Note: According to Honour Code, direct answers should not be given to

students in case of solving Numerical problems. Step by step

procedure, methodology and similar problems will be shown. Sothe
numerical figures has been changed and solved to make you
understand.

MECHANICS OF FLIGHT

photo courtesy Mechanics of Flight A C Kermode

Lift Force: During cruise, the weight of the aeroplane is balancd by lift force
generated by wing area.

Summating all the vertical forces,

∑ F=Lift Force−Weight=0

L−W =0

L=W ...... i

The aerodynamic lift force is given by,

1
L= C L ρA V 2
2

Where,
C L is lift coefficient, ρ density of air at cruising altitude, V cruising speed and A
wing span area.

Example 1: Cruising velocity of a aircraft is 100 m/s at density of atmosphere is

0.08 kg /m3 . Mass of the aircraft is 1000 kgf and wing span area is 300 sq m
Find the lift coefficient.

Step 1:

Since it is cruising no vertical acceleration,

∑ F=Lift Force−Weight=0

L=W ...... i

Step 2:

ρ=0.08 kg /m 3 density;
A=300 m2 Wing area
V = 100 m/s Velocity

The aerodynamic lift force is given by,

1
L= C L ρA V 2
2

Substitute in ......i
1
C L ρA V 2=W
2

W = 1000 kgf = 10000 N

Step 3: (During Cruise)

1
C L ρA V 2=W
2

1
×C L × 0.08 ×300 ×1002=10000
2

lift coefficient C L =0.08333

Lift Force:

The aerodynamic drag force is given by,

1
D= C D ρA V 2
2

Where,
C D is Drag coefficient, ρ density of air at cruising altitude, V cruising speed and
A wing span area.

Example 2:

Find the drag force experienced by the wings in previous example, if drag
coefficient of wing is 1.5 ×10−2
1
D= C D ρA V 2 ......ii
2

1
D= × 1.5× 10−2 ×0.08 ×300 ×100 2
2

Drag force D=1800 N

THE RATIO OF LIFT TO DRAG L/D

In the above lift curve, as the angle of attack increases, more lift force
generated till at some point beyond that we can see the drop.

Similarly drag curve increases as the angle of attack increases.

It is desired to have more lift with little drag, Hence we have lift to drag ratio
to locate at which angle of attack, we get good lift and minimum drag.

From i and ii
1
C ρA V 2
L 2 L
=
D 1
C ρA V 2
2 D

L CL
=
D CD

For the previous problem,

L C L 0.08333
= = =5.55533
D C D 1.5 ×10−2
 photo courtesy Mechanics of Flight A C Kermode

You can see at 3 degree most efficient L/D ratio for a typical air wing.

Practice Problem:

Find the resistance of a flat plate, 15 cm by 10 cm, placed at right angles to an

airflow of velocity 90 km/h. (Assume sea-level air density of 1.225 kg/m3.)

Reference: Mechanics of Flight A C Kermode