Basic Theory Of Flight Flashcards
What are the factors affecting lift?
Velocity, surface area, shape of Airfoil, and angle of attack
How does the angle of attack affect lift?
The greater the angle of attack, the more air displaced. With a greater angle of attack, the air has farther to go over the top of the airfoil. This increases the camber of the airfoil
How does the shape of airfoil affect lift?
The more camber an airfoil has, the faster the air moves over the top part and the less pressure the air has, so the greater the lift
What are the 4 airfoils on an Aircraft?
Rudders, wings, propeller, Elevator
What is a venturi?
A system for forcing the acceleration of air by constricting it in a cone shaped tube. In the constriction the velocity increases and the pressure decreases.
What is the term used to express the curve of a wing
Camber
What is the angle of attack?
The acute angle between the chord line of the wing and relative wind. It affects the lift and drag of an aircraft.
How can pilots increase lift?
Fly faster, change the camber of the airfoil, Change the surface area and change the Angle of Attack.
How do ailerons work aerodynamically?
They change both the camber, and the angle of attack, which changes lift
In which direction does lift act?
Perpendicular to the relative flow and perpendicular to the span of the airfoil.
In which direction does the elevator create lift?
On the underside.
In which direction does the rudder produce lift when flying?
To the side.
What are the four forces acting on an aircraft in flight?
Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag.
In which direction does weight act?
Towards the centre of the earth.
What is thrust?
Force that propels the aircraft.
