Does anyone know of a source for data comparing various planforms (wing shape in plan view) of low aspect ratio wing at Reynolds numbers useful for light aircraft design? Something like circle-rectangle-diamond-delta-reverse delta-zimmerman-reverse zimmerman, for example.
The question came up because I was taking another look at the Piana Canova designs and I realize that I don't think I've ever seen any data for that diamond shape. See Low aspect ratio with an Italian accent for more info on those.
On a related note, what do folks think the difference in behavior might be for a true diamond shape (a square flying diagonally) like the Piana Canova designs vs. moving the wingtips forward to the 25% chord point to allow a straight main spar tip to tip or aft to the 75% chord point for a more delta shape? The later two would result in a straight-line approximations of the Zimmerman and reverse Zimmerman shapes. It's worth noting that all three shapes have equal span and chord and all have a 2.0 aspect ratio.
A 4.25 m/ 14' 9" span would give a wing area of 10.125 sq m/109 sq ft or about right for a Part 103 ultralight or a faster and heavier single-seat microlight. A 5.5 m/18' span and chord would give a wing area of 15.125 sq m/163 sq ft or plenty for a two-seat microlight or a faster and heavier two-seat LSA. Carrier-style wing folding on a 2.0 m/6' 6" center section could allow either one to fit in a 20' shipping container.
Cheers,
Matthew
The question came up because I was taking another look at the Piana Canova designs and I realize that I don't think I've ever seen any data for that diamond shape. See Low aspect ratio with an Italian accent for more info on those.
On a related note, what do folks think the difference in behavior might be for a true diamond shape (a square flying diagonally) like the Piana Canova designs vs. moving the wingtips forward to the 25% chord point to allow a straight main spar tip to tip or aft to the 75% chord point for a more delta shape? The later two would result in a straight-line approximations of the Zimmerman and reverse Zimmerman shapes. It's worth noting that all three shapes have equal span and chord and all have a 2.0 aspect ratio.
A 4.25 m/ 14' 9" span would give a wing area of 10.125 sq m/109 sq ft or about right for a Part 103 ultralight or a faster and heavier single-seat microlight. A 5.5 m/18' span and chord would give a wing area of 15.125 sq m/163 sq ft or plenty for a two-seat microlight or a faster and heavier two-seat LSA. Carrier-style wing folding on a 2.0 m/6' 6" center section could allow either one to fit in a 20' shipping container.
Cheers,
Matthew
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