Aerodynamic longitudinal coefficient modeling during aircraft design phases

Abstract

© 2016 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.The objectives of this work is to show appropriated available methodologies used to calculate and modeling aerodynamic coefficients in the distinct aircraft design phases, mainly the Conceptual and Preliminary Phases, as well as present the main recommended practices and general structure of the aerodynamic model to attend the requirements of different technologies during design cycles, such as Loads and Flight Dynamics. This work shows how to get longitudinal aerodynamic coefficients and derivatives from wind tunnel tests, theoretical and empirical methods. The whole approach of this paper will focus on methodologies and techniques that are in public domain. Another important concern of this paper is to make clear that the use of each methodology regards complexity and accuracy is dependent on the aircraft design phase, staff expertise, company experience and design budget. However, understanding the best practices of the aerodynamic modeling is essential to achieve success in the aircraft design. Thus, this work brings a contribution in the sense to show appropriated methodology options under design constraints, starting with the general arrangement concept of an Aerodynamic Model as a part of the Aircraft Simulation Model.