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An Investigation of the Use of Feedback Control to Raise the Flutter Speed of an Aeroelastic System

Citation

Braham, Harold Stanley (1958) An Investigation of the Use of Feedback Control to Raise the Flutter Speed of an Aeroelastic System. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5EVF-4945. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10082004-111321

Abstract

This study deals with the possibility of raising the flutter speed of an aeroelastic system by feedback control. Emphasis is given to feedback control through a control surface driven by a powered actuator. It is shown that only for certain aeroelastic systems is it possible to significantly raise the flutter speed by this type of feedback control. In addition, a second type of feedback control is considered, a jet reaction torquer acting on the wing itself. A marked increase in flutter speed is possible in essentially all aeroelastic systems with this form of control. Despite the fact that this type of controller requires more power than the control surface actuator, its use may be practical in many cases. The question of the reliability of the feedback control used to raise flutter speed is becoming less important in this era of missiles where the entire system is controlled by automatic devices. Part I discusses the basic problem. Parts II and III develop a general feedback theory. This theory, when applied to a specific aeroelastic system, permits ready determination of whether an increase in flutter speed is possible for that system. Parts IV and V consider numerical investigations of many systems using a control surface actuator. Analyses are made by both the general feedback theory and by analog computer, showing similar numerical results. Part VI considers the jet reaction torquer and the increase in flutter speed that it can achieve. Conclusions are presented in Part VII.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Electrical Engineering and Physics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Electrical Engineering
Minor Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • McCann, Gilbert Donald (advisor)
  • Wilts, Charles H. (co-advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1958
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-10082004-111321
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10082004-111321
DOI:10.7907/5EVF-4945
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3982
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:12 Oct 2004
Last Modified:13 Oct 2023 23:40

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