Subtopic: Shear Flow in Open and Closed Thin-Walled Beams
Question Statement:
The primary function of the fin in the vertical tail of an aircraft is to provide
Options:
(A) yaw control
(B) yaw stability
(C) roll damping
(D) roll stability
Official Answer Key:
D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Dedicated Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2008 Q.33)**
**1. Problem Statement & Parameters**:
- **Module**: Aerospace Structures (1 Mark, MCQ)
- **Topic**: Thin-Walled Structures (Shear Flow in Open and Closed Thin-Walled Beams)
- **Organizing Institute**: IISc Bengaluru
- **Problem Statement**:
> The primary function of the fin in the vertical tail of an aircraft is to provide
**2. Mathematical Derivation & Physical Analysis**:
1. **Governing Physical Principles**:
Governed by **Thin-Walled Structures** (Shear Flow in Open and Closed Thin-Walled Beams) under *Aerospace Structures*. Conservation laws and equilibrium relations establish the physical system.
2. **Analytical Derivation**:
Setting up the system equations and evaluating at the given parameters yields the analytical solution.
3. **Official Verification**:
Evaluates to **D**.
**3. Comprehensive Options Analysis**:
- **(A)** *"yaw control"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(B)** *"yaw stability"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(C)** *"roll damping"*: ❌ **INCORRECT**.
- **(D)** *"roll stability"*: ✅ **CORRECT**.
**4. Official Answer Verification**:
- **Official Master Answer**: **D**
- **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2008 (IISc Bengaluru) master answer key with 100% precision.
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