Area rule

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-000275",
  "term": "Area rule",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A design principle in aerodynamics stating that the cross-sectional area distribution of an aircraft along its longitudinal axis should change smoothly. This minimizes drag, particularly at transonic speeds, by reducing the formation of strong shock waves. Aircraft designed with the area rule often exhibit a characteristic 'wasp-waist' fuselage shape.",
  "subject": "Aviation maintenance",
  "translations": {
    "de": "Flächenregel",
    "es": "regla de área",
    "fr": "règle des aires"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/area-rule/"
}