The ideal airfoil

[PurpleHaze]

I was looking at CNC machinery and ran into this software

http://www.profili2.com/eng/default.htm

It has a database with over 500 different airfoils. How would you select the one you need?

www.cnc-multitool.com (1200 euro for a pc controlled cnc system)

[Flying freak]

well just start with what type of flying you wnat to do and narrow it down example you want to do 3d flying so your going to want symetricle
you want speed and acrobatics semi semetrcle and a very thin wing...

[PurpleHaze]

well just start with what type of flying you wnat to do and narrow it down example you want to do 3d flying so your going to want symetricle
you want speed and acrobatics semi semetrcle and a very thin wing...

Is there a chart somewhere that shows wingfoils and their characteristics?

[Sparky Paul]

Is there a chart somewhere that shows wingfoils and their characteristics?
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Not really... you should look at what planes in the category you're interested in, and look for those airfoils.

It's a complex situation, matching shape to purpose.

[PurpleHaze]

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Not really... you should look at what planes in the category you're interested in, and look for those airfoils.

It's a complex situation, matching shape to purpose.

If I browse through the list I find many that look extremely similiar, just slight differences in shape. Are these minor differences influencing a model plane as much as their big counterparts?

[Sparky Paul]

No. Models operate where air isn't as well controlled by the airfoil as with full-scales.
Similar shapes will perform similarly.

[PurpleHaze]

No. Models operate where air isn't as well controlled by the airfoil as with full-scales.
Similar shapes will perform similarly.

Thanks Paul, that makes life a lot easier :D I was already worried that I had to take a full aerodynamics class.

[PurpleHaze]

By the way, I just found an interesting link in regards to airfoils.....

http://www.aerodesign.de/english/profile/profile_s.htm#jwl065

[Sparky Paul]

Thanks Paul, that makes life a lot easier :D I was already worried that I had to take a full aerodynamics class.
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Well!
You should! Lots of us have. And after all that learning, it all comes down to... use what works on Joe's plane.. :)

[indoruwet]

.And after all that learning, it all comes down to... use what works on Joe's plane.. :)
That's about it. I know of one guy who really is pretty good in designing electric (EDF) jet planes. He has one foil type and he uses that foil shape every time.

[Sparky Paul]

This particular French Curve is the mother of many of the airfoils in use..

[indoruwet]

Geesj Paul, nice foil shape, plus the lightening holes ..... ;)
I especially like the area where the ailerons are supposed to go in .... :o
And .... the anti turbulence widget on the bottom of the foil ..... :eek:

See, when you think you've seen everything, some brand new tried and true design comes back up again ..... :rolleyes:

[PurpleHaze]

Some more interesting info on airfoils and wings:

http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/AERO/images/fig18.gif

http://adg.stanford.edu/aa241/airfoils/

http://virtualskies.arc.nasa.gov/aeronautics/tutorial/wings2.html