AllExperts > Aerospace/Aviation 
Search      
Aerospace/Aviation
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Aerospace/Aviation Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Aerospace/Aviation Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Aerospace/Aviation
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Mark Janus
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding aerodynamics, fluid flow, and computational simulations.

Experience
turbomachinery flow analysis, computational fluid dynamics

Organizations
Mississippi State University

AIAA

SIAM

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Aerospace/Aviation > Aerospace/Aviation > windmills

Aerospace/Aviation - windmills


Expert: Mark Janus - 8/31/2009

Question
Hello Mark,
I am trying to make a windmill. Please look at my sketch. Can you think of an answer to my two questions please?

Many thanks.
Mike

Answer
This type of windmill is called a Savonius design basically you don't have to let the flow go through the advancing side, there just needs to be a difference in the drag side vs side....  that way it will begin to spin because one side will have more drag than the other....  Savonius designs are based on drag....   You could use some sort of material that has a bias (in the weave) such that when the wind blows through one way, you get one drag value, and when it blows through the other you get a different value....  I believe a weave could be designed for that purpose...

Thanx for the question,
mj

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.