This is an exclusive event for current members of the AIAA Northern Ohio Section.
Abstract
A number of in-flight breakups occur every year. The fundamentals of in-flight breakups reveal that there are only three root causes: fatigue of a key structural element, flutter, and overload. Each of these causes will be discussed and explained. An example of an in-flight breakup in which the experts disagreed as to the root cause will be discussed in detail. The discussion will include analysis of the aircraft wreckage, fundamental airplane fluid dynamics, trajectory analyses, and airplane performance. The presentation is supported with videos, demonstrations, and high-definition animations.
Biography
Dr. Winn currently serves as the Principal Emeritus at Engineering Systems, Inc. (ESI) which offers a range of technical support capabilities. During his time with ESI beginning in 1994 he has reconstructed hundreds of aircraft accidents. He retired from the USAF in 1991 after 22 years. He was an instructor pilot in four different Air Force aircraft, taught aeronautical engineering at the USAF Academy, and served as Chief Scientist of the USAF European Office of Aerospace Research and Development in London, England.