Effectiveness of an Integrated Aerodynamic Wake and Structural Vibration Control System at Transonic Speeds

Abstract

** Wakes of aircraft external stores can generate high acoustic loads on downstream structures that lead to fatigue and failure of structural components. Structural vibration control systems have been employed to dampen structural loads but can become ineffective at high dynamic pressures. A recent wind tunnel study conducted at low subsonic speeds demonstrated that active flow control can enhance the effectiveness of a structural vibration control system on a fin submerged in the wake of an external store. This study continues this research and development effort through a transonic wind tunnel demonstration of an integrated aerodynamic wake and structural vibration control system. Results confirm that suppression strategies demonstrated at low subsonic speeds are applicable at transonic speeds and indicate that the integrated wake and structural vibration control system with limited control authority can provide suppression comparable to a highly capable vibration control system alone with only a fraction of the input power requirements.