AIRFOIL SELECTOR
Define your vehicle and flight parameters below to search the database for the optimal aerodynamic shape.
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, enforced by your geometric constraints.
• 1. Hard Constraints
The database is first filtered by your geometric requirements. Airfoils falling outside your Thickness or Camber ranges are immediately discarded. Max Cm acts as a stability filter.
• 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 stall occurs, 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 envelope.