Boundary layer crossflow stabilization of high subsonic speed LFC transport airplanes

With a view to the elaboration of the design of Mach 0.83 and 0.97 cruise-speed long-range aircraft employing LFC, a study is conducted of the laminar flow characteristics of supercritical airfoils of blunt leading-edge X88 type, for the case of lightly loaded wings that dispense with leading-edge flaps for low-speed operations. The boundary layer crossflow in the front acceleration zone of these airfoils' upper surface is optimally stabilized by suction in the upstream portion of the zone, yielding a crossflow that is neutrally stable.