LIFT

Lift can be defined as resultant force

generated by aircraft perpendicular to the
Flight Path. Magnitude of lift ‘L’ is

L = ½ V²SCL

where  = Air density

V = Relative Velocity
S = Surface Area.
CL = Coefficient of Lift.

The term ½ V² is also known as dynamic pressure.

Coefficient of Lift
TO KEEP LIFT CONSTANT AT 40,000 FT, IAS MUST BE
DOUBLED
Typical lift curve

4º 16º
 CL CHARACTERISTICS
CL _ It is the ratio between lift per unit wing area and the
dynamic pressure
CL - Is determined experimentally for an aerofoil.

CL – Depends upon body shape, angle of attack and IAS.

CL – Is a measure that indicates how efficiently the wing

transforms dynamic pressure into lift.

CL – Increases with increase in Angle of Attack

CL (max) – Maximum value of CL is reached at about 16 ˚ Angle of

Attack.

CL – Reduces significantly above 16º A of A, indicating a

“Stall”.

Important : High lift devices increase the camber of the

wing, thereby increasing the CL.
 LIFT vs A o A
 Lift increases as the ‘A of A’ increases
 As the A of A increases the Center of
Pressure moves forward on the top surface
 Separation Point also moves forward with
increase of ‘A of A’ on the top surface
 Eventually lift curve reaches maximum
value at the stalling ‘A of A’ i.e. 16º
 Lift falls suddenly with any further
increase in ‘A of A’ due to forward travel of
separation point
Relative wind

Free stream flow α

EFFECT OF CONDITION OF THE SURFACE ON CL max