- #1
Aeroplane wing structure -- airflow question
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the airflow dynamics around an airplane wing, specifically addressing the misconception that air splits at point A and meets at point B simultaneously. It is established that air traveling over the wing's upper surface reaches point B before the air below, leading to a net downward motion that generates lift. The conversation references computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to explain these phenomena and highlights the Coanda Effect as a relevant concept. A recommended resource for further understanding is an article by member @boneh3ad on the Physics Forums.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic aerodynamics principles
- Familiarity with the Coanda Effect
- Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Basic concepts of lift generation in aviation
- Research the Coanda Effect in detail
- Explore computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for airflow analysis
- Study the physics of lift generation in more depth
- Watch educational videos on airflow around wings, focusing on common misconceptions
Aerodynamics students, aviation engineers, flight instructors, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of lift and airflow around aircraft wings.
- #2
russ_watters
Mentor
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The air does not meet at point b simultaneously - in fact the air above the wing gets there first. Does your text explicitly say something about this?Hemant said:
- #3
A.T.
Science Advisor
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It doesn't. See 25sec into this video:Hemant said:
- #4
- #5
berkeman
Admin
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Can you provide a link to that text, or at least the title and author and edition? Thanks.Hemant said:
- #6
Frigus
- 337
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Sir I got this text from my coaching institute.berkeman said:Can you provide a link to that text, or at least the title and author and edition? Thanks.
- #7
berkeman
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Hemant said:
Well, since it is suspect at this point, it would be good to get more information about it so we can figure out if the person putting it together doesn't understand the subject really well, or if perhaps there is some other issue with your/our understanding of what they wrote.
Perhaps you could forward a link to this PF thread to your "coaching institute" to see if they have a response? Thanks.
- #8
Frigus
- 337
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Can anyone explain me why the speed of air splitted on top has more speed.
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- #9
FactChecker
Science Advisor
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You will see many intuitively simple explanations of lift. They are all wrong or at least incomplete. The real explanation of the lift force is unsatisfyingly complicated.
If small packets of air are traced along so that they satisfy all the physics equations (a very complicated process of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)), they end up with a net downward motion after the wing has passed. They also travel faster over the top and reach the trailing edge sooner than the packets beneath the wing. The net downward motion of the air is an action for which the equal and opposite reaction is a lift force on the wing.
Here is a Youtube video, referencing the Coanda Effect, that might interest you.
PS. The motion of the air also exerts a nose-down rotational moment on the wing.
If small packets of air are traced along so that they satisfy all the physics equations (a very complicated process of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)), they end up with a net downward motion after the wing has passed. They also travel faster over the top and reach the trailing edge sooner than the packets beneath the wing. The net downward motion of the air is an action for which the equal and opposite reaction is a lift force on the wing.
Here is a Youtube video, referencing the Coanda Effect, that might interest you.
PS. The motion of the air also exerts a nose-down rotational moment on the wing.
Last edited:
- #10
berkeman
Admin
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We have some Insights articles that may help you learn about lift. This one by member @boneh3ad is a good one to start with:Hemant said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/airplane-wing-work-primer-lift/
- #11
Frigus
- 337
- 163
Thanks to all 
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