Karl Nilssen
Aerospace Engineer
Other Projects
Optimum Vortex Generator Placement
January 2010 – May 2010
- Researched vortex generator sizing and placement at low Reynold’s numbers.
- Designed and tested a reconfigurable wing and airfoil using splitter plates
and a sting balance.
- Determined the effect on lift, drag, and moment coefficients, and the lift curve slope.
- Research concluded placement within a leading edge separation bubble hinders
the effect of vortex generators.
Cut-out Delta Wing Design
August 2009 - December 2009
- Researched the effect of a large midwing cutout in the center of the delta wing.
- Manufactured steel delta wings and aluminum equipment adapters.
- Performed force balance testing to determine the effect of the cutout.
- Aerodynamic data analysis determined the cutout resulted in an
increased lift coefficient and a decreased drag coefficient
when compared to a standard delta wing.
Kingfisher Landing Gear Design
August 2010 to December 2010
- Designed a retractable landing gear to CFR 14 Part 23 guidelines.
- Developed load predictions to determine landing gear shock
absorber and tire sizing.
- Determined the location of the landing gear to ensure
stable ground operations.