A new class of airfoils with slot-suction

In a recent paper by Saeed and Selig, a generalized method for the multipoint inverse design of airfoils with slot-suction was proposed and successfully implemented. The new inverse design method for slot-suction airfoils, unlike earlier design methods, not only addresses key issues particular to slotsuction airfoils but is also capable of multipoint design. To illustrate the underlying principles of the theory behind the new inverse design method for slot-suction airfoils, the theory as applied in the design of Joukowski airfoils with slot-suction is presented along with a few examples. The examples illustrate important differences and improvements over the existing design methods. In light of these developments, the more generalized method of Saeed and Selig is used to design airfoils with slot-suction for a variety of aircraft applications, such as, thick airfoils for all-wing spanloaders, airfoils for maximum lift, and airfoils with extended length of laminar flow.