Aeroelasticity consideration of supersonic vehicle using closed form analytical aerodynamic model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of a supersonic flight vehicle flying at moderate angles of attack using global analytic nonlinear aerodynamic model.

Design/methodology/approach

Aeroelastic behavior of a supersonic flight vehicle flying at moderate angles of attack is considered, using nonlinear aerodynamics and linear elastodynamics and structural models. Normal force distribution coefficient over the length of the vehicle and pitching moment coefficient are the main aerodynamic parameters used in the aeroelastic modeling. It is very important to have closed form analytical relations for these coefficients in the model. They are generated using global nonlinear multivariate orthogonal modeling functions in this work. Angle of attack and length of the vehicle are selected as independent variables in the first step. Local variation of angle of attack is applied to the analytical model and due to its variation along the body of the vehicle, equations of motion are finalized. Mach number is added to the independent variables to investigate its role on instability of the vehicle and the modified model is compared with the previous one in the next step. Thrust effect on the aeroelastic stability of the vehicle is analyzed at final stage.

Findings

It is shown that for the vehicles having simple configurations and low length to diameter ratios flying at low angles of attack, assuming normal force distribution coefficient linear relative to α is reasonable. It is concluded that vehicle's velocity and thrust has not great effect on its divergence dynamic pressure.

Originality/value

Based on the constructed model, a simulation code is generated to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of the vehicle. The resultant code is verified by investigating the static aeroelastic stability margin of the vehicle presented in the references. Mach number effect on the aeroelastic behavior of the vehicle is considered using modified aerodynamic model and is compared with the results. Data base for identifying aerodynamic coefficients is conducted using CFD code.

Citation

Jegarkandi Mohsen, F., Nobari Ali, S., Mahdi, S., Hassan, H. and Farhad, T. (2009), "Aeroelasticity consideration of supersonic vehicle using closed form analytical aerodynamic model", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 2, pp. 128-136. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660910941820