Investigation of empennage buffeting

Theoretical methods of predicting aircraft buffeting are reviewed. For the buffeting due to leading-edge vortex breakdown, a method is developed to convert test data of mean square values of fluctuating normal force to buffeting vortex strength through an unsteady lifting-surface theory and unsteady suction analogy. The resulting buffeting vortex from the leading-edge extension of an F-18 configuration is used to generate a fluctuating flow field which produces unsteady pressure distribution on the vertical tails. The root mean square values of root bending moment on the vertical tails are calculated for a rigid configuration. Results from a flow visualization and hot films study in a water tunnel facility using a 1/48 scale model of an F-18 are included in an appendix. The results confirm that the LEX vortex is the dominant forcing function of fin buffet at high angles of attack.