In aerodynamics, “lift” refers to the force that acts on an aircraft wing (or any other aerodynamic surface) perpendicular to the oncoming airflow, enabling the aircraft to rise and counteract the force of gravity. Lift is one of the fundamental aerodynamic forces that allows an aircraft to become airborne and maintain controlled flight. Lift is generated primarily by the shape of the wing and the interaction between the wing and the surrounding airflow. When an aircraft’s wing is designed with a curved upper surface and a flatter lower surface, it creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces as air flows over the wing. This pressure difference results in an upward force, which is the lift force.
- L: Lift
- N: Normal force
- A: Axial force
- 𝛼: Angle between lift and normal force
- 𝛼: Angle between lift and axial force