This project involved the design, analysis and fabrication of a radio-controlled aircraft to compete in the Society of Automotive Engineer's Aero Design East Aircraft Competition. The goal of this competition is to carry a minimum payload weight given certain design constraints. Analytical studies focused on decreasing drag, increasing the stability and structural strength of the aircraft, and optimizing the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing. Wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the performance of both the propeller and airfoil. Analysis of the center of gravity of the aircraft was accomplished using a Pro/Engineer model. Improved fabrication techniques utilized lightweight carbon composites and fiberglass materials to produce a structurally sound aircraft. The final design of the aircraft incorporated an optimized 11.7 aspect ratio wing with ailerons, a conventional tail, a tricycle landing gear, and a 12 inch x 6 degree, two bladed propeller. Several flight tests allowed the team to identify problems and make improvements to the design before the actual competition took place.

• 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

• Ng, Ka Ho
• Blair, Brian Edward
• Nguyen, Timothy Hung
• Lutz, Michelle Susan
• Seneres, Robert Andrew Freeman
• Woodfall, Justin Davis
• D'Olympia, Morgan Charles
• Thorley, Kevin

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 00D130M

Advisor

• Olinger, David J.
• Johari, Hamid
• Demetriou, Michael A.

Year

• 2000

Date created

• 2000-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright