DaleB
01-11-2017, 03:08 PM
I'm no engineer, but I do understand that there is a pretty significant drag penalty associated with round tubing hanging out in the air flow. So let's assume for a moment that there is a biplane design that uses round aluminum tubing for cabane and interplane (N) struts. And let's assume that you wonder if streamlined struts might be a better idea, to reduce drag to some degree.
How would one go about calculating the specs for either streamlined aluminum tubing, or wood, that would replace the round tubing with equivalent or better strength?
How would one calculate the difference in drag force between round and streamlined sections, to decide if it's even worthwhile to make the change?
How would one go about calculating the specs for either streamlined aluminum tubing, or wood, that would replace the round tubing with equivalent or better strength?
How would one calculate the difference in drag force between round and streamlined sections, to decide if it's even worthwhile to make the change?