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Which Design of Winglet Best Prevents Wingtip Vortices?

CSEF · 2017 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only)

Angelo J. Giangiorgi, Pierce A. Nelson · All Saints' Episcopal Day School, Carmel, Monterey County

Overview

Objectives/Goals Our objective was to see which design of winglet best prevents wingtip vortices and also the efficiency of planes by increasing lift and decreasing drag. Methods/Materials Wind tunnel at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, 3 different aluminum winglets, an aluminum sting, and a Force-Balance, tested the three different wings at 3 different angles of attack and 3 different wind speeds. Results Different wings were placed in a wind tunnel and the lift and drag numbers were recorded. The tests were repeated after notches were made to help with angle of attack to reduce uncontrolled variables. Conclusions/Discussion The repeated tests showed that the winglet with only the top was the best compared to the wing with no winglets. It was concluded that the Top-Only winglet has the best lift-to-drag ratio.

Summary statement

As measured in the wind tunnel with lift and drag, we showed that the Top Only winglet has the best lift:drag ratio.

Help received

We had the help of Dr. James Paul of Airflow Sciences, and Dr. Kevin Jones, who works at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2017 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0110

Resources

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