To the original post:
ORIGINAL: marwen1
Well, I think I have calculated the wing loading number. But now that I have it - what do I do with it?
This kind of reminds me of taking a course and the prof ends the overview with, "are there any questions?"
"Hell, I don't know enough about the subject to ask an intellegent question!"
WING LOADING - It doesn't tell me (at this point) if the engine I have on the beast will fly it or not
I obviously know the weight of the aircraft, and I know thw size of the wing.
Q) Is this magical number going to tell me if it is a good number or a bad number?
A) Not necessarily, other factorshave a great influence too.
Q) Do I need lots of runway or a short one?
A) Depending on other factors, one is the next question.
Q) How important is the engine?
A) For speed and take of, it's important.
These might seem like some very trite questions but if I don't know the answers, what's the sense in trying to do things properly?
Comment,
long time ago I did take basic aerodynamics at school and where sure I did understand why aeroplanes fly. Today with a master in another physic's subject I'm not that sure of my knowledge. The best answer to why aeroplanes fly is in the book "Stick and rudder", money keep aeroplanes aloft. With no money, no flying.
I've been scratch building for over 20 years. All of my planes fly - some better than others some worse.
Some of mine didn't fly
If I can predict my results - that would be awesome
any and all guidance is greatly appreciated.
marwen1
Some of the other factors:
Size, a large model work well with a higher wing loading than a small model.
Scaling and how it do affect wing loading have been discussed in this forum before.
Wing chord large chord gives a larger Reynolds number at the same speed and allow higher wing loading
Speed, higher speed is the flip side of above.
Planform, large span high aspect ratio wings work better with high wing loading than the same area on a low aspect ratio wing. (As long as the chord dont get to small.)
Some argue that the absolute span is as important as the aspect ratio when considering the wing.
Power, more power will fly a higher loaded wing.
In many ways the wing loading numbertell something about how a plane at a certaian weight and planform will perform. It's only useful for comparing models at the same kind of size.