Drag Estimation for a Subsonic Aircraft

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on estimating the drag characteristics of the English Electric “Canberra” B.1 bomber, powered by Rolls Royce “Avon” jet engines. Participants are tasked with calculating zero lift and lift-dependent drags using the drag polar equation CD = CDo + k CL², where k = 1/ΠAR. Key calculations include determining the zero-lift drag (DO) based on a Reynolds Number at 0.7 Mach No. and estimating the Mach Number at which drag rises steeply. A formal report structure is emphasized, requiring detailed assumptions and calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of drag polar equations in aerodynamics
  • Familiarity with Reynolds Number calculations
  • Knowledge of NACA airfoil sections and their characteristics
  • Ability to create formal engineering reports
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of drag polar equations in aircraft design
  • Learn about Reynolds Number and its significance in aerodynamics
  • Study the properties of NACA airfoil sections and their impact on lift and drag
  • Explore methods for plotting drag polars and interpreting the results
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, students in aerodynamics, and professionals involved in aircraft design and performance analysis will benefit from this discussion.

geraldx777
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1. Homework Statement
The small scale drawing given in the Annexure shows the general arrangement and dimensional data on an early version of the English Electric “Canberra” B.1 bomber, powered by two Rolls Royce “Avon” jet engines. It was and is an extremely successful aircraft, designed by W E W Petter. It first flew shortly after the end of WW2 and is still in service, well over forty years later.

The drawing and the Aircraft Data will give you most of the information you need, but you may have to do some measuring and make some assumptions. If you do this, give your reasoning.

You are tasked with estimating the zero lift and lift-dependent drags of the aircraft and to present these in the form of a drag polar:-

CD = CDo + k CL 2
Where, k = 1/ ΠAR


with CL from O to 1.0, using the given Reference Wing Area for the coefficients.

You must also estimate the Mach Number at which there is a steep drag rise.

In calculating the zero-lift drag (DO) you should use a Reynolds Number based on flight at 0.7 Mach No. at 11000 m ISA.

Full details of the calculation must be given and it is most important that you state clearly what assumptions you have made and give the references to any data you may have used.

Your report must be presented as a formal document, neatly typed and properly edited - containing a Summary Sheet, Introduction, Sections, Figures etc., all with page numbers and with a list of references quoted ( and referred to in the text as necessary).

You must give full details of your assumptions and calculations, including

a. a breakdown showing the DO / q for each item and the total DO / q (Give the corresponding value of CDo),

b. State the makeup of the drag due to lift factor k in the expression k CL2 ,

c. A plot of the drag polar,

d. State the value of max lift/drag ratio, and the CL, at which it occurs,

e. State what, in your opinion, is the Mach Number at which the drag coefficient begins to rise steeply.

Aircraft Data - English Electric “Canberra” B. 1 JET bomber

1. Wing

Span, wingtip to wingtip 64 ft.
Inner wing, between fuselage & nacelles,
Aerofoil section NACA 64012
Wing chord 18 ft. 6 in
Outer wing, outboard of nacelles,
Aerofoil section NACA 64012 at nacelle side
Wing chord 18 ft. 6 in.
NACA 64009 at wing tip
Wing chord 6 ft. 10 in.

Reference Wing Area, used for the coefficients, 960 sq. ft.
Wing Aspect Ratio, [Spain]2 ÷ [Wing Ref Area] = 4.267


2. Fuselage

Length, nose to tail 65 ft.
Max. Diameter (all sections circular) 6 ft. 6 in.
Canopy length 6 ft.
Canopy frontal area 3.63 sq. ft.
Length of forebody 16 ft. 2 in
Length of parallel body 16 ft.
Length of after body 32 ft. 10 in.
Wetted Area, fuselage and canopy 985 sq. ft.


3. Tail Plane and Elevators

Span, measured along dihedral plane 28 ft.
Chord at centerline (theoretical) 9 ft. 9 in
Chord at tail/body intersection 9 ft. 4 in.
Chord at theoretical tip 3 ft. 6 in.
Dihedral angle 10 degrees
Aerofoil section NACA 64009

4. Fin and Rudder

Height of fin above fuselage 7 ft. 4 on.
Root chord at fuselage 13 ft. 2 in.
Tip chord 5 ft. 6 in.
Aerofoil section NACA 64010

5. Engine Nacelles

Length 23 ft. 2 in
Entry diameter 27 in.
Intake “highlight” diameter 30. 75 in.
Maximum diameter 48. 75 in
Position of max. diam. 10 ft. from the intake nose
Exhaust pipe diameter 24 in.
Wetted area 194 sq. ft. per Nacelle.
 
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can someone help me with this question?
 
Think you've answered your own question with:

geraldx777 said:
can someone help me with this question?

Operative word been "HELP" and not doing it for you.

Sure you'll get lots of help, once you have a crack at it yourself and post your attempts.
 
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