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GATE 2026 AE – Question 48

Aerodynamics · Airfoils and wings: coefficients, Kutta-Joukowski theorem, thin airfoil theory, finite wing theory, critical and drag divergence Mach numbers · 2 marks · Multiple select

What is/are the use(s) of the single horseshoe vortex model of finite wing aerodynamic theory?

  1. It can approximate the wing pitching moment coefficient
  2. It can approximate the wing induced drag coefficient
  3. It can approximate the effect of the wing on the induced drag coefficient of a typical horizontal tail
  4. It can approximate the aerodynamic benefit/penalty of formation flight compared to isolated flight

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) It can approximate the wing induced drag coefficient; (C) It can approximate the effect of the wing on the induced drag coefficient of a typical horizontal tail; (D) It can approximate the aerodynamic benefit/penalty of formation flight compared to isolated flight

Explanation

A single horseshoe vortex gives the downwash of a wing in closed form. That gives the induced drag of the wing (B), the downwash field at a tail behind it, which changes the tail's induced drag (C), and the up- and downwash on a second aircraft in formation flight (D). It has no information about the pitching moment.