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Effect of flaperons on a biplane configuration
Johnson, Bonnie L.
Johnson, Bonnie L.
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1994-05
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Thesis
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Electronic dissertations
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Abstract
The use of full span flaperons on low speed biplane configurations i~ a unique
synergistic concept that has yet to be evaluated. The well-executed biplane
configuration is useful for performing low speed aerobatics, providing the benefit of
relatively low induced drag at high load factors along with high roll rates, important
parameters in performing smooth and efficient aerobatics. Since the conventional use
of flaps in the presence of ailerons would decrease the span of the ailerons, it seemed
beneficial to the biplane configuration to combine the flap and the aileron into a full
span flaperon. Biplanes historically have had poor forward visibility in the landing
configuration; the use of full span flaperons would improve the aircraft attitude in the
landing phase without significantly compromising its roll rate capability.
The biplane configuration, a 1/5 scale model of the Merkel Mark II Maverick, was
tested in the Wichita State University 7 X 10 Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel at a
Reynolds Numbers of 922,000. The flaperon data are presented for deflections from -8 ·
to 16 degrees. Tail on and off data are presented to show the biplane was still
trimmable with flaperons deflected symmetrically. Evaluation of the wind tunnel results
indicates that the flaperons would be beneficial to improving the landing attitude for
improved visibility at a given approach speed without loss of lateral control. Also, for
improved high "g" maneuvering performance, the full span flaperons showed a
reduction in both the profile and the induced drag at symmetric deflections of -4
degrees.
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Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
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Wichita State University