Wing Planforms

Question 1

Name the four types of wing planforms (shapes).

Answer 1

1. Swept
2. Delta
3. Rectangular
4. Tapered

Question 2

What are the two formulae for Aspect Ratio?

Answer 2

a. AR = Span / Average Chord
b. AR = (Span)² / Wing Area

Question 3

What type of aircraft will have a high aspect ratio, a fighter aircraft or a glider?

Answer 3

Glider

Question 4

What is the formula for taper ratio?

Answer 4

Taper Ratio = Tip Chord / Root Chord

Question 5

Which type of wing will stall at the wing root first?

Answer 5

Rectangular wing

Question 6

Name two types of wings that are more likely to stall at the wing tip first.

Answer 6

1. Swept wing
2. Delta wing

Question 7

What is washout, and how does it help prevent wing tip stall?

Answer 7

Washout is the reduction in the angle of incidence (or attack) from the wing’s root to its tip, helping to prevent wing tip stall.

Question 8

Name three other devices used to help stop wing tip stall.

Answer 8

1. Vortex Generators
2. Wing Fences
3. Notched or saw-tooth leading edges

Question 9

State whether the following wing planforms normally stall at the tip or wing root first:
- Rectangular
- Swept
- Highly Tapered

Answer 9

• Rectangular: Root
• Swept: tip
• Highly Tapered: tip