Aerodynamics

For my final project in aerodynamics class, we were tasked with building and testing a glider using basic design principles which we learned previously. Dr. Beck assigned us the task of designing and building a glider. This glider should be capable of flying 200 ft when launched from a height of 20 ft. Additionally, the glider will be carrying a weight between 2 oz and 18 oz. This project was to incorporate lessons learned from multiple smaller projects from throughout the semester. My team worked together to design and build a glider that we were confident was up to this task. Our own test flights helped build confidence in our work.

We chose to use a HQ3015 airfoil for the main wing and a NACA 0012 for the horizontal and vertical tails. Shown below from AirFoilTools.com.

Here is a picture of our Test Results. If the same glide speed could be maintained the additonal height of the launch platform for the Weber Arena should have been sufficient for reaching the distance goal.

Here is a depiction of the Arena where we launched the glider and the expected flight path.

While we used some basic design concepts we learned in class, the vast majority of the work was Computer Aided Design, utilizing Solidworks. We also utilized some of the flow simulation tools Solidworks provides in a previous step of the project.

Shown above is a preliminary glider nose and body after a lab test mini project earlier in the year, we determined that a teardrop shape was more ideal.

Here are some of the detailed drawings for the glider.