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Old 12th Jul 2001, 15:55
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Tinstaafl
 
Join Date: Dec 1998
Location: Escapee from Ultima Thule
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After the a/c rolls it starts to sideslip, causing the resultant airflow to be slightly offset from the fuselage centreline (the longitudinal axis). The fin causes the a/c to yaw into the now offset airstream.

Meanwhile the lower wing, being swept, experiences a significant increase in its lift producing ability compared to the other wing. This causes the a/c to roll back upright. Inertia causes the a/c to continue rolling so now the effect is repeated on the other side.

End result is a series of roll - yaw - roll upright - continue to roll - yaw the other way - roll back upright - continue to roll etc etc. although it can be a very slow cycle.

The nose of the a/c will seem to trace a horizontal figure '8'.

I think it's caused when an a/c has greater stability in roll compared to yaw. The reverse would cause 'snaking'.
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