Transonic unsteady potential flow: Scaling analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamics

Scaling analysis of linear and nonlinear dynamics theory is applied to study transonic unsteady potential flow of a limit cycle oscillations of the F-16 aircraft. The governing field equation for the aerodynamic velocity potential in transonic unsteady potential nonlinear flow for thin airfoils undergoing small motions are established. The scaling analysis supports the conclusions reached by numerical computations and flight experiments regarding the inability of inviscid potential-flow models to predict limit cycle oscillations (LCO). It is also found that inviscid potential-flow-models is useful in predicting the conditions for the onset of LCO. The governing equations of transonic small disturbance potential-flow theory are usually derived by other methods, they may be deduced from full potential-flow theory by scaling analysis.

Duke Scholars

Author Earl H. Dowell Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...