What software are you guy's using?

[esc]

I have just downloaded a demo. copy of ComuFoil 3D from the web site and I quite like the program. It has some nice features and is fairly easy to use. CompuFoil 3D is not shareware it is $38.

There are other programs that might be worth investigation too and one of these is by TDM and is called "Airfoil Design Workshop." This may be more what I am after - basically I just wont an aerofoil generator and this program is only $9

I found a web containing links to most if not all of the wing/section generating software available:

http://worldofaerospace.googlepages....-Softwares.htm

I will keep you posted about my new design.

Regards,

Dave

[Mithrandir]

profili

[Spooky]

esc, have you checked out Mithrandir's and mine CAD tutorials on making wings, SolidWorks & wings it starts about half way down the page, check it out if you haven't already.... And please share your new project, love to see it... Actually I've been toying with one myself, but it's still real raw... an odd-ball, a Republic XP-72, like I said, just the CAD model so far, still thinking.

Dean

[esc]

Hi Guys,

Mithrandir - I will check that software out today, thanks for the tip.

Spooky - Yes, I have seen and read through both of your postings - congratulations to you both they are very nicely done and informative articles.

Re your post above - I really like your style of picking the more esoteric aeroplanes and would love to see the XP-72 as a completed model. Please keep me informed of your progress or give me the link to it's design and construction.

Returning to the programs - it's not the wing design I am concerned about it's the generation of correct aerofoil shapes, hence my looking at these new to me programs.

It seemed to me that there must be something available to make this job easier and I was pleasantly surprised to find so much software to choose from. Most programs go farther than I want as I would prefer to do my modelling in Inventor. I don't really require the software to do more than generate smooth sections and test the airflow.

My latest project is based on my dreams as a youngster mixed together with a need to overcome the shortcomings of rough field flying. I am thinking of re-scaling and bringing up to date with electric propulsion a design that Phil Smith created in the 60's - the Veron "Concord". Or more precisely a combination of the "Concord" and Doug Spreng's "Stormer." Which I am reliably informed pre-dates the Concord and the two are almost identical.

I placed a post in the vintage section of RCUniverse recently and some of the members that frequent that site were kind enough to supply me with some details - see attachments. It's a nostalgia thing for me as I always wanted one of these planes.

My idea is to use a fully symmetrical 15% wing section instead of the assymetric one used by the designers, reduce the span to 48" - re-design to save weight and aim for between 15-20oz/Sq. ft wing loading and 80-100W per lb power to weight ratio.

I may remove dihedral altogether, or just keep a little to improve the looks, say 2 degrees. I will fit large foam wheels to counteract the rough field and I should end up with a bit of a "honey" which has a lot of nostalgia thrown in for good measure.

One alternative to this design that I am also considering is a similar scaling and modification to a Peter Russell design - the "Striker."


Regards,


Dave

[esc]

OK Mithrandir I have checked out the software (demo version) and am quite impressed. What is the DXF output like, how smooth is it?

The CompuFoil has a very impressively smooth output - at least to my printer. Without paying for either it is difficult to make a full assessment of their capabilities.

Correct me if I am wrong but Profili does not seem have the boxed leading edge option that CompuFoil does?

It's going to be a difficult choice. CompuFoil is slightly more sophisticated in some respects but is more expensive. Of the two Profili is probably the one I will opt for but only if it produces smooth DXF's.

Regards,

Dave

[rcpilot82]

I have designed a few planes myself, you can only do so much on the computer and then you just have to build it. Every plane I have designed has gone through at least one revision after the flight test. I have one design that is on it's 8th revision now and I am just about happy with it. the nice thing for designing is if you have a CNC or access to someone who does. this makes the prototyping process much easier.
Compufoil is the only airfoil software I have used. I liked how you could place the spars and such and print accurate templates that worked. I will most likely be moving to inventor 10 in the near future because that is my next college class. I will have to look into the software listed above.
as an update, the CNC files are almost done and I am waiting on 1/4" balsa sheet. hopefully I can have it all cut out by friday.

[esc]

That's good news. Please let me know if you make the transition to Inventor 2010 because then I will be able to supply you with native files instead of translating them into AutoCAD.

Inventor 2010 has a brand new interface, it has switched to a Windows style ribbon. I did not like it at first but after using it for a while I have really come to like it. This new release has some nice improvements like the additional plastics tools and some sheet metal functionality. I think you will like it.

Good luck with your college class.

Dave

[rcpilot82]

I have 2 questions about the plans before I finalize everything. 1. How and where did you intend to mount the battery on this plane? and 2. could you describe the process that you would use to make the wing tips. (rounded version) for prototype reasons only, I intend on making the rounded tips removable for better flight testing.

[Spooky]

esc- Good choice on the Concord, I remember it as a kid, should make for a real nice flying plane. ... keep us posted. As for the XP-72, I really need to get back on it, been enjoying some nice flying weather lately... likewise, I'll keep you posted.

rcpilot82- Just curious what CNC machine and tooling you are using? (I'm an ex-machine shop rat)

Good luck guys, sounds like some good times in the making,
Dean

[rcpilot82]

Spooky, I designed and built my own CNC Router. It is a 3 axis system with a 2.5 HP router, ER 16 Collet system from sandvick, Vaccum table, and a cutting area of 49"x27.5"x5.5"(XYZ). It is purpose built for kit manufacturing, with rapids approaching 220 ipm if I want them to. The build thread for the router is here, http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53128
as for tooling I am using both HSS and Carbide depending on the application. I am lucky enough to have the knowledge and equipment to design, program, and run a project from start to finish in house. Next project is to convert a drill mill to CNC and then make a hot wire CNC.

[esc]

Hi Rob,

The battery should fit nicely mounted veritcally between the motor mount fillets and the wing leading edge. That is where I had intended it to go. The pack I used for size is a TP 910mAH 3S.

The wing tips I would suggest you cut and laminate from 1/4" or 3/8" sheet using your CNC capabilities to make the lighteneing cuts in the flat sections at the same time. Once glued together I would mark the aerofoil profile remove as much material as you can and then it's down to carving and sanding I'm afraid. Unless of course you have a 5-axis CNC machine?

Rob how about posting your designs - I would love to see them?

Spooky, although the Concord was my first thought, and I will make one sometime, I must admit to leaning towards the Striker now. It has a straight wing that could be made in one piece and I like the idea of flaps.

I have chosen a wing section - an NACA0015 15% thickness at 29.7% of the chord which will be 9.6" or 244mm. I have worked out the sizes of the wings tailplane and fin and now it's just a question of getting the software to generate that wing section for me. Then it's watch this space time.

Have fun.

Dave

[rcpilot82]

Dave, if you goto www.lhmac.org and scroll down you will see a foamy pylon racer called "Delta Demon". that is one of my designs and our club races them. I designed it to have a racey look and semi-fast speeds so that the club members who cannot race Q-500 can still race and have fun. I have designed a set of rules and guidelines for the races and they seem to be going well. my other designs are not into production yet but have completed prototype testing and revisions. they are indoor foamys for both 3d and precision. Since I have a kid on the way, I hope to generate enough income from these designs to continue flying like I do now. I have pictures of the indoor foamys at home, I'll have to see if I can dig up some good ones and post em.