Points of action for thrust and drag forces and lift-drag ratio

[Slickk64]

Hi,

Can anyone help explaining the points of action of drag and thrust forces on an aeroplane in flight and also the realtionship between Lift-Drag ration and wing configuration?!



Any help would be great!

 

[HowlerMonkey]

I would check out

http://www.spitfireperformance.com/

They will either have some of what you seek or links to where it could be found.

Multiplayer combat sim forums have much discussion on lift to drag ratio because your virtual life depends on this knowledge in the arenas.

Warbirds, IL2, Aces High II...etc.

 

[NatSusan]

Sure, I'd be happy to help explain the points of action of drag and thrust forces on an airplane in flight, as well as the relationship between lift-drag ratio and wing configuration.

Drag is a force that acts in the opposite direction of an airplane's motion. It is caused by the resistance of the air against the airplane's surface. There are two types of drag: parasitic drag and induced drag. Parasitic drag is caused by the friction of the air against the airplane's surface, while induced drag is caused by the production of lift.

Thrust, on the other hand, is the force that propels the airplane forward. It is generated by the airplane's engines or propellers. The direction of thrust is in the same direction as the airplane's motion.

In order for an airplane to maintain level flight, the thrust force must be equal to the drag force. If the thrust is greater than the drag, the airplane will accelerate. If the drag is greater than the thrust, the airplane will decelerate.

Now, let's talk about the relationship between lift-drag ratio and wing configuration. The lift-drag ratio is a measure of how efficiently an airplane can generate lift and minimize drag. A higher lift-drag ratio means that the airplane can fly at a higher angle of attack (the angle between the airplane's wing and the relative wind) and generate more lift with less drag.

The wing configuration plays a crucial role in determining the lift-drag ratio. Generally, a longer and thinner wing will have a higher lift-drag ratio compared to a shorter and thicker wing. This is because a longer wing has a higher aspect ratio (the ratio of the wing's length to its width), which reduces induced drag. Additionally, certain wing shapes, such as swept wings, can also improve the lift-drag ratio by reducing the effect of shock waves.

I hope this helps clarify the points of action of drag and thrust forces on an airplane in flight and the relationship between lift-drag ratio and wing configuration. Let me know if you have any further questions!