Design and Wind Tunnel Testing of a Deployable/Retractable Rigid Wing Semispan

摘要

An exploratory program was conducted to design, fabricate and demonstrate the feasibility of a unique deployable/foldable all-metal rigid wing semispan as a viable lifting surface. Following fabrication and successful completion of laboratory structural and functional tests, a low-speed wind tunnel investigation was conducted to determine the relative aerodynamic performance of the deployable/foldable rigid wing semispan (Hereafter referred to as 'deployable wing', 'deployable rigid wing', or 'semispan') compared to that of a smooth wooden wing semispan of similar geometry and to demonstrate deplpyment of this unique concept under various aerodynamic loading conditions. The purpose of these tests was not to obtain absolute values for the deployable wing aerodynamic characteristics. Wing mounting structure and tunnel size precluded this. Rather, it was to provide a comparison between the deployable wing and smooth wooden wing characteristics for this particular tunnel, assuming that the same relative performance would be obtained if testing was conducted under more favorable conditions of wing/tunnel size and mounting configuration; this fact can not be overemphasized. The results of the program have demonstrated satisfactory aerodynamic and deployment characteristics of the deployable wing at velocities to 150k and angles of attack through the stall and indicate further refinement of the concept is justified. (Author)