ORIGINAL: MTK
ORIGINAL: rmh
As others did/do- I also worked for years on nice razor sharp TE for wings stabs and rudder .
No more .
I've always built my TE's on Pattern models to 1/8'' thickness. Never subscribed to the real fat and even flared TE's that became vogue a couple years ago...don't believe in those.
Squared LE's are non issues for most models too.
However, if one wants the maximum speed for minimum energy input, the better approach is to have rounded LE's, thin surfaces and razor sharp TE's. Don't have to look very far to actually see some of those characteristics in action......pick up any APC prop. In my experience APC props in general are the best in converting available power to thrust..... minimal noise generation also which goes hand in glove with thrust generation
Don't disagree on streamlining -
the thick trailing edges tho are another matter
one application is to "suck" the air on the surfaces more tightly to the surface
another is to just add more centering drag.
Some models have more destabilizing drag-forward- than others and the fuselage just wanders when there is no real difference in pressure-side to side.
The are a bunch of ways to cure this - BUT the thick te is quick n easy.
One method seldom seen -is to change the fuselage planform taper - at the LE of the stab- (the fuselage remains gently tapered, then sharply tapers to the tailpost.
the beauty of this is - you can add vents (exits) in this area and seriously pull air thru the fuselage
Maybe this doesn't look purty - but it sure works-