RE: wing loading definition
 

None, unless one criticizes others for using different techniques.

I have never criticized any of your explanations for being merely a different technique. Nor have I ever implied criticism against anyone who does not want to use math.

I am glad you do not have an agenda.

Cheers.

RE: wing loading definition
 

In aircraft design, wing loading (W/S) is a parameter useful in describing where is a particular design(aircraft) with respect to the pertinent design space. This term is simply the reference weight of the aircraft divided by the reference wing area. Other parameters are aspect ratio, thrust to weigh ratio, wing thickness ratio, etc. These terms are used mainly to compare designs. However, the performance of the design specified by such parameters has to be calculated, simulated or flown at a specific C.G., with the performance effects resulting from that c.g.! So, C.G. location many times becomes another useful design parameter (like wing loading, aspect ratio, etc.) in preliminary design studies, where we may be looking at various degrees of flight control sophistication (for example unstable fly-by-wire versus a purely pilot-dependent system).

Yes, the wing is "loaded"differently at steady state flight conditions, depending of C.G. location, control geometry, etc, thus affecting trim drag polars , blah, blah, blah. But that is not the use that the more well-known "Design" wing loading term is intended for.

The former is more of a "average" or "macro" term used in comparing airplane designs, while the latter is used during a "fine tuning or detail" aspect of design process.

RE: wing loading definition
 

Mesae's comment about my diagrams points out that I was using a different terminology, but NOT that I was fundamentally incorrect.

I referred to the LIFT generated by the wing as being perpendicular to the chord line - I should have called this the NORMAL FORCE due to the wing. The normal force is equal to lift at a zero angle of incidence to the free stream, but not at any other angle of incidence. The LIFT is of course by definition the component of the force generated by the wing that acts to hold the plane up - it is what I referred to as the NET LIFT.

The difference is a frame of reference issue. You can regard the action of a wing in terms of Lift and Drag with reference to the free stream, OR in terms of the Normal Force and Axial Force with reference to the wing's chord line. Either system can be converted to the other via the angle of attack.

This can be seen at [link=http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0194.shtml]http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0194.shtml[/link]

On the other hand, thank you Mesae for your spirited defense of mathematics, although perhaps we should not be too vigorous in our advocacy in the interests of maintaining the peace...;)

RE: wing loading definition
 

Never mind....oops

RE: wing loading definition
 

I don't mind controversy, as long as everyone is reasonable and open-minded. It's a way to learn and solve problems.

I commend you for a thoughtful response, rather than an emotional one. I aspire to do the same if I am challenged.