Explain how the angle of attack of an aircraft in flight influences the lift generated by the wings. Use a labelled sketch to support your answer. (3 marks)
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→ When the angle of attack is zero,there is no lift, but drag is still encountered.
→ The lower the angle of attack, the weaker these forces will become.
→ The higher the angle of attack, the higher the lift and drag forces become.
→ With increased angle of attack, upper surface separation point of air flow transfers to the trailing edge from the leading edge.
→ When the critical angle of attack is reached, the wing’s maximum coefficient of lift is produced and upper surface flow is increasingly disconnected.
→ If you pass the critical angle of attack (around 10° to 20°) the lift from the airfoil will drop to zero and the aircraft will stall.
→ When the angle of attack is zero,there is no lift, but drag is still encountered.
→ The lower the angle of attack, the weaker these forces will become.
→ The higher the angle of attack, the higher the lift and drag forces become.
→ With increased angle of attack, upper surface separation point of air flow transfers to the trailing edge from the leading edge.
→ When the critical angle of attack is reached, the wing’s maximum coefficient of lift is produced and upper surface flow is increasingly disconnected.
→ If you pass the critical angle of attack (around 10° to 20°) the lift from the airfoil will drop to zero and the aircraft will stall.
