Finite-State Airloads for Deformable Airfoils on Fixed and Rotating Wings

Abstract

This thesis presents a state-space theory for the lift, drag, and all generalized forces of a deformable airfoil. Trailing-edge flap deflections are included implicitly as a special case of the general deformations. The theory allows for a thin airfoil performing small arbitrary motions with respect to a reference frame that can perform arbitrarily large translations and rotations in two dimensions. The theory accommodates a three-dimensional wake and is generalized to include dynamic stall. The equations are placed in matrix form for ease of implementation. Comparison with other theories and with experimental data verifies the theory.