Smoothing the path to laminar flow control

Researchers at Cranfield College of Aeronautics are studying laminar flow control technology with the particular target of enhancing Airbus aircraft technology for the 21st century.

One significant area of technology that would enhance the viability of a blended wing body (BWB), or flying wing, as a commercial aircraft is effective laminar flow control (LFC). Drag reduction can lead to a “beneficial spiral” in the base aircraft design for a given performance envelope. Lower drag implies less required thrust, leading to lower fuel-mass upload and smaller engines for desired cruise performance. Lower mass requires less lift and, therefore, less induced drag, leading to additional second-order reductions in engine and fuel weight.

There are environmental gains, too. Reduced fuel burn cuts pollution, and smaller engines generate less noise.