Kinematic Analysis - Drag Reduction System (DRS)

Linkage Model and Animation: 


Using Motiongen.io, we created a sample linkage that mimics a similar motion profile to our desired output. As shown in the orange line, it highlights the wing's trailing edge of interest. This lets us gauge a sample of what we could expect from a potential physical version.


Sample Linkage Movement : Below is a short video that shows a sample range of motion that could be used to create the desired path and angles of the foil design.


Position Analysis


Below are both desired positions from our foils. All angles and link lengths are derived from the CAD drawings which were then used to create the physical model.

Lift Inducing Position (Down)


Downforce Inducing Position (Up)



Points of Interest

Drawing of entire mechanism design:

This design features the double four-bar linkage with indicated points of trailing edge, estimated leading edge, and angle of attack.


Trailing-Edge Analysis

4 Bar #1 Analysis


Positional Tracking of Trailing Edge Point with Relationship to Input Angle

This graph shows the pathing of our indicated trailing edge under the range of potential angles of attack we are considering. However, our best estimates for an optimal angle of attack to lie between 10 and 40 degrees.


For the analysis of each linkage, we used the textbook resources revolving around positional analysis as seen here:



Leading Edge Analysis

Second 4 Bar Analysis


Positional Tracking of Correlated Leading Edge Point with Relationship to Input Angle


Similar to the first graph, the second graph highlights the positional analysis of a poitn that directly correlates to the leading edge of the foil. The same input angle range is estimated around 10 - 40 degrees.