The Prediction of Aerodynamic Loads

A Discussion concerning the Use of Wind Tunnel Results and Flight Test Measurements in the Prediction of Aerodynamic Loads for Stressing Purposes in the Aerodynamics Department of the Weybridge Division of British Aircraft Corporation. The responsibility for the prediction and issue of aerodynamic loads for stressing purposes at the Weybridge Division of British Aircraft Corporation is carried by the Aerodynamics Department. The arguments for and against this arrangement are briefly examined. One of the main arguments in favour is the facility with which wind tunnel tests can be instigated and controlled. The use of wind tunnel tests specifically designed to give aerodynamic loading data and their relation to estimation using theoretical and semi‐empirical methods is fully discussed and illustrated. The confirmation of design estimates by full scale in‐flight load measurement is described and the usefulness of in‐flight measurements as a design tool on subsequent aircraft of a similar type is discussed.