Preliminary wind tunnel studies on Micro-Air Vehicles

Abstract

A preliminary wind tunnel studies were carried out in the 0.55m low speed tunnel on the Micro Air Vehicle configurations which have been test flown. The flown MAV's vary both in planform and airfoil geometry. A 3-component internal strain gage balance was used to measure the aerodynamic data. The tests were carried out at a freestream velocity of 12 m/s and at angle of attack varying from -4 deg to 24 deg in 4 deg steps. A comparison of the aerodynamic characteristics of the airframe (wing and fuselage) was made in terms of lift slope, stall angle, minimum drag, aerodynamic efficiency (L/D) and the pitching momebt stability. Error ananlysis was made and the results were discussed. Detailed 6-component measurements, control surface effects, propelled model tests are planned in the second phase

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