How does the mass of the wing affect flutter?

The relationship between wing mass and flutter is primarily tied to the dynamic behavior of the wing during flight. Flutter is a complex interaction of aerodynamic forces and structural properties of the wing, including its mass. A lighter wing can be more susceptible to high-frequency flutter because it has less inertia to counteract the aerodynamic forces acting on it.

When a wing is lighter, it may be more easily influenced by changes in airflow and pressure differences, especially at higher speeds. This can lead to rapid oscillations, or flutter, as the wing vibrates within the airflow. The lower mass means that the wing may reach its natural frequencies of vibration more easily, especially in the presence of turbulent air or changes in speed, increasing the likelihood of flutter occurring.

In contrast, a heavier wing tends to have greater inertia, which can dampen the oscillatory motion at certain frequencies, making it less responsive to these aerodynamic forces. Thus, a medium-weight wing strikes a balance that may mitigate flutter, but the light wing's vulnerability to high-frequency flutter due to its lack of mass makes this choice particularly relevant.