OpenVSP Airfoil Modification
Wing cross-sections may be modified to fundamentally change the position, orientation, and scale of the underlying curve or change the leading and trailing edge closures. The guides below will demonstrate how to achieve these modifications.
Encyclopedia
Updated Sep 25, 2025
Shift, Rotate, and Scale
Wing cross-sections of any type may be modified under the Modify tab. This guide walks users through the shift, rotate, and scale options controlled by the Delta X/C, Delta Y/C, Theta (pitch), Scale, and Shift LE (leading edge) parameters. Users should think of these parameters as changes to an arbitrary set of airfoil coordinates. Be aware that these parameters are shifting the underlying curve that is the basis for the cross-section but not altering any section or planform chord, twist, etc. So your physical dimensions are subject to change when combining these parameters with wing section controls.
Wing cross-section modifications can be extremely valuable when used properly. Creating slotted flaps, nested geometries, and customized feature line placement are only a few examples.
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer
Leading and Trailing Edge Closure
Wing cross-sections of any type may be modified under the Modify tab. The video below will demonstrate different closure options and discusses how Closure and Trim differ. The best way to learn the nuances of these features is to try different combinations and observe the behavior directly. The most common application to closure modification is to create blunt airfoil trailing edges.
Changing the closure type and size will change some portion of your airfoil surface. Skew Upper will shift the upper surface only, Skew Lower will only change the lower surface, while Skew Both will shift both surface but maintain the camber line. It is up to you to understand these changes and choose which is best for your model.
Brandon Litherland
Aerospace Engineer