Airfoil Simulation

Project Objective: The goal of this project was to understand how different airfoil shapes affect flight through a simulation. Using FoilSim, we examined how changes to airfoil properties influenced lift and drag, and connected these results to the real-world physics behind flight.

Design/Project Process: We used the FoilSim software to model airflow over various airfoil shapes like flat bottoms, cambered surfaces, and curved plates. By adjusting parameters such as angle of attack and shape, we watched how lift and drag changed and recorded the data shown in the simulation.

What I Learned: I learned how different airfoil designs change the forces acting on an aircraft. Using FoilSim made it easier to see the relationship between air pressure and shape, and it helped me better understand key concepts like Bernoulli’s principle and angle of attack.

Personal Reflection: This project gave me a better understanding of how engineers design wings and test them before building. Even though the simulation was basic compared to what real aerospace engineers use, it helped me get more comfortable with analyzing data visually. I’d definitely use a tool like this again to test ideas in future projects.