An elastic element with a pair of symmetrical cross-flexures

Abstract

Elastic element of the forced oscillation apparatus for dynamic measurements in the T-38 wind tunnel is described. The elastic element supports large aerodynamic load and enables oscillatory motion of a model during dynamic wind tunnel experiments. Design of the elastic element is a very complex process due to the restricted available space within the model. The elastic element of the T-38 oscillation apparatus is formed from a pair of symmetrical cross-flexures. Two types of the cross-flexures are presented: cross-flexure with uniform cross-section of the strips and cross-flexure with variable cross-section of the strips. Stress analysis of the cross-flexures showed that strips with variable cross-section much better matched strict requirements of the dynamic wind tunnel experiments.