The objective of this project is to design and construct an experimental apparatus to illustrate stability and control of fixed-wing aircraft. The apparatus developed for this project allows students to study the effects of various aircraft parameters on longitudinal stability, and to design and test control laws to regulate the aircraft’s pitch angle. Surfaces and linkages are designed to emulate a fixed-wing and horizontal tail configuration and fit within an existing wind tunnel at WPI. The apparatus pivots about the pitch axis. The distance between the wing and tail is changed by a linear actuator controlled by an Arduino microcontroller. The elevator is actuated by a servomotor. Sample experiments and a lab manual are designed in accordance with typical undergraduate course material.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wingerter, Zachary Raymond
• Levorse, Victor Anthony
• Sullivan, Brendan Andrew
• Edelman, Zachary Ryan

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032317-112750

Advisor

• Cowlagi, Raghvendra V.
• Olinger, David J.

Year

• 2017

Date created

• 2017-03-23

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright