Measurement of the Moments of Inertia of an Airplane by a Simplified Method
Abstract
A simplified method for the experimental determination of the moments of inertia, product of inertia, and inclination of the principal axes; the associated equipment and techniques; and the application of this method to a conventional 13,000-pound airplane are described. Measurements were made with the landing gear retracted for full and empty fuel conditions. The equipment, which consisted primarily of knife-edge supports and restraining springs for the pitch and roll axes and a single-shaft torsional pendulum for the yaw axis, was designed for increased accuracy as well as for simplicity of operation and ease of handling as compared with previous methods. At no time was it necessary to hoist or jack the airplane in an abnormal fashion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1950
- Accession Number
- ADA382293
Entities
People
- Howard L. Turner
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration