GVT-Based Ground Flutter Test without Wind Tunnel, Phase II

ZONA Technology, Inc (ZONA) and Arizona State University (ASU) propose a R&D effort to further develop the ground flutter testing system in place of a wind tunnel (WT), called the Dry Wind Tunnel (DWT) system. The DWT system consists of a ground vibration test (GVT) hardware system and a real-time unsteady aerodynamic force generation software system developed from an aerodynamic reduced order model (ROM). The DWT system can serve as a replacement or complimentary means for flutter/ASE instability testing to a WT. Our Phase I effort has successfully demonstrated the validity of the DWT concept. That is, DWT testing can truly simulate in real time the unsteady aerodynamics through a GVT hardware system, namely the shakers and sensors. Merits of a DWT are many: It can use real full-size aircraft/wing structure including inherent structural nonlinearity and flight controller in-the loop, instead of a flutter model for WT, hence a cost/time effective test system. It can be carried out with a GVT setup, and because of the simulated aerodynamics the DWT measured data is wall-interference free. The DWT system can be applicable to flutter envelope expansion and flying quality programs of military and civil transport as well as general aviation aircraft.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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