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NASA Technical Memorandum 86381 NASA-TM-86381 19850014068

TWO DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM FLUTTER SOLUTION FOR A

PERSONAL COMPUTER

DAVID L. TURNOCK

FEBRUARY 1985

NI\5/\
National Aeronautics and
lANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER
LIBRARY, NASA
HA.MeTO~, VIRGINIA
Space Administration
Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia 23665
1111111111111 1111 11111 11111111111111111111111
NF00581
 TWO-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM FLUTTER SOLUTION FOR A PERSONAL COMPUTER
David L. Turnock

SUMMARY
A computer program has been written for a personal computer which can be
used to make two-degree-of-freedom (bending and torsion) flutter calculations
by utilizing two-dimensional Theodorsen aerodynamics. The proQram may be used
to approximately account for Mach number (compressibility) effects and aspect
ratio (finite span) effects. This report contains the eQuations of motion,ca
proqram listing, IJser instructions, and test cases.

INTRODUCTION
Flutter is a self-excited dynamic oscillation produced ~y a couoling of
i nerti al and el asti c forces wi th aerodynami c forces resul ti n~ from el asti c
deformations of an aircraft winq. These oscillations could result in
siQnificant structural damaae. Conseouently~ flutter must he taken into
account during aircraft desi9n; that is, the winQ must be nesiQned so that it
will not flutter within the operatinq envelope of the airplane.
The types of vibrations that an airplane winq could experience in fliqht
are illustrated in Figure 1.
If the wing is disturbed at fli9ht conditions below the flutter boundary,
the ensuing motion is a damped si nusoi dal decayi nQ osci 11 ati on as shown in
Figure la. This is a stable condition. At the flutter boundary, any
disturbance will cause the wing to oscillate at a constant amplitude as shown
in Figure lb. This is a neutrally stable condition. At conditions above the
flutter boundary, a disturbance will produce a divergent oscillation as shown
in Figure 1c. This is an unstable condition.
The purpose of this paper is to describe a computer program written for a
personal, or home, computer that can he used to analyze aircraft wings for
two-degree-of-freedom (bendinQ and torsion) fllitter. The equations of
Theodorsen and Garrick (references 1 and 2) are implemented in this program.
The analysis is a two-dimensional, two-dearee-of-freedom, representative-
section method. Although this method is not new, it is sufficiently accurate
for many present day aDPlications.
The method employed is adequate for moderate-to-hiah aspect ratio wings
and unswept or slightly swept wings. However, the analysis has certain
limitations. The aerodynamics are only applicable at suhsonic velocities.
The analysis as implemented in the computer prograM does not include the
effects of concentrated Masses such as wing mounted enaines and fuel tanks.
It also does not include the effects of aerodynamic control surfaces such as
ai 1erons. These 1imitations are very important to note. Furthermore, the
analysis used by the program is only an approximation. Therefore, the results
should only be used as a guide, not as the final authority to determine
whether or not a new or old wing design is safe from flutter.

.... __ .n 1/
 This report presents documentation of the computer program. Also
presented are the deri vati on of thE' eQuati ons, user i nstructi ons, program
1istinq, and test cases which serve as illustrative examples.

SY~1BOLS

a non-dimensional distance from midchord to elastic axis, positive aft

b semichord, c/2, ft
c chord, ft
el span efficiency factor, function of taper ratio
fh fundamental frequency in p1unqe or bendinq, Hz
fa fundamental freauency in pitch or torsion, Hz
9 artificial dampinq
gh'~a structural damping in plunge and pitch, respectively
h vertical deflection of the winq in plunge, ft
h plunge velocity of deflecting winq, ft/sec
h plunge acceleration of deflecting wing, ft/sec 2
i T-T, imaginary coefficient .
k reduced frequency, hw/V
m mass per unit length of span, Slugs/ft
Q dynamic pressure, pV 2/2, 1b/ft2
ra radius of gyration of the winq, non-dimensional
s full wing span, ft
xCG distance of center of qravity from 1eadinq edqe of winq, ft
XEA distance of elastic axis from leading edge of wing, ft
xa distance of center of gravity location aft of the elastic axis,
non-dimensional
A area of the wing, ft2
AR aspect ratio
A, B flutter determinant coefficients
C Theodorsen circulation function
CG% center of gravity location, percent chord
CL a lift curve slope, per radian
~, r
flutter determinant coefficients
EA% elastic axis location, percent chord
F real part of Theodorsen's circulation function
G imaginary part of Theodorsen's circulation function
Ha1titude, ft
Ia pitch inertia per unit length of span, sluq-ft 2/ft
L' lift per unit length of span, lb/ft
Lh lift due to plunge, non-dimensional
La lift due to pitch, non-dimensional
M Mach number
M' moment per unit length of span, ft-lb/ft
Mh moment due to plunge, non-dimensional
Ma moment due to pitch, non-dimensional
Sa wing imbalance, sluo-ft.
V velocity, ft/sec
Va speed of sound, ft/sec
Ve eauiva1ent airspeed, ft/sec

2
a angle of attack, wing deflection about elastic axis in pitch,
radians
• pitch velocity of winq rleflection about elastic axis, rarlians/sec
a
..
a pitch acceleration of wing deflection about elastic axis,
radians/sec 2
Mach number correction factor
mass ratio, m/~pb2, nondimensional
air density, slugs/ft3
coupled frequency, rad/sec
fundamental plunge (bending) frequency, rad/sec
fundamental pitch (torsion) frequency, rad/sec
variable of substitution, complex frequency
real part of complex frequency
imaginary part of complex frequency
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
The fl utter ana lysi s userl in thi s proqram is a two-rlimensi ona 1, two-
degree-of-freedom, representative-section method. The term "two-cfimensional II

applies to the aerodynamics that are utilized in the pr09ram. A two-

rlimensi onal wi n9 has a constant 1ift and moment alonq the span. "Two-
degree-of-freedom" means that the wing is free to cfeform or vibrate in two
different motions. In this case, the motions are bending ancf torsion.
Bending, or plunge, is the spanwise bendin~ of the winq ahout the root.
Torsi on, or pi tch, is the chorcfwi se twi sti nq of the wi n9 about the rotati on
point or elastic axis of a heam-like wing. These motions are assumed to be
simple harmonic or sinusoidal. "Representative section" means the winq
characteri sti cs can be representerl by the properti es and moti ons of a uni t
section of the wing. This section is chosen to be located at the
three-auarter span station. The elasticity of the win~ can he represente~ as
two springs as shown attacherl to the wing section in Fiqure 2. If the wing is
given a displacement, the win9 will oscillate in simple harmonic motion
(sinusoidal oscillations) at frequencies associaterl with the two degrees of
freedom. Fl utter occurs when these two modes of moti on become COUD' ed and
extract energy from the airstream to produce a self-excited oscillation.
The governing differential equations for a two degree-of-freedom flutter
problem are derived in reference 3 and repeated here as equations 1 and 2.

2
•• •• IlY.Llh gh • 2
mh + Sa a + w
h + mwhh = L' (1)

I w 2
Sh + I a + _a_a_g_a ~ + I i a =M
I (2)
a a w a a

3
 These generalized forces are functions of the hendinq deflection hand
the torsional twist a. These forces are defined explicitly in reference 3
and repeated here as equations 3 and 4.

