The forward edge of the upper surface is rounded, while the backward edge of an airplane wing is gently sloped. Most airplane wings are curved on top, flat on the bottom and tilted slightly downward towards the back. Aeronautical engineers call this reaction force “lift.” The downward push is known as an “action force.” Simultaneously, the airplane experiences an equal and opposite “reaction force” that pushes it up. As a plane moves forward, its wings push air downward. In most planes, lift is generated by the shape of the wings. Lift is what gets an airplane off the ground. These are called the four forces of flight. As long as the plane achieves flight, almost anything goes!Īeronautical engineers must account several factors when designing a new airplane: lift, weight, thrust and drag. Most have a body, one or more sets of wings, a tail section and one or more engines. About FlightĪirplanes come in many sizes and shapes. Then, they will use “An Engineer’s Approach” page to test and improve their gliders. Students will learn about factors that affect flight as they design and build two types of flying cylinders. This activity introduces students to engineering practice and encourages them to think like engineers.
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