case study 1 [AIRFOIL]

low speed: glider deep camber - thin wing section > more lift > low speed subsonic: general aviation - deep camber/ camber rearward - thick wing section > better structure and lower weight > good stall characteristics > more lift over greater area > less drag subsonic: civil aircraft(B747) - cambered top and bottom - symmetrical wing section > less lift > more drag > little movement of centre of pressure > good stability supersonic: military fighter jet - low camber - thin wing section > less drag > high speed High aspect ratio wings have long thin wings, while low aspect ratio wings have shorter thick wings. An example of an aircraft with a higher aspect ratio is a glider, while most fighter jets have low aspect ratios. A higher aspect ratio has a greater lift to drag ratio, which makes it well suited for gliders. Since fighter jet s travel at high speeds, reducing drag is an important part of their design. Aspect ratio: 7-8 civil jet; 2-3 fighter jet Reference: _ http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Dictionary/wing_types/DI98.htm _ http://history.nasa.gov/SP-468/ch10-4.htm