The Reasons Why the Wings of the 787 and A350 Flex Upward

One amazing thing about new-generation passenger planes, such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, is how their wings flex upward during flight. This often leads me to wonder why they flex higher compared to older generation planes, such as the A330 and 767. So, why do the wings of the 787 and A350 flex upward?

Modern airplanes are safer, fly better, and use less fuel because their wings can bend. This is an important part of their design. While many airplanes have wings that are designed to be rigid and resist bending or flexing, some aircraft are engineered to allow the wings to flex upward during flight. In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why the wings of some airplanes flex upward, and the benefits and challenges associated with this design feature.

Firstly, it’s important to note that wing flex is not a new concept. Airplanes with flexible wings have been around since the early days of aviation, but advancements in technology and materials have allowed engineers to design wings that are even more flexible and resilient than before. Today, many modern commercial aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, have wings that are designed to flex upward during flight.

Aerodynamic efficiency

So, why do these airplanes have wings that flex upward? The primary reason is to improve aerodynamic efficiency. When an airplane is in flight, the wings generate lift by creating a difference in air pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. This lift force allows the airplane to overcome gravity and stay aloft. However, the generation of lift also creates a drag force that acts to slow the airplane down.

To minimize this drag force and improve fuel efficiency, airplane wings are designed to reduce the amount of turbulence and drag that is created. Wing flex can help to achieve this by reducing the amount of turbulence that is generated by the airflow around the wings. When the wings of an airplane bend up during flight, they make the airflow around the wing smoother and more streamlined. This reduces drag and makes the airplane more efficient as a whole.

Improving passenger comfort

Another benefit of wing flex is that it can improve the airplane’s ride quality and reduce the stresses placed on the wing structure. When an airplane encounters turbulence or gusts of wind, the wings can experience significant bending and twisting forces. By allowing the wings to flex upward, the airplane can absorb some of these forces, reducing the strain on the wing structure and improving the comfort of passengers onboard.

However, designing wings that flex upward is not without its challenges. One of the most important things is to make sure that the wings stay within safe operating limits while the plane is in the air. Too much wing flex can cause the wing to deform or even break, which can be catastrophic. Engineers must carefully balance the need for flexibility with the need for structural integrity, taking into account the loads and stresses that the wing will experience in flight.

Balance and stability

Another challenge is maintaining the balance and stability of the airplane during flight. Wing flex can alter the distribution of lift across the wing, potentially affecting the airplane’s stability and control. Engineers must carefully consider the effects of wing flex on the airplane’s center of gravity and control surfaces, and make adjustments to ensure that the airplane remains stable and controllable throughout its flight envelope.

Modern airplanes are made so that their wings can bend upwards. This is done to improve their aerodynamic efficiency, ride quality, and structural strength. Even though designing and running flexible wings isn’t easy, the benefits of this feature make it a valuable tool for engineers who want to make commercial airplanes faster and safer.