ESDU'S qualitative introduction to aeroelasticity

Citation

(1998), "ESDU'S qualitative introduction to aeroelasticity", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770dab.073

ESDU'S qualitative introduction to aeroelasticity

ESDU'S qualitative introduction to aeroelasticity

Keywords Aircraft, Elasticity, ESDU

ESDU International has recently issued a new engineering Data Item (No. 96037) "A Qualitative Introduction to Static Aeroelasticity" that examines aspects of controllability, loading and stability of aircraft.

One of the primary requirements of an aircraft is to meet a specification of performance and manoeuvrability criteria, whilst also having suitable flying qualities. The aircraft must also be strong enough to withstand both the aerodynamic loads and inertial loading experienced in flight.

An aircraft structure is not rigid but flexes with the changing aerodynamic loads. Virtually all parts of the aircraft are subject to structural deformations and the extent to which an airframe component deforms depends on: the inertial loading distribution; the surface loading distribution and the structural stiffness distribution.

The Data Item is concerned with the effects of steady deformations on aircraft of classical configuration in steady level trimmed flight, or in a quasi-steady pull-out manoeuvre. It also considers the effects of elasticity on the static stability of the aircraft, manifested in changes in the loadings on the airframe, in the controllability parameters ­ such as elevator angle to trim and the manoeuvring incremental elevator angle per g and changes in the static stability characteristics.

Further information is available from Phillipa Fernandez, ESDU International. Tel: +44 (0) 171 490 5151.