Efficiency on the Move: Improving Aircraft Performance and Efficiency with 3D Scanning, Point Cloud Software and Rapid Prototyping

摘要

The Polen Special, an experimental airplane, was designed and built between 1968 and 1972. Dennis Polen and his friend Darryl Usher started the design focusing on building the most efficient airplane possible, without conforming to the Formula One air race rules. Jim Hergert later joined the team. Each was intent on building a copy of the design. Usher designed the wing spar and landing gear. During the process, both Hergert and Usher abandoned the project. Polen went on to complete his plane alone. In 1999, the Polen Special was purchased from Dennis Polen. At that time, the plane was normally aspirated. The turbocharger had been removed years before. The planes' maximum level flight speed was approximately 240 mph. The goal of this project therefore was to perform efficiency and performance enhancements on the plane using 3-D scanning and RP methods. The modifications made to the plane included putting a turbocharger back on, installing one electronic ignition system, a new custom-built propeller, an intercooler, more oxygen capacity and increasing the range with an additional fuel tank.