Expert: Marc Ebelini - 2/11/2008

Question
Hi,

the min. pressure point on this type of wing is somewhere at mid-chord. After this point, the pressure starts to increase.

But why is the shockwave not generated at the min. pressure point. Instead, why does the shockwave occur close to the trailing edge? I know that this type of wing delays the effect of compressibility and the critical mach number is reached much farther down, but could you provide a more detailed answer?

Thanks.

Answer
You appeared to have answered your own question. Beyond that I cannot offer any further detail. Contribute that to the fact that my studies of aerodynamics is decades old. Will put your question in our pool should there be someone that can help give you more details. Did a little searching myself to see if someone could give you more details but have not found one. Was looking for some wind tunnel studies that may illustrate this more clearly. Have you tried contacting Universities conducting airfoil testing?