CPC B64C 13/18 (2013.01) [B64C 3/50 (2013.01); B64C 5/10 (2013.01); B64C 13/16 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A passive gust load alleviation device for an aerodynamic panel, comprising:
a revolute joint having an axis of rotation;
a free-floating aerodynamic surface operatively connected along a trailing edge of the aerodynamic panel via the revolute joint, wherein the free-floating aerodynamic surface is configured to move about the axis of rotation without controllable actuation force being applied to the free-floating aerodynamic surface; and
a counterweight operatively connected to the free-floating aerodynamic surface, wherein the counterweight and the free-floating aerodynamic surface together have a center of gravity located forward of the axis of rotation relative to a direction of ambient airflow across the aerodynamic panel, and wherein the counterweight is configured to passively deflect the free-floating aerodynamic surface about the axis of rotation in response to an incident wind gust to thereby alleviate a gust load on the aerodynamic panel resulting from the incident wind gust.
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