aerodynamic forces

aerodynamic forces

The forces on a body moving through a gaseous medium. In an aircraft, the thrust acts forward, drag acts rearward, and lift acts vertically upward. The weight of an aircraft produces a force that acts vertically downward. The tailplane also produces a net downward force that balances the weight around the center of gravity to provide longitudinal stability. The aerodynamic forces around a body moving through a gaseous medium are assumed to be proportional to the density of the medium (ρ), square of speed (V²), characteristics of the dimensions of the body (normally L² or S²), and Reynolds number raised to power n (Rⁿ). See also Reynolds number.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved