A NASA Engineer Discovered a World of Semi Truck Aerodynamics by Accident
#HackerNews #NASA #Engineer #SemiTruck #Aerodynamics #Discovery #Innovation #Automotive
Where is the center of gravity of the empty glider located?
If you measure the location of the main wheel and tail wheel (reference to something such as the glider's nose), and the weight each of them carry...you can do the math to answer that question.
Where is the center of gravity when the pilot is in the glider?
Climb in, and then take the same measurements.
Now I know if I need to add trim weights to the nose or tail, and how much.
Determining center of gravity location is critical for safety of flight and good handling characteristics. I'll do these measurements and math more than once so I can be very confident of the results.
#AvGeek #Aviation #ElectricAircraft #Homebuilt #Glider #DIY #EAA #Aerodynamics #Math #Mass #Weight #Balance #Safety
3 media
Gliders often go to significant lengths to reduce drag.
My flaperons are driven by a push-pull tube that exits the wing skin and pushes against an external drive horn. There are two of these setups on each wing...four external devices that need fairings.
But they and the flaperons move. That complicates things.
First photo shows one push-pull tube and drive horn without fairings.
Second photo shows the inner/smaller fairing that will eventually be glued into place.
Third photo shows both fairings in place and the flaperon near the limit of its down travel.
Fourth photo shows both fairings and the flaperon approaching the limit of its upward travel.
One fairing of the two pairs on one wing are drying overnight. Tomorrow morning, I will make final adjustments to the remaining inner fairings and then glue them in place.
I'm using RTV silicone, which needs humid air to cure well. It's winter in New Mexico and the air is super dry. I have put a very large pot of water on the wood stove to humidify the air overnight.
#AvGeek #Aviation #ElectricAircraft #Homebuilt #Glider #DIY #EAA #Fairing #Drag #Aerodynamics
4 media
