Glider
After teaching basic flight principles, my Introduction to Aerodynamics professor tasked us with designing a lightweight glider that is optimized for maximum flight time and distance at low air speeds. The glider would be entirely made from foam and balsa wood and was to be launched by rubber band.
After analyzing different aerofoils in Xfoil, my partner and I decided on using SD7037 for its high lift and low drag at low speeds. The aerofoil was extended out to a wing section in SolidWorks and was cut from foam using a CNC Hot Wire Cutter. The horizontal stabilizer was similarly cut and uses the NACA0012 aerofoil. The fusealage and vertical stabilizer were both made of balsa and cut on an NC Mill. All of these components were assembled using spray adhesive and together acheived a maximum distance and flight time of 76 ft in 3 seconds. We both received extra credit for having the best performing glider in the class.
