AERO 2655 - Introduction to
Aircraft
Assignment 3
REPORT
Design and Build a Glider
Course Lecturer: Gianmarco D-
Alessandro Nguyen Hoang Minh
Hieu - s4039814
Due date: 10/5/2024
Word count:
1
Table of Contents
Abstract.......................................................3
1.
Introduction 4
2. Aircraft Configuration 4
2.1. Materials and Tools 4
2.2. Glider Compoments 4
2.3. Assembly Process 5
3. Gliders Analysis
6
3.1.
Design Choices6
3.2.
Performance Analysis 6
4. Conclusion
7
References 9
2
Abstract
This report delves into the design and assembly process along with an analysis of
the glider’s components and performance. Emphasizes the glider-making process
and analysis of gliders by using appropriate materials and integrating with
acquired knowledge to optimize aerodynamic efficiency while still maintaining its
durability. The goal is to enable the glider to fly stable and the ability to execute
a 360-degree turn back to the starting point. Despite facing certain challenges
along the process, the design showed a considerable degree of stability and
control. Moreover, analysis of the flight process and shortcomings, helping in
devising better modifications to the glider to improve its performance.
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1.Introduction
Throughout the history of aviation, the field of aerodynamics contributes a
crucial role in aircraft design. Analyzing the airflow around the object enables us
to determine the lift force, which helps the aircraft deal with gravity and drag
(Howthingsfly n.d.). This paper demonstrates the design of a glider operates
without the need for a power source and relies on its structure design and
aerodynamic efficiency. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical
implementation, the primary objective was to create a glider capable of stable
straight flight or 360-degree turns. This report will cover the design process,
guiding the reader through each important aspect of the development. Including
the design type and specific parameters for each part of the glider configuration.
Then analyze the performance of the completed glider as well as suggest
solutions to improve the model.
2.Aircraft Configuration
2.1 Materials and Tools
The devices and materials used to make the glider are very common and
affordable, they consist of a 3mm thick Styrofoam sheet to design the parts,
providing the necessary stiffness to the parts , a sharp paper-knife and glue gun
to attach the parts together, instrument for measuring and these can be found
easily at stationery store.
2.2 Glider Components
The first gliders is created with 3mm Styrofoam, and they all have the same
measurement and design. Starting with drawing the frame for the fuselage and
using by a paper-knife to cut along the drawn lines, the fuselage has a rounded
4
shape at the nose and a measurement of 27cm in length and 4cm wide while the
tail 1cm in width.
Figure 1: Glider’s fuselage
Next, the wings are in a elliptical shape with a total wing span of 46cm, each
wing is 23cm long with a root chord of 7cm and a tip chord of 1cm. Finally,
horizontal and vertical stabilizers are designed with length and height
measurements of 6cm and 4cm respectively.
However, for the second one, A 15cm long paper straw will be used as the
fuselage of the glider and a different kind of Styrofoam, which is much lighter to
create the wing and the stabilizers. This glider is made to a smaller scale, the
wing will be cut in a rectangular shape and has a total wing span of 16cm.
2.3 Assembly Process
Once the pieces are cut apart, to achieve aerodynamic lift, I perform a beveled
cut along the leading edge to create an airfoil shape. This step is also repeated
for the vertical and horizontal stabilizers. Then, I use a piece of sandpaper to
smooth out the cut edges. By doing this, its shape accelerates the airflow on the
upper surface, leading to pressure drop above the airfoil and increased pressure
below, this pressure differences between the surfaces generate lift (NAA 2022).
Moving on to the next step, the wings are attached to the fuselage of the aircraft
by a glue gun, at a position about 9cm from the nose of the aircraft. While the
second glider’s wing was attached at a distance of 3cm from its nose. The
horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin of both gliders are mounted on the tail of the
fuselage to enhance pitch and yawn stability.
3.Glider Analysis
5
3.1 Design choices
As mentioned above, the fuselage is designed with a rounded nose, this can
create suction on the fuselage of an aircraft, pulling air around the aircraft.
