Development of deployable wing glider

• Main Author: Lim, Bi Fang.
• Other Authors: Murukeshan Vadakke Matham
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53541
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report will explore the development of a deployable wing mechanism for use in gliders of wingspan 1-1.5 metres. The wing will be stowed along the fuselage prior to launch and will be deployed to its desired location in flight. The objective of wing stowage is to achieve a higher height attainment during launch to maximize glide time. Stowing the wings alongside the fuselage reduces aerodynamic skin friction drag as well as lift induced drag due to the lowered exposed wing surface area. It also allows the glider to be launched with a launching mechanism capable of imparting greater force without structural limitation on the wings. Stowage of wings also offers space reduction in storage, which enables portability. This report will consider the various design options in existing deployable wing technology. However, the main report will focus solely on the folding wing design concept, where the wings are folded rigidly next to the fuselage while maintaining its fixed geometry. Design of the folding mechanism, the building of the glider prototype and some flight trials conducted for the prototype will be covered in the rest of the report. This report will present findings from the implementation of the folding wing concept, some limitations, as well as possible further studies of this concept.