SuperElliptical wing platforms for induced drag reduction

Raymer D., KURTULUŞ D. F., ANILIR B., Lapouille A., Passe M., Strat L. L., ...More

Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, vol.25, no.4, pp.242-251, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1504/pcfd.2025.147800
  • Journal Name: Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, zbMATH, DIALNET, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.242-251
  • Keywords: computational fluid dynamics, elliptical wing, Oswald’s efficiency factor
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

A parametric CFD investigation into SuperElliptical Wing Planforms is presented. By defining a wing planform using a superellipse with exponent slightly greater than two, it was speculated that a more-elliptical lift distribution may be obtained that from an actual elliptical wing, resulting in a reduction in induced drag. CFD analysis by three organisations seems to confirm this speculation and points to a superellipse exponent of 2.3 as offering the lowest drag. The slight weight increase for this superelliptical planform wing is approximated using standard quasi-empirical equations. Comments are made about accuracy of results and a comparison to a previous wing optimisation study. The use of superellipse mathematics to define smooth crescent wings is also presented.