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Old 23rd February 2007 | 11:37
  #22 (permalink)  
Jaguar Pilot
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 129
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From: Bournemouth
Supercritical Wing

Sorry 747dieseldude.

"Supercritical" refers to the precise profiling required of the upper surface leading edge. The upper surface is relatively flat, delaying shockwave formation to a higher MFS. The loss in lift can be recovered by a pronounced reflex camber on the lower surface towards the trailing edge.

With a carefully profiled upper surface leading edge, expansion waves will reflect from the subsonic/supersonic boundary back into the shockwave,
thus reducing its' intensity and thus wave drag rise. Also the wing may now be made thicker, allowing for, amongst others, greater torsional strength and larger fuel tanks. Sweepback angle may now also be less,
reducing the undesirable slow speed charateristics of sweepback.

If you want a diagram PM me.

JP
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