Investigation of the effects of varying wing curvature on the wing’s lift coefficient
International Baccalaureate:
Physics Extended Essay
Investigation of the effects of varying wing curvature on the wing’s lift coefficient
Word Count
Abstract: 233
Essay: 3856
Excluding abstract, contents, appendixes, bibliography, tables and diagram labels.
Abstract:
This essay studies aerodynamic lift in an attempt to answer the question: “what effect does varying wing curvature have on the wing’s lift coefficient?” The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether the bottom curvature of a wing affects the amount of lift that the wing produces and hence the affect this has on the wing’s lift coefficient. In this investigation, two initially identical wings will have their bottom surface curvatures dramatically altered. Once their curvatures are altered, they will be placed in a homebuilt wind tunnel, where their lift forces will be measured at different angles of attack, and then their lift coefficients will be calculated and compared. The conclusions drawn from this investigation after considering experimental data reinforced by theoretical analysis reveals that there is a definite correlation between wing curvature and lift force. The larger the radius of curvature, the weaker the lift force, and consequently a lower lift coefficient. This kind of wing could thus travel faster and would have less drag. However, this essay is only an attempt at better understanding the effects of wing curvature on wing performance. There is no guarantee that a further increase in the bottom radius of curvature of a wing will lead to a weaker lift fore and a lower lift coefficient. This study limits its quantitative generalization to a wing where the top and bottom radius of curvatures are equal.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract____________________________________________________________1
2.
Physics Extended Essay
Investigation of the effects of varying wing curvature on the wing’s lift coefficient
Word Count
Abstract: 233
Essay: 3856
Excluding abstract, contents, appendixes, bibliography, tables and diagram labels.
Abstract:
This essay studies aerodynamic lift in an attempt to answer the question: “what effect does varying wing curvature have on the wing’s lift coefficient?” The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether the bottom curvature of a wing affects the amount of lift that the wing produces and hence the affect this has on the wing’s lift coefficient. In this investigation, two initially identical wings will have their bottom surface curvatures dramatically altered. Once their curvatures are altered, they will be placed in a homebuilt wind tunnel, where their lift forces will be measured at different angles of attack, and then their lift coefficients will be calculated and compared. The conclusions drawn from this investigation after considering experimental data reinforced by theoretical analysis reveals that there is a definite correlation between wing curvature and lift force. The larger the radius of curvature, the weaker the lift force, and consequently a lower lift coefficient. This kind of wing could thus travel faster and would have less drag. However, this essay is only an attempt at better understanding the effects of wing curvature on wing performance. There is no guarantee that a further increase in the bottom radius of curvature of a wing will lead to a weaker lift fore and a lower lift coefficient. This study limits its quantitative generalization to a wing where the top and bottom radius of curvatures are equal.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract____________________________________________________________1
2.
Bibliography: Note on the sources: The sources shown below were used purely for theoretical knowledge and background information, and no content was copied or transcribed directly. “Factors Affecting Stall Speed.” Experimental Aircraft Info. N.p, n.d. Web. 17 Sep 2011. “Bernoulli’s Principle Animation.” Mitchell Science. N.p, n.d. Web. 17 Sep 2011. “Newton’s Third Law Applied to Aerodynamics.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA, n.d. Web. 17 Sep 2011.