( 3)

M' = ~pb4w2t[Mh - (1/2 + a)Lh]h/b + [Ma - (1/2 + a)(L a + Mh ) (4)

+ (1/2 + a)2 Lh ]a}

where Lh , La' Mh , Ma are defined by reference 3 as

Lh =1 - 2i(1/k)(F + iG) (5)

La = 1/2 - i(l/k)[l + 2(F + iG)] - 2(1/k)2(F + iG) (6)

(7)

Ma = 3/8 - i(l/k) (8)

These are termed Theodorsen aerodynami cs because of thei r rel i ance on the
Theodorsen circulation function.
c= F+ iG (9)

The actual function is determined hy several Bessel functions and other

cOlnplicated mathematics. However, an approxiMation is qiven in reference 4
that is dependent upon the reduced frequency, k.

C(k)
0.165
= 1 - 1 0.0455 i
- k

Theodorsen assumed several things in the derivation of the 'aerodynamics. The

Major assumption was that the wing ;s two-dimensional. From this assumption
foll ows the assumpti on of infinite span. To further simpl ify the
aerodynaMics, incompressible flow was assumed. However, hoth finite-span and

4
compressible-flow corrections can be included to determine their effect on the
flutter characteristics. These corrections are defined in the following text.
The assumption of an infinite span is that no wing tip exists and the
1ift di stri buti on is constant along the span of the wi ng. The 1i ft curve
slope of a two-dimensional wing is actually greater than the lift curve slope
for a finite aspect ratio wing at the three auarter span location. For this
reason the infinite aspect ratio assumption causes conservative results.
However, for fi ni te-span ana lysi s, the equati on for estimati ng the average
lift curve slope is derived in reference 5 as
CL
aco
CL = CL (11 )
a aco
1+
'Il'e1AR

where CLaco is CLa for infinite aspect ratio.

hence
La
co
La = 1 + C (12)
La
co

'Il'e1AR

where
Laco = original value for La from the Theodorsen aerodynamics
CL
aco
= 2'1l' from theoretical analysis
el = .85 for untapered wings
If the aspect ratio is assumed to he infinity as Theodorsen did, the
corrected CLa is equal to CL aco •

5
 Furthermore, a reduced lift ~eans a reduced ~oment. Because the ~o~ent
is equal to the lift ~ultiplied by a distance, the mo~ent is adjusted by the
relationship
L
M - a M (13)
a--r-a
a ex>
ex>

where the value Ma.., is the oriqinal value calculated by the Theodorsen
aerodynamics.
The assumption of inco~pressible flow means that the effects of Mach
number are not considered in the calculations. The correction factor for
co~pressible flow, which can be used below a Mach nUMber of 0.8, is derived in
Reference 6 as
1
B =--- (14)
I1-M 2

All Theodorsen aerodynamics are multiplied by this correction factor.

FLUTTER DETERMINANT
The solution of the flutter equations is described in this section.
After the aerodynamic forces in equations 3 and 4 are sUbstituted into
equations 1 and 2 and simple harmonic ~otion is assumed, the two simultaneous
equations that must be solved are qiven by

A h/b + Ba =0 (lS)

1) h/b + ta = 0 (16)
where
(17)

If = lJ Xa + L - L ( 1 /2 + a)
a h
(18)

o = lJXa + 1/2 - Lh (1/2 + a) (l9)

6
 E = ~r2r1
a
- (w a /w~ (l+iga )] - 1/2 (1/2 + a) +.Ma (20)

Several methods exi st for sol vi ng the system of eQuati ons 15 and 16. A
popular method, and the one used here, is froM Theodorsen and Garrick
(references 1 and 2). An artificial damping 9 and complex frequency n are
introduced where
n = (wa /w)2(1+ig)
. . (21)

This term is introduced into eQuations 15 and 16 and the A and r expressions
become

-
E =~ra2 [1-0(1+iga )] - 1/2(1/2+a)
.
+ Ma - La (1/2+a) + Lh (1/2+a) 2 (23)

The B and IT expressions remain unchanged.

For a non-trivial solution to exist, the determinant of the coefficients must
vanish. That is,

A'E-B1r=O (24)
Equation 24 is quadratic in o. The flutter solution occurs when 0 is
real that is, when the artificial damping vanishes. Because the aerodynamic
forces are parametri c in reduced frequency k, eQuati on 24 must be sol ved
repeatedly to find the flutter solution. The individual solutions are usually
plotted as shown in Fi~ure 3 and the flutter velocity and frequency are
ohtaineci from the qraph. The flutter velocity is defineci as the velocity
where the damping value is zero. The flutter frequency is the corresponding
frequency at that velocity.

7
 " "

Individual values are found each time equation 24 is solved for a vaiue
of reduced frequency. These values of vel oci ty and frequ~ncy are obtai ned
from the two resulting complex solutions by using equations 25 through 30. ,
(25)

2
nR = (00 a /00) (26)

2
n
I
= (00 /00) g
a
(27)

(28)
ooa (29)
00 =

v = bw/k (30)

Equati ons 5 throu9h 8, 12 through 14, and 22 through 30 were used as

shown in the text in the "computerizerl" flutter solution. Equations 10 anrl 17
throu~h 20 were used in a slightly different form due to the use of complex
mathematics. A complete listing of the pr09ram source code is found in
Appendix A.

USER INSTRUCTIONS
Of course, any computer program is useless without the knowledge of how
to use it. This section explains the input parameters needed by the program,
discusses how to obtain specific numerical values, and describes various input
options. A description of the output is also included.
Input of Structural Properties
Structural values may be difficult to obtain in the form required by the
program. However, reference 7 and the followin~ ~uidelines should help
determine the values of certain parameters needed for input to the computer
program.
Mass per unit length of span, m. This is mass in slugs (1 slug = 32.2 lbs) of
a one foot section of the winq. AssuJTIinq an untaperect straight winq with
constant mass properties throughout the value can be derived as . .

m - mass of wing (slu9S)

- s (ft)

8
 I f the wi ng is tapered,' swept, or has non-constant mass properti es, the mass
is determi ned for a one-foot-wi de representati ve secti on centered about the
three-Quarter semi -span. Assumi ng a 1i near di stributi on Of mass, the mass
value is given by

mass of wing (sluqs)

m= 2s (ft)
Center of gravi ty 1ocati on. Thi sis the 1ocati on in percent chord of the
point at which the wing balances on a knife edge as seen in Figure 4.

CG% = (xCG/c)x100

Wing moment of inertia about rotation point, In. This is the pitch inertia
of a one-foot representative section of the win~Measured in slua-ft 2.
Experimental measurement may be done wi th a bifi 1ar pendul um. (see reference
7, pp. 30-31.)

Elastic axis location. This is defined as the point about which the wing
twists as illustrated in Fiqure 5.

EA% = (XEA/C)x100

SeMi chord length, b. This is one half the chord length of the representative
sect; on.

Natural hending and torsion freQuencies fh,fa. These are fundaMental

frequencies in Hertz of the wing in bending and torsion. These are functions
of Mass, inertia, and stiffness. (See reference 7, pp. 31-33.)

Structural damping - bending anr:l torsion, 9h,ga. This is defined as any

internal damping of the structure. Values of .01 to .03 are typical, however,
for a solution that is conservative, a value of zero may be used.
Aspect ratio, AR. This is the ratio of span to chord defined as

AR = s2/A
, For straight, untapered wings, this rer:luces to

AR = sic
For a fully two-dimensional analysis, an infinite aspect ratio should he
used. Infinity however, cannot be input to a computer hecause of numerical
difficulties. Therefore, a very lar~e (but finite) value Must be used. As
very few wi ngs have an aspect rati 0 qreater than twenty, a val ue that is
significantly greater than this (100,000,000 for instance) is recomMended.

