A review of some recent research on time-dependent aerodynamics

Abstract

Time-dependent aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the pressure distributions developed by moving control surfaces, such as the oscillation of a trailing-edge flap, the rapid extension of a spoiler, or the pitching of a canard.Some recent experiments in time-dependent aerodynamics are reviewed. These include wind tunnel dynamic interference and its attenuation, the aerodynamics of an oscillating trailing-edge flap, the reduction of response to turbulence by active control, the aerodynamic characteristics of rapidly moving spoilers, and the time-dependent aerodynamic characteristics of supercritical wings.The paper concludes with a discussion of aeroelastic problems at subsonic and transonic speeds and with some buffeting measurements in a cryogenic wind tunnel.