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Leading Edge Retraction as a High Lift Device

Citation

Doss, Robert Franklin (1955) Leading Edge Retraction as a High Lift Device. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/PV47-6A63. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12102003-110111

Abstract

A two-dimensional investigation was carried out in the Merril Wind Tunnel at the California Institute of Technology to determine the effect on low speed lift of retracting the leading edge of a thin, circular-arc airfoil. Several configurations were tried, some with a spanwise slot milled into the upper surface so that the leading edge recess formed by retraction could be utilized as an air intake to improve the flow. A comparison was made between the configurations with the leading edge retracted to various positions and the basic airfoil. The investigation showed that leading edge retraction caused a linear loss of maximum lift proportional to the percent reduction in chord up to a critical position where lift and the stalling angle of attack increased abruptly. Thereafter, maximum lift was reduced at a rate higher than the chord reduction. The effect of the slot was negligible. The critical position phenomenon warrants further study.

Item Type:Thesis (Engineer's thesis)
Subject Keywords:Aeronautical Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Aeronautics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Stewart, Homer Joseph (advisor)
  • Roshko, Anatol (advisor)
Group:GALCIT
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1955
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-12102003-110111
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12102003-110111
DOI:10.7907/PV47-6A63
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:4923
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:12 Dec 2003
Last Modified:28 Jun 2023 21:09

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