Wing rock phenomenon in orthotropic plates
wing rock; orthotropic plates; Strouhal number
The wing rock phenomenon is characterized by an undesirable rotational oscillation in aircrafts, mainly in its bearing axis, which occurs at relatively low flight speeds and with a high angle of attack. Flight instabilities caused by rotational oscillations caused by the wing rock phenomenon can affect aircraft performance and flight control. In the present work, the wing rock phenomenon is studied in rectangular orthotropic plates of composite materials with several aspect ratios. The experiments were carried out in a wind tunnel with a wind speed of 6 m / s. The composite material plates were produced with unidirectional fibers and were positioned with the fibers oriented at 0 ° or 90 ° with respect to the air flow direction. The parameters studied were the Strouhal number, the variation of the rolling angle, the plate deformation and the influence of the fiber orientation on the wing rock phenomenon. The results obtained with composite material plates were compared with results obtained in aluminum plates with the same aspect ratio.