Vortex Interference On Slender Airplanes PDF Download

Mathematical expressions are derived for the interference forces and moments acting on the tails of slender plane and cruciform wing-tail combinations of general plan form in steady straight flight at combined angles of attack and sideslip. The derivatives are made within the limitations of slender-body theory under the assumption that the vortex sheet leaves the wing as flat sheet and becomes fully rolled up ahead of the tail. The derived expressions are used to calculate the steady lifts, side forces, pitching moments, and rolling moments of the number of wing-tail combinations. The effects of changes in tail height, tail length, ratio of tail span to wing span, tail incidence, and tail thickness are calculated. The resulting curves, and particularly their nonlinearities, are discussed at some length in connection with static stability. In general, the most dramatic effects are noted when the vortices shed from the wing strike the tips of the tail trailing edge.