K Dilks
Joined: 22 Sep 2008
Posts: 108
Location: UK
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 Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 6:01 am Post subject: Aileron mass balance |
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Sorry but also posted on main Zenair list.
OK this is how I see this.
The real issue weather an aileron needs balancing is the design speed and the design of the aileron its self.
Low speed plane ( below 100mph) can getaway without either dynamic ( balance weights) nor aerodynamic balance. These designs have a hinge at the very front of the aileron(XL style)
Next up the speed ladder is no dynamic balancing but with the hinge point offset so as to act with some aerodynamic balance( plus a small mass balance due to the mass foward of the hinge line.
After this is the full mass balance ( but not necessary 100% of aileron mass ) with carefully positioned hinge points to give more aerodynamic balance.IE look at a fully aerobatic aileron, some having spades to give more aerodynamic balance.
Last is hydraulic assistance etc etc
One thing that strikes me is that even if the cable tension is correct they then presume that the blob in the cock pit is holding the stick tight.
Tight control cables do not cure a potential flutter issue, they just delay its onset at best. The issue is what actually causes the flutter in the first place and this is corrected by the correct engineering of mass balance, aerodynamic balance and the aileron hinge point. Obviously profile shape will enter the equation but this is the basics.
I am not saying that for sure the XL needs balanced controles but as they would eliminate a potential serious problem and possible make for nice controle harmony why not fit them? In the UK there attitude I feel is correct if they have found a resonable chance of flutter occuring then somthning should be done.
Normally aircraft are over engineered in aspects like this to give a reasonable saftey factor but this seems marginal at best on the XL.
Sorry for my monolog but had to air my thoughts
Kev Brit living Austria ....FAA A+P
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