9
 In making calculations to determine if a wing is free from flutter, it is
prudent to assume that the aspect ratio is infinite hecause this assumption
tends to cause conservative results.
Input for Graphic Output
The graphic input determines the plot resolution on the screen. A large
scale may be needed for some solutions. However, that scale may be far too
1arge for others. A typical plot appears in Fi gure 6. Gui del i nes for these
input values follow:
Maximum frequency to be plotted. This is usually the nearest multiple of five
above the torsion frequency.
Maximum velocity to be plotted. This should be about twice the expected
flutter speed.
Maximum G-value. This is the maximum value of artificial damping that is
plotted. A value of .05 is sufficient for most cases.
The above input will create two plots, frequency versus velocity and damping
versus velocity. A typical plot has points off of the page. However, this is
only undesirable if the flutter solution crossing point is off of the page.
Intermediate Values Option
As has been previously descrihed, a flutter solution consists of solving
the equations at many different reduced freauency values. Two values of
vel oci ty, coupl ed freauency and dampi n9 are obtai neci each time the equati ons
are solved. If intermediate values are to be printed, then every value will
be printed. Appendix B illustrates a solution with all values being printed.
Air Density Option
The air density that the wing flies at is very important to the flutter
characteristics. A wino may flutter at one velocity and altitude yet be very
stable at the same velocity and a higher altitude. Therefore, air density
must be input to the problem also. Two options exist within the orogram for
this purpose.
Option 1 - One value for air density is input. This corresponds to flying the
wing at one altitude.
Ootion 2 - Several values for air density. The computer will calculate a
solution at each air density or altitude.
If option 2 is selected, then the following values must also be input:
Number of values - This is the numher of times the program must calculate a
flutter solution using a different value of air density each time.
Interval between values - This is the increment to be added to the previous
denslty value for the next calculation.

10
First Value - This is the starting value for the computer to calculate.
Example. Three values with an interval of .001 and a starting value of .001
are as follows: .001, .002, and .003.
Mach Number Option
If compressibility effects are desired, a Mach numher must be input. The
input number must be less than one. If no comoressihility effects are
desired, a Mach nUMber of zero should he userl.
Program Output
The following information is output by the program:
Structural parameters. The structural input paraMeters are printed so that
the parameters can be saved ann known for the flutter solution.
Graphic input parameters. The graphic input p~rameters are printed in order
to be able to determine the plot size.
Preliminary values. These values are printed in order to know the Mach Number
and air density. These values appear before each solution.
Intermediate values. These are printed only if the intermediate values option
is "turned on." The values that are printed are the reduced frequency k and
the correspondi ng val ues of wi ng freQuency, vel oci ti es, and dampi n~. These
intermerliate values are used to form nata points which are then plotted.
Flutter values. The flutter values are printeci a10n~ with an appropriate
messaoe. Because there are two sets of values (one for bendina and one for
torsion), the flutter conditions (freQuenc.Y, velocity) are the' numhers with
the corresponding damping or g-value that is close to zero.
The plots. The i ntermedi ate poi nts of frequency and dampi ng are plotted
versus velocity. The points 1ahe1ec:! "1" in Figure 3 are one set of
intermediate points. As was stated before, two solutions existed for each
reduced freouency. The poi nts 1abel ed "2" are the sol uti ons of the
determinant for a second value of reduced freQuency.
The damping curves indicate that one Mode will cross the axis. The point
of crossing is the corresponding velocity at which the wing will flutter. The
other mode will generally become very stable as airspeed increases.
Matched Point Solution
Because the air density is an important factor in flutter calculations,
an aircraft may flutter near sea level yet be perfectly safe at the same
vel oci ty when flyi ng at ten thousand feet. Due to thi s fact, a fl utter
boundary is sometimes defined as Mach number M versus dynamic pressure q.
A matched point is defined as the density condition where the flutter velocity
is the same velocity determined from the product of the Mach number and the
speed of sound Va. To find a matched point solution, multiple air densities
are used in flutter solutions at the same Mach number. The velocities are

11
plotted agai nst ai r density and a curve is fai red through the poi nts. Each
value of air density corresponds to a particular altituc1e in the standard
atmosphere for which the speed of sound also has a particular value. For the
given Mach number a curve of velocity versus density is aenerated for the
standard atmosphere. The point at which the two curves cross is the matched
point. The corresponding velocity and air density are used to calculate
dynamic pressure. When plotted as dynamic pressure against Mach numher, a
flutter boundary is defined. A complete matched point solution is (liven in
Appendix C.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

A personal computer flutter solution has heen written that emoloys

modified two-dimensional Theodorsen aerodynamics for two deoree-of-freenom
lifting surfaces. The solution is only adequate for unswept or sli~htly swept
wi nqs wi th no concentrated masses located on the 1 i fti no surface. The
aerodynaMi cs uti 1 i zed are only adeauate for subsonic vel ociti es. Control
surface fl utter is not addressed bv the program. ·These 1 imi tati ons are
further stressed by noting that the program is only to be used as a guide and
not the final authority for determining if a wing is free from flutter.

12
 APPENDIX A
Copy of Computer Program Listing
The flutter solution was programmed on an Apple lIE computer. Printed and
plotted solutions were obtained with an Epson printer with Graftrax interfaced
by a Mi crobuffer II interface.! The computer was confi gured with 64K of
internal memory and the program used less than 40K. This program was written
in Applesoft BASIC. Obviously, the program will not run on other small
computers unless it is modified to account for differences in other
manufacturers BASIC codes. However, the conversion of the code shoul d be
relatively straightforward in most instances.
The listin~ of the program begins on the next paqe.

lUse of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement, either

expressed or implied, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

13
10 REM FLUTTER PROGRAM -- MODULAR SUBROUTINES
20 PR# 1
30 PRINT CHR$ (9);"lL"
: PRINT CHR$ (9);"80N"
40 PR# 0
50 GOSUB 1000
60 GOSUB 2000
70 GOSUB 3000
80 GOSUB 3500
90 GOSUB 4000
100 GOSUB 4500
110 PRINT
: PRINT
: INPUT "MACH NUMBER? ";MCH
120 FOR L = 1 TO NR
130 PR# 1
: PRINT CHR$ (12)
140 PRINT "MACH NUMBER: ";MCH;" AIR DENSITY ";RHOCL);" SLUGS/FT A 3"
150 PR# 0
160 GOSUB 500
170 GOSUB 6000
180 FOR Q = 1 TO 25
190 GOSUB 5000
200 GOSUB 7000
210 GOSUB 8000
220 GOSUB 9000
230 GOSUB 10000
240 GOSUB 11000
250 GOSUB 12000
260 GOSUB 13000
270 GOSUB 17000
280 GOSUB 14000
290 NEXT Q
300 GOSUB 15000
310 PR# 1
320 PRINT CHR$ (9);"G2RDL"
330 TEXT
340 PR# 0
350 FOR TO = 1 TO 500
: NEXT TD
360 NEXT L
370 INPUT "DO YOU WANT TO SEE ANOTHER MACH NUMBER? ";R$
380 IF R$ = "Y" THEN 110
390 END
500 REM INITIALIZE GRAPHICS
510 HGR2
520 HCOLOR= 2
530 HPLOT 0,0 TO 0,42
: HPLOT 0,50 TO 0,191

