Aerodynamics

  1. Three-Dimensional Wings and Finite Wing Theory
    1. Transition from 2D to 3D
      1. Fundamental Differences
        1. Spanwise Flow Effects
          1. Tip Effects
          2. Wing Geometry Parameters
            1. Planform Characteristics
              1. Wingspan
                1. Wing Area
                  1. Aspect Ratio
                    1. Taper Ratio
                    2. Geometric Angles
                      1. Sweep Angle
                        1. Dihedral Angle
                          1. Anhedral Angle
                            1. Incidence Angle
                            2. Planform Shapes
                              1. Rectangular Wing
                                1. Tapered Wing
                                  1. Elliptical Wing
                                    1. Delta Wing
                                      1. Swept Wing
                                    2. Induced Effects
                                      1. Downwash
                                        1. Physical Origin
                                          1. Spanwise Distribution
                                            1. Effects on Local Angle of Attack
                                            2. Induced Drag
                                              1. Vortex Drag Theory
                                                1. Calculation Methods
                                                  1. Minimization Strategies
                                                  2. Induced Angle of Attack
                                                  3. Lifting-Line Theory
                                                    1. Prandtl's Model
                                                      1. Fundamental Assumptions
                                                        1. Mathematical Development
                                                          1. Elliptic Lift Distribution
                                                            1. Minimum Induced Drag
                                                              1. Spanwise Loading
                                                              2. Non-Elliptic Distributions
                                                                1. Theory Limitations
                                                                2. Wingtip Effects
                                                                  1. Wingtip Vortices
                                                                    1. Formation Mechanism
                                                                      1. Vortex Structure
                                                                        1. Persistence and Decay
                                                                        2. Tip Loss Effects
                                                                          1. Wingtip Modifications
                                                                            1. Winglets
                                                                              1. Wingtip Fences
                                                                                1. Sharklets
                                                                              2. Ground Effect
                                                                                1. Physical Mechanism
                                                                                  1. Effects on Lift and Drag
                                                                                    1. Height Dependence
                                                                                      1. Operational Considerations
                                                                                        1. Takeoff and Landing
                                                                                          1. Ground Effect Vehicles
                                                                                        2. Wing Design Considerations
                                                                                          1. Aspect Ratio Effects
                                                                                            1. Sweep Effects
                                                                                              1. Subsonic Sweep Benefits
                                                                                                1. Sweep Penalties
                                                                                                2. Taper Effects
                                                                                                  1. Twist Distribution
                                                                                                    1. Geometric Twist
                                                                                                      1. Aerodynamic Twist