DYNAMIC SOARING IN THE ATMOSPHERIC BOUNDARY LAYER: AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION

Authors

  • Vadym Utgoff
  • Frederick Johnson

Keywords:

Atmospheric physics, Aerodynamics

Abstract

The feasibility of maintaining continuous non-powered flight by utilizing a veltical wind velocity gradient is analyzed. It is concluded that wind velocity gradients which have been observed in the upper atmosphere are not sufficiently steep for this purpose; but wind shears likely to be  encountered in the surface boundary layer should be adequate. A suitable flight pattern was developed and an experimental investigation was conducted utiiizing a powered airplane with the power adjustcd to simulate existing and advanced sailplanes. Zero net loss of altitude was not attained, but it was concluded further that investigation is warranted with particular attention directed towards precise adherence to thc prescribed fIight pattern.

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Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (1978)

Section

Articles

License

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