Dynamics of hang-gliders

In this paper, a general formulation for the analysis and simulation of the hang glider dynamics and control is presented. The hang glider is modeled as a compound system made of wing and pilot. Static stability criteria are reviewed for a typical, indicative configuration. The small-perturbation dynamic stability is investigated in the fixed and free control cases in analogy with the conventional aircraft. Unsteady aerodynamic effects are shown to play a role in the stability of the system. A b C CD CL Nomenclature = aspect ratio == b2/S = wing span = Theodorsen function = drag coefficient - lift coefficient , Cm, Cn = aerodynamic moment coefficients Cw = weight coefficient c = reference chord F = control force FA = aerodynamic force FI = longitudinal control force, normal to S-P Fn = lateral control force g = acceleration of gravity hd = deformation component of the momentum