14
540 FOR X = 0 TO 278 STEP 2
550 HCOLOR= 2
560 HPLOT X,42
: HPLOT X, 11 7
570 HCOLOR= 1
580 HPLOT (X + 1> ,42
: HPLOT (X + 1),117
590 NEXT X
600 HPLOT 275,44
HPLOT 279,44
: HPLOT 275,45
: HPLOT 279,45
: HPLOT 277,47
610 HPLOT 275,119
HPLOT 279,119
: HPLOT 275,120,
: HPLOT 279,120
: HPLOT .277,122
620 HCOLOR= 2
: HPLOT 276,46
: HPLOT 278,46
630 HPLOT 276,121
: HPLOT 278,121
640 RETURN
1000 REM DIMENSION VARIABLES
1010 DIM OMEGAF(2) ,K(126),KI(126) ,LH(2),LA(2) ,MOMENT (2) ,COEFF(3,2) ,VEL(2
),G(2,126),KN(2),KP(2)
1020 RETURN
2000 REM SET CONSTANTS
2010 PI = 3.14159265
2020 R1 = 0.165
:R2 = 1
:R3 0.335
:R4 1
2030 11 = 0
:12 - .0455
:13 o
:14 - .3
2040 RETURN
3000 REM GET INPUT DATA
3010 HOME
3020 INPUT "MASS PER FOOT SPAN (SLUGS) ? ";MASS
3030 INPUT " C-G LOCATION (% OF CHORD) ? ";CG
3040 INPUT "WING MOMENT OF INERTIA ABOUT ROTATION POINT (SLUG-FT .... 2) ? If;
IALPHA
3050 INPUT "ELASTIC AXIS LOCATION (% OF CHORD) ? ";EA
3060 INPUT "SEM I -CHORD LENGTH (FEET> ? "; SEMCH
3070 INPUT "NATURAL BENDING FREQUENCY (HZ) ? ";OH
3080 INPUT "NATURAL TORSION FREQUENCY (HZ) ? ";OA
3090 INPUT "STRUCTURAL DAMPING - BENDING (% CRITICAL DAMPING) ? ";GH
3100 INPUT "STRUCTURAL DAMPING - TORSION (% CRITICAL DAMPING) ? ",GT
3110 INPUT " FULL SPAN ASPECT RATIO ? "; RTIO
3120 PRINT
: PRINT
3130 HOME
3140 REM CHECK PARAMETERS FOR CORRECTNESS
3150 PRIt 1
3160 PRINT CHR$ (12)
3170 PRINT "INPUT PARAMETERS: "
3180 PRINT

15
 : PRINT "MASS PER FOOT SPAN: ";MASS;" SLUGS"
3190 PRINT
3200 PRINT "CG LOCATION: ";CG;" X CHORD"
3210 PRINT
3220 PRINT "PITCH INERTIA: ";IALPHA;" SLUG-FT"'2 "
3230 PRINT
3240 PRINT "ELASTIC AXIS LOCATION: ";EA;" X CHORD"
3250 PRINT
3260 PRINT "SEMI-CHORD: ";SEMCH," FEET"
3270 PRINT
3280 PRINT "NATURAL BENDING FREQUENCY "IOH," HZ"
3290 PRINT
3300 PRINT "NATURAL TORSION FREQUENCY "lOA;" HZ"
3310 PRINT
3320 PRINT "BENDING DAMPING ",GH;" X CRITICAL DAMPING"
3330 PRINT
3340 PRINT "TORSION DAMPING ";GT;" XCRITICAL DAMPING"
3350 PRINT
3360 PRINT "FULL SPAN ASPECT RATIO I ",RTIO
3370 PRINT
: PRINT
: PR# 0
3380 PRINT
: INPUT "IS THIS CORRECT (Y/N> ? ";A$
3390 PRINT
: PRINT
: PRINT
3400 IF A$ < > "Y" THEN 3000
3410 EA = EA / 100
3420 GH = GH / 100
3430 GT = GT / 100
3440 CG = CG / 100
3450 RETURN
3500 REM GET PLOT DATA
3510 HOME
3520 INPUT "MAXIMUM VELOCITY TO BE PLOTTED (FEET/SEC) ? ";VMAX
3530 PRINT
3540 INPUT "MAXIMUM FREQUENCY TO BE PLOTTED (HZ) ? ";FMAX
3550 PRINT
3560 INPUT "MAXIMUM G-VALUE TO BE PLOTTED? ";GMAX
3570 PR# 1
3580 HOME
3590 PRINT
: PRINT "MAXIMUM VELOCITY TO BE PLOTTED: ",VMAx;n FEET/SEC"
3600 PRINT
: PRINT "MAXIMUM FREQUENCY TO BE PLOTTED: ";FMAX;" HZ"
3610 PRINT
: PRINT "MAXIMUM G-VALUE TO BE PLOTTED: ";GMAX
3620 PRINT
: PR# 0
3630 PRINT
: INPUT" IS THIS CORRECT (Y/N) ? n;A$
3640 PRINT " "
3650 IF A$ < > "Y" THEN 3500
3660 HOME
3670 PRINT
: INPUT "ARE INTERMEDIATE VALUES TO BE PRINTED? ";N$
3680 PR# 1
3690 PRINT
: PRINT

16
3700 PR# 0
3710 RETURN
4000 REM READ K-VALUES
4010 FOR 1 = 1 TO 25
4020 READ K<I)
4030 KI(1) = 1 I K(I)
4040 NEXT I
4050 DATA 10.00,6.00,4.00,3.00,2.00,1.50,1.20,1.00,0.80,0.66,0.60,0.56,
0.50,0.40,0.30,0.20,0.16,0.12,0.10,0.08,0.06,0.04,0.025,0.01,0.001
4060 RETURN
4500 REM READ IN OR GET RHO VALUES
4510 HOME
4520 PRINT "INPUT OPTIONS ON RHO: "
: PRINT
4530 PRINT" 1. SINGLE RHO-USER DECIDED"
4540 PRINT" 2. MULTIPLE RHO'S-USER DECIDED"
4550 PRINT
: INPUT "OPTION? ";CH
4560 IF CH = 1 THEN 4650
4570 PRINT
: INPUT "HOW MANY RHO VALUES DO YOU WANT TO INPUT "INR
4580 PRINT
: INPUT "INTERVAL BETWEEN VALUES? ";RI
4590 PRINT
: INPUT uBEGINNING RHO VALUE? ";BR
4600 DIM RHO(NR)
4610 FOR L ... 1 TO NR
4620 RHO(L) = BR + (L - 1) * RI
4630 NEXT L .
4640 RETURN
4650 NR = 1
4660 I NPUT II RHO VALUE ? "; RHO ( 1>
4670 RETURN
5000 REM CALCULATE THEODORSON VALUES
5010 L1 = 12 I K (Q)
:L2 = 14 I K(Q)
5020 H = (Rl * R2 + 11 * Ll) I «R2 A 2) + (Ll A 2»
5030 J = (R3 * R4 + 13 * L2) I «R4 A 2) + (L2 A 2»
5040 N = 1 - H - J
5050 HI = (R2 * 11 - Rl * Ll) I «R2 A 2) + (Ll A 2»
5060 JI = (R4 * 13 - R3 * L2) I «R4 A 2) + (L2 A 2»
5070 NI =°-
5080 LH(l)
HI - JI
1 + 2 * NI * KI(Q)
5090 LH(2) - 2 * N * KI(Q)
5100 LA(l) = 1 I 2 + 2 * KI(Q) * NI - 2 * N * KI(Q) A 2
5110 LA(2) = - KI(Q) - 2 * KI(Q) * N - 2 * (KI(Q) A 2) * NI
5120 LR (1) = LA (1) ,
:LR(2) = LA(2)
5130 FOR Z = 1 TO 2
5140 LA(Z) = (1 I (1 + 2 I (.85 * RTIO») * LR(Z)
5150 NEXT Z
5160 MOMENT(l) = 3 I 8
5170 MOMENT (2) = - KI(Q)
5180 FOR Z = 1 TO 2
5190 MOMENT(Z) = LA(Z) I LR(Z) * MOMENT(Z)
5200 NEXT Z
5210 BETA = 1 I SQR (1 - MCH A 2)
5220 FOR X = 1 TO 2
5230 LH(X) *
LH(X) BETA
5240 LA(X)= LA(X) * BETA

