Airfoil Research
- Kieran Waterous
Airfoil Section:
Dihedral: angle of wing above the horizontal
helps plane stability (as plane rolls, lift from low wing increases)
1-2 degrees is common
some research suggests a dihedral on outer 1/3rd has similar effect to full width
makes wing somewhat more difficult to construct/ simulate performance of
Washout: Angle of incidence decreases towards wingtip
Favourable stall characteristics: wingtip stalls last, retain aileron control during a stall (can recover)
wingroot often has up to 3 degree AOI
Wingtip has less (sometimes 0)
makes wing somewhat more difficult to construct/ simulate performance of
Taper: Length of chord decreases towards wingtip
improves airfoil efficiency (ideal shape is elliptical)
makes wing somewhat more difficult to construct/ simulate performance of
Aspect Ratio: a measure of wing geometry (slenderness)
Ideal varies depending on speed/purpose
General Aviation (cessna): 6ish
Cargo Aircraft: 10is
Gliders: 30ish
