An Investigation of the Effects of a Sharp Velocity Gradient of the Flexure-Torsion Flutter Speed of an Airfoil

Author: Dankworth, Edwin George

Year: 1951

Degree: Engineer's thesis

Advisor: Fung, Yuan-cheng

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/QBG8-G786

Abstract

This report covers the results of an experimental investigation of the effects of a velocity gradient on the flexure-torsion flutter speed of a NACA 0006 airfoil suspended by means of springs.

The presence of the velocity gradient produced no significant change in the speed at which the airfoil commenced normal self-excited oscillations. Oscillations of a torsional nature were found to occur at speeds considerably below the normal flutter speed. The causes of these torsional oscillations were not fully ascertained. It is reasoned however that they were due to flow conditions other than the presence of the velocity gradient.

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