An analysis of curved flow wind tunnel testing

The theory used to develop curved flow as a method of obtaining dynamic stability derivatives is presented including an analysis of the flows involved in the curved flow wind tunnel and in curved flight. Equations for the forces and moments for each of these flows are presented and then used to develop equations for the corrections to the forces and moments obtained in curved flow wind tunnel tests. An example of the physical setup and of the testing procedure for curved flow testing is also presented with some of the results from a typical test.

The principles involved in several other methods of testing that are also used to obtain the dynamic stability derivatives are discussed so that a comparison may be made with the curved flow method.