In message <960206224844_100421.2123_BHG33-1@CompuServe.COM>, Graham
Singleton <100421.2123@compuserve.com> writes
>The current opinion on trailing edges seems to be that they should be square,
>not rounded. There is even a figure mentioned for maximum thickness but I
>can't
>remember what it is or where I read it.
Sharp trailing edges to control surfaces in particular can lead to
unpredictable handling response. Blunting the edges has the effect of
"heavying" the controls and apart from being a whole sight easier to
make eliminates a possible later concern. Sharp edges are flutter prone.
Remember the initial flight test responses with YURO's elevator which
was solved initially by attaching a plastic binding clip over the edge
to effect a blunting, thus eliminating the peculiar hysterisis.
See Darrol Stinton's chapter on Control Surfaces in his "Design of an
Aeroplane" for a better explanation.
--
Graham E Laucht
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