Pitching dynamic response of variable sweep wing aircraft (2024)

FAQs

What are the problems with variable sweep wings? ›

One is that the stalling speed is increased, necessitating long runways (unless complex high-lift wing devices are built in). Another is that the aircraft's fuel consumption during subsonic cruise is higher than that of an unswept wing.

During the runup/checkout before takeoff, the wing would be rotated to the unswept position for increased climb performance. Once airborne, the wing would be pivoted to the sweep angle that provides the best aerodynamic performance and noise abatement at the current speed.

The design of fixed wings reduces drag, making them more aerodynamically efficient than variable sweep wings. This increased efficiency results in reduced fuel consumption and increased range.

The first aircraft capable of varying the sweep of its wings in flight was the Bell X-5, an experimental aircraft used by NASA in the 1950s to test wing angles. It was not the prototype of an operational aircraft, but a testbed to explore the aerodynamic effects of variable-sweep wings.

It makes the wing less efficient aerodynamically, is detrimental to stall characteristics, causes serious aeroelastic problems, and requires a structurally inefficient discontinuous spar. In addition to the following discussion, also review Section 9.4. 7, Swept Planforms.

There is a strong correlation between low-speed drag and aspect ratio, the span compared to chord, so a swept wing always has more drag at lower speeds. In addition, there is extra torque applied by the wing to the fuselage which has to be allowed for when establishing the transfer of wing-box loads to the fuselage.

How does a wing sweep increase aircraft stability? - Quora. Wing sweep acts similarly to dihedral in that it tends to damp yaw and roll effects. Simplified: As the plane yaws, the wing that comes forward will present a larger surface area to the airflow and this will drag it back.

Since commercial airliners cruise in the transonic region above Mach 0.8, sweep angles are typically less than 40°. Fighter aircraft capable of speeds in excess of Mach 1.5 generally are designed with sweep angles up to 60°.

The F14 was meant for high speed, long range based on the Soviet bomber capabilities as well as to avoid missiles (F-14 max speed Mach 2.4). Without swept wings, it could not carrier-land due to stall speed with wings swept.

A sweep account automatically transfers cash funds into a safe but higher interest-earning investment option at the close of each business day, e.g., into a money market fund. Sweep accounts try to minimize cash drag by capitalizing on the immediate availability of higher-interest accounts.

Should I choose variable or fixed rate? ›

Interest Rate Trends and Forecast: In general, if you think interest rates are going up, locking into a fixed rate agreement is favorable (at least in the short term). If you think interest rates are going down, a variable rate agreement is ideal in the short term.

Swept Wings, characterized by their rearward angle from the fuselage towards the tips, are a defining feature of high-speed aircraft designed for transonic and supersonic flight. This design reduces aerodynamic drag and delays shock wave formation, enhancing performance and efficiency at high speeds.

One of the main disadvantages of swept wings is increased stalling speeds. Stalling speed is the minimum speed an airplane must fly to maintain sufficient lift.

A variable-sweep wing (swing-wing) is a type of pivoted wing that takes advantage of the aerodynamics of a swept wing at high speeds while swinging straight to avoiding the drawbacks of such a design at lower speeds.

It gave people concussions due to the swinging force of the blade.

One of the drawbacks of forward swept wings is the increased chance of divergence, an aeroelastic consequence of the lift force on forward swept wings twisting the tip upwards under increased lift.

The delta wing, for example, has low drag at high speeds due to its swept-back shape, and it weighs less, which allows more fuel to be carried. But the delta wing has more drag when maneuvering. Traditional wings, on the other hand, have less drag when maneuvering but more drag at high speeds, and they are heavier.