The mathematics behind airplane lift

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical principles of flight, specifically the concepts of drag and lift as they relate to aircraft such as the Airbus A-320 and Cessna 172. Participants suggest resources for understanding these principles, including a specific Insight article by @boneh3ad that provides a primer on airplane wing work and lift. The conversation emphasizes the varying complexity of mathematical presentations related to airfoils and encourages engagement with the material based on the individual's academic background.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic aerodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with mathematical concepts related to physics
  • Knowledge of aircraft characteristics, specifically Airbus A-320 and Cessna 172
  • Experience with mathematical modeling of physical phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Read the Insight article "Airplane Wing Work Primer: Lift" by @boneh3ad
  • Explore detailed mathematical models of drag and lift in aerodynamics
  • Investigate the flight characteristics of the Airbus A-320 and Cessna 172
  • Study advanced aerodynamics textbooks focusing on airfoil design and performance
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineering students, physics majors, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of flight principles and aircraft performance.

tania123
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Homework Statement
Hello everyone, so for my math IA, I will be exploring the principals of flight. Does any of you know a book that explains the drag/lift and other principals of flight in a detailed mathematical way ? ( It would be also preferable for it to mention the flight characteristics of an Airbus A-320 or a Cesna-172)
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Hello everyone, so for my math IA, I will be exploring the principals of flight. Does any of you know a book that explains the drag/lift and other principals of flight in a detailed mathematical way ? ( It would be also preferable for it to mention the flight characteristics of an Airbus A-320 or a Cesna-172)
 
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yucheng said:
I think you should post your thread in this subforum instead:

https://www.physicsforums.com/forums/science-and-math-textbooks.21/

No, cross-posting is not allowed. The thread is for schoolwork, so it's fine here.

@tania123 -- what year are you in university? What math courses have you had so far? The mathematics of airfoils and lift can be presented in a simplified way or in a very complex way.

Have a look at this Insights by @boneh3ad to see if it makes sense for you. Let us know your thoughts please. Thank you.

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/airplane-wing-work-primer-lift/

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