An Experimental Investigation of Trunk Flutter of an Air Cushion Landing System.
Abstract
The objective of this work was to experimentally investigate the phenomenon of air cushion vehicle trunk flutter and attempt to eliminate it. The occurrence of trunk flutter was found to be eliminated with the use of tread strips (1/2 in.-wide pieces of rubber, cut to certain lengths and thicknesses) attached to the bottom of the trunk tread. These strips form channels when placed side-by-side that allow the flutter-producing cushion air to escape from beneath the vehicle without causing trunk flutter. This flutter elimination device can be employed without the loss of the required cushion pressure or an increase of the drive air flow into the air cushion system. It is recommended that a dynamic air cushion system that is known to exhibit flutter, be designed with a trunk tread having permanently affixed tread strips. These tests are needed to confirm the successful flutter eliminating characteristics of tread strips, which are statically tested in this report. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA038559
Entities
People
- Carmine J. Forzono
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory