Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T20:56:23.417Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Some Stability Problems of Ground Effect Wing Vehicles in Forward Motion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 June 2016

P E Kumar
P E Kumar*
Affiliation:
Hawker Siddeley Aviation, Hatfield
Get access

Summary

Recent advances in the development of ground cushion vehicles have indicated the need for a more efficient means of providing lift at the higher speeds envisaged in the future. A wing operating in ground effect could provide this lift and might be far more attractive economically than the “Hovercraft”. This note investigates some of the stability aspects of such a “Ground Effect Wing” Vehicle, using linear analysis, by developing the relevant equations of motion and examining the characteristic equations using quasi-steady derivatives, at fixed heights, obtained from wind-tunnel tests. In addition comparison is made between an analogue simulation of a GEW and the flight paths obtained from a free-flight model. This investigation showed that the longitudinal mode of oscillation for both single and tandem-wings with endplates was unstable and artificial stability was necessary. The lateral mode of oscillation for a single wing was stable in both roll and yaw, the latter being subject to fin and endplate configurations. The effects of the force, and moment, rate of change of height derivatives were not considered, as values for these derivatives were not available. Some proposals for future work include the development of suitable aerofoil sections for operation near the ground and the investigation of slender bodies in ground effect.

Type
Research Article
Information
Aeronautical Quarterly , Volume 23 , Issue 1 , February 1972 , pp. 41 - 52
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society. 1972

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Ashill, P R On some aspects of the aerodynamic performance of Ground Effect Wings. PhD thesis, Southampton University, June 1968.Google Scholar
2. Kumar, P E An experimental investigation into the aerodynamic characteristics of a wing with and without endplates, in ground effect. College of Aeronautics Report, Aero 201, 1968.Google Scholar
3. Ashill, P R On the minimum induced drag of Ground Effect Wings. Aeronautical Quarterly, Vol XXI, p 211, August 1970.Google Scholar
4. Ando, S An idealised Ground Effect Wing. Aeronautical Quarterly, Vol XVI, p 53, February 1966.Google Scholar
5. Kumar, P E On the stability of the Ground Effect Wing vehicle. Southampton University, PhD thesis, June 1969.Google Scholar
6. Kumar, P E On the longitudinal dynamic stability of a Ground Effect Wing. College of Aeronautics Report, Aero 202, 1968.Google Scholar
7. Kumar, P E The lateral dynamic stability of a Ground Effect Wing. College of Aeronautics Report, Aero 207, 1968.Google Scholar
8. Neumark, S Problems of longitudinal stability below minimum drag speed, and theory of stability under constraint. ARC R & M 2983, 1953.Google Scholar
9. Kumar, P E An analogue simulation of the longitudinal motion of a Ground Effect Wing. College of Aeronautics Report, Aero 208, 1968.Google Scholar
10. Kumar, P E The College of Aeronautics Whirling Arm. College of Aeronautics Note Aero 174, 1967.Google Scholar
11. Patel, A P Thin ellipsoids in ground effect. College of Aeronautics, Aero Thesis, September 1968.Google Scholar