Back to search

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

An experimental investigation on the distribution of the aerodynamic loads over the structural members of an inflatable, high aspect ratio (5.4), advanced concept paraglider

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

In order to arrive at some "feel" for the aerodynamic loads distributed to the structural members of an advanced concept para.glider at subsonic flight and low aerodynamic pressures, an experimental investigation was initiated and performed at the Langley Research Center. A paraglider model was designed and fabricated, and load recording balances were inserted within its structural members at various locations. The model was placed into the wind tunnel facility and tested over a range of aerodynamic pressures, where for each pressure the model's angle of attack varied from 5 degrees to 30 degrees. The test data, collected in terms of force coefficients, was applied to a prototype paraglider system of which the geometry and related aerodynamics are shown in appendix A. The mechanics of the application of the test data to the prototype system is shown in appendix B. The resulting air loads distributions over the structural members for the prototype system for both steady state flight and flare out are shown in figures 12 and 13.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.S.
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Engineering Mechanics
Department dc:contributor.department
Engineering Mechanics
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Year dc:date.issued
1967

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Toni, Royce Anthony

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/90968
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/90968

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Toni, Royce Anthony. An experimental investigation on the distribution of the aerodynamic loads over the structural members of an inflatable, high aspect ratio (5.4), advanced concept paraglider. masters thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 1967. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/90968