Chapter 5 - Wing Design

Abstract

Wing design is addressed utilizing standard methods for preliminary comparative aerodynamics and stability and control evaluations. General wing planform characteristics are discussed. Airfoil characteristics and performance including compressibility effects are covered including wing maximum lift in the cruise configuration and effects of Reynolds number in flight. Design methods for swept and twisted wings with varying airfoil sections are handled by several methods. Maximum wing lift is calculated using both modified lifting line theory and the pressure difference rule. High lift devices including trailing-edge flaps, leading-edge slats or flaps, and methods for determination of maximum lift in the takeoff and landing configurations are considered. Development and layout of the preliminary wing design, including aspect ratio, taper ratio, wing relative thickness, and airfoil selection are described. Effects of wing-mounted and fuselage-mounted engines, placement of high lift devices, use of winglets and raked wingtips, and wing dihedral and incidence are discussed.