17
 5250 MOMENT(X) = MOMENT(X) * BETA
5260 NEXT X
5270 RETURN
6000 REM SET INTERMEDIATE CONSTANTS
6010 MU = MASS I (PI * RHO(L) * SEMCH A 2)
6020 IF MU > 4 THEN 6050
6030 PR# 1
: PRINT "WARNING - LOW MASS RATIO MAY INVALIDATE EQUATIONS ".
6040 PR# 0
6050 XALPHA = 2 * CG - 2 * EA
6060 RALPHA2 = IALPHA I (MASS * (SEMCH A 2»
6070 PSI = MU * RALPHA2
6080 PHI = - 1 I 2 + 2 * EA
6090 DLTA = (OH IDA) A 2
6100 TAU = MU * XALPHA
6110 RETURN
7000 REM SET COEFFICIENTS
7010 COEFF(l,l) = MU * DLTA * PSI * (1 - GH * GT)
7020 COEFF(1,2) = MU * DLTA * PSI * (GT + GH)
7030 COEFF(2,1) = MU * DLTA * (PHI 1 2 - MOMENT(l) + LA(l) * PHI - LH(l) *
PHI A 2 - PSI - LA(2) * GH * PHI + GH * LH(2) * PHI A 2 + MOMENT(2) *
GH) + PSI * (LH(2) * GT - LH(l) - MU)
7040 COEFF(2,2) = MU * DLTA * (PHI * LA(2) - PHI A 2 * LH(2) - MOMENT(2) +
PHI I 2 * GH - MOMENT(l) * GH + LA(l) * PHI * GH - GH * LH(l) * PHI A
2 - PSI * GH) + PSI * ( - LH(1) * GT - LH(2) - MU * GT)
7050 COEFF(3,1) = PSI * LH(l) + MOMENT(l) * LH(l) + MU * PSI - MU * PHI I
2 + MU * MOMENT(l) - MU * LA(l) * PHI + MU * LH(l) * PHI A 2 - MOMEN
T(2) * LH(2) - TAU A 2 + 2 * LH(l) * PHI - 1 I 2 * LA(l) - TAU 1 2 -
TAU * LA(ll
7060 COEFF(3,2) = LH(2) * (PSI - PHI I 2 - LA(l) * PHI + LH(l) * PHI A 2)
+ (LH(1) + MU) * (MOMENT(2) - LA(2) * PHI + LH(2) * PHI A 2) + LH(2
) * PHI * (TAU + LA(l) - LH(l) * PHI) - (LA(2) - LH(2) * PHI) * (TAU
+ 1 I 2 - LH(1) * PHI)
7070 RETURN
8000 REM SET 2ND INTERMEDIATE VALUES
8010 DR = COEFF(2,1) A 2 - COEFF(2,2) A 2 - 4 * COEFF(l,l) * COEFF(3,1) +
4 * COEFF(1,2) * COEFF(3,2)
8020 DI = 2 * COEFF(2,1) * COEFF(2,2) - 4 * COEFF(l,l) * COEFF(3,2) + 4 *
COEFF(1,2) * COEFF(3,1)
8030 SI = SQR « - DR + SQR (DR A 2 + DI A 2» I 2)
8040 SR = DI I (2 * SI)
8050 RETURN
9000 REM SET 3RD INTERMEDIATE VALUES
9010 V « - COEFF(2,l) + SRI * 2 * COEFF(l,l) + ( - COEFF(2,2) + SI) *
2 * COEFF(1,2» I (4 * (COEFF(l,l) A 2 + COEFF(1,2) A 2»
9020 Z = « - COEFF(2,1) - SRI * 2 * COEFF(l,l) + ( - COEFF(2,2) - 51) *
2 * COEFF(1,2» I (4 * (COEFF(l,l) A 2 + COEFF(1,2) A 2»
9030 U (2 * COEFF(l,l) * ( - COEFF(2,2) + SI) - ( - COEFF(2,1) + SRI *
2 * COEFF(1,2» I (4 * (COEFF(l,l) A 2 + COEFF(1,2) A 2»
9040 W (2 * COEFF(l,l) * ( - COEFF(2,2) - SI) - ( - COEFF(2,1) - SRI *
2 * COEFF(1,2» I (4 * (COEFF(l,l) A 2 + COEFF(1,2) A 2»
9050 RETURN
10000 REM SOLVE FOR FLUTTER FREQUENCIES
10010 IF V < 0 THEN 10100
10020 IF Z < 0 THEN 10100
10030 OMEGAF(l) = OA I SQR (V)
10040 OMEGAF(2) = OA I SQR (Z)
10050 RETURN
10100 TEXT
10110 PRINT "NEGATIVE NUMBER UNDER SQUARE ROOT WHEN TRYING TO SOLVE FOR

18
 FLUTTER FREQUENCY";
10120 PRINT .
I PRINT "CALCULATIONS ABORTED";
10130 END
11000 REM SOLVE FOR FLUTTER VELOCITY
11010 VEL(l) = SEMCH * OMEGAF(l) * 2 * PI I K(O)
11020 VEL(2) = SEMCH * OMEGAF(2) * 2 * PI I K(O)
11030 RETURN
12000 REM SET 4TH INTERMEDIATE VALUES
12010 Cl = (OA I OMEGAF(l» A 2
12020 C2 = (OA I OMEGAF(2» A 2
12030 RETURN
13000 REM SOLVE FOR G-VALUES
13010 G(l,Q) = U I Cl
13020 G (2, Q) = W I C2
13030 RETURN
14000 REM PRINT OUT PRELIMINARY DATA
14010 IF N$ < > "Y" THEN 14040
14020 PRtt 1
14030 PRINT
14040 PRINT "K-VALUE I ";K(O)
14050 PRINT
I PRINT "FREQUENCIES (HZ) " ; OMEGAF ( 1 ) ; ., ";OMEGAF(2)
14060 PRINT
I PRINT "VELOCITIES (F/S) 1 ";VEL(l);" ";VEL(2)
14070 PRINT
: PRINT "G-VALUE ";6(2,(;1)
14080 PRINT
: PRINT
14090 RETURN
15000 REM DWELL ON FLUTTER
15010 MR = 0
15020 RL = 0
15030 FOR E = 1 TO 2
15040 Fl = 0
15050 FOR M = 1 TO 25
15060 Sl = G(E,M)
152 = G(E,M + 1)
15070 IF Sl < 0 AND 52 > 0 AND Fl = 0 THEN GOSUB 15400
15080 NEXT M
15090 NEXT E
15100 IF KN(l) > KN(2) THEN R = 1
15110 IF KN(2) > KN(l) THEN R = 2
15120 KL = KN(R)
:KH = KP(R)
15130 FOR Q = 26 TO 125
15140 K(Q) = (KL + KH) I 2
15150 KI(Q) = 1 I K(O)
15160 GOSUS 5000
15170 GOSUS 7000
15180 GOSUS 8000
15190 GOSUS 9000
15200 GOSUS 10000
15210 GOSUB 11000
15220 G05UB 12000
15230 GOSUS 13000
15240 GOSUB 17000
15250 GOSUS'16000
15260 IF MR = 1 THEN 15310
15270. IF 6(1,0) > 0 AND 6(2,(;1) > 0 THEN KH = K(G!)

