Need help with an airfoil name

[physicsCU]

OK, I have two labs, one in Calc 3, one in aerodynamics.

In calc 3, we are using an airfoil described by a piece-wise function. How can I figure out what the name of that airfoil is?

By that, I mean can I match up the airfoil to the function given?

Or will I have to work backwards and choose a known airfoil?

 

[abercrombiems02]

if you are using the standard NACA 4 digit convention then it works as follows.

For a NACA 2412, the maximum camber occurs at 24% down the chord from the leading edge, and the maximum thickness of the airfoil is 12% of the total chord length.

For a NACA 0016. the airfoil has no camber (thus is symmetric) and has a maximum thickness of 16% of the total chord lenght.

There are other naming conventions as well and the values are typically expressed in terms of % chord

 

[ravenprp]

It sounds like you are trying to determine the name of an airfoil based on its description as a piece-wise function. In order to do this, you may need to work backwards and compare the function to known airfoil shapes. There are many resources available online that provide information and diagrams of common airfoil shapes, so you may be able to find a match by researching and comparing the function to these shapes. Alternatively, if you have access to an airfoil database or have a textbook on aerodynamics, you may be able to find the name of the airfoil by looking up its coordinates or characteristics. If you are still having trouble, it may be helpful to consult with your aerodynamics professor or a classmate for assistance.