Generation of Aerodynamic Forces and Moments on an Aircraft (Contd.) — Lesson 5

This lesson covers the generation of forces and moments on an aircraft, focusing on the integration of pressure and shear stress to obtain these forces and moments. The lesson uses an airfoil as an example to illustrate the relationship between different force components and their relation with the angle of attack. It also explores non-dimensional coefficients for forces, moments, pressure, and skin friction as they apply to 2D and 3D bodies. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the integration of pressure and shear stress distribution on an airfoil, and how this leads to the generation of normal force, axial force, and pitching moment.

Video Highlights

01:11 - Recapitulation of the diagram of an airfoil section.
08:48 - Discussion on the conventions for sine and the calculation of elemental normal force and axial force.
22:30 - Explanation of the calculation of the total moment about the leading edge.
27:48 - Discussion on non-dimensionalizing forces and moments and the definition of free stream dynamic pressure.

Key Takeaways

- The generation of forces and moments on an aircraft involves the integration of pressure and shear stress.
- The relationship between different force components and their relation with the angle of attack is crucial in understanding aerodynamics.
- Non-dimensional coefficients for forces, moments, pressure, and skin friction are applicable to both 2D and 3D bodies.
- The integration of pressure and shear stress distribution on an airfoil leads to the generation of normal force, axial force, and pitching moment.