ESDU Data Item predicts lift curve of wings with high-lift devices deployed

ESDU Data Item predicts lift curve of wings with high-lift devices deployed

Keywords Data,ESDU, Lift, Prediction

ESDU International's new Data Item (96003) provides engineers with an empirical method for predicting the lift curve, up to and including maximum lift, of wings with high-lift devices deployed at low speeds.

To do this the Data Item separates the lift curve into two parts. The first part provides an estimate of the lift curve through zero angle of attack and up to the lift coefficient at which the effects of flow breakdown start to become significant.

The second part extends the lift curve up to maximum lift and includes the prediction of the angle of attack for maximum lift.

The method described in the new Data Item is applicable to wings with aspect ratios greater than 4 and leading-edge sweep angles up to approximately 40 degrees.

Leading-edge high-lift devices considered included plain leading-edge flaps, Kruger flaps and slats of full-span or part-span that extended to the tip of the wing.

Trailing-edge flaps included split, plain, single-slotted or double slotted types. Although no data for triple-slotted flaps were available, the prediction method explained in the Data Item is expected to apply to such devices.

The prediction method devised has been found to be effective for aerofoils with high-lift devices deployed, confirming its applicability to high aspect ratio wings.

Further details are available from ESDU International. Tel: +44 (0) 171 490 5151.