Cat A – Aeroplanes Essays

DESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING TERMS

INDUCED DRAG

1
 It can be expressed by the formulae; Induced Drag = . ℯ. 𝒱 2 . 𝒞𝒹 . 𝒮
2

 It is associated with lift generation

 During flight the differential pressure between the top and the bottom of the
aerofoil makes the High Pressure air (lower aerofoil surface) to move to the region
of Low Pressure (Top aerofoil Surface) across the wing tip
 This action forms VORTICES that create a downwash force on the aerofoil
 With the aircraft in forward motion the friction attached vortices acts as a brake
resisting the aircrafts forward motion. This is what is known as INDUCED DRAG
 Its effects can be alleviated by use of winglets

CENTER OF PRESSURE

 This is the point through which the resultant lift force acts through
 It position is affected by the aerofoil’s angle of attack. Increase of the angle of
attack up to 10◦ causes the Center of Pressure to move forward until it is less than
⅓ of the chord from the leading edge. It moves rearwards with decrease in angle
of attack

AERODYNAMIC BALANCE

 This is the use of airflow to aid the pilot to move the controls

Crush Innovations – June 2012

 Cat A – Aeroplanes Essays

 Aerodynamic balancing, balances the bodies rotating forces such that no vibration
(Buffeting) occurs when the body is in motion
 It is achieved in four forms;
I. Inset hinge
II. Horn balance
III. Internal balance
IV. Use of tabs

Crush Innovations – June 2012