Masters Theses
Abstract
"A direct comparison of the current NACA 2412 section general aviation airfoil and the recently developed GA(W)-1 airfoil was conducted in the University of Missouri - Rolla's subsonic wind tunnel. Finite aspect ratio performance of both airfoils equipped with 30 percent chord flaps was studied to predict possible performance gains for general aviation aircraft available from the GA(W)-1 section.
Results show that the NACA 2412 airfoil with a standard slotted type flap gives a maximum lift coefficient of 1.88 with the flap deflected 30 degrees and a test Reynolds number of 4.Sxl0 5 based on wing chord. The GA(W)-1 section with a Fowler type flap deflected 30 degrees gives a maximum lift coefficient of 2.42 at the same Reynolds number. Flap nested performance showed that the GA(W)-1 wing results in significantly higher L/D ratios than the NACA 2412 section at comparable lift coefficients.
Results of these tests indicate that the typical light single engine airplane equipped with the GA(W)-1 wing with full span flaps could fly with a 22 percent reduction in wing area as compared to the NACA 2412 section and still maintain the same flaps down stall speed. This reduction in wing area could result in as much as a 20 mile per hour increase in cruise speed.
The GA(W)-1 wing section offers significant improvements in performance of general aviation airplanes. Increases in cruise speed and/or better operating economy would further enhance the competitiveness of the light airplane in future transportation markets"-- Abstract, p. ii
Advisor(s)
Oetting, R. B.
Committee Member(s)
Selberg, B. P.
Joiner, James W., 1931-2013
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
Publisher
University of Missouri--Rolla
Publication Date
1975
Pagination
vii, 97 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 40-41)
Rights
© 1975 Robert Keith Rice, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Thesis Number
T 4066
Print OCLC #
5984655
Recommended Citation
Rice, Robert Keith, "A study of the potential performance improvements available from the GA(W)-1 airfoil as compared to the NACA 2412 airfoil." (1975). Masters Theses. 3020.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3020