Application of a New Navier-Stokes Inverse Method to the Design of Advanced Airfoils

A new inverse airfoil design method has been developed. This method couples a two-dimensional Navier-Stokes code to a residual-correction design algorithm to produce an efficient design code. Since this method can be used to design airfoils near the limits of performance capabilities, a technique to investigate the limits of lift has been developed to guide the design of new airfoils. Examples of the use of the inverse Navier-Stokes code and the maximum lift technology in the design of new airfoils are presented.