Active vibration-suppression systems applied to twin-tail buffeting

Mark A. Hopkins; Douglas A. Henderson; Robert W. Moses; Thomas G. Ryall; David G. Zimcik; Ronald L. Spangler Jr.

doi:10.1117/12.310663

16 June 1998 Active vibration-suppression systems applied to twin-tail buffeting

Mark A. Hopkins, Douglas A. Henderson, Robert W. Moses, Thomas G. Ryall, David G. Zimcik, Ronald L. Spangler Jr.

Proceedings Volume 3326, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310663
Event: 5th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Buffeting is an aeroelastic phenomenon that plagues high performance aircraft, especially those with twin vertical tails. Unsteady cortices emanate form wing/fuselage leading edge extensions when these aircraft maneuver at high angles of attack. These aircraft are designed such that the vortices shed while maneuvering at high angels of attack and improve the lift-to-drag ratio of the aircraft. With proper placement and sizing of the vertical tails, this improvement may be maintained without adverse effects to the tails. However, there are tail locations and angels of attack where these vortices burst and immerse the vertical tails in their wake inducing severe structural vibrations. The resulting buffet loads and severe vertical tail response because an airframe life and maintenance concern as life cycle costs increased. Several passive methods have been investigated to reduce the buffeting of these vertical tails with limited success. As demonstrated through analyses, wind-tunnel investigations, and full-scale ground tests, active control system offer a promising solution to alleviate buffet induced strain and increase the fatigue life of vertical tails. A collaborative research project including the US, Canada, and Australia is in place to demonstrate active buffet load alleviation systems on military aircraft. The present paper provides details on this collaborative project and other research efforts to reduce the buffeting response of vertical tails in fighter aircraft.

Citation Download Citation

Mark A. Hopkins, Douglas A. Henderson, Robert W. Moses, Thomas G. Ryall, David G. Zimcik, and Ronald L. Spangler Jr. "Active vibration-suppression systems applied to twin-tail buffeting", Proc. SPIE 3326, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (16 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310663

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available