What is a key characteristic of the stall pattern in rectangular wings?

A key characteristic of the stall pattern in rectangular wings is that the initial stall occurs at the root. This is due to the fact that the root of a rectangular wing is typically designed to accommodate greater airfoil thickness for structural integrity and better lift characteristics. As the angle of attack increases, airflow over the root begins to separate before it does at other parts of the wing, leading to a stall that starts there.

This characteristic has practical implications for aircraft handling and safety. If the root stalls first, it allows a degree of aileron authority to be maintained, preventing a sudden roll that might occur if the wingtips were to stall before the root. This behavior is beneficial because it provides pilots with better control during high angles of attack and can help prevent a complete loss of control.

Understanding this phenomenon is important for pilots and engineers alike, as it can influence wing design and performance characteristics in varying flight conditions.