Numerical and Graphical Solutions on Distances of Gliding Motions

Lau, Pei Shan (2020) Numerical and Graphical Solutions on Distances of Gliding Motions. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The gliding distance of a glider may be influenced by several factors. The thrust force is reduced to zero when the aircraft is gliding. In zero wind condition, lift-to-drag ratio equals to distance travelled divided by altitude lost. The maximum glide range will be achieved if the glider is flying at maximum glide ratio. The glider can travel long distance for a small change in given altitude. The best glide speed is which the glider achieves its best glide ratio in still air and it happens at the highest lift-to-drag ratio. Hence, any changes in the gliding speed will lead to a proportionate change in glide ratio. To investigate the relationship between the gliding speed and distance travelled of the glider, MATLAB is used. This programming language software is used to simulate and analyse the numerical and graphical solutions of this research. A higher accuracy and efficiency of calculation can be achieved instead of using manual calculation. The results of best glide speed and distance travelled are analysed by comparing and identifying from the graphical solutions of MATLAB. The glider travels in slower forward speed with larger value of lift coefficient. The glider travels further in higher altitude. To achieve the best glide distance and best glide speed, the glide angle must be small and the glide ratio must be higher.