Quote:
Originally posted by Matt Leese
What you're talking about is the Bernoulli Effect. Basically, it means that as the speed of air increases, the density of the air decreases. In the case of an airplane, the curve of upper section of the wing causes the air to travel more quickly over the top than the bottom. This creates a lower air pressure on the top so the airplane lifts up.
Now, many modern planes use an "angle of attack." What this means is, that as you fly, depending on how much lift you want, you change the angle of the wing, which causes the curve "seen" by the air to change. This gives a change in the amount of lift.
Matt
|
Very little of any planes lift actually comes from the Bernoulli Effect, this is just a widespread mis-conception. Yes, it does contribute, but it is not the largest lift component.
All planes change their AOA (angle of attack) not just modern planes. To climb a plane lowers it's tail and points up, increasing the angle of attack and gaining more lift.
Greg