Aerodynamics learning based on the development of an simplified conceptual glider design and flight testing

Abstract

This study explores numerically and experimentally the conceptual design of a glider aircraft, focusing on achieving stable and efficient flight. The purpose of the work was the applied learning of aerodynamics for an undergraduate course in aerospace engineering. After research, simulations, and theoretical analyses, the project progressed to the practical stage, involving the construction and flight testing of the aircraft. This research included the identification of possible airfoils, consideration of Reynolds number limits and detailed analyses in XFLR5. Methods such as the Lifting Line Theorem and the Vortex Lattice Method were studied and applied in the project development.This approach underlines the study’s education aim - to demonstrate the practical application of theoretical knowledge. In summary, the design process, emphasizing the key milestones and challenges encountered during the manufacturing phase and the outcomes of the flight tests are discussed in detail. The project enabled the simulation and validation of aerodynamic concepts through construction, yielding flight results that were consistent with previous numerical predictions. This demonstrates that the proposed educational approach significantly enhances the practical application of theoretical knowledge in aerodynamics.