Lifting Body Design

Aero 301

Project Description:

Design, build and test an aerodynamic vehicle capable of efficiently lifting a 1.5 lb payload when traveling at a dynamic pressure of 6.5 psf (a velocity of approximately 82 ft/sec).  The goal of the design is to lift the payload weight and vehicle weight while producing the least possible drag. 

Your design must be constructed of only wood, glue (including epoxy), wood putty, and tape with an adaptor for connecting to the wind tunnel balance.  Dimensions should be limited to 18" in span, 18" in length, and 10" in height.  Your design should also have directional stability to avoid any tendency to twist on the balance mount.  To achieve this, you will need to add some vertical surface area well aft of the center of mass (like a vertical stabilizer on an aircraft).

All projects will be tested in the 24" x 24" wind tunnel as sketched below.  The flow velocity will be set to a tunnel dynamic pressure of 1.25" of water and the lift and drag will be measured.  Adjustments in angle of attack will be made until the lift equals the vehicle weight (with payload).  Group designs will be compared based upon the lift to drag ratios.

Project Requirements:

In addition to the vehicle itself, each team will produce an oral presentation and a written report.  The oral presentation will be 15 minutes in length, including time for questions and answers, and will be made during normal class.  The written report should be no more than 10 pages long and describe the design and testing or your product.  In addition, each team member will provide a one page sheet describing their individual contributions to the project.

Grading:

20%    Vehicle concept and construction    

20%    L/D Experimental Result

20%    Presentation

20%    Written description of vehicle design, construction and testing

20%    Meeting each deadline and providing require materials.

Expenses: 

The Aerospace Engineering Department will reimburse each team up to $25 for pre-approved purchases with receipts.

Due Dates:

October 27 - Team members and names.

Provide a list of team members and a group name.

November3 - Sketch of concept and initial calculations

Turn in a sketch of vehicle and the calculations made to verifying the performance goals.

November 10 - Completed plan for building of project

Turn in a final sketch of vehicle, bill of materials for construction, and a description of the construction method to be used.

November 29 - Finished project ready for testing

When completed, get together with Dr. Gally to schecule a wind tunnel entry.

December 3 - Complete wind tunnel testing

December 8 - Project Reports and Presentations