New answers tagged aerodynamics
5
It is just easier, i.e. less expensive, to build and maintain them that way. There exist alternative designs that are more efficient but also more difficult (= more expensive) to build, put up and maintain. You can check those out via this link.
1
From what I've read, the force on a wing is calculated by integrating the sheer stress and pressure distribution around the surface of the wing. The net force is broken down into two components: the component perpendicular to the relative wind is called Lift, and the component parallel to the relative wind is called Drag.
EDIT: This is the book you want: ...
1
There are (at least) three popular explanations for lift on an airfoil:
Faster air on the top has lower static pressure than slow moving air on the bottom. The resulting pressure difference multiplied by the area is equal to the lift.
The airfoil deflects air downward and by Newton's 3rd law an equal and opposite force (lift) is applied to the wing.
Bound ...
2
To think of Bernoulli's principle as opposed to something else is not right. Bernoulli's principle can be thought of as the reason for the something else.
Take a look at John Denker's explanation. It's the best I've seen.
9
Your assumption that there is a significant pressure differential due to fluid dynamics is correct. The assumption that it is a lifting force is not. An airplane generates lift because it has been engineered with lift in mind. An F1 car actually generates a powerful down force to push it against the track, allowing it to get better traction than it ...
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