Ask an Explainer
Q:
Why does the center of pressure moves forward when an aircraft flies from transonic to supersonic speed?
A:
The center of pressure actually moves toward the rear of the plane. At supersonic speed, there are shockwaves on the airfoil. These are created by the supersonic airflow. The pressure behind the shockwaves is high, and moves the center of pressure rearward, to the trailing edge of the aircraft, to the center of the airfoil there.
Posted on December 23, 2013 at 10:33 am
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