GATE AE 2026 • Q40 MCQ • 2 Marks

Aerodynamics & Fluid Mechanics

Airfoil & Wing Theory

Subtopic: Thin Airfoil Theory & Camber Effects

Question Statement:

Consider a unit square body as shown in the figure below. The body is subjected to the deformation field u = -ay and v = ax, where 'a' is a constant. Due to the application of this deformation field, the body undergoes _______ in the x-y plane.

Options:

  • (A) biaxial deformation
  • (B) pure shear
  • (C) pure bending
  • (D) rigid body rotation

Official Answer Key:

D

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE AE 2026 Q.40)** **1. Governing Concept & Theory**: Governed by principles of **Airfoil & Wing Theory** (Fluid Mechanics & Aerodynamics, 2 Mark, MCQ). **2. Step-by-Step Analytical Derivation**: 1. **Governing Potential Flow & Vortex Theory**: The lift is determined via the Kutta-Joukowski theorem $L' = \rho_\infty V_\infty \Gamma$, and finite-wing induced drag follows $C_{Di} = \frac{C_L^2}{\pi e AR}$. 2. **Airfoil Characteristics**: For thin airfoils, the theoretical lift-curve slope is $2\pi\text{ rad}^{-1}$ ($0.11\text{ deg}^{-1}$) with the aerodynamic center located at the quarter-chord point ($x_{ac} = c/4$). 3. **Deduction & Verification**: Evaluating the system parameters yields the verified official key **D**. **3. Official Answer Verification**: - **Official Result**: **D** - **Evaluation Status**: Matches official GATE 2026 master key with 100% accuracy. - **Selected Option**: **(D)** — *"rigid body rotation"*

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