Faculty Advisor
Olinger, David J.
Abstract
The goal of this project was to visualize the flowfield over low aspect-ratio wings at low Reynolds numbers which are used in micro-air vehicle applications. A new sting balance was designed and constructed to support a wing in the WPI water tunnel. The sting was designed to resist the corrosive properties of saltwater. Flow visualizations were conducted for an aspect ratio (AR = 1) wing over a Reynolds number range of 35,000 to 70,000 and flow angles of 2? to 15?. Observed flow phenomena included flow separation regions and vortices. The observations were compared with an earlier work by Sathaye et al. (2004). A second experimental apparatus consisting of a low aspect ratio, flat plate wing to be used to obtain surface pressure measurements was also designed.
Publisher
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2006
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
Access to this report is limited to members of the WPI community. Please contact a project advisor or their department to request access
Accessibility
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor Program
Mechanical Engineering