Which method did the Wright Brothers employ to test and refine their flight concepts?

The method employed by the Wright Brothers to test and refine their flight concepts was prototyping and trial and error. This approach involved building and flying numerous experimental aircraft to gather data and insights about aerodynamics, control, and performance.

The Wright Brothers meticulously constructed different designs based on their understanding of the principles of flight. Each prototype provided practical experience and allowed them to observe the aircraft's behavior in the air. By making adjustments after each test flight, they could incrementally improve their designs. This hands-on experimentation was crucial to developing their successful 1903 Flyer, as it enabled them to address various challenges they encountered and discover effective solutions through direct observation and practice.

Wind tunnel testing, although an important method in aeronautical engineering today, was not part of their process since it wasn't widely available during their time. Public demonstrations were more about showcasing their capabilities rather than testing and refining concepts, while computer simulations were not available in the era of the Wright Brothers and would come much later in the field of aerospace engineering.