Pitching moment and lift coefficient

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around analyzing the pitching moment and lift coefficient of a proposed airplane design in a wind tunnel. At zero angle of attack, the pitching moment is zero with a lift of 10N, while at a 5-degree angle of attack, the pitching moment is -5Nm and lift increases to 60N. Participants debate the appropriate formulas to calculate the sensitivity of pitching moment to lift coefficient, with emphasis on the correct application of pitching moment and lift coefficients. There is confusion regarding the relevance of certain parameters in the calculations, but clarification is provided on the necessary equations. The overall focus is on determining the design's longitudinal static stability based on the provided data.
xzibition8612
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
Venus does not have a magnetosphere, so the Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) environment shall be much worse than in a LEO environment. Looking to the std radiation models for Venus, the standard radiation-hard space level electronic component with tested immunity LET = 85 MeV-cm2/mg seems not enough, so, for example, a 1cm2 Si die will suffer considerable flux above this level during a long mission (10 years for example). So, the question is, usually we are not paying attention to latch-up...
Back
Top