High-Lift Wing Systems
Technical solutions include strakes, various types of flaps (Kruger flap, Fowler flap, compound flap, split flap, jet flap, etc.), droop nose, ground effect, dams, spoilers, maximum possible speed and lifting area, wing sweep, etc (McCormick, 1994). Fig. 1 below shows a typical wing arrangement on a modern transonic commercial aircraft.
Figure 1: Some leading edge high lift devices
Leading-Edge Devices
Fig. 2 below shows a few examples of high-lift devices. The most common arrangment is the ventilated slat.
Figure 2: Some leading edge high lift devices
An example of lift characteristics for such a lifting configuration is given in the figure below.
Figure 3: Lift characteristics of a wing with a L.E. slat
Trailing-Edge Devices
Some trailing-edge devices are sketched in the figure below.
Figure 4: Some trailing-edge high lift devices
Related Material
- Tables of CLmax
- High-Lift Systems in Racing Cars
- Delta Wings
- Strakes at Transonic Speeds
Selected References
- McCormick BW. Aerodynamics, Aeronautics and Flight Mechanics,
John Wiley, New York, 1994.
- Schlichting H, Truckenbrodt E. Aerodynamics of the Airplane, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1979, Chapter 8 (Aerodynamics of the Flaps and Control Surfaces).
