Aeroelastic analysis of light sport aircraft using ground vibration test data

Abstract

This paper addresses a methodology for aeroelastic analysis of a light sport aircraft using experimentally gained data. It is focused on the aeroelastic analyses and related ground tests. The procedure is simple, fast, and low cost; however, it maintains a high standard regarding the quality and reliability of its results. It is applicable to the light aircraft category airworthiness standards, such as German standard LTF-UL, European standards CS-LSA and CS-VLA, and others. The procedure is based on a ground vibration test of the aircraft and measurements of the mass of control surfaces. Subsequent flutter analyses are based on the experimental data. The paper is focussed on the experimental and analytical tools and methodologies used. The entire process is demonstrated using the FM-250 “Vampire II” light sport aircraft as an example.