analyses of typical blades are presented and compared to published finite element and Rayleigh-Ritz results. Aeroelastic stability and response characteristics of several transonic cascades are investigated using the new quasi-3D model. These results demonstrate the present 3D finite element blade model is capable of capturing aeroelastic instabilities involving higher modes, including (plate-type) camber bending modes.

Hsiao, Chingteng↗

Predicting Transonic Flutter Using Nonlinear Computational Simulations

This paper builds on the computational aeroelastic results published previously and generated in support of the second Aeroelastic Prediction Workshop for the NASA Benchmark Supercritical Wing configuration. The computational results are obtained using FUN3D, an unstructured flow solver developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. Flutter analyses are performed using various aerodynamic models including linear doublet lattice, Euler solutions, Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes and Delayed Detached Eddy Simulations. The analyses are performed across the transonic Mach range for a range in angle of attack from 0° to 5°, with focus on identifying the transonic dips in the flutter onset boundaries.

Heeg, Jennifer↗