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Which airfoil shape is the best?
In general, the operation for which an airplane is designed determines the shape and design of its wings. If the airplane is designed for low-speed flight, a thick airfoil is most efficient, whereas a thin airfoil is more efficient for high-speed flight.
How do I know what shape my airfoil is?
The shape of the airfoil is defined using the following geometrical parameters:
- The mean camber line or mean line is the locus of points midway between the upper and lower surfaces. Its shape depends on the thickness distribution along the chord;
- The thickness of an airfoil varies along the chord.
Why is airfoil shaped?
An airfoil shape means that the top of an airplane’s wings is curved, whereas the bottom is flat and uncurved. Airplanes use an airfoil shape for their wings to produce lift. Along with propulsion, lift is one of the acting forces that allows airplanes to move from one point to another.
How does one choose an airfoil for any given aircraft design?
The airfoil you choose is going to be a determined by the desired operating parameters of your design, each requirement you add will have input to your airfoil decision. For Example: Thin symmetrical airfoils are great for aerobatics but not for lift – see the Extra 300 vs a Zenith CH801.
How do I choose the correct NACA airfoil for my plane?
Generally, you look at all requirements and then select or design the airfoil according to the desired pressure distribution at different angles of attack and Mach numbers. Once you tell us more, I can become more specific. Thanks for contributing an answer to Aviation Stack Exchange! Please be sure to answer the question.
Can you design your own airfoil for a glider?
The ultimate step could be to design your own airfoil. Take my glider recommendation and use XFOIL to tweak it to what you really need.
Which is better a thin airfoil or a thick airfoil?
A thin airfoil with low camber goes fast but that means landing fast. A thick highly cambered airfoil means you have lots of lift, but will fly slowly. The simple answer is: You Compromise (like most other parts of aircraft design).