This section deals with the estimation of airfoil section aerodynamic characteristics that are important to stability and control. These include the calculation of section aerodynamic center position and pitching moment at zero lift along with lift curve slope and zero-lift angle of attack.
Although modern computational methods can be applied to determine section characteristics, a great deal may be learned from the simple analytical methods developed in early 1900's. This section reviews the basic results from thin airfoil theory and some features not predicted by the simple calculations.
Thin airfoil theory: Motivation and derivation
Results from thin airfoil theory
Other related topics of interest:
Mach, Re, q, scale effects
Control Surfaces
Lift, moment effects
Hinge-moments
Beveled and thick trailing edges
Aero and mass balancing