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At least 19 records

Longitudinal dynamic stability of a shuttle vehicle.

Analytical study of the longitudinal dynamic stability of a nonrolling, lifting vehicle gliding at hypersonic speeds. The analysis applies to shuttle vehicles designed for operating up to the rim of a planetary atmosphere. A general nondimensional time transformation is introduced to derive a unified second-order linear differential equation for the angle of attack, valid for all types of reentry of a general type of vehicle. The stability of motion is discussed for two fundamental regimes of flight that are based on widely different assumptions. For near ballistic entry along a straight line trajectory, the equation reduces to a confluent hypergeometric equation, the solution of which can be expressed in terms of Whittaker's function. Using a theorem in the theory of stability of differential equations, criteria for damped oscillations are derived. It is shown that the aerodynamic criteria for stability are the same as for the case of ballistic entry. In addition, for each vehicle configuration, and specified planetary atmosphere, there exists an altitude range where the angle of attack frequency is nearly equal to the orbital frequency causing instability in pitch. This resonance instability is due to the ellipticity of the orbit. Criteria for eccentricity instability are derived.

Vinh, N. X.↗

Flight measurements of the dynamic longitudinal stability of several airplanes and a correlation of the measurements with pilots' observations of handling characteristics

The dynamic longitudinal stability characteristics of eight airplanes as defined by the period and damping of the longitudinal oscillations were measured in flight to determine the degree of stability that may be expected in conventional airplanes. An attempt was made to correlate the measured stability with pilots' opinions of the general handling characteristics of the airplanes in order to obtain an indication of the most desirable degree of dynamic stability. The results of the measurements show that the period of oscillation increases with speed. At low speeds a range of periods from 11 to 23 seconds was recorded for the different airplanes. At high speeds the periods ranged from 23 to 64 seconds. The damping showed no definite trend with speed.

Soule, Hartley A↗

Free-Flight Investigation of the Static and Dynamic Longitudinal Stability Characteristics of 1/3.7-Scale Rocket-Powered Models of the Bell MX-776A

An investigation of the static and dynamic longitudinal stability characteristics of 1/3.7 scale rocket-powered model of the Bell MX-776A has been made for a Mach number range from 0.8 to 1.6. Two models were tested with all control surfaces at 0 degree deflection and centers of gravity located 1/4 and 1/2 body diameters, respectively, ahead of the equivalent design location. Both models were stable about the trim conditions but did not trim at 0 degree angle of attack because of slight constructional asymmetries. The results indicated that the variation of lift and pitching moment was not linear with angle of attack. Both lift-curve slope and pitching-moment-curve slope were of the smallest magnitude near 0 degree angle of attack. In general, an increase in angle of attack was accompanied by a rearward movement of the aerodynamic center as the rear wing moved out of the downwash from the forward surfaces. This characteristic was more pronounced in the transonic region. The dynamic stability in the form of total damping factor varied with normal-force coefficient but was greatest for both models at a Mach number of approximately 1.25. The damping factor was greater at the lower trim normal-force coefficients except at a Mach number of 1.0. At that speed the damping factor was of about the same magnitude for both models. The drag coefficient increased with trim normal-force coefficient and was largest in the transonic region.

Michal, David H.↗

Stable H(infinity) Controller Design for the Longitudinal Dynamics of an Aircraft

This report discusses different approaches to stable H infinity controller design applied to the problem of augmenting the longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft. Stability of the H infinity controller is investigated by analyzing the effects of changes in the performance index weights, and modifications in the measured outputs. The existence of a stable suboptimal controller is also investigated. It is shown that this is equivalent to finding a stable controller, whose infinity norm is less than a specified bound, for an unstable plant which is determined from parametrization of all H infinity controllers. Examples are given for a gust alleviation and a command tracking problem.

Oezbay, Hitay↗

A study of longitudinal dynamic stability in flight

This investigation was carried out by the aerodynamic staff of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics for the purpose of studying experimentally the longitudinal dynamic stability of airplanes in flight. The airplanes selected for this purpose were a standard rigged VE-7 advanced-training airplane and a JN4H with special tail surfaces. The airplanes were caused to oscillate by means of the elevator, then the longitudinal control was either locked or kept free while the oscillation died out. The magnitude of the oscillation was recorded either by a kymograph or an airspeed meter. The results show that the engine speed has as much effect on the period and damping as the airspeed, and that, contrary to theory as developed for small oscillations, the damping decreased at the higher airspeeds with closed throttle.

Norton, F H↗