Nonlinear Numerical Flight Dynamics of Flexible Aircraft in the Time Domain by Coupling of CFD, Flight Mechanics, and Structural Mechanics

Dynamic analysis of flexible aircraft typically involves the separation of rigid body and structural dynamics. This approach is justified, if an adequate distance between the frequencies of the elastic and the flight mechanic modes is present. For aircraft structures characterized by relatively low elastic frequencies (e.g. large passenger aircraft or sailplanes) the combined calculation of the coupled rigid body and structural dynamics becomes evident and the setup of an integrated aeroelastic model of the aircraft is necessary.