Hello everyone,
At my high school (Skyview in Vancouver), we have a program called
Project Alpha. Project Alpha is an aerospace research program involving
research, design and development of aerospace projects for use in the real
world. Currently our focus is on the design of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle
(rpv) with the intention of possible flight in a Martian environment. I am
the RPV specialist in our group. I am leading efforts in designing,
building and
testing of an extreme high altitude balloon launched remotely piloted
vehicle for this project. Our team is intending to build a 140-120 inch
(approx. 3-3.5m) wingspan composite rpv capable of being launched at
altitudes of greater than 100000 feet (30 km) and sustaining level flight at
or close to that altitude. This altitude will simulate the Martian
atmosphere.
We are currently engaged in the research/design/development stage of the
project. One of the major issues we are dealing with at this time is
aerodynamics of low-density airflow. I am familiar with near-earth flight
aerodynamics and build and fly radio control model sailplanes. I have
calculated that at that altitude (30 km), with our intended design, the
aircraft would have to fly at about 130-150 mph to sustain a Cl of about
0.9.
I am now faced with a series of unknowns.
-How will these velocities at these low air densities affect the airflow
over the wing?
-Will I run into problems with separation bubbles or compression effects?
-Will this air velocity tear my plane apart?
-Do I need to take special considerations into selecting/designing an
airfoil?
-if so, what should I do in respect to the airfoil?
-Will I need to take special consideration for low altitude flight such as
flaps to slow my airspeed or reflex to prevent stalling?
Any other issues that may be applicable to this type of extreme altitude
flight that you can think of would be great too.
If you know of any sources of additional information that I should refer
to, that would be appreciated.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
Thanks,
Erik Alber
Skyview High School - Project Alpha
Portland Area Soaring Society Vice President
http://NuanceHLG.8k.com
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