VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 03-29-2015, 03:28 PM
Steve Melton's Avatar
Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 2,791
Default GoPro fairing - min drag

I added a gopro fairing using velcro. Check flight showed no indication of becoming loose. Upon first review there is less wobble in the camera because of vortex shedding. It should have less drag. patent pending.... by Mr. Duct Tape and Captain Velcro





__________________
Steve Melton
Cincinnati, OH
RV-9A, Tip-up, Superior O-320, roller lifters, 160HP, WW 200RV, dual impulse slick mags, oil pressure = 65 psi, EGT = 1300F, flight hours = 800+ for all

Simplicity is the art in design.
My Artwork is freely given and published and cannot be patented.
www.rvplasticparts.com

Last edited by Steve Melton : 03-29-2015 at 04:07 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-29-2015, 04:15 PM
plehrke's Avatar
plehrke plehrke is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Defiance, MO
Posts: 1,674
Default

Do you notice you need more rudder to yaw? You're adding more vertical surface aft of the CG so you should be getting an increase in yaw stability.

Great that it reduced the wobble, now you need to put a small flap on it and add in one of those active servos from the RC world and you have active stabilization.

Excellent experimentation!
__________________
Philip
RV-6A - 14+ years, 950+ hours
Based at 1H0 (Creve Coeur)
Paid dues yearly since 2007
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-29-2015, 04:25 PM
Steve Melton's Avatar
Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 2,791
Default

I didn't notice any handling difference. direct xwind 10 G20 and bumpy, so not a good day to notice any fine handling differences. it's not rigid. I could disconnect the fairing at the velcro by hand with less than a pound of force if I pushed at the trailing edge. the good news, it didn't fall off.

are you talking about a yaw damper?
__________________
Steve Melton
Cincinnati, OH
RV-9A, Tip-up, Superior O-320, roller lifters, 160HP, WW 200RV, dual impulse slick mags, oil pressure = 65 psi, EGT = 1300F, flight hours = 800+ for all

Simplicity is the art in design.
My Artwork is freely given and published and cannot be patented.
www.rvplasticparts.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-29-2015, 04:32 PM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by plehrke View Post
Do you notice you need more rudder to yaw? You're adding more vertical surface aft of the CG so you should be getting an increase in yaw stability.
Low aspect ratio decreases the lift-curve slope, so there's minimal side force developing with sideslip angle. In other words, it's not effective as a fin.

I'd be more concerned with a tail-low landing.

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-30-2015, 01:10 AM
F1Boss's Avatar
F1Boss F1Boss is online now
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Taylor Texas
Posts: 812
Default That is kinda long...

The Granville Bros (Gee Bee fame) found that a 3-1 ratio of length to width had the least drag vs sfc area. Beech or Boeing found the same thing with engine cowlings. So, your fairing is quite a bit longer than required.

I applaud your ingenuity tho!

Carry on!
Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-30-2015, 01:25 AM
Infidel's Avatar
Infidel Infidel is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: WV22
Posts: 849
Default

Cool idea and as mentioned previously, I'd shorten it up a bit. Less chance of the Velcro giving way from a side load if you find the need to slip.

Is that balsa?
__________________
RV-4 0320\D3G 160, Whirlwind 200GA 70".
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-30-2015, 07:16 AM
chazking's Avatar
chazking chazking is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: State of Bliss
Posts: 396
Default Clever

A very clever approach!

Could have commercial potential!
__________________
Ch?z King
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-30-2015, 08:19 AM
bkthomps bkthomps is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Destin
Posts: 1,543
Default

seems like you'd have a better time with the garmin VIRB over the go pro due to its shape, have you thought about that?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-30-2015, 11:14 AM
tullow tullow is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Paris ( France )
Posts: 38
Default

Or maybe a Drift HD Ghost as per attached photo/Users/mikegreene/Desktop/IMG_0627.jpg/Users/mikegreene/Desktop/IMG_0636.jpg

Mike

Last edited by tullow : 03-30-2015 at 11:21 AM. Reason: Sorry don't know how to attach photos !!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:03 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.