Prediction of scale effects at transonic speeds: current practice and a gaze into the future

Abstract

AbstractThe paper reviews present practices in the prediction of scale effect at transonic speeds and considers how these may have to change in the future in the light of possible changes in wing design standards. Particular issues highlighted in the paper include the research that is needed to obtain the potential benefits that should come from the ability to test models at near-full-scale Reynolds numbers in cryogenic tunnels such as the ETW and second, the different experimental techniques that may have to be introduced if aerodynamic designers attempt to realise their long-held ambition of obtaining extensive laminar flow in flight.