Pressure Difference on an airplane wing

In summary, the pressure difference on an airplane wing is the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing as it moves through the air. This is important because it creates lift, which allows the airplane to stay airborne. The shape of the wing affects pressure difference by causing air to move faster over the top surface and creating an area of low pressure. Factors such as angle of attack, air density, and airspeed can also affect pressure difference. Instruments such as airspeed indicators and pitot tubes are used to measure pressure difference and provide information to the pilot about the aircraft's performance.
  • #1
littowadey
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Find the pressure difference on an airplane wing where air flows over the upper surface with a speed of 128 m/s, and along the bottom surface with a speed of 105 m/s.

If the area of the wing is 26 m2, what is the net upward force exerted on the wing?
 
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  • #2
I am totally stuck on this one.. I don't even know where to begin...
 
  • #3


As an expert in the field of aerodynamics, I can provide some insight on the pressure difference on an airplane wing. When air flows over a wing, it creates a difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces. This is due to the Bernoulli's principle, which states that as the air flows faster over the curved upper surface of the wing, the pressure decreases, while the slower moving air on the flat lower surface exerts a higher pressure.

To calculate the pressure difference, we can use the Bernoulli's equation, which is given by P + 1/2ρv^2 = constant, where P is the pressure, ρ is the density of air, and v is the velocity of air. Using this equation, we can find the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing.

Assuming standard atmospheric conditions, the density of air (ρ) is approximately 1.2 kg/m^3. Plugging in the given velocities, we get a pressure difference of 2.8 kPa.

To find the net upward force exerted on the wing, we can use the equation F = PA, where F is the force, P is the pressure difference, and A is the area of the wing. Substituting the values, we get a net upward force of approximately 72,800 N.

This net upward force is what allows the airplane to stay in the air and is known as lift. As the air flows faster over the upper surface of the wing, it creates a low-pressure area, which results in a net upward force on the wing. This, combined with the thrust from the engines, allows the airplane to overcome the force of gravity and stay airborne.
 

1. What is pressure difference on an airplane wing?

The pressure difference on an airplane wing refers to the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing as the airplane moves through the air.

2. Why is pressure difference important on an airplane wing?

Pressure difference plays a crucial role in generating lift, which is necessary for an airplane to stay airborne. The difference in pressure creates an upward force on the wing, known as lift, which allows the plane to overcome the force of gravity and stay in the air.

3. How does the shape of an airplane wing affect pressure difference?

The shape of an airplane wing, also known as its airfoil, is designed to create a pressure difference. The curved shape of the wing causes air to move faster over the top surface, creating an area of low pressure, while the bottom surface experiences higher pressure. This pressure difference results in lift.

4. What factors can affect pressure difference on an airplane wing?

The angle of attack, air density, and airspeed are all factors that can affect pressure difference on an airplane wing. The angle of attack refers to the angle at which the wing meets the oncoming air, while air density and airspeed determine the magnitude of the pressure difference.

5. How is pressure difference measured on an airplane wing?

Pressure difference is measured using instruments such as airspeed indicators and pitot tubes. These instruments measure the difference in air pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing and provide important information to the pilot about the performance of the aircraft.

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