Why do airfoils curve slightly past the peak thickness of the airfoil towards the TE?

[BytheBookie3]

:confused:

[Sparky Paul]

Because it works out better that way.

[vintage1]

Cos they work better that way?

All airfoils are designed to ease the air past with as little disturbance as possible, and leave it nice and undisturbed - low drag.

Each one is slightly different depending on altitude, speed and wing loading its designed for.

Some are designed to work upside down as well. These tend to sacrifice efficiency for symmetry.

Ones with trailing edge droop are in genearl best at lower airspeeds, and higher angles of attack.

[erik1938]

Hey bookie, check this site out. I believe that it should explain everything that you are asking for. Remember that the theory behind the shape is rather complicated so the best answer is what Paul said, it works

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/shape.html