Pitching moment and lift coefficient

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of pitching moments and lift coefficients in a proposed airplane design tested in a wind tunnel. Participants explore the relationships between pitching moment, lift, and their coefficients at different angles of attack, along with questions about the stability of the design.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents data on pitching moments and lift at different angles of attack and poses questions about calculating sensitivities and stability.
  • Another participant reminds that the pitching moment coefficient (C_M) and lift coefficient (C_L) are defined in terms of moment and lift divided by dynamic pressure and reference area.
  • A subsequent reply emphasizes the importance of including the chord length in the definition of the pitching moment coefficient.
  • A later reply suggests that plugging in the values will yield the answer, indicating a potential misunderstanding or simplification of the calculations involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem, as there are differing interpretations of the equations and their applicability to the given data.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the application of the pitching moment coefficient formula and the specific parameters needed for calculations, such as dynamic pressure and reference area.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aerodynamics, aircraft design, and stability analysis may find this discussion relevant.

xzibition8612
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Consider a proposed airplane design shape in a wind tunnel. The forces and moments are measured at the proposed center of gravity location. At zero angle of attack, pitching moment is zero and lift is 10N. At 5 degrees angle of attack, pitching moment is -5Nm and lift is 60N. The chord of the wing is 1 meter.
(a) What is dM/dL (sensitivity of pitching moment to lift coefficient)?
(b) What is dCm/dCL (sensitivity of pitching moment coefficient to lift coefficient)?
(c) Is this design longitudinally statically stable?


I have no idea how to do this. The formula for pitching moment coefficient is Cm=Cmwing+(h-hwing)Clwing-(Vh)(Cltail). I honestly don't think this equation applies in this problem, because there is no h, tail dimensions...etc. So I guess I'm supposed to figure out the pitching moment from the given data. But I need the line equation to do that? How do I find that? Am I even going on the right track?

Thanks a lot
 
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You're forgetting that C_M = \frac{M}{qS} and C_L = \frac{L}{qS}
 
viscousflow said:
You're forgetting that C_M = \frac{M}{qS} and C_L = \frac{L}{qS}

You're forgetting the c in C_M = \frac{M}{qSc} :wink:
 
Ah ha, so I plug it in and that's the answer right? Thanks a lot.
 

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