Finite Wings - Estimating Drag and Lift

Prandtl solved the wing lift problem mathematically by assuming an elliptic lift (or circulation) distribution along the span.

This choice of distribution yielded:

Minimum induced drag

Uniform downwash along the wing

Computation of induced drag;

Computation of 3D slope from 2D slope

Non-elliptical wings (correction factor based on span efficiency (also ostwald factor)