Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio Calculator

Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio Formula:

\[ V_H = \frac{\bar{c}_t \times S_t}{S \times \bar{c}_{ma}} \]

Horizontal Tail Moment Arm:

Horizontal Tail Area:

m²

Reference Area:

m²

Mean Aerodynamic Chord:

Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio:

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1. What is Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio?

The Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio is a dimensionless parameter that relates the area of the horizontal tail, the distance between tail and aircraft's center of gravity, the wing area, and the mean aerodynamic wing chord. It provides a measure of the horizontal tail's effectiveness in providing pitch stability and control.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio formula:

\[ V_H = \frac{\bar{c}_t \times S_t}{S \times \bar{c}_{ma}} \]

Where:

\( V_H \) — Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio (dimensionless)
\( \bar{c}_t \) — Horizontal Tail Moment Arm (m)
\( S_t \) — Horizontal Tail Area (m²)
\( S \) — Reference Area (m²)
\( \bar{c}_{ma} \) — Mean Aerodynamic Chord (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the volume ratio by multiplying the tail moment arm by the tail area, then dividing by the product of reference area and mean aerodynamic chord.

3. Importance of Horizontal Tail Volume Ratio

Details: The horizontal tail volume ratio is crucial for aircraft design as it determines the pitch stability and control characteristics. A proper ratio ensures adequate stability margins and control authority throughout the flight envelope.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in consistent units (meters for lengths, square meters for areas). All input values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical range for horizontal tail volume ratio?
A: Typical values range from 0.3 to 1.0, depending on aircraft type and configuration.

Q2: How does tail volume ratio affect aircraft stability?
A: Higher tail volume ratios generally provide greater pitch stability but may reduce maneuverability.

Q3: Can this ratio be used for both conventional and canard configurations?
A: The concept applies to conventional configurations. For canards, different stability considerations apply.

Q4: What factors influence the optimal tail volume ratio?
A: Aircraft size, speed range, center of gravity location, and desired handling qualities all influence the optimal ratio.

Q5: How is this ratio used in aircraft design?
A: It's used to size the horizontal tail surfaces during preliminary design to ensure adequate stability and control characteristics.