A finite wing is an
aerodynamic wing with tips that result in
trailing vortices
Wingtip vortices are circular patterns of rotating air left behind a wing as it generates lift.Clancy, L.J., ''Aerodynamics'', section 5.14 One wingtip vortex trails from the tip of each wing. Wingtip vortices are sometimes named ''trailing' ...
.
[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0167.shtml] This is in contrast to an
infinite wing
Infinite may refer to:
Mathematics
*Infinite set, a set that is not a finite set
*Infinity, an abstract concept describing something without any limit
Music
*Infinite (group), a South Korean boy band
*''Infinite'' (EP), debut EP of American mu ...
. According to John D. Anderson, Jr., finite wings experience 3-dimensional effects of airflow not experienced by infinite airfoils: downwash and induced drag.
References
Aircraft wing design
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