The effects of multiple winglets (sails) on finite wing performance and vortex wake

Author

James Dale Hull

Date of Award

6-1984

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Aerospace Engineering

Major Professor

Jain-Ming Wu

Committee Members

Mitsuru Kurosaka, Ralph Kimberlin

Abstract

This thesis attempts to answer the question, "What is the function of tip feathers of soaring birds?"

Multiple sails (feathers) are added to a plain wing and changes in the trailing tip vortex are measured. The same tests are repeated in a wind tunnel to measure changes in the aerodynamic forces. A computer simulation of the shed vortex pattern is also used as a model.

Although incomplete, this study is a good basis for future work, and the results indicate that bird tip feathers increase the effective aspect ratio of the wing, reducing the induced drag.

Recommended Citation

Hull, James Dale, "The effects of multiple winglets (sails) on finite wing performance and vortex wake. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1984.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/14642