meaning of span of section

[Srchrn]

What does the parameter "Span" mean when defining a section for a "Mswing" type component? For example, if I want to define a wing as a series of sections along the span-axis, is the section's span the thickness of the section along the span-axis?

Thanks,
Srchrn

[Brandon Litherland]

The Span parameter defines the width of the MsWing section you are modifying.  By that, I mean the perpendicular distance between the root and tip airfoils in feet.  You'll notice that if you adjust the sweep of the wing section, the distance between the two foils does not change.  Keep in mind, however, that adjusting the dihedral of the wing will change the projected span (basically the silhouette as you look from the top down).  Most aircraft dimensions list this value as the Span.

Hope this helps!

[Srchrn]

Brandon,

I get it now! If the span of the section is very small compared to its chord, then the presence of dihedral might not significantly lower the projected span than the actual span of the section. I am trying to define "slim" sections wherein the span is very small compared to the chords (root and tip). Since this exercise of mine is for conceptual design, even though there is some dihedral I won't worry about its effect on the span.

Thanks,
Srchrn