Reduced
peak frequency, in the form of Strouhal number, has been shown to scale
with freestream velocity and model scale. Strouhal number is defined
as peak frequency times model length scale divided by velocity. A
nearly constant Strouhal number is seen through three orders of magnitude
of Reynolds number and multiple model scales, to full scale flight tests.
Scaled model tests appear to capture the principle physics responsible
for tail buffet on this aircraft. This also suggests that scaled
model test data can be scaled up to full scale for the prediction of dominant
frequencies on future fighter configurations. Wind tunnel test data
can then be used in the design process to better understand the life-cycle
factors, leading to better designed tails.