Rotary Wing Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity

Book excerpt: Drawing on his extensive experience as a practicing engineer, designer, educator, and researcher in rotorcraft, the author presents a comprehensive account of the fundamental concepts of structural dynamics and aeroelasticity for conventional rotary wing aircraft, as well as for tilt-rotor and tilt-wing concepts. Intended for use in graduate-level courses and by practicing engineers, the volume covers all of the important topics needed for the complete understanding of rotorcraft structural dynamics and aeroelasticity, including basic analysis tools, rotating beams, gyroscopic phenomena, drive system dynamics, fuselage vibrations, methods for controlling vibrations, dynamic test procedures, stability analysis, mechanical and aeromechanical instabilities of rotors and rotor-pylon assemblies, unsteady aerodynamics and flutter of rotors, and model testing. The second edition provides more up-to-date solution techniques, as well as new material that the author has developed since the first edition. New chapters address elastomeric devices, airfoil sections with an emphasis on composites, cross-over topics, and a historical perspective on the subject material. A new appendix presents basic material on composites. The text is further enhanced by the inclusion of problems in each chapter.