Importance of slat and flap devices on aircraft wings

Abstract

With advent of latest manufacturing processes in aviation industry, ways to improve the aerodynamic performance of aircraft wings have been researched by several companies in aviation and defence industry. These new design and manufacturing techniques help to enhance the aerodynamic behaviour of aircraft wings at high or very high Reynolds number which typically conform to the cruising altitudes of aircrafts as well as during landing and take-off stages. The slat and flap devices usually serve as extensions to main aerofoil element of an aircraft wing and intended to divert the turbulent flow along the chord length and improve the maximum lift coefficient by 40-60%. More so than before, these methods have also aimed to achieve improved fuel efficiency by up to 10-13% by drag reduction. With a net change of 24% in fuel prices in aviation turbine fuel seen over the last decade, the future of commercial aviation will continue to look for advanced technologies in design of aircraft wings that are promised to provide safe and reliable air transportation.