Divergence prediction techniques of flat-plate forward-swept wing in wind tunnel experiment

The divergence prediction techniques of flat-plate forward-swept wing were introduced. The Southwell method, a subcritical divergence experiment technique in wind tunnel, was used for prediction of divergence dynamic pressure. Two composite flat-plate forward-swept wings and an aluminium flat-plate forward-swept wing were used in the experiment. In order to predict and validate the results of subcritical experiments, the divergence dynamic pressures were calculated before experiments and the critical divergence wind-tunnel experiments were used as reference. The calculated and testing results indicate that better results can be attained by the Southwell method. Some key techniques in prediction and critical experiment were introduced. The maximal principal strain was used in prediction experiment. The consistency of the calculation, the prediction test and the critical experiment show that all the three methods can make better results.