Glider Aerodynamics Project
Glider Aerodynamics Project
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This aerodynamics class project consisted of two parts, an individual portion and a group portion. The goal was simple: to design a hand-thrown glider that would fly the furthest. I selected the NACA 0015 airfoil for my fixed-wing glider and using its coefficients of lift and drag at varying angles, I developed a physics-based 2-D trajectory model...in google sheets. I found that I could fly my glider 26.4 meters, with an optimal launch angle of 2.3 degrees above the horizon and utilizing a 15:1 aspect ratio. The results of this initial study can be found in the presentation below.
This aerodynamics class project consisted of two parts, an individual portion and a group portion. The goal was simple: to design a hand-thrown glider that would fly the furthest. I selected the NACA 0015 airfoil for my fixed-wing glider and using its coefficients of lift and drag at varying angles, I developed a physics-based 2-D trajectory model...in google sheets. I found that I could fly my glider 26.4 meters, with an optimal launch angle of 2.3 degrees above the horizon and utilizing a 15:1 aspect ratio. The results of this initial study can be found in the presentation below.
For the second half of this project, I worked with a team of 5 other students (all conveniently on the Rocketry Team as well...) to develop a better hand-thrown glider model. A novel airfoil design was developed using XFLR5 and the coefficients of lift and drag were determined using a COMSOL Multiphysics CFD Simulation. Using this combination of tools our team was able to develop a more accurate model of our custom glider and further our understanding of flight dynamics.
For the second half of this project, I worked with a team of 5 other students (all conveniently on the Rocketry Team as well...) to develop a better hand-thrown glider model. A novel airfoil design was developed using XFLR5 and the coefficients of lift and drag were determined using a COMSOL Multiphysics CFD Simulation. Using this combination of tools our team was able to develop a more accurate model of our custom glider and further our understanding of flight dynamics.
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