AAE 6710

Lesson 02-2

Flight Dynamics
Wing
Contribution

Static Longitudinal Stability

We assume that the net aerodynamic force or moment coefficient is equal to

the sum of the individual contributions from fuselage, wing, powerplant and
tail surfaces.

Wing Contribution

 =
= +
+ +
1

Non-dimensionalise by dividing by 2 2
&
use cos = 1 and si =

+

+

Contribution
If we assume >> , and the vertical contribution is
negligible, then
= +

= + 0 +
For applying the conditions of static stability:
0 = + 0
=

Remarks
To make < 0, the aerodynamic center must lie aft of center of
gravity
To have 0 > 0, a negative cambered airfoil or an airfoil section
with reflexed trailing edge be used

Negative camber

Reflexed trailing edge

Normally, the center of gravity is located slightly aft of the

aerodynamic center
The airfoil sections of the wing have positive camber
Therefore, wing contribution to static longitudinal stability is usually
destabilising

Example 1
For a given wing body combination the aerodynamic center lies 0.03
chord length ahead of the center of gravity. The moment coefficient
about the center of gravity is 0.0050, and the lift coefficient is 0.50.
Calculate the moment coefficient about the aerodynamic center.

= +

0.0050= + 0.50 0.03

= 0.005 0.5 0.03 = 0.01

Example 2
Consider a model of a wing-body shape mounted in a wind-tunnel.
The flow conditions in the test section are standard sea-level
properties with a velocity of 100 m/s. The wing area and chord are
1.5 m2 and 0.45 m, respectively.
Using the wind tunnel force and moment-measuring balance, the
moment about the center of gravity when the lift is zero is found to
be -12.4 Nm.
When the model is pitched to another angle of attack, the lift and
moment about the center of gravity are measured to be 3675 N
and 20.67 Nm, respectively.
Calculate the value of the moment coefficient about the
aerodynamic center and the location of the aerodynamic center.

Solution
1 2 1
= = 1.225 1002 = 6125 /2
2
2

12.4
=
=
= 0.003

6125 1.5 0.45

= = 0.003

3675
=
=
= 0.4
6125 1.5

20.67
=
=
= 0.005

6125 1.5 0.45

= +

0.005 0.003

=
=
= 0.02

0.4

Example 3
An airplane is equipped with a wing of aspect ratio 6 ( = 0.095 )
and span efficiency factor of 0.78, with an airfoil section giving = 0.02.
Calculate, for between 0 and 1.2, the pitching moment coefficient of the
wing about the c.g. (i.e. ) which is located 0.05 ahead of a.c. and 0.06
under a.c. Repeat the calculations when chord wise force components are
neglected. Assume 0 = 0.008, 0 = 10 , = 50 .

Solution
= 0.02

= 0

= 0.05

= 0.06

2
2
+
= 0.008 +
= 0.008 + 0.0682

3.14 6 0.76

0.095
=
=
= 0.0688 = 3.94

0.095
1+
57.3
1+
0.76 6

= 0

+1=

0.0688

+ 1

+

+

= 0.05 + 0.008 + 0.068

+ 0.06

0.05

+ 1 5 /57.3
0.0688

+ 1 5 /57.3 0.008 + 0.068 0.06

0.0688

+ 0.02
= +
+ +
+
= +

= 0.02 0.05

Figure Example 3
CG: 0.05 ahead of ac
0.06 under ac
0.03
0.02
0.01

Cmcg

0
-0.01
-0.02
Cmcg
Cmcg,approx
Cmac
Cm(Lift Vert)
Cm(Drag Ver)
Cm(Lift Hor)
Cm(Drag Hor)

-0.03
-0.04
-0.05
-0.06

0.2

0.4

0.6
CL

0.8

1.2

Figure Example 3
CG: 0.05 behind ac
0.06 under ac
0.08
Cmcg
Cmcg,approx
Cmac
Cm(Lift Vert)
Cm(Drag Ver)
Cm(Lift Hor)
Cm(Drag Hor)

0.07
0.06
0.05

Cmcg

0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
-0.01
-0.02

0.2

0.4

0.6
CL

0.8

1.2

Figure Example 3
CG: 0.05 behind ac
0.06 above ac
0.1
Cmcg
Cmcg,approx
Cmac
Cm(Lift Vert)
Cm(Drag Ver)
Cm(Lift Hor)
Cm(Drag Hor)

0.08

Cmcg

0.06

0.04

0.02

-0.02

0.2

0.4

0.6
CL

0.8

1.2