Airfoil Design Project
Goal
The goal of this project is to use a NACA number to analyze and recreate an airfoil.
Airfoil
The airfoil I used was from an Aeronca Model 7 Champion. This plane was made by the Aeronca Aircraft Corporation and was used as a flight training and light utility aircraft for many years. This model has an upper wing, a tricycle landing gear arrangement, and a single engine.
Airfoil IPT
Printed Airfoil
Foilsim App Results |
Wind Tunnel Results |
Conclusion
In order to get this data, the airfoil was tested in both the foilsim app and in a wind tunnel. The flight conditions were set at 60 mph and the altitude is at 0 in the foilsim app. The data was recorded with the initial angle of attack set to -20 and the final angle of attack set to 20 and the angle of attack step set to 5 degrees in both.
1. Explain differences between the airfoil simulation prediction and the wind tunnel test results.
This data above shows that the airfoil was very different in simulation than in reality. The simulation data tends to be much higher than the actual wind tunnel data. However, the actual wind tunnel data is how this certain airfoil truly cuts through the air and is to be trusted.
2. What characteristic of the airfoil had the most significant impact on lift and drag?
The characteristic of the airfoil that had the most significant impact on lift and drag was the airfoils basic shape. The right shape for an airfoil can drastically increase its performance.
3. Explain what you would change in the design of your airfoil design?
I wouldn't change anything about my airfoil design because it worked out well.
1. Explain differences between the airfoil simulation prediction and the wind tunnel test results.
This data above shows that the airfoil was very different in simulation than in reality. The simulation data tends to be much higher than the actual wind tunnel data. However, the actual wind tunnel data is how this certain airfoil truly cuts through the air and is to be trusted.
2. What characteristic of the airfoil had the most significant impact on lift and drag?
The characteristic of the airfoil that had the most significant impact on lift and drag was the airfoils basic shape. The right shape for an airfoil can drastically increase its performance.
3. Explain what you would change in the design of your airfoil design?
I wouldn't change anything about my airfoil design because it worked out well.