Variable foil profile

Abstract

Abstract In an aerofoil profile - irrespective of whether it is for a sailing boat or the wing of an aircraft or of a helicopter - it is desirable to be able to vary the profile shape, the central region of the profile, that is to say the basic shape of the profile, preferably being intended to be essentially maintained. Furthermore, if possible, it is intended to carry out a gradually small change in the profile shape which, however, covers a large region of the overall profile, in contrast to the previous solutions of slats, airbrakes, and flaps etc. To this end, the aerofoil cross-section consists of a front, a centre and a rear segment, which are connected to one another hinged about an axis at right angles to the skeleton line of the aerofoil, and the outer skin of the profile being firmly connected at least to the leading edge of the front segment and being displaceable with respect to the outer surfaces of the rear segment, the outer skin of the aerofoil consisting of an adequately flexible material which nonetheless retains its shape. The advantage of such a structure is in a relatively low energy requirement and simpler operation of the relevant vehicle. <IMAGE>

Inventors

• 👤 Günter Waldherr

Bibliographic Details