Setting Ailerons
 

Just finishing a GP Dazzler and am setting the surfaces. This is my first symmetrical wing, and I was wondering as to where neutral is on the wing. It is a little more bubblous (sic) on the top then the bottom. I just kinda eyeballed it and wondering if this is correct.

flynte

RE: Setting Ailerons
 

If the wing is symmetrical, there should be no difference in top or bottom curvature. But in any case, the ailerons should be considered as the completion of the wing chord; that is, they should be even with both the top and bottom of the wing (if the hinges are centered correctly). In general, when getting the alignment, I believe it's better to have a tiny bit of droop to the ailerons (for lift), than to have any up aileron since that position would act as a spoiler.

RE: Setting Ailerons
 

Looks pretty good what you did.

Interesting.... It looks like they took a symmetrical airfoil and flattened it on one side for ease of manufacturing. Do they advertise that as a symmetrical wing? It doesn't appear to be. Fact is, that in 3D it won't matter. But it is a bit funny.

With symmetrical wings, center the ailerons. Look directly from behind and line up the wing so you see the TE bisect the wing for symmetrical airfoil wings. For cambered wings, line the TE up with the bottom of the wing. Now try to see if the TE line looks straight compared to the wing. If you look closely at the pictures, you'll see the lineup for symmetrical in one picture and the lineup for cambered in the other. And you'll see that one wing is warped.

You use this eyeball technique to line up the ailerons and to sort out the warps.

RE: Setting Ailerons
 

Thanks da Rock, I knew there had to be a technique to it somehow. And like you pointed out, a great quick check for wing warpage. I think they did flatten one side for manufacture as you mentioned, not a high dollar arf by any means. Now if it quits raining, be able to get a maiden on it.


Thanks again

flynte

RE: Setting Ailerons
 

The easiest technique is to use tape and place a popsicle stick or a tongue depressor on either side of the airfoil so it overlaps the aileron, and you have alignment.

RE: Setting Ailerons
 

Thanks Beaner, I'll give that a go also

flynte