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asdf1
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why does drag produce lift?
Why Does Drag Produce Lift? | Dynamics
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In summary: Some people believe that lift is solely generated by the pressure differential, while others believe that there are other more predominant aspects that produce lift, such as fully symmetrical airfoils. In summary, this discussion is confusing and you might want to read more about it before making a judgement. Thanks for your input!This is always the never ending discussion. :biggrin:Some people believe that lift is solely generated by the pressure differential, while others believe that there are other more predominant aspects that produce lift, such as fully symmetrical airfoils. In summary, this discussion is confusing and you might want to read more about it before making a judgement. Thanks for your input!
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FredGarvin
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It's the other way around. Lift produces drag. Wellllll...I guess it depends on how you look at it I guess.
I recommend sittting back for an hour or so and read this thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=68355
I recommend sittting back for an hour or so and read this thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=68355
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Antiphon
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FredGarvin said:
Actually, that thread is filled with a lot of consfusing ideas, some of which
are actually correct.
Lift is the force on a wing (hopefully upward) which is created by the
fact that the pressure above the wing is lower than the pressure below it.
Drag is a force that wants to push the wing in the direction that the air
is flowing.
The engine must supply power to overcome the drag or the plane will
slow down. Drag is the reason why your paper airplanes eventually fall
onto the ground.
The tricky part is that lift could not happen in a fluid or gas that did not
also have drag. This is why people originally thought airplanes were
impossible because they were studying the equations of fluids which
did not have drag-type effects (zero viscosity, see Helmholtz).
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asdf1
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thanks! :)
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FredGarvin
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Care to fill us in as to which ones are incorrect?Antiphon said:
If you believe that lift is solely generated by the pressure differential then you didn't read that thread. There are other, more predominant aspects that produce lift, i.e. fully symmetrical airfoils.Antiphon said:
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Clausius2
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FredGarvin said:
This is always the never ending discussion.
FAQ: Why Does Drag Produce Lift? | Dynamics
Why does drag produce lift?
Drag produces lift because of the difference in pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of an airfoil. As air flows over the curved upper surface of an airfoil, it speeds up and creates an area of low pressure. At the same time, the air flowing under the airfoil moves slower, creating an area of high pressure. This pressure difference creates a lifting force, known as lift.
How does the shape of an airfoil affect lift?
The shape of an airfoil plays a crucial role in producing lift. A curved, asymmetrical airfoil shape is able to create a larger pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces, resulting in more lift. On the other hand, a flat or symmetrical airfoil is not able to create as much lift.
What other factors besides airfoil shape contribute to lift?
In addition to airfoil shape, other factors that contribute to lift include the angle of attack (the angle at which the airfoil meets the oncoming air), air density, airspeed, and the size of the airfoil. These factors can all affect the amount of lift produced by an airfoil.
Can drag produce lift on its own?
No, drag cannot produce lift on its own. Drag and lift are two separate forces that act on an airfoil. Drag is the force that opposes the motion of an airfoil, while lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the motion of an airfoil. While drag may contribute to the overall aerodynamics of an airfoil, it does not produce lift on its own.
How does airfoil design impact drag?
The design of an airfoil can greatly impact the amount of drag it produces. A smooth, streamlined airfoil shape is able to minimize drag and improve the overall aerodynamics of an aircraft. On the other hand, a bulky or poorly designed airfoil can create more drag, which can negatively affect the performance and efficiency of an aircraft.