Title: Glider and airplane design for students

Authors: Jean-Jacques Chattot

Addresses: University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA

Abstract: Design is an open ended process driven by the mission requirements. In this paper, we account for the competition rules by including those requirements in different ways and with different levels of modelisation. The first step is achieved with a |cookie cutter| approach in the rapid prototyping code. This is followed by a more accurate estimation of the take-off velocity with total airplane weight, which will be matched with the longitudinal equilibrium capabilities of the complete aircraft. In this process, the location of the centre of gravity is found. The maximum payload is also obtained. With engine-off, the glider can be trimmed for maximum distance or maximum duration. Winglet design is also discussed. Finally, the design of the classic configuration with a lifting tail at take-off is explained, which, with the double-element airfoil, have been features of the UC Davis entries for the last few years.

Keywords: glider design; airplane design; student design competitions; aerodynamic configuration; double-element airfoils; winglets; longitudinal stability; lifting tail; aerodynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAD.2010.037929

International Journal of Aerodynamics, 2010 Vol.1 No.2, pp.220 - 240

Published online: 05 Jan 2011 *

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