The Princeton Windmill Program
Abstract
The Flight Concepts Laboratory of Princeton University became interested in windmills as a direct consequency of the research performed over the years with the Princeton Sailwing. This device, first conceived as an advanced sail for a boat and later applied to a wing for aircraft use has attracted the attention of many able undergraduate and graduate students who have been largely responsible for its present rather refined status. The Sailwing is explained in more detail in the following section. It is, briefly a physically simple structure of light weight for its load carrying capability and has the aerodynamic characteristics of well designed rigid wings in the low speed range - up to approximately 150 knots. Above that speed there appears to be no reason why its interesting characteristics should not be maintained; however, its weight advantage might, depending upon design requirements, be somewhat reduced. Because the Sailwing is simple and lightweight; it is, therefore, inexpensive in comparison to more conventional wings. This economic advantage is compounded when one considers the greatly reduced dynamic effects of a light weight rotor on the ruggedness of the supporting structure of a windmill.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA132117
Entities
People
- T. E. Sweeney
Organizations
- Princeton University