Secondary flight control, movable airfoil

Study Notes

Bernoulli's Principle

States that the pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas) decreases as its velocity increases
Applies to the flow of air over an airfoil, resulting in lift generation
Based on the conservation of energy, where the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy remains constant

Airfoil

A curved surface, typically used in wings, that deflects air downward to produce lift
Shape is such that the air flows faster over the top surface than the bottom surface, resulting in lower pressure above and higher pressure below
Cambered (curved) upper surface and flat lower surface

Drag

The force opposing an object's motion through a fluid (air or water)
Depends on the object's shape, size, and velocity, as well as the density of the fluid
Two types:
- Friction drag: due to the friction between the object and the fluid
- Form drag: due to the shape of the object, which creates turbulence and increases drag

Lift

The upward force exerted on an object by a fluid (air or water) as it moves through it
Depends on the shape of the object, its velocity, and the density of the fluid
In the context of wings, lift is generated by the airfoil shape, which creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces

Wing Design

The shape and structure of a wing are critical to its performance
Factors influencing wing design:
- Cambered upper surface: increases lift
- Angle of attack: affects lift and drag
- Wingtip shape: affects drag and lift
- Flap configuration: affects lift and drag during takeoff and landing

Flaps

Devices on the wing that can be extended to increase lift during takeoff and landing
Types:
- Plain flaps: simply extend the wing surface to increase lift
- Slotted flaps: have a gap between the flap and the wing, which directs air downward to increase lift
- Fowler flaps: a combination of plain and slotted flaps, which provide a large increase in lift
Advantages:
- Shorter takeoff and landing distances
- Increased safety during critical phases of flight
- Improved control during landing

Bernoulli's Principle

Pressure of a fluid decreases as its velocity increases, resulting in a pressure difference between areas of high and low velocity

Airfoil

Curved surface that deflects air downward to produce lift
Shape ensures faster air flow over the top surface, resulting in lower pressure above and higher pressure below

Drag

Force opposing an object's motion through a fluid, dependent on shape, size, velocity, and fluid density
Two types:
- Friction drag: due to friction between object and fluid
- Form drag: due to shape-created turbulence

Lift

Upward force exerted on an object by a fluid as it moves through it
Depends on shape, velocity, and fluid density
In wing context, lift is generated by airfoil shape, creating a pressure difference between upper and lower surfaces

Wing Design

Critical factors influencing wing design:
- Cambered upper surface: increases lift
- Angle of attack: affects lift and drag
- Wingtip shape: affects drag and lift
- Flap configuration: affects lift and drag during takeoff and landing

Flaps

Devices on the wing that can be extended to increase lift during takeoff and landing
Types:
- Plain flaps: extend wing surface to increase lift
- Slotted flaps: direct air downward to increase lift
- Fowler flaps: combine plain and slotted flaps for increased lift
Advantages:
- Shorter takeoff and landing distances
- Increased safety during critical phases of flight
- Improved control during landing

Description

Test your understanding of Bernoulli's Principle and its application to airfoils in generating lift. Learn about the relationship between pressure and velocity in fluids and the conservation of energy.