Dynamics of Flexible Aircraft
Coupled Flight Mechanics, Aeroelasticity, and Control

Explore the interface between aeroelasticity, flight dynamics and control in this fresh approach, featuring numerous hands-on examples.

Rafael Palacios (Author), Carlos E. S. Cesnik (Author)

9781108420600, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 July 2023

566 pages
24.4 x 17 x 2.9 cm, 1.136 kg

Explore the connections among aeroelasticity, flight dynamics, and control with an up-to-date multidisciplinary approach. New insights into the interaction between these fields, which is a distinctive feature of many modern aircraft designed for very high aerodynamic efficiency, are fully illustrated in this one-of-a-kind book. Presenting basic concepts in a systematic and rigorous, yet accessible way, this book builds up to state-of-the-art models through an intuitive step-by-step approach. Both linear and nonlinear attributes are covered and, by revisiting classical solutions using modern analysis methods, this book provides a unique perspective to bridge the gap between disciplines. Numerous original numerical examples, including online source codes, help to build intuition through hands-on activities. This book will empower the reader to design better and more environmentally friendly aircraft, and is an ideal resource for graduate students, researchers, and aerospace engineers.

1. Introduction
2. The non-stationary atmosphere
3. Dynamics of elastically-supported rigid airfoils
4. Dynamics of rigid aircraft in a non-stationary atmosphere
5. Dynamics of flexible aircraft with quasi-steady deformations
6. Dynamics of flexible aircraft with small-amplitude vibrations
7. Time-domain unsteady aerodynamics for low-speed flight 8. Geometrically-nonlinear composite beams
9. Dynamics of very flexible aircraft
10. Feedback control
11. Experimental testing
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP]