Introduction -- Symbols -- Fundamental theoretical considerations -- The principle of vorticity attenuation -- The effective aspect ratio of nonplanar lifting systems -- Determination of the span loading distribution for minimum induced drag -- Solutions for the effective aspect ratio of optimally loaded arcs -- Solutions for more complex systems -- The induced lift of nonplanar systems -- Practical application considerations -- Concluding remarks -- References.

The basic theory of the induced lift and drag of nonplanar, circulation lifting systems is investigated, and conformal transformation and electrical-analog techniques are developed for determining the minimum induced drag of arbitrary systems. Several complex systems are analyzed to illustrate the procedures. Problems attending the practical application of the results to airfoil design are discussed and possible solutions suggested.

Although the overall appearance of modern airliners has not changed a lot since the introduction of jetliners in the 1950s, their safety, efficiency and environmental friendliness have improved considerably. Main contributors to this have been gas turbine engine technology, advanced materials, computational aerodynamics, advanced structural analysis and on-board systems. Since aircraft design became a highly multidisciplinary activity, the development of multidisciplinary optimization (MDO) has become a popular new discipline. Despite this, the application of MDO during the conceptual design phase is not yet widespread. Advanced Aircraft Design: Conceptual Design, Analysis and Optimization of Subsonic Civil Airplanes presents a quasi-analytical optimization approach based on a concise set of sizing equations. Objectives are aerodynamic efficiency, mission fuel, empty weight and maximum takeoff weight. Independent design variables studied include design cruise altitude, wing area and span and thrust or power loading. Principal features of integrated concepts such as the blended wing and body and highly non-planar wings are also covered. The quasi-analytical approach enables designers to compare the results of high-fidelity MDO optimization with lower-fidelity methods which need far less computational effort. Another advantage to this approach is that it can provide answers to “what if” questions rapidly and with little computational cost. Key features: Presents a new fundamental vision on conceptual airplane design optimization Provides an overview of advanced technologies for propulsion and reducing aerodynamic drag Offers insight into the derivation of design sensitivity information Emphasizes design based on first principles Considers pros and cons of innovative configurations Reconsiders optimum cruise performance at transonic Mach numbers Advanced Aircraft Design: Conceptual Design, Analysis and Optimization of Subsonic Civil Airplanes advances understanding of the initial optimization of civil airplanes and is a must-have reference for aerospace engineering students, applied researchers, aircraft design engineers and analysts.

th This volume contains the papers presented at the 16 DGLR/STAB-Symposium held at the Eurogress Aachen and organized by RWTH Aachen University, Germany, November, 3 - 4, 2008. STAB is the German Aerospace Aerodynamics Association, founded towards the end of the 1970's, whereas DGLR is the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal Oberth e.V.). The mission of STAB is to foster development and acceptance of the discipline “Aerodynamics” in Germany. One of its general guidelines is to concentrate resources and know-how in the involved institutions and to avoid duplication in research work as much as possible. Nowadays, this is more necessary than ever. The experience made in the past makes it easier now, to obtain new knowledge for solving today's and tomorrow's problems. STAB unites German scientists and engineers from universities, research-establishments and industry doing research and project work in numerical and experimental fluid mechanics and aerodynamics for aerospace and other applications. This has always been the basis of numerous common research activities sponsored by different funding agencies. Since 1986 the symposium has taken place at different locations in Germany every two years. In between STAB workshops regularly take place at the DLR in Göttingen.