Unique high-alpha roll dynamics of a sharp-edged 65-deg delta wing

Abstract

An analysis has been performed of experimental results obtained in roll oscillation tests at 30-deg angle of attack of a 65-deg sharp-edged delta wing in order to uncover the fluid mechanical phenomena causing the unusual, highly nonlinear vehicle dynamics. In addition to the expected effect of convective flow time lag, the test results show highly nonlinear effects of the angular rate, which themselves are influenced by the effect of convective time lag. A flow hypothesis is presented that can explain the unusual experimental results.