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The LIFT Formula

The document discusses the LIFT formula used in aviation. It states that lift is affected by air density, velocity, viscosity, compressibility, surface area, body shape, and inclination. The lift coefficient (Cl) accounts for these variables in the lift formula. To determine lift, the value of Cl must be established based on conditions, shape, and inclination. Cl can sometimes be calculated mathematically but is usually determined experimentally. The key factors that pilots can control to affect lift are angle of attack, wing shape (via flaps), and speed.

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JoséMendes
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439 views4 pages

The LIFT Formula

The document discusses the LIFT formula used in aviation. It states that lift is affected by air density, velocity, viscosity, compressibility, surface area, body shape, and inclination. The lift coefficient (Cl) accounts for these variables in the lift formula. To determine lift, the value of Cl must be established based on conditions, shape, and inclination. Cl can sometimes be calculated mathematically but is usually determined experimentally. The key factors that pilots can control to affect lift are angle of attack, wing shape (via flaps), and speed.

Uploaded by

JoséMendes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The LIFT formula

The density of the air, the square of the velocity, the viscosity and compressibility of the air, the
surface area over which the air flows, the shape of the body, and the inclination of the body to
the flow all affect lift.

In general, the
dependence on body shape, inclination, air viscosity, and compressibility is very complex. One
way to account for all this variables, is to come up with a single variable. The lift coefficient,
abbreviated "Cl," is the name given to this variable in the context of lift.

To determine the lift, we must establish a value for Cl based on the air conditions, shape, and
inclination of the object. For some simple flow conditions, geometries of the wings and low
inclinations, it is possible to determine the value of Cl mathematically. However, usually, this
coefficient is calculated experimentally.

NOTE: The combination of terms "density times the square of the velocity divided by two" is
called the dynamic pressure and appears in Bernoulli's pressure equation.
Formula

Lift = coefficient of lift times half rho times velocity squared times surface area (of the wing).

Coefficient of Lift This is a number that ranges from 0 to 2. It is influenced by the angle of attack
of the wing and the shape of the wing, since it is part of the crucial lift formula.

Half rho (air density)


The density of the air under the conditions in which you are presently flying is referred to as
Rho.

Velocity squared
Velocity relates to the speed at which you are flying. Notice its effect is squared, so it has a very
significant impact on the creation of lift.

Surface Area of a Wing


Square ft/m of the wing.
Elements in the Lift Formula that we, as
pilots, have direct control over

Angle of Attack - The angle of attack (AOA) is the angle formed between the wing and the
relative wind. Note that this angle is different from pitch angle and flight path angle (slope). You
can control your angle of attack with your attitude.

Wing Shape - When extending flaps, you increase the Camber/Curvature of the inboard wing
portion.

Speed - Speed is determined by a combination of Attitude and Power (throttle). It's worth
noting that it's squared, and it has a big impact on lift.
Effects
Bring everything together, and you will find that everything affects everything.

 If you increase the AoA, you increase the Lift, and you will climb. Increase the AoA too

much, and your CL begins to decrease as Drag increases.

 Flaps down, increased Camber, increased Lift.

 Increase your Speed, keeping your AoA constant, and you will also increase Lift.

Decrease Speed, AoA constant, decrease Lift.

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