Aircraft aerodynamic design and evaluation methods

Abstract

This paper presents some practical methods for the aerodynamic design and evaluation of conventional aircraft. High-lift methodology which provides improved takeoff and landing and transonic maneuvering performance is discussed. Also, new techniques for estimating and minimizing cruise pressure drag are presented. These include a far-field theory to minimize trimmed induced drag, theories to estimate the spanwise variation of drag due to thickness and lift, and a far-field theory to estimate total pressure drag. In addition to the description of methods, aerodynamic design procedures are outlined and results from both the design and evaluation methods are presented.