Initial Project Proposal - Drag Reduction System (DRS)

Problem Complexities:

Since wing elements need to be complex profiles to keep airflow attached, they cannot simply be pivoted about their axis for maximum efficiency. Airflow designed for high downforce may require camber angles (up-curved airfoils) whereas low drag configurations often require the zero camber (symmetrical). Therefore, it is paramount to create a wing that can actively adjust its native camber angle for the highest performance. 

The mechanism for this is very difficult because we need to design something that can pull and bend the surface of the wing to adjust its camber angle. This cannot be accomplished with a simple mechanism because the surface of the airfoil must be supported on its full surface.

Mechanism Proposition:

The primary idea we have is to create a mechanism that manipulates links that control points near the middle points of the upper and lower edge as well as a member to manipulate the trailing edge of the wing. By articulating these points we should be able to control the fail shape to our liking. We will actuate these control points with a series of four-bar linkages that selectively pull on the airfoil surface.

Final Project Tangibles:

We intend on creating a full-size, working, bendable airfoil. For the demonstration, we will show this mechanism in action with a small RC servo to demonstrate its feasibility and practicality.

Analysis Goals:

We will create curves for each of the wing surface pickup points and design a mechanism to accomplish these curve sweeps. If we have time, we will run CFD (computational fluid dynamics) to assess the performance of this wing.

Design Excitement vs Challenges:

The most exciting part of building this project is designing something that could be used in the real world. We are both on Longhorn Racing Electric and the thought of innovating something new to use in racing is fascinating and motivating.

The most challenging part of building this mechanism is validation. Ensuring that the airfoil surface can bend and warp appropriately, and also be a good airfoil surface, will be a challenge.

Preliminary design ideas:

We want to implement a mechanism that is situated inside the airfoil itself. The plan would be to create a linkage inside the airfoil where the link lengths correlate to the distance each section can move, and the actuated mechanism will determine the pathing of critical points that affect the airfoil's performance.