A review of comparative theoretical and experimental aerodynamic data relevant to zero- and low-frequency aeroelastic problems

Abstract

This Report provides, in tabular form, resumes of the contents of reports which give comparative theoretical and experimental aerodynamic loading data and, in some cases, structural deformation data, relevant to zero- and low-frequency aeroelastic problems. There is a broad classification of reports according to whether data have been obtained from tests on nominally rigid models with built-in warp or from tests on flexible models or full-scale aircraft. Details of reports which contain only experimental data are also tabulated. From an analysis of the data it is concluded that, when the flow is attached and the flow field is wholly subsonic or wholly supersonic, existing theoretical methods provide the basis for estimates of aeroelastic distortion effects which are adequate for engineering purposes. There is, however, an urgent need to develop theoretical and/or empirical methods of estimating such effects for important design cases which occur outside these flow regimes.