Expert: Mark Janus - 7/30/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi . i wanted your help in selecting a project. i just passed my sixth semester. I am doing aerospace engineering. we required to do a project next year for the degree. i wanted it to be in aerodynamics. can you give me a few projects and where i can begin.ill be thankfull if the projects arent expensive to do . thanks

ANSWER: You could study an autorotating flat plate.  (easy to make... a little more costly to analyze....  probably need a motion camera)

You could study the effects of a Kline-Fogleman airfoil... (also known as a paper airplane airfoil)...

You can look these up on the internet to get started (simply Google Kline-Fogleman airfoil and/or autorotating flat plate)...  

Thanx,
mj


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you sir for the reply .. i looked up the kline fogleman air foil as you suggested .. i am intersested in it .. sir can you advise me what effects should i look into .. thank you ..

Answer
For example, you could study the effects of varying the location of the discontinuity in the surface. Also, you could study the effects of the discontinuity on the upper or lower surface (i.e. which is better)... The point is, it is a simple  design that you can "test" using paper airplanes...

Just an idea...
mj