Analysis of spanwise turbulence effects on airplane performance

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of spanwise turbulence on airplane dynamic behavior. Calculations are based on data collected from test flights with the NASA B-57 research aircraft. The approach taken is to first compute aerodynamic forces and moments due to a spanwise distribution of angle of attack and relative wind. Secondly, these quantities are incorporated into the equations of motion. Simulation of flights done with the effects of spanwise turbulence included are compared to simulations without any spanwise turbulence. The findings of the study are that the moments developed by turbulence along the span are significant and that more realistic flight simulation can be achieved by including the spanwise turbulence terms.