A Study of Some Problems Affecting the Design of Wings for Transonic Aircraft

Citation

Ponsford, Henry Thomas (1947) A Study of Some Problems Affecting the Design of Wings for Transonic Aircraft. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/3HNE-5E94. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12082008-085825

Abstract

A survey of the literature concerning the design of wings for transonic aircraft is made. The problems investigated were 1) for the transonic wing: reduction of drag at high subsonic Mach numbers; achievement of high maximum lift coefficient and stability at low speeds; and determination of air loads in compressible subsonic flow, 2) for the supersonic wing: determination of flow fields at transonic Mach numbers; achievement of adequate low speed performance of a supersonic wing; and determination of air loads at transonic speeds, and 3) structural problems of both types of wings. The extent of present knowledge is outlined, and future fields of desirable research is indicated. A bibliography of reports pertaining to transonic wing design, accompanied by brief summaries is given. A supplementary bibliography of other reports of general interest to transonic wings is also presented.

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