| Abstract | A review of alternate spanwise wing loadings is carried out to identify their advantages in terms of aerodynamic performance when compared to the standard elliptic loading. The investigated spanwise wing loadings were applied on straight tapered wings without sweep angles at the quarter chord. The investigations used analytical and low-order numerical tools. Aerodynamic gains are possible, including lower induced drag and higher lift-to-drag ratios. These gains are obtained by shifting the loads inboard, allowing an increase in wingspan that still keeps the root aerodynamic moments constant. This inboard shifting unloads the wing tips, reduces the strength of the wing tip vortices and moves the spanwise location of the maximum local lift coefficient inboard, thus reducing the risk of wing tip stall. Upwash is generated near the wing tips, which tilts the local lift coefficient upstream and thus generates induced thrust. When ailerons are used, proverse yaw is generated, which turns the wing naturally in the desired roll direction. |
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