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Flaps definitions in theory vs. reality

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geosnooker2000

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2019
Messages
196
Location
Somerville, TN
I can identify hinge flaps. They're pretty clear. They just rotate on a single axis within the body of the flap. My question deals with the vague grey area between slotted and Fowler flaps. At the beginning of the scale is the design where there are 2 or 3 tabs protruding down from the trailing edge to provide a rotation point that creates a turning radius with the axis outside the flap body. At the end are jumbo-jet-style Fowlers that are actually on tracks. But my question is, at what point does a flap system leave one definition and join the other? Is the difference more about the chord lengthening ability of Fowlers vs. slotted, or is it strictly about mechanisms? I could design a flap pivot extension tab with a radius that is so long that it will mimic the chord lengthening abilities of Fowler flaps. So what do you guys think? Is this technically a fowler flap?
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