19
 15280 IF G(1,Q) < 0 AND G(2,Q) < 0 THEN KL = K(Q)
15290 IF (G(1,Q) > 0 AND G(2,Q) < 0) OR (G(I,Q) < 0 AND G(2,Q) > 0) THEN
KH = K(Q)
15300 NEXT Q
15310 RETURN
15400 Fl = 1
:KN(E) = K(M)
:KP(E) = K(M + 1)
: RETURN
16000 REM PRINT DWELLING DATA
16010 IF N$ < > "V" THEN 16040
16020 PR# 1
16030 PRINT
16040 PRINT "K-VALUE : ";K(Q)
16050 PRINT
: PRINT "FREQUENCIES I It.OMEGAF(l);1t
16060 PRINT
. .,
"·OMEGAF(2)

: PRINT "VELOCITIES I It; VEL (1) ; " It;VEL(2)

16070 PRINT
: PRINT ltG-VALUES I ";G(I,Q);" ";G(2,Q)
16080 IF RL = 1 THEN 16170
16090 IF ABS (VEL(l) - VA) < = 1 OR ABS (VEL(2) - VB) < = 1 THEN 161 .
20
16100 VA = VEL(l)
:VB = VEL(2)
16110 GOTO 16190
16120 RL = 1
:MR = 1
16130 PR# 1
16140 PRINT
16145 IF N$ = "V" THEN PRINT CHR$ (12)
16150 PRINT "THE AIRCRAFT lULL FLUTTER NEAR THE FOLLOWING VALUES"
16160 GOTO 16030
16170 PRINT
16180 PRINT GMAX * ( - 1);" STABLE DAMPING UNSTABLE "JGM
AX;" 0 FREQ (HZ) It;FMAX; i
16190 RETURN
17000 REM PLOT DATA
17010 Xl INT (VEL(1) / VMAX * 280)
17020 X2 = INT (VEL(2) / VMAX * 280)
17030 VI INT (G(1,Q) / GMAX * 75)
17040 V2 INT (G(2,Q) / GMAX * 75)
17050 Zl = INT (OMEGAF(l) / FMAX * 42)
17060 Z2 = INT (OMEGAF(2) / FMAX * 42)
17070 VI 117 - VI
:V2 = 117 - V2
:Zl = 42 - Zl
:Z2 = 42 - Z2
17080 IF Xl > 279 THEN 17160
17090 IF Zl < 0 THEN 17140
17100 IF Xl = (2 * INT (Xl / 2» THEN GOTO 17120
17110 HCOLOR= 1
: GOTO 17130
17120 HCOLOR= 2 ., I
17130 HPLOT Xl,Zl
17140 IF VI < 50 OR VI > 191 THEN 17160
17150 HPLOT Xl,Vl
17160 IF X2 > 279 THEN 17240
17170 IF Z2 < 0 THEN 17220
17180 IF X2 = (2 * INT (X2 / 2» THEN GOTO 17200

20
17190 HCOLOR= 1
: GOTO 17210
17200 HCOLOR= 2
17210 HPLOT X2,Z2
17220 IF Y2 < 50 OR Y2 > 191 THEN 17240
17230 HPLOT X2,Y2
17240 RETURN

21
 APPENDIX B
Sample Flutter Problem for Computer Pro~ram

Due to the fact that errors can occur in enteri n9 the program in the
computer, a sample case is given which can be used to determine if the program
is working correctly. The sample problem appears in reference 4 pp. 219-224.
The listed values for input are,
II = 76
a = -0.15
xa = .25
r2 = .388
a
b = 5 inches
Wa = 64.1 radians/sec.
wh = 55.9 radians/sec
9h = ga = 0
As most of these parameters are not in the units required as input for the
pr09ram, the units are converted as follows:
b = .4167 ft
fh = wh/2n = 8.9 Hz
fa = W/2n = 10.2 Hz
EA% = (1/2 + a/2)x100 = 42.5%
CG% = EA% + (xa/2 x 100) = 55%

Assuming sea level air density

p = .00237 slugs/ft 3
m = llnpb 2 = .098 slugs/ft-span
Therefore,

Furthermore, incompressible flow and infinite span are assumed. Therefore,

M =0
AR = 100,000,000 (Essentially infinite)
The input parameters appear in Table I.
The full solution includinq the intermediate values is presented herein
beginninq on pa~e 24. The solution is also plotted in Figure 6. The flutter
solution ;s found by tracking one root of the quadratic to the crossinq of the
axis. The two successive k-values which have damping values on opposite sides
of the axis are then averaged to determine the next k-value to be used. The
sol uti on process continues unti 1 the vel oci ty difference for two successive

22
k-values is less than one foot per second. In other words, after first
calculating that the flutter solution is between k-values of 0.3 and 0.2, the
program then iterates t6 find that the flutter solution is at a k-value of
0.28125. The flutter velocity is 89.3 ft/sec. The difference of· this soluiton
from the one founrl in reference 4 is less than one percent. The reason for
thi s di fference may he due to the aerod.vnami c approximati on of the prO!1ram.
The aerodynamics utilized by reference 4 are the actual va.lues calculated from
the Bessel functions whereas the algorithm used in the program is an
approximation of these functions.
It'is also interesting to note that the calculations at k-values of 0.01
and 0.001 indicate a second' instability at about 173 ft/sec where both the
frequency and dampi nC] of one of the modes goes to zero. Thi sis the stati c
divergence speed. The divergence phenomena is discussed in textbooks such as
referen~es 3, 4, and 6,

23
 MACH NUMBER : 0 AIR DENSITY: 2.37E-03 SLUGS/FT A 3

K-VALUE : 10

FREQUENCIES (HZ) : 12.4688466 7.90074515

VELOCITIES (FtS) 3.26459755 2.06857571

G-VALUE : -7.63529253E-05 -1. 87306349E-03

K-VALUE : 6

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.4655681 7.90116384

VELOCITIES (FtS) : 5.43956527 3.44780889

G-VALUE I -1.41403715E-04 -3. 12198597E-03

K-VALUE : 4

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.4588868 7.90205072

VELOCITIES (FtS) 8.15497465 5.17229385

G-VALUE -2. 52936026E-04 -4. 68383308E-03

K-VALUE : 3
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.4494208 7.90331766
VELOCITIES (FtS) 10.8650383 6.8974975
G-VALUE : -4.12481448E-04 -6. 24684599E-03

K-VALUE : 2

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.4221688 7.90697101

VELOCITIES (FtS) 16.2618817 10.3510289

G-VALUE : -9.33100061E-04 -9. 37824872E-03

K-VALUE : 1.5
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.3835824 7.9121559
VELOCITIES (FtS) 21.6151576 13.8104219

G-VALUE : -1.8052455E-03 -.0125208874

24
K-VALUE : 1.2
FREQUENCIES (HZ) I 12.333302 7.91894171
VELOCITIES (F/S) I 26.9092435 17.2778328
a-VALUE I -3.10577846E-03 -.0156811715

K-VALUE :1
FREQUENCIES (HZ) I 12.2709408 7.9274217

VELOCITIES (F/S) 32.127818 20.7556018

a-VALUE -4. 88165899E-03 -.0188676793

K-VALUE : .8
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 12.1539559 7.94358842
VELOCITIES (FiS) 39.7769097 25.9974119
a-VALUE : -8.45986823E-03 -.0237219461

