ATO1 - Basic Aerodynamics Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the four forces that act on an aircraft in flight?
- Lift
- Weight
- Thrust
- Drag
What is Newton’s First Law of Motion?
An object will continue moving in space at a constant velocity unless an external force is applied.
What does Newton’s Second Law of Motion state?
If a force is applied to a body, it will accelerate at a rate proportional to its mass and the force applied.
What is the formula represented by Newton’s Second Law of Motion?
F = ma (Force = Mass x Acceleration)
What is Newton’s Third Law of Motion?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What are the two distinct types of energy?
- Potential Energy
- Kinetic Energy
Define Potential Energy.
Potential energy is the energy a body possesses by virtue of its position in a force field.
Define Kinetic Energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy a body possesses by virtue of its motion, proportional to velocity and mass.
What are the three states in which most substances can exist?
- Solid
- Liquid
- Gas
How does the density of a gas change with pressure and temperature?
Density will be a function of pressure and temperature.
What is Bernoulli’s Theorem?
Total pressure in a field of flow remains constant, consisting of dynamic pressure and static pressure.
What is Static Pressure?
The unchanging pressure felt at any one time given a certain set of conditions.
What is Dynamic Pressure?
The active pressure felt by a stream of molecules hitting something.
What happens to static pressure when velocity increases?
Static Pressure decreases.
What is an aerofoil?
An aerofoil is defined as any body which, when set at a suitable angle to a given airflow, produces much more lift than drag.
What is Relative Airflow (RAF)?
The airflow relative to an airfoil.
What is the Aerodynamic Stall?
The point at which an aerofoil no longer produces lift by increasing the Angle of Attack (AOA). Typically 15-20°.
Define the Chord Line.
The Chord line is the straight line joining the leading and trailing edges of an aerofoil.
What is the Angle of Attack (AoA)?
Angle between the chord and the relative airflow.
What is the definition of Attitude in aviation?
Attitude is the pitch angle or angle relative to the Earth’s horizon made by the wing.
Define Airspeed.
Airspeed is the speed of an aircraft relative to the air.
What is the effect of increasing the wing chord?
Increase in wing chord will increase lift.
How does an increase in Angle of Attack affect lift?
Increase of AoA will increase lift.
What is the relationship between airspeed and lift generation?
Theoretically, at twice the speed, twice as many air particles will move over the wing, generating twice the lift.
