Question

What is the purpose of supercritical airfoil?

• A. to increase the value of drag divergence Mach number
• B. to decrease the value of drag divergence Mach number
• C. to increase the value of critical divergence Mach number
• D. to decrease the value of critical divergence Mach number

Hint:

Supercritical airfoils are commonly used in commercial airliners to enhance fuel efficiency and performance during cruise at high subsonic speeds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define Supercritical Airfoil.
A supercritical airfoil is designed to delay the onset of shock waves and reduce the effects of wave drag at high subsonic speeds, near transonic conditions.
Step 2: Purpose of Supercritical Airfoil.
The purpose of a supercritical airfoil is to increase the drag divergence Mach number. This means the airfoil allows the aircraft to fly at higher subsonic speeds without a significant increase in drag due to shock waves.