Abstract: The divergence experimental prediction and model design techniques were studied for composite forward
-swept wings , and the Southwell method , a subcritical divergence experimental technique with testing of st ructural st rain , was used to predict the divergence dynamic pressure. Two high-aspect-ratio composite forward-swept wings were tested using the subcritical method. In order to predict and validate the result s of the subcritical experiment , the divergence dynamic pressures were calculated prior to the subcritical wind- tunnel experiment , and the critical divergence wind2tunnel experiment s were performed especially af ter the subcritical wind- tunnel experiment . Both the calculation results and testing result s indicate that bet ter result s could be at tained by using the Southwell method. The subcritical method could be used in high2 pressure divergence tests and flight tests. The divergence speed decreases with increase of the forward-swept angle.