RCU Forums - View Single Post - Wing Shapes
Thread: Wing Shapes
View Single Post
Old 06-10-2003, 01:54 PM
  #2  
banktoturn
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bloomington, MN,
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Wing Shapes

Aussie Flying,

If a symmetrical wing is generating lift, there IS a difference between the upper and lower surfaces, at least from the perspective of the oncoming air. The reason is that a lifting symmetric airfoil will be at a non-zero angle of attack. This means that the air will meet the wing at a point slightly below the front. As a result, the air that travels over the top surface will 'see' a different shape than the air that travels under the bottom surface does.

Think of it this way. Any roughly flat body will generate some lift if it is at a positive angle of attack relative to the oncoming flow. Having a good airfoil shape only makes the generation of lift more efficient, it is not a requirement. The bottom line is lower pressure on the top than on the bottom. However you achieve that, you will get lift.

banktoturn