In aerodynamics, the Circulation at the origin (Γo) is a fundamental parameter used to describe the flow field around an elliptical wing. It quantifies the strength of the circulation around the wing and is a crucial concept in potential flow theory. The Circulation at the origin (Γo) is associated with the lift generated by the elliptical wing. In potential flow theory, an elliptical wing shape is often used as an idealized model to represent a highly efficient wing with minimum induced drag for a given lift. In this theoretical case, the lift distribution along the span of the wing is assumed to be elliptical.
- Γo is the Circulation at the origin (strength of circulation around the wing, measured in m²/s)
- V∞ is the freestream velocity (m/s).
- S is the wing area (in m²).
- CL is the lift coefficient.
- b is the wingspan (in m).