Effect of Angle of Attack

Front

What is the angle of attack?

Back

The angle at which the leading edge of the wing meets the oncoming relative air flow.

Front

What happens as the angle of attack increases?

Back

The lifting force of the wing increases up to a maximum angle, beyond which the wing will stall.

Front

What is the effect of a thin plate parallel to airflow?

Back

It causes virtually no alteration to the airflow, resulting in no force on the plate.

Front

What happens when a plate is inclined at an angle to the airflow?

Back

It experiences a reaction force that tends to lift it and drag it back.

Front

What causes a net upwards reaction on a plate with an angle of attack?

Back

The static pressure above the plate is lower than the static pressure below, causing a net upwards reaction.

Front

What happens if the angle of attack is too steep?

Back

The airflow will experience more disturbed air behind the plate, resulting in less lift.

Front

How does changing the angle of attack affect your hand out of a car window?

Back

Your hand will experience different lift and drag reactions depending on the speed of the car and the angle of your hand to the airflow.

Front

What happens if the wing's angle of attack and camber are steady but thrust is increased?

Back

More air is redirected downward, leading to increased lift.

Front

What is the camber of a wing?

Back

The curving centre line or arc from the leading edge to the trailing edge of a wing.

Front

What is the effect of extending flaps on a wing?

Back

Increases both the downwash force and lift force by creating a greater surface area.