tartare
2nd Jun 2014, 07:04
I note that scimitar shaped (curving) propeller blades are found on both aircraft and submarines - due I assume to benefits in reducing turbulence and cavitation respectively.
Why have scimitar shaped aircraft planforms not been developed?
By this I mean aircraft that when viewed from above, have a curved leading edge terminating in a sharp tip, and a trailing edge that curves inwards to mirror the leading edge.
Ie, from above they would look like a crescent moon.
The Spitfire had an elipitical planform, but I know of no aircraft with scimitar shaped wings.
And the intial design for the 787 had a scimitar shaped tail.
Manufacturing difficulties aside - would any aerodynamic advantage be conferrred, or conversely any major difficulties created?
I suspect since it hasn't been done - it's not a good idea....
Why have scimitar shaped aircraft planforms not been developed?
By this I mean aircraft that when viewed from above, have a curved leading edge terminating in a sharp tip, and a trailing edge that curves inwards to mirror the leading edge.
Ie, from above they would look like a crescent moon.
The Spitfire had an elipitical planform, but I know of no aircraft with scimitar shaped wings.
And the intial design for the 787 had a scimitar shaped tail.
Manufacturing difficulties aside - would any aerodynamic advantage be conferrred, or conversely any major difficulties created?
I suspect since it hasn't been done - it's not a good idea....