Date of Award

5-2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Engineering and Technology Education

Abstract

Vertical take-off has been a capability available only to military aircraft due to the design utilized. However, if the design incorporated artificial airflow over the aircraft wings, then vertical take-off becomes a possibility for aircraft varying from general aviation to small jets. In order to determine the most efficient wing for vertical take-off, multiple airfoils with different characteristics and airflow configurations were designed and tested. For each airfoil, the coefficient of lift was to be calculated and recorded in order to determine which airfoil had the greatest capability for vertical take-off. However, the airfoil/airflow design utilized in the tests did not create enough lift to measure. Although the tests appear to have ended in failure, there was one important trait that was effectively proven. This trait was the fact that there was a pressure drop over the top of the airfoil, which meant that the airfoil was generating lift. This trait has lead to plans for future designs and testing.

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on September 16, 2011.

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Engineering Commons

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Faculty Mentor

Jeffery Baldwin