Flight dynamics description on product page

[Bucic]

A multi-segmented wing provides natural damping;

The above sentence doesn't make sense. At least not left like this, without further description. The word 'damping' there seems fishy to me as well. What sort of damping? Why even mention damping? First, I don't think DCS models aeroelasticity. Second, if it did bringing up damping would be like saying 'we model mass', i.e. an obviousness. If it's about aerodynamics, I don't think 'damping' is a correct term.

 

Isn't it just a mistranslation from a proper Russian description?

Edited January 13, 2015 by Bucic

[SlipBall]

I would assume it means: ability to dampen vibration

[Bucic]

See my note on aeroelasticity.

[Narushima]

DCS does model aeroelasticity.

[Bucic]

DCS does model aeroelasticity.

How does it manifest? Please note that the wing flex effect does not mean an actual aeroelasticity model has been implemented, i.e. it may well be just a graphical effect tied to load factor.

[sLYFa]

I doubt that DCS models areoelastic effects on a physical level, especially since most DCS AC have short stiff wings. DCS Helicopters however could/should have that modelled.

The "damping" probably referers to a roll damping effect(i.e. any roll rate will result in a force opposite to the roll direction) which naturally occurs for all AC designed to be aerodynamically stable.

[Crumpp]

The above sentence doesn't make sense.

 

I think they are saying the FM uses lifting line or as it sometime called, "segment theory" for more accurate rendition of flight and better reproduction of aircraft behaviors.

 

sLYFa is correct on the dampening.

[Bucic]

I doubt that DCS models areoelastic effects on a physical level, especially since most DCS AC have short stiff wings. DCS Helicopters however could/should have that modelled.

The "damping" probably referers to a roll damping effect(i.e. any roll rate will result in a force opposite to the roll direction) which naturally occurs for all AC designed to be aerodynamically stable.

What you wrote makes sense unlike the sentence. I mean, even if it's remotely coherent with what you say it's still an example of techno babble.

I think they are saying the FM uses lifting line or as it sometime called, "segment theory" for more accurate rendition of flight and better reproduction of aircraft behaviors.

Where's damping in it?

 

Guys, it's not about 'guess what it could mean'. It either could use a clarification or it's poorly constructed in English. Also, I'm an earospace engineering graduate myself and still not convinced >the sentence< does a good job at conveying a substantial meaning.

 

To moderators:

If I haven't missed something from aircraft theory by a mile please report on that bit to a person responsible for the product descriptions. The part on PFM is the same across few DCS products by the way.

Edited January 13, 2015 by Bucic

[Crumpp]

Where is dampening in it? :huh:

 

It probably refers to roll dampening......as sLYFa noted and you also agreed. :smilewink:

 

It is probably just a bad translation as I understand most of the FM team is Russian. There is no need to be hostile about it.

 

Simply say.... "A multi-segmented wing provides natural damping;" is more correctly translated as "Lifting Line Theory is used to accurately model the wings behavior".

 

:music_whistling:

[Yo-Yo]

Where is dampening in it? :huh:

 

It probably refers to roll dampening......as sLYFa noted and you also agreed. :smilewink:

 

It is probably just a bad translation as I understand most of the FM team is Russian. There is no need to be hostile about it.

 

Simply say.... "A multi-segmented wing provides natural damping;" is more correctly translated as "Lifting Line Theory is used to accurately model the wings behavior".

 

:music_whistling:

 

"Wings behaviour" - is too wide. Roll dampening due to different AoA at wings segment during rolling - that's the point. The same model works fine for the full articulated blades of Ka-50 and Mi-8 (they have the same rotor and engine models).

[Bucic]

Thank you for the clarification. The sentence could use a touch-up and IMO a figure showing wing segments with forces applied (similar to the figure showing Ka-50 rotor modeling approach) would be a good addition. Or any slipstream vectors visualization you yourself use for debugging. I do some DCS advocacy and I know from experience such figures make a big difference for non-technical people.

[Crumpp]

"Wings behaviour" - is too wide. Roll dampening due to different AoA at wings segment during rolling - that's the point. The same model works fine for the full articulated blades of Ka-50 and Mi-8 (they have the same rotor and engine models).

 

Sure, if you want to go more in depth use something like:

 

"Lifting Line theory is used to accurately provide roll dampening due by modeling different the AoA along the wing."

 

All in all, it is not a big deal.

[Dirty Rotten Flieger]

I have seen wing flexing accompanied with aileron control reversal flying the Su27 at very high speed in a dive. I was surprised and pleased in equal measure.

[effte]

"Segmented modelling of the lifting surfaces", or suchlike.

 

The wing itself isn't segmented, but the model treats it like segments. I very much agree that the sentence needs to be rewritten.