AFOQT Practice Test

Thickness in wing design is typically expressed as a percentage of which measurement?

1. Span

2. Chord

3. Area

4. Weight

The correct answer is: Chord

In wing design, thickness is typically expressed as a percentage of the chord. The chord is the straight-line distance from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the wing at its widest point. This measurement is critical because it gives a direct reference for the wing's performance characteristics, including lift, drag, and overall aerodynamic efficiency. Using the chord as a reference allows engineers to standardize the thickness of the wing relative to its aerodynamic profile. For instance, if a wing has a chord length of 100 units and its thickness is 10 units, the thickness would be expressed as 10% of the chord. This ratio is essential for maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance and ensuring that the wing's shape can achieve the desired flight characteristics. Choosing another measurement like span, area, or weight wouldn't provide a precise understanding of the wing's aerodynamic properties. Span refers to the wingspan from tip to tip, area involves the total surface area of the wing, and weight is a measure of how heavy the wing is, none of which directly relate to the wing's profile in terms of how thickness influences airflow and lift generation. Thus, expressing thickness as a percentage of the chord gives the most relevant insight for wing design.