Question

Which of the following is not implied by the elliptical lift distribution?

(a) Chord length is constant along the span

(b) Induced angle of attack is zero for infinite wing span

(c) Downwash is zero for infinite wing span

(d) Constant downwash along the span

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Prandtl’s Classical Lifting-Line Theory in section Flow over Airfoils over Finite Wing of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) Chord length is constant along the span

The best explanation: The elliptical lift distribution gives an elliptical chord length distribution along the span. The induced angle of attack and downwash becomes zero for infinite wing span, proving the infinite wing (airfoil) theory. The downwash is a constant value along the span.