Aerodynamic characteristics of multi-sectional variable trailing-edge airfoil

The relationship between the surface pressure distribution and the number of joints was investigated by use of panel method. Effects of the number of joints on flap angle, pitching moment coefficient and shaft torque were also discussed. Results show that the relative flap angle will decrease with the increasing number of joints of trailing-edge and the wing surface and pressure distribution tend to be smooth. But the problem that the flexible trailing-edge will cause larger pitching moment can not be overcome by multi-sectional trailing-edge. The shaft torque will increase with the increasing number of joints. Relevant research results can provide technical support for flexible trailing-edge designing.