1
$\begingroup$

If you look at a 747 planform wing you see something like this:

enter image description here

In several aerodynamics and aircraft design text books they use the wing sweep angle as an important parameter to measure the wing efficiency at transonic velocities, but they don't specify from where they measure that angle. Even I've seen wings with double leading edge angles.

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Taking the 747 example you mention, on Wikipedia the wing sweep is stated as 37.5°. Three references are given, checking one of them reveals that measurement was taken at 1/4 chord.

As you have noted, there are many angles, and in aircraft design they are all relevant to the designer.

The 'wing design' chapter from Hamburg Open Online University states:

The sweep angle $ϕ$ depends on the % line on which it is measured. Normally the sweep angle of the leading edge $ϕ_{LE}$, trailing edge $ϕ_{TE}$, 25% line $ϕ_{25}$ (quarter chord sweep) and 50% line $ϕ_{50}$ are stated.

So normally in design 4 angles will be stated. Otherwise, e.g., when checking Wikipedia, the references used should typically be clear. Below shows two $ϕ_{25}$ angles, for example:

enter image description here

$\endgroup$

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .