The Effect of Wing Leading Edge Contamination on the Stall Characteristics of Aircraft

Document Number: 2007-01-3286

Date Published: September 2007

Author(s):
Clinton E. Tanner - Bombardier Aerospace

Abstract:
Lessons learned from analysis of in-service icing incidents are described. The airfoil and wing design factors that define an aircraft's natural stall characteristics are explored, including the aerodynamic effects of contamination. Special attention is given to contamination in the form of "roughness" along wing leading edges typical of frost. In addition, the key aerodynamic effects of ground proximity and sideslip/crosswind during the take-off rotation are described. An empirical method that can be used to predict a wing's sensitivity to wing leading edge roughness is demonstrated.

The paper explores the in-service differences of aircraft that incorporate "hard," "supercritical" and "slatted" wings. The paper attempts to explain why the statistical evidence appears to favor the slatted wing for winter operations.

File Size: 2028K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: V116-2007

See other papers presented at 2007 SAE Aircraft and Engine Icing International Conference, September 2007, Seville, SPAIN, Session: Airplane De / Anti-icing Operations - Part I

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