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Q:

Explain the nature of the subsonic airflow over low speed wing sections in normal and stall conditions.

A:

In normal airflow, the flow remains attached to the top of the airfoil, in a layer we call the boundary layer. As the air flows over the wing, it sticks to the airfoil, because of friction drag.

 

In stalled flow, the flow has detached from the the top surface, thus decreasing lift and increasing the drag.

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Posted on January 2, 2014 at 6:02 am
Categories:
Aerodynamics
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