Flight Science & Technology Research Group

Wright Brothers Project

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The Flying Qualities of The Wright Flyers

This project is aimed at the construction and evaluation of high-fidelity simulations of the family of Wright Brothers aircraft between 1900 and 1909, particularly the first Wright Flyer of 1903. It is a celebration of the Wrights’ activities a century ago. Using modern engineering techniques it will bring new understanding to how the Wright Brothers applied their skills to design, build and test flying machines

Span 22 ft

Chord 7 ft

Wing area290 sq ft

longest flight 389 ft

Span: 32 ft
Chord: 5 ft
Wing area 305 sq ft
longest flight 622 ft

Span 40.33 ft
Chord 6.5 ft
Area 510 sq ft
12 Hp Engine
Flight 852 ft

Experimental Aerodynamics

For any high-fidelity simulation model extensive knowledge of the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft in question have to provided. The Wright Brothers project brings unique challenges to this area considering the design features of the Wright Brothers aircraft. The main features include:

Very thin airfoils <4% thickness/chord ratio.
Twisting wing structure for wing-warping control.
Biplane interference effects.
Canard and wing downwash and upwash interference effects.

Theoretical and Computational Aerodynamics

Many sources of contemporary and historical data are being utilised in building up a comprehensive database of the aerodynamic properties including data from the Wright Brothers themselves. Other sources include:

Theoretical and computational methods of estimating parameters – Vortex Lattice modelling.
Contemporary sources of wind tunnel data such as data contributed by AIAA full scale tests of 1903 Flyer and wind tunnel

testing conducted by the University of Liverpool on scale replica

Flight Dynamics and Control

	The flight dynamics of the early Wright aircraft display many unique characteristics including instability in pitch and roll. Using modern flight dynamic, control theory and handling qualities techniques the process of how the Wright Brothers developed the first effective 3-axis control system is being investigated.

Flight Simulation

	The Wright Brothers aircraft are being modelled using FLIGHTLAB from ART. This is a powerful engineering systems simulation tool allowing a multi-body dynamics approach where each subsystem can be modelled using a modular system. This method allows for control over varying levels of fidelity and for efficient model development.The simulation models can then be flown by a human pilot in a real-time environment in the FSRE (Flight Simulator for Research and Education).
		Roger Bailey has been the primary test pilot in this research. Roger is the chief test pilot at the Cranfield College of Aeronautics brings great experience in piloting the historic aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection.

Wright Technology in the 21st Century

NASA F-18 with ‘wing-warping’ aeroelastic control.

The project has much relevance to aerospace engineering in the 21st century, particularly:

The read-across of the Wright design concepts to modern, low wing loading, ultra-light aircraft.

A 1902 glider replica of the Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company shortly after launch at Kitty Hawk 2002. These trials were extremely useful in providing first-hand experience in the construction and flight characteristics of these aircraft.

Eurofighter Typhoon with canard control surface and static instability

exercising state of the art synthesis and analysis methods on very unconventional designs and integrating the process of invention into systems engineering.

Ultra-light sports aircraft.

To explore the applicability of the aerodynamic configuration and basic control mechanisms in modern Fly-by-Wire form to a very low speed sports aircraft.

Poem

Members:

Professor Gareth D. Padfield

Mr. Ben Lawrence (Research Student)

Publications

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