The rate of change of the vertical aerodynamic force (lift) concerning airspeed (u₀) in flight mechanics is known as the “lift curve slope” or simply “lift slope.” It is denoted by the symbol “dL/du₀” or “dL/du” and represents how much the lift force changes for a small change in airspeed.
Zu=-2g/u0
- Z_u: This represents the rate of change of the vertical aerodynamic force (lift) concerning airspeed (u₀). It essentially quantifies how the lift force changes when the airspeed of the aircraft changes.
- -2g: This part of the equation represents a constant. “g” typically represents the acceleration due to gravity, which is a constant value (approximately 9.81 meters per second squared) and acts downward.
- u₀: This is the freestream airspeed or the initial velocity of the aircraft. It represents the speed at which the aircraft is traveling through the air and is typically measured in meters per second (m/s).