Epplerprofielen

Eppler profiles are a type of aerodynamic shape used in various industrial and academic applications. They are named after Gerhard Eppler, a German engineer who described them in the 1950s.

An Eppler profile is a family of foil shapes with a symmetrical upper and lower surface. They have a distinctive curved upper surface and a more linear, downward-sloping lower surface. These profiles are typically used in watercraft and aircraft designs to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics or aerodynamics.

Eppler profiles are characterized by their profile number, which uniquely identifies each shape. The number corresponds to the ratio of the maximum ordinate (height of the foil) to its chord length (the distance between the two symmetrical surfaces). Profiles with smaller numbers have a more gradual curvature between the upper and lower surfaces, resulting in a less efficient flow around the foil.

These profiles have been widely used in various research and industrial applications, including wind turbine blades, hydrofoils, and marine propellers. They have also been studied extensively in academic research for their potential to reduce drag and improve efficiency.

While Eppler profiles have many practical applications, they may not be the best choice for every situation. Some studies have shown that their optimal performance may occur at relatively low speeds and angles of attack. Alternate foil shapes, such as pointed or shallow profiles, may offer better performance at higher speeds or in certain water or air conditions. Nonetheless, Eppler profiles remain an important and well-studied class of foil shapes in the field of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.