K-VALUE : .66
FREQUENCIES (HZ) I 11.9981948 7. 9658}205
VELOCITIES (F/S) I 47.5965354 31.600175

a-VALUE : -.0133534084 -.0290210464

K-VALUE : .6
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 11.8942858 7.98119105

VELOCITIES (F/S) 51.902764 34.8273015

a-VALUE : -.0165571556 -.0321504883

K-VALUE I .56
FREQUENCIES (HZ) : 11.8050037 7.99481965
VELOCITIES (F/S) 55.1926781 37.3786845
a-VALUE : -.0192229777 -.0346779895

25
 K-VALUE : .5
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 11.6273907 8.02324407

VELOCITIES (FlS) 60.8857458 42.0129684

G-VALUE : -.0242034231 -.0394240991

K-VALUE : .4
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 11.1289104 8.11506943

VELOCITIES (F/S) 72.8443754 53.1172543

G-VALUE : -.0351844704 -.052067462

K-VALUE : .3
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 9.99785211 8.44082058

VELOCITIES (F/S) 87.2546984 73.6659481

G-VALUE : -.0347203235 -.0898817964

K-VALUE : .2
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 8.81288397 8.56418574
VELOCITIES CF/S) 115.36961 112.113898

G-VALUE : .243699161 -.437955103

K-VALUE : .16

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 8.45132548 8.12400021

VELOCITIES (F/S) 138.295552 132.939277

G-VALUE : .332460844 -.561335102

K-VALUE: .12

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 7.85576763 7.2834035

VELOCITIES (F/S) 171.399974 158.911927
G-VALUE : .382571844 -.632265805

26
.. K-VALUE I .1
FREQUENCIES (HZ) I 7.42124838' 6.5961167
VELOCITIES (F/S) 194.303371 172.699746
G-VALUE I .366175506 -.610284063

K-VALUE I .08

FREQUENCIES (HZ) 6.93017177 5.60964015

VELOCITIES (F/S) I 226.807484 183.58973 .

G-VALUE I .285409318 -.506082019

K-VALUE : .06
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 6.69811934 4.23294678

VELOCITIES (F/S) 292.283971 184.711921

G-VALUE : .147128775' -.334656658

K-VALUE : .04
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 6.76022733 2.75350606
VELOCITIES (F/S) 442.49124 180.230967

G-VALUE : .0668321095 -.219908692

K-VALUE : .025

FREQUENCIES (HZ) I 6.80672942 1.68681855

VELOCITIES (F/S) 712.856061 176.657357
G-VALUE : .0351797178 -.147910484

K-VALUE : .01
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 6.83071834 .66366487
VELOCITIES (F/S) 1788.42094 173.760956
G-VALUE : .01282117 -.0636466531

27
 K-VALUE : 1E-03
FREQUENCIES (HZ) 6.57653004 .Obb10b8688

VELOCITIES (F/S) I 17218.6928 173.081223

G-VALUE : 1.b4635228E-03 -6. 47b06803E-03

K-VALUE : .25
FREQUENCIES 9.13877632 8.80154616

VELOCITIES 95.708b978 92.1769493

G-VALUES .102772118 -.25b309331

K-VALUE .275
FREQUENCIES 9. 4465800b 8.70630525
VELOCITIES 89.9384262 82.8904628
G-VALUES 5. 42088915E-03 -.142427175

K-VALUE .2875
FREQUENCIES 9.7390505 8.55501294
VELOCITIES 88.691528 77.9087416
G-VALUES -.0240007964 -.106496951

K-VALUE .28125
FREQUENCIES 9.59222603 8.62878413
VELOCITIES 89. 295b372 80.3267954
G-VALUES -.012886655 -.120744428

THE AIRCRAFT WILL FLUTTER NEAR THE FOLLOWING VALUES

K-VALUE : .28125
FREQUENCIES 9.59222603 8.62878413
VELOCITIES 89.2956372 80.3267954
Note: When the program is executed,
G-VALUES -.012886655 -.120744428 a plot of the results similar
to the one shown in Figure 6
will be output following the
listing.
28
 APPENDIX C
. A matched point solution is presented in this section.' The solution is
cal cu1 atedfor four di.fferent Mach numbers and the sol uti on is presented in
~ terms of dynamic pressure, altitude and equivalent airspeed.
The wi ng to be analyzed is taken from reference 3, page 203. An aspect
ratio of eight was assumed. The input appears in table II. Air density
option two was chosen and calculations were made for six value of air
density. The interval between values was 0.0004 and the startinq value was
0.0004. The speed of sound at each air density was obtained from a standard
atmosphere chart and then multiplied by the appropriate Mach number to obtain
the coreresponding velocity.
The results for each Mach number are in Table III.
Results at M = .4. When the flutter velocity is plotted versus air density as
shown in Figure 7, it is seen that the aircraft does not flutter at M = .4 at
any altitude above sea level. Therefore, at W= .4 the aircraft is safe from
f1 utter.
Results at M = .5. The velocity is plotted versus air density in Figure 8 the
curve intersects the Mach 0.5 curve at an air density value of .0021
slugs/ft3 and a velocity of 550 ft/sec.
Therefore,
q = 1/2.pV2 = 317.6 lb/ft 2

The altitude H, in feet, can be calculated for altitudes less than about
40,000 feet usin!l the fo110winq eQuation which was derived from eQuations
obtained from reference 5.

H = 145450 [1-( p ).23496]

• .00237

Thus for p = .0021 the altitude is H = 4075 ft.

The equivalent airspeed is:
Ve = V~.00237 = 517.7 ft/sec

Therefore, the aircraft is safe from flutter at M = .5 for altitudes greater

than 4075 ft. If the plane was at 4075 ft., the aircraft would flutter when
the equivalent airspeed is 517 ft/sec. For a more detailed description of the
relevance of equivalent airspeed see reference 8.

29
Results at M= .6
Using the above procedure, a matched point is found by using Figure 9. The
plot indicates the curves crossing at an air density of 0.0014 slugs/ft3 and
a velocity of 630 ft/sec. The flutter conditions are therefore:

Q = 277.8 lb/ft 2
H = 16922 ft
Ve = 484.2 ft/sec

Results at M = .8
Using Figure 10, the matched point occurs at

p = .00065 slugs/ft3
V = 780 ft/sec .

Therefore,

Q = i97.8 lbs/ft 2
H = 38124 ft
Ve = 408.5 ft/sec

When plotted as dynamic pressure versus Mach number as shown in Figure 11, the
flutter boundary is described. However, when plotted as eQuivalent airspeed
versus Mach number as in Fi gure 12, the f1 utter boundary takes on added
l'1eanin~ when the altitude lines are drawn. This plot makes it easy to
visualize where the aircraft is safe in terms of altitude and equivalent air
speed. The abbreviation "K" means thousand and is utilized in terms of feet
(i.e., 10K means 10,000 feet altitude).

