Serrated trailing edges for improving lift and drag characteristics of lifting surfaces

US5088665A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Paul M. Vijgen · Everett, US
• Floyd Howard · Hampton, US
• Dennis M. Bushnell · Hayes, US
• Bruce J. Holmes · Williamsburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 31, 1989
• Grant date: Feb 18, 1992
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improvement in the lift and drag characteristics of a lifting surface is achieved by attaching a serrated panel to the trailing edge of the lifting surface. The serrations may have a saw-tooth configuration, with a 60.degree. included angle between adjacent serrations. The serrations may vary in shape and size over the span-wise length of the lifting surface, and may be positioned at fixed or adjustable deflections relative to the chord of the lifting surface.