Aerodynamics Flashcards
(130 cards)
What are the four forces acting on an aeroplane in flight?
- Lift
- Weight
- Thrust
- Drag
What is lift?
The force generated by the wings that opposes weight and keeps the aeroplane in the air.
How does lift act in relation to the relative airflow?
Lift acts at right angles to the relative airflow.
What is weight in the context of aerodynamics?
Weight is the force acting vertically downwards through the centre of gravity (CG).
What is thrust?
The force produced by the propeller or jet engine to move the aeroplane forward.
In which direction does thrust act?
Thrust acts in the direction of motion.
What is drag?
The force acting to oppose the forward motion of the aeroplane.
How does drag relate to relative airflow?
Drag acts in the same direction as the relative airflow, or opposite to the direction of motion.
What is the state of equilibrium for an aircraft?
Lift equals and opposes weight; thrust equals and opposes drag.
What does it mean when an aircraft is in a state of equilibrium?
The aircraft is not speeding up, slowing down, climbing, or descending.
What is wing loading?
A measure of how much mass is being supported by a given area of wing.
How is wing loading calculated?
Wing loading = mass of aeroplane / wing area.
True or False: Lift acts in the same direction as weight.
False
Fill in the blank: The total reaction produced by lifting surfaces acts through the _______.
[centre of pressure]
What is an aerofoil?
Any surface that produces lift, such as a wing, tail, fin or rotor blade.
Aerofoils are crucial for generating lift in various aircraft components.
Define span in aerodynamics.
The distance between wingtips.
Span is an important measurement affecting an aircraft’s lift and drag characteristics.
What is a chord line?
The straight line joining the leading and trailing edges of an aerofoil.
The chord line is a reference for measuring angles of attack and camber.
What does the mean camber line represent?
The curved line halfway between the upper and lower surfaces of an aerofoil.
It is used to analyze the aerodynamic properties of the aerofoil.
What is camber?
The distance between the mean camber line and the chord line.
Camber affects the lift characteristics of an aerofoil.
Define thickness in the context of an aerofoil.
The greatest distance between the upper and lower surfaces of an aerofoil.
Thickness impacts the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance.
What is relative airflow?
The motion of air relative to a body, opposite to the flightpath for an aircraft.
Understanding relative airflow is essential for analyzing lift and drag forces.
What is the angle of attack?
The angle between the chord line and relative airflow.
The angle of attack is critical for controlling lift generation.
Define total reaction in aerodynamics.
The aerodynamic force produced by an aerofoil.
Total reaction encompasses both lift and drag forces.
What is lift?
The component of total reaction perpendicular to relative airflow.
Lift is vital for maintaining altitude and overcoming gravity.