The Influence Of Vertical Wind Gradients On The Longitudinal Motion Of Airplanes

The present study is an attempt to make an assessment of the influence of wind shear on the longitudinal motion of airplanes. It was assumed that the wind is completely horizontal and its speed varies linearly with altitude. It is shown quantitatively that both glide and climb performance are influenced by wind shear and that trimmed flight at constant airspeed, attitude, and with fixed controls is along a parabolic path relative to the ground. The problem of the landing approach in a wind shear is examined in some detail. Small disturbance theory indicates no wind-shear effect on the short-period motion and the time for the phugoid to damp to half amplitude but the phugoid frequency and damping ratio vary considerably with wind shear. A nondimensional quantity which depends on the wind shear and airspeed is shown to be a fundamental parameter influencing the longitudinal dynamic behavior of the airplane.