Dynamics of a slung load

Abstract

The yaw damping coefficient of an 8 × 8 × 20 ft cargo container is experimentally determined by forced oscillation tests. The result is then used in linearized small-perturbation stability analyses of a slung load, considering both single-cable and two-cable tandem suspension systems. The effect of attaching stabilizing fins to the container and of incorporating a rotating wheel for stability augmentation is also theoretically investigated. The results agree well with previous model and full-scale tests and also show that the two-cable tandem suspension system may offer a satisfactory means of transporting the standard cargo container throughout the speed range of most present-day cargo helicopters. © 1977, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.