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Picking Nits – Taper Ratio vs. Lift distribution

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Toobuilder

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2010
Messages
6,603
Location
Mojave, Ca

Not any kind of design emergency here - just wondering...

I am working my way through a variety of books and have run across a curious (to me) disconnect. It appears common knowledge that a tapered wing is a fine substitute for the optimal elliptical planform concerning lift distribution. However, one text indicates a taper ratio of .35 is the “closest” to elliptical, while another says .45… I know that in practice this is not a significant difference, but I’m a very black and white personality who loves absolutes - and this 10% disparity drives me nuts! Anybody have info that breaks the tie?

 
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