30
 REFERENCES
1. Theodorsen, T.: General Theory of' Aerodynamic Instability and the
Mechanism of Flutter. NACA TR 496, 1935.
2. Theodorsen, T.; and Garrick,!. L: Mechanism of Flutter, A Theoretical
and Experimental Investigation of the Flutter Problem. NACA TR 685, 1940.
3. Scanlan, Rohert H.; and RosenbauM, Rohert: Aircraft Vibration and
Flutter. Dover Publications, Inc., New York, NY, 1968.
4. Fung, Y. C.: The Theory of Aeroelasticity. Dover Puhlications, Inc., New
York, NY, 1969.
5. Dommasch, Daniel 0.; Sherby, Sydney S.; and Connolly, Thomas F.: Airplane
Aerodynami cs. Thi rd Editi on. Pitman Puhl i shi n(] Corporati on, New York,
NY, 1961.
6. Bisplinqhoff, Raymond L.; Ashley, Holt; and Halfman, Robert L.:
Aeroel asti city. Second Editi on. Addi son-Wesl ey Publ i shi nq COMpany, Inc.,
Reading, MA, 1957.
7. Ricketts, Rodney H.: Structural Testing for Static Failure, Flutter, and
Other Scary Things. NASA TM-R4606, 1983.
8. Hanson, P. W.: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Fl utter But Were Too
Smart to Ask! Soaring, August 1977, Pp. 40-45.

31
 Table I.- Input for problem in Appendix B.

INPUT PARAMETERS :

MASS PER FOOT SPAN: .098 SLUGS

CG LOCATION : 55 Yo CHORD

PITCH INERTIA: 6.6E-03 SLUG-FT A 2

ELASTIC AXIS LOCATION : 42.5 Yo CHORD

SEMI-CHORD: .4167 FEET

NATURAL BENDING FREQUENCY ~ 8.9 HZ

NATURAL TORSION FREQUENCY 10.2 HZ

BENDING DAMPING : 0 Yo CRITICAL DAMPING

TORSION DAMPING : 0 %CRITICAL DAMPING

FULL SPAN ASPECT RATIO : 100000000

MAXIMUM VELOCITY TO BE PLOTTED: 200 FEET/SEC

MAXIMUM FREQUENCY TO BE PLOTTED : 15 HZ

MAXIMUM G-VALUE TO BE PLOTTED: .05

32
Table 11.- Input for problem in Appendix C.

INPUT PARAMETERS :

MASS PER FOOT SPAN: .6516 SLUGS

CG LOCATION : 46 % CHORD

PITCH INERTIA: 3.375 SLUG-FT A 2

ELASTIC AXIS LOCATION : 35 % CHORD

SEMI-CHORD: 3.125 FEET

NATURAL BENDING FREQUENCY: 9.9 HZ

NATURAL TORSION FREQUENCY 16.02 HZ

BENDING DAMPING : 0 % CRITICAL DAMPING

TORSION DAMPING 0 %CRITICAL DAMPING

FULL SPAN ASPECT RATIO : 8

MAXIMUM VELOCITY TO BE PLOTTED: 1200 FEET/SEC

MAXIMUM FREQUENCY TO BE PLOTTED : 20 HZ

MAXIMUM G-VALUE TO BE PLOTTED: .05

33
 Table 111.- Results of Matched Point Problem in Appendix C

Mach Number Air Density Flutter Velocity Mach Number

M p, 3 V, Velocity, MVa,ft/sec
slugs/ft ft/sec
.4 .0004 1192 387
.0008 862 393
.0012 717 412
.0016 630 426
.0020 572 438
.0024 529 447
.5 .0004 1161 484
.0008 840 492
.0012 699 515
.0016 614 533
.0020 559 547
.0024 516 559
.6 .0004 1118 581
.0008 810 590
.0012 674 618
.0016 594 640
.0020 539 656
.0024 500 670
.8 .0004 977 774
.0008 709 786
.0012 593 824
.0016 525 853
.0020 480 875
.0024 448 894

...

34
 Ia

Stable
Time

Ib

Neutrally stable

Ie

Unstable

Figure 1.- Time histories of stability.

35
 ,~..~---------------------c~.-------------------~~I
I~~~-----b ~I
14 ab .,

(+Xa.f
---
,
h
Wing torsion spring

Figure 2.- Wing parameters utilized in analysis.

>,
u
s::
QJ
::J
c:r
QJ
~
ILL.

,Velocity

en
.....s::
c..
E
ttl
CI

Figure 3.- Typical plots for a flutter solution.

36
 " ,

Figure 4.- location of center of gravity of a wing.

~I

-
Figure 5.- location of elastic axis of a wing.
 3
Mach number: 0 Air density: 2.37E-03 Slugs/ft
The aircraft will flutter near the following values
.K-value: .28125
Frequencies: 9.59222603 8.62878413
Velocities .89.2956372 80.3267954
G-values -.012886655 -.120744428
-.05 Stable ,Damping. Unstable .05 0 •Freq (Hz) 15
•• •• ••
•• •• •
• • •
• • • •
• •
• • • •
• • • •
• •• •
• • •
• • •
• •
• •
• • •
• •
• •

• • •
•
••
• • • • J
•
•

•
•

..
•

• .• . ••

••
•
< c
Figure 6.- Solution of sample problem in Appendix B.

38
 1200

1000,

800:
Flutter velocity

-u
III
<II

....
~

>
.
. 600

0 0
400 0 0- ---o=~ '. 0-
. Mach .4
200
SL
0 .0004 .0008 .0012 .0016 .0020 .0024
P. 51 u95/ft 3

Figure 7.- M~tched pOint for Mach .4.

1200

1000

800
Matched point,

-u
III
<II

....
'~

>
600

400 Mach .5

200
SL

0 .0004 .oooa .0012 .0016 .0020 .0024

P. 51 ugs/ft 3

Figure 8.- Matched point for Mach .5.

39,
 Matched point
U
QJ

.....
III

........
>
.

200
SL

o .0008 .0016 .0020 .0024

P. 51 ug5/ft 3 -

Figure 9.- Matched point for Mach .6.

1200

Mach .8
1000

800
u
QJ

.....
III Flutter velocity
........ 600
>
.
400

200
."
SL

o .0024
P. 51u95/ft 3

Figure 10.- Matched point for Mach .8.

40
 400

300

....
VI
a.
200

100

o
Mach number
_ Figure ll.- Dynamic pressure flutter boundary.
Sl 10K 20K 30K
600

500

400
u
Ql
VI
.......
......... 300
~

Ql
>

200

100

o .2 .4 .6 .8 1.0
Mach number
Figure 12.- Equivalent airspeed flutter boundary.

41
 1. Repol"t No.
NASA TM-86381
I 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.

4. Title and Subtitle 5. Repon Date

TWO DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM FLUTTER SOLUTION FOR A February 1985
PERSONAL COMPUTER 6. Performing Organization Code
505-33-43-07 .
7. Author(s) 8. Performing Organization Report No.

David L. Turnock
~---------------------------4 10. Work Unit No.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
NASA Langley Research Center
11. Contract or Grant No.
Hampton, VA 23665

.....-----------------------------1 13. Type of Repon and Period Covered

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address Technical Memorandum
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 14. Sponsoring Agency Code
Washington, DC 20546
This work was performed while the author, a student at Purdue
15. Supplementary Notes
University, was on work assignment to the Langley· Research Center in conjunction
with the NASA Cooperative Education Work-Study Program.
16. Abstract

A computer prograrrmed flutter solution has been written in the BASIC language
for a personal computer. The program is for two degree-of-freedom bending-
torsion fl utter appl ications and util izes two di.mensional Theodorsen aero-
dynamics. The aerodynamics have been modified to include approximations for
Mach number (compressibility) effects and aspect ratio (finite span) effects.
The report contains a description of the program including input options,
user instructions, program listing, and a test case application.

17. Key Words (Suggested by Author(s)) 18. Distribution Statement

Flutter Unclassified - Unlimited
Divergence
Computer program Subject Category 05

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 20. Security Classif. (of this page) 21. No. of Pages 22. Price
Unclassified Unclassifi.ed 42 A03
N-305 For sale by the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161
End of Document