Trailing edge
flap
.The trailing edge of an aerodynamic surface such as a
elevons on tailless aircraft
.
The shape of the trailing edge is of prime importance in the aerodynamic function of any aerodynamic surface. A sharp trailing edge is always employed in an airfoil.[3] George Batchelor has written about:
- “ ... the remarkable controlling influence exerted by the sharp trailing edge of an aerofoil on the circulation.”[4]
Extensions
Other sharp-edged surfaces that are attached to the trailing edges of wings or control surfaces include:
- On control surfaces:
- trim tabs
- servo tabs
- anti-servo tabs
- Other surfaces:
- flaps
Other equipment that may be attached to the trailing edges of wings include:
Trailing edge shape
The trailing edge is where the upper and lower surfaces of a wing meet. They may meet at a finite angle. Alternatively, if the trailing edge angle is zero it is described as a cusped trailing edge.[5]
References
- ISBN 1-56027-287-2
- ISBN 9780850451634.
- ^ “It had been known from the very beginning of flight that wings with a sharp trailing edge must be used in order to obtain a well-defined lift.” von Mises, Richard (1945), Theory of Flight, Section VIII.2, p.179, Dover Publications Inc. ISBN 0-486-60541-8
- ^ Batchelor, G. K. (1967), An Introduction to Fluid Dynamics, p.438, Cambridge University Press.
- ISBN 978-0-07-339810-5.
 | This aviation-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |