View Full Version : Supercritical surface area
turbantime
11th Jan 2006, 03:52
What is a supercritical surface area? Nothing found on the search function and couldn't find it in my ATPL notes.
If I were to guess, I'd say that it's the surface area at which the local sonic flow reaches Mach 1.
Anyone able to help? It's drving me nuts!!
Thanks in advance :ok:
whiteknuckleairlines
11th Jan 2006, 04:04
I have not heard of the phrase and my trusty "Mechanics of flight" doesn't refer to it. I would pin my answer on the fact that the supercritical wing delays the onset of supersonic flow and the resulting undesirable tendancies. The supercritical surface area would therefore be the area of the upper part of the wing which has NOT met supersonic (MACH 1) speeds.
That's my take on it but I could be wrong. If in doubt, pick C!
turbantime
11th Jan 2006, 04:27
All I had to do was google it!! Duh!!
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/Transonic_Wings/TH20.htm
Thanks for the reply