BASIC AERODYNAMICS

Aerodynamics
1
 Aerodynamic Terms

Angle of Attack
Angle Between Chord Line & Relative Wind

Relative Wind
The direction of the airstream in
relation to the airfoil

Aerodynamics
2
Aerodynamics
3
 Aerodynamic Terms
Lift
Is the force that acts in an upward direction to
support the aircraft in the air. It counteracts the
effects of weight. Lift must be greater than or
equal to weight if flight is to be sustained. Lift acts
perpendicular to relative wind

Weight

The force of gravity acting downward on

the aircraft and everything in the aircraft, such
as fuel and cargo.

Aerodynamics
4
 LIFT

WEIGHT

Aerodynamics
5
 Aerodynamic Terms

Drag
Parallel & Opposite to Relative Wind

Total Aerodynamic Force

Vector Sum of Airfoil Lift & Drag

Aerodynamics
6
 TAF
LIFT

DRAG

WEIGHT

Aerodynamics
7
 Drag

Types of Drag
Induced: Caused by the Production
of Lift
Parasite: All Drag Not Caused by Lift

Aerodynamics
8
 Airfoil Force Vectors

Aerodynamics
9
 Airflow

Aerodynamics
10