Question

Which of the following ensures flow smoothly leaving the trailing edge given the right value of circulation?

(a) Kutta Condition

(b) Momentum Theorem

(c) Angle of Attack

(d) The Shape of the Airfoil

This question was posed to me during an online interview.

My question is from Kelvin’s Circulation Theorem and the Starting Vortex topic in section Incompressible Flow over Airfoils of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Kutta Condition

The best I can explain: According to the Kutta Condition, for a given angle of attack, the value of circulation around the airfoil is such that the flow leaves the trailing edge smoothly. The velocity at the trailing edge is dependent on the shape of the airfoil.