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Razor sharp leading edges...

Subject: Razor sharp leading edges...
From: Don Stauffer <stauffer@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 10:57:34 -0700
Newsgroups: sci.aeronautics
> Which drag coefficient is greater; a rounded leading edge or a razor
> sharp leading edge for a given wing ?

Depends very much on AOA [Angle Of Attack].  The drag varies faster with 
AOA on sharp edge than rounded.  Also, the stall is much more violent and 
pronounced with sharp LE.  The some degree one can say that the bigger the 
LE radius, the gentler the stall.

Sort of like with the laminar flow airfoils.  The drag coefficient vs 
AOA curve is a more complex shape than with smooth nosed foils.


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