Project Magnus: A Detailed Investigation of Magnus Effect Based Control Surfaces

Project Magnus is looking to design, build, and fly a novel flight control system on a small aircraft platform. The objective of this project is to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of a Magnus Effect-based flight control system. The benefits of this system include improved handling characteristics during low-speed flight (i.e., near stall, during takeoff, and during landing) and diminished necessity for an advantageous angle of attack for the traditional counterpart control surface. To validate initial numerical analysis and wing-cylinder configuration, wind tunnel tests were conducted on a half-span scaled version of the wing and cylinder design. Analysis of the wind tunnel flight data demonstrated that the additional of a spinning cylinder on the wingtips increased the max lift coefficient by 56% at a cylinder rotation speed of 3000 RPM and at an freestream airspeed of 30 mph. These tests have validated early mathematical and numerical analysis, which predicted that the effectiveness of these control surfaces is dictated by the freestream airflow, angular velocity of the cylinder, cylinder dimensions, and cylinder positioning. Currently, the project entails finishing a small UAV in order to corroborate the findings from the preliminary tests and computational analysis. The current flight testing mission profile involves doublet maneuvers after activating the Magnus Effect cylinders and stall speed flight demonstrations. After collecting flight test data, the group will assess the effectiveness and successful implementation of Magnus Effect control effectors in comparison to traditional aircraft control surfaces.

Cody Powers

Cody Powers is a graduating senior from Waterloo, Illinois. After graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, he will start as a Systems Engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems in Pittsfield, MA. His hobbies include fishing, hiking, and watching Marvel or Star Wars movies and shows.

Clayton Staszewski

Clayton Staszewski is a senior from Hampshire, Illinois, who will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a minor in Aviation Flight Science. Clayton is also a commercial pilot and has interests in flight test operations as part of the aircrew. Outside of school, he enjoys golfing, playing piano, hiking, skiing, and traveling.

David Ferrante

David Ferrante is a senior Aerospace Engineering student from Dayton, Ohio. David plans to get a full-time job soon after graduation. His engineering interests include aerodynamics and aero stability. His hobbies include cooking, basketball, and working out.

Steven Solloway

Steve Solloway is a senior aerospace engineering student from Naperville, Illinois. His engineering interests include commercial aircraft flight testing, propulsion, and aerodynamics. Steve is a commercial pilot and currently works as a certified flight instructor at Ideal Aviation. He hopes to build flight time after graduation and become an airline pilot. His hobbies include reading, playing hockey, golfing, traveling, and watching Netflix.

Kyle Goldman

Kyle Goldman is a senior Aerospace Engineering student from Oak Park, Illinois. Kyle will be attending University of Urbana Champaign for his master's degree with a specialization in aerodynamics. His hobbies include camping, trying new restaurants, and playing games with friends.

Joseph Doyle

Joseph Doyle is a senior from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, Joseph will be starting as an Aircraft Operational Support Field Engineer for the F-35 Program with Lockheed Martin in Dayton, Ohio. His hobbies include playing sports, attending sporting events, and travelling.

Dr. Gurarajan played an influential role in providing advice on aircraft manufacturing, design, and flight testing. Without his guidance and comments, the aircraft and project would not be where it is at today.