A Hole in One for Aviation
CSEF · 2018 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only)
Overview
Objectives/Goals The objective was to find if dimples on the top of an airfoil would allow it to generate more lift and less drag than a conventional airplane wing. Methods/Materials 9-inch long airfoil, wind tunnel, computer with LoggerLite Pro. Tested 6 times, 3 for lift and 3 for drag, then added 10 dimples evenly spread across top, until reached 50 dimples. Results I found that dimples on an airfoil do decrease drag and increase lift, but they create extra turbulence, which makes for a bouncier wing. Conclusions/Discussion I tested to see if dimples could be something that would improve efficiency on an airplane wing and found that they do help decrease drag and increase lift, but they create extra turbulence.
Summary statement
I tested to see if dimples could be something that would improve efficiency on an airplane wing and found that they do help decrease drag and increase lift, but they create extra turbulence.
Help received
Scott Barnes (Dad) helped me construct my airfoil and test it in the wind tunnel. Jennifer Barnes (Mom) helped me layout my board, and Elizabeth Conrad (Science Teacher) allowed me to borrow her wind tunnel and helped me through the registration process for the Orange County Science Fair.
Competition history
- CSEF 2018
Resources
Related projects
CSEF · 2010
Dimples on Wings
CSEF · 2010
Don't Be a Drag: The Effect of Dimples on an Airplane Wing
CSEF · 2013
Just Wright for Flight
CSEF · 2013
Analysis of Airfoil Performance in a Micro-Scale Wind Tunnel
CSEF · 2014
Just Winging It
CSEF · 2009
Fuel Troubles: Improving Car Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency through Dimples
CSEF · 2016
Measuring Airfoil Lift/Drag Designs
CSEF · 2013
Airfoils and Winglets
Closest projects by meaning, across every fair and year in the corpus.
Browse more like this
Source: California Science & Engineering Fair public projects