An Investigation into the Effects of Running Propellers on the Static Longitudinal Stability of Multi-Engine Tractor-Propeller-Driven Monoplanes

Author: Amster, Warren

Year: 1948

Degree: Engineer's thesis

Advisor: Stewart, Homer Joseph

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/VMA6-2G04

Abstract

This thesis has three main purposes:

  1. To establish an engineering computation procedure for predicting C[subscript M]( c. g.) as a function of C[subscript L] and power conditions for a multi-engine monoplane of conventional configuration with tractor propellers mounted on and forward of the wing from a given curve of C[subscript M] as a function of C[subscript L] for the power-off condition.

  2. To recommend aircraft configurations which will minimize destabilizing effect of power.

  3. To provide a physical explanation of the effect of power on stability.

Calculated C[subscript M] vs. C[subscript L] curves are compared with "matched-power" wind tunnel model test results. The agreement is good for all-right-hand rotation of propellers but unsatisfactory for other rotation modes.

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