An investigation into the effects of running propellers on the static longitudinal stability of multi-engine tractor-propeller-driven monoplanes

Citation

Amster, Warren (1948) An investigation into the effects of running propellers on the static longitudinal stability of multi-engine tractor-propeller-driven monoplanes. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12082008-141518

Abstract

This thesis has three main purposes:

1. To establish an engineering computation procedure for predicting C[subscript M]( c. g.) as a function of C[subscript L] and power conditions for a multi-engine monoplane of conventional configuration with tractor propellers mounted on and forward of the wing from a given curve of C[subscript M] as a function of C[subscript L] for the power-off condition.

2. To recommend aircraft configurations which will minimize destabilizing effect of power.

3. To provide a physical explanation of the effect of power on stability.

Calculated C[subscript M] vs. C[subscript L] curves are compared with "matched-power" wind tunnel model test results. The agreement is good for all-right-hand rotation of propellers but unsatisfactory for other rotation modes.

Thesis Files