1 - Aerodynamic Group Meeting on 3rd March, Reflection and Plans

the first wooden model that we tried to build.


There was a lot of on-site decision to be made because certain things had been overlooked. This is sth we can improve in the future.
So can this WIG model fly like John Schuster's one?
Sadly, no.
Why?

1) Wing area is too small.
First comment made by Prof Kim on seeing the model was that the wing is too small.
Well, we didn't do any calculations and was just trying to come up with a simple design based on the one that's in the optimal WIG paper.
Secondly, limited by material. Didn't have sufficient material.....so now we know that roughly 4 pieces of wood with dimension 300mmx200mm would be good for one model.
2) Too heavy.
The use of plywood is likely to be the root cause.
Again, calculation, weight and lift need to balance each other.


So what's good?
1) Endplates.
The endplates act as point of contact with the ground, and as the surface of contact with the ground is very small which means little drag, which is good.
2) A lifting tail. Perhaps, a better quality one can be made and the tail needs to be more stable.

Skills to be carried on to future models.
1) Hands-on experience.
Laser cutting skills. Dealing with simple tools and the need to improvise on the spot.
2) Process.
i. State the purpose e.g what's to be achieved from the model
ii. Design brainstorming
iii. Plan on how to construct and join different parts together
iV. CAD and simple analysis
v. Material selection and purchase
vi. Final preparation for building the model and PowerPoint slide for presentation
vii. Building
viii. Testing
iX. Review/Reflection/Conclusion

(by Stanley)