THE OPTIMIZATION OF WING PLANIFORMS FOR LIGHT SALPLANES

Authors

  • Gary Gary Weir

Keywords:

Aerodynamics, Structures, Design

Abstract

The induced drag of a sailplane wing can be up to 80 percent of the total drag at low speeds. For this reason, it is important to minimize that induced drag, which requires large aspect ratios and a control of lift distribution along the span. That is why sailplane wings have complex planform shapes, although not all sailplanes have the same planform because of other variables such as twist and camber. The planform is usually optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, but that is not all that should be considered. The structural efficiency should also be considered, particularly if one is trying to build a light sailplane. Two factors that can be used to improve structural efficiency are forward sweep and increased taper.

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Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (1998)

Section

Articles

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