Some Remarks on Aerodynamics
Taper ratio, the ratio of tip chord to the root chord, is an
important parameter. A wing with a low taper ratio tends to have
downwash patterns that move the lift distribution towards an
elliptical one. A low taper ratio leads to larger chords and
wing thickness near the root where the bending moments
are the largest. It also moves the center of pressure inboard
reducing the aerodynamic bending moments. Both of these factors are
favorable from a structural standpoint. The most effective wings
usually have low taper ratios, particularly when the wings are
swept.
Shown below are the wing lift distributions for three types of
wings.
Taken from
Fundamentals of Flight, Second Edition
By Richard S. Shevell, Published by Prentice Hall, Englewood
Cliffs, New Jersey 07632
pages 144, 132
