Flapping-wing propulsion as a means of drag reduction for light sailplanes
dc.contributor.advisor | Jones, Kevin D. | |
dc.contributor.author | Randall, Brian H. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2012-03-14T17:42:24Z | |
dc.date.available | 2012-03-14T17:42:24Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2002-09 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10945/4603 | |
dc.description.abstract | In this paper, flapping-wing propulsion as a means of drag reduction for light sailplanes is investigated numerically. The feasibility of markedly improving minimum sink and L/Dmax performance parameters in light sailplanes by flapping their flexible, high aspect ratio wings at their natural frequencies is considered. Two propulsive systems are explored: a humanpowered system that is used to partially offset airframe drag, and a sustainer system that uses an electric motor with sufficient power for limited climb rates. A numerical analysis is conducted using a strip-theory approach with UPOT (Unsteady Potential code) data. Thrust and power coefficients are computed for 2-D sections. 3-D spanwise load factors are applied to calculate total wing thrust production and power consumption. The results show that theoretical drag reduction in excess of 20%, and improvements of minimum sink by 24% are possible with a human-powered flapping system. | en_US |
dc.description.uri | http://archive.org/details/flappingwingprop109454603 | |
dc.format.extent | xiv, 96 p. : ill. (some col.) ; | en_US |
dc.publisher | Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School | en_US |
dc.rights | This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States. | en_US |
dc.subject.lcsh | Gliders (Aeronautics) | en_US |
dc.subject.lcsh | Drag (Aerodynamics) | en_US |
dc.title | Flapping-wing propulsion as a means of drag reduction for light sailplanes | en_US |
dc.type | Thesis | en_US |
dc.description.version | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited | en_US |
dc.contributor.secondreader | Platzer, Max F. | |
dc.subject.author | Flapping-Wing Propulsion | en_US |
dc.subject.author | Drag-Reduction | en_US |
dc.subject.author | Light Sailplanes | en_US |
dc.description.service | Lieutenant, United States Navy | en_US |
etd.thesisdegree.name | M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering | en_US |
etd.thesisdegree.level | Masters | en_US |
etd.thesisdegree.discipline | Aeronautical Engineering | en_US |
etd.thesisdegree.grantor | Naval Postgraduate School | en_US |
etd.verified | no | en_US |
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