Elevator Area Given Hinge Moment Coefficient Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Se = \frac{Hinge Moment}{Hinge Moment Coefficient \times 0.5 \times Density \times Flight Velocity^2 \times Elevator Chord} \]

Hinge Moment:

N·m

Hinge Moment Coefficient:

Density:

kg/m³

Flight Velocity:

m/s

Elevator Chord:

Elevator Area (Se):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Elevator Area Formula?

The formula calculates the elevator area required based on hinge moment, hinge moment coefficient, air density, flight velocity, and elevator chord length. This is essential for aircraft control surface design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Se = \frac{Hinge Moment}{Hinge Moment Coefficient \times 0.5 \times Density \times Flight Velocity^2 \times Elevator Chord} \]

Where:

\( Se \) — Elevator Area (m²)
\( Hinge Moment \) — Moment acting on control surface (N·m)
\( Hinge Moment Coefficient \) — Dimensionless coefficient
\( Density \) — Air density (kg/m³)
\( Flight Velocity \) — Aircraft speed (m/s)
\( Elevator Chord \) — Chord length from hinge to trailing edge (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required elevator area to achieve proper control authority while considering aerodynamic forces and moments.

3. Importance of Elevator Area Calculation

Details: Accurate elevator area calculation is crucial for aircraft stability and control. It ensures proper pitching moment control and prevents over-sizing or under-sizing of control surfaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in appropriate units. Hinge moment in N·m, density in kg/m³, velocity in m/s, and chord length in meters. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is hinge moment in aircraft controls?
A: Hinge moment is the moment that must be overcome by the pilot to move a control surface, caused by aerodynamic forces acting on the surface.

Q2: How does flight velocity affect elevator area?
A: Higher flight velocities require smaller elevator areas for the same control effectiveness, as the velocity term is squared in the denominator.

Q3: What factors influence hinge moment coefficient?
A: The coefficient depends on control surface geometry, deflection angle, and aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil.

Q4: Why is air density important in this calculation?
A: Air density affects the magnitude of aerodynamic forces. Higher density increases the forces acting on control surfaces.

Q5: How is elevator chord measured?
A: Elevator chord is measured from the hinge line to the trailing edge of the control surface, perpendicular to the hinge line.