Design Process: Tail Surfaces
The tail of the airplane performs three functions: It stabilizes the aircraft in both pitch and yaw. It provides trim. It provides control power...
Design Process: End Plates and Winglets
A wing produces a pressure difference between its upper and lower surface. The pressure on top of the wing is lower than the pressure...
Design Process: Wingtips
In our study of wing design, we have progressed from the inner portion and the flaps to the outer part of the span and...
Design Process: Aileron Types
The size and planform of the ailerons are set by the roll-control power needed to meet flying qualities and maneuvering requirements. Once the designer...
Design Process: Ailerons
Last month we looked at roll control schemes for airplanes where high lift or other requirements do not leave enough room on the wing’s...
Flaperons, Spoilers and Drooping Ailerons
There are some situations where there isn’t enough room on the wing’s trailing edge to split the functions cleanly between an inboard flap and...
Design Process: Roll Control
The primary function of the wing is to generate lift, but it must also incorporate control surfaces to control the airplane in roll.
Design Process: Slots and Slats
Opening a properly shaped slot between the lower and upper surface of the wing near the leading edge can greatly increase the angle of...
Design Process: Droops and VGs
In general, there are two ways to increase the maximum lift of a wing. The first, as we have been discussing the past couple...
Design Process: Flap Types
Last month we took a look at the trade-offs the designer should consider when defining the flap system for the airplane. The choice comes...
In Case You Missed it
AeroLectrics
Why we need regulated voltage in our aircraft and how zener diodes, resistors, transistors and semiconductors help us get there.
