"A study of the potential performance improvements available from the G" by Robert Keith Rice
 

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

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