COMPUTED VARIOMETER RESPONSE TO ELEVATOR MOTION AND THERMALS

Authors

  • Malcolm Abzug

Keywords:

Aerodynamics, Design, Training, Coaching

Abstract

The operating characteristics of different types of variometers are investigated by computing their responses under typical sailplane operating conditions. Variometer system equations of motion are generated from the equations of their elements. These equations are solved together with the nonlinear equations of motion of a typical sailplane for both elevator motion and thermal inputs. The results show that both venturi and diaphragm type compensated variometers reduce greatly the rate of climb indications due to stick motions. Increased lag in the variometer system and a modification reduclng the total energy correction both result in poorer performance. The compensated variometers operate essentially without lag when a thermal is encountered.

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