The Influence of Wing Geometry Changes on Aircraft Gliding
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/w5p7gb19Keywords:
Aspect Ratio, Gliding Performance, Aerodynamic Forces, Empirical Relationships.Abstract
This research delves into the influence of wing geometry, specifically aspect ratio (AR), on the gliding performance of model airplanes. A systematic experimental investigation was conducted to measure how changes in AR affect the lift-to-drag ratio (Cl/Cd), lift force, and drag force across a range of ARs from 0.444 to 2.25. The study utilized power-law regression analysis to establish functional relationships between AR and the aerodynamic forces involved. Findings from this analysis highlight a significant increase in Cl/Cd with an increase in AR, confirming theoretical predictions that suggest reduced drag at higher aspect ratios. Additionally, a complex interplay between lift and drag forces was observed, providing new insights into wing design for optimizing model airplane performance. The empirical models developed here offer a robust tool for predicting aerodynamic outcomes, which can inform future model airplane designs as well as educational projects in aeronautics. Insights gained also lay groundwork for potential extrapolations to full-sized aircraft in efforts to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
Downloads
References
[1] Benson T. Guide to aeronautics. 2023. Available at: https://wwwl.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide- to- aeronautics/ learn-about-aerodynamics/.
[2] Baoyun Liang. Research on the aerodynamic characteristics of the relationship between lift-to-drag ratio and wing shape of gliders. Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2024, 93: 186.
[3] Phillips W. F. Mechanics of flight. John Wiley & Sons, 2004.
[4] Dihedral (aeronautics). Available at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihedral_ (aeronautics).
[5] Stengel R. F. Flight Dynamics. Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2004.
[6] Schlichting H, Truckenbrodt E. Aerodynamik des Flugzeuges, 3rd ed, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2001. (in German).
[7] Sachs G, Holzapfel F. Flight mechanic and aerodynamic aspects of extremely large dihedral in birds. Proceedings of the 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, USA, 2007, AIAA-2007-0046: 1–12.
[8] Xie Changchuan, Gao Nongyue, Meng Yang, Wu Yue, Yang Chao. A review of bird-like flapping wing with high aspect ratio. School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 2022.
[9] White bird flying. Available at: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/white-bird-flying.
[10] Vagási Csongor I., Pap Péter L., Vincze Orsolya, Osvath Gergely, Erritzoe Johannes, Moller Anders Pape. Morphological adaptations to migration in birds. Research Article, Published: 22 September 2015, 43: 48–59.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Highlights in Science, Engineering and Technology
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
