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DATCOM flap tools

In part 2 of Wing Sizing, we used a value for  \Delta c_{lmax} that comes from the USAF Stability and Control Data Compendium (DATCOM). The DATCOM is chock-full of useful things for general aviation designers. You can download it here.

Method for trailing-edge flaps

In section 6.1.1.3, maximum section lift with high-lift and control devices (think flaps and ailerons) is covered.

The maximum lift increment provided is:

$$\small \Delta c_{lmax} = k_1 \cdot k_2 \cdot k_3 \left( \Delta c_{lmax} \right)_{base} $$

$$\small \Delta c_{lmax} = (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) (1.58) = 1.58^{*} $$

*see discussion at end of post for reduction

where:


$$\scriptsize k_1$$

is a factor accounting for flap-to-airfoil-chord ratios other than 0.25 from Figure 6.1.1.3-12b.

$$\scriptsize k_1 = 1.0$$


$$\scriptsize k_2$$

is a factor accounting for flap deflections other than the reference values from Figure 6.1.1.3-13a.

$$\scriptsize k_2 = 1.0$$


$$\scriptsize k_3$$

is a factor accounting for flap motion as a function of flap deflection from Figure 6.1.1.3-13b.

$$\tiny \frac{ \text{actual flap angle}}{ \text{reference flap angle}} = \scriptsize \frac{ 45^{\circ}}{45^{\circ}} = 1.0$$

$$\scriptsize k_3 = 1.0$$


$$\scriptsize ( \Delta c_{lmax} )_{base}$$

is the section maximum lift increment for 25% chord flaps at the reference flap deflection angle from Figure 6.1.1.3-12a. (Reference flap deflection angles are denoted in Figure 6.1.1.3-13a.)

$$\scriptsize ( \Delta c_{lmax} )_{base} = 1.58$$


Comparison to Experimental Data

Table 6.1.1.3-A provides a summary of experimental data, comparing wind-tunnel testing to calculated values. The results for single-slotted flaps are reproduced here:

Airfoil$$ R_e \\ \scriptsize \text{x } 10^{6} $$$$ \frac{c_f}{c}$$$$ \delta_f \\ \scriptsize ( \text{deg} ) $$$$c_{l_{max}} \\ \scriptsize (\delta_f = 0) $$$$ \Delta c_{l_{max}} \\ \scriptsize ( \text{calc}) $$$$ \Delta c_{l_{max}} \\ \scriptsize (\text{test}) $$percent
error
66,2-116
a=0.6
6.00.2505451.451.671.29+29.5
65-2102.4.25301.220.790.90-12.2
65-2102.4.25301.220.790.84-6.0
230123.5.30401.551.241.36-8.8
66,2-216
a=0.6
5.1.25451.461.671.42+17.6
230123.5.2566301.520.881.03-14.6
230123.5.40401.531.271.30-2.3

Probably the two most relevant examples are the NACA 65-210 tests at Re = 2.4×106 (since our Riblett airfoil is of a similar family and that is the closest Re to our stall speed). Both underperformed relative to the DATCOM-calculated values.

Based on this data, it is apparent that the quality of flap design execution can vary quite a bit and we think it would be prudent to reduce our calculated \Delta c_{lmax} by 15%.

$$\scriptsize ( \Delta c_{lmax} )_{base} = 0.85 \cdot 1.58 = 1.34$$

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