Explain what effect an increase in airspeed has on lift, as well as on Essay

Explain what effect an increase in airspeed has on lift, as well as on drag, both induced and parasite - Essay Example This equation is derived from Newton’s second law of motion whereby the net force on an object is equal to its rate of momentum change (Dole and Lewis, 2000). Thus, as air flow increases across an airfoil section, the rate of change of momentum is increased across the upper areas of the wing section, increasing lift (Dole and Lewis, 2000). Bernoulli’s principle states, an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. This is seen in the equation: Pressure+1/2 density(rho) V2= constant Noting that Bernoulli’s equation above is used for non compressible flows (low mach numbers) (FAA, 2001), the equation shows that as velocity increases, if the equation is to remain balanced, pressure must decrease. Thus, as airflow increases across the upper surface of a wing due to speed, lift is increased due to the drop in pressure above the wing. Drag is derived from Newton’s third law whereby, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction (Dole and Lewis, 2000). The action of the airfoil section on the incident airflow creates an opposite reaction, drag. Drag increases as speed increases (FAA, 2001). This is seen in the equation: Drag = Cd x(1/2 pV2) x area, where Cd is the coefficient of drag.