Calculated aerodynamic characteristics of two infinite wings with constant chord

Abstract

The report gives solutions obtained by the vortex lattice method for the aerodynamic loading of two infinite wings of constant chord with sweepback of 45 deg, one with a V-joint at the centre, the other rounded off with arcs of radius four times the chord. The true mathematical solution for these problems is exceedingly difficult to find, and the accuracy has been verified by considering the convergence of solutions of varying complexity. The V-wing shows a reduction in circulation near the joint with accompanying backward movement of the local centre of pressure, while the rounded wing has increased circulation without appreciable variation of the centre of pressure from the 0.25-chord position. The results will be used to modify loading functions used in vortex lattice theory in order to improve solutions for wings of small aspect ratio, particularly when the leading or trailing edges meet at an included angle which differs considerably from 180 deg.