Dynamic Aerodynamics-Phenomena and Impact

Flight accident and incident data are reviewed to establish the link between the events and lack of or inadequacy in dynamic aerodynamics data. Flow mechanisms responsible for producing dynamic aerodynamic deficiencies, including classical aerodynamic lag, dynamic stall and dynamic vortex behaviors, are discussed. It is shown through analysis of some available data that lack of appropriate dynamic aerodynamics data may contribute to inadequate estimation of dynamic structural loads. Similarly, with appropriate dynamic data flight deficiencies can be predicted in advance and solved through ground-based testing, instead of flight test. Recent research activities in dynamic aerodynamics to improve the fidelity of flight simulators for pilot training are indicative of its importance to flight safety. It is suggested that flight accident data be collected and analyzed to provide more realistic dynamic aerodynamic data for aircraft design and operations.