What is the typical stall progression pattern for a rectangular wing?

Study for your Commercial Ground – Basic Aerodynamics Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and hints. Excel in your aerodynamics knowledge!

The typical stall progression pattern for a rectangular wing is from root to tip. This occurs because the root of the wing, which is closer to the aircraft's center of gravity, experiences a higher angle of attack before stall conditions develop compared to the wing tip.

As the aircraft's angle of attack increases, airflow over the wing begins to separate at the root first, primarily due to the aspect ratio and the distribution of lift along the wing. The root has a larger chord and typically produces a more significant amount of lift, resulting in it reaching a critical angle of attack sooner than the tip.

In a rectangular wing design, the uniformity of airfoil shape across the wing aids in this stall progression. When the root stalls, the pilot is usually still able to maintain some control, as the tips are still generating lift, which preserves aileron effectiveness. This stall behavior helps prevent an abrupt loss of control, making rectangular wings more forgiving during stall conditions.

The other patterns like tip to root, center outwards, or diagonal do not typically represent the stall progression in rectangular wings and can lead to more complex handling characteristics during stall situations.

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