Aerodynamics Flashcards
Define Vector
A Vector is a quantity that represents magnitude and direction. Can be divided into separate components- vertical and horizontal
Define: Air Density
Mass per unit volume. Air density is air particles within a given volume
Define: moment
A moment is a rotational force around a point or axis
State the requirements for an airplane to be in equilibrium flight
Equilibrium exists when the sum of all forces and the sum of the moments around the center of gravity equals zero
Define relative wind
relative wind is the airflow experienced by the aircraft as it flies through the air. It is always equal and opposite to the flight path. The relative wind may arise from the motion of the body, motion of the air, or from both
State the requirements for an airplane to be in trimmed flight
Trimmed flight is a condition that exists when the sum of the moments acting around the center of gravity are equal to zero
Describe the relationship between temperature and altitude
Temperature drops 2C per 1000’ gained in altitude
State the General Gas Law
Explain the continuity equation given cross-sectional area and velocity
A1V1 = A2V2
Explain:
Indicated Air Speed
IAS
PT= PS + q
Calibrated airspeed
CAS is IAS corrected for position/instrument error
Equivalent airspeed
EAS is CAS corrected for compressibility effects
This is only used when flying at supersonic speeds
True Airspeed
TAS is EAS corrected for density
Ground Speed
Ground speed is TAS Corrected for wind
Mean Camber Line
Line from leading edge to trailing edge, halfway between upper and lower surface of the airfoil
Define Chord
Chord is the precise measurement between the leading and trailing edges
Define Camber and camber types
Camber: maximum distance between the mean camber line and the chordline, measured perpendicular to the chordline
Define: wingspan
wingspan is measured tip to tip
Define: wing area
Wing area is
the apparent surface area of a wing from tip to tip including the area within the fuselage, hull, or nacelles
Define: chordwise airflow
Chordwise airflow: airflowing at right angles to the LE
only air flow that accelerates over the wing and the only type of airflow that produces lift
Define: spanwise airflow
spanwise airflow:
airflow that travels along the span of the wing parallel to the leading edge.
normally root to tip
DOES NOT PRODUCE LIFT
Define: pitch attitude
angle between the airplane’s longitudinal axis and the horizon
Define: flight path
flight path is the path described by the center of gravity as it moves through an air mass