Originally Posted by SNS3Guppy
It's not exactly rocket science. Don't exceed Vmo.
It's done routinely, actually, after a major overhaul, precisely to assure that there still is the margin between Vmo, where the "o" stands for "operating", and the limits established during certification, such as Vne.
My stupid question still stands.
Let's take a 737 or an A320. No passengers, little fuel, sea level, level flight.
I fully open the throttles (without exceeding engine limits).
I ignore any overspeed warnings, and override any system limitations.
You with me?
Now, what limits do I run into? Mach buffet? I doubt it, at sea level. Structural failure? Flutter, as has been suggested here? Or do I simply run out of "puff" anyway? Let me add I do not intend to pull significant 'g' in the process, just do a real high-speed run to the real limit.
Stupid question from an ancient aeronautical engineer, who's done mostly stability and control, but is still interested in the subject.
CJ