ORIGINAL: Red B.
ORIGINAL: Tim Green
IMHumblerO,
the formula for gravitational acceleration doesn't explain what causes gravity, what gravity is. The formula merely allows us to mathematically model gravity. So, do Newton's forumlas, or Bernoulli's, explain lift? Or do they merely allow us to mathematically model certain observed phenomena when air moves over a wing? Without explaining the cause(s) of lift?
Yes, it's a rather bizarre coincidence that we now how to very accurately predict how gravity will act under given circumstances through the theories of Newton and Einstein, but that we do not really know what gravity is. Nevertheless, in the macroscopic world we have not yet made any observations that do not obey either Newton's or Einstein's theories. Until such observations have been made physicists and engineers will stick with these models.
Absolutely - we'll stick with these models. But my point remains - these models don't explain how wings work - they only allow us to predict what a wing will do. (pretty brash - huh?)
So, neither Newton's, nor Einstein's (who had some bizarre airfoil designs) nor Bernoulli's work will explain why a wing lifts. That requires observation, experimentation (like Tall Paul's neat helicopter experiments) and the application of logic.
Which I think you agreed with Mr. B., but with forums, one can never be sure - which is why I'm restating my point - and also, I've nothing better to do at the moment. Think I'll go shopping. Cheers.