CFD Comparison of a Slotted, Natural-Laminar-Flow 18m Sailplane

Christopher J. Axten, Mark D. Maughmer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A flapped, slotted, natural-laminar-flow airfoil was recently designed and tested that has potential use for low-Mach and low-to-mid Reynolds numbers applications. To evaluate the potential performance benefits of this airfoil, it is applied to the wing of an 18-meter sailplane and compared with an analysis of the Schmepp-Hirth Ventus-3 wing. As part of the preparation for the analysis, airfoil polars are compared with wind tunnel data to validate the methods. The wing comparisons are then made, both with visualizations and performance results. Lastly, conclusions regarding the gains with the SNLF airfoil are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624107115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2024Jan 12 2024

Publication series

NameAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period1/8/241/12/24

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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