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Kite equilibrium and bridle length

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

K. Alexander  and
J. Stevenson
K. Alexander
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
J. Stevenson
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Abstract

Kite design has recently seen a revival, with sports such as kite buggying and kite surfing becoming significant businesses in some countries. Since the aerodynamics of kites has not been explored in much depth this paper sets out to explain a major behaviour of kites, predicting where they will settle during flight. The analysis is confined to a vertical plane containing the kite string. It examines the basic forces for single-line or two-line kites and shows how the line azimuth angle(s) and equilibrium settling point(s) can be derived from the aerodynamic properties of the kite, from the kite mass and from the bridle lengths. It is noted that while several equilibrium points are predicted not all are stable equilibrium points. Wind tunnel tests with a specially built rigid model are described and these are shown to confirm theoretical predictions.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 105 , Issue 1051 , September 2001 , pp. 535 - 541
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2001 

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