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Bmsluite
Bmsluite New Reader
4/10/23 2:55 p.m.

What has everyone done for gurney flaps on non straight wings?  I see a lot of availability for just straight wings and if my wing was straight I would just use some aluminum extrusion.

My wing is a sort of "U" shape.  What can I use?  I was honestly thinking of just trying to find some kind of plastic/rubber trim but I do understand that the starkness of that 90 angle is what helps the gurney flap do its thing.

For anyone who doesn't know a gurney flap is a small "L" shaped protrusion at trailing edge of the wing.  It increases the downforce of a wing considering but comes with a small drag penalty.  That drag penalty is worth it as it increases the efficiency of the wing.  A gurney flap can help you maintain a lower AOA (angle of attack) whilst still achieving the same downforce, just with less drag.  

 

CFD pic of my wing attached

stafford1500
stafford1500 Dork
4/10/23 3:18 p.m.

A flexible plastic 90deg material will probably do what you need. Even better if it is a thermoplastic, so that you can heat and bend it to the wing trailing edge shape, to make the fit up better. Another option is to use a sheet metal 90deg section, then use a shrinker-stretcher to get it to fit your wing The more expensive and time consuming option).

All options will require some sort of fastener. That means drilling thru the trailing edge of your wing in approximately 6-10 places, for small screws. That will allow you to replace the Gurney flap (or wicker or wickerbill) in case of damage or trying different trim heights/shapes. This is not the place for adhesives, if you can help it.

VolvoHeretic
VolvoHeretic Dork
4/19/23 10:06 p.m.

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