Minimization of the Wing Airfoil Drag Coefficient Using the Optimal Control Method

The problem of designing a wing airfoil starting from the surface velocity (or pressure) distribution, given in multi-parameter form, is considered. In the diffuser region, the velocity decrease law is determined from the conditions of minimum drag and separationless flow for a given Reynolds number. The case of boundary layer suction for the purpose of improving the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil is studied. A solution is obtained using optimal control theory.