An airfoil is a curved surface designed to create lift as air passes over it It is most often used in the design of aircraft wings, but can also be found in windmills, sailboats, and even paper airplanes. The airfoil is an advanced aerodynamic device that produces lift, which allows an aircraft to fly.
Airfoils are comprised of two surfaces that explore the interaction between a solid surface, like an aircraft wing, and the air that flows around it. The camber is the curved shape of the upper surface of the wing and determines the amount of lift the wing will produce. The chord is the distance from the leading edge of the wing to the trailing edge. The angle of attack is the angle at which the air flows over the wing’s airfoil. This determines the amount of lift the wing will produce.
Airfoils have been used in aerodynamic research since the late 19th century, but the modern airfoil was developed in the 1930s. Today, airfoils are used in the design of aircraft and other flying machines, as well as in windmills, sailboats, and paper airplanes.
Here are five of the best examples of airfoils:
1. NACA Airfoils – Developed by the US government’s National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in the 1930s, this classic airfoil design is still used today. It is characterized by a relatively thick center portion with a rounded leading edge and a sharply pointed trailing edge. This airfoil is used in many aircraft designs as well as in wind turbines.
2. Clark Y Airfoil – Developed by aeronautical engineer Max Munk during World War I, the Clark Y airfoil is the most widely used airfoil design. Its symmetrical shape with a curved leading edge and straight trailing edge produces a good balance of maximum lift with low drag.
3. Selig 1223 Airfoil – The Selig 1223 airfoil is used by almost all model aircraft today. It has a flat bottom which allows for efficient low-speed performance while still providing enough lift. It is also relatively simple to fabricate.
4. Gottingen Airfoil – Developed in Germany in the 1930s, the Gottingen airfoil is known for its good low-speed performance. It is characterized by its leading edge that slopes gently upwards and has thicker upper and lower surfaces.
5. Elliptical Airfoil – An elliptical airfoil is characterized by its oval shape which provides maximum lift with minimal drag. This is the design of choice for high-speed airplanes such as fighter jets, as well as gliders. It is also used in some modern wind turbines.
Airfoils play an important role in aerodynamics, providing the lift that allows an aircraft to fly. These five airfoils are among the most widely used, and have been employed in a wide range of aircraft designs for decades.