The moment coefficient (Cm) for an aircraft’s vertical stabilizer, also known as the tail fin, represents its aerodynamic effectiveness in controlling the aircraft’s pitching moment. It’s an important parameter used in aircraft design to ensure stability and control.
The formula for the moment coefficient (Cm) is as follows:
- Cm is the moment coefficient, a dimensionless quantity.
- ΔMz is the change in the pitching moment due to the vertical stabilizer, typically measured in Newton-meters (N·m).
- ρ is the air density, measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
- V is the velocity of the aircraft, measured in meters per second (m/s).
- S is the reference area of the vertical stabilizer, measured in square meters (m²).