Date of Award

12-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Paul I. King, PhD

Abstract

This study investigated-the use of the program PROFILE for the design of low-speed, low-observable configuration airfoils. For our purposes, low- observable configuration is defined as being characterized by a small leading- edge radius of less than 1.18 percent chord and a thickness-to-chord ratio of 2. 5 to 5.5 percent. A methodology was developed whereby the input parameters to prescribe the velocity distribution over the airfoil could be determined by a power law relationship. This relationship enables the designer to develop symmetric airfoils with the desired thickness-to-chord and leading-edge radius within the stated constraints. The resulting symmetric airfoils compared very well with NACA 4-digit airfoils of like thickness-to-chord ratio. The resulting airfoils have an increased stall angle compared to the NACA 4-digit airfoils.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-GAE-92D-09

DTIC Accession Number

ADA258842

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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