Week 8 - Angle of attack, spin & swing

Question 1

Define angle of attack

Answer 1

The angle formed between the main plane of the object and the direction of the fluid flow

Question 2

What creates lift amongst objects? e.g. frisbee

Answer 2

When the angle of attack is between 15-20 degrees. Aircraft use this to l

Question 3

What happens to an aircraft that increases its angle of attack passed the required range?

Answer 3

An aircraft can stall in the air as the cross-sectional area is increased and turbulent flow occurs at the back of the aircraft/wing

Question 4

How does topspin affect a ball?

Answer 4

Slow velocity on top means a high-pressure zone. Faster velocity at the bottom means low-pressure zone. The magnus force is downwards meaning the ball will drop sooner.

Question 5

How does backspin affect a ball?

Answer 5

The opposite of topspin. High velocity up the top means low pressure and low velocity at the bottom means high pressure. Pressure goes high to low, therefore magnus force will be going upwards, which allows the ball to stay in the air for longer.