AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
What is AE?
This course propels students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. They also explore robot systems through projects such as remotely operated vehicles. (www.pltw.org)
Glider
Description
A glider is similar to an airplane, except a glider does not have an engine and relies on its own momentum. As such, a glider cannont maintain altitude for an extended period of time. In this project, I had to design and build a glider to travel as far as possible after launching at a certain altitude.
Constraints:
Constraints:
- Must be able to achieve a minimum glide ratio of 12.5 : 1 (Must travel at least 12.5 ft horizontally for every 1 ft that it drops vertically)
- Must maintain directional and vertical stability
- Must be built out of balsa wood
DesignThe design of my glider consists of a large main wing for maximum lift. The empennage has large horizontal and vertical stabilizers to maintain control and allow stable flight. I used fine grit sandpaper to smooth and shape the leading and trailing edges of the wings and empennage to improve airflow and stablity.
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Testing
For consitency, the gliders were launched from a level surface 4 ft above the ground, and a rubber band was used to propel the glider off the platform at a consistent speed. My glider was very stable in flight and traveled in a straight line without veering to either side. The total distance traveled was 57 ft, giving the glider a glide ratio of 14.25 : 1.
Aircraft Frame
Description
Frame construction is used throughout the aerospace industry to create welded steel-tube fuselages, piston
engine motor mounts, ribs, and landing gear. In this activity, I had to design a fuselage for an aircraft to
compete in the Red Bull Air Race. l had to design the fuselage only. This does not include the wing or skin of
the aircraft.
Criteria:
engine motor mounts, ribs, and landing gear. In this activity, I had to design a fuselage for an aircraft to
compete in the Red Bull Air Race. l had to design the fuselage only. This does not include the wing or skin of
the aircraft.
Criteria:
- Must have location for one Pilot, no passengers
- Must have mounts for Lycoming IO-540-A Engine
- Must have mounts for wings
- Wing mounts must withstand ±15g
- Must have mounts for landing gear
- Landing gear mounts must withstand +2.5g
- Must have vertical and horizontal stabilizer
- Max length of 20 ft
- Must weigh less than 300 lbs
Frame Analysis
Pros and Cons
Benefits
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Drawbacks
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