Flutter Analysis of X-HALE UAV-A Test Bed for Aeroelastic Results Validation

Aeroelasticity is one of the important fields in design of an aircraft or a flying vehicle. It deals with the interaction of aerodynamic, inertial and structural forces. The interaction between these different forces leads to certain aeroelastic phenomena such as divergence, flutter and limit cycle oscillation. Linear aeroelastic analyses of high aspect ratio wings act as basis for nonlinear analysis. Because of large wing deformation nonlinear analyses has to be performed for correct modeling. X-HALE UAV is a test bed exhibiting large structural deformation. Equipped with strain gauges and other measuring sensors, it will provide experimental data which can then be used for nonlinear aeroelastic analyses for other such kind of structures. This papers deals with the linear aeroelastic analysis of this type of aircraft.