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Airfoil Shape Effect on Lift

CSEF · 2019 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only)

Beckett D. Pfahler · St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Encino, Los Angeles County

Overview

Objectives The objective of this experiment was to find out which airfoil shape would create the most lift. Methods Wind tunnel, three varying airfoil shapes, digital scale, and stand. Tested each airfoil in the wind tunnel for 20 seconds, measuring the lift each created. Results Five trials were conducted for each airfoil, measuring the amount of lift created. The airfoil with the most camber, NACA 6713, created the most lift in the majority of the trials. Conclusions The airfoil with the most camber created the most lift. The NACA 6713 and 4112 consistently created the most lift. The symmetrical airfoil, NACA 0012, consistently generated the least lift. It is concluded that airfoil shape directly influences the amount of lift generated in a wind tunnel.

Summary statement

By testing different airfoils in a wind tunnel, I found that the airfoil with the most camber generated the most lift.

Help received

After finding wind tunnel building plans and dimensions, my father helped me build the wind tunnel. I obtained the airfoils and printed them on the school 3D printer.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2019 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0119

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