Horizontal and Vertical Strips
In order to be able to define the distribution of a lifting surface’s characteristics, j2 Elements has two options.
1
Horizontal Stripped Items
These can be used to define any lifting surface with a dihedral between ±45°. The span is defined in terms of minimum to maximum y (left to right) and the centre point y value of each strip is calculated based upon the span and the number of strips.
2
Vertical Stripped Items
These can be used to define any lifting surface with a dihedral between greater than +45° and less than -45°. The span is defined in terms of minimum to maximum z (top to bottom) and the centre point z value of each strip is calculated based upon the span and the number of strips.
j2 Elements calculates the local velocities of each strip within the axis system of the strip itself. This takes into consideration the orientation and dihedral of the strip itself to calculate the forward, vertical, and lateral velocities.
These can then be used to calculate the angle of attack of the strip. It therefore does not matter whether the strip is oriented vertically or horizontally on the airframe, j2 Elements will calculate the local characteristics. These characteristics along with the strip’s dimensions are used to calculate the forces and moments on the strip. These forces and moments are then oriented into the aircraft’s axis system and transferred to the aircraft’s centre of gravity.
For more information see: