KINGSTON UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

AERODYNAMICS LABORATORY

Title of Experiment: Determination of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Model

Wing.

Code for Experiment: A1

Location: Aerodynamics Laboratory, Room 49.

Underpinning Module: Aerospace Engineering I (AE 2110).

Aim:

i) The aim of the experiment is to determine the effect of wind speed on the non-
dimensional lift and pitching moment coefficients of a wing.

ii) to study the variation of lift and pitching moment coefficient with incidence.

Learning Outcomes:

i) To be able to use non-dimensional coefficients in presenting wind tunnel data

ii) gain an appreciation of the aerodynamic characteristics of an aerofoil,

ii) develop competence in using a modern data acquisition and reduction system

Introduction:

In this experiment the lift and pitching moment coefficients will be determined using
force and moment measurements on a model wing. The wing is of rectangular
planform and has circular end plates to simulate, approximately, two dimensional flow
conditions.

Apparatus:

The model is suspended from a six component balance in an inverted position.

Readings of lift( positive downwards ) and pitching moment are logged
automatically, and zero corrected using the data acquisition system.

Procedure:

In preparation for the test, the wing model will have been rigged and the circuits
of the balance engaged( for at least one hour ). Follow the steps listed below:-
1). Note the atmospheric pressure and temperature for use in calculations,

2). Adjust the wing incidence to zero degrees,

3). Using the setting bar, check that the wing incidence is properly set to Zero degree.

4). Carefully remove the setting bar from the wing and check that the tunnel is free of
loose objects, and close the access door securely,

5). Zero the lift and pitching moment readings by selecting ' Auto zero',

6). Switch on the wind tunnel, zero the digital manometer,

7).Very gradually, increase the wind tunnel motor speed until the digital manometer
reads 81 mm of water. This is the wind tunnel dynamic pressure.

8). Using the computer set the incidence to -4 degrees,

9). Take a set of readings as the wing incidence is varied, in steps of one degree, from
-4 to 20 degrees, The technician in-charge will demonstrate how to log readings. Save
these on to floppy disc so that analysis can be made of the results outside the
laboratory,

10). Repeat the above procedure for at least one different wind tunnel air speed, below
that corresponding to 81 mm of water,

11) The technician in-charge will demonstrate other data acquisition techniques on the
wind tunnel.

Theory:

The non dimensional lift and pitching moment coefficients are defined as follows:

L
CL 
1 2
V S
2
M
CM 
1 2
 V Sc
2

where

ρ - air density

V - free stream velocity

S - wing area

c - aerodynamic mean chord

 1
The quantity V 2 , is known as the dynamic pressure and it can be measured
2
directly using a pitot-static tube.

Analysis of Results:

1. Plot CL versus α, and CM versus CL. Include results for both speeds on one
graph but use different symbols for the different speeds.

2. Determine the zero lift angle of incidence α 0.

dC L
3. Determine the lift curve slope .
d

4. Determine the maximum lift coefficient CLmax

5. Determine the position of the aerodynamic centre of the aerofoil relative to the
leading edge. (see below)

6. Comment on your findings and compare them with expected values.

The wing planform area is equal to 0.119m2 and the pivot point is 0.048 m aft of the
leading edge. ( All these value to be cofirmed with the technician-in-charge.)

References:

1. Fundamentals of Aerodynamics - John D. Anderson, Jr. - McGraw-Hill, Inc.

ISBN:0-07-001679-8.

2. Low speed Wind Tunnel Testing-William H.Rae, ISBN: 047 1874027.

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