NASP aeroservothermoelasticity studies

Some illustrative results obtained from work accomplished under the aerothermoelasticity work breakdown structure (WBS) element of the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) Technology Maturation Program (TMP) are presented and discussed. The objectives of the aerothermoelasticity element were to develop analytical methods applicable to aerospace plane type configurations, to conduct analytical studies to identify potential problems, to evaluate potential solutions to problems, and to provide an experimental data base to verify codes and analytical trends. Work accomplished in the three areas of experimental data base, unsteady aerodynamics, and integrated analysis methodology are described. Some of the specific topics discussed are: (1) transonic wind tunnel aeroelastic model tests of cantilever delta wing models, of an all-moveable delta-wing model, and of aileron buzz models; (2) unsteady aerodynamic theory correlation with experiment and theory improvements; and (3) integrated analysis methodology results for thermal effects on vibration, for thermal effects on flutter, and for improving aeroelastic performance by using active controls.