Overall lift refers to the total upward force generated on an object, such as an airfoil or wing, when it is subjected to a fluid flow (e.g., air). The overall lift force is a result of the pressure distribution and the circulation around the object due to its interaction with the fluid flow. When air flows over an airfoil or wing, it accelerates over the upper surface and decelerates over the lower surface. This difference in airflow velocities creates a pressure difference, with lower pressure on the upper surface and higher pressure on the lower surface.
- is the overall lift generated by the airfoil or wing,
- is the air density of the freestream flow (far away from the airfoil or wing),
- is the freestream velocity (constant velocity far away from the airfoil or wing),
- is the maximum circulation (strength of the circulation distribution),
- is the wing span of the airfoil or wing.