Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links

Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links
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Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 4/12/2005 5:19:28 AM

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From: Burnaby, BC, CANADA
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This is a new sticky FAQ thread to post up links to various online calculators, simulators and other online software tools that can be used to explain principles or calculate aerodynamic design factors. I'll edit this post to include all links as they come up to save users from wading through all the posts. Headings for some but not all categories are shown below and the links along with a short description are posted under the headings. If you have suggestions for other heading topics please post.

Bring 'em on folks!
_______________________________________________________

Airfoil analysis and airflow simulation:
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/foil2.html - Foilsim, a simple airflow simulator. Let's you play with camber, AoA and determine the Cl of your basic design size and speed. Very educational - BMatthews

CG calculators:

MAC (Mean Aerodynamic Chord) calculators:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/scherrer/matthieu/english/mce.html - multi panel entry allows more complex shapes -Tall Paul

Tail Volume Coefficients- Horizontal and Vertical:

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Bruce-
Proudly wasting balsa since 1965.

Free Flighters go that extra mile........

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 4/17/2005 4:23:56 PM

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From: butternut, WI, USA
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here is one for a effective dihedral angle calculator I've also got a good c/g locator if I can relocate the file I'll post it.

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(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 4/17/2005 4:36:02 PM

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From: butternut, WI, USA
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Found the c/g program, not the one I originally had but it looks like it has all the bells and whistles. Aircraft Balance Calculator
You might wand to check outcolorado gliders they seem to really get into the #'s. Mostly glider stuff but we follow the same physical laws as everyone else

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The older I get... The better I was...

(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 5/4/2005 2:46:02 AM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Geistware

OK Everyone, Version 6.0 of the calculator are up and does balance calculations as well as CG. Please review it here.

http://www.geistware.com/rcmodeling/cg_super_calc.htm

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Bruce-
Proudly wasting balsa since 1965.

Free Flighters go that extra mile........

(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 5/5/2005 6:09:05 AM

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From: Etna, CA, USA
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Here is a software tool (spreadsheet) that converts surface deflection expressed in inches to degrees:

www.aeroperfect.com/degree.html

And two spreadsheets that aid in programming Hitec Digital Servos:

www.aeroperfect.com/program_off-plane.html

www.aeroperfect.com/program_on-plane.html

While these are "online software tools", they're not tools for calculating aerodynamic design factors in the strict sense. While they are useful, they may outside what you had in mind. If so, please feel free to remove this post

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Bell Electronic Technologies
www.AeroPerfect.com

(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 6/26/2005 9:51:37 PM

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Calculate wingloading, area and estimate stall speed

Calculate NP & CG for wings with two different panels

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http://adamone.rchomepage.com

(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 10/29/2005 9:41:27 PM

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Online servo torque calculators...

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/eflight/calcs_servo.htm

a second site with the same thing

http://www.coloradogliders.com/servotorquecalculator.htm

and again...

http://www.mmaa-modelairplanes.org/servotorquecalculator.htm

and just in case all the rest go dead a 4th iteration of the same thing

http://www.flyrc.dk/servo.htm

Just be sure you provide a worst case speed of what the model will be able to do in a screaming death dive. And to prevent loading the servo you should use the number given by the calculator for servo torque required and get ones that provide 1.5 to 2 times that torque calc so you know the servo won't be operating near it's stall zone.

Enjoy!

< Message edited by BMatthews -- 10/29/2005 9:46:37 PM >

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Proudly wasting balsa since 1965.

Free Flighters go that extra mile........

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RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 11/14/2005 10:11:52 PM

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http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/index.htm is a great resource. It has quite a few programs for model aircraft design. Noteably, JavaFoil a 2D airfoil analysis tool, JavaProp, and Java Pipe. There are also many other programs available on Dr. Hepperle's website. You just have to look around a bit. A one i find handy often is the aerodynamic center calculator.

And for the more advanced and adventurous out there, AVL is a great 3 dimensional aerodynamic analysis tool. Google it. You'll find it.

(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/24/2005 10:31:58 PM

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From: Toronto, ON, CANADA
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Using the java applet from here http://www.mh-aerotools.de/airfoils/javafoil.htm i design the airfoil from my scratch build aircraft The Beast.
Great tool!

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Val

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RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 1:47:14 AM

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Is there any site that has airfoils grouped, as to the type of aircraft use? I am looking for a site that visually shows the foil.
I found a perfect such site in Japan, but all the foils were in reference #'s and plotting #'s.
I live and die on print out and enlarge.
Thanks for any sites, Rich.

(in reply to Aschiuta)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 2:06:47 AM

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No i do not know such a site.
you can take a look here-> UIUC airfoil databse
You have both numerical data and the image.

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Val

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RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 3:09:51 AM

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After looking at most of the foils visually. I come away with the truthfull realization that no one agrees what is the most efficient in any application after all these years.
Thanks for removing any doubts I had about airfoil selection.

(in reply to Aschiuta)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 3:18:02 AM

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Well, there is no perfect airfoil for everything... depends of what are your requirements for that aircraft (speed, long flying time, maneuvrability etc etc), you have to pick the best airfoil to suit that. And of course, even if you know the requirements, you will still have hard time to pick the best . I know maybe it sound a little be off, but think about of formula 1 wings and body aerodynamics.. there is no perfect way, no perfect package, and also the package is modified to suit the circuit, and it is in always development.

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Val

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RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 5:36:52 PM

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You are absolutly correct about competitiveness developing better air foils for each condition.

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RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 12/30/2005 5:39:59 PM

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You are absolutly correct about competitiveness developing better air foils for each condition.
Why would I expect the competitors to all admit, 1 was now the best for a particular setup.
I can be very simplistic at times, because I do not compete actively.

(in reply to Aschiuta)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 1/19/2006 5:55:32 AM

GJM

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Is anyone out there aware of a formula for calculating the number of G's a design would be able to pull. It would be helpful when trying to design a structure.

Thanks guys!

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(in reply to BMatthews)

RE: Aerodynamic tools, calculators and test links - 3/29/2006 11:00:36 PM