The Relationship Between Aspect Ratio and Lift/Drag Ratio

Abstract

Modern aircraft requires a reliable structural design, and the Lift/Drag ratio possesses irreplaceable features in such a design. Most of the current experiments are based on passenger aircraft models and few are conducted on the Lift/Drag ratio of gliders. The value of the Lift/Drag ratio is related to several factors. This paper discusses the relationship between aspect ratio and Lift/Drag ratio. At first, brief corresponding knowledge is provided while predicting such a relationship based on related theorems. Then, an experiment based on self-constructed aircraft is conducted to obtain practical data. Finding that as the wingspan ratio increases, so does the lift-drag ratio. The disadvantage is that the environment is subject to more unstable factors. The experiment can be more accurate if it changes the field without wind. This experiment can provide more realistic experimental data in the field of gliders. The innovative idea of this experiment can be extended to many experiments. Finally, the data are analyzed to form the result. By comparing the result and prediction, the deficiencies in this experiment are discovered in the experiment and improvements are provided. In the end, the whole process and prediction of the future development of related technologies were concluded. By exploring the Lift/Drag ratio of the glider model, the data of the Lift/Drag ratio of the glider can be perfected. The innovation of this experiment can also be applied to research in different fields.