Aerodynamic Analysis of Conventional and Non-Traditional Paper Aircraft: Wind Tunnel and Flight Analysis

This paper examines the impact of non-traditional paper aircraft geometries on aerodynamic performance through wind tunnel testing and controlled flight trials. Three models were tested - the Dart, the F-117 Nighthawk-inspired jet, and the Maple Seed-inspired biomimetic flyer. Five metrics were evaluated for wind tunnel testing: Laminar Flow Quality, Flow Symmetry, Separation Control, Vortex Stability and Wake Coherence. For flight trials, four metrics were evaluated: Straightness of Flight, Stability, Autorotation, and Glide Smoothness. The key findings of this paper included the dart, as the control, being the most efficient due to low drag and pronounced laminar flow, while the unmodified F-117 faced severe flow separation and vortex instability. On the other hand, the Modified F-117 had the tailfin repositioned aft, which in turn improved stability and control. Finally, the Maple Seed had extremely stable autorotation, but low speed and efficiency, in turn causing no linear movement. The aerodynamic geometry of these non-conventional flyers governs airflow, stability and efficiency, while small modifications can yield major improvements, balancing the basics of engineering efficiency with inspiration from nature.