How to Calculate Vector Forces from Wing Tilt on 757/767 Aircraft?

  • Context: Boeing 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Bobthefreeradical
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Aircraft Wings
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating vector forces acting on a Boeing 757/767 aircraft when the wings are tilted at a roll angle of 28 degrees. Key factors include the aerodynamic forces at this angle of attack, which involve lift, drag, and gravity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding coordinate systems for combining forces, as well as the use of equations to represent vertical and horizontal lift components. Microsoft Flight Simulator is suggested as a practical tool for visualizing these forces during flight maneuvers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aerodynamic forces, including lift and drag
  • Familiarity with coordinate systems in aviation dynamics
  • Knowledge of the six degrees of freedom (6 DOF) equations of motion
  • Basic proficiency in trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations of motion for aircraft dynamics
  • Learn about the effects of angle of attack on lift and drag
  • Explore the use of Microsoft Flight Simulator for aerodynamic simulations
  • Study the terminology and concepts used in aviation to enhance communication
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, flight instructors, pilots, and students studying aviation dynamics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the practical application of aerodynamic principles in flight scenarios.

Bobthefreeradical
Messages
7
Reaction score
2
For any given angle, say if the wings were tilted 28 deg, how can I calculate the vectors acting upon the plane?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Bobthefreeradical said:
For any given angle, say if the wings were tilted 28 deg, how can I calculate the vectors acting upon the plane?
Isn't one asking for the resultant vector due to the change in airflow (change in momentum of the air)?

Gravity acts in the vertical direction downward. The engines provide thrust along the axis of the aircraft. Then there is the airflow. The aircraft is flying at some velocity, then the inclined wings deflect the airflow downward - in addition to the pressure differential across the wing.
 
Last edited:
Bobthefreeradical said:
For any given angle, say if the wings were tilted 28 deg, how can I calculate the vectors acting upon the plane?
28° is a high angle of attack. I expect the wing camber and area will be changed at that AoA by the extension of flaps.

What do you mean by "tilted 28 deg" ?
Why do you need to calculate the forces ?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: FactChecker
Your question is vague. Are you asking about the forces on the aircraft or just on the wing? The full answer is complicated. The "tilt" of the wings might be versus the Earth or versus the wind (angle of attack). You would need to know the aerodynamic forces at that angle of attack. Then you need to combine all the forces in their coordinate system into one force in your desired coordinate system. Aerodynamic forces are usually in the wind axis system. Engine forces are in the airplane body axis system. Gravity is in the Earth locally level axis system. There are also rotational forces and inertial moments to consider. The six degree of freedom (6 DOF) equations of motion (EOM) can be found here.
 
Bobthefreeradical said:
For any given angle, say if the wings were tilted 28 deg, how can I calculate the vectors acting upon the plane?
It may be easiest to just run your experiments in Microsoft Flight Simulator and use your instruments to figure out the forces during your maneuvers...

1703451209352.png

https://msfsaddons.com/2023/03/02/rhdsimulations-releases-boeing-767-300er-for-msfs/
 
Bobthefreeradical said:
For any given angle, say if the wings were tilted 28 deg, how can I calculate the vectors acting upon the plane?
Baluncore said:
Why do you need to calculate the forces ?
FactChecker said:
Your question is vague.
I think I know why the OP posted this vague question, but we'll see what they reply with. The Mentors are watching this thread...
 
sorry about that, I'll attempt to be less vague, by tilt of the wing what I probably should have said was that the Roll of the plane being 28 deg off level. ( with all other factors being 0 )
 
Baluncore said:
28° is a high angle of attack. I expect the wing camber and area will be changed at that AoA by the extension of flaps.

What do you mean by "tilted 28 deg" ?
Why do you need to calculate the forces ?
Sorry, that was an oops on my part, meant to indicate a Roll angle of 28 deg.
there are diagrams in books that have arrows showing the lift vector, & drag & gravity,
Just trying to get a handle on the magnitude of the vector(s) in this case. ( clear 'nuff, or? )
 
Bobthefreeradical said:
sorry about that, I'll attempt to be less vague, by tilt of the wing what I probably should have said was that the Roll of the plane being 28 deg off level. ( with all other factors being 0 )
AAAANNNDD...... you have completely ignored the very specific and very direct question you were asked
Baluncore said:
Why do you need to calculate the forces ?
Ignoring questions is bad form here on PF.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50 and berkeman
  • #10
Bobthefreeradical said:
sorry about that, I'll attempt to be less vague, by tilt of the wing what I probably should have said was that the Roll of the plane being 28 deg off level. ( with all other factors being 0 )
If there is no roll rate and it is in level flight, then there is some coordinated yaw. The angle of attack would need to increase in order to have a component of lift that would maintain level flight. I'm afraid that I don't know simple equations for it. I will have to leave this for others to answer.
 
  • #11
Bobthefreeradical said:
... meant to indicate a Roll angle of 28 deg.
there are diagrams in books that have arrows showing the lift vector, & drag & gravity,
Something like this?

normal_slipping_skidding.gif
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Astronuc and russ_watters
  • #12
If you just want to represent the lift components when there is a roll angle of ##\phi_{deg}## degrees, the equations are:
##\phi_{rad} = \phi_{deg} * \pi / 180##
##F_{vertical} = F_{lift} * \cos(\phi_{rad} )##
and
##F_{horizontal} = F_{lift} * \sin( \phi_{rad} )##
Where ##\cos## and ##\sin## require inputs ion radians (that is usually true).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Bobthefreeradical
  • #13
FactChecker said:
If you just want to represent the lift components when there is a roll angle of ##\phi_{deg}## degrees, the equations are:
##\phi_{rad} = \phi_{deg} * \pi / 180##
##F_{vertical} = F_{lift} * \cos(\phi_{rad} )##
and
##F_{horizontal} = F_{lift} * \sin( \phi_{rad} )##
Where ##\cos## and ##\sin## require inputs ion radians (that is usually true).
...cos and sin require inputs in radians...
??

Doesn't that depend on the look-up table you have or whether the calculator you're using is set for Degrees or Radians?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: FactChecker
  • #14
Tom.G said:
...cos and sin require inputs in radians...
??

Doesn't that depend on the look-up table you have or whether the calculator you're using is set for Degrees or Radians?
Good point. Yes, especially if you are using a hand calculator. In most computer programming languages, sin and cos expect inputs in radians. Also Microsoft Excel expects inputs in radians. There may be exceptions.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Tom.G
  • #15
Bobthefreeradical said:
sorry about that, I'll attempt to be less vague, by tilt of the wing what I probably should have said was that the Roll of the plane being 28 deg off level. ( with all other factors being 0 )
No disrespect , but questions like this are what you get from folks that have no practical experience using the end product of engineers that wish to change terms. Pilots formed their own terms from actually flying the machines. Terms that made logical sense and allowed new pilots to grasp the concepts involved in safely operating airplanes. Thus as you just found out from the diagram providing the force vectors involved with flight these wer calculated long ago.

So as a long time user of airplanes I request that academics and engineers refrain from trying to rename or changing things in aviation until a proper understanding of why the original terms were used. I could cite examples, but I think that your use of the word "tilt" is a good example. the word "tilt" is not nor have I ever heard it used to describe "bank angle". Also one should learn the vernacular before trying to converse in an established discipline. At first I also thought you were talking about "angle of incidence", perhaps like the F8 Crusader had a "tilt" wing, or perhaps "sweep wing" like the F-14 Tomcat. So terms matter when diving into someone else's back yard.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: FactChecker and phinds
  • #16
Practical User said:
So terms matter when diving into someone else's back yard.
I see what you did there. :wink:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
15K