The time-vector method for lateral stability investigations

Abstract

Summary. This report extends earlier work by describing the time-vector method for lateral stability investigations. Using thls method, each equation of motion of an aircraft can be represented by a closed vector polygon, the shape and size of which conveys useful information about the mode of motion under consideration. A graphical method for constructing these polygons is presented and a mechanised system of vector calculators is described in detail. Because of the availability of digital computers, the main use of the method now is in the interpretation of results obtained by computers, giving improved physical insight into aircraft lateral behaviour. This application has proved to be particularly fruitful in relation to automatic control phenomena. Several examples are given.