5 ms·
If that was it, then the wings would have been symmetrical or flat. The angle of attack probably accounts for less than 10% of the lift.
by cft 11y ago
If that was it, then the wings would have been symmetrical or flat. The angle of attack probably accounts for less than 10% of the lift.
- mhuffman 11y ago> As one can see, the popular explanation, which fixates on the shape of the wing, may satisfy many but it does not give one the tools to really understand flight. Well, apparently that is it! That also explains why planes don't slam into the ground when flying upside down.
- unavoidable 11y agoSource? The whole article basically argues against this view. What is your evidence to say AOA only contributes 10%?
- vlehto 11y agoThis is common misconception probably coming from level flight situation. Commercial aircraft wings are made for adequate lift in takeoff and minimal drag in level flight. Which encourages building wings that generate all necessary lift in level flight while being relatively "flush".
- cpncrunch 11y agoAerobatic wings are symmetrical. Lift is proportional to CL, which is related to angle of attack: https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/WindTunnel/Activities/lift_formula.html https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/WindTunnel/Activities/lift... Most non-aerobatic wings are asymmetrical because it produces lift at zero angle of attack, and also because it results in a lower stall speed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber_(aerodynamics) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber_(aerodynamics)
- wysiwylwysiwyl 11y agoConsider how flaps are shaped. When extended they increase the angle of attack; not the ratio of air travel distance.
- burnte 11y agoThey actually do both, depending on their deployment.
- rrrrrraul 11y agoGenerally, when flaps and slats are extended, they increase the camber of the airfoil, increasing the Coefficient of Lift for the same AoA. Also, the air gaps introduced at the junctions between slats/flaps and the main wing re-energize the boundary layer on the top surface of the wing to retard flow separation on the upper surface (becomes a concern because of the increased camber).
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]