Looking for a more indepth analysis of aspect ratio

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

So I know the difference between the different types of AR and when to use each, but my question that I am looking for is how do the they (the kite manufacturers) measure what the AR is? I know it's probably when they are designing it with their computes and just run a report which tells them but are there any 3rd parties that double checks these figures or am I completely off?

And what do they use to measure what they AR is. Is there some sort of universal scale that goes to 10 or 100 that all kite manufacturers use. For example, AR of 1-3 is low, 4-6 mid, and 7-10 high. Or how does this work?

And does anyone know what the highest AR is on the market?

Thanks for the input.

Aeolus · Sat Oct 30, 10 8:16 am

This might help your search...links to NASA and things. They have an AR scale downpage somewhere. Looks like something to read when there's no wind.

http://kitesurfingschool.org/kite.htm

argos · Since 07 Apr 2010 66 Posts

I am not really sure how it applies to kites, but this is what I think of when I hear it. The following is quoted directly from Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators. The second equation should read "b" squared and I think applies to your question regarding measuring kite AR.

"The aspect ratio, AR, is the proportion of the span and the average chord.
AR=b/c
b=wing span
c=average chord

..If the planform has curvature and the average chord is not easily determined, an alternate expression is:
AR=b2/S
b= wing span
S=wing area

The aspect ratio is a fineness ratio of the wing and this quantity is very powerful in determing the aerodynamic characteristics. Typical aspect ratios vary from 35 for a high peformance sailplane to 3.5 for a jet fighter to 1.28 for a flying saucer."[/i]