The change in the vertical force component () due to a change in the angle of attack () is a critical concept in flight mechanics and stability analysis. It’s a measure of how altering the angle of attack affects the vertical force acting on an aircraft.
Zα = u0 Zw
- represents the change in the vertical force component (net force acting vertically) due to a change in the angle of attack () of the aircraft. Angle of attack is the angle between the aircraft’s chord line and the oncoming airflow.
- is the initial airspeed or velocity of the aircraft relative to the air.
- represents the change in the vertical rate of climb (vertical velocity) of the aircraft. It’s a measure of how fast the aircraft is ascending or descending vertically.