Improving the Performance of an EAD Aircraft by use of a Retractable Electrode System

Author

Michael Alexander Fredricks, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Date of Graduation

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Huang, Po-Hao Adam

Committee Member

Roe, Larry A.

Abstract

Electroaerodynamic (EAD) propulsion is a growing area of research for small, low powered aircraft. Recent tests of EAD aircraft have demonstrated low performance in unpowered, gliding flight. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a retractable electrode system on the flight performance of an EAD aircraft. An analysis of electrode drag contribution on the MIT ionic wind plane’s performance predicts a maximum lift to drag ratio of 22, with the addition of a retractable electrode system, for a similarly sized and modeled EAD aircraft. An experiment is developed using a prototype aircraft, launcher, and retraction system setup. A procedure for testing the effect of retraction angle on the lift to drag ratio and drag coefficient is outlined, and experimental results are evaluated.

Keywords

Retractable Electrode System; electroaerodynamics; aircrafts; gliding flight

Citation

Fredricks, M. A. (2021). Improving the Performance of an EAD Aircraft by use of a Retractable Electrode System. Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/meeguht/108