Pushes the air forward during flight, helping the air move more smoothly over
the fuselage with minimal resistance (Monroe aerospace 2019). With a long wing
span design, it has a high aspect ratio, minimizing the wing tip vortex due to the
smaller area of the wingtip, which significantly reduces induced drag
(Boldmethod 2022). Moreover, the elliptical wing is the most efficient in
aerodynamics due to its elliptical span-wise lift distribution, resulting in the
lowest induced drag possible (Editorial Team 2020). The wings are mounted
upward from the fuselage, creating a dihedral angle. This angle assists in
returning to straight and level flight because of the alter in the angle of attack on
each wing while a side-slip happened (Claiborne 2022)
Figure 2 : First design
For the second glider, the wings have a low aspect ratio, which improve
maneuverability, enable quicker roll rates, more dynamic and agile movements
(Scungio 2024)
Figure 3: Second design
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3.2 Performance Analysis
For a successful throw, the thrower should hold the middle of the glider, slightly
point the glider up, and throw it gently, almost similar to throw a dart. The first
glider has successfully demonstrated the ability to fly stable in a straight line.
However, the glider only able to stably for a short period of time and slowly
descend to the ground. Therefore, to increase stability during flight, the glider
should increase the size of the horizontal stabilizer. The general rules of a
horizontal tail area should be at least 25% ( 30%-33% would be more ideal) of the
wing area generally works well (Bennett .n.d.). Although the foam board provides
a rigidity look to the components, the material is brittle, leading to cracks or
breakage of parts after repeated testing. From there, the parts should be
reinforced with small pieces of wood along its length.
Move on to the second glider, using the same throwing technique but I will angle
the glider more to the left. The glider was able to turn in 360-degree and return
close to the launch point. However, it only hovers in a small circle, so I think the
wings should be modified with ailerons and a rudder on the vertical fin. While
these ailerons in operation, one will create more lift while the other reduce the
lift, causing the wing with less lift to drop and the opposite will rise (Claiborn
2020). the rudder helps by adjusting the angle of attack on the stabilizer, while
the rudder is deflected, the trailing edge shifts, creating a force that pulls the tail
in the opposite direction to the deflection (Brassaw 2024). With the support from
these devices, they provide easier capabilities for the glider to bank left or right.
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4. Solution
In conclusion, this report demonstrates the application of basic principles of aerodynamics to create a
glider capable of stable straight fly and perform a 360-degree turn. Despite initial difficulties, many test
resulted in a glider design that work as required. shows the analysis and modifications that help the
glider have a better performance , thereby drawing lessons from mistakes during the construction
process. Emphasis on testing and making judgments, improving the ability to evaluate things and
problem-solving skills during work. Those lessons learned will be helpful for future projects.
References
1. Boldmethod (2022) How Does Aspect Ratio Affect Your Wing ?, Online Flight
Training Courses and CFI Tools website, accessed 10 May 2024, How Does
Aspect Ratio Affect Your Wing? | Boldmethod
2. Brian Brassaw (2024) Rudder: What is it, and How Does it Work ?, Thrust
Flight website, accessed 10 May 2024, Rudder: What is it, and How Does it
Work? - Thrust Flight
3. Elle Scungio (2024) What Are Wing Aspect Ratios & How Do They Differ
Between Aircraft Types ?, Simple Flying website, accessed 10 May 2024,
What Are Wing Aspect Ratios & How Do They Differ Between Aircraft Types?
8
(simpleflying.com)
4. Editorial Team (2020) 9 Types of Aircraft Wings in Depth, Aero Corner
website, accessed 10 May 2024,9 Types of Aircraft Wings in Depth - Aero
Corner
5. How things Fly (.n.d) Welcome to How Things Fly, How Things Fly website,
accessed 10 May 2024, Aerodynamics | How Things Fly (si.edu)
6. Leon Bennett (.n.d.) STABILIZER SIZE AND MODEL FLIGHT, Free Flight
website, accessed 10 May 2024, What is Dihedral Angle in Aircraft? - Aero
Corner
7. Matt Claiborne (2022) What is Dihedral Angle in Aircraft ?, Aero Corner
website, accessed 10 May 2024,
https://www.freeflight.org/Library/TechLibrary/StabSizeStability.pdf
8. Matt Claiborne (2020) What Are Ailerons & How Do Ailerons Work ?, Aero
Corner website, accessed 10 May 2024,
https://www.freeflight.org/Library/TechLibrary/StabSizeStability.pdf
9. Monroe Aerospace (2019) Why Do Some Airplanes Have a Pointed Nose and
Others a Rounded Nose ?, Blog Monroe Aerospace website, accessed 10 May
2024, Why Do Some Airplanes Have a Pointed Nose and Others a Rounded
Nose? | Blog- Monroe Aerospace
10. NAA (National Aviation Academy) (2022) Airfoil Design 101: What Is an Airfoil
?, National Aviation Academy website, accessed 10 May 2024, Airfoil Design
101: What Is an Airfoil? - National Aviation Academy (naa.edu)
