Additive Beam for Modeling Dynamics of the SR-71 Fuselage

Mathematical models to approximate the dynamics of aircraft are often generated by considering aircraft structures to be rigid bodies. These models may be unsuitable for evaluating the maneuvering responses and flight characteristics of flexible aircraft. Computational simulations of the dynamics of a flexible aircraft by use of a model that does not account for the elasticity may indicate inaccurate tracking performance, handling qualities, and response bandwidth, especially in evaluations of responses to pilot commands.