Design of a Laminar-Glove for the A340 and First Results of a High-Speed Wind-Tunnel Test

Summary

This paper describes a first A340 glove design and a high speed wind tunnel test with a 1:35 complete model at the ARA Bedford. The design aim was to integrate the target laminar pressure distribution into the A340 pressure system compensating the 3D wing effects and the influence of pod/pylon. During this work it became obvious, that the geometric design restrictions related to the A340 demonstrator aircraft substantially affect the laminar integration ability. The following high speed wind tunnel test could verify the design predictions concerning the target pressure distribution along wing span and the related transition development. Data for a next, improved design step could be obtained.