Airfoil Selector
How the Search Algorithm Works
How the Search Algorithm Works
NOTEThis is NOT a shape optimization. It is a drag minimization search across a database of pre-analyzed airfoils, strictly enforced by your constraints. It is designed to provide the best possible starting point for more detailed analysis.
1. Hard Constraints
The database is first filtered by your geometric requirements. Airfoils falling outside your Thickness or Camber ranges are immediately discarded. If enabled, Cm acts as a stability filter, rejecting airfoils that do not fall within your specified pitching moment window.
2. Aerodynamic Operating Points
For each speed entry, the system calculates the required lift coefficient and Reynolds number based on your wing geometry.
3. Performance Interpolation
The remaining airfoils are searched for polars matching your target \\(Re\\). Drag is linearly interpolated at the exact required \\(C_L\\). If an airfoil cannot reach the required lift (stall), a heavy penalty is applied.
4. Weighted Suitability Calculation
A global cost function sums the drag scores from all operating points. This cost is mapped to a percentage score, where 100% represents minimal drag across the entire flight envelope.
TL;DR"Find the airfoil that has the lowest total drag across my mission profile, while respecting my geometric constraints."