ORIGINAL: Ben Lanterman
Well - I have always thought it is better to try to raise the level of understanding when it comes to models and aerodynamics than to lower the level. The forum is called ''Aerodynamics'' after all. I have a badly bent heart (7 bypass total, valves, etc. ) and when I have a question about heart health I don't want an answer like - well it just beats you know!
It is OK to give a good answer and then if necessary move the level of science up or down until understanding is arrived at.
''lift is porportional to the square of the air velocity''
The example given in the figures several answers above is terrific in it's simplicity. It is only a little bit of math. It won't hurt. The lift equation is
L = .5 * Cl * r * V^2 * A
L = total wing lift
Cl = wing lift coefficient
r = air density
V = air velocity
A = wing area
So write it as
L is proportional to V^2 or....
the lift of a wing is proportional to the square of the air velocity (relative to the wing).
When you go twice as fast you get four times the lift out of the wing.
Ben
OK - double the speed - the lift goes up four times. Simple and concise.
Sorry if my approach to aeronautics is based in application for the novice modeller.
I personally thought the info here was to be constructive/ easily understandable to a model builder flyer .
I personally see no advantage in presenting math to layman. most flyer I know don't speak math.
With one notable exception who is world renown in physics. (Prof Robert Beck Clark) and he NEVER explains flight using tech terms -especially to neophytes
Having past experience in presenting technical stuff to juries - -I got broken of that approach long ago.
For the modeller - the fact that a little speed increase OR decrease -creates a BIG change in lift -is worth knowing
Realistically we fly in a fairly small, low speed range - but the rule ,of course is still valid.
So basically control the speed -other than wingloading it is the largest factor in providing lift.
Unless the AOA is a larger part of the physics -which are involved in flight.