Date of Award

3-24-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Anthony M. DeLuca, PhD.

Abstract

This research investigated how the nature of the wing changed as a function of Reynolds number by measuring the forces produced by wings with varying characteristic lengths, tested at varying air densities. Increasing the wing span increased the overall weight of the wing, which reduced the 1st natural frequency; and did not result in an increase in vertical force over the baseline 50 mm wing. However; if the decrease in natural frequency was counteracted by increasing the thickness of the joint material in the linkage mechanism, vertical force production did increase over the baseline wing planform. Negligible forces and moments were measured at vacuum conditions, where the wing was demonstrating purely inertial motion, revealing the flight forces measured in atmosphere are wholly limited to its interaction with the surrounding air. Lastly, there was clear correlation between Reynolds number and vertical force production, indicating Reynolds number is a suitable parameter to predict the expected lift production for a specific wing design.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-16-M-219

DTIC Accession Number

AD1054166

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