Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-m6dg7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-09T15:29:39.012Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Technical Note

Analytic prediction of vortex drag of high aspect ratio tapered wings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

L. W. Traub*
Affiliation:
Aerospace Engineering DepartmentTexas A&M UniversityTexas, USA

Abstract

An expression is derived to predict the effect of taper ratio on the vortex drag of high aspect ratio, unswept, planar wings. The expression was formulated by assuming that imposing an elliptic spanwise load distribution on the tapered planform, would result in a leading edge thrust excess, which relates to the increase in vortex drag above the theoretical minimum. Comparisons of this expression with results from lifting line theory show encouraging agreement.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1997 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Prandtl, L. Theory of lifting surfaces. Part I. NACA TN 9, 1920, July; Part II NACA TN 10, August 1920.Google Scholar
2. Anderson, R.F. Determination of the characteristics of tapered wings. NACA Rep 572, 1936.Google Scholar
3. Hauptman, A. and Miloh, T. On the exact solution of the linearised lifting surface problem of an elliptic wing, Q J Mech App Mech, February 1986, 39, pp 4166.Google Scholar
4. Laitone, E.V. Lift-curve slope for finite-aspect-ratio wings, J Aircr, 1989, 26, (8), pp 789790.Google Scholar
5. Helmbold, H.B. Der Unverwundene Ellipsenflugel als Tragende Flache. Jahrbuch 1942 der dutscher Luftfahrtforschung, 10 Lieferung, pp 24.Google Scholar
6. Glauert, H. The Elements of Aerofoil and Airscrew Theory, 2nd edition, Cambridge University, 1947, pp 146149.Google Scholar
7. Garner, H.C. Some remarks on vortex drag and its spanwise distribution in incompressible flow, Aeronaut J, July 1968, 72, (691), pp 623